Abstract: Methods and apparatus for blood sampling from skin capillaries are provided. Blood extraction is improved by applying gradient pressure in a proximal to distal direction of an extremity. Blood is extracted and sampled from the skin capillaries with a blood sampling mechanism of at least a lancet and testing kit.

Abstract: Methods for ischemic conditioning treatments of a chronic medical condition are provided. Baseline disease-related parameters of a patient with a chronic medical condition are measured. Ischemia is induced in the patient by occluding and releasing arterial flow in one or more extremities of the patient. Post-ischemia parameters in the patient are measured. The baseline and post-ischemia parameters are compared to provide an assessment of an ischemic conditioning treatment of a chronic medical condition. The repeated, scheduled delivery of ischemic conditioning provides a beneficial, therapeutic effect on the chronic medical condition. Also provided is a device for pulse oximetry during periods of absent or low pulsatile blood flow including an artificial pulse generator as well as the use of said device in assessment of ischemic conditioning.

Abstract: This invention relates to orally ingested compositions for boosting metabolic rate and reducing or controlling levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and improving cardiovascular function, thus preferably assisting with weight loss and promoting cardiovascular health when administered to mammals, including humans.

Abstract: Batteries and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of making a battery can include passing a mandrel through an opening defined by a pellet that includes an electrode composition. The mandrel can have a transverse cross-section with a first dimension and a second dimension that is larger than the first dimension.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for bottling/packaging orally ingested compositions, said method comprising compounds of nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, or polyceutical components, collectively unique combinations of liquid and solid elements such as pills and capsules. These can be nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, or polyceuticals for improving cardiovascular health. Said apparatus comprises a container having a conventional closure with an additional detachable base member. This packaging configuration divides the container into two chambers; the superior or upper chamber and the inferior or lower chamber. In one embodiment the upper chamber is designed to contain liquid compounds, whereas the lower detachable chamber is designed to contain solid matters such as pills and capsules. In one form of this invention the upper and lower chambers are attached to each other by a latching mechanism.

Abstract: Methods for ischemic conditioning treatments of a chronic medical condition are provided. Baseline disease-related parameters of a patient with a chronic medical condition are measured. Ischemia is induced in the patient by occluding and releasing arterial flow in one or more extremities of the patient. Post-ischemia parameters in the patient are measured. The baseline and post-ischemia parameters are compared to provide an assessment of an ischemic conditioning treatment of a chronic medical condition. The repeated, scheduled delivery of ischemic conditioning provides a beneficial, therapeutic effect on the chronic medical condition. Also provided is a device for pulse oximetry during periods of absent or low pulsatile blood flow including an artificial pulse generator as well as the use of said device in assessment of ischemic conditioning.

Abstract: This invention relates to orally ingested compositions for boosting metabolic rate and reducing or controlling levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and improving cardiovascular function, thus preferably assisting with weight loss and promoting cardiovascular health when administered to mammals, including humans.

Abstract: This invention relates to orally ingested compositions for improving cardiovascular health and reducing the overall levels of cholesterol by lowering the levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides, increasing the level and density of high density lipoprotein (HDL), assisting with blood pressure control, or improve some aspect of cardiovascular function, and thus preferably assisting with cardiovascular health when administered to mammals, including humans.

Abstract: A mobile programmable device and method providing aural, visual or mechanical stimulus in a program for facilitating weight loss or maintenance. The device may be a mobile phone programmed with a downloadable mobile application. The application program may be modified as a result of user behavior or responses to the application. Thus the application can provide a personalized aid in weight loss control. The application may also provide a link for the user to live coaching assistance, support text messaging or email.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving measurements of cardiovascular health status in a given individual are provided. The comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular health includes at least two components: risk factor assessment based on epidemiologic studies and functional status of the individual. Structural studies of the individual can also be included in the comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular health. The invention aims to improve detection, treatment, devices, and administration of cardiovascular risk assessment.

Abstract: Methods for ischemic conditioning treatments of a chronic medical condition are provided. Baseline disease-related parameters of a patient with a chronic medical condition are measured. Ischemia is induced in the patient by occluding and releasing arterial flow in one or more extremities of the patient. Post-ischemia parameters in the patient are measured. The baseline and post-ischemia parameters are compared to provide an assessment of an ischemic conditioning treatment of a chronic medical condition. The repeated, scheduled delivery of ischemic conditioning provides a beneficial, therapeutic effect on the chronic medical condition. Also provided is a device for pulse oximetry during periods of absent or low pulsatile blood flow including an artificial pulse generator as well as the use of said device in assessment of ischemic conditioning.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to automated and subject operated medical diagnostic equipment that may be remotely monitored by trained medical personnel. The diagnostic equipment may be installed in publicly accessible locations such as airports or hotels. The diagnostic equipment may be located in a subject's home. The diagnostic equipment may be utilized by a subject as prompted by the diagnostic equipment. The prompts may be communicated audibly or by text. The text may be communicated using display screens. The display screens may be touch screens allowing the subject to answer audible or text questions. The diagnostic equipment may include a key pad either as a separate component or as part of a display screen. The subject may also respond verbally. The diagnostic equipment will be in communication with a computer processor containing software allowing the equipment to respond to subject verbal input including questions.

