Electronic identification bracelet

• US 6,255,951 B1
• Filed: 11/30/1998
• Issued: 07/03/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Carlos De La Huerga
• Original Assignee: Carlos De La Huerga
• Inventors: De La Huerga, Carlos
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PHAM, TOAN NGOC
• Application Number:
  US09/200,881
• Time in Patent Office: 946 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.1, 340/573.4, 340/573.3, 340/825.34, 340/825.36, 340/825.4, 340/825.49, 340/825.52, 340/825.54, 340/539, 340/825.06, 340/825.07, 340/825.15, 340/825.16, 340/825.17, 340/572.8, 340/572.9, 340/5.8, 340/5.81
• US Class Current: 340/573.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/035 Blister-type containers blisters in general B65D75/36
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 2205/60 using magnetic or electronic identifications, e.g. chips, RFID, electronic tags
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0418 with electronic history memory
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0436 resulting from removing a drug from, or opening, a container
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0445 for preventing drug dispensing during a predetermined time period
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0454 for dispensing of multiple drugs
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0481 working on a schedule basis
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 21/04 using radio waves radio-controlled time-pieces G04R
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07762 the adhering arrangement making the record carrier wearable, e.g. having the form of a ring, watch, glove or bracelet record carriers for insertion in the human body for medical purposes A61B90/00; record carriers adapted for attachment to animals A01K11/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/005 Identification bracelets, e.g. secured to the arm of a person
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/40 for data related to laboratory analysis, e.g. patient specimen analysis

Abstract

An identification assembly for identifying a patient including a strap which can be secured around a patient'"'"'s wrists or the like which cannot be removed thereafter without destroying the strap, an electronic memory means which is integrally secured to the strap and cannot be removed therefrom without destroying the memory means and a removably attachable transmitter assembly which can be attached to the strap for communication with the memory means or removed from the strap, the transmitter assembly including a processor for reading information from the memory means and a transmitter for transmitting information read from the memory means, the transmitter and processor also capable of cooperating to receive signals and provide data to the memory means.

Claims

1. An identification apparatus for identifying an object, each of receiving, processing and transmitting being active states, the apparatus comprising:

(1) a base member including a fastener for affixing the apparatus to an object, the base member being a strap having first and second end segments which is capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the strap forms a loop around the object;

(2) a processor assembly secured to the base member including;

(a) an electronic memory means;

(b) a data transmitter;

(c) a processor linked to the memory and linked to the transmitter and capable of transmitting information received by the processor; and

(d) an indicator linked to the processor for indicating when the processor is in at least one of the active states, wherein the indicator is an LED and, when the strap forms a loop the strap includes an external strap surface and the indicator includes a plurality of indicators spaced about the external surface such that at least one indicator is observable from virtually any location proximate the external surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base member is a necklace.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the indicator indicates when the processor is transmitting.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 for use with a data gathering assembly which can transmit a query signal and receive data transmitted by the apparatus, the processor assembly further including a receiver for receiving the query signal and providing the query signal to the processor, the indicator indicating when receiving the query signal.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the indicator also indicates when the processor is transmitting.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein, when a query signal is received, the processor accesses information in the memory and transmits the information via the transmitter to the gathering assembly.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 also for use with a data modifier assembly which can transmit modified/additional/new data, the receiver also capable of receiving modified/additional/new data and transmitting the modified/additional/new data to the processor, the processor updating data in the memory means with the modified/additional/new data when the modified/additional/new data is received, the indicator also indicating when the processor updates.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the memory means is integrally secured to the base member such that the memory means cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein all of the processor, power source and transmitter are integrally secured to the base member such that the processor, power source and transmitter cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member.

