Abstract: A non-pharmaceutical apparatus, system and process for treating and/or detecting biological targets, such as infectious diseases, are provided in various implementations. In one implementation, a medical device, system and/or process targets biologic targets such as microorganisms, fungi, bacteria and viruses resident in an infected environment. Further various method of detecting the biological targets are also provided.

Abstract: Single and multiple cell batteries are provided with built-in controllers that monitor the cell or cells and provide a safety disconnect when certain monitored conditions are detected by the controller. Preferred single and multiple cell batteries have their cell or cells within a container having a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The built-in controller monitors the cell or cells for each of the following conditions: over temperature, short-circuit, overcharge, and over-discharge and the controller provides a safety disconnect when one of the monitored conditions exist.

Abstract: A treatment device, system and process for treating one or more biological targets within an environment is provided. In one implementation, for example, a treatment device comprises an antenna comprising a pair of electrodes configured for electrical coupling with an environment comprising biological targets for delivering a first electromagnetic signal to the environment, wherein the first electromagnetic signal is configured to generate ions within the environment for interacting with the biological targets.

Abstract: A power converter for coupling an energy source to a load device comprising a selectively coupled output stage to deliver energy from an energy source to a load device, a controller coupled to the output stage, an output stage, a capacitive element coupled to the output terminals, a rectifying element, and a switch responsive to a control signal from the controller. The rectifying element and switch are coupled to the inductive and capacitive elements. The controller is responsive to input signals for generating the control signal to open the switch in a first state and close the switch in a second state. The input signals to the controller produce one or more output voltages across the output terminals, an input voltage across the input terminals, a selectable reference voltage and a feedback signal measured with respect to the inductive element.

Abstract: A multiple-cell battery having a built-in controller is disclosed that extends the run time of the battery. The controller may extend the run time of the battery, for example, by converting the cell voltage to an output voltage that is greater than a cut-off voltage of an electronic device, by converting the cell voltage to an output voltage that is less than the nominal voltage of the electrochemical cell of the battery, or by protecting the electrochemical cell from current peaks. The controller may also include a ground bias circuit that provides a virtual ground so that a converter may operate at lower cell voltages. The battery may be a single-cell battery, a universal single-cell battery, a multiple-cell battery or a multiple-cell hybrid battery. The individual cells of the multiple-cell battery may be connected in series or parallel. In addition, the individual cells may have a controller in each cell that is capable of performing one or more functions to extend the run time of the cell.

Abstract: An active package for an integrated circuit may include an integrated circuit and an active component that is part of the circuit topology for the integrated circuit. The active component forms at least a portion of the housing for the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may be housed in a shell formed by one or more discrete components. The active package may be formed in the same geometry and dimensions as a standard passive integrated circuit package, or may be formed in a shape to fit inside a standard or specially made battery package, or for another special application. A smart component may include a discrete component or a semiconductor-based resistor, capacitor or inductor, and a separate integrated circuit housed in the same housing as the discrete component or a semiconductor-based resistor, capacitor or inductor. The integrated circuit may control at least one electrical parameter of the discrete component or a semiconductor-based resistor, capacitor or inductor.

Abstract: A power converter for coupling an energy source to a load device comprising a selectively coupled output stage to deliver energy from an energy source to a load device, a controller coupled to the output stage, an output stage, a capacitive element coupled to the output terminals, a rectifying element, and a switch responsive to a control signal from the controller. The rectifying element and switch are coupled to the inductive and capacitive elements. The controller is responsive to input signals for generating the control signal to open the switch in a first state and close the switch in a second state. The input signals to the controller produce one or more output voltages across the output terminals, an input voltage across the input terminals, a selectable reference voltage and a feedback signal measured with respect to the inductive element.

Abstract: A hollow microneedle with a substantially sharp edge is provided that includes at least one longitudinal blade at the top surface or tip of the microneedle to aid in penetration of the stratum corneum of skin. In a preferred embodiment, there are two such longitudinal blades that are constructed on opposite surfaces at approximately a 180° angle along the cylindrical side wall of the microneedle. Each edged blade has a cross-section that, when viewed from above the microneedle top, has an isosceles triangle profile. The blade's edge can run the entire length of the microneedle from its very top surface to its bottom surface where it is mounted onto the substrate, or the edge can be discontinued partway down the length of the microneedle. A star-shaped solid microneedle also is provided having at least one blade with a relatively sharp edge to assist in penetrating the stratum corneum of skin.

