Abstract: One method according to the present invention includes receiving data wirelessly from a medical device, transmitting the data to an intermediary device (such as a properly equipped mobile telephone or personal digital assistant), and formatting a message including the received data for transmission to a medical data server. The intermediary device includes software configured to receive the data and process the data into a format compatible with the medical data server. Once at the medical data server the information can be reviewed by a healthcare professional at a location remote to the patient. This method may be practiced automatically, either continuously or at set intervals, or may be initiated by someone utilizing the system (such as the patient or health care provider). The method preferably functions without the need for the patient to manually enter information into a device.

Abstract: A system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a processor, a device interface, a data relay transceiver, and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions. The processor executes the instructions in the memory to receive data from a medical device through a wired connection using the device interface, where the data is received through an adapter coupled to the device interface and that communicates with the medical data interchange device using a first communication format and with the medical device using a second communication format. The processor further executes the instructions in the memory to transmit the data to an intermediary device using the data relay transceiver. This system can be implemented in a small, portable unit that is easy for a patient to transport.

Abstract: A method according to the present invention includes receiving data through a wired connection from a medical device by a mobile computing device, where the wired connection includes an adapter that communicates with the mobile computing device using a first communication format and the medical device using a second communication format. The method further includes formatting a message including the received data for transmission to a medical data server by the mobile computing device. This method may be practiced automatically, either continuously or at set intervals, or may be initiated by someone utilizing the system (such as the patient or health care provider. The mobile computing device can be a properly-equipped cellular telephone, PDA, or other a small, portable device that is easy for a patient to transport.

Abstract: A system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a processor, a plurality of device interfaces, a data relay transceiver, and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions. The processor executes the instructions in the memory to receive data from one or more medical devices through a wired connection coupled to at least one of the device interfaces, and transmits the data to an intermediary device using the data relay transceiver. This system can be implemented in a small, portable unit that is easy for a patient to transport.

Abstract: A system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a processor, a plurality of medical device transceivers, a data relay transceiver, and a memory coupled to the processor, and storing instructions. Each medical data transceiver is configured to receive data wirelessly from one or more medical devices. The processor executes the instructions in the memory to receive data from one or more medical devices using the plurality of medical device transceivers (which gathers data concerning the patient's condition), and transmits the data to an intermediary device using the data relay transceiver. This system can be implemented in a small, portable unit that is easy for a patient to transport.

Abstract: A method according to an aspect of the present invention includes receiving data from a plurality of medical devices through a wired connection, transmitting the data to an intermediary device, and formatting a message including the received data for transmission to a medical data server. This method can be practiced automatically to allow a medical device for a patient or other subject to be monitored without requiring the patient to manually enter information. This method also allows any number of different medical devices to be monitored, even where such devices each communicate using different wired connections and/or using different communication protocols.

Abstract: One method according to the present invention includes receiving data wirelessly from a plurality of medical devices, transmitting the data to an intermediary device (such as a properly equipped mobile telephone or personal digital assistant), and formatting a message including the received data for transmission to a medical data server. This method can be practiced automatically to allow a medical device for a patient or other subject to be monitored without requiring the patient to manually enter information. This method also allows for multiple different medical devices to be monitored, even where such devices each communicate on different frequencies and/or using different communication protocols.

Abstract: A method according to the present invention includes receiving data wirelessly from a medical device, transmitting the data to an intermediary device, formatting a message including the received data for transmission to a medical data server, and receiving a command from the medical data server. Commands from the medical data server can be used for the authentication, configuration, and control of the medical device, intermediary device or another device operating in conjunction with the present invention, as well as to achieve other purposes. This method can be practiced automatically to allow a medical device for a patient or other subject to be monitored without requiring the patient to manually enter information.

Abstract: A frost free faucet having a spigot assembly including a drain conduit, a sleeve assembly including an elongated pipe, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly including a ¼ turn valve and a check valve. The ¼ turn valve includes a rotatable disc with an inlet and a stationary disc with a through hole. Each disc is formed of a ceramic material, wherein upon turning the rotatable disc 90 degrees in a first direction the inlet and the through-hole align to an open position and upon turning the rotatable disc 90 degrees in a second direction, the inlet and the through-hole misalign to a closed position.

Abstract: A frost free faucet having a spigot assembly including a drain conduit, a sleeve assembly including an elongated pipe, and a valve assembly. The valve assembly including a ¼ turn valve and a check valve. The ¼ turn valve includes a rotatable disc with an inlet and a stationary disc with a through hole. Each disc is formed of a ceramic material, wherein upon turning the rotatable disc 90 degrees in a first direction the inlet and the through-hole align to an open position and upon turning the rotatable disc 90 degrees in a second direction, the inlet and the through-hole misalign to a closed position.