Abstract: An electrode apparatus for the application of electroporation to a portion of the body of a patient, comprising a support member, a pair of electrodes adjustably mounted on the support member for movement toward and away from one another for positioning on opposite sides of a body portion to be electroporated, a sensing element for sensing a distance between the electrodes and generating a distance signal proportionate to the distance between the electrodes, and means responsive to said distance signal for applying pulses of high amplitude electric energy to the electrodes proportionate to the distance between the electrodes.

Abstract: A Ni/Cd or Ni/hydride storage battery of the button cell type has a positive electrode tablet based on a nickel hydroxide powder having an active mass comprised of spherical particles with a high pycnometric density (d>3.5 g/cm.sup.3). In contrast to conventional nickel hydroxide powders having irregular particles, a better space utilization is achieved during dry pressing due to a narrow particle-size distribution having a maximum in a range of from 5 to 20 .mu.m, and due to the rounded particle surfaces. The specific volumetric capacity of the resulting button cell electrode is consequently approximately 25% higher than that of a conventional positive button cell electrode. A microporous separator having pore sizes smaller than the mean diameter of the spherical particles prevents the danger of short circuits.

Abstract: An electroporation apparatus for introducing molecules into cells at a selected location within a cavity in the body of a patient includes an elongated catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and a guide wire extending from the proximal end to the distal end, an inflatable balloon carried by the distal end, the balloon having an inner inflatable bladder and an outer perforated bladder defining a chamber between the two bladders, a first electrode on an outer surface of the outer perforated bladder, a second electrode spaced from the first electrode, a remote electrode, a lumen for delivering a predetermined quantity of a fluid medium carrying preselected molecules into the chamber to be infused into the body cavity at the predetermined location; and a source of power for applying a voltage pulse between selected pairs of the electrodes for transport of the molecules by iontophoresis and/or repeatedly generating electric fields of a predetermined amplitude and duration inducing the walls of a plurality

Abstract: An electrode apparatus for the application of electroporation to a portion of the body of a patient, comprises a support member, a pair of electrodes adjustably mounted on the support member for movement toward and away from one another for positioning on opposite sides of a body portion to be electroporated, a sensing element for sensing a distance between the electrodes and generating a distance signal proportionate to the distance between said electrodes, and means responsive to said distance signal for applying pulses of high amplitude electric signal to the electrodes proportionate to the distance between said electrodes.

Abstract: A method of transdermal molecular delivery comprising molecules to be delivered mixed with particles, contacting a selected area of a skin surface with the particles and molecules, applying a pulsed electric field of sufficient amplitude and duration to induce dielectric breakdown of the stratum corneum, and applying a pressure to the molecules to force transport of the molecules through the pores in the stratum corneum into the underlying skin.

Abstract: A device for receiving light beams, especially a PIR movement detector, includes a housing having at least one window in which lens segments, preferably Fresnel lenses, are disposed in such a way that horizontally incident light beams are focused as direct horizontal beams onto two light sensors. The two light sensors are mutually disposed in such a way that a usable sensor detection angle of the two light sensors is defined. In order to achieve an enlargement of the detection angle, at least one horizontal reflector is disposed in the vicinity of at least one of the light sensors, in such a way that the horizontal reflector detects further light beams from a horizontal angular region not covered by the light sensors with the usable detection angle, and these beams reach at least one of the light sensors as reflected horizontal beams.

