Apparatus for retrieving data; apparatus for sending data; apparatus for the storage of data; computer apparatus for processing data; computer apparatus for the storage of data; computer interface units for translating data; computer software programs for database management; connecting devices for data collection; connecting devices for data transfer; data access apparatus for use in accessing stored information; data acquisition apparatus; data communications software; data files; data handling apparatus; data memory; electronic data interchange apparatus; input apparatus for transferring data from computers; input apparatus for transferring data to computers; input apparatus for use with data transmission apparatus