Abstract: A dynamic estimator engine for obtaining patient information, encounter information and insurance information from a hospital, clinic or other provider system, for performing calculations to compute reliable patient payment estimates at or prior to the time of service which enables hospitals or medical providers to increase collections and decrease patient bad-dept. The method is implemented through the operation of a computer, or a central data processing unit, and may utilize using wireless communication channels, storage media, computer buses, or other data processing and transfer mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for performing and implementing dynamic balance adjustment to reconcile a host hospital or medical provider's patient accounting systems with an automated payment plan management accounting system. The method utilizes initial estimates of patient financial liability, structured under a timed payment program, which is then adjusted to reflect the final balance owed after the other provider processes related to the insurance claim processing have been completed. This enables the provider to secure the patient's commitment for all future payment liabilities at the time of treatment or before.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the alignment of leads extending from a body of an integrated circuit package, including an optical system for producing data having information of the spacing between the leads and a data processor for determining the spacing between the leads in response to the data. A package handler sorts the package under control by the data processor.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing updated information on a tangible medium including a hand-held type instrument having an optical character reader to read present information on the medium, a programmable bus-oriented computing type network, spaced from the instrument, which stores and compares the updated information with the present information being read and which outputs control words corresponding to the updated information if the updated information is different from the present information, and an ink jet printer, included in the hand-held type instrument, which prints the updated information on the medium in response to the control words. The computing type network can include a micro-computing unit which can be a microprocessor, for example, and memory units which can be RAM, ROM, etc.