Abstract: A waste packing device includes a chute, a packer blade, a rod, and a drive unit. The chute includes an opening. The packer blade is configured to translate back and forth in the chute. The rod is pivotally coupled to the packer blade. The drive unit is pivotally coupled to the rod and operable to move the packer blade back and forth in the chute to push waste through the opening of the chute.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for improving the signal-to-noise ratio of a wireless sensor platform. The device that interrogates a wireless sensor node (an interrogator) may be configured to determine the quantity to be measured by extracting information from multiple echoes produced in response to multiple interrogation pulses or produced due to multi-path propagation. Although different echoes may have been transformed to different extents, the echoes may share unique characteristics that are specific to the wireless sensor node that produced them. Accordingly, the SNR may be improved by keeping only portions of the received signal that exhibit such characteristics. The SNR may be further improved by summing the echoes together. In some embodiments, the echoes may be summed together in a coherent fashion, thereby producing an echo having an amplitude greater than the amplitude of each of the received echoes.

Abstract: Transient molecules in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide, are important signals and mediators of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Because these molecules may be short-lived in the body, they are difficult to detect. To track these reactive molecules in the GI tract, a miniaturized device has been developed that integrates genetically engineered probiotic biosensors with a custom-designed photodetector and readout chip. Leveraging the molecular specificity of living sensors, bacteria were genetically encoded to respond to IBD-associated molecules by luminescing. Low-power electronic readout circuits (e.g., using nanowatt power) integrated into the device convert the light from just 1 ?L of bacterial culture into a wireless signal. Biosensor monitoring was demonstrated in the GI tract of small and large animal models and integration of all components into a sub-1.4 cm3 ingestible form factor capable of supporting wireless communication.

Abstract: One embodiment is a multi-analyte molecular sensing system designed for implantation in a body of a subject, the sensing system including an implant comprising a flexible substrate having a plurality of electronics systems disposed thereon; a sensor array comprising multiple sensors disposed on the flexible substrate; a sensor protection mechanism for providing selective protection and exposure of one or more of the sensors; a power system for providing power to the electronics systems; a data communication system for communicating with one or more external devices; and a biocompatible housing for protecting the implant.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for improving the signal-to-noise ratio of a wireless sensor platform. The device that interrogates a wireless sensor node (an interrogator) may be configured to determine the quantity to be measured by extracting information from multiple echoes produced in response to multiple interrogation pulses or produced due to multi-path propagation. Although different echoes may have been transformed to different extents, the echoes may share unique characteristics that are specific to the wireless sensor node that produced them. Accordingly, the SNR may be improved by keeping only portions of the received signal that exhibit such characteristics. The SNR may be further improved by summing the echoes together. In some embodiments, the echoes may be summed together in a coherent fashion, thereby producing an echo having an amplitude greater than the amplitude of each of the received echoes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel devices comprising small, ultra-low power microelectronic components. In some instances, the microelectronic components is combined with a biosensor component that enables in situ detection of biomolecules. Also disclosed herein are methods of detecting signal analytes and methods of monitoring the health of a patient using these novel devices.

Abstract: Aspects disclosed in the detailed description include an ingestible power harvesting device and related applications. An ingestible power harvesting device includes a cathode electrode and an anode electrode that can catalyze a power generating reaction to generate a direct current (DC) power when surrounded by an acidic electrolyte. The cathode electrode and the anode electrode are coupled to an encapsulated electronic device that includes power harvesting circuitry configured to harvest the DC power and output a DC supply voltage for a prolonged period. In examples discussed herein, the prolonged period is at least five days. The DC supply voltage powers an electronic circuit in the encapsulated electronic device to support a defined in vivo operation (e.g., controlled drug delivery, in vivo vital signs monitoring, etc.). As such, the ingestible power harvesting device can operate in vivo for the prolonged period without requiring an embedded conventional battery.

Abstract: Described examples include a millimeter wave atomic clock apparatus, chip scale vapor cell, and fabrication method in which a low pressure dipolar molecule gas is provided in a sealed cavity with a conductive interior surface forming a waveguide. Non-conductive apertures provide electromagnetic entrance to, and exit from, the cavity. Conductive coupling structures formed on an outer surface of the vapor cell near the respective non-conductive apertures couple an electromagnetic field to the interior of the cavity for interrogating the vapor cell using a transceiver circuit at a frequency that maximizes the rotational transition absorption of the dipolar molecule gas in the cavity to provide a reference clock signal for atomic clock or other applications.

Abstract: Described examples include a millimeter wave atomic clock apparatus, chip scale vapor cell, and fabrication method in which a low pressure dipolar molecule gas is provided in a sealed cavity with a conductive interior surface forming a waveguide. Non-conductive apertures provide electromagnetic entrance to, and exit from, the cavity. Conductive coupling structures formed on an outer surface of the vapor cell near the respective non-conductive apertures couple an electromagnetic field to the interior of the cavity for interrogating the vapor cell using a transceiver circuit at a frequency that maximizes the rotational transition absorption of the dipolar molecule gas in the cavity to provide a reference clock signal for atomic clock or other applications.