214 results about "Ph level" patented technology

Medical diagnostic apparatus and methods are disclosed. Ultrasound radiation pressure selectively modulates a target area within a body. One or more pulses of radiation containing temporally correlated groups of photons are generated. The photons are characterized by two or more different wavelengths that are selected to have specific interaction with a target chromophore. The two or more different wavelengths are also selected to have substantially similar scattering cross-sections and anisotropy parameters in the target and its surroundings. The pulses of radiation are injected into the body proximate the target area being modulated by the radiation pressure field. Photon groups at each of the different wavelengths that are backscattered from the target area are detected in temporal coincidence. Time-gated background-free amplification of the return signal is used to exclude photons which could not by virtue of their arrival time have interacted with the radiation-pressure-modulated target. Photon groups are selected with a modulation component at the modulation frequency of the radiation pressure modulation field, or at a harmonic of the modulation frequency. From the arrival rate of the detected temporally correlated photon pairs or multiplets, chemical information about the target area, such as an oxygenation or pH level can be inferred. Cardiac output may be computed from measurements of venous and / or arterial oxygenation using this technique.

A medical device for placement at a site in a patient's body and for controlling pH levels at the site in the patient's body includes one or more structural components made of a first biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material or, alternatively, one or more structural components having a coating thereon made of a first biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material. The device also includes a buffering agent and at least one second biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material on or in the one or more structural components, or alternatively, on or in the coating on the one or more structural components. The at least one second biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material encapsulates the buffering agent and the buffering agent is dispersed from the at least one second biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material in response to hydrolysis of the first biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material. Additionally, the device can include a drug that is either also encapsulated by the at least one second biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material or is included with the first biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material.

A collagen device is prepared by mixing collagen with purified water for a period of time sufficient to form a mixture. The pH of the mixture is adjusted to a pH level sufficient to substantially solubilize the collagen. A first predetermined amount of the mixture is placed into a container. The mixture is subject to a lyophilizing process and formed into a collagen device. The collagen device is also cross-linked. The collagen device has a plurality of pores wherein a majority of the pores have a diameter of less than 10 μm. To use the collagen device as an implant to replace, reinforce or strengthen bodily tissue, or to act as an adhesion barrier, the collagen device is placed in contact with bodily tissue and that contact is maintained until the collagen device is substantially resorbed within the bodily tissue.

A two-stage medicine delivery system provides an initial dose of medicine and a second dose of medicine. The initial and second doses are capable of achieving a rapid pharmacological effect and a prolonged pharmacological effect, respectively. The two-stage medicine delivery system preferably delivers a craving reduction substance, in which case, the rapid and prolonged pharmacological effects include a rapid and prolonged craving reduction. Preferably, the delivery system is a nicotine delivery system which is provided in chewing gum form or lozenge form and which provides the nicotine in a transmucosally absorbable form. The two-stage medicine delivery system preferably releases a buffering agent which increases a pH level in a user's mouth to facilitate absorption of the medicine when the delivery system is placed in the user's mouth. A method of making the medicine delivery system also is provided. The system and apparatus can be adapted to reduce cravings for alcohol, food, drugs (e.g., cocaine, opiates and the like) and tobacco products, especially tobacco products containing nicotine.

A vascular or cardiovascular medical device for placement at a site in a patient's body and for controlling pH levels at the site in the patient's body includes one or more structural components made of a biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material, or alternatively, a coating thereon made of a biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material. A buffering agent is provided on or in the biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material and the buffering agent is dispersed from the biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material in response to hydrolysis of the biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material. Additionally, the vascular or cardiovascular medical device can include a drug that is included with the biodegradable and / or bioabsorbable material. The vascular or cardiovascular medical device can also be a stent or a valve.

