Abstract: A plurality of concepts related to HIFU therapy are disclosed, including a technique to spatially track and display the relative positions of a HIFU focal point and an imaging plane from an ultrasound imager, so that a clinician can ensure that the HIFU focus remains in the image plane during HIFU therapy, thereby facilitating image guided HIFU therapy. Also disclosed are a plurality of transvaginal probes that include a HIFU transducer optimized for the treatment of uterine fibroids. In one embodiment, the probe includes a piezoceramic crystal bonded to an aluminum lens, to achieve a HIFU transducer having a focal length of about 4 cm. In another embodiment, the probe includes a generally spoon-shaped transducer including a plurality of individual emitter elements. Still another concept disclosed herein is a method for evaluating a quality of a coupling between a liquid-filled volume encompassing a HIFU transducer and a tissue interface.

Abstract: The auxiliary lighting system includes a pair of light assemblies, attached to or integral with opposing sides of an informational display. The light assemblies produce light of approximately 300 lux at 50 cm. Each light assembly includes a plurality of individual light sources, such as LEDs, distributed so that the light therefrom does not to irritate the eyes of the user, with approximately 2 lumens being produced from each 5 mm by 5 mm region of the light assemblies.

Abstract: A solid composition in the form of a tablet that generates and releases a biocidal solution comprising at least chlorine dioxide with an enhanced weight percent yield is presented. The composition comprises reactants capable of in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide comprising a chlorite donor that is coated with a gel-forming material that slows the rate of dissolution of the high solubility chlorite donor, a free halogen donor, and an acid source, resulting in an unexpectedly high weight percent yield and providing a controlled release of biocidal solution. The compositions of the invention show improved environmental stability which can reduce the cost of packaging and significantly increase the utility of the composition. The controlled release allows the use in multi-tablet chemical dispensers which may otherwise induce potentially explosive conditions or allow rapid release of the biocidal solution thereby inducing a spike in chemical concentration rather than a controlled and sustained release.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for producing, and the resulting compositions comprising non-hygroscopic stabilized catalyst for use with peroxysulfates for the in-situ generation of sulfate free radicals in recreational water.

Abstract: An efficient cyclic process and related compositions for the in-situ generation of oxyhalogens from anions of chloride, bromide and chlorite in an aqueous system using in-situ generated sulfate free radicals. The cyclic process and compositions enhance the rate of inactivation of microbiological organisms especially those resistant to inactivation from free halogen based sanitizers, and oxidation of oxidation resistant organic based compounds in aqueous solution. Aquatic facilities susceptible to accumulation of organic N-chloramines and other oxidation resistant compounds, as well as oxidation resistant parasitic organisms such as cryptosporidium and Giardia, obtain dramatic improvements in the rate of oxidation and subsequent inactivation of these undesirable contaminants.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for enhanced sanitation and oxidation of aqueous solutions at aquatic facilities. The method provides a means for the in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide from dilute solutions of chlorite anions at near neutral pH, and enhanced inactivation rates of microbiological organisms including cryptosporidium.

Abstract: A fast-acting solid composition in the form of a tablet that generates and releases a biocidal solution comprising at least chlorine dioxide with an enhanced weight percent yield of at least 20 wt % is presented. The composition comprises reactants capable of in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide comprising a chlorite donor that is coated with a non-hygroscopic material that enhances the environmental stability of the composition.

Abstract: A method for the in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide from dilute solutions of chlorite anions for the enhanced inactivation of microbiological organisms in an aqueous solution of an aquatic facility treated with biguanide.

Abstract: A solid composition in the form of a tablet that generates and releases a biocidal solution comprising at least chlorine dioxide with an enhanced weight percent yield is presented. The composition comprises reactants capable of in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide comprising a chlorite donor that is coated with a gel-forming material that slows the rate of dissolution of the high solubility chlorite donor, a free halogen donor, and an acid source, resulting in an unexpectedly high weight percent yield and providing a controlled release of biocidal solution. The compositions of the invention show improved environmental stability which can reduce the cost of packaging and significantly increase the utility of the composition. The controlled release allows the use in multi-tablet chemical dispensers which may otherwise induce potentially explosive conditions or allow rapid release of the biocidal solution thereby inducing a spike in chemical concentration rather than a controlled and sustained release.

Abstract: A plurality of concepts related to HIFU therapy are disclosed, including a technique to spatially track and display the relative positions of a HIFU focal point and an imaging plane from an ultrasound imager, so that a clinician can ensure that the HIFU focus remains in the image plane during HIFU therapy, thereby facilitating image guided HIFU therapy. Also disclosed are a plurality of transvaginal probes that include a HIFU transducer optimized for the treatment of uterine fibroids. In one embodiment, the probe includes a piezoceramic crystal bonded to an aluminum lens, to achieve a HIFU transducer having a focal length of about 4 cm. In another embodiment, the probe includes a generally spoon-shaped transducer including a plurality of individual emitter elements. Still another concept disclosed herein is a method for evaluating a quality of a coupling between a liquid-filled volume encompassing a HIFU transducer and a tissue interface.

