Abstract: A plasma array of plural plasma containers of selected shapes and a selected spacial distribution, contain variable plasma density within each container and from one container to the next for establishing plasma frequency ranges from zero to an arbitrary plasma frequency. The plasma array is operating in a mode to transmit, receive, filter, reflect and/or refract radiation.

Abstract: An antenna comprising a first current probe having an aperture; a first transceiver operatively coupled to the current probe; a signal enhancer disposed approximately inside the aperture, wherein the signal enhancer comprises an inlet, a first outlet, and a housing having an internal volume, and wherein the outer dimensions of the housing are nearly equivalent to the dimensions of the aperture; a pump configured to pump electrolytic fluid through the internal volume via the inlet and the first outlet; and a first nozzle hydraulically coupled to the first outlet so that when electrolytic fluid is pumped through the internal volume the electrolytic fluid exits the first nozzle in a stream.

Abstract: A convenient handheld locator is provided for locating an item in an urban environment in which the locator is programmed to search for and locate specific items, with the detected item being displayed on the locator as to its identity or name, also displaying where the item is relative to the locator, as to position and range.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for the identification of test tubes in a test tube rack using RFID technology.

Abstract: An antenna comprising: a first current probe comprising a core of ferromagnetic material having an aperture therein; a pump comprising a nozzle, wherein the pump is configured to pump a free-standing stream of electrolytic fluid out the nozzle and through the aperture such that the stream and the current probe are magnetically coupled; and a first transceiver operatively coupled to the current probe.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and an associated method for remotely energizing power storage devices. Energization may preferably be effected through the use of RF energy from a base station, ambient energy or ultra-wide band energy. The remote station preferably has at least one antenna having an effective area greater than its physical area. The system may have an antenna and associated circuitry provided on an electronic chip such as a monolithic chip or on a printed circuit with a suitable substrate.

Abstract: A plasma device having low thermal noise, which results in a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the plasma device. The plasma device includes devices with a plasma that is responsive to electromagnetic radiation and/or electrical signals. In various configurations, the plasma device has a plasma in which the temperature, resistance, pressure, and/or collision frequency are at a level sufficiently low to produce an acceptable level of noise. In another configuration, the operating frequency of the plasma device is at a level sufficiently high to produce an acceptable level of noise. Decreasing the noise level results in increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and increasing the data rate. The plasma temperature is reduced by operating the plasma device in the afterglow state. The plasma electron temperature is reduced by confining high energy electrons in a potential well and by using an electron emitting filament.

Abstract: An antenna structure for a magnetic resonance device constructed as a radiating or transmitting antenna of the magnetic resonance device, has a non-metallic antenna conductor containing a discharge gas. When energy is imparted to the discharge gas, the antenna conductor forms an electrically conducting gas discharge column and can be used as an electrically conducting antenna element.

Abstract: Optically reconfigurable radio frequency antennas for use in aircraft systems and methods of its use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the antenna includes a surface-conformal reflector that includes optically addressable carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes can be combined with light-sensitive materials so that exposure to light of the correct wavelength will switch the nanotubes back and forth between a metallic and non-metallic state. The antenna has a transmitter that radiates a radio frequency signal in the direction of the surface illuminator and an addressable optical conductor to illuminate the nanotubes with one or more optical signals. When the domains are illuminated they switch portions of the carbon nanotubes between its non-metallic states and metallic states to reflect the radiated radio frequency signal.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method disposing an integrated circuit die within a housing, the integrated circuit die having integrated circuitry formed thereon, the integrated circuitry including first transponder circuitry configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals, wherein the integrated circuit die is void of external electrical connections for anything except power supply external connections; and disposing second transponder circuitry, discrete from the first transponder circuitry, within the housing, the second transponder circuitry being configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals, wherein the first and second transponder circuitry are configured to establish wireless communication between one another within the housing, the second transponder circuitry being disposed within 24 inches of the first transponder circuitry within the housing.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plasma treatment apparatus comprises: a chamber having an inner space in which processes for an object to be treated are performed; and an antenna which is arranged to cover the side part of the chamber, and which forms electric fields in said inner space to generate plasma from the source gas supplied in the inner space. The antenna includes a helical antenna which is formed into a helical shape from one side of the chamber toward the other side of the chamber along a first rotation direction, and which has a current flowing in the first rotation direction; an extension antenna which is connected to one end of the helical antenna positioned at said one side of the chamber, and which has a current flowing in the direction opposite to the first rotation direction; and a connection antenna for interconnecting the extension antenna and the helical antenna.