Optical sensor devices, image processing devices, methods and computer readable code computer-readable storage media for detecting biophysical parameters, chemical concentrations, chemical saturations, vital signs and physiological information such as a malignant condition are provided. In some embodiments, the optical sensor includes an array of photodetectors, where each photodetector is configured to detect a spectrum of light. In some embodiments, the image processing device receives a live still or video electronic image, or alternatively, the electronic image is provided from an electronic storage media. Exemplary physiological parameters include but are not limited to a pulse rate, a biophysical or physiological property of skin, a cardiovascular property, a property related to an organ such as the liver or the kidneys, and a temperature fluctuation. In some embodiments, the physiological parameter is indicative of a malady including but not limited to an autoimmune disease, a cancer, a nutritional deficiency, a malignant condition of bone marrow, a present of an infectious microbe such as a fungus, a present of hepatitis, and a cardiovascular disorder a pulmonary disorder. Exemplary chemical concentrations include but are not limited to a chemical saturation, a pH level, a pH level in blood vessels such as capillarys or in skin, a glucose level such as a blood glucose level, a urea nitrogen level such as a blood urea nitrogen level, a CO2 level such as a blood CO2 level or a CO2 saturation level, and an oxygen level such as a blood oxygen level or a blood oxygen saturation level. In some embodiments, the biophysical parameter, physiological parameter or chemical concentration is obtained from reflecting light from tissue from a mammalian subject. Alternatively one or more of these parameters are detected from a food item such as food tissue, a consumable beverage such as an alcoholic beverage, a dairy product, wine, a baked good, a fruit and a vegetable. Exemplary parameters related to food items include but are not limited to a parameter indicative of cooking or spoilage, a pH, a concentration of an antioxidant, and a concentration of an anti-inflammatory agent.

The, present invention provides useful adhesive compositions having similar adhesive properties to conventional UF and PPF resins. The compositions generally include a protein portion and modifying ingredient portion selected from the group consisting of carboxyl-containing compounds, aldehyde-containing compounds, epoxy group-containing compounds, and mixtures thereof. The composition is preferably prepared at a pH level at or near the isoelectric point of the protein. In other preferred forms, the adhesive composition includes a protein portion and a carboxyl-containing group portion.

In the proposed condensation product based on amino-s-triazines with at least two amino groups, formaldehyde and sulphite, the molar ratio of amino-s-triazine, formaldehyde and sulphite is 1:2.5-6.0:1.51-2.0 and the formiate content is less than 0.3 wt %. The condensation product is obtained by a) heating amino-s-triazine, formaldehyde and a sulphite in the molar ratio 1:2.5-6.0:1.51-2.0 in an aqueous solution at a temperature of 60-90° C. and a pH level of between 9.0 and 13.0 until the sulphite can no longer be detected; b) continuing the condensation at a pH level of between 3.0 and 6.5 and a temperature of 60-80° C. until the condensation product has a viscosity of 5-50 mm / s at 80° C.; and c) adjusting the pH level of the condensation product to 7.5-12.0 or carrying out thermal secondary treatment at a pH level of >10.0 and a temperature of 60-100° C. The product can be used as an additive for inorganic binders such as cement.

A system and method for reducing or preventing bacterial contamination in food includes application of a bacteriophage treatment to any type of food product at any stage of processing the food product. The bacteriophage treatment may also be applied to non-food surfaces and water systems, which may be susceptible to bacterial contamination and subsequent spread of bacteria. The bacteriophage treatment comprises at least one bacteriophage in a concentration sufficient to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination from pathogenic bacteria and / or spoilage bacteria. In some embodiments, the bacteriophage is able to reduce or eliminate bacteria introduced to a food product after the bacteriophage treatment was applied to the food product. In some embodiments, the bacteriophage treatment includes a buffering agent to maintain the bacteriophage at a pH level that sustains the bacteriophage. In some embodiments, the bacteriophage treatment includes a surfactant and / or a thickener to aid in applying the bacteriophage. Additional adjuvants and enhancers may be used in some embodiments to stabilize the bacteriophage or enhance its performance as an antibacterial agent.

The method of treating a human female menopausal condition, the steps that include determining need for increasing estrogen level in the blood, from a lower level associated with reduced ovarian estrogen production, the determining including measuring vaginal moisture or urethral fluid pH level, at repeated time intervals over a series of days. A test for FSH level in the blood, during those days, may be made for detection of high level FSH in conjunction with high pH level at the vagina to establish need for estrogen therapy, on a confirmatory basis.

A sensor component that may be used in conjunction with a filter module may include a plurality of sensor packages. The latter, in turn, may incorporate one or more micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors to measure various characteristics of fluid flow and filtration. A single sensor component may be adapted to measure the pressure, temperature, flow rate, differential pressure, conductivity, viscosity, pH level, etc. of the fluid at an upstream and a downstream location. Sensor measurements may be obtained continuously in order to monitor and indicate fluid conditions, including the use of a warning mechanism to indicate an out-of-range condition when the measurements fall outside of pre-set limits. Depending on the application and the fluid being filtered, data, including measurement data, may be transmitted through electrical connections or wirelessly. In wireless configurations, a sleep-mode may be included to maximize the life of local power supplies.

