Abstract: An electrode includes separate first and second electrical contacts to contact the skin of a subject. A charge-holding structure is electrically connected between the first and second contacts. An indicator is operatively coupled to the charge-holding structure so that the indicator changes visibly in response to a change in the charge stored in the charge-holding structure. The electrode can include a rectifier across the contacts. A container for electrodes includes an electrical supply and a plurality of receptacles for electrodes so that a voltage difference is maintained across conductors of each receptacle (and contacts of an electrode therein) for at least one week. A method of making electrodes includes arranging the contacts over a support, connecting the charge-holding structure between them, arranging the indicator over the support, and charging the charge-holding structure so that the indicator has a first visual appearance.

Abstract: An electrode includes separate first and second electrical contacts to contact the skin of a subject. A charge-holding structure is electrically connected between the first and second contacts. An indicator is operatively coupled to the charge-holding structure so that the indicator changes visibly in response to a change in the charge stored in the charge-holding structure. The electrode can include a rectifier across the contacts. A container for electrodes includes an electrical supply and a plurality of receptacles for electrodes so that a voltage difference is maintained across conductors of each receptacle (and contacts of an electrode therein) for at least one week. A method of making electrodes includes arranging the contacts over a support, connecting the charge-holding structure between them, arranging the indicator over the support, and charging the charge-holding structure so that the indicator has a first visual appearance.

Abstract: An electrode includes separate first and second electrical contacts to contact the skin of a subject. A charge-holding structure is electrically connected between the first and second contacts. An indicator is operatively coupled to the charge-holding structure so that the indicator changes visibly in response to a change in the charge stored in the charge-holding structure. The electrode can include a rectifier across the contacts. A container for electrodes includes an electrical supply and a plurality of receptacles for electrodes so that a voltage difference is maintained across conductors of each receptacle (and contacts of an electrode therein) for at least one week. A method of making electrodes includes arranging the contacts over a support, connecting the charge-holding structure between them, arranging the indicator over the support, and charging the charge-holding structure so that the indicator has a first visual appearance.

Abstract: An electrode includes separate first and second electrical contacts to contact the skin of a subject. A charge-holding structure is electrically connected between the first and second contacts. An indicator is operatively coupled to the charge-holding structure so that the indicator changes visibly in response to a change in the charge stored in the charge-holding structure. The electrode can include a rectifier across the contacts. A container for electrodes includes an electrical supply and a plurality of receptacles for electrodes so that a voltage difference is maintained across conductors of each receptacle (and contacts of an electrode therein) for at least one week. A method of making electrodes includes arranging the contacts over a support, connecting the charge-holding structure between them, arranging the indicator over the support, and charging the charge-holding structure so that the indicator has a first visual appearance.

Abstract: An inductive power transfer system includes a base unit comprising a first inductive element for providing input power to a second inductive element of a target unit providing output power, a positioning structure provided on at least one of the base unit and the target unit for removably positioning the second inductive element at a predetermined orientation and distance relative to the first inductive element, a switch element configured for selectively applying a time varying electric current to the first inductive element to produce a time varying magnetic field for inducing an electric current in the second inductive element, and a control circuit for monitoring one parameter indicative of an efficiency of power transfer and automatically selectively adjusting at least one characteristic of the time varying electric current responsive to the parameter to maximize an efficiency of power transfer from the base unit to the target unit.

Abstract: An inductive power transfer system includes a base unit comprising a first inductive element for providing input power to a second inductive element of a target unit providing output power, a positioning structure provided on at least one of the base unit and the target unit for removably positioning the second inductive element at a predetermined orientation and distance relative to the first inductive element, a switch element configured for selectively applying a time varying electric current to the first inductive element to produce a time varying magnetic field for inducing an electric current in the second inductive element, and a control circuit for monitoring one parameter indicative of an efficiency of power transfer and automatically selectively adjusting at least one characteristic of the time varying electric current responsive to the parameter to maximize an efficiency of power transfer from the base unit to the target unit.