Abstract: A gas plasma antenna with a rigid, flexible, or semi-flexible substrate and an improved method of generating a uniform electron density. The antenna comprises a gas discharge device containing a multiplicity of microcavities, each microcavity containing an ionizable gas for providing a microdischarge. Each microdischarge acts alone or in concert with other microdischarges to form a dipole or pattern of dipoles.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for receiving and converting incident radiation into DC current. The method begins with selection of an antenna having a terminal tip with a sharp edge. The antenna is layered with a substrate and a first coating. A first electrode and a metallic/mCNT antenna are layered on the first coating, and a plasmonic layer is then added. A gap is formed which is bounded on one side by the terminal ends of the plasmonic layer and the first coating, and a second electrode and a second coating on the other. The second electrode is layered upon the second coating which is layered upon the substrate. A set of AC currents is induced along the length of the antenna. The method then calculates whether or not the induced AC currents are large enough to create voltages for field emission. If the voltages are large enough, then a forward bias and a reverse bias are initiated.

Abstract: A system for modifying a shock wave formed in a fluid by a body to modify effects of the shock wave on information transferred to or from the body. The system includes laser pulses for heating fluid along a path to form a volume of heated fluid expanding outwardly from the path, the path extending from the body and through the shock wave; an element for transferring the information to or from the body; and a timer for timing the transferring of the information relative to the heating of the fluid along the path to modify certain effects of the shock wave on the information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for coupling between a plasma column serving as an antenna and an electric power signal generator, associated with a laser. This device comprises at least two conducting electrodes, each pierced with a hole, these holes being coaxial, the electrodes being connected on the one hand to a high voltage direct current source and on the other hand to power signal alternating current source, the laser(s) being placed do that its (their) beam arrives along the axis of said holes of the electrodes.

Abstract: There is provided an optically driven, transmitting and receiving antenna transformable into an electrically invisible antenna when inactive, including a light source, a semiconductor wafer illuminatable by the light source and a microwave source or sensor. The wafer has a surface for forming optically induced plasma or electron hole concentration, assuming a spatial and temporal pattern defined by a light beam impinging thereon. Upon the wafer being exposed to the light beam having a power level sufficient for creating a dense plasma or electron hole concentration in the wafer, the wafer becomes reflective to microwaves, and returns to transparency when light from the light source is turned off.

Abstract: An electrolytic fluid antenna comprising: a first current probe having an aperture; a pump having a nozzle, wherein the pump is configured to pump electrolytic fluid out the nozzle and through the aperture; and a first transceiver operatively coupled to the current probe.

Abstract: A plasma array of plural plasma containers of selected shapes and a selected spacial distribution, contain variable plasma density within each container and from one container to the next for establishing plasma frequency ranges from zero to an arbitrary plasma frequency. The plasma array is operating in a mode to transmit, receive, filter, reflect and/or refract radiation.

Abstract: An extended underwater electromagnetic transducer is provided with an electrically insulated transmission line typically connected to a transmitter or receiver or transceiver system. The transmission line allows near-field communications with another transmitter or receiver or transceiver system. The transmission line provided is relatively long, the through water signal path length can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method disposing an integrated circuit die within a housing, the integrated circuit die having integrated circuitry formed thereon, the integrated circuitry including first transponder circuitry configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals, wherein the integrated circuit die is void of external electrical connections for anything except power supply external connections; and disposing second transponder circuitry, discrete from the first transponder circuitry, within the housing, the second transponder circuitry being configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals, wherein the first and second transponder circuitry are configured to establish wireless communication between one another within the housing, the second transponder circuitry being disposed within 24 inches of the first transponder circuitry within the housing.

Abstract: The hybrid antenna includes a spiral antenna, e.g. a log spiral antenna, and a patch array layer adjacent to the spiral antenna and including a passive periodic patch array of conductive patch elements. A conductive ground plane may be adjacent to the patch array layer, and a dielectric layer may be between the conductive ground plane and the patch array. The spiral antenna may include an upper antenna arm, a lower antenna arm and a dielectric sheet therebetween. Each of the upper and lower antenna arms may be a printed planar conductive trace that is wider at a distal end thereof with respect to a center of the log spiral antenna. The patch or periodic array layer operates in conjunction with the ground plane to couple energy into the spiral antenna and thereby improve low frequency antenna efficiency while maintaining electrically small dimensions.

