Magneic switch for use in a system that includes an in-vivo device, and method of use thereof

• US 20040254455A1
• Filed: 03/29/2004
• Published: 12/16/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Given Imaging Limited (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Iddan, Gavriel J.
• Application Number:
  US10/811,013
• Publication Number:
  US 20040254455A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/424
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00144 Hygienic packaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/041 Capsule endoscopes for imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/073 Intestinal transmitters

Abstract

A switch such as a normally closed MEMS switch may be used in an in-vivo device to alter a mode or operation; for example, to disconnect the power unit from electrical circuitry during storage of the in-vivo device by introducing a magnetic field in the proximity of the in-vivo device. The in-vivo de vice may be powered by removing the magnetic field upon use. Other switches, such as normally open switches, or switches including multiple sets of leads, having multiple functionality, may be used. A packaging generating a magnetic field may operate the switch when the device is in the packaging.

Claims

1. An in-vivo device comprising:

a sensor; and

a MEMS switch.

2. The in-vivo device according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is an imager.

3. The in-vivo device according to claim 1, wherein the in-vivo device is a swallowable capsule.

4. The in-vivo device according to claim 1, wherein the MEMS switch is operable to alter the mode of the device.

5. The in-vivo device according to claim 1, wherein to alter the mode of the device is in response to a magnetic field.

6. The in-vivo device of claim 1 comprising a transmitter.

7. The in-vivo device of claim 1, wherein the MEMS switch is a normally closed MEMS switch.

8. The in-vivo device of claim 1, wherein the MEMS switch comprises:

a first ferromagnetic conductive terminal;

a flexible ferromagnetic conductive terminal; and

a non-magnetic conductive terminal;

wherein the first ferromagnetic conductive terminal and the non-magnetic conductive terminal are electrically isolated.

9. An in-vivo device comprising:

a sensor; and

a switch, the switch comprising;

a first ferromagnetic conductive terminal;

a flexible ferromagnetic conductive terminal; and

a non-magnetic conductive terminal;

wherein the first ferromagnetic conductive terminal and the non-magnetic conductive terminal are electrically isolated.

10. The in-vivo device according to claim 9, wherein the switch is a MEMS switch.

11. The in-vivo device according to claim 9, wherein the sensor is an imager.

12. The in-vivo device according to claim 9, wherein the in-vivo device is a swallowable capsule.

13. The in-vivo device according to claim 9, wherein the switch is operable to alter the mode of the device in response to a magnetic field.

14. A system for in-vivo imaging comprising:

an in-vivo device including at least;

a sensor; and

a MEMS switch; and

an external control device, the external control device including at least a magnetic field source producing a magnetic field sufficient to operate the switch.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the sensor is an imager.

16. The system of claim 14 comprising:

a controller to;

receive data relating to an in-vivo condition and, in response, operate the magnetic field source.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the controller is to determine the in-vivo condition.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the condition is the location of the in-vivo device.

19. The system of claim 14 wherein the operation of the switch alters the operation of the in-vivo device.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the altering the operation includes stopping the operation of a component of the in-vivo device.

21. The system of claim 14, wherein the switch comprises:

a first ferromagnetic conductive terminal;

a flexible ferromagnetic conductive terminal; and

a non-magnetic conductive terminal;

wherein the first ferromagnetic conductive terminal and the non-magnetic conductive terminal are electrically isolated.

22. The system of claim 14, wherein the in-vivo device is a swallowable capsule.