A radio frequency (RF) to direct current (DC) converter for an aerosol delivery device is provided. The aerosol delivery device includes a power source, and an antenna configured to receive radio-frequency (RF) energy from an external RF transmitter. The aerosol delivery device also includes a power harvesting circuitry configured to receive radio-frequency RF energy from an external RF transmitter, and harvest power from the RF energy to power or charge at least one electronic component of the aerosol delivery device.

An example method is performed at a near-field charging pad with a processor, a power-transferring element, a signature-signal-receiving circuit, and the processor of the near-field charging pad is in communication with a data source that includes predefined signature signals that each identify one of (i) a wireless power receiver, (ii) an object other than a wireless power receiver, and (iii) a combination of a wireless power receiver and an object other than a wireless power receiver. The method includes: after sending a plurality of test radio frequency (RF) power transmission signals, detecting, using the signature-signal-receiving circuit, respective amounts of reflected power; generating, based on variations in the respective amounts of reflected power, a signature signal; and determining whether (i) an authorized wireless power receiver is present on the near-field charging pad and/or (ii) an object other than a wireless power receiver is present on the near-field charging pad.

An example method is performed at a near-field charging pad with a processor, a power-transferring element, a signature-signal-receiving circuit, and the processor of the near-field charging pad is in communication with a data source that includes predefined signature signals that each identify one of (i) a wireless power receiver, (ii) an object other than a wireless power receiver, and (iii) a combination of a wireless power receiver and an object other than a wireless power receiver. The method includes: after sending a plurality of test radio frequency (RF) power transmission signals, detecting, using the signature-signal-receiving circuit, respective amounts of reflected power; generating, based on variations in the respective amounts of reflected power, a signature signal; and determining whether (i) an authorized wireless power receiver is present on the near-field charging pad and/or (ii) an object other than a wireless power receiver is present on the near-field charging pad.

Method and apparatus for generating and receiving a paging signal are provided. The paging signal may be received by a wireless device in a low-power state. The paging signal may include a target identification (ID) that may be associated with the wireless device. If the target ID is associated with the wireless device, the wireless device may leave the low-power state, enter an active power state and communicate with other wireless devices. The wireless device may include power harvesting circuitry to convert RF energy from the paging signal into power to operate a portion of the wireless device.

A surgical product supply system includes a cart having a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment has first, second, third and fourth walls. The first and second walls are constructed of radio-reflective material and the third and fourth walls are constructed of a radio-absorptive material. The first compartment has a first storage area. A first RFID antenna array is attached to the first wall and is positioned within the first storage area. The first RFID antenna array includes a first plurality of RFID antennas. A second RFID antenna array is attached to the second wall and is positioned within the first storage area. The second RFID antenna array includes a second plurality of RFID antennas. The first RFID antenna is offset relative to the second RFID antenna such that opposing central axes of the first and second RFID antennas are not colinear.

An RF lens includes a multitude of radiators adapted to transmit radio frequency electromagnetic EM waves whose phases are modulated so as to concentrate the radiated power in a small volume of space in order to power an electronic device positioned in that space. Accordingly, the waves emitted by the radiators are caused to interfere constructively at that space. The multitude of radiators are optionally formed in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array. The electromagnetic waves radiated by the radiators have the same frequency but variable amplitudes.

Circuits, systems and computer readable media transmission of wireless signals in response to incoming signals in a wireless signaling environment. Such a system may include at least one transceiver for receiving an incoming signal via an antenna array from a device in the wireless signaling environment. The system may also include a controller operably coupled to the transceiver. The controller may measure a phase of the incoming signal, and determine, based on the phase, a transmit phase configuration for one or more antennas of the antenna array. The system may include at least one phase-locked loop (PLL) operably coupled to the transceiver(s). The PLL(s) may feed signals to the antenna(s) of the antenna array based on the transmit phase configuration for transmission of a responsive signal to the device.

Circuits, systems and computer readable media transmission of wireless signals in response to incoming signals in a wireless signaling environment. Such a system may include at least one transceiver for receiving an incoming signal via an antenna array from a device in the wireless signaling environment. The system may also include a controller operably coupled to the transceiver. The controller may measure a phase of the incoming signal, and determine, based on the phase, a transmit phase configuration for one or more antennas of the antenna array. The system may include at least one phase-locked loop (PLL) operably coupled to the transceiver(s). The PLL(s) may feed signals to the antenna(s) of the antenna array based on the transmit phase configuration for transmission of a responsive signal to the device.

Disclosed is an apparatus for an application including a core device for the application. The apparatus includes a power (preferably RF energy) harvester connected to the core device to power the core device. Also disclosed is a method for an application. The method includes the steps of converting RF energy into usable energy. There is the step of powering the core device with the usable energy.

Disclosed is an apparatus for an application including a core device for the application. The apparatus includes a power (preferably RF energy) harvester connected to the core device to power the core device. Also disclosed is a method for an application. The method includes the steps of converting RF energy into usable energy. There is the step of powering the core device with the usable energy.