An automated system and method for passive testing of alcohol and drug abuse. The system enters a participant or subject into the system who is to be monitored during a probationary or other program for alcohol or drug abuse offenders. The system provides a drug testing home device or a drug testing kiosk device for use by the participant. The system enrolls the biometrics information of the participant into the computer system (e.g., finger print, voice, image, volatile compound organic gas level, and pH level). When the participant is to be tested in accordance with a testing schedule, the system validates these same biometrics of the participant, conducts the test, and then analyzes the test information for determining if the participant has been using alcohol or other drugs and should be subjected to a confirming urinalysis exam.

A low calcium sensitive (calcium stable) high acyl gellan gum is prepared for enhanced colloidal stability in beverages. The low calcium sensitive high acyl gellan gum has superior suspension performance for colloidal stability compared to other high acyl gellan gums. The low calcium sensitive high acyl gellan gum is prepared by adjusting the pH of a gellan fermentation broth (polymer solution) prior to pasteurization and reducing the pasteurization hold time compared to conventional pH levels and hold times.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to processes for producing acesulfame potassium. In one embodiment, the process comprises the step of reacting a first reaction mixture to form an amidosulfamic acid salt such as a trialkyl ammonium amidosulfamic acid salt. The first reaction mixture comprises sulfamic acid, an amine, and smaller amounts, if any, acetic acid, e.g., less than 1 wt % (10000 wppm). In terms of ranges, the first reaction mixture may comprise from 1 wppm to 1 wt % acetic acid. The process further comprises the step of reacting the amidosulfamic acid salt with diketene to form an acetoacetamide salt. In preferred embodiments, the amidosulfamic acid salt formation reaction is conducted at pH levels from 5.5 to 7.0. The process further comprises the step of deriving the acesulfame-K from the acetoacetamide salt.

An erosion-resistant capillary chip for use with in an infusion pump that is made from a silicon substrate having a first surface that includes a micro groove etched therein and a glass plate laminated to the first surface. The glass plate covers the micro groove so that a micro fluid conduit is created. The glass plate includes an inlet bore that connects with the micro fluid conduit and the silicon substrate includes an outlet bore that connects with the micro fluid conduit so that a drug solution entering the inlet bore from the infusion pump may pass through the micro fluid conduit at a restricted flow rate to the outlet bore and thereafter to a target site of a patient. The micro groove includes a passivation layer made from silicon nitride or silicon carbide that protects the micro groove against erosion from passing fluids having high basic or high acidic pH levels. A method for making the capillary chip is disclosed, as well as an infusion pump incorporating the improved capillary chip.

An apparatus, system and method that enables sensing and / or measuring environmental conditions in an in vivo environment. An environment sensitive material, such as a temperature sensitive color changing material, may be placed within or without of an in-vivo imaging device. The environment sensitive material may change in response to environmental changes, such as temperature changes, pH level changes, pressure changes etc., and the in-vivo imaging device may acquire these responses. These responses may be acquired by an imager, in the form of images that indicate the color status of the environment sensitive material for each data frame sent from the in-vivo imaging device to a data receiving unit and / or data processor. The data may be processed and analyzed etc. by a data processor, and output by an output device.

Zeolite / clay / phosphate catalysts can be prepared by a process wherein a composition of zeolite-clay-phosphate is brought to a pH level of about 7.0 to about 14.0. The resulting slurry is then age reacted for about 0.5 to about 24 hours. Thereafter the slurry is dried to produce a zeolite / clay / phosphate catalyst particles that are particularly characterized by their high levels of zeolite stability.

Present invention relates to a hydroponic plant grow cabinet, comprising a housing, said housing comprising main plant growing chamber and a pre-growing chamber for seeds / seedlings, main tank and auxiliary tanks for a nutrient solution and pH level regulating solutions, pumps and tubing, lighting means, ventilating means, control means, sensors, display means, loudspeaker and user input means, network communication means, connection to electric main, connections to water mains and sewage.

Improved, low-pH aqueous polymer mixtures are provided which can be applied directly to soils or incorporated within ammoniacal nitrogen-containing fertilizers to inhibit nitrification in soils, thus enhancing plant uptake of ammonium and yields. The polymers are advantageously used as metal (e.g., Ca) salts or complexes at pH levels of up to about 2. The polymers have anionic functional groups and are highly water dispersible.

