Abstract: A programmable transdermal patch non-invasively delivers pharmaceuticals or other bio-active agents through the skin of a living body. The patch contains one or more agent storage pads and one or more active drivers that apply an electric current to the skin or produce ultrasound to drive the agent into the skin. A digital data processor controls the drivers to match administration of the agents to the needs of the body. The patch may contain a sensor, coupled to the data processor, for monitoring the concentration of a substance in the body in order to vary dosage of a therapeutic agent. A radio contained in the patch enables control by medical personnel from a remote location and/or transmission of sensor data to the remote location. The pads, drivers, sensor, data processor, radio and a battery are all contained within a unitary patch and need no physical connection to external devices.

Abstract: Organic wastes of diverse types including toxic materials are converted to synthesis gas or molecular hydrogen or methanol and an inorganic solid residue by heating the material to 1200 .degree. C. or higher in the presence of steam in a chemically reducing atmosphere. The gassified wastes travel along a vertical flow path in a sealed reactor vessel. Heat is applied by vertically extending recuprative heaters situated at both lower and upper regions along the flow path to provide a high temperature zone of sufficient length to thermally decompose the wastes during a single passage along the path. Steam may be provided by intermixing liquid water, which may be dirty and/or contaminated, into the wastes prior to entry of the wastes into the reaction chamber thereby avoiding any need for an external boiler and pure water. The apparatus realizes a very high throughput and does not release any pollutants into the air, ground or water.