Abstract: A timing circuit that can function as an accurate persistent node in an RFID tag includes a power capture circuit for capturing power from a power source, and a counter circuit that provides a count representing a progression of time. The count can then be compared to a reference value representing a time constant of the circuit.

Abstract: A gas plasma antenna with a rigid, flexible or semi-flexible substrate and an improved method of generating a uniform electron density. The antenna comprises a plasma display panel (PDP) containing a multiplicity of Plasma-tubes, each Plasma-tube containing a gas, which is ionized to produce electron density. A selected portion of each Plasma-tube acts alone or in concert with a selected portion of other Plasma-tubes to form a dipole or pattern of dipoles.

Abstract: An electrode is provided that is adapted to both pierce a barrier and providing an over-air discharge of electrical energy. In this regard, an over air discharge of electrical energy may be provided to an opposing side of a barrier. In one arrangement, the electrode includes a tapered point, which may be a hardened material, to facilitate piercing a barrier. In a further arrangement, the electrode incorporates an insulative shaft. In this arrangement, the insulative shaft electrically isolates a conductor of the electrode from a conductive barrier. Accordingly, the electrode may be utilized to pierce metallic enclosures and provide an electrical discharge for the purpose of altering the operation of electronic device within such enclosures.

Abstract: An antenna structure for a magnetic resonance device constructed as a radiating or transmitting antenna of the magnetic resonance device, has a non-metallic antenna conductor containing a discharge gas. When energy is imparted to the discharge gas, the antenna conductor forms an electrically conducting gas discharge column and can be used as an electrically conducting antenna element.

Abstract: An antenna assembly that consists of a holder which supports a transversal RF antenna with a plurality of multiturn coils connected in series or in parallel and intended for generation of an inductively coupled plasma discharge inside a container with a high plasma density in vicinity of the container's inner walls. The aforementioned discharge is used for inducing in the container a plasma chemical reaction between oxygen and organosilane with resulting deposition of the reaction product in the form of silicon dioxide onto the inner walls of the container for forming a fluid-impermeable barrier layer. A specific feature of the antenna is that it generates a magnetic field transversal to the longitudinal axis of the antenna, i.e., normal to the container's walls, where a maximal electric field, maximal plasma density and, correspondingly, maximal rate of deposition of silicon dioxide on the wall are provided.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring absorbed power including an electromagnetic field probe 1 fixedly mounted within a head simulation phantom 2 which simulates the configuration and the electromagnetic characteristics of a head of a human body, and wherein the strength of an electric field or a magnetic field of a radio wave externally irradiated upon the head simulation phantom 2 is measured by the electromagnetic field probe 1, and the power of the radio wave absorbed by the head is estimated on the basis of measured values, the head simulation phantom 2 comprises a solid dielectric 10? which simulates the configuration and the electromagnetic characteristics of a head of a human body or a liquid dielectric 10 which simulates the electromagnetic characteristics of a head of a human body and which is filled in an enclosed vessel 10 which simulates the configuration of a head of a human body. The volume of the solid dielectric 10? or the volume of the enclosed vessel 11 is equal to or less than 5×105 mm3.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method disposing an integrated circuit die within a housing, the integrated circuit die having integrated circuitry formed thereon, the integrated circuitry including first transponder circuitry configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals, wherein the integrated circuit die is void of external electrical connections for anything except power supply external connections; and disposing second transponder circuitry, discrete from the first transponder circuitry, within the housing, the second transponder circuitry being configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals, wherein the first and second transponder circuitry are configured to establish wireless communication between one another within the housing, the second transponder circuitry being disposed within 24 inches of the first transponder circuitry within the housing.

Abstract: A combination of radio frequency energy responsive and infrared energy responsive reflection based plasma radiant energy steering apparatus usable in directing radiant energy originating in for example an antenna array or an infrared source in order to direct the energy to a point of use under conditions of low inertia electrical directing control. Plasma gas films of electrode element determined properties achieve reflection control of the radiant energy both with and without use of a discrete reflector element. Theoretical support and identification of prior art supporting documents are included in the disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and an associated method for remotely energizing power storage devices. Energization may preferably be effected through the use of RF energy from a base station, ambient energy or ultra-wide band energy. The remote station preferably has at least one antenna having an effective area greater than its physical area. The system may have an antenna and associated circuitry provided on an electronic chip such as a monolithic chip or on a printed circuit with a suitable substrate.