10. An identification apparatus for identifying an object, each of receiving, processing and transmitting being active states, the apparatus comprising:

(1) a base member including a fastener for affixing the apparatus to an object;

(2) a processor assembly secured to the base member including;

(a) an electronic memory means integrally secured to the base member such that the memory means cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member;

(b) a data transmitter;

(c) a processor linked to the memory and linked to the transmitter and capable of transmitting information received by the processor; and

(d) an indicator linked to the processor for indicating when the processor is in at least one of the active states;

wherein the memory means includes at least one memory contact through which data stored in the memory means can be accessed and the apparatus further includes a transmitter assembly including the power source, transmitter and processor and also includes at least one transmitter assembly contact, the processor linked to the transmitter assembly contact for receiving data therefrom and linked to the transmitter for providing data thereto for transmission therefrom, the apparatus further includes a fastener for releasably fastening the transmitter assembly to the base member such that the transmitter assembly contact and memory contact are linked and the processor can access memory data.

11. An identification apparatus for identifying an object, each of receiving, processing and transmitting being active states, the apparatus comprising:

(1) a base member including a fastener for affixing the apparatus to an object;

(2) a processor assembly secured to the base member including;

(a) an electronic memory means integrally secured to the base member such that the memory means cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member;

(b) a data transmitter;

(c) a processor linked to the memory and linked to the transmitter and capable of transmitting information received by the processor; and

(d) an indicator linked to the processor for indicating when the processor is in at least one of the active states;

wherein the processor is also integrally secured to the base member such that the processor cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member and wherein the processor includes at least one processor contact through which data can be provided and received, the apparatus further including a transmitter assembly including the transmitter and at least one transmitter assembly contact, the apparatus further including a fastener for releasably fastening the transmitter assembly to the base member such that the transmitter contact and processor contact are linked and data can be transferred between the transmitter and the processor.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the transmitter assembly also includes the power source.

13. An identification apparatus for identifying an object, the apparatus comprising:

(1) a strap having first and second end segments and a conductive member which essentially traverses the distance between the first and second end segments, the strap capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the conductive member forms a loop and a short circuit around the object;

(2) a processor assembly securable to the strap including;

(a) an electronic memory means;

(b) a data transmitter;

(c) a processor linked to the memory and linked to the transmitter for transmitting data, the processor also linked to the conductive member and, when the short circuit is opened, indicating an open circuit;

wherein the processor routinely periodically generates an identification signal and indicates an open circuit by failing to generate the identification signal.

14. An identification apparatus for identifying an object, the apparatus comprising:

(1) a strap having first and second end segments and a conductive member which essentially traverses the distance between the first and second end segments, the strap capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the conductive member forms a loop and a short circuit around the object;

(2) a processor assembly securable to the strap including;

(a) an electronic memory means;

(b) a data transmitter;

(c) an alarm indicator; and

(d) a processor linked to the memory and the indicator and linked to the transmitter for transmitting data, the processor also linked to the conductive member and, when the short circuit is opened, indicating an open circuit by generating an alarm signal via the alarm indicator.

15. An identification apparatus for identifying an object, the apparatus comprising:

(1) a strap having first and second end segments and a conductive member which essentially traverses the distance between the first and second end segments, the strap capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the conductive member forms a loop and a short circuit around the object;

(2) a processor assembly securable to the strap including;

(a) an electronic memory means;

(b) a data transmitter;

(c) a processor linked to the memory and linked to the transmitter for transmitting data, the processor also linked to the conductive member and, when the short circuit is opened, indicating an open circuit; and

(3) a disengager which, when activated, provides a signal to the processor to deactivate the processor such that when the conductive member is open circuited, the processor fails to indicate.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the disengager is a data modifier assembly which includes a transmitter for transmitting a disengage signal to the apparatus, the apparatus further includes a receiver linked to the processor and wherein, when the processor receives a disengage signal, the processor deactivates.

