Abstract: A container for a product is used with an external device having long-range communication capability and short-range communication capability and location sensing capability. The container has a local communication interface for communicating with the external device using the short-range communication capability of the external device, and a processor for producing information and directing the local communication interface to send the information to the external device.

Abstract: A container for a product is used with an external device having long-range communication capability and short-range communication capability and location sensing capability. The container has a storage element for storing an access code for a central facility and a container identification code, a first data acquisition component for detecting that the container has been opened, and a second data acquisition component for sensing an identity of a nearby person, the nearby person being a member of a group registered at a central facility, the container identification code not uniquely associated with a member of the group. The container also has a local communication interface for communicating with the external device using the short-range communication capability of the external device, and a processor for producing information and directing the local communication interface to send the information to the external device.

Abstract: A central facility communicates with a portable container via a mobile device. A computer at the central facility receives (a) usage data, in association with identification tag information for the portable container, from the mobile device associated with the portable container, the usage data generated by a usage sensor in the portable container, (b) environmental data from the mobile device associated with the portable container, the environmental data generated by an environmental sensor, and (c) patient data from the mobile device associated with the portable container, the patient data generated by a patient sensor. The central facility computer stores the usage data, the environmental data and the patient data in a record associated with the identification tag information. The central facility computer analyzes the usage data, the environmental data and the patient data relative to a situational rule, to determine an action.

Abstract: A central facility communicates with a portable container via a mobile device. A computer at the central facility receives (a) usage data, in association with identification tag information for the portable container, from the mobile device associated with the portable container, the usage data generated by a usage sensor in the portable container, (b) environmental data from the mobile device associated with the portable container, the environmental data generated by an environmental sensor, and (c) patient data from the mobile device associated with the portable container, the patient data generated by a patient sensor. The central facility computer stores the usage data, the environmental data and the patient data in a record associated with the identification tag information. The central facility computer analyzes the usage data, the environmental data and the patient data relative to a situational rule, to determine an action.

Abstract: A container for a product is used with an external device having long-range communication capability and short-range communication capability and location sensing capability. The container has a storage element for storing an access code for a central facility and a container identification code, a first data acquisition component for detecting that the container has been opened, and a second data acquisition component for sensing an identity of a nearby person, the nearby person being a member of a group registered at a central facility, the container identification code not uniquely associated with a member of the group. The container also has a local communication interface for communicating with the external device using the short-range communication capability of the external device, and a processor for producing information and directing the local communication interface to send the information to the external device.

Abstract: A container for a product uses a location circuit for determining the location of the container, a storage element for storing a container identification code, a plurality of data acquisition components for acquiring status of at least two characteristics of at least one of the container, the product and a user of the product, and a communication interface for generating and sending a communication signal including (a) the container identification code from the storage element, (b) the location of the container from the location circuit, and (c) the status of the at least two characteristics from the data acquisition components. The container may be an auto-injector for containing a medicament, or a case for containing an item such as an auto-injector. Generally, the location circuit uses the global positioning system (GPS).

Abstract: An injector, when dispensing its dosage, determines its location, and sends a message to a central facility, such as a rescue center or product management system, giving its unique identification number and its location. The injector is a syringe or an auto-injector. The central facility uses the unique identification number to determine the contents of the injector and thus what sort of threat may have occurred so that suitable rescue personnel may be dispatched. The unique identification number may also be associated with a likely user of the device, and the user's organization may be notified that a problem has occurred and help is on its way.

Abstract: A product information tag, typically for a medical product such as a drug or device, is prepared in accordance with various rules. The product information tag is associated with the product as it travels from a product distributor to a shipper, to a customer such as a doctor and possibly even to a patient. When the product information tag is created, a database record for the product is also created. As the product passes into the possession of different parties, the database record is updated with information regarding the location and usage of the product. Different field devices, possessed by different parties such as the shipper or the doctor, are able to read the product information tag to obtain additional information relating to the product from the database and/or to provide supplemental information about the product to the database.

Abstract: Operation of a handpiece is sensed, such as by detecting temperature and/or vibration associated with one or more of the bearing rings supporting the turbine in the handpiece. When operation exceeds a threshold, a visual or audible indication is provided, and power to the turbine may be interrupted. The sensor(s) may be built into the handpiece, or be part of a removable girdle placed on the handpiece. Typically, the handpiece is used for dental or medical applications.

Abstract: A container for a product uses a location circuit for determining the location of the container, a storage element for storing a container identification code, a plurality of data acquisition components for acquiring status of at least two characteristics of at least one of the container, the product and a user of the product, and a communication interface for generating and sending a communication signal including (a) the container identification code from the storage element, (b) the location of the container from the location circuit, and (c) the status of the at least two characteristics from the data acquisition components. The container may be an auto-injector for containing a medicament, or a case for containing an item such as an auto-injector. Generally, the location circuit uses the global positioning system (GPS).

Abstract: An injector, when dispensing its dosage, determines its location, and sends a message to a central facility, such as a rescue center or product management system, giving its unique identification number and its location. The injector is a syringe or an auto-injector. The central facility uses the unique identification number to determine the contents of the injector and thus what sort of threat may have occurred so that suitable rescue personnel may be dispatched. The unique identification number may also be associated with a likely user of the device, and the user's organization may be notified that a problem has occurred and help is on its way.

Abstract: A product information tag, typically for a medical product such as a drug or device, is prepared in accordance with various rules. The product information tag is associated with the product as it travels from a product distributor to a shipper, to a customer such as a doctor and possibly even to a patient. When the product information tag is created, a database record for the product is also created. As the product passes into the possession of different parties, the database record is updated with information regarding the location and usage of the product. Different field devices, possessed by different parties such as the shipper or the doctor, are able to read the product information tag to obtain additional information relating to the product from the database and/or to provide supplemental information about the product to the database.

Abstract: Operation of a handpiece is sensed, such as by detecting temperature and/or vibration associated with one or more of the bearing rings supporting the turbine in the handpiece. When operation exceeds a threshold, a visual or audible indication is provided, and power to the turbine may be interrupted. The sensor(s) may be built into the handpiece, or be part of a removable girdle placed on the handpiece. Typically, the handpiece is used for dental or medical applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peak flow meter which facilitates a subject's compliance with the use thereof. In one embodiment, the peak flow meter provides an alarm for indicating that the subject is due for a peak expiratory flow rate evaluation when the subject has failed to use the peak flow meter after a predetermined period of time. In another embodiment, the peak flow meter is provided with circuitry which derives a data result corresponding to the peak expiratory flow rate of air blown into the peak flow meter for a number of blows. A first comparator determines the best data result within the number of blows and a memory stores each best data result. A second comparator compares each best data result to a specified value and provides an enabling signal to an alarm when a best data result is a predetermined amount lower than the specified value.

Abstract: An injection device comprises a plastic or metal container adapted to contain a charge of medicament, the container has at least an inner surface thereof coated with polyparaxylylene. A needle is cooperable with the container so as to be communicable with the medicament and provides a passage through which the medicament can be forced into the flesh of an individual. A plunger is disposed in the container in slidably sealed relation with the polyparaxylylene coating provided on the inner surface of the container. The plunger is movable through the container toward a generally forward end thereof to force the medicament through the needle and into the flesh of the individual.

Abstract: A medicament container assembly for an autoinjector having a power assembly actuatable to cause a power stroke in cooperating relation with said medicament container assembly. The medicament container assembly comprises a container having a forward end, a hypodermic needle having a sharpened end, and first and second liquid medicaments.