14474 results about "Radio frequency signal" patented technology

A surgical device includes a radio-frequency-signal-generation assembly including a radio-frequency-signal-generation circuit operable to generate a radio-frequency signal at an output and adapted to couple to a switch-mode power supply and a surgical handle including an end effector having at least one jaw with at least one electrical contact, the end effector including at least one signal input that electrically connects to the output to provide the radio-frequency signal at the at least one electrical contact.

An electrosurgical system comprises a generator and an instrument including a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insulating spacer separating the first and second electrodes. The generator repeatedly measures a characteristic of the radio frequency output such as the impedance between the first and second electrodes. The generator analyses the impedance measurements, and interrupts the radio frequency signal when the rate of change of the impedance is such as to indicate the onset of a “flare-out”. In this way, the power is reduced before the flare-out leads to permanent damage or failure of the instrument.

An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a housing, at least one handle a channel assembly, a clip carrier disposed within the channel assembly and a counter mechanism supported in at least one of the housing and the channel assembly. The counter mechanism is configured to transmit a change in status of the apparatus upon each actuation of the at least one handle. The counter mechanism includes a switch configured to output a signal upon actuation of the trigger, an encoder configured to output a bit sequence upon actuation of the switch, a radio frequency transmitter operable to convert the bit sequence into a radio frequency signal, and a transmitting antenna configured to transmit the radio frequency signal.

A method for powering an electrosurgical instrument includes the steps of inserting a removable battery assembly into an electrosurgical instrument and activating the power control circuit to power the electrosurgical instrument. The removable battery assembly includes a power control circuit powered by at least one energy storage cell, a radio-frequency-signal-generation assembly communicatively coupled to the power control circuit and operable to selectively produce a radio-frequency signal, and a battery assembly / instrument interface operably coupled to the radio-frequency-signal-generation assembly. The battery assembly / instrument interface includes a first plurality of connectors removably connectable with at least one corresponding connector coupled to the electrosurgical instrument, at least one of the first plurality of connectors being operable to supply the radio-frequency signal to the electrosurgical instrument.

Sensor assembly capable of obtaining and providing a measurement of a physical quantity, e.g., measurement of temperature and / or pressure of a vehicular tire, includes an antenna capable of receiving a radio frequency signal, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device coupled to the antenna, a sensor coupled to the RFID device arranged to generate a measurement of the physical quantity or quantities, and a switch coupled to the RFID device and arranged to connect or disconnect the sensor from a circuit with the antenna dependent on whether the antenna receives a particular signal associated with the RFID device. When the antenna receives the particular signal associated with the RFID device, the RFID device causes the switch to close and connect the sensor in the circuit with the antenna to enable the measurement generated by the sensor to be directed to and transmitted by the antenna.

A cordless surgical device includes a modular battery, a radio-frequency signal generating assembly, a surgical handle and an interchangeable circuit casing. The RF signal generating assembly includes RF-signal-generating circuitry, a voltage-control circuit and an external output. The voltage circuit is configured to control an output of the RF-signal-generating circuitry. The handle is configured to support a bipolar end effector having jaws with bipolar contacts and a cutting blade disposed between the jaws. The handle includes leads operable to receive RF signals from the external output and defines an aseptically sealable battery-holding compartment configured to hold the battery. The circuit casing is configured to house the RF signal generating assembly and includes a securing connection adapted to couple the external output of the RF signal generating assembly to the leads. The external output is operable to impart RF signals to the handle when the circuit casing connects to the handle.

The RF signal generated by a ZigBee radio on the outside of a building structure is conveyed to the interior of the building by guiding it along an electric cable bundle that passes through the building's wall to supply domestic electric power to the interior of the structure. The RF signal is launched by a unique coupler comprising a pair of insulated foil conductors.

The RF signal generated by a ZigBee radio on the outside of a building structure is conveyed to the interior of the building by guiding it along an electric cable bundle that passes through the building's wall to supply domestic electric power to the interior of the structure. The RF signal is launched by a unique coupler comprising a pair of insulated foil conductors.

