Abstract: An apparatus for use with a treatment system to disrupt bacteria from a metallic dental implant includes apparatus configured for mechanical and electrical connection to a device capable of producing an electrical stimulation voltage, and in which a connective body is further configured for attachment to the mouth of a patient and including at least one metal contact. The apparatus can include a mouth guard having at least one integrated or releasably attachable metal contact. Alternatively, at least one clip member can be attached, the clip member having a metal contact portion. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with any electrode of a treatment system in which the electrode is disposed within the mouth of the patient or external.

Abstract: A system and related method for eliminating microbes from a metal orthopedic appliance includes a counter electrode and working electrode used for applying treatment, and a reference electrode used for monitoring safety parameters. The working electrode is the implanted appliance. Electrical current is applied between the counter electrode and the working electrode to create electrochemical current through the system and create electrochemical reactions on the surface of the working and counter electrode. The chemical species created at the working electrode provide a mechanism to disrupt and kill microbes on that surface, including bacterial biofilms commonly found on infected orthopedic implants. Circuitry connected to the electrodes keeps the applied current constant and allows the voltage between the working and counter electrode to vary. The reference electrode monitors the voltage at the working electrode in order to provide feedback to a processor as part of a feedback mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to autonomously analyze the surface area and alloy composition ratios of a metallic implant, such as an orthopedic implant, so that an optimal voltage for biofilm disruption can be selected and make treatment easier based at least in part upon the autonomous detection of a hydrogen evolution reaction threshold.

Abstract: A dental implant includes a post and an abutment extending from the post, the post and abutment being made from metal. A crown having a hollow cavity is attached onto the abutment, the crown being configured with a metallic insert that can be accessed and coupled to the abutment to enable electrical contact. In one version, the crown includes a metallic core and in another version, the crown can include a formed recess that receives a portion of the metal abutment. In each version, an exposed metallic area is provided, enabling electrical conduction to the abutment and post as part of a bacterial treatment of the dental implant.

Abstract: In various examples, a system for wirelessly transmitting power using resonant magnetic field power transfer includes a device including at least one component to be wirelessly powered. The device includes an elongate shaft and a capture element including a capture coil. A source element for wirelessly supplying power to the device includes a source coil disposed around an opening. The opening is sized to allow the elongate shaft of the device to fit therein. The source is located proximate a surgical access point, wherein, with insertion of the elongate shaft within the opening of the source for surgical access, the capture coil is disposed sufficiently proximate the source coil to allow power to be wirelessly transmitted from the source coil to the capture coil to power the at least one component of the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metal implant contact detection through capacitive measurements is provided. Capacitive measurement is accomplished with a conductive wire/lead, for example a main needle. The measured capacitance increases as the main needle is moved through the skin and tissues, then jumps when the main needle makes contact with the metal implant, thus proving the metal implant exists as well as detecting the location of the metal implant. The jump in capacitive measurement is detectable because the area of capacitance has increased from the main needle alone to the main needle plus the surface area of the metal implant. The apparatus can include a reference needle for taking reference needle capacitive measurements in the tissues surrounding the metal implant to increase the accuracy during use of the apparatus. A housing is provided for supporting the main and reference needles and supporting or housing apparatus electronics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metal implant contact detection through capacitive measurements is provided. Capacitive measurement is accomplished with a conductive wire/lead, for example a main needle. The measured capacitance increases as the main needle is moved through the skin and tissues, then jumps when the main needle makes contact with the metal implant, thus proving the metal implant exists as well as detecting the location of the metal implant. The jump in capacitive measurement is detectable because the area of capacitance has increased from the main needle alone to the main needle plus the surface area of the metal implant. The apparatus can include a reference needle for taking reference needle capacitive measurements in the tissues surrounding the metal implant to increase the accuracy during use of the apparatus. A housing is provided for supporting the main and reference needles and supporting or housing apparatus electronics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metal implant contact detection through capacitive measurements is provided. Capacitive measurement is accomplished with a conductive wire/lead, for example a main needle. The measured capacitance increases as the main needle is moved through the skin and tissues, then jumps when the main needle makes contact with the metal implant, thus proving the metal implant exists as well as detecting the location of the metal implant. The jump in capacitive measurement is detectable because the area of capacitance has increased from the main needle alone to the main needle plus the surface area of the metal implant. The apparatus can include a reference needle for taking reference needle capacitive measurements in the tissues surrounding the metal implant to increase the accuracy during use of the apparatus. A housing is provided for supporting the main and reference needles and supporting or housing apparatus electronics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metal implant contact detection through capacitive measurements is provided. Capacitive measurement is accomplished with a conductive wire/lead, for example a main needle. The measured capacitance as the main needle is moved through the skin and tissues increases, then jumps when the main needle makes contact with the metal implant, thus proving the metal implant exists and the location of the metal implant. The jump in capacitive measurement is detectable because the area of capacitance has gone from the main needle to the main needle plus the surface area of the metal implant surface area. The apparatus may also have a reference needle for taking reference needle capacitive measurements in the tissues surrounding the metal implant to increase the accuracy during use of the apparatus. A housing is provided for supporting the main and reference needles and supporting or housing apparatus electronics.