Abstract: A flow through apparatus for implanting molecules into living blood cells of a patient, comprises a housing including an elongated flow through chamber having an inlet and an outlet at opposite ends thereof, a pair of elongated spaced apart parallel electrodes disposed between the inlet and the outlet for fluid to flow therebetween, a continuous flow shunt including a pump for withdrawing blood from a patient, passing it through the flow through chamber between the electrodes and returning it to the patient, apparatus for injecting a predetermined quantity of fluid medium carrying preselected molecules into the blood after it has been drawn from the patient and before it passes through said chamber, and an electrical source for applying a predetermined electric signal of a predetermined amplitude and duration to the electrodes for generating and repeatedly applying electric fields of a predetermined amplitude and duration to the flow of the mixture of blood and fluid medium in order to make the walls of prese

Abstract: A flow through apparatus for implanting molecules into living blood cells of a patient, comprises a housing including an elongated flow through chamber having an inlet and an outlet at opposite ends thereof, a pair of elongated spaced apart parallel electrodes disposed between the inlet and the outlet for fluid to flow therebetween, a continuous flow shunt including a pump for withdrawing blood from a patient, passing it through the flow through chamber between the electrodes and returning it to the patient, apparatus for injecting a predetermined quantity of fluid medium carrying preselected molecules into the blood after it has been drawn from the patient and before it passes through said chamber, and an electrical source for applying a predetermined electric signal of a predetermined amplitude and duration to the electrodes for generating and repeatedly applying electric fields of a predetermined amplitude and duration to the flow of the mixture of blood and fluid medium in order to make the walls of prese

Abstract: A catheter device having a plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced electrodes carried thereby, infusion means for infusion of fluid medium for carrying genes and drugs, and expandable sealing means at each end of the electrodes for sealing off and confining the therapeutic medium to the area to be treated is inserted into a selected blood vessel of a patient and advanced to a preselected location within the blood vessel where cells on or near the wall of the vessel are to be treated. Once in place, the catheter device is expanded so that the plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced electrodes carried thereby are in contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel and seals at each end of the electrodes expand and seal the catheter device in the preselected location. A quantity of therapeutic genes or drugs is infused into the area of the electrodes via a tube and a conventional pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for introducing molecules such as genes and pharmacological compounds into living blood cells of a patient for therapeutic purposes. A device is implanted into the body of the patient for generating an electric field at a preselected location within a selected blood vessel. Preselected molecules are infused into the selected blood vessel. Simultaneously an electric signal is applied to the implanted device to repeatedly subject a quantity of blood flowing within the selected blood vessel past the preselected location to electric fields of a predetermined amplitude and duration. The parameters of the electric fields are precisely controlled in order to make the walls of preselected cells in the blood transiently permeable to permit the molecules to enter said preselected cells without killing said cells. The device can include either a pair of electrodes implanted in the blood vessel, or alternatively, an induction coil that surrounds the blood vessel.

Abstract: The positive electrode of a Ni/metal hydride accumulator is formed from a mass mixture of Ni(OH).sub.2 and an oxidation-resistant graphite. The stable graphite is notable for a high degree of crystallinity and a low ash content. In conventional Ni/metal hydride accumulators, cobalt compounds play an essential part in developing a conductive matrix within their positive nickel hydroxide electrodes, leading to reductive destruction of the matrix by severe high temperature short circuit testing. In contrast, the same accumulators, with positive electrodes produced according to the present invention, survive the test with only a temporary and slight decline in capacity.

Abstract: A method of transdermal molecular delivery comprises the steps of encapsulating molecules to be delivered in a vesicle, contacting a selected area of a tissue surface with a solution of the vesicles, and applying a pulsed electric field of sufficient amplitude to induce dielectric breakdown of the stratum corneum and to induce transport of the intact vesicle through the pores in the stratum corneum into the underlying tissue to enable diffusion of molecules into the tissue.