A cordless cautery and cutting surgical device includes a modular battery and a surgical handle operable to removably hold the battery thereto. The handle has a cordless radio-frequency-signal-generation assembly and a surgical bipolar end effector having jaws and a cutting blade therebetween. The signal-generation assembly selectively supplies radio-frequency signal to the end effector when powered for electrocautery of tissue between the jaws. The handle defines therein an aseptically sealable battery-holding compartment selectively exposed to the environment and removably holding therein the battery. A motor assembly is disposed in the handle and is electrically connected to the battery and / or the signal-generation assembly and is powered and controlled thereby. The motor assembly physically couples to the blade and / or at least one jaw for moving the blade / jaw(s). The second connector part electrically connects the battery to the signal-generation assembly and / or the motor assembly when the battery is removably disposed in the compartment.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for wireless network security. In one embodiment, a method for securing a wireless computing network includes receiving a communication from an unidentified transmitter, identifying the transmitter in accordance with a fingerprint generated from one or more radio frequency signal characteristics extracted from the communication, and taking action in response to an identity of the transmitter.

A method of asset control and workstation computer deployment that utilizes a dual port electronic memory identification RFID tag to hold serial number and hardware and software configuration profiles as well as user information. The RFID tag is mapped into the workstation computer memory space and can also be read and written by radio frequency signalling through a wired plug and access flap in a shipping carton. Serial numbers and MAC address is stored on the tag by the manufacturer. User information, workstation profile and software image information is stored onto the tag while the computer is being received for forwarding to the final workstation destination without the need to unpack and power up the computer. The information stored on the tag is used to allow automated system configuration and software downloading to the computer.

Sensor assembly capable of obtaining and providing a measurement of a physical quantity, e.g., measurement of temperature and / or pressure of a vehicular tire, includes an antenna capable of receiving a radio frequency signal, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device coupled to the antenna, a sensor coupled to the RFID device arranged to generate a measurement of the physical quantity or quantities, and a switch coupled to the RFID device and arranged to connect or disconnect the sensor from a circuit with the antenna dependent on whether the antenna receives a particular signal associated with the RFID device. When the antenna receives the particular signal associated with the RFID device, the RFID device causes the switch to close and connect the sensor in the circuit with the antenna to enable the measurement generated by the sensor to be directed to and transmitted by the antenna.

Macroelectronic substrate materials incorporating nanowires are described. These are used to provide underlying electronic elements (e.g., transistors and the like) for a variety of different applications. Methods for making the macroelectronic substrate materials are disclosed. One application is for transmission an reception of RF signals in small, lightweight sensors. Such sensors can be configured in a distributed sensor network to provide security monitoring. Furthermore, a method and apparatus for a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is described. The RFID tag includes an antenna and a beam-steering array. The beam-steering array includes a plurality of tunable elements. A method and apparatus for an acoustic cancellation device and for an adjustable phase shifter that are enabled by nanowires are also described.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for identifying wireless transmitters. In one embodiment, a method for identifying a transmitter in a wireless computing network includes extracting one or more radio frequency signal characteristics from a communication from the transmitter and generating a fingerprint of the transmitter in accordance at least one of the extracted radio frequency signal characteristics.

A system and method are described for powering a vehicle using radio frequency (“RF”) signals. For example, a method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: positioning an antenna array beneath or on the road surface of a roadway, the antenna array configured to transmit RF signals responsive to RF processing logic and / or circuitry; coupling a rectenna array to a vehicle, the rectenna array configured to receive the RF signals transmitted from the antenna array and to generate power from the RF signals; providing feedback signals from the vehicle to the RF processing logic and / or circuitry, the feedback signals including channel state information (CSI) defining a current state of the channels between the antenna array and the rectenna array, the RF processing logic and / or circuitry using the channel state information to adjust the RF signal transmissions from the antenna array to improve the efficiency of the power generated by the rectenna array; and using the power generated by the rectenna array to power the vehicle.

A cardiac defibrillator includes a fibrillation detector, which determines when a medical patient requires defibrillation at which time a transmitter produces a radio frequency signal. A first stent electrode is implanted into a blood vessel at a first location in the medical patient and a second stent electrode is implanted into a blood vessel at a second location. The first stent electrode contains an electronic circuit that is electrically connected to the second stent electrode. In response to receiving the radio frequency signal, the electronic circuit uses energy from that signal to apply an electric defibrillation pulse between the first and second stent electrodes.

