Abstract: An orifice probe, particularly for detecting if a patient has or has a risk of having cauda equina syndrome and a method for using same, the probe having a body for insertion into the anus of a patient, a sensing device for measuring at least one of the rectal tone and perianal or rectal sensation, and an output device for yielding at least one of the measurement of the rectal tone of the patient and whether the patient has perianal or rectal sensation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of purchasing an item and transmitting a message to a recipient of the item is presented. The method entails receiving location data about where the item can be picked up, obtaining a recipient address, receiving personal content for the recipient, and combining the location data with the personal content to create an electronic data package. The personal content may include one or more of an image, a written message, an audio segment, and a video segment. The electronic data package is transmitted to the recipient address. Optionally, the data in the data package (other than the location data) may be customized such that it is disclosed to a recipient at a pre-specified physical location.

Abstract: An orifice probe, particularly for detecting if a patient has or has a risk of having cauda equina syndrome and a method for using same, the probe having a body for insertion into the anus of a patient, a sensing device for measuring at least one of the rectal tone and perianal or rectal sensation, and an output device for yielding at least one of the measurement of the rectal tone of the patient and whether the patient has perianal or rectal sensation.