Abstract: A reader of an RFID system has excitation circuitry for generating a higher voltage excitation signal, receiving circuitry for reading a lower voltage transponder signal and an antenna coupled with the excitation circuitry for transmitting the excitation signal and coupled with the receiving circuitry for receiving the transponder signal. The receiving circuitry includes a low voltage signal stripping circuit coupled with the antenna for isolating the transponder signal from the excitation signal preliminary to the receiving circuitry reading the transponder signal. The bulk of the components of the low voltage signal stripping circuit are low voltage components, which can be included in an application specific integrated circuit.

Abstract: A plasma device having low thermal noise, which results in a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the plasma device. The plasma device includes devices with a plasma that is responsive to electromagnetic radiation and/or electrical signals. In various configurations, the plasma device has a plasma in which the temperature, resistance, pressure, and/or collision frequency are at a level sufficiently low to produce an acceptable level of noise. In another configuration, the operating frequency of the plasma device is at a level sufficiently high to produce an acceptable level of noise. Decreasing the noise level results in increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and increasing the data rate. The plasma temperature is reduced by operating the plasma device in the afterglow state. The plasma electron temperature is reduced by confining high energy electrons in a potential well and by using an electron emitting filament.

Abstract: Energy harvesting circuits and associated methods are provided that employ multiple antennas to optimize the amount of energy that is harvested while at the same time making efficient use of tag space. In some embodiments, matching networks are chosen in a manner that optimizes the DC energy that is created from the harvesting process. In other embodiments, phase shifts are introduced into the received signals to allow the signals to be more efficiently combined after they are rectified.

Abstract: A communications device includes a housing, an ionized air stream generator carried by the housing for generating an ionized air stream, and an ionized air chamber carried by the housing for directing the ionized air stream external the housing to function as an antenna. A transceiver is carried by the housing and is coupled to the ionized air chamber. The transceiver excites or detects changes in a current flow in the ionized air stream at radio communication frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for coupling between a plasma column serving as an antenna and an electric power signal generator, associated with a laser. This device comprises at least two conducting electrodes, each pierced with a hole, these holes being coaxial, the electrodes being connected on the one hand to a high voltage direct current source and on the other hand to power signal alternating current source, the laser(s) being placed do that its (their) beam arrives along the axis of said holes of the electrodes.

Abstract: In cellular telephony, a plurality of communication signals which are received at a base station for wireless transmission are multiplexed onto a single physical medium which runs up a mast. This reduces the use of cabling running up the mast with an attendant savings in cost.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of antennas and relates in particular to an generator of a laser radiation and means for coupling an electrical signal to this laser radiation, said antenna being characterized in that the generator of a laser radiation is a femtosecond laser.

Abstract: A reduced noise and selectively configurable plasma device is capable of interpreting electromagnetic signals having an operating frequency and has a plasma mechanism with a plasma that is ionizable to a plasma frequency. An ionizing mechanism for ionizing the plasma and a control that is operative to control the ionizing mechanism, ionize the plasma to the plasma frequency by application of plasma ionizing energy pulses. An interpreting mechanism operates to interpret the electromagnetic signals only in a period between ionization of the plasma with the energy pulses.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and an associated method for remotely energizing power storage devices. Energization may preferably be effected through the use of RF energy from a base station, ambient energy or ultra-wide band energy. The remote station preferably has at least one antenna having an effective area greater than its physical area. The system may have an antenna and associated circuitry provided on an electronic chip such as a monolithic chip or on a printed circuit with a suitable substrate.

Abstract: A wireless communication device includes a housing, and a retractable combination speaker box and antenna mechanism operably coupled with the housing. The retractable combination speaker box and antenna mechanism includes a speaker box with an enclosed acoustic volume, and an antenna. The retractable combination speaker box and antenna mechanism is movable between at least a retracted position where the retractable combination speaker box and antenna mechanism is adjacent with the housing, the antenna is in a retracted condition, and the speaker box includes a retracted enclosed acoustic volume, and a deployed position where the retractable combination speaker box and antenna mechanism is moved away from the housing, the antenna is in a deployed condition farther away from the housing than the retracted condition, and the speaker box includes a deployed enclosed acoustic volume that is greater than the retracted enclosed acoustic volume.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification transponder includes a power supply and a dynamic memory array that stores data. When power from the power supply ceases, the data in the dynamic memory array is validly maintained for a predetermined period of time. The dynamic memory array is responsive to an interrogating signal for selectively updating the data. A radio frequency identification transponder includes a signal processor that extracts an identifier from the interrogation signal and is responsive to the identifier and the stored data to determine whether some or all of the identifier is stored in the dynamic memory array.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and an associated method for remotely energizing power storage devices. Energization may preferably be effected through the use of RF energy within frequencies of the wireless fidelity standards. The remote station preferably has at least one antenna having an effective area greater than its physical area. The invention may advantageously be used on wireless fidelity products which are energized by the power storage device.

