Abstract: A system for sharing consumable inventory in a laboratory management system includes a middleware software component controlled by a processor, a plurality of instruments operatively coupled to the middleware software component, and a consumable item to be removably installed in a first selected instrument. The consumable item is used by the first selected instrument to perform tests, where the first selected instrument partially depletes the consumable item. The first selected instrument is to update status and usage information regarding the consumable item. A consumables database is operatively coupled to the middleware software component and the processor is to store the updated status and usage information in the consumables database corresponding to the consumable item. The consumables database is accessible by the plurality of instruments such that a second selected instrument performs tests using the partially depleted consumable item, based on the corresponding updated status and usage information.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computer readable memory medium comprising program instructions for graphically developing a connectivity driver is provided. The computer readable memory medium is a non-transitory medium. The program instructions are executable by a processor to generate a purchase order for a laboratory item, transmit the purchase order to a remote computer in order to communicate the purchase order to a vendor, receive an advance shipping notice generated in response to the purchase order, receive item information stored in an RFID tag of a tagged item received at the delivery location, and check the item information against the advance shipping notice in order to verify that the tagged item is the same as the ordered laboratory item. The purchase order specifies a delivery location.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computer readable memory medium comprising program instructions for graphically developing a connectivity driver is provided. The computer readable memory medium is a non-transitory medium. The program instructions are executable by a processor to generate a purchase order for a laboratory item, transmit the purchase order to a remote computer in order to communicate the purchase order to a vendor, receive an advance shipping notice generated in response to the purchase order, receive item information stored in an RFID tag of a tagged item received at the delivery location, and check the item information against the advance shipping notice in order to verify that the tagged item is the same as the ordered laboratory item. The purchase order specifies a delivery location.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computer readable memory medium comprising program instructions for graphically developing a connectivity driver is provided. The computer readable memory medium is a non-transitory medium. The program instructions are executable by a processor to generate a purchase order for a laboratory item, transmit the purchase order to a remote computer in order to communicate the purchase order to a vendor, receive an advance shipping notice generated in response to the purchase order, receive item information stored in an RFID tag of a tagged item received at the delivery location, and check the item information against the advance shipping notice in order to verify that the tagged item is the same as the ordered laboratory item. The purchase order specifies a delivery location.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computer readable memory medium comprising program instructions for graphically developing a connectivity driver is provided. The computer readable memory medium is a non-transitory medium. The program instructions are executable by a processor to generate a purchase order for a laboratory item, transmit the purchase order to a remote computer in order to communicate the purchase order to a vendor, receive an advance shipping notice generated in response to the purchase order, receive item information stored in an RFID tag of a tagged item received at the delivery location, and check the item information against the advance shipping notice in order to verify that the tagged item is the same as the ordered laboratory item. The purchase order specifies a delivery location.

Abstract: A system for sharing consumable inventory in a laboratory management system includes a middleware software component controlled by a processor, a plurality of instruments operatively coupled to the middleware software component by at least one communications network, and a consumable item configured to be removably installed in a first selected instrument of the plurality of instruments. The consumable item is used by the first selected instrument to perform tests specified by the laboratory management system where the first selected instrument partially depletes the consumable item. The first selected instrument is configured to update status and usage information regarding the consumable item. A consumables database is operatively coupled to the middleware software component and the processor is configured to store the updated status and usage information in the consumables database corresponding to the consumable item.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computer readable memory medium comprising program instructions for graphically developing a connectivity driver is provided. The computer readable memory medium is a non-transitory medium. The program instructions are executable by a processor to generate a purchase order for a laboratory item, transmit the purchase order to a remote computer in order to communicate the purchase order to a vendor, receive an advance shipping notice generated in response to the purchase order, receive item information stored in an RFID tag of a tagged item received at the delivery location, and check the item information against the advance shipping notice in order to verify that the tagged item is the same as the ordered laboratory item. The purchase order specifies a delivery location.

Abstract: A claims and repair process including collecting accident information at birth of an accident, electronic communication to a remote site, and posting information for selecting repair and supplier parties, such as by a bid process. Any of a PDA, a mapping system, or a data collection system installed on the vehicle collects accident information at the accident site, on a tow truck, or at a facility. A PDA with a digital camera may be provided for collecting digital images. Wireless communications may be used to transfer accident information for expedited processing. A preliminary claims estimate may be made by a claims adjustor or claims wizard. An aggregate database may be employed by the claims wizard to facilitate damage assessment. The claims wizard may work interactively with a PDA device for improved data collection. Tow trucks may be dispatched to transport rental, damaged and repaired vehicles to reduce insured's involvement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microcomputer and method for selecting foodstuffs from a foodstuff database, nutrients from a nutrient database, minerals from a mineral database, vitamins from a vitamin database and physical activities from a physical activity database, maintaining a record of the foodstuffs, nutrients, minerals and vitamins eaten and the physical activities exercised, and by computational means to analyze the selected and recorded foodstuff, nutrient, mineral and vitamin nutritional data along with the selected and recorded physical activities exercised to compare the user's daily dietary and physical activities to the user's RDA (recommended dietary allowance).

Abstract: The sheath for endoscope includes a tubular sleeve portion and a lens cover portion at one end of the tubular sleeve portion. The lens cover portion is of a predetermined thickness that minimizes light reflection onto the field of view of the endoscope. The sheath thus provides optimum visual acuity when used with the endoscope. The lens cover portion can include an anti-fogging ingredient to minimize condensation or congregation of fluids during examination. In several embodiments of the invention the sheath is rigid and in other embodiments of the invention the sheath is flexible. In any of the embodiments the lens cover portion can be joined to the inside, outside or end of the tubular sleeve. The lens cover portion can be formed with a cap section that is oriented at a selected predetermined angle with respect to a central axis. The sheath can have one or more reduced diameter sections to prevent relative slippage between the sleeve and the barrel of the endoscope.

Abstract: The sheath for endoscope includes a tubular sleeve portion and a lens cover portion at one end of the tubular sleeve portion. The lens cover portion is of a predetermined thickness that minimizes light reflection onto the field of view of the endoscope. The sheath thus provides optimum visual acuity when used with the endoscope. The lens cover portion can include an anti-fogging ingredient to minimize condensation or congregation of fluids during examination. In several embodiments of the invention the sheath is rigid and in other embodiments of the invention the sheath is flexible. In any of the embodiments the lens cover portion can be joined to the inside, outside or end of the tubular sleeve. The lens cover portion can be formed with a cap section that is oriented at a selected predetermined angle with respect to a central axis. The sheath can have one or more reduced diameter sections to prevent relative slippage between the sleeve and the barrel of the endoscope.

Abstract: This invention relates to a microcomputer and method for selecting foodstuffs and maintaining a record of the nutritional values of foodstuffs eaten. The apparatus has a memory for receiving and retaining a data base of information regarding foodstuffs, accessing keys for accessing from the memory foodstuff identifying information regarding a selected class of foodstuffs from among those in the data base, a display for displaying a plurality of lines of information for a correponding plurality of foodstuffs accessed from the memory, selection keys for selecting from the display of a plurality of lines of information that foodstuff identifying and nutritional value information which relates to a specific foodstuff, and a register for registering the information selected from the display regarding a specific foodstuff and for accumulating over an interval of time the information regarding additional selected foodstuffs.