Abstract: A defined peak region residing between about 3.2 and 3.4 ppm of a proton NMR spectrum of an in vitro biosample is electronically evaluated to determine a level of trimethylamine-N-oxide (“TMAO”). The biosample may be any suitable biosamples including human serum with a normal biologic range of between about 1-50 ?M or urine with a normal biologic range of between about 0-1000 ?M.

Abstract: A handheld drinking vessel with a compressible bladder, inlet and outlet members, an inlet valve to allow liquid to flow into the bladder, and an outlet valve to allow liquid to flow from the bladder whereby liquid can be exhausted by a compression of the bladder and liquid can be drawn into the bladder by a decompression of the bladder. The drinking vessel can be employed to provide hydration to athletes during athletic endeavors by providing athletes with drinking vessels and providing at least one water stop with beverage containers. Water can be drawn from a beverage container through the inlet member and consumed through the outlet member. When provided by a sponsor or race organizer, the drinking vessels can be distributed on a complimentary basis filled with a beverage of a purveyor of beverages.

Abstract: A combination flow control and reverse flow check valve provides a compact valve unit for controlling the flow of fluid in a downstream direction and limiting undesired backflow of liquid into a source such as a reservoir. The flow control and reverse flow check valve may be provided as a unitary member having a housing with an upstream end configured for mounting to the liquid source, a fluid conveying channel within the housing, and a check element positioned in the channel between the flow control valve, such as a ball valve, and a seat which is complementally configured with the check element to normally seal against backflow. A blocking element may be provided to prevent interference of the check element with the operation of the flow control valve while permitting liquid to flow in an intended downstream direction.

Abstract: A combination flow control and reverse flow check valve provides a compact valve unit for controlling the flow of fluid in a downstream direction and limiting undesired backflow of liquid into a source such as a reservoir. The flow control and reverse flow check valve may be provided as a unitary member having a housing with an upstream end configured for mounting to the liquid source, a fluid conveying channel within the housing, and a check element positioned in the channel between the flow control valve, such as a ball valve, and a seat which is complementally configured with the check element to normally seal against backflow. A blocking element may be provided to prevent interference of the check element with the operation of the flow control valve while permitting liquid to flow in an intended downstream direction.

Abstract: A handheld drinking vessel with a compressible bladder, inlet and outlet members, an inlet valve to allow liquid to flow into the bladder, and an outlet valve to allow liquid to flow from the bladder whereby liquid can be exhausted by a compression of the bladder and liquid can be drawn into the bladder by a decompression of the bladder. The inlet and outlet valves can comprise one-way valves. First and second straps can enable an exertion of an expansion force on the bladder. A skeleton structure can bias the bladder to compressed or non-compressed configurations. First and second side walls of the bladder can pivot about an axis to allow the bladder to achieve a substantially flat configuration. The bladder, which can be formed from a thin film material, can be selectively retained adjacent to a wrist of a user by a strap and a wrist engaging member.

Abstract: A checking device for checking the operativeness of smoke alarms and for resetting the smoke alarms once they have been triggered comprises an elongated member in the form of a rod having one end provided with means which are adapted to engage test buttons on the smoke alarms and on the other end thereof, a smoke wafting means in the form of a fan for removing or dissipating accumulated smoke on the interior of the smoke alarms. During a test procedure, the checking device is positioned against the smoke alarm so that the testing means engages a test button to thereby cause the smoke alarm to give off an audible alarm signal. Failure of the smoke alarm to respond during the testing procedure indicates the failure of an internal electrical source. The checking device is utilized for resetting the smoke alarm after it has been triggered by a spurious source of smoke or by-products of combustion, such as smoke arising out of cooking or smoking tobacco in confined quarters.