17. An identification apparatus for identifying an object, the apparatus comprising:

(1) a strap having first and second end segments and a conductive member which essentially traverses the distance between the first and second end segments, the strap capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the conductive member forms a loop and a short circuit around the object;

(2) a processor assembly securable to the strap including;

(a) an electronic memory means integrally secured to the strap such that the memory means cannot be removed from the strap without damaging the strap, the memory means including at least one memory contact through which data stored in the memory means can be accessed;

(3) a transmitter assembly including

(b) a data transmitter;

(b) a processor linked to the memory and linked to the transmitter for transmitting data, the processor also linked to the conductive member and, when the short circuit is opened, indicating an open circuit; and

;

(c) at least one transmitter assembly contact, the processor linked to the transmitter assembly contact for receiving data therefrom and linked to the transmitter for providing data thereto for transmission therefrom, the apparatus further includes a fastener for releasably fastening the transmitter assembly to the strap assembly such that the transmitter assembly contact and memory contact are linked and the processor can access memory data.

18. An identification apparatus for identifying an object, the apparatus comprising:

(1) a strap having first and second end segments and a conductive member which essentially traverses the distance between the first and second end segments, the strap capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the conductive member forms a loop and a short circuit around the object;

(2) a processor assembly securable to the strap including;

(a) an electronic memory means integrally secured to the strap such that the memory means cannot be removed from the strap without damaging the strap;

(b) a processor linked to the memory and also linked to the conductive member and, when the short circuit is opened, indicating an open circuit, the processor also integrally secured to the strap such that the processor cannot be removed from the strap without damaging the strap and wherein the processor includes at least one processor contact through which data can be provided and received; and

(3) a transmitter assembly including the transmitter and at least one transmitter assembly contact, the apparatus further including a fastener for releasably fastening the transmitter assembly to the strap assembly such that the transmitter contact and processor contact are linked and data can be transferred between the transmitter and the processor.

19. An identification apparatus for identifying an object, the apparatus comprising:

(1) a strap having first and second end segments and a conductive member which essentially traverses the distance between the first and second end segments, the strap capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the conductive member forms a loop and a short circuit around the object;

(2) a processor assembly securable to the strap including;

(a) an electronic memory means;

(b) a data transmitter;

(c) a processor linked to the memory and linked to the transmitter for transmitting data, the processor also linked to the conductive member and, when the short circuit is opened, indicating an open circuit;

wherein the strap includes an internal surface and an external surface, the conductive member includes first and second ends generally positioned adjacent the first and second strap ends, respectively, the first member end extends through the external surface, the second member end extends through the internal surface, and, when the strap is positioned to form the loop, the first and second member ends contact to form the closed circuit.

20. An identification assembly for identifying an object, the assembly comprising:

(A) a base assembly including;

(1) a base member including a fastener for affixing the assembly to the object;

(2) an electronic memory means integrally secured to the base member such that the memory means cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member, the memory means including at least one memory contact through which data stored in the memory means can be accessed;

(B) a transmitter assembly including;

(1) at least one transmitter contact;

(2) a data transmitter;

(C) a processor; and

(D) a fastener for releasably fastening the transmitter assembly to the base assembly such that the transmitter contact and memory contact are linked and data memory data can be accessed by the processor and provided to the transmitter for transmission;

(E) wherein, when the transmitter assembly is removed from the base assembly, the processor indicates removal unless the processor is disabled.

21. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the processor routinely periodically generates an identification signal and indicates removal by failing to generate the identification signal.

22. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the processor indicates by generating an alarm signal.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 for use with an alarm assembly including a receiver and an alarm indicator and wherein the alarm signal is transmitted via the transmitter to the receiver and, when an alarm signal is received by the alarm assembly, the alarm assembly causes the alarm indicator to indicate removal.

24. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the processor assembly further includes an alarm indicator linked to the processor and, when the processor provides an alarm signal, the alarm indicator indicates removal.

25. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the base member is a strap having first and second end segments and which is capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the strap forms a loop around the object.

26. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the memory means is integrally secured to the base member such that the memory means cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the processor is integrally secured to the base member such that the processor cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member.

28. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the transmitter assembly includes the processor.

29. An identification assembly for identifying an object, the assembly comprising:

(A) a base assembly including;

(1) a base member including a fastener for affixing the assembly to the object;

(2) an electronic memory means integrally secured to the base member such that the memory means cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member, the memory means including at least one memory contact through which data stored in the memory means can be accessed;

(B) a transmitter assembly including;

(1) at least one transmitter contact;

(2) a data transmitter;

(C) a processor; and

(D) a fastener for releasably fastening the transmitter assembly to the base assembly such that the transmitter contact and memory contact are linked and data memory data can be accessed by the processor and provided to the transmitter for transmission;

(E) a disengage device which, when activated, provides a signal to the processor to deactivate the processor such that, after deactivation, when the transmitter assembly is detached, the processor does not indicate;

(F) wherein, when the transmitter assembly is removed from the base assembly, the processor indicates removal unless the processor is disabled.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the disengage device is a data modifier assembly which includes a transmitter for transmitting a disengage signal to the apparatus, the apparatus further includes a receiver linked to the processor and wherein, when the processor receives a disengage signal, the processor deactivates.

31. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the alarm indicator is an audible alarm.

32. An identification assembly for identifying an object, the assembly for use with a base assembly including a base member including a fastener for affixing the assembly to the object and an electronic memory means integrally secured to the base member such that the memory means cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member, the memory means including at least one memory contact through which data stored in the memory means can be accessed, the apparatus comprising:

(A) a transmitter assembly including;

(1) at least one transmitter contact;

(2) a data transmitter;

(B) a processor; and

(C) a fastener for releasably fastening the transmitter assembly to the base member such that the transmitter contact and memory contact are linked and data in the memory can be accessed by the processor and provided to the transmitter.

33. The assembly of claim 32 wherein the base member is a strap having first and second end segments which is capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the strap forms a loop around the object.

34. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the processor is secured to the base member such that the processor cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member.

35. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the transmitter transmits data received via the transmitter contact periodically.

36. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein, after the transmitter assembly is fastened to a base member, if the transmitter assembly is removed from the base member, the processor indicates removal.

37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the processor routinely periodically generates an identification signal and indicates removal by failing to generate the identification signal.

38. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the processor indicates by generating an alarm signal.

39. The apparatus of claim 38 further including an alarm indicator linked to the processor which, when an alarm signal is generated, indicates an alarm signal.

40. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the alarm indicator is an audible alarm.

41. The apparatus of claim 38 also for use with an alarm assembly including a receiver and an alarm indicator and wherein the alarm signal is transmitted via the transmitter to the receiver and, when an alarm signal is received by the alarm assembly, the alarm assembly causes the alarm indicator to indicate transmitter assembly removal.

42. The apparatus of claim 32 for use with a data gathering assembly which can transmit a query signal and receive transmitted data for display, the apparatus further including a receiver for receiving the query signal and providing the query signal to the processor, when a query signal is received, the processor accessing the memory to retrieve data in response to the query, the transmitter transmitting retrieved data.

43. The apparatus of claim 42 also for use with a data modifier assembly which can transmit modified/additional/new data, the receiver also capable of receiving modified/additional/new data and transmitting the modified/additional/new data to the processor, the processor updating the data in the memory means with the modified/additional/new data when the modified/additional/new data is received.

44. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the base member is a strap having first and second end segments and a conductive member which essentially traverses the distance between the first and second end segments, the strap capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the conductive member forms a loop and a short circuit around the object wherein, the processor is linked to the conductive member and, when the short circuit is opened, the processor indicates an open circuit.

45. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the processor routinely periodically generates an identification signal and indicates an open circuit by failing to generate the identification signal.

46. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the processor indicates by generating an alarm signal.

47. The apparatus of claim 46 for use with an alarm assembly including a receiver and an alarm indicator and wherein the alarm signal is transmitted via the transmitter to the receiver and, when an alarm signal is received by the alarm assembly, the alarm assembly causes the alarm indicator to indicate an open circuit.