A wireless headset system for use with, e.g. mobile phones, and which incorporates a wireless headset which communicates with a base station via magnetic inductive coupling or radio frequency signals to dial and send or receive calls via a conventional phone, e.g. a mobile phone, attached to the base station. In one embodiment, the mobile phone is carried in the base station which is worn by the user.

Abstract of Disclosure A MIMO radio transceiver to support processing of multiple signals for simultaneous transmission via corresponding ones of a plurality of antennas and to support receive processing of multiple signals detected by corresponding ones of the plurality of antennas. The radio transceiver provides, on a single semiconductor integrated circuit, a receiver circuit or path for each of a plurality of antennas and a transmit circuit or path for each of the plurality of antennas. Each receiver circuit downconverts the RF signal detected by its associated antenna to a baseband signal. Similarly, each transmit path upconverts a baseband signal to be transmitted by an assigned antenna.

An abnormally rapid ventricular cardiac rate that results from atrial fibrillation can be reduced by stimulating a vagal nerve of the heart. An apparatus for such stimulation includes a power transmitter that emits a radio frequency signal. A stimulator, implanted in a blood vessel adjacent the vagal nerve, has a pair of electrodes and an electrical circuit thereon. The electrical circuit receives the radio frequency signal and derives an electrical voltage from the energy of that signal. The electrical voltage is applied in the form of pulses to the pair of electrodes, thereby stimulating the vagal nerve. The pattern of that stimulating pulses can be varied in response to characteristics of the atrial fibrillation or the ventricular contractions.

The system includes, at least first and second antennas receiving first and second radio frequency signals, and a multiplexing system converting the first and second radio frequency signals to first and second optical signals and multiplexing the first and second optical signals for transmission over the optical fiber. A central processing base station is adapted for connection to the optical fiber. The central processing base station demultiplexes the first and second optical signals from the optical fiber, converts the first and second optical signals into the first and second radio frequency signals, and processes the first and second radio frequency signals to obtain information signals. In another embodiment, a conductor such as a coaxial cable replaces the optical fiber, and the multiplexer multiplexes the first and second radio frequency signals onto the conductor. In a further embodiment, the central processing base station uses the same techniques to send signals to an access point for transmission.

In a system facilitating the calibration of a map-point grid for an indoor location determination, the grid includes several map points, each having a radio frequency (RF) data fingerprint being associated therewith. At least one of: (i) RF signal data from several RF sources, (ii) a user specified location indication, and (ii) tracking data from a sensor, the tracking data indicating a user's movement relative to a base map point, are received. The map-point grid is updated based on, at least in part, at least one of (i) adjusted RF data, the received RF data being adjusted using systematic analysis thereof, (ii) the tracking data, and (iii) the location indication. A user's location may be determined based on the fingerprints associated with the map-point grid, and sensor data.

A cordless cautery and cutting surgical device includes a modular battery and a surgical handle operable to removably hold the battery thereto. The handle has a cordless radio-frequency-signal-generation assembly and a surgical bipolar end effector having jaws and a cutting blade therebetween. The signal-generation assembly selectively supplies radio-frequency signal to the end effector when powered for electrocautery of tissue between the jaws. The handle defines therein an aseptically sealable battery-holding compartment selectively exposed to the environment and removably holding therein the battery. A motor assembly is disposed in the handle and is electrically connected to the battery and / or the signal-generation assembly and is powered and controlled thereby. The motor assembly physically couples to the blade and / or at least one jaw for moving the blade / jaw(s). The second connector part electrically connects the battery to the signal-generation assembly and / or the motor assembly when the battery is removably disposed in the compartment.

A system and method for signal distribution within a sensor array uses a coaxial transmission line. Taps are affixed to the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and include field coupling portions extending into the internal field region of the coaxial transmission line. Electromagnetic energy propagating within the transmission line can be extracted to power the sensors. Sensor signals can be modulated onto radio frequency signals and propagated along the transmission line to distribute the sensor signals.

