Abstract: Oral formulation of creatine derivative and in particular creatine esters and more particularly ethyl esters of creatine are described. The formulations comprise a phosphate such as dicalcium phosphate, a biodegradable polymer such as a polyvinyl pyrrolidine and a starch. The formulation may further comprise other excipients such as metal salt of a stearate, e.g. magnesium stearates. The formulation is produced as flowable particles with a sieve size of about 20 to 60 which particles are coated with a shellac to mask taste, avoid moisture uptake, and extend shelf life.

Abstract: A biphasic formulation of an inositol compound and lipoic acid for oral administration is disclosed. The lipoic acid and the inositol compound are combined with excipient materials in such a way that those materials provide for an immediate release of a first portion of the active ingredients from the formulation followed by a gradual release of any remaining active ingredients in a manner which makes it possible to (1) quickly obtain a therapeutic level of the active ingredients; and (2) substantially increase the period of time over which therapeutic levels of the active ingredients are maintained relative to a quick release formulation. These features make it possible to use the formulation to reduce serum glucose levels and maintain those reduced glucose levels over time to treat diabetic polyneuropathy and thereby obtaining a range of desired therapeutic results.

Abstract: An oral formulation of arginine ?-ketoglutarate is disclosed which formulation is comprised of arginine ?-ketoglutarate and one or more excipient materials. A wide range of different controlled release formulations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. The formulation of arginine ?-ketoglutarate and excipient material is designed to obtain a desired result, e.g. attenuate symptoms suffered by a patient with a glutamate dehydrogenase deficiency or increase prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase activity or prevent protein glycation characteristic of atheroscloerosis, cataract formation, retinopathy, and aging. The desired results are obtained by increasing the period of time that a therapeutic level of arginine ?-ketoglutarate is continuously maintained in the patient.

Abstract: An oral formulation of arginine ?-ketoglutarate is disclosed which formulation is comprised of arginine ?-ketoglutarate and one or more excipient materials. A wide range of different controlled release formulations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. The formulation of arginine ?-ketoglutarate and excipient material is designed to obtain a desired result, e.g. attenuate symptoms suffered by a patient with a glutamate dehydrogenase deficiency or increase prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase activity or prevent protein glycation characteristic of atheroscloerosis, cataract formation, retinopathy, and aging. The desired results are obtained by increasing the period of time that a therapeutic level of arginine ?-ketoglutarate is continuously maintained in the patient.

Abstract: A formulation comprised of four active components which are a lipid soluble thiamine, lipoic acid, arginine ?-ketoglutarate, and a creatine derivative for oral administration is disclosed. The active components may be combined with excipient materials in such a way that those materials provide for an immediate release of a first portion of the active ingredients from the formulation following by a gradual release of any remaining active ingredients in a manner which makes it possible to (1) quickly obtain a therapeutic level of the active ingredients; and (2) substantially increase the period of time over which therapeutic levels of the active ingredients are maintained relative to a quick release formulation. These features make it possible to use the formulation to obtain a range of beneficial effects including reducing serum glucose levels and maintaining those reduced glucose levels over time to treat diabetic polyneuropathy as well as improving circulation and increasing muscle performance.

Abstract: A biphasic formulation of lipid soluble thiamine and lipoic acid for oral administration is disclosed. The lipoic acid and lipid soluble thiamine are combined with excipient materials in such a way that those materials provide for an immediate release of a first portion of the active ingredients from the formulation following by a gradual release of any remaining active ingredients in a manner which makes it possible to (1) quickly obtain a therapeutic level of the active ingredients; and (2) substantially increase the period of time over which therapeutic levels of the active ingredients are maintained relative to a quick release formulation. These features make it possible to use the formulation to reduce serum glucose levels and maintain those reduced glucose levels over time to treat diabetic polyneuropathy and thereby obtaining a range of desired therapeutic results.

Abstract: A controlled release formulation of lipoic acid is disclosed. The lipoic acid is combined with excipient materials in such a way that those materials provide for gradual release of the lipoic acid in a manner which makes it possible to substantially increase the period of time over which therapeutic levels of lipoic acid are maintained relative to a quick release formulation. These features make it possible to use lipoic acid to reduce serum glucose levels and maintain those levels over time thereby obtaining a range of desired therapeutic results.

