Abstract: Nutraceutical compositions derived from the fruit of the Garcinia mangostana L. or mangosteen plant are provided. The nutraceutical mangosteen compositions employ novel combinations of mangosteen fruit pulp and pericarp, and can be additionally complemented by selected juice concentrates to yield a composition for improving general health and wellness in humans.

Abstract: An actuator is used to dispense a medicament from a container having at least a first and second portion. The actuator includes a holder, a trigger member and a push member. The trigger member is pivotally connected to the holder at a pivot axis. The push member is connected to the trigger member. The push member is adapted to move at least the second portion of the container relative to the holder as the push member is pivoted in a first direction. In one preferred embodiment, the trigger member follows a path, and a stop member engages one of the container and push member and immobilizes the push member as the trigger member is moved along a predetermined portion of the path.

Abstract: A method for verifying the integrity of data payloads of ATM cells passing through a switching device involves computing a payload integrity verification code for the payload portion of an ATM cell. The payload integrity verification code may be generated according to any error detection or error correction scheme. Preferably, the payload integrity verification code is stored in a portion of the standard ATM cell header which is not used while the cell is passing through the switching device. Preferably the payload integrity verification code is stored in all, or a portion of, the virtual path identifier or virtual connection identifier fields. The invention allows for the immediate identification of cells having corrupted payload data. Different actions may be taken on the detection of errors in the ATM cell header and ATM cell payloads respectively.

Abstract: A medical information storage and display device including a housing having a front face, a back face, a top wall, a bottom wall, and opposed side walls. The housing has a programmable memory chip disposed interiorly thereof. The front face has a display disposed therein. The display is in communication with the programmable memory chip. The display includes a pair of programming buttons used to program a person's name, date of birth, medical condition, emergency contact and telephone number, and allergies.

Abstract: An actuator is used to dispense a medicament from a container having at least a first and second portion. The actuator includes a holder, a trigger member and a push member. The holder is adapted to engage at least the first portion of the container. The trigger member is pivotally connected to the holder at a pivot axis, wherein the trigger member is pivotable about the pivot axis in a first direction toward the grippable portion and a second direction opposite the first direction. The push member is connected to the trigger member, wherein the push member is pivotable about the pivot axis in the first direction as the trigger member is pivoted in the first direction and wherein the push member is pivotable about the pivot axis in the second direction as the trigger member is pivoted in the second direction. The push member is adapted to move at least the second portion of the container relative to the holder as the push member is pivoted in the first direction.

Abstract: The invention provides an aerosol medication delivery apparatus for use with a pMDI canister having medication and a propellant contained therein under pressure, wherein the pMDI canister has a discharge orifice from which the medication and propellant can be discharged forming an aerosol. The apparatus has a chamber housing having an input end and an output end and defining an interior space, wherein the input end receives the medication discharged from the discharge orifice of the pMDI canister into the interior space and wherein the medication can be withdrawn from the interior space by inhalation by a patient from the output end. The aerosol medication delivery apparatus also includes a valve at the output end. The valve has a valve seat and a valve member. The valve seat has a sealing surface and the valve member has a central open area and a sealing portion at the perimeter of the open area that mates with the sealing surface when the valve is closed.

Abstract: The invention provides an aerosol medication delivery apparatus for use with a pMDI canister having medication and a propellant contained therein under pressure, wherein the pMDI canister has a discharge orifice from which the medication and propellant can be discharged forming an aerosol. The apparatus has a chamber housing having an input end and an output end and defining an interior space, wherein the input end receives the medication discharged from the discharge orifice of the pMDI canister into the interior space and wherein the medication can be withdrawn from the interior space by inhalation by a patient from the output end. The aerosol medication delivery apparatus also includes a valve at the output end. The valve has a valve seat and a valve member. The valve seat has a sealing surface and the valve member has a central open area and a sealing portion at the perimeter of the open area that mates with the sealing surface when the valve is closed.

Abstract: An improved aerosol medication delivery apparatus and system. The aerosol medication delivery apparatus includes a canister-holding portion and a chamber housing. The canister-holding portion has a receptacle for receipt of a pMDI canister containing a medication and a propellant to provide the aerosol medication delivery system. The canister-holding portion has a discharge orifice communicating with the receptacle to direct an aerosol into an interior of the chamber housing at an input end thereof. The chamber housing also has an output end from which medication can be withdrawn by inhalation by a patient. According to one aspect, the aerosol delivery system includes a containment baffle located at the output end of the chamber housing to partially block the output. According to another aspect, the canister-holding portion and the chamber housing are coupled together by a mechanism that provides for the canister-holding portion to be retracted into the chamber housing for storage.

