Batteries and methods of manufacture and use

• US 20050192636A1
• Filed: 02/18/2005
• Published: 09/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/19/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Franklin Mountain Investments Limited Partnership
• Original Assignee: Silverleaf Medical Products, Inc.
• Inventors: Skiba, Jeffry B., Schneider, Lawrence A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,672,719 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/303 Constructional details electrodes for external use A61N1/0428

Abstract

An apparatus includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

multiple first reservoirs joined with a substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and wherein first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface; and

multiple second reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and wherein second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reducing agent includes silver.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reducing agent includes one or more materials selected from a group of materials consisting of silver, metallic silver, silver oxide, silver chloride, silver bromide, silver iodide, silver fluoride, silver/silver oxide, silver/silver halide, silver/silver chloride, silver/silver bromide, silver/silver iodide, silver/silver fluoride, copper, copper oxide, copper/copper halide, copper/copper oxide, gold, platinum, carbon, and conductive carbon.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the oxidizing agent includes zinc.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the oxidizing agent includes one or more materials selected from a group of materials consisting of zinc, magnesium, aluminum, iron, calcium, tin, copper, and alloys thereof.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the multiple first reservoirs include a first pattern of reservoirs, and wherein the multiple second reservoirs include a second pattern of reservoirs interleaved with the first pattern of reservoirs.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the multiple first reservoirs and the multiple second reservoirs are joined to the first substrate surface.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the multiple first reservoirs and the multiple second reservoirs are embedded in the substrate.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes a conformable material, and wherein the first substrate surface may substantially conform to an area of biologic tissue.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first substrate surface includes a tissue contacting surface.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate is substantially shaped to contour to a surface of an eye, and the first substrate surface includes an eye contacting surface.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate is substantially shaped to contour to an ear canal, and the first substrate surface includes an ear canal contacting surface.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate is flexible.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate is rigid.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a fluid absorbing layer.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a securing mechanism, wherein a second substrate surface is attached to a portion of the securing mechanism.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a tissue contacting layer.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a reservoir adapted to contain an activation material; and

the activation material.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the activation material includes one or more materials selected from a group of materials consisting of water, saline, organic or inorganic salts or buffers, electrolyte-active agents, hydrogel, and organic solvents.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes one or more materials selected from a group of materials consisting of poly-tetra-fluoroethylene, silicone, hydrogels, other gels, elastomeric materials, synthetic sponges, natural sponges, silks, keratins, cellulosic fibers, rayon, acetates, acrylics, cellulose esters, modacrylics, polymers, super-absorbent polymers, polyamides, polyesters, polyolefins, polyvinyl alcohols, electroglas, polymethyl methacrylate, rigid gas permeable materials, soft silicone hydrogel materials, hyper-oxygen transmissible materials, coated metals or alloys, plastics, polyethylene, ceramics, polyurethane foam, cotton, and rayon.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes one or more bioabsorbable materials selected from a group of materials consisting of glass, sugar glass, salt glass, bioceramics, natural biodegradable polymers, synthetic biodegradable polymers, alumina, zirconia, calcium phosphate, silica-based glasses, glass ceramics, pyrolytic carbons, tetracalcium phosphate, amorphous calcium phosphate, alpha-tricalcium phosphate, beta-tricalcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, polymers, co-polymers, esters, polyesters, polyether-esters, caprolactone, anhydrides, orthoesters, amides, polydioxanone, glycolide, lactide, trimethylene carbonate, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyvalerate, poly(amino acids), and polyesteramides.

22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reducing agent and the oxidizing agent are selected to produce redox reactions between the first reservoir surfaces and the second reservoir surfaces, in the presence of an electrically conductive material contacting the second reservoir surfaces and the first reservoir surfaces.

23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a binder, which may degrade when an activation material contacts the binder.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include a binder, which may degrade when an activation material contacts the binder.

25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes multiple substrate surfaces.

26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein selected ones of the second reservoir surfaces are positioned in spaced relation to selected ones of the first reservoir surfaces.

27. An apparatus comprising:

a substrate having a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface;

multiple first reservoirs of a first material composition joined with the substrate, wherein first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are exposed at the first substrate surface, and wherein the first material composition has a first electrical potential; and

multiple second reservoirs of a second material composition joined with the substrate adjacent to the multiple first reservoirs, wherein second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are exposed at the first substrate surface and are physically separated from adjacent ones of the first reservoir surfaces, and wherein the second material composition has a second electrical potential, which is different from the first electrical potential.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the first material composition includes silver.

