Abstract: A system and associated method for concentrating and separating components of different densities from fluid containing cells using a centrifuge includes a container defining a cavity for receiving the fluid. The container has a top, a sidewall extending from the top, and a bottom disposed opposite the top and in sealing engagement with the sidewall. An insert is slidably disposed in the cavity of the container and defines a lumen through the insert. The lumen, which includes a hole and a funnel-shaped upper portion in fluid communication with the hole, forms an open fluid path between opposite ends of the insert. The insert has a density such that upon centrifugation a selected component of the fluid resides within the lumen. A container port is disposed in the top of the container to transfer the fluid into the container and to withdraw a fluid component other than the selected component from the container.

Abstract: A protective device and a method of transmitting an alert from the device, in which the protective device is handheld and includes a flexible sheath disposed between an upper member and a lower member. When the device is compressed, elongated defensive components protrude through openings in the upper member. In some cases, the upper member also includes protruding portions extending upward from the upper member and/or an arm portion extending outward to a side of the device. A signal alert may be automatically transmitted upon device compression.

Abstract: A protective device and a method of transmitting an alert from the device, in which the protective device is handheld and includes a flexible sheath disposed between an upper member and a lower member. When the device is compressed, elongated defensive components protrude through openings in the upper member. In some cases, the upper member also includes protruding portions extending upward from the upper member and/or an arm portion extending outward to a side of the device. A signal alert may be automatically transmitted upon device compression.

Abstract: A self-defense weapon for women and others, comprising a lightweight, portable single or multi-bladed weapon adapted to be held in the hand and when activated by squeezing, one or more blades are exposed outwardly between the fingers. When the hand is relaxed, the weapon is deactivated, and the blades retract into the body of the weapon (sheath) protecting the user, so the weapon may be safely carried in the user's pocket or purse.

Abstract: A self-defense weapon for women and others, comprising a lightweight, portable single or multi-bladed weapon adapted to be held in the hand and when activated by squeezing, one or more blades are exposed outwardly between the fingers. When the hand is relaxed, the weapon is deactivated, and the blades retract into the body of the weapon (sheath) protecting the user, so the weapon may be safely carried in the user's pocket or purse.

Abstract: A protective device and a method of transmitting an alert from the device, in which the protective device is handheld and includes a flexible sheath disposed between an upper member and a lower member. When the device is compressed, elongated defensive components protrude through openings in the upper member. In some cases, the upper member also includes protruding portions extending upward from the upper member and/or an arm portion extending outward to a side of the device. A signal alert may be automatically transmitted upon device compression.

Abstract: A self-defense weapon for women and others, comprising a lightweight, portable single or multi-bladed weapon adapted to be held in the hand and when activated by squeezing, one or more blades are exposed outwardly between the fingers. When the hand is relaxed, the weapon is deactivated, and the blades retract into the body of the weapon (sheath) protecting the user, so the weapon may be safely carried in the user's pocket or purse.

Abstract: A self-defense weapon for women and others, comprising a lightweight, portable single or multi-bladed weapon adapted to be held in the hand and when activated by squeezing, one or more blades are exposed outwardly between the fingers. When the hand is relaxed, the weapon is deactivated, and the blades retract into the body of the weapon (sheath) protecting the user, so the weapon may be safely carried in the user's pocket or purse.

Abstract: Methods of detecting the presence of concealed weapons and determining the type of weapons with a greater degree of certainty and reliability. The method involves tagging of the weapon with a radioactive marking that produces penetrative radiation, and providing radiation detectors at entrances to commercial and private residences, airlines, vehicles and other places. According to a preferred method, the tagging or marking of the weapon is in a form of a digital coding; and a different common coding is applied to each different kind of weapon. For example, hand guns receive a common code of one type; knives a different code; explosives a third different code, and the like.