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: 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 method of stimulating a subject having a denervated muscle and a corresponding functional muscle that are responsible for producing actions, such as blinking, on first and second portions, respectively, of the subject's body. The method includes determining whether the functional muscle has contracted, generating a contraction signal if it is determined that it has contracted, and causing the denervated muscle to contract following the generation of the contraction signal. Also, an apparatus for stimulating such a subject including one or more sensing devices operatively associated with the functional muscle and one or more stimulating devices operatively associated with the denervated muscle. One or more of the sensing devices generates one or more first signals in response to activity indicating functional muscle contraction. The one or more stimulating devices are made to cause the denervated muscle to contract in response to the generation of the first signals.

Abstract: Described are methods of making an electronic device including an electronic component, such as an IC chip, connected to conducting traces provided on a substrate by depositing an electrically conductive polymer deposited onto the substrate. The electronic component may be placed on the substrate before or after the electrically conductive polymer is deposited. Once deposited, the electrically conductive polymer is cured. The electrically conductive polymer may be deposited in a number of ways, such as using a mask having a desired pattern and applying the electrically conductive polymer to the mask, by screen printing the electrically conductive polymer or by printing the electrically conductive polymer using ink jet printing techniques.

Abstract: Described are methods of making an electronic device, such as an RFID tag, including fabricating an antenna by depositing an electrically conductive polymer onto a substrate. The electrically conductive polymer is electrically connected to an electronic component, such as an IC chip or a diode. The electronic component may be placed on the substrate before or after the electrically conductive polymer is deposited. Once deposited, the electrically conductive polymer is cured. The electrically conductive polymer may be deposited in a number of ways, such using a mask having a desired pattern and applying the electrically conductive polymer to the mask, by screen printing the electrically conductive polymer or by printing the electrically conductive polymer using ink jet printing techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and indicating the presence of combustion products comprising a first combustion product monitor for monitoring for the presence of a first combustion product and quantifying said first product; a second combustion product monitor for monitoring for the presence of a second combustion product and quantifying said second product; and, an alarm connected to the first and second combustion product monitors for triggering an alarm when an alarm condition is satisfied, said alarm condition being at least one of the group consisting of the quantified presence of the first combustion product exceeding a first-product threshold level and the quantified presence of the second combustion product exceeding a first second-product threshold level; and, the quantified presence of the second combustion product exceeding a second second-product threshold level.

Abstract: a device for measuring dimensions in a hollow organ of the body, includes: a length of conduit; a measuring mechanism on one end of the conduit; and an indicator in connection with a second end of the conduit. The indicator is in operative connection with the measuring mechanism to provide an indication of a dimension measured by the measuring mechanism. In one embodiment, the measuring mechanism includes extending members that open and close in the manner of forceps to contact the walls of the organ.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and indicating the presence of combustion products comprising a first combustion product monitor for monitoring for the presence of a first combustion product and quantifying said first product; a second combustion product monitor for monitoring for the presence of a second combustion product and quantifying said second product; and, an alarm connected to the first and second combustion product monitors for triggering an alarm when an alarm condition is satisfied, said alarm condition being at least one of the group consisting of the quantified presence of the first combustion product exceeding a first-product threshold level and the quantified presence of the second combustion product exceeding a first second-product threshold level; and, the quantified presence of the second combustion product exceeding a second second-product threshold level.