Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a sensor of a characteristic monitoring system in real time utilizes a self-calibration module for periodic determination of, and compensation for, the IR drop across unwanted resistances in a cell. A current-interrupt switch is used to open the self-calibration module circuit and either measure the IR drop using a high-frequency (MHz) ADC module, or estimate it through linear regression of acquired samples of the voltage across the sensor's working and reference electrodes (Vmeasured) over time. The IR drop is then subtracted from the closed-circuit value of Vmeasured to calculate the overpotential that exists in the cell (Vimportant). Vimportant may be further optimized by subtracting the value of the open-circuit voltage (Voc) across the sensor's working and reference electrodes. The values of Vmeasured and Vimportant are then controlled by respective first and second control units to compensate for the IR drop.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a sensor of a characteristic monitoring system in real time utilizes a self-calibration module for periodic determination of, and compensation for, the IR drop across unwanted resistances in a cell. A current-interrupt switch is used to open the self-calibration module circuit and either measure the IR drop using a high-frequency (MHz) ADC module, or estimate it through linear regression of acquired samples of the voltage across the sensor's working and reference electrodes (Vmeasured) over time. The IR drop is then subtracted from the closed-circuit value of Vmeasured to calculate the overpotential that exists in the cell (Vimportant). Vimportant may be further optimized by subtracting the value of the open-circuit voltage (Voc) across the sensor's working and reference electrodes. The values of Vmeasured and Vimportant are then controlled by respective first and second control units to compensate for the IR drop.

Abstract: A method and device for securely anchoring a plant protection structure is provided wherein a support system includes an anchoring post and a support section. The anchoring post presents a post section and an anchor section, wherein each anchor section is configured to angle away from the longitudinal axis as the anchoring post receives a force that drives the anchor section into the ground. The anchoring post is topped by a support module that may include one or more arms that support and/or help protect at least a portion of a plant or object. The arms are configurable to enable the device to help secure or protect plants or objects in a variety of embodiments as best suited to the needs of the object. The anchoring post may include solid or hollow continuous elongate elements that form both the post section and the anchor section.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a string and/or a sheet of material, such as a rope, a length of twine, a trellis netting or a barrier material is provided. A ground anchored device includes a rigid post and two or more flexible arms. The arms may be configured to support two or more sheets of material, wherein the sheets of material may further support plant growth. Alternately or additionally, one or more arms may be positioned to maintain string optionally bearing flags and/or barrier material to further discourage intrusion by animals. Horizontal lines may be extended from a plurality of devices to even further discourage intrusion by animals and/or to support the barrier material.

Abstract: A programmable telemetry circuit that may be programmed for high bandwidth, low Q; low bandwidth, high Q; or for other parameters. The programmable telemetry circuit may include a first coil; a high impedance path having a first node connected to a first node of the first coil; a low impedance path having a first node connected to the first node of the first coil; a capacitive path having a first node connected to a second node of the first coil; and an input path for coupling signals into the high impedance path, the low impedance path, and the capacitive path. The low impedance path may be connected in parallel with the high impedance path. The capacitive path may form a circuitous path with the high impedance path and the low impedance path. The programmable circuit may be programmed to select the high impedance path or the low impedance path.

Abstract: A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic-cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe.

Abstract: A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic—cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe.

Abstract: A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic-cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a string and/or a sheet of material, such as a rope, a length of twine, a trellis netting or a barrier material is provided. A ground anchored device includes a rigid post and two or more flexible arms. The arms may be configured to support two or more sheets of material, wherein the sheets of material may further support plant growth. Alternately or additionally, one or more arms may be positioned to maintain string optionally bearing flags and/or barrier material to further discourage intrusion by animals. Horizontal lines may be extended from a plurality of devices to even further discourage intrusion by animals and/or to support the barrier material.

Abstract: A method and device for securely anchoring a plant protection structure is provided wherein a support system includes an anchoring post and a support section. The anchoring post presents a post section and an anchor section, wherein each anchor section is configured to angle away from the longitudinal axis as the anchoring post receives a force that drives the anchor section into the ground. The anchoring post is topped by a support module that may include one or more arms that support and/or help protect at least a portion of a plant or object. The arms are configurable to enable the device to help secure or protect plants or objects in a variety of embodiments as best suited to the needs of the object. The anchoring post may include solid or hollow continuous elongate elements that form both the post section and the anchor section.

Abstract: A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic-cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe.

Abstract: A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic-cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe.

Abstract: A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic-cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a sensor of a characteristic monitoring system in real time utilizes a self-calibration module for periodic determination of, and compensation for, the IR drop across unwanted resistances in a cell. A current-interrupt switch is used to open the self-calibration module circuit and either measure the IR drop using a high-frequency (MHz) ADC module, or estimate it through linear regression of acquired samples of the voltage across the sensor's working and reference electrodes (Vmeasured) over time. The IR drop is then subtracted from the closed-circuit value of Vmeasured to calculate the overpotential that exists in the cell (Vimportant). Vimportant may be further optimized by subtracting the value of the open-circuit voltage (Voc) across the sensor's working and reference electrodes. The values of Vmeasured and Vimportant are then controlled by respective first and second control units to compensate for the IR drop.

Abstract: A relay device transfers information between a sensor system, which measures a physiological characteristic level of a user, and a fluid delivery system, which infuses a fluid into a user. The relay device includes a sensor system receiver for receiving communications from the sensor system in a sensor system format. The relay device also includes a processor for processing the communications from the sensor system and converting the communications for transmission in a delivery system format. The relay device further includes a delivery system transmitter for transmitting the converted communications in the delivery system format to the fluid delivery system. The sensor system and delivery system formats may utilize different frequencies and/or different communication protocols for communications transmitted between the sensor system and the fluid delivery system through the relay device.