Abstract: A DC/DC power converter is efficiently switched to produce a predetermined output voltage across a load capacitor as required by a load device. In particular, a capacitive and/or inductive element is switched between a charge and discharge state as required to maintain the output voltage. For a capacitive-only power converter, or charge pump, comparison of the output voltage to a reference voltage efficiently switches a fly capacitor between charging and discharging states. Also, power converter based on switching of an inductive element with a synchronous rectifier and switch to charge the load capacitor is made more efficient by a hysteretic comparison of the output voltage to predetermined thresholds for stopping the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) modulation when the predetermined output voltage is achieved.

Abstract: A charge pump power converter efficiently provides electrical power by dynamically controlling a switch matrix of the charge pump. Instead of open-loop oscillator-based control, a dynamic controller provides power upon demand by sensing the output voltage and changing the operating frequency of the charge pump in response. Moreover, this closed-loop dynamic control intrinsically voltage regulates the output voltage of the charge pump power converter without the inefficient addition of a step-down voltage regulator, downstream of the power converter. Additional efficiencies are achieved through maintaining the voltage ripple across the fly capacitor and/or the load capacitor. Also, a three-state control scheme is used to charge the fly capacitor, wait for the output voltage to drop to a predetermined level, and discharge the fly capacitor. Furthermore, a multiple-output charge pump power converter provides multiple voltage levels for devices such as portable communication electronic devices.

Abstract: An active package for an integrated circuit may include an integrated circuit and an active component that is part of the circuit topology for the integrated circuit. The active component forms at least a portion of the housing for the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may be housed in a shell formed by one or more discrete components. The active package may be formed in the same geometry and dimensions as a standard passive integrated circuit package, or may be formed in a shape to fit inside a standard or specially made battery package, or for another special application. A smart component may include a discrete component or a semiconductor-based resistor, capacitor or inductor, and a separate integrated circuit housed in the same housing as the discrete component or a semiconductor-based resistor, capacitor or inductor. The integrated circuit may control at least one electrical parameter of the discrete component or a semiconductor-based resistor, capacitor or inductor.

Abstract: A built-in battery integrated circuit (50) in the form of a flexible circuit board (70) of a consumer battery (10) senses a voltaic cell electrode (32″, 34″) voltage, and when the voltage is indicative of a low state of charge, activates an indicating system (11), alerting a user to the impending battery failure. In addition, a tester actuator button (15) is placed exteriorly on the battery container (12) to manually activate the indicating system (11) to verify that the battery has not become so low of charge as to prevent the indicating system from functioning. Advantageously, the tester actuator button (15) may further enable the built-in battery integrated circuit, thus having all internal electronics unpowered until a user decides to use the battery (10). The indicating system (11) includes an analog indicator such as a bargraph and/or a pulse indicator (64) such as an LED or LCD.

Abstract: A first embodiment microneedle array is constructed of silicon and silicon dioxide compounds using MEMS technology and standard microfabrication techniques to create hollow cylindrical individual microneedles. The resulting array of microneedles can penetrate with a small pressure through the stratum corneum of skin to either deliver drugs or to facilitate interstitial fluid sampling through the hollow microneedles into the epidermis. The delivery of drugs and sampling of fluids can be performed by way of passive diffusion (time release), instantaneous injection, or iontophoresis. In a second embodiment, an array of hollow (or solid) microneedles is constructed of plastic or some other type of molded or cast material. An electric field may be used to increase transdermal flow rate, and the microneedles can be effectively combined with the application of an electric field between an anode and cathode attached to the skin which causes a low-level electric current.

Abstract: A charge pump power converter efficiently provides electrical power by dynamically controlling a switch matrix of the charge pump that includes a flying ultra-capacitor CUF. Instead of open-loop oscillator-based control, a dynamic controller provides power upon demand by sensing the output voltage and changing the operating frequency of the charge pump in response. Moreover, this closed-loop dynamic control intrinsically voltage regulates the output voltage of the charge pump power converter without the inefficient addition of a step-down voltage regulator, downstream of the power converter. In addition, this closed-loop dynamic control allows for maintaining a desired output voltage even with variations in the input voltage. Further efficiency is achieved by controlling the charging and discharging of the flying ultra-capacitor CUF, both in rate of current change and in voltage ripple.

