Abstract: The present invention provides an automated invoice vetting, negotiation and payment system that automatically collects goods and labors hour data, sets a reasonable pricing structure for each such good and service, dynamically analyzes the price data to adjust for market changes and provides a automatic negotiation and settlement feature for bill payment. The present invention readily accommodates the above features over electronic networks such as the Internet. The present invention therefore provides a method of payment of invoices of vendors by purchasers, comprising providing a settlement authority with invoice information from a vendor, comparing the invoice charges to a predetermined range of values for the charges, accepting the charges that are within a predetermined sub-range for the charges, adjusting the charges that are greater or less than that the predetermined sub-range for the charges and paying the accepted charges and the adjusted charges.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved anesthesia manifold and an improved induction valve mechanism. A plurality of induction valve elements may be joined or “ganged” together in order to define a manifold. In the preferred embodiment of the induction manifold, at least two individual valve elements are combined to form the manifold. Each of the plurality of valve elements includes the following components: (1) a valve body; (2) a first inlet port carried by the valve body and defining at least in part a central fluid communication flow path for supplying intravenous fluid to patient; and (3) a second inlet port carried said valve body and at least in part defining an anesthesia drug inlet.

Abstract: A multi-lumen percutaneous introducer for introducing a catheter and fluids into a body lumen includes an introducer sheath having a first lumen for receiving a catheter and a second lumen within the sheath having a proximal opening for receiving fluids and a distal opening for delivering fluids into the body lumen. A port in alignment with the first lumen receives the catheter when the catheter is inserted through the first lumen into the body lumen.

Abstract: The catheter insertion valve of the present invention comprises a central tubular body and a non-removable tubular cap that can be screwed onto the body wherein a bore extending through the body and the cap defines a pathway for a catheter. Such catheters are inserted into arteries, organs or body cavities for the purpose of introducing medications of instruments for treatment, diagnosis or the performing of in vivo procedures. A seal located within the central body of the valve is used to form a fluid-tight seal about the catheter, guidewire or other instrument extending therethrough. Alternatively, the seal can completely close off the pathway when it is not being used for catheter insertion thereby preventing air entrainment. The central body is provided with one or more seal position indicators to indicate to the operator that a seal has been formed about a catheter or guidewire of standard dimension. The seal is manually adjusted by rotating the non-removable cap.