Abstract: An antenna device includes a plane-type antenna element, a heat insulation container for blocking heat entering from the outside, the heat insulation container having a radio-wave window allowing a radio wave to pass therethrough, and housing the plane-type antenna element, a waveguide housed in the heat insulation container and arranged between the radio-wave window and an antenna pattern formation surface of the plane-type antenna element, and cooling means for cooling the plane-type antenna element. The waveguide is shaped and dimensioned so that the directivity of the plane-type antenna element is enhanced, and a superconducting film is used for the antenna pattern of the plane-type antenna element.

Abstract: An reconfigurable array of variable conductive elements is provided for reflecting, filtering and steering electromagnetic radiation across a wide range of frequencies. The reconfigurable array is combined with a transmitting antenna to make a steerable antenna. The reconfigurable array surrounds the transmitting antenna and reflects all transmissions except on selected radials where apertures in the reconfigurable array are formed for permitting transmission lobes. The reconfigurable arrays can be arranged in stacked layers to make transceiving multiband antennas. Communications networks using the steerable antennas and arrays are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plasma device serves as an antenna, single or stacked plasma frequency selective surfaces, single or stacked plasma antenna arrays, plasma lamps, plasma limiters, plasma switch, plasma windows or plasma phase shifters. An electromagnetic wave signal is controlled to have a plasma frequency matched as nearly as possible to the frequency of incident electromagnetic signals for maximizing the antenna aperture and efficiency. Matching the frequencies permits the plasma device to have a physical size and shape substantially independent of the conventional optimal size and shape for a given transceived signal frequency. The plasma device plasma frequency is adjustable for tuning to different incident signal frequencies, thereby providing flexibility not available from conventional metal antennas.

Abstract: A device for emission of high frequency signals is provided. The emission device is capable of emission of signals in the Gigahertz (GHz) and Terahertz (THz) range. The device may utilize, for example, a cantilever comprising a material that is capable of altering its electrical properties when flexed.

Abstract: A method of operating a plasma antenna, reflector, director, and barrier, where the plasma antenna is pulsed at a pulse power for a pulse duration and a pulse frequency to energize a plasma within the plasma antenna for an afterglow duration, where the pulse duration is shorter than the afterglow duration. In this manner, the power required to operate the plasma antenna is dramatically reduced, while the power at which the antenna operates can be dramatically increased. In addition, the antenna operates primarily in the low noise afterglow phase. Thus, several problems in regard to the prior art are overcome.

Abstract: A fluid antenna generator includes a first source of electrically conductive fluid and a second source of electrically conductive fluid. The first source and the second source are oriented such that, when the first source and the second source are operated, the electrically conductive fluid generated by the first source intersects the electrically conductive fluid generated by the second source. A method for generating a fluid antenna includes generating a first electrically conductive fluid portion and generating a second electrically conductive fluid portion, such that the first electrically conductive fluid portion and the second electrically conductive fluid portion intersect.

Abstract: A wireless transceiver including multiple antennas, an antenna switch, and a media access controller that controls the antenna switch for determining when to switch to another antenna based on packet error rate (PER). Instead of switching the antenna on a packet-by-packet basis, antenna selection is made after one or more packets errors have been detected. The CRC is used to identify receive packet errors. A timer is used to determine each transmit packet error when an acknowledge packet is not received in time. A method of selecting from among multiple antennas including counting packet errors, comparing a packet error count with a threshold value to determine a threshold condition, switching to a different antenna if the threshold condition is met, and resetting the packet error count when the threshold condition is met.

Abstract: A scanner has plasma loop or plasma window antennas for selectively scanning for ID tags along distinct radials of the scanner. Scanner elements are made electromagnetically invisible to adjacent elements by removing power or lowering plasma densities so that the scanner elements do not interfere with its own operation. Activatable ID tags and a shipping container suitable for scanning with electromagnetic energy are also disclosed.