Abstract: A separation system for separating the components of a multi-phase fluid includes at least three tanks coupled together in series, with each tank enclosing a column of multi-phase fluid and having a tubular center riser that is divided into a distribution section and a gathering section, and with each center riser being configured to established a fluid circulation pattern having a radially-outward travel first leg, a vertical travel second leg, and a radially-inward travel third leg within the corresponding column of multi-phase fluid that is configured to separate at least one of a gas component, an oil component, and a particulate matter component from a water component of the multi-phase fluid, and with the height of the columns of multi-phase fluid in the first tank and the second tank being substantially equal to each other and determined by the height of a pour-over opening in the center riser of the third tank.

Abstract: Non-invasive systems and techniques can be used to accurately measure blood pressures of patients being supported by continuous flow left ventricular assist devices. For example, this document describes cuff occlusion devices and methods for their use so that the blood pressure and pulsatility of patients with significantly reduced pulsatility as a result of continuous flow left ventricular assist device support can be accurately measured in a non-invasive fashion.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for modulating afferent nerve signals to treat medical conditions such as CHF, CHF respiration, dyspnea, peripheral vascular disease (e.g., peripheral arterial disease or venous insufficiency), hypertension (e.g., age-associated hypertension, resistant hypertension, or chronic refractory hypertension), COPD, sleep apnea, and chronic forms of lung disease where muscle dysfunction is a part of the disease pathophysiology. For example, methods and materials involved in using electrical and/or chemical techniques to block or reduce afferent nerve signals (e.g., nerve signals of group III and/or IV afferents coming from skeletal muscle and/or the kidneys) are provided.

Abstract: Non-invasive systems can be used to estimate cardiac output and stroke volume. For example, this document provides cuff occlusion systems and methods for their use so that cardiac output and stroke volume can be estimated in a non-invasive fashion. In some implementations, a patient's brachial artery is occluded by an inflatable cuff device for a period of time. A heart rate and a plurality of blood pressure pulse wave measurement curves can be measured using the cuff device. The data collected can be used to calculate an estimate of the patient's cardiac output and stroke volume.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for modulating afferent nerve signals to treat medical conditions such as CHF, CHF respiration, dyspnea, peripheral vascular disease (e.g., peripheral arterial disease or venous insufficiency), hypertension (e.g., age-associated hypertension, resistant hypertension, or chronic refractory hypertension), COPD, sleep apnea, and chronic forms of lung disease where muscle dysfunction is a part of the disease pathophysiology. For example, methods and materials involved in using electrical and/or chemical techniques to block or reduce afferent nerve signals (e.g., nerve signals of group III and/or IV afferents coming from skeletal muscle and/or the kidneys) are provided.

Abstract: A personal physical conditioning system, for a single, full-size human subject, has a sealable chamber that is configured to allow entry therein and occupancy thereof by the entirety of the single, full-size human subject and to allow the subject to exercise in a standing position using an item of physical conditioning equipment entirely contained within the sealable chamber. The system also has a ventilation system, including a pump, operable to change air in the sealable chamber and to establish, within the sealable chamber, a desired non-zero air pressure level of less than 1 atmosphere and down to pressure conditions substantially equivalent to an elevation of 25,000 feet above sea level. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A personal exercise apparatus that allows simultaneous simulation of mild to high altitude environments with algorithmically driven environmental stressors that may be pre-programmed or personally developed via physiological feedback during training. Additional stressors include an ability to transiently alter pressure in a chamber of the personal exercise apparatus at variable frequencies and amplitudes with a range of changes with an option of random pressure oscillations designed to personalize training programs. The additional stressors further include small variations in inspired CO2 levels and temperature allowing individuals to simulate breathing and temperature conditions in preparation for desired environmental conditions.

Abstract: This document provides systems and techniques that can be used to provide computer-implemented interpretation (e.g., up-to-date, on demand, and real time interpretation) of respiratory profiles of patients using, for example, an application provided by a computer server system, to assess a patient's cardiac and/or pulmonary function.

Abstract: A method of pattern recognition for defining aerobic HR training zones measured during incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing wherein such HR training zones are derived from distinct points in the incremental exercise response for % fat, % CHO, and PetCO2. Also disclosed is a method for providing feedback to the exercising subject indicating the % time the subject exercised in each of the zones using recorded HR data from each workout.

Abstract: A consumer based novel personal exercise apparatus that allows simultaneous simulation of mild to high altitude environments with algorithmically driven novel additional environmental stressors that may be pre-programmed or personally developed via physiological feedback during training. Additional stressors include the ability to transiently alter chamber pressure at variable frequencies and amplitudes with a range of changes with the option of random pressure oscillations designed to personalize training programs. Additional stressors include small variations in inspired CO2 levels and temperature allowing individuals to stimulate breathing and temperature conditions in preparation for desired environmental conditions.