52. The apparatus of claim 46 wherein the processor assembly further includes an alarm indicator linked to the processor and, when the processor provides an alarm signal, the alarm indicator indicates an open circuit.

53. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the alarm indicator is an audible alarm.

48. An identification assembly for identifying an object, the assembly for use with a base assembly including a base member including a fastener for affixing the assembly to the object and an electronic memory means integrally secured to the base member such that the memory means cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member, the memory means including at least one memory contact through which data stored in the memory means can be accessed, the apparatus comprising:

(A) a transmitter assembly including;

(1) at least one transmitter contact;

(2) a data transmitter;

(B) a processor;

(C) a fastener for releasably fastening the transmitter assembly to the base member such that the transmitter contact and memory contact are linked and data in the memory can be accessed by the processor and provided to the transmitter; and

(D) a disengager which, when activated, provides a signal to the processor via the transmitter to deactivate the processor such that when the transmitter assembly is detached from the strap assembly, the processor fails to indicate removal;

wherein, after the transmitter assembly is fastened to a base member, if the transmitter assembly is removed from the base member, the processor indicates removal.

49. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the disengager is a data modifier assembly which includes a transmitter for transmitting a disengage signal to the apparatus, the apparatus further includes a receiver linked to the processor and wherein, when the processor receives a disengage signal, the processor deactivates.

50. An identification assembly for identifying an object, the assembly for use with a base assembly including a strap having first and second end segments and a conductive member which essentially traverses the distance between the first and second end segments, the strap capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the conductive member forms a loop and a short circuit around the object, the strap including a fastener for affixing the assembly to the object and an electronic memory means integrally secured to the strap such that the memory means cannot be removed from the strap without damaging the strap, the memory means including at least one memory contact through which data stored in the memory means can be accessed, the apparatus comprising:

(A) a transmitter assembly including;

(1) at least one transmitter contact;

(2) a data transmitter;

(B) a processor linked to the conductive member and, when the short circuit is opened, the processor indicating an open circuit by generating an alarm signal;

(C) a fastener for releasably fastening the transmitter assembly to the base member such that the transmitter contact and memory contact are linked and data in the memory can be accessed by the processor and provided to the transmitter; and

(D) a disengager which, when activated, provides a signal to the processor to deactivate the processor such that when the conductive member is open circuited, the processor fails to generate an alarm signal;

(E) the assembly also for use with an alarm assembly including a receiver and an alarm indicator and wherein the alarm signal is transmitted via the transmitter to the receiver and, when an alarm signal is received by the alarm assembly, the alarm assembly causes the alarm indicator to indicate an open circuit.

51. The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the disengager is a data modifier assembly which includes a transmitter for transmitting a disengage signal to the apparatus, the apparatus further includes a receiver linked to the processor and wherein, when the processor receives a disengage signal, the processor deactivates.

54. An identification apparatus for identifying a patient having a wrist, the apparatus for use with a transmitter assembly including at least one transmitter contact, a data transmitter and a first fastener means, the apparatus comprising:

a base member including a fastener for affixing the apparatus to the object;

an electronic memory means integrally secured to the base member such that the memory means cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member;

a processor integrally secured to the base member such that the processor cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member, the processor linked to the memory for receiving data from the memory and including a processor contact; and

a second fastener means which is capable of cooperating with the first fastener means to releasably secure the transmitter assembly to the base member such that the transmitter contact and processor contact are linked and data in the memory can be accessed by the transmitter.

55. The apparatus of claim 54 wherein the base member is a strap having first and second end segments which is capable of assuming a secured configuration wherein the first and second end segments are adjacent and the strap forms a loop around the patient'"'"'s wrist.

