Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the safe and efficient electrical stimulation of tissue. The apparatuses of the present invention are preferably hand-held and are capable of providing electrical waveforms that are effective in promoting wound healing, improving circulation, stimulating peripheral nerves, administering pharmaceutical compounds via electrophoresis, and electroporating DNA into tissue. The present invention also generally contemplates the safe and efficient transfection of DNA into mammalian tissue via electroporation. Particularly, apparatuses of the present invention are useful in the delivery of DNA vaccines and in gene therapy. The present invention also preferably provides for the direct measurement of in vivo tissue resistance. Tissue resistance measurements may then be used to adjust stimulation intensity during electroporation or electrostimulation, so as to avoid damaging tissue during operation of the unit.

Abstract: A transponder that may be used as an RFID tag includes a passive circuit to eliminate the need for an “always on” active RF receiving element to anticipate a wake-up signal for the balance of the transponder electronics. This solution allows the entire active transponder to have all circuit elements in a sleep (standby) state, thus drastically extending battery life or other charge storage device life. Also, a wake-up solution that reduces total energy consumption of an active transponder system by allowing all non-addressed transponders to remain in a sleep (standby) state, thereby reducing total system or collection energy. Also, the transponder and wake-up solution are employed in an asset tracking system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of communicating data employing current pulses transmitted by an implanted device through living biological tissue to an external device. The method also contemplates transmission of current pulses from the external device through living biological tissue to an implanted device. Uniquely configured antenna electrodes are preferably employed in the implanted device. Increase in signal-to-noise ratio is achieved through synchronization. The method may be employed in diagnostic, therapeutic and general monitoring activities in connection with human beings.

Abstract: A station having a means for receipt of ambient energy from the environment and energizing power storage devices of objects of interest comprising one or more antennae and circuitry for converting said ambient energy into DC power for energizing said power storage devices. The circuitry for converting the ambient energy into DC power may include a rectifier/charge pump. The antenna of the station is tuned to maximize DC energy at the output of the rectifier/charge pump. The station can be used to energize power storage devices including capacitors and batteries that are used in electronic devices, such as cell phones, cameras, PDAs. Various antenna constructions may be employed.

Abstract: A wireless untethered device which may be an integrated circuit chip or printed circuit board having at least one integrated antenna and circuitry operatively associated with the antenna for receipt of energy harvested from space by the antenna. The antenna has an effective area greater than its physical area. A system which receives power from the harvested energy after the energy is processed by the circuitry may also be provided with mismatched impedance between the antenna and a circuit resistance.

Abstract: An inherently tuned antenna has a circuit for harvesting energy transmitted in space and includes portions that are structured to provide regenerative feedback into the antenna to produce an inherently tuned antenna which has an effective area substantially greater than its physical area. The inherently tuned antenna includes inherent distributive inductive, inherent distributive capacitive and inherent distributive resistive elements which cause the antenna to resonate responsive to receipt of energy at a particular frequency and to provide feedback to regenerate the antenna. The circuit may be provided on an integrated circuit chip. An associated method is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of communicating data employing current pulses transmitted by an implanted device through living biological tissue to an external device. The method also contemplates transmission of current pulses from the external device through living biological tissue to an implanted device. Uniquely configured antenna electrodes are preferably employed in the implanted device. Increase in signal-to-noise ratio is achieved through synchronization. The method may be employed in diagnostic, therapeutic and general monitoring activities in connection with human beings.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and an associated method for remotely energizing power storage devices. Energization may preferably be effected through the use of RF energy within frequencies of the wireless fidelity standards. The remote station preferably has at least one antenna having an effective area greater than its physical area. The invention may advantageously be used on wireless fidelity products which are energized by the power storage device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of communicating data employing current pulses transmitted by an implanted device through living biological tissue to an external device. The method also contemplates transmission of current pulses from the external device through living biological tissue to an implanted device Uniquely configured antenna electrodes are preferably employed in the implanted device. Increase in signal-to-noise ratio is achieved through synchronization. The method may be employed in diagnostic, therapeutic and general monitoring activities in connection with human beings. Corresponding apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of identifying an article of interest includes providing one of a plurality of RF antennas each having a non-linear element which may be a rectifying diode and being resident at a different frequency on the article of interest. One RF antenna is interrogated with RF energy of a first frequency and converts the interrogated RF energy into a reflected energy of a different frequency. The reflected energy is sensed and on the basis of the different frequency determining if a specific antenna is present. The non-linear element may be a diode and is preferably a variable non-linear element. In another embodiment, the reflected RF energy is responsive to a change in ambient physical conditions such as pressure or temperature. Corresponding apparatus is provided.