Abstract: Multifunctional occlusion crossover devices include features to improve the crossover balloon occlusion technique used during transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures, for example. The devices include a compliant balloon incorporated with a highly flexible and lubricous sheath system. The balloon is capable of safely occluding from the common iliac artery and down to an access site in the femoral artery. The devices can simplify the CBOT technique and replace multiple devices currently used for the procedure.

Abstract: This document provides systems and methods for testing and assessing cognitive performance of a user over a period of time in order to test environmental effects and other factors on the performance of the user. For example, cognitive performance over a period of time can be assessed for users experiencing stress conditions including hypoxia (oxygen deprivation), hypothermia, sleep deprivation, fatigue or other factors that may cause degradation in cognitive performance. Furthermore, the systems and methods described herein can be used to identify when hypoxia has manifested in the cerebral circulation of an individual rather than merely in the extremities of an individual.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for modulating afferent nerve signals to treat medical conditions such as CHF, CHF respiration, dyspnea, peripheral vascular disease (e.g., peripheral arterial disease or venous insufficiency), hypertension (e.g., age-associated hypertension, resistant hypertension, or chronic refractory hypertension), COPD, sleep apnea, and chronic forms of lung disease where muscle dysfunction is a part of the disease pathophysiology. For example, methods and materials involved in using electrical and/or chemical techniques to block or reduce afferent nerve signals (e.g., nerve signals of group III and/or IV afferents coming from skeletal muscle and/or the kidneys) are provided.

Abstract: A gas exchange testing system has an apparatus for delivery of an auxiliary gas during a gas exchange test. Measurements representing physiological parameters of a patient are made during the gas exchange test. The auxiliary gas is delivered so that a gas exchange test can be performed on a patient who requires auxiliary gas. Additionally, the auxiliary gas is delivered so that gas exchange testing can determine if the auxiliary gas is beneficial and which concentration of the auxiliary gas is most beneficial. A testing process compares measurements under a condition where the auxiliary gas is delivered and under a condition where it is not delivered. Another testing process compares measurements under a condition where one auxiliary gas is delivered and under a condition where a different auxiliary gas is delivered.

Abstract: A method of pattern recognition for classifying the functional status of patients with chronic disease comprising characterizing the functional status based on a multivariable index (MVI) scoring system wherein the MVI is computed by summing a plurality of individual variable values as individual variable indexes (IVI) and dividing the sum by the number of variables and wherein the plurality of IVI includes rest PetCO2, ?PetCO2, SaO2, QUES, Ve/VCO2 slope and Pcap and wherein each IVI is given an equivalent value of <1.00 to >=4.00, the number increasing with increasing severity yielding an MVI value ranging from <1.00 to >=4.00, normal to severe-very severe.

Abstract: A method of pattern recognition for classifying the functional status of patients with chronic disease comprising characterizing the functional status based on a multivariable index (MVI) scoring system wherein the MVI is computed by summing a plurality of individual variable values as individual variable indexes (IVI) and dividing the sum by the number of variables and wherein the plurality of IVI includes rest PetCO2, ?PetCO2, SaO2, QUES, Ve/VCO2 slope and Pcap and wherein each IVI is given an equivalent value of <1.00 to >=4.00, the number increasing with increasing severity yielding an MVI value ranging from <1.00 to >=4.00, normal to severe-very severe.

Abstract: A wheeled, fuel hose lift tool adapted to lift successive sections of a fuel hose to drain residual fuel from the hose as a user moves along the extended direction of the fuel hose. The tool includes a hose support wheel, an elongate, adjustable tube and a handle.

Abstract: The cable mechanism includes an elongated flexible cable that has one end portion adapted for being attached to a supporting structure, for example, the exterior surface of a building by a cleat or clamp, and an opposite end portion mounted to one end portion of an axially elongated stud. The stud has an axial intermediate threaded portion while the end portion opposite the mounting of the cable is polygonal in transverse cross section. Fasteners such as a nut and washer may be provided on the stud in an axially adjusted position to at least aid in supporting, for example, the lower surface of a bay window in a leveled condition while the cable is attached to a building by a clamp or cleat.

Abstract: The cable bracket mechanism is extendable between a cleat or clamp mounted to a building and a part of a bay or bow window that is remote from the building. The mechanism includes an elongated bracket having a a flange at one end extending about right angles to the main body and a reversely curved hook portion at the other end that is joined to the main body and is extended into a second bracket opening, a cable having one end connected to a building and at its opposite end to a stud extended through an aperture in the flange, the second bracket being mounted to the window, and a fastener threadable on the stud to bear against the flange for adjusting the tension in the cable.

Abstract: A wheeled, fuel hose lift tool adapted to lift successive sections of a fuel hose to drain residual fuel from the hose as a user moves along the extended direction of the fuel hose. The tool includes a hose support wheel, an elongate, adjustable tube and a handle.