Abstract: A sensory system (10, 100) for improving and/or restoring sensation to a foot or hand of a patient. The system (10, 100) includes at least one force sensor (12, 102) implanted subcutaneously within a finger or palm of a hand or on a plantar surface of a foot of a patient and a base unit (18, 104) that is worn externally by the patient or is implanted subcutaneously in the patient. The force sensor (12, 102) is configured to transmit wireless communication signals to the base unit (18, 104) in response to and concerning forces sensed by the force sensor, and base unit (18, 104) is configured to apply peripheral nerve stimulation based on the wireless communication signals received from the force sensor (12) or to transmit the sensory data to a separate neural implant (106). The force sensor (12, 102) transmits the wireless communication signals to the base unit (18, 104) by magnetic human body communication (mHBC).

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for applying treatment fluids, such as disinfectants, fungicides, flavoring agents, and tenderizing agents, to foodstuffs to, for example, reduce populations of microorganisms or fungi present thereon, or alter the taste or texture thereof. In representative embodiments, the apparatus includes an elongated housing structure, a fluid delivery system, and a shaft having one or more protruding members, the latter being adapted to agitatively convey the foodstuffs from an inlet to an outlet of the housing, as the fluid delivery system delivers a treatment fluid to the foodstuffs. The elongated housing structure forms a plurality of drain-openings therethrough and comprises one or more rider bars. In related embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods for applying such treatment fluids to foodstuffs, where the methods use the disclosed apparatus; and to elongated housing structures such as those of the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying treatment fluids, such as disinfectants, flavoring agents, and tenderizing agents, to foodstuff surfaces to, for example, reduce populations of microorganisms or fungi, alter taste, or alter texture. In representative embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing, a fluid delivery system, and a shaft with a protruding surface, the latter adapted to rotatably convey, while agitating and tumbling, the foodstuffs from an inlet to an outlet of the housing, as the fluid delivery system applies a treatment fluid to the foodstuffs. In more specific embodiments, the protruding surface may be paddles, or paddles interconnected by a solid web and having angled distal surfaces, or a spiral blade with radial protrusions, or such a spiral blade along a first longitudinal portion of the shaft and paddles along a second longitudinal portion of the shaft.