You’re using a public version of DrugPatentWatch with 5 free searches available | Register to unlock more free searches. CREATE FREE ACCOUNT

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Claims for Patent: 8,961,412


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


Summary for Patent: 8,961,412
Title:In-body device with virtual dipole signal amplification
Abstract: Virtual dipole signal amplification for in-body devices, such as implantable and ingestible devices, is provided. Aspects of the in-body deployable antennas of the invention include antennas configured to go from a first configuration to a second configuration following placement in a living body, e.g., via ingestion or implantation. Embodiments of the in-body devices are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the devices of the invention.
Inventor(s): Hafezi; Hooman (Redwood City, CA), Costello; Benedict James (Berkeley, CA), Robertson; Timothy L. (Belmont, CA), Casillas Holen; Maria (Santa Clara, CA)
Assignee: Proteus Digital Health, Inc. (Redwood City, CA)
Application Number:12/238,345
Patent Claims: 1. An ingestible event marker comprising: an identifier configured to emit a signal when it contacts a target site, wherein the identifier comprises: a first signal transmission element; and a second signal transmission element arranged in an opposing spaced relationship to the first signal transmission element, the first and second opposing signal transmission elements are configured to produce an actual dipole having a predefined dipole length; and an electrically insulative signal amplification element disposed between the first and second signal transmission elements configured to produce a virtual dipole having a length defined by the signal amplification element, wherein the virtual dipole length is larger than the actual dipole length.

2. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the identifier is activated upon contact with a target site fluid present at a target site.

3. The ingestible event marker according to claim 2, wherein the virtual dipole length is two or more times larger than the first dipole length.

4. The ingestible event marker according to claim 3, wherein the first and second signal transmission elements comprise first and second electrodes positioned on opposing sides of a solid support, wherein the solid support is positioned between the first and second signal transmission elements.

5. The ingestible event marker according to claim 4, wherein the solid support comprises an integrated circuit.

6. The ingestible event marker according to claim 4, wherein the first and second opposing electrodes are planar electrodes.

7. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the signal amplification element is a planar structure having an outer edge that extends beyond the edge of the first and second signal transmission elements.

8. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the signal amplification element is a two-dimensional signal amplification element.

9. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, further comprising a signal generation element coupled to the first and second signal transmission elements and an active agent stably associated with the signal generation element.

10. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, further comprising a third signal transmission element positioned in an opposing spaced relationship to at least one of the first and second signal transmission elements and wherein the ingestible event marker comprises a second actual dipole and a third actual dipole.

11. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the actual dipole is defined between the first and second opposing signal transmission elements.

12. The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the virtual dipole is defined by conducting an electrical current between the first signal transmission element and the second signal transmission element about the electrically insulative signal amplification element.

13. A system comprising: (a) an ingestible event marker comprising an identifier including a signal generation element configured to emit a signal when it contacts a target site, wherein the identifier comprises: a first signal transmission element; and a second signal transmission element arranged in an opposing spaced relationship to the first signal transmission element, the first and second opposing signal transmission elements configured to produce an actual dipole having a predefined dipole length; and an electrically insulative signal amplification element disposed between the first and second signal transmission elements configured to produce a virtual dipole having a length defined by the signal amplification element, wherein the virtual dipole length is larger than the actual dipole length; and (b) a receiver configured to detect a signal produced by the signal generation element.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the receiver is an in vivo receiver.

15. The system according claim 13, wherein the receiver is an external receiver.

16. The system according to claim 13, wherein the actual dipole is defined between the first and second opposing signal transmission elements.

17. The system according to claim 13, wherein the virtual dipole is defined by conducting an electrical current between the first signal transmission element and the second signal transmission element about the electrically insulative signal amplification element.

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.