Abstract: The disclosure teaches non-invasive, inexpensive and reproducible tests that provide improved measurement of risk assessment by measurement of the following parameters of a subject. The disclosure includes intima-media thickness, augmentation index, arterial wall elasticity, central arterial pressure, electrocardiogram impedance, cardiograph blood pressure measurement, ankle-brachial index, 3D (three dimensional) plaque volume, vessel wall volume, and diameter waveform pattern characterization. Further, the disclosure teaches that satisfactory measurement of risk assessment may be achieved by conducting any four of the aforementioned tests.

Abstract: Methods for ischemic conditioning treatments of a chronic medical condition are provided. Baseline disease-related parameters of a patient with a chronic medical condition are measured. Ischemia is induced in the patient by occluding and releasing arterial flow in one or more extremities of the patient. Post-ischemia parameters in the patient are measured. The baseline and post-ischemia parameters are compared to provide an assessment of an ischemic conditioning treatment of a chronic medical condition. The repeated, scheduled delivery of ischemic conditioning provides a beneficial, therapeutic effect on the chronic medical condition. Also provided is a device for pulse oximetry during periods of absent or low pulsatile blood flow including an artificial pulse generator as well as the use of said device in assessment of ischemic conditioning.

Abstract: A method of compacting material such as but not limited to cathode material for electrochemical cells. A mixture is inserted into a die cavity and the mixture is compacted into a disk shape by the action of a first plunger pressing down on the material and a second plunger pressing upwardly on the material. Flashing of material during ejection of the disk from the die is prevented by fitting a polymeric sleeve around the outer surface of the first plunger. The sleeve flexes to bulge outwardly and does not enter the die cavity during compaction of material and returns to its original position during ejection of the compacted disk from the die. Contact between the disk and sleeve prevents flashing during ejection. Alternatively, a polymeric seal ring is placed around the outer surface of the first plunger. The disk presses against the seal ring preventing flashing of material during ejection.

Abstract: A method of compacting material such as but not limited to cathode material for electrochemical cells. A mixture is inserted into a die cavity and the mixture is compacted into a disk shape by the action of a first plunger pressing down on the material and a second plunger pressing upwardly on the material. Flashing of material during ejection of the disk from the die is prevented by fitting a polymeric sleeve around the outer surface of the first plunger. The sleeve flexes to bulge outwardly and does not enter the die cavity during compaction of material and returns to its original position during ejection of the compacted disk from the die. Contact between the disk and sleeve prevents flashing during ejection. Alternatively, a polymeric seal ring is placed around the outer surface of the first plunger. The disk presses against the seal ring preventing flashing of material during ejection.

Abstract: A method of compacting material such as but not limited to cathode material for electrochemical cells. A mixture is inserted into a die cavity and the mixture is compacted into a disk shape by the action of a first plunger pressing down on the material and a second plunger pressing upwardly on the material. Flashing of material during ejection of the disk from the die is prevented by fitting a polymeric sleeve around the outer surface of the first plunger. The sleeve flexes to bulge outwardly and does not enter the die cavity during compaction of material and returns to its original position during ejection of the compacted disk from the die. Contact between the disk and sleeve prevents flashing during ejection. Alternatively, a polymeric seal ring is placed around the outer surface of the first plunger. The disk presses against the seal ring preventing flashing of material during ejection.

Abstract: A method of compacting material such as but not limited to cathode material for electrochemical cells. A mixture is inserted into a die cavity and the mixture is compacted into a disk shape by the action of a first plunger pressing down on the material and a second plunger pressing upwardly on the material. Flashing of material during ejection of the disk from the die is prevented by fitting a polymeric sleeve around the outer surface of the first plunger. The sleeve flexes to bulge outwardly and does not enter the die cavity during compaction of material and returns to its original position during ejection of the compacted disk from the die. Contact between the disk and sleeve prevents flashing during ejection. Alternatively, a polymeric seal ring is placed around the outer surface of the first plunger. The disk presses against the seal ring preventing flashing of material during ejection.

Abstract: A container system and a method for transporting hazardous materials is disclosed. One embodiment of the container system includes a soft-sided outer shell and an inner frame. The outer shell is at least partially collapsible when unsupported. The outer shell may include a plurality of vertical walls integrally formed with a bottom and an open top. A lid may be adapted to be selectively secured to the vertical walls to close the outer shell. A fastener, such as a zipper, may be provided to secure the lid to the vertical walls. The inner frame has rigid walls and is adapted to support the outer shell when the inner frame is inserted inside the outer shell. The inner frame is at least partially collapsible. One embodiment of the method includes providing a soft-sided container that is at least partially collapsible when unsupported. Hazardous material is positioned into the container.