Abstract: In various examples, a system includes a power generating device configured to generate and transfer power to an electrical device. A sterilizable vessel is configured to accommodate the electrical device. The vessel is configured to allow power to be at least partially wirelessly transferred from the power generating device, through the vessel, and to the electrical device. In other examples, a method includes wirelessly powering and/or charging an electrical device disposed within a sterilizable vessel.

Abstract: In various examples, a system includes a power generating device configured to generate and transfer power to an electrical device. A sterilizable vessel is configured to accommodate the electrical device. The vessel is configured to allow power to be at least partially wirelessly transferred from the power generating device, through the vessel, and to the electrical device. In other examples, a method includes wirelessly powering and/or charging an electrical device disposed within a sterilizable vessel.

Abstract: In various examples, a system includes a power generating device configured to generate and transfer power to an electrical device. A sterilizable vessel is configured to accommodate the electrical device. The vessel is configured to allow power to be at least partially wirelessly transferred from the power generating device, through the vessel, and to the electrical device. In other examples, a method includes wirelessly powering and/or charging an electrical device disposed within a sterilizable vessel.

Abstract: A system for wirelessly charging an electrical energy storage device such as an electrochemical cell or battery pack is described. The system comprises a transmitting base unit having a charging tray that is capable of wirelessly transmitting electrical power received from an external electrical energy source. In addition, the system comprises an electrical energy capture assembly that is electrically incorporatable with an energy storage device. The energy capture assembly comprises a receiving coil that is electrically connected to various sub-circuits that condition and modify the wirelessly received electrical energy so that it re-charges the energy storage device. The system is primarily designed to be used with electrical power that is wirelessly transmitted by near field magnetic induction. The circuitry of the system is designed to accommodate for fluctuations in magnitude of wirelessly transmitted electrical power.

Abstract: A system for wirelessly charging an electrical energy storage device such as secondary electrochemical cell or battery pack of at least two electrically connected secondary cells is described. The system comprises an electrical energy capture circuit and capture coil that is electrically incorporatable with an energy storage device. The system is primarily designed to be used with electrical power that is wirelessly transmitted by near field magnetic induction. The energy transmitting circuit and coil may be incorporated within a container designed to hold or enclose an energy storage device during an autoclave sterilization process. In addition, a wireless energy adapter configured with the energy capture circuit designed to facilitate wireless charging of an energy storage device is disclosed. Furthermore, a cart designed to provide a mobile wireless energy source is disclosed.

Abstract: In various examples, a system includes a power generating device configured to generate and transfer power to an electrical device. A sterilizable vessel is configured to accommodate the electrical device. The vessel is configured to allow power to be at least partially wirelessly transferred from the power generating device, through the vessel, and to the electrical device. In other examples, a method includes wirelessly powering and/or charging an electrical device disposed within a sterilizable vessel.

Abstract: In various examples, a system includes a power generating device configured to generate and transfer power to an electrical device. A sterilizable vessel is configured to accommodate the electrical device. The vessel is configured to allow power to be at least partially wirelessly transferred from the power generating device, through the vessel, and to the electrical device. In other examples, a method includes wirelessly powering and/or charging an electrical device disposed within a sterilizable vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metal implant contact detection through capacitive measurements is provided. Capacitive measurement is accomplished with a conductive wire/lead, for example a main needle. The measured capacitance as the main needle is moved through the skin and tissues increases, then jumps when the main needle makes contact with the metal implant, thus proving the metal implant exists and the location of the metal implant. The jump in capacitive measurement is detectable because the area of capacitance has gone from the main needle to the main needle plus the surface area of the metal implant surface area. The apparatus may also have a reference needle for taking reference needle capacitive measurements in the tissues surrounding the metal implant to increase the accuracy during use of the apparatus. A housing is provided for supporting the main and reference needles and supporting or housing apparatus electronics.

Abstract: In various examples, a system for wirelessly transmitting power using resonant magnetic field power transfer includes a device including at least one component to be wirelessly powered. The device includes an elongate shaft and a capture element including a capture coil. A source element for wirelessly supplying power to the device includes a source coil disposed around an opening. The opening is sized to allow the elongate shaft of the device to fit therein. The source is located proximate a surgical access point, wherein, with insertion of the elongate shaft within the opening of the source for surgical access, the capture coil is disposed sufficiently proximate the source coil to allow power to be wirelessly transmitted from the source coil to the capture coil to power the at least one component of the device.

Abstract: An electrical system for charging an electrochemical cell or battery pack is described. The system is configured to dynamically modify the magnitude of the charge power based on the amplitude of the available power source. The system comprises a master control unit which measures the strength of the available incoming power source and dynamically modifies the charge current used to charge an electrochemical cell or battery pack based on the strength of the incoming electrical power available to the system.