Miniaturized Thermoelectric Generator Powered by Body Heat
PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BW HealthWire)--Oct. 1, 2001--
The wafer-thin, fingernail-size
"battery" converts body heat flow into
electrical power to run embedded or attachable medical devices
as well as wristwatches; does away with need to periodically change
batteries and has an addressable worldwide market
in excess of $2.5 billion
Applied Digital Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSX) today announced that it has developed a
miniaturized thermoelectric generator -- a half-inch diameter ceramic-based "battery" that
converts low gradient body heat flow into electrical power. This "battery" is a solid-state device,
does not contain any chemicals and would never need any replenishment.
At the present time, this revolutionary device generates 1.5 volts of electricity with 10 micron
amps and is able to operate continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The new body-heat "battery" has a wide variety of potential uses, primarily related to powering
attachable and implantable medical devices as well as wristwatches. It effectively eliminates the
need to periodically replace the power source of these devices. Applied Digital is now providing
demonstrations of this technology to potential licensees on a confidential basis.
Commenting on the announcement, Applied Digital Solutions' Chairman & CEO, Richard J.
Sullivan said: "This breakthrough technology represents another significant step for Applied
Digital as a developer of enhanced digital technologies. These technologies have a tremendous
capacity for saving lives as well as enhancing the quality of life. We're looking forward to
working with the medical community, battery manufacturers and other potential partners
throughout the world to bring this exciting new product to market."
Dr. Peter Zhou, Vice President and Chief Scientist of Applied Digital Solutions, added:
"Companies and individuals hampered by the limitations of today's common power sources will
find that our new body-heat battery addresses their needs more efficiently and cost-effectively. A
1.5 volt battery provides enough power for certain medical devices. But some medical devices
require additional voltage, so we plan to develop a battery capable of generating 3 volts of
electricity with 10 microns."
Dr. Keith Bolton, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Applied Digital Solutions also
noted that Applied Digital plans to incorporate the continuous "battery" into future generations of
its Digital Angel products. Scheduled for a market launch in November 2001, Digital Angel
products represent the first-ever combination of advanced biosensor technology and
Web-enabled wireless telecommunications linked to Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Digital
Angel monitors key body functions -- such as temperature and pulse -- and transmits that data,
along with accurate location information, to a ground station or monitoring facility. Digital Angel's
potential applications include: monitoring the location and medical condition of at-risk patients;
helping with emergency search and rescue operations; locating lost or missing individuals;
locating missing or stolen household pets; managing the commodity supply chain; and providing a
tamper-proof means of identification for enhanced e-commerce security. For more information
on Digital Angel, visit www.digitalangel.net.