The present invention allows remote antenna units for radio frequency signal transmission and receipt to operate without the requirement for remote electrical power supplies or for connecting cables that incorporate electrical conductors. According to an aspect of the present invention, an optical communications system employing radio frequency signals comprises a central unit; at least one remote unit having at least one optoelectronic transducer for converting optical data signals to radio frequency signals and converting radio signals to optical signals and at least one antenna to receive and send radio frequency signals; at least one optical fiber data link between the central unit and the remote unit for transmitting optical data signals therebetween; and at least one optical fiber power link between the central unit and the remote unit for providing electrical power at the remote unit.

Contactless services, applications, and / or transactions can be performed between a mobile terminal and a contactless reader even when the mobile terminal battery power is found to be insufficient or if there is some other problem with the battery. Current is induced from electromagnetic (EM) fields or radio frequency (RF) signals detected near the mobile terminal such that sufficient power can be momentarily and / or temporarily used to access information from a smart card or other components within the mobile terminal, and allow user interaction via the contactless reader.

A method for transmitting digital beamformed signals in a transmit array antenna apparatus utilizing a single transceiver with one power amplifier, one up-frequency converter and one digital-to-analog converter for said array transmit antenna apparatus comprising the steps of: generating a first set of direct-sequence spread spectrum codes; generating a plurality of weights, each weight being a beamforming amplitude and phase or delay for each element; generating a direct-sequence spread spectrum multiplexed signal containing such weights while using one of such first-set codes per element; converting such an multiplexed signal to a convenient radio frequency; amplifying and transmitting such a multiplexed radio frequency signal to the elements; generating a second set of direct-sequence spread spectrum codes; extracting a radio frequency signal with direction-bearing weight information at each element while using a subset of codes from the second set; generating a third set of direct-sequence spread spectrum codes at each element; transmitting a signal with array gain beamformed towards a specific direction while using a transmit array apparatus composed of spaced elements, such a transmit beamformed signal being a radio frequency signal, a direct-sequence spread spectrum radio frequency signal containing a subset of codes from the third set, or a sequence of radio frequency pulses that have short duration and high power.

A cordless cautery and cutting surgical device includes a modular battery and a surgical handle. The battery has a cordless radio-frequency-signal-generation assembly generating an output radio-frequency signal and a first selectively removable connector part. The surgical handle has a first handle body portion with a bipolar cautery and cutting end effector. The end effector has jaws with bipolar contacts and a cutting blade disposed between the jaws. The handle has a second body portion connected to the first body portion, defines therein an aseptically sealable battery-holding compartment selectively exposed to the environment and removably holding therein the battery, and a second selectively removable connector part operable to removably hold the first connector part thereto. The second connector part has conductors electrically connecting the RF assembly to the bipolar contacts for supplying the radio-frequency signal to the bipolar contacts when the first and second connector parts are removably secured together.

Embodiments in accordance with the invention provide communication between vehicles and traffic control devices and / or other vehicles. The communication system provides for communication of system variables such as: signal setting (e.g., red / yellow / green light), signal direction, time to signal change, signal sequence (e.g., next traffic flow), red light runner alert, signal failure, driver urgency, vehicle presence, absolute vehicle location, toll collection information, vehicle speed, roadway condition (e.g., ice on bridge surface), traffic impairments (e.g., delay ahead). The communication system also provides for communication of system variables such as: speed, acceleration / deceleration, braking, lane change with direction, malfunction (e.g., stall). The system communicates utilizing wireless optical, acoustic and / or radio frequency signaling methods.

A system and method for collecting data relating to the parts of a vehicle and using such data to determine if the vehicle can be operated. The system entails the deployment of a plurality of radio frequency identification tags on or within various parts of the vehicle that are capable of issuing radio frequency signals containing data related to each corresponding part. A radio frequency transceiver capable of interfacing with and receiving data stored within each tag operates in conjunction with a central processor unit capable of analyzing the data from each tag and determining whether the vehicle needs parts to be replaced or can be operated with its existing set of parts.

A radio frequency sensing, control, and particulate matter diagnostics network and system and method and, more specifically, a radio frequency particulate filter diagnostics system comprising a housing including an inlet connected to a source of particulate matter, a particulate filter in the housing and adapted for filtering the particulate matter, and a radio frequency sensor adapted to detect conditions of abnormal particulate filter or system operation and including at least one radio frequency probe configured to be in contact with the housing for the particulate filter housing and adapted to receive radio frequency signals and a radio frequency control unit in communication with the radio frequency probe.