Abstract: An auricular stimulation device having surface electrodes biased towards each other, and offset from one another, is provided. The stimulation device can be positioned about the ear of a patient with each of the electrodes overlaying auricular ear tissue containing innervation supplied by an auricular branch of the vagus nerve. The electrodes transcutaneously stimulate the auricular branch. Also provided is a method of treating a patient using the auricular stimulation device. The stimulation device can be used for treating patients with conditions such as high blood pressure, depression, high blood glucose level, and tinnitus. Also provided is a diagnostic and therapeutic system having the auricular stimulation device, a smart device and a monitoring device. The smart device controls the auricular stimulation device based on biomarker information received from the monitoring device; and on information related to the patient, such as age, musculoskeletal stability, etc.; and/or on user input.

Abstract: An example wearable device for placement relative to an ear includes a housing; a first extending structure; a second extending structure, the first and second extending structures are separated by an adjustable distance; a carriage coupled to the second extending structure and being at least partially disposed within the housing, the carriage being configured to move longitudinally along the housing and an adjustment mechanism configured to impart a force to cause longitudinal movement of the carriage to adjust the adjustable distance.

Abstract: A cycling shoe comprising: a sole member which defines a heel portion, an arch portion, a mid-sole portion and a toe portion, wherein the heel portion and the toe portion are formed from a first leather material, wherein the arch portion comprises a second material, and wherein the second material is non-leather, non-slip and substantially non-eroding.

Abstract: A plug includes a conformable element and a structural cover or top plate for plugging a hole in a concrete floor slab. This permits a workman to plug the hole; unplug the hole; and, in some embodiments, fit a pipe through the hole. Moreover, the conformable element may be swapped-out on site, allowing a workman to adjust a diameter and outer surface of the plug to meet on-site conditions.

Abstract: A blood glucose meter having a test strip port and an adjustable lancet device disposed at the same end of the device body is disclosed. The device body further includes an enclosure at the proximal end of the device body which houses a test strip storage vial and which facilitates one-handed opening and closing of the vial to simplify access to test strips contained therein. The enclosure is further provided with a window which allows the reading of the lot numbers on the label of the test strip vial therein without necessitating removal of the vial. A data connector is also provided on the device body for communication access, such as to upload data from other devices or to download data to other devices. By combining these multiple components into a single device body, the blood glucose meter requires fewer steps for sampling and testing, and makes device use easier and more convenient.

Abstract: A blood glucose meter having a test strip port and an adjustable lancet device disposed at the same end of the device body is disclosed. The device body further includes an enclosure at the proximal end of the device body which houses a test strip storage vial and which facilitates one-handed opening and closing of the vial to simplify access to test strips contained therein. The enclosure is further provided with a window which allows the reading of the lot numbers on the label of the test strip vial therein without necessitating removal of the vial. A data connector is also provided on the device body for communication access, such as to upload data from other devices or to download data to other devices. By combining these multiple components into a single device body, the blood glucose meter requires fewer steps for sampling and testing, and makes device use easier and more convenient.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a concentration of an analyte in a solution. The sensor comprises a substrate layer, an electrode layer and an immobilized enzyme layer. The sensor further includes an enzyme/polymer layer and/or a hydrophobic layer. The enzyme/polymer layer includes an enzyme disposed within a polymer matrix. The hydrophobic layer is formed from a material that is more hydrophobic than the immobilized enzyme layer material. In certain embodiments, the sensor includes the enzyme/polymer layer and the hydrophobic layer disposed between the enzyme/polymer layer and the immobilized enzyme layer such that the enzyme/polymer layer is disposed along the hydrophobic layer within an area above the immobilized enzyme layer.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is designed for use in detecting a concentration of an analyte in a sample solution. The sensor to have a longer useful lifetime, improved stability and improved response time for single or multiple use applications. In one aspect, some of these goals are achieved by providing the multilayer enzyme electrode membrane having both nonporous and microporous layers. The microporous layer is formed from a polymer binder, a polymer powder, a surfactant and a mineral powder. In another aspect, certain of these goals are achieved by the use of a layer comprised of an enzyme disposed within a polymer matrix. In certain embodiments, the multilayer enzyme electrode membrane includes an outermost layer which is capable of dissolving in the sample solution such that the interface between the multilayer enzyme electrode membrane and the sample solution is continually renewed.