Self propelled device having a magnetohydrodynamic propulsion system

• US 20030214580A1
• Filed: 02/11/2003
• Published: 11/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Iddan, Gavriel J.
• Granted Patent: US 6,939,290 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/81
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0002 provided with data storages
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00029 externally powered, e.g. wireless
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00034 rechargeable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00156 using self propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00158 using magnetic field
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0038 Devices for taking faeces samples; Faecal examination devices anal receptacles A61F5/451
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0075 by spectroscopy, i.e. measuring spectra, e.g. Raman spectroscopy, infrared absorption spectroscopy A61B5/0071 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/062 using magnetic field
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/067 using accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/073 Intestinal transmitters
• CPC Class Codes: B63G 2008/004 autonomously operating
• CPC Class Codes: B63G 8/001 Underwater vessels adapted for special purposes, e.g. unmanned underwater vessels; Equipment specially adapted therefor, e.g. docking stations self-propelled or direction controlled diving chambers with mechanical link to a base B63C11/42
• CPC Class Codes: B63H 11/025 by means of magneto-hydro-dynamic forces
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 3/0291 Housings; Spectrometer accessories; Spatial arrangement of elements, e.g. folded path arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/2476 Non-optical details, e.g. housings, mountings, supports

Abstract

A sensing device includes a magnetohydrodynamic propulsion system. The sensing device may be an in-vivo autonomous capsule with an imager, but may be another type of sensing device. A separate propulsion system may be provided which may be attachable to, for example, a sensing device.

Claims

1. A sensing device comprising:

a sensor;

a duct disposed substantially within the device; and

a propulsion device including a magnetohydrodynamic device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor includes an imager.

3. The device of claim 1, comprising a magnet disposed within a volume separate from the duct, and wherein the propulsion device includes at least a plurality of electrodes.

4. The device of claim 3, comprising a yoke connected to the magnet.

5. The device of claim 1, comprising a set of valves.

6. The device of claim 1, comprising a receiver.

7. The device of claim 1, comprising a receiver capable of receiving power from a source external to the device.

8. The device of claim 1, comprising a receiver capable of receiving control information.

9. The device of claim 8 comprising a controller, wherein per the control information the controller is capable of operating the magnetohydrodynamic device.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein propulsion is provided by propelling fluid, the device comprising:

a set of valves; and

a controller capable of operating the set of valves to provide directional control of fluid flow.

11. The device of claim 1, comprising a power source.

12. The device of claim 1, comprising a position unit.

13. The device of claim 1, comprising a movement detection unit.

14. The device of claim 1, comprising a coil capable of receiving electromagnetic energy.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the duct includes at least an inlet and an outlet.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the duct includes a plurality of outlets.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is an ingestible capsule.

18. A sensing device comprising:

a sensing means for collecting data;

a duct means for accepting and expelling fluid; and

a propulsion means for propelling fluid.

19. A propulsion system for an in-vivo device, the propulsion system comprising:

a magnetohydrodynamic device; and

a connector capable of connecting to an in-vivo device.

20. The propulsion system of claim 19 comprising:

an internal space;

a duct defining a space separate from the internal space;

a magnet disposed with the internal space; and

a plurality of electrodes disposed substantially within the duct.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the connector includes a friction fit sleeve.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the connector includes a set of protrusions.

23. The device of claim 22, comprising a yoke connected to the magnet.

24. The system of claim 19, comprising a set of valves.

25. The system of claim 19, comprising a receiver.

26. The system of claim 19, comprising a receiver capable of receiving power from a source external to the device.

27. The system of claim 19 wherein propulsion is provided by propelling fluid, the device comprising:

a set of valves; and

a controller capable of operating the set of valves to provide directional control of fluid flow.

28. The system of claim 19, comprising a position unit.

29. The system of claim 19, comprising a movement detection unit.

30. The system of claim 19, wherein the duct includes a plurality of outlets.

31. A propulsion system for an in-vivo device, the propulsion system comprising:

a magnetohydrodynamic means for propelling liquid; and

a connector means for connecting to an in-vivo device.

32. An imaging device comprising:

an imager;

a power source;

a transmitter;

a duct disposed substantially within the device; and

a magnetohydrodynamic device.

33. A propulsion system for an in-vivo device, the propulsion system comprising:

an internal space;

a duct defining a space separate from the internal space;

a magnet disposed with the internal space;

a plurality of electrodes disposed substantially within the duct.

a power source; and

a connector capable of connecting to an in-vivo device.