Abstract: The invention provides an aerosol medication delivery apparatus for use with a pMDI canister having medication and a propellant contained therein under pressure, wherein the pMDI canister has a discharge orifice from which the medication and propellant can be discharged forming an aerosol. The apparatus has a chamber housing having an input end and an output end and defining an interior space, wherein the input end receives the medication discharged from the discharge orifice of the pMDI canister into the interior space and wherein the medication can be withdrawn from the interior space by inhalation by a patient from the output end. The aerosol medication delivery apparatus also includes a valve at the output end. The valve has a valve seat and a valve member. The valve seat has a sealing surface and the valve member has a central open area and a sealing portion at the perimeter of the open area that mates with the sealing surface when the valve is closed.

Abstract: An actuation system for pivoting a flap on a helicopter rotor blade to reduce the interaction of the blade with the preceding blade vortex. The actuation system includes a fluid supply which is connected to first and second fluid supply lines. The fluid supply lines convey flows of pressurized fluid from the fluid supply to an actuator. The actuator includes a housing mounted within the rotor blade and having a channel formed in it. A butterfly shaft is pivotally mounted within the channel and has laterally extending arms which separate the channel into four lobes. A first port connects the first fluid supply line with two diametrically opposed lobes in the channel. A second port connects the second fluid supply line with the other two diametrically opposed lobes in the channel. A torque coupling is attached to the butterfly shaft and engaged with the flap such that rotation of the torque coupling produces concomitant rotation of the flap.

Abstract: A mask is provided for the inhalation of medication, such as asthmatic medication. The mask is molded of a resilient plastic or rubber material and has a central through opening and includes an open front portion adapted to receive an aerosolization chamber which receives medication from a metered dose inhaler. A sidewall expands outwardly from the open front portion and is adapted to fit sealingly on a face covering the mouth and nose. The sidewall is provided with an extension to accommodate the nose. A one-way exhalation valve is provided in the mask, preferably at the far end of the nose accommodating extension for conveying exhaled air to the outside, and preventing entrance of outside air therethrough into said mask.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus (2) for use in performing a variety of different physical exercises with weights (30), which exercise apparatus (2) includes first weight-receiving means (4) having a base (6) and an upstanding member (8) for receiving weights (30), second weight-receiving means (10) including a base (6) and an upstanding member (8) for receiving weights (30), and a bar (16) which is releaseably connectable to the first and the second weight-receiving means (4, 10), whereby the first and the second weight-receiving means (4, 10) are positioned one at each end of the bar (16) so that a person (28) performing the different physical exercises is able to hold the bar (16) between the first and the second weight-receiving means (4, 10).

Abstract: A fitting is provided for mounting a metered dose inhaler and adapter on the entering upstream end of a cylindrical aerosolization spacer. The fitting includes a cylindrical portion mounting on the cylindrical wall of said aerosolization spacer, and further includes a transverse wall having therein a centrally disposed opening having an oval shape truncated at the ends. The opening is reinforced by radially disposed ribs having inner longitudinal edges, which with the edge of the truncated oval opening comprises the sole structure of the fitting engages the mouthpiece of a metered dose inhaler adapter. A non-leaking fit between the adapter and the fitting is produced notwithstanding the shape of a particular metered dose inhaler adapter mouthpiece, such as truncated oval, oval, or circular.

Abstract: A mask is provided for the inhalation of medication, such as asthmatic medication. The mask is molded of a resilient plastic or rubber material and has a central through opening and includes an open front portion adapted to receive an aerosolization chamber which receives medication from a metered dose inhaler. A sidewall expands outwardly from the open front portion and is adapted to fit sealingly on a face covering the mouth and nose. The sidewall is provided with an extension to accommodate the nose. A one-way exhalation valve is provided in the mask, preferably at the far end of the nose accommodating extension for conveying exhaled air to the outside, and preventing entrance of outside air therethrough into said mask.

Abstract: A method and system for the biological disposal of oxalate is described in which a biological reactor having an alkalophilic oxalate-degrading aerobic micro-organism in aqueous solution is employed. The biological reactor comprises a vessel containing the aqueous solution and having an input for receiving dissolved oxalate from a dissolver tank. Sodium oxalate, as a by-product or the Bayer process in an alumina refinery, can be introduced into the dissolver tank in solid form together with trace elements and nutrients for biological growth. The system operates as a continuous feed process with dissolved oxalate being pumped from the dissolver tank into the biological reactor vessel continuously in a controlled manner. The biological reactor further comprises an aerator, including an oxygen probe for monitoring the level of dissolved oxygen in solution.