Abstract: A method of transtissue molecular delivery comprises encapsulating molecules to be delivered in a microbubble carrier, contacting a selected area of a tissue surface with a solution of the encapsulated molecules, and applying an electric field of sufficient amplitude to induce electrofusion between the tissue and the membrane of the microbubble.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for introducing macromolecules such as genes and pharmacological compounds into cells of a patient for therapeutic purposes. An apparatus for the therapeutic application of electroporation to a portion of the anatomy of a patient, includes adjustably spaced electrodes for generating an electric field at a preselected location within a body of a patient, a sensor for generating a distance signal proportionate to the space between the electrodes, and an electrical signal generator responsive to the distance signal for applying an electric signal to the electrodes for causing the repeated generation of electric fields of a predetermined amplitude and duration forcing the walls of preselected cells in the body portion to be transiently permeable for permitting the macromolecules to enter the preselected cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for implanting macromolecules such as genes, DNA or pharmaceuticals into a preselected surface tissue region of of a patient. An applicator having a plurality of electrodes is provided for contacting a surface tissue region of a patient. A mechanism associated with the applicator delivers a predetermined quantity of a fluid medium carrying the preselected macromolecules. A signal generator is provided for generating a predetermined electric signal. The electrodes of the applicator are connected to the signal generator for applying an electric field in the surface tissue region. The field has a predetermined strength and duration in order to make the walls of a plurality of cells in the surface tissue region transiently permeable to permit the macromolecules to enter said preselected cells without damaging said cells. This enhances the uptake of macromolecules and thus enhances the therapeutic effect achieved.

Abstract: A catheter device is inserted into a selected blood vessel of a patient and advanced to a preselected location within the blood vessel where the endothelial cells on the inner wall of the vessel are to be treated. Once in place, the catheter device is expanded so that a plurality of axially extending, circumferentially spaced electrodes carried thereby are in contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel. A fluid medium is then infused into the blood vessel adjacent the electrodes via a conventional pump. A power pack connected to the electrodes is energized to apply a predetermined electric signal to the electrodes. This subjects the endothelial cells to electric fields of predetermined amplitude and duration in order to make the walls of the endothelial cells transiently permeable to permit therapeutic genes or drugs carried by the fluid medium to enter the endothelial cells without killing them.

Abstract: A device for non-cutting manufacturing of an annular part having external teeth includes a core tool that supports the blank from which the annular part is manufactured and is axially displaceable between two profiling rollers arranged diametrically opposite each other, and a separate rotating drive for each of the core tool and the two profiled rollers. The device further includes a computer element which controls the three rotating drives for synchronizing rotational speeds of the core tool and the two profiling rollers. The computer element also controls radial adjustment of the two rollers with their respective full-height regions with respect to the core tool by a calibration amount at the conclusion of the shaping operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for implanting macromolecules such as genes, DNA or pharmaceuticals into a preselected tissue region such as a muscle or an organ of a patient. A modified syringe is provided for injecting a predetermined quantity of a fluid medium carrying the preselected macromolecules. A signal generator is connected to the syringe for generating a predetermined electric signal. The syringe includes a pair of electrodes which are connected to the signal generator for applying an electric field in the tissue region. The field has a predetermined strength and duration in order to make the walls of a plurality of cells in the tissue region transiently permeable to permit the macromolecules to enter said preselected cells without damaging said cells. This enhances the uptake of macromolecules and thus enhances the therapeutic effect achieved. Alternate embodiments having twin needles and a blade may be utilized.

Abstract: In a metal oxide/hydrogen storage battery, preferably formed as a coiled cell or as a button cell, having a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an intermediate separator, the oxidation-sensitive negative electrode is protected against diffusing oxygen by a metallic covering of the electrode's metal hydride particles, and the oxygen reduction necessary for gas-tight operation is transferred to an auxiliary electrode which is arranged outside of the ionic path between the positive and negative electrodes. Metals with high solubility for hydrogen, such as Pd, Ni and Cu, are suitable as the covering material. The auxiliary electrode is formed as a film based on a mixture of activated carbon, a PTFE binder and conducting graphite, and is either laminated onto the negative metal hydride electrode or is spatially separated from the main electrodes, depending upon the cell's overall construction.

Abstract: Methods for food product preservation by inactivation of microorganisms and/or enzymes by applying pulses of very intense, very short duration pulses of light in the visible and near visible frequencies to the surface of food products to be preserved. Also disclosed are packaging methods and apparatus utilizing such intense, short pulses of polychromatic, incoherent light.