Abstract: A multiple-cell battery having a built-in controller is disclosed that extends the run time of the battery. The controller may extend the run time of the battery, for example, by converting the cell voltage to an output voltage that is greater than a cut-off voltage of an electronic device, by converting the cell voltage to an output voltage that is less than the nominal voltage of the electrochemical cell of the battery, or by protecting the electrochemical cell from current peaks. The controller may also include a ground bias circuit that provides a virtual ground so that a converter may operate at lower cell voltages. The battery may be a single-cell battery, a universal single-cell battery, a multiple-cell battery or a multiple-cell hybrid battery. The individual cells of the multiple-cell battery may be connected in series or parallel. In addition, the individual cells may have a controller in each cell that is capable of performing one or more functions to extend the run time of the cell.

Abstract: A charge pump power converter efficiently provides electrical power by dynamically controlling a switch matrix of the charge pump. Instead of open-loop oscillator-based control, a dynamic controller provides power upon demand by sensing the output voltage and changing the operating frequency of the charge pump in response. Moreover, this closed-loop dynamic control intrinsically voltage regulates the output voltage of the charge pump power converter without the inefficient addition of a step-down voltage regulator, downstream of the power converter. In addition, this closed-loop dynamic control allows for maintaining a desired output voltage even with variations in the input voltage. Also, the dynamic control accommodates the advantages of using ultra-capacitors in the charge pump. The power converter is capable of operating with a sub-one volt input voltage incorporating low-threshold, low on-resistance power MOSFET switches in the switch matrix of the charge pump.

Abstract: A charge pump power converter efficiently provides electrical power by dynamically controlling a switch matrix of the charge pump. Instead of open-loop oscillator-based control, a dynamic controller provides power upon demand by sensing the output voltage and changing the operating frequency of the charge pump in response. Moreover, this closed-loop dynamic control intrinsically voltage regulates the output voltage of the charge pump power converter without the inefficient addition of a step-down voltage regulator, downstream of the power converter. In addition, this closed-loop dynamic control allows for maintaining a desired output voltage even with variations in the input voltage. Also, the dynamic control accommodates the advantages of using ultra-capacitors in the charge pump. The power converter is capable of operating with a sub-one volt input voltage incorporating low-threshold, low on-resistance power MOSFET switches in the switch matrix of the charge pump.

Abstract: A charge pump power converter efficiently provides electrical power by dynamically controlling a switch matrix of the charge pump. Instead of open-loop oscillator-based control, a dynamic controller provides power upon demand by sensing the output voltage and changing the operating frequency of the charge pump in response. Moreover, this closed-loop dynamic control intrinsically voltage regulates the output voltage of the charge pump power converter without the inefficient addition of a step-down voltage regulator, downstream of the power converter. In addition, this closed-loop dynamic control allows for maintaining a desired output voltage even with variations in the input voltage. Also, the dynamic control accommodates the advantages of using ultra-capacitors in the charge pump. The power converter is capable of operating with a sub-one volt input voltage incorporating low-threshold, low on-resistance power MOSFET switches in the switch matrix of the charge pump.

Abstract: A battery having a built-in controller is disclosed that extends the run time of the battery. The controller may extend the run time of the battery, for example, by converting the cell voltage to an output voltage that is greater than a cut-off voltage of an electronic device, by converting the cell voltage to an output voltage that is less than the nominal voltage of the electrochemical cell of the battery, or by protecting the electrochemical cell from current peaks. The controller may also include a ground bias circuit that provides a virtual ground so that a converter may operate at lower cell voltages. The battery may be a single-cell battery, a universal single-cell battery, a multiple-cell battery or a multiple-cell hybrid battery.

Abstract: A battery having a built-in controller that controls one or more functions of the battery is disclosed. The battery may, for example, control a charge or a discharge cycle of a battery, disconnect an electrochemical cell from the terminals of the battery in an emergency condition, provide electronic identification of cell characteristics or conditions, or provide a low remaining charge warning. The battery may be a single-cell battery, a universal single-cell battery, a multiple-cell battery or a multiple-cell hybrid battery. Each individual cell preferably has a built-in controller.