Patent ID: 7763014
Filing Date: 2010-07-27
Classification: A61F,A61J,A61M

Abstract:
1. An ingestible device for delivering a substance to a chosen or identifiable location in the alimentary canal of a human or animal, comprising an openable reservoir, for the substance, that is sealable against leakage of the substance; an actuator mechanism for opening the reservoir; an energy source, operatively connected for powering the actuator mechanism; a releasable latch for controllably switching the application of power to the actuator mechanism from the energy source; a receiver of electromagnetic radiation, for operating the latch when the receiver detects radiation within a predetermined characteristic range; and a transmitter of electromagnetic radiation for transmitting a signal indicative of operation of the device, the said reservoir including an exit aperture, for the substance, closed by a closure member that is sealingly retained relative to the aperture, the exit aperture being openable on operation of the actuator mechanism; wherein: (i) the latch is thermally actuated; (ii) the energy source is held in a potential energy state by the latch until the latch operates; and (iii) the device includes a heater for heating the latch whereby, on the receiver detecting the said radiation the receiver operates to power the heater and thereby release the latch, permitting expulsion of the substance from the reservoir; characterised in that: the device also includes a restraint operable to limit operation of the actuator mechanism; and in that, on release of the latch, the restraint operates a switch to activate the transmitter for transmission of a said signal.