Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus includes a flat, plate-shaped template adapted for facilities integration. The template defines a plurality of apertures arranged in a predetermined pattern of locations, each template aperture adapted to position a facility conduit passing through each template aperture in a predetermined location to facilitate subsequently coupling the positioned facility conduit to the wafer processing tool. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An optical noninvasive vital sign monitor comprising a reflectance-type optical sensor within a pressurizable capsule retained by a headband, the capsule having an optically transparent or translucent inner wall adapted for placement against a subject's forehead. The optical sensor is mounted on the inside surface of the pressurizable capsule's inner wall, which contacts the subject's forehead during use, and includes a light source and a photodetector aimed toward the inside surface of the inner capsule wall. One embodiment of the vital sign monitor includes optical oscillometric circuit means responsive to an output signal from the optical sensor for determining systolic pressure, mean pressure and diastolic pressure during a transition in capsule pressure between a pressure greater than normal systolic pressure and a pressure less than normal diastolic pressure.

Abstract: A method for the controlled release of a biologically active agent wherein the agent is released from a hydrophobic, pH-sensitive polymer matrix is disclosed and claimed. In one embodiment, the polymer matrix swells when the environment reaches pH 8.5, releasing the active agent. A polymer of hydrophobic and weakly acidic comonomers is disclosed for use in the controlled release system. In another embodiment, weakly basic comonomers are used and the active agent is released as the pH drops. Further disclosed is a specific embodiment in which the controlled release system may be used. The pH-sensitive polymer is coated onto a latex catheter used in ureteral catheterization. A common problem with catheterized patients is the infection of the urinary tract with urease-producing bacteria. In addition to the irritation caused by the presence of the bacteria, urease produced by these bacteria degrade urea in the urine, forming carbon dioxide and ammonia. The ammonia causes an increase in the pH of the urine.

Abstract: A method for the controlled release of a biologically active agent wherein the agent is released from a hydrophobic, pH-sensitive polymer matrix is disclosed and claimed. In one embodiment, the polymer matrix swells when the environment reaches pH 8.5, releasing the active agent. A polymer of hydrophobic and weakly acidic comonomers is disclosed for use in the controlled release system. In another embodiment, weakly basic comonomers are used and the active agent is released as the pH drops. Further disclosed is a specific embodiment in which the controlled release system may be used. The pH-sensitive polymer is coated onto a latex catheter used in ureteral catheterization. A common problem with catheterized patients is the infection of the urinary tract with urease-producing bacteria. In addition to the irritation caused by the presence of the bacteria, urease produced by these bacteria degrade urea in the urine, forming carbon dioxide and ammonia. The ammonia causes an increase in the pH of the urine.

Abstract: A method for the controlled release of a biologically active agent wherein the agent is released from a hydrophobic, pH-sensitive polymer matrix is disclosed and claimed. The polymer matrix swells when the environment reaches pH 8.5, releasing the active agent. A polymer of hydrophobic and weakly acidic comonomers is disclosed for use in the controlled release system. Further disclosed is a specific embodiment in which the controlled release system may be used. The pH-sensitive polymer is coated onto a latex catheter used in ureteral catheterization. A common problem with catheterized patients is the infection of the urinary tract with ureaseproducing bacteria. In addition to the irritation caused by the presence of the bacteria, urease produced by these bacteria degrade urea in the urine, forming carbon dioxide and ammonia. The ammonia causes an increase in the pH of the urine. Minerals in the urine begin to precipitate at this high pH, forming encrustations which complicate the functioning of the catheter.

Abstract: A method for the controlled release of a biologically active agent wherein the agent is released from a hydrophobic, pH-sensitive polymer matrix is disclosed and claimed. The polymer matrix swells when the environment reaches pH 8.5, releasing the active agent. A polymer of hydrophobic and weakly acidic comonomers is disclosed for use in the controlled release system. Further disclosed is a specific embodiment in which the controlled release system may be used. The pH-sensitive polymer is coated onto a latex catheter used in ureteral catheterization. A common problem with catheterized patients is the infection of the urinary tract with urease-producing bacteria. In addition to the irritation caused by the presence of the bacteria, urease produced by these bacteria degrade urea in the urine, forming carbon dioxide and ammonia. The ammonia causes an increase in the pH of the urine. Minerals in the urine begin to precipitate at this high pH, forming encrustations which complicate the functioning of the catheter.