Abstract: A controlled release formulation of lipoic acid is disclosed. The lipoic acid is combined with excipient materials in such a way that those materials provide for gradual release of the lipoic acid in a manner which makes it possible to substantially increase the period of time over which therapeutic levels of lipoic acid are maintained relative to a quick release formulation. These features make it possible to use lipoic acid to reduce serum glucose levels and maintain those levels over time thereby obtaining a range of desired therapeutic results.

Abstract: An oral formulation of arginine &agr;-ketoglutarate is disclosed which formulation is comprised of arginine &agr;-ketoglutarate and one or more excipient materials. A wide range of different controlled release formulations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. The formulation of arginine &agr;-ketoglutarate and excipient material is designed to obtain a desired result, e.g. attenuate symptoms suffered by a patient with a glutamate dehydrogenase deficiency or increase prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase activity or prevent protein glycation characteristic of atheroscloerosis, cataract formation, retinopathy, and aging. The desired results are obtained by increasing the period of time that a therapeutic level of arginine &agr;-ketoglutarate is continuously maintained in the patient.

Abstract: A controlled release formulation of lipoic acid is disclosed. The lipoic acid is combined with excipient materials in such a way that those materials provide for gradual release of the lipoic acid in a manner which makes it possible to substantially increase the period of time over which therapeutic levels of lipoic acid are maintained relative to a quick release formulation. These features make it possible to use lipoic acid to reduce serum glucose levels and maintain those levels over time thereby obtaining a range of desired therapeutic results.

Abstract: A controlled release formulation of lipoic acid is disclosed. The lipoic acid is combined with excipient materials in such a way that those materials protect the lipoic acid from chemical degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and provide for gradual release of the lipoic acid. These combined features make it possible to use lipoic acid to reduce serum glucose levels and maintain those levels over time thereby obtaining a range of desired results.

Abstract: A controlled release formulation of lipoic acid is administered to a patient resulting in reduced serum glucose levels. The formulation comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and is designed to prevent degradation of the lipoic acid in the gastrointestinal tract and to release the lipoic acid in a controlled manner thereby obtaining a desired lipoic acid serum level over an extended period resulting in reduced serum glucose levels over that period.

Abstract: Dietary supplement formulation which increases lean body mass without concomitant increase of body fat mass, an effect parallel to that seen with usage of synthetic anabolic steroidal compounds but without adverse side-effects. The formulation composition of the invention comprises creatine, taurine, ribonucleic acid, and optimally, a carbohydrate (starch or a simple saccharide)component for enhancing cellular uptake. Other components such as alpha-ketoglutaric acid and salts thereof, and beta-hydroxy-beta-methyl butyric acid and salts thereof can be added for optimal results. The composition may be taken alone or in combination with a nutrient base, which typically includes protein source(s), carbohydrate(s), vitamin(s), and mineral(s) and other amino acids such as L-Glutamine and other natural L-form non-branched chain or branched chain amino acids. Actual studies in weight trained men show statistically significant increases in lean body mass yet with decreases in fat mass within 28 days.

Abstract: An external signal light system with two intensity levels. The system includes a dual-filament lamp bulb to alert observers that the vehicle brakes are being actuated. A power circuit connected to the vehicle storage battery provides electrical current to the bulb through a pair of serially connected switches. A first switch is closed upon actuation of the automobile's brakes. A second switch, controlled by a relay, delivers electrical current through the power circuit to either one of the bulb filaments in response to the energization state of the vehicle headlights. In the event that the headlights are energized, the second switch directs electrical current to the bulb's high wattage filament upon actuating the brakes. When the headlights are de-energized, however, electrical current is directed to the low wattage filament upon actuation of the brakes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for lowering the concentration of a serum lipid or lipoprotein component in a mammal, including the step of administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a hypolipidemic, therapeutically effective amount of at least one creatine derivative.

Abstract: A grappling-type shovel including a pair of semicircular blades pivotally secured together by a hinge. The hinge includes a pair of pivot plates extending from the inner surfaces of the blades. The pivot plates are joined together by a pivot pin. A pair of elongated handles are secured at their lower ends to the blades. A foot pedal is pivotally secured to the lower end of one of the handles.