Abstract: An inherently tuned antenna has a circuit for harvesting energy transmitted in space and includes portions that are structured to provide regenerative feedback into the antenna to produce an inherently tuned antenna which has an effective area substantially greater than its physical area. The inherently tuned antenna includes inherent distributive inductive, inherent distributive capacitive and inherent distributive resistive elements which cause the antenna to resonate responsive to receipt of energy at a particular frequency and to provide feedback to regenerate the antenna. The circuit may be provided on an integrated circuit chip. An associated method is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and an associated method for remotely energizing power storage devices. Energization may preferably be effected through the use of RF energy from a base station, ambient energy or ultra-wide band energy. The remote station preferably has at least one antenna having an effective area greater than its physical area. The system may have an antenna and associated circuitry provided on an electronic chip such as a monolithic chip or on a printed circuit with a suitable substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of communicating data employing current pulses transmitted by an implanted device through living biological tissue to an external device. The method also contemplates transmission of current pulses from the external device through living biological tissue to an implanted device Uniquely configured antenna electrodes are preferably employed in the implanted device. Increase in signal-to-noise ratio is achieved through synchronization. The method may be employed in diagnostic, therapeutic and general monitoring activities in connection with human beings. Corresponding apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane switch which has a static layer and a flexible membrane layer disposed adjacent to each other with one or more pairs of aligned electrical poles such that the switch may assume an electrically closed position and an electrically open position. A transmitter is integrally provided within the switch, preferably in the static layer and transmits signals responsive to closing of the switch or keystrokes applied thereto. A receiver receives the signals and in cooperation with the microprocessor delivers responsive output to an electronic circuit or system. Direct physical connections between the switch and the circuit or systems are not required.

Abstract: Apparatus for remote interaction with an object of interest includes a remote station for obtaining information from the object of interest, a base station for transmitting energy in space to and communicating with the remote station and the remote station having a conversion device for energizing the remote station responsive to receipt of the transmitted energy. The energy may be of any suitable type including RF power, light, acoustic, magnetic energy or other form of space transmitted or “radiant” energy. The remote station does not have to contain a source of stored energy or a wired connection to a source of energy. The remote station receives the energy transmission and data transmission from the base station and transmits data to the base station. Microprocessor controllers may be provided for the base station and the remote station. The remote station may receive information from sensors and through one or more transponders sequentially communicate information to the base station.

Abstract: A motion and position sensor includes a stationary member having active conductors that carry energizing power and sensing conductors that are electromagnetically coupled by a movable member to generate signals in the sensing conductors that are representative of the position of the movable member. The movable member is contactless and therefore requires no electrical connection to any other component. Thus, frictional reactance torque and electromagnetically generated torque are reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: A suspension gyroscope has a stator and a rotor rotatably mounted with respect to the stator. The rotor has at least one generally hemispherical portion which is, at least in part, electrically conductive. The rotor may also have disc-like portions which project radially outwardly therefrom. Electrical coils serve to generate magnetic fields which induce eddy currents in the hemispherical portions and the disc-like portions. These coils serve to monitor the positions of the rotors with respect to three reference axes. A sensor for measuring departure of the rotor from a desired position is provided and may be optical or magnetic in nature.