Method for separating lignin from black liquor includes the following steps: a) precipitating lignin by acidifying black liquor and thereupon dewatering, b) suspending the lignin filter cake obtained in step a) to obtain a second lignin suspension and adjusting the pH level to approximately that of the washing water of step d) below, c) dewatering of the second lignin suspension, d) adding washing water and performing a displacement washing at substantially constant conditions without any dramatic gradients in the pH, and e) dewatering the lignin cake produced in step d) into a high dryness and displacing the remaining washing liquid in the filter cake, whereby a lignin product is obtained which has an even higher dryness after the displacement washing of step d). The lignin product or an intermediate lignin product obtained by the method, and its use, preferably for the production of heat or chemicals is also disclosed.

A system and method for the purification and biodeodorizing of a gas are disclosed. The system is highly adaptable and capable of operating in a variety of modes to tailor performance of the system to specific odor control applications. The scrubber stages of the system may each be maintained at different conditions to selectively promote bacterial activity that targets a variety of odorous constituents. The pH level of the irrigation fluid provided to each scrubber stage may be controlled.

A device and method for assessing characteristics of follicular fluid in vivo comprises an aspiration needle for oocyte retrieval having one or more sensors disposed on its outer cannula wall or embedded in its outer cannula wall for sensing and measuring characteristics of follicular fluid constituents such as pH level and oxygen concentration. The sensors are microsensors that communicate through a physical connection or wirelessly with a meter and display. The measurements are recorded and optionally printed for later review and selection of the most viable oocytes. The method involves inserting into an ovary an aspiration needle with one or more sensors. The needle is guided to a first follicle and inserted in the first follicle. Characteristics of the follicular fluid are sensed and measured and accordingly displayed on the meter and recorded for later reference and selection. The fluid is collected into a first collection container. The sensors can then be reset to a reference baseline and then additional follicles can be aspirated and measured in the same manner. After collection, the measurements of follicular fluid characteristics for each follicle can be assessed and the most viable oocytes can be selected.

A system and related method for monitoring plant growth conditions is provided, comprising a plurality of detectors (7) and central detector data processing means (1103); each detector (7) being arranged to measure properties indicative of a temperature, a water content, and a nutrient content, of a plant growth substrate; each detector (7) being further arranged to transmit the measured property or properties over a communications link to the central detector data processing means (1103); the central detector data processing means (1103) being arranged to store predefined irrigation data, defining a relationship between plural values for temperature, water content, pH level and / or nutrient content of the plant growth substrate; and plural desired irrigation output values; process the measured properties from each detector (7) to determine calculated properties of the substrate; and provide an output indicative of a desired irrigation input for the growth substrate, based upon measured properties received from the detectors (7) and the predefined irrigation data. A portable detector communications device (1105) for communicating configuration data relating to the detectors (7) may be included in the system.

Disclosed is an improve aeration system. The aeration system of the present invention more efficiently removes contaminates, such as hydrogen sulfide, from water. The increased efficiency is achieved by adjusting the pH level of the water in between sequential mass transfer media stages within the aerator. The present invention also relates to an aeration system wherein the forced or induced air is used to strip contaminates from the processed water is reutilized by one or more aeration towers connected in series.

A buoyant water chlorinator unit has a housing with an upper surface and an apertured chamber for receiving a chlorination agent. Three separate measurement systems are carried by the housing: a water temperature system, a pH level system, and an oxidation reduction system. The housing has apertures in the upper surface which receive removable sensor electrode receptacles capable of removably receiving the sensor electrodes for storage and containing a buffer solution used for calibration and sensor electrode preservation purposes. Outwardly extending suspension elements formed in the upper region of the housing enable sensor electrodes to be suspended from the housing with their lower ends immersed in water.

An iontophoretic delivery device utilizing a polymeric gel matrix to ameliorate pH deviation within the device wherein the pH of the polymeric gel matrix is buffered at select pH ranges in order to reduce skin irritation. The polymeric gel matrix is housed within the iontophoretic delivery device as a buffering agent wherein the matrix provides a suitable physiological pH level above 4.0 and particularly the pH level deviates between approximately 4.1 to approximately 4.9, and preferably at the pH 4.5 for an effective operation of the iontophoretic delivery of a medicament to treat affected areas of a living subject's body.