Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for managing prescription benefits. Case records containing information regarding patients and prescription coverage activities for the patients are stored in the system. Users are allowed access to the system via an appropriate electronic communication network. The user can subsequently perform various tasks in order to maintain and review coverage activities. The user can also enter additional prescription coverage activities into the case records, as well as verify that information entered into the case records has been updated.

Abstract: A method of making a composite roofing material and the resulting material by depositing nail tabs made of a thermoplastic, thermosetting, adhesive or elastomer material, in a liquid state, onto the base substrate of the composite roofing material or onto the saturated or coated roofing material, or onto a transfer surface to be pressed or laminated onto the roofing material. A preferred embodiment transfers the nail tabs onto an engraved transfer impression roll and uses a pressurized applicator to inject the viscous tab material into engraved patterns depressed in raised areas of the impression roll., then deposits the material onto the roofing material. A preferred embodiment also includes the thermoplastic or thermosetting material in a liquid or viscous state hardened or cured by either its exposure to the air or by the use of ultra-violet or visible light.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting when an animal is or is closed to being in heat. An embodiment of the apparatus includes a switch, connectable to a power source and depressible so as to indicate potential mating behavior of an animal; a presentation interface; a timing component (which may include multiple timers) adapted to record a first duration of time when the switch transitions from a first state to a second state and a second duration of time when the switch transitions from the second state back to the first state; and a controller coupled to the switch, the presentation interface, and to the timer; the controller comprising a memory component, whereby input received via the switch can be stored in the memory component and utilized to display on the presentation interface an indication of breeding activities that persist for at least the first duration and are separated by at least the second duration.

Abstract: A cleaning station for removing residual toner from a moving toner transfer surface includes a rotating brush and a scraper blade that is held away from the toner transfer surface when toner images are being transferred to recording media, such as sheets of paper. On a periodic basis, when toner images are not being transferred to the recording media, the scraper blade is moved into contact with the toner transfer surface to remove agglomerated toner therefrom, with continued operation of the rotating brush.

Abstract: A phone of a system comprises a connector component that is operationally connectable through a packet network to any selected one or more of a plurality of switch components. The any selected one or more of the plurality of switch components serve to provide one or more of originating and terminating telecommunication service to the phone.

Abstract: The invention provides a video security system for monitoring a plurality of locations simultaneously. In one embodiment, the system includes a text insertion means connected between a video camera and monitor, a control means connected to the text insertion means, and a playback means operatively associated with the text insertion means and control means. Other embodiments include a video camera substitution system having a fixed video camera and a pan-tilt video camera and a video recorder substitution system having a plurality of alternate VRDs. In another embodiment, the system includes a programmable equalizer having a plurality of video input devices, a video output receiver, a switch connected between the input devices and receiver, a variable equalizer connected between the switch and receiver, and a controller storing line loss parameters for each input device, thereby providing equalization among a plurality of video cameras, monitors, and video signal recording devices.

Abstract: A fuel cell power module is provided. The module comprises (a) power production unit, (b) a power conditioning and protection unit, and (c) a control unit, each unit being modules and integrated into a module for independent removal. Multiple modules are networked so that each module is connected to a master controller so that if one module is removed from operation, the other is able to continue operation.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously recording motion and still images, includes the steps of: capturing a motion image sequence and accompanying audio of a scene with a digital video camera adapted to record both motion and higher resolution still images; simultaneously capturing a still image sequence having a higher resolution and lower frame rate than the motion capture sequence; compressing the motion image sequence using interframe compression and the accompanying audio and storing the compressed motion image and audio data; and compressing the still images using intraframe coding and storing the compressed still image data.

Abstract: A fluid recovery system 10 for collecting formation fluid at the surface of a well 12 includes a downhole jet pump 20 and a surface diaphragm pump 40 having a plurality of diaphragms 42. The jet pump includes a fluid nozzle 22, an intake 24 directing the formation fluid into a jet 26, a mixing tube 28 for mixing the power fluid and the formation fluid, and a diffuser 30 for converting the velocity of the mixed fluid to pressure. A flow meter 50 and a pressure sensor 52 monitor the quantity and pressure of the power fluid to the jet pump.

Abstract: A dual analyzer system comprising at least two analyzers where samples to be tested are partitioned into three groups in accord with the frequency the test assays are requested. One analyzer performs a portion of the most frequently menu assays and all of a first subgroup of less frequently requested assays. The second analyzer performs a similar portion of the most frequently menu assays and all of a second subgroup of less frequently requested assays. The first of the analyzers is not equipped to perform any of the second subgroup of assays and the second analyzer is not be equipped to perform any of the second subgroup of assays.

Abstract: A method of cropping a digital image and preserving a reserve for subsequent use includes cropping the digital image to produce a first cropped digital image, the first cropped digital image having a first size and a first aspect ratio; determining, based on the location of the cropping, at least one reserve portion of the image adjacent to at least one edge of the first cropped digital image; and storing, in an image file, the first cropped digital image and the reserve(s).

Abstract: The dual mode handset system provides unified cellular service and wire-line service with a single Directory Number assigned to the dual mode handset and a corresponding cordless base station that are connected to the subscriber's local wire-line (POTS line) connection to the telephone network. The dual mode handset is programmed to operate as a cordless telephone when in proximity of the cordless base station. The handset operates as a cellular telephone when it is out of reach of the cordless base station. The dual mode handset is assigned the same telephone number as the subscriber's connection to a local wire-line telephone switching system. Consequently, the Caller ID information is consistent on calls originated through the dual mode handset, regardless of whether the call passes through the cordless base station to the subscriber's connection to a local wire-line telephone switching system or the cellular network.

Abstract: Amidine derivatives of opioids of the formula YN—X—(NH)n-C(?NR)—R? in which YN is a morphine-like opioid radical; X is a direct bond, a substituted or unsubstituted, branched, straight-chained or cyclic alkylene having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally containing one or two heteroatoms in the alkyl chain, or an optionally substituted, branched or straight-chained alkenylene having from 4 to 10 carbon atoms; R and R? are independently hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkene, substituted alkene, alkyne, substituted alkyne, aryl, substituted aryl, heterocycle, substituted hetercycle or cyano; and n is 0 when X is said direct bond, or n is 1 when X is said alkylene or alkenylene. The compounds are effective in treating pain, and have effect in the peripheral nervous system, with comparably less or no activity in the central nervous system.

Abstract: A clinical analyzer where incoming samples are partitioned into groups in accord with the length of time required for the assay to be completed or in accord with the pattern of reagent addition(s) taken with length of time required for the assay to be completed. Medium length time assays are completed, removed from a reaction carousel and replaced by shorter length time assays during a single operational cycle in which longer length assays are also completed.

Abstract: A method for determining not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette in an analyzer when an assay scheduled to be performed may be adversely affected by contaminants remaining in the cleaned reaction cuvette. If determined not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette, the previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette is replaced with an unused new reaction cuvette.

Abstract: A fuel cell power module is provided. The module comprises (a) power production unit, (b) a power conditioning and protection unit, and (c) a control unit, each unit being modules and integrated into a module for independent removal. Multiple modules are networked so that each module is connected to a master controller so that if one module is removed from operation, the other is able to continue operation.

Abstract: A fuel cell power module is provided. The module comprises (a) power production unit, (b) a power conditioning and protection unit, and (c) a control unit, each unit being modules and integrated into a module for independent removal. Multiple modules are networked so that each module is connected to a master controller so that if one module is removed from operation, the other is able to continue operation.