56. The apparatus of claim 55 further including an alarm indicator linked to the processor and a conductive member essentially encased in the strap, the conductive member essentially traversing the distance between the first and second end segments, when the strap forms a loop about an object, the conductive member forming a short circuit around the object, the processor linked to the conductive member and, when the short circuit is opened, generating an alarm signal indicating an open circuit.

57. The apparatus of claim 54 wherein, when the transmitter assembly is removed from the base member, the processor indicates removal unless the processor has been disabled.

58. The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the processor routinely periodically generates an identification signal and indicates removal by failing to generate the identification signal.

59. The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the processor indicates by generating an alarm signal.

60. The apparatus of claim 59 further including an alarm indicator linked to the processor and wherein, when the processor generates an alarm signal, the alarm indicator indicates.

61. The apparatus of claim 60 wherein the indicator is an audible alarm.

62. A method for use with an information system including an identification assembly and an information network, the identification assembly including a base member which in turn includes a fastener for affixing the base member to an object, the identification assembly also including an electronic memory means integrally secured to the base member such that the memory means cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member, a processor linked to the memory means and a transceiver linked to the processor, the transceiver including both a transmitter and a receiver, the network including at least first and second network devices which include a transmitter and a receiver, respectively, and also including at least one target terminal, the method for collecting and tracking data and comprising the steps of:

using the first network device, providing the target terminal address to the identification assembly processor via the identification assembly receiver;

storing the target address in the identification assembly memory;

collecting and storing other information in the identification assembly memory; and

when proximate the second network device, transmitting the collected information to the second network device for delivery to the target address.

63. An identification assembly for identifying an object, the assembly comprising:

(A) a base assembly including;

(1) a base member including a fastener for affixing the assembly to the object;

(2) an electronic memory means integrally secured to the base member such that the memory means cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member, the memory means including at least one memory contact through which data stored in the memory means can be accessed;

(B) a transmitter assembly including;

(1) at least one transmitter contact;

(2) a power source;

(3) a data transmitter;

(4) a processor linked to the transmitter contact for receiving data from the transmitter contact and linked to the transmitter for transmitting data received from the transmitter contact; and

(C) a fastener for releasably fastening the transmitter assembly to the base assembly such that the transmitter contact and memory contact are linked and data in the memory can be accessed by the transmitter.

64. The apparatus of claim 63 wherein the base member is a necklace.

65. The apparatus of claim 63 wherein the base member is a badge.

66. The apparatus of claim 63 wherein the base member includes at least one rigid segment and the memory means is integrally secured to the rigid segment.

67. The apparatus of claim 63 for use with a data gathering assembly which can transmit a query signal and receive transmitted data for display, the apparatus further including a receiver for receiving the query signal and providing the query signal to the processor, when a query signal is received, the processor accessing the memory to retrieve data in response to the query, the transmitter transmitting retrieved data.

68. The apparatus of claim 67 also for use with a data modifier assembly which can transmit modified/additional/new data, the receiver also capable of receiving modified/additional/new data and transmitting the modified/additional/new data to the processor, the processor updating the data in the memory means with the modified/additional/new data when the modified/additional/new data is received.

69. An identification apparatus for identifying a patient, the apparatus for use with a transmitter assembly including at least one transmitter contact, a power source, a data transmitter, a processor linked to the transmitter contact for receiving data from the transmitter contact and linked to the transmitter for transmitting data received from the transmitter contact and a first fastener means, the apparatus comprising:

a base member including a fastener for affixing the assembly to the patient;

an electronic memory means integrally secured to the base member such that the memory means cannot be removed from the base member without damaging the base member, the memory means including at least one memory contact through which data stored in the memory means can be accessed; and

a second fastener means which is capable of cooperating with the first fastener means to releasably secure the transmitter assembly to the base member assembly such that the transmitter contact and memory contact are linked and data in the memory can be accessed by the transmitter.

70. The apparatus of claim 69 wherein the base member is a badge.

71. The apparatus of claim 69 wherein the base member is a necklace.