Abstract: A solid composition in the form of a tablet that generates and releases a biocidal solution comprising at least chlorine dioxide with an enhanced weight percent yield is presented. The composition comprises reactants capable of in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide comprising a chlorite donor that is coated with a gel-forming material that slows the rate of dissolution of the high solubility chlorite donor, a free halogen donor, and an acid source, resulting in an unexpectedly high weight percent yield and providing a controlled release of biocidal solution. The compositions of the invention show improved environmental stability which can reduce the cost of packaging and significantly increase the utility of the composition. The controlled release allows the use in multi-tablet chemical dispensers which may otherwise induce potentially explosive conditions or allow rapid release of the biocidal solution thereby inducing a spike in chemical concentration rather than a controlled and sustained release.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for their use are presented that substantially increase the rate of inactivation of microbiological organisms, especially those resistant to inactivation from free halogen based sanitizers, and oxidation of oxidation resistant organic based compounds in aqueous solution. Aquatic facilities susceptible to accumulation of organic N-chloramines, cyanuric acid and other oxidation resistant compounds, as well as oxidation resistant parasitic organisms such as cryptosporidium and Giardia, obtain dramatic improvements in the rate of oxidation and subsequent inactivation of these undesirable contaminants.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing chemical oxygen demand is presented. The composition includes a persulfate donor and a transition metal catalyst in contact with the persulfate donor. When the composition is contacted by water, the transition metal catalyst reacts with persulfate and reduces the persulfate concentration in the water. The composition allows the use of persulfate, which is known to cause irritation to users of aquatic facilities (e.g., pools, spas) that come in contact with it. As the persulfate concentration is reduced rapidly in the water by the catalyzed reaction, the persulfate-containing cleaning product may even be used while the aquatic facilities are being used. Optionally, a free halogen donor may be incorporated into the composition. The composition may be in the form of powder, granules (coated or uncoated), or agglomerate.

Abstract: A composition that generates and releases a biocidal solution comprising at least chlorine dioxide is presented. The composition comprises reactants capable of in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide, and a gelling agent that slows the rate of dissolution of the reactants, thereby increasing yield and providing a controlled release of biocidal solution. The compositions of the invention show improved environmental stability which can reduce the cost of packaging. The controlled release allows the use in multi-tablet chemical dispensers which may otherwise induce potentially explosive conditions or allow rapid release of the biocidal solution thereby inducing a spike in chemical concentration rather than a sustained release.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for enhanced sanitation and oxidation of aqueous solutions at aquatic facilities. The method provides a means for the in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide from dilute solutions of chlorite anions at near neutral pH, and enhanced inactivation rates of microbiological organisms including cryptosporidium.

Abstract: A composition that generates and releases a biocidal solution comprising at least chlorine dioxide and free halogen is presented. The composition comprises reactants capable of in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide and free halogen donor, and a gelling agent that slows the rate of dissolution of the reactants, thereby increasing yield and providing a controlled release of biocidal solution. The compositions of the invention show improved environmental stability which can reduce the cost of packaging. The controlled release allows the use in multi-tablet chemical dispensers which may otherwise induce potentially explosive conditions or allow rapid release of the biocidal solution thereby inducing a spike in chemical concentration rather than a sustained release.

Abstract: A composition that generates and releases a biocidal solution comprising at least chlorine dioxide is presented. The composition comprises reactants capable of in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide, and a gelling agent that slows the rate of dissolution of the reactants, thereby increasing yield and providing a controlled release of biocidal solution. The compositions of the invention show improved environmental stability which can reduce the cost of packaging. The controlled release allows the use in multi-tablet chemical dispensers which may otherwise induce potentially explosive conditions or allow rapid release of the biocidal solution thereby inducing a spike in chemical concentration rather than a sustained release.

Abstract: A noninvasive technique that can be used to deny blood flow to a particular region of tissue, without the inherent risks associated with invasive procedures such as surgery and minimally-invasive procedures such as embolization. Blood flow in selected portions of the vasculature can be occluded by selectively treating specific portions of the vasculature with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The occlusion denies undesired tissue the nutrients and oxygen provided by blood flow, causing necrosis in the undesired tissue. An imaging technology (such as magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, ultrasound imaging, Doppler based ultrasound imaging, or computed tomographic angiography) is used to identify the undesired tissue, and the vascular structures associated with the undesired tissue.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing chemical oxygen demand is presented. The composition includes a persulfate donor and a transition metal catalyst in contact with the persulfate donor. When the composition is contacted by water, the transition metal catalyst reacts with persulfate and reduces the persulfate concentration in the water. The composition allows the use of persulfate, which is known to cause irritation to users of aquatic facilities (e.g., pools, spas) that come in contact with it. As the persulfate concentration is reduced rapidly in the water by the catalyzed reaction, the persulfate-containing cleaning product may even be used while the aquatic facilities are being used. Optionally, a free halogen donor may be incorporated into the composition. The composition may be in the form of powder, granules (coated or uncoated), or agglomerate.

Abstract: Ultrasound contrast agents are used to enhance imaging and facilitate HIFU therapy in four different ways. A contrast agent is used: (1) before therapy to locate specific vascular structures for treatment; (2) to determine the focal point of a HIFU therapy transducer while the HIFU therapy transducer is operated at a relatively low power level, so that non-target tissue is not damaged as the HIFU is transducer is properly focused at the target location; (3) to provide a positive feedback mechanism by causing cavitation that generates heat, reducing the level of HIFU energy administered for therapy compared to that required when a contrast agent is not used; and, (4) to shield non-target tissue from damage, by blocking the HIFU energy. Various combinations of these techniques can also be employed in a single therapeutic implementation.