29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the second material composition includes zinc.

30. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the multiple first reservoirs include a first pattern of reservoirs, and wherein the multiple second reservoirs include a second pattern of reservoirs interleaved with the first pattern of reservoirs.

31. An apparatus comprising:

a substrate having a first surface; and

multiple spaced dissimilar reservoirs joined with the apparatus, wherein the apparatus is electrically self-contained, and upon activation, may generate one or more currents between the multiple spaced dissimilar reservoirs without an external power source.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the multiple spaced dissimilar reservoirs comprise:

a first pattern of one or more first reservoirs; and

a second pattern of one or more second reservoirs, wherein the second pattern is positioned in spaced relation with the first pattern.

33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the multiple spaced dissimilar reservoirs comprise:

a first pattern of one or more first reservoirs, wherein the one or more first reservoirs include silver; and

a second pattern of one or more second reservoirs, wherein the one or more second reservoirs include zinc, and wherein the second pattern is interleaved with the first pattern.

34. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the multiple spaced dissimilar reservoirs comprise:

one or more first reservoirs; and

one or more second reservoirs, wherein the one or more first reservoirs and the one or more second reservoirs are configured to sustain the one or more currents for approximately a pre-determined period of time.

35. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the substrate includes multiple substrate surfaces.

36. A tissue contacting apparatus comprising:

a substrate;

multiple first reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and wherein first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface; and

multiple second reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and wherein second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the reducing agent includes silver.

38. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the oxidizing agent includes zinc.

39. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the multiple first reservoirs include a first pattern of reservoirs, and wherein the multiple second reservoirs include a second pattern of reservoirs interleaved with the first pattern of reservoirs.

40. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the multiple first reservoirs and the multiple second reservoirs are joined to the first substrate surface.

41. A wound dressing comprising:

a substrate, which is flexible;

multiple first reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and wherein first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface; and

multiple second reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and wherein second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the reducing agent includes silver.

43. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the oxidizing agent includes zinc.

44. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the multiple first reservoirs include a first pattern of reservoirs, and wherein the multiple second reservoirs include a second pattern of reservoirs interleaved with the first pattern of reservoirs.

45. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the multiple first reservoirs and the multiple second reservoirs are joined to the first substrate surface.

46. An eye contacting apparatus comprising:

a substrate, which is substantially shaped to contour to a surface of an eye;

multiple first reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and wherein first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface; and

multiple second reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and wherein second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the reducing agent includes silver.

48. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the oxidizing agent includes zinc.

49. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the multiple first reservoirs include a first pattern of reservoirs, and wherein the multiple second reservoirs include a second pattern of reservoirs interleaved with the first pattern of reservoirs.

50. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the multiple first reservoirs and the multiple second reservoirs are joined to the first substrate surface.

51. An ear canal insert comprising:

a substrate, which is substantially shaped to contour to an ear canal;

multiple first reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and wherein first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface; and

multiple second reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and wherein second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the reducing agent includes silver.

53. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the oxidizing agent includes zinc.

54. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the multiple first reservoirs include a first pattern of reservoirs, and wherein the multiple second reservoirs include a second pattern of reservoirs interleaved with the first pattern of reservoirs.

55. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the multiple first reservoirs and the multiple second reservoirs are joined to the first substrate surface.

56. An intra-vaginal apparatus comprising:

a substrate, which is substantially shaped to contour to a surface within a vaginal area;

multiple first reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and wherein first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface; and

multiple second reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and wherein second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

57. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the reducing agent includes silver.

58. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the oxidizing agent includes zinc.

59. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the multiple first reservoirs include a first pattern of reservoirs, and wherein the multiple second reservoirs include a second pattern of reservoirs interleaved with the first pattern of reservoirs.

60. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the multiple first reservoirs and the multiple second reservoirs are joined to the first substrate surface.

61. An internal prosthetic device comprising:

a substrate, which is flexible;

multiple first reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and wherein first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface; and

multiple second reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and wherein second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the reducing agent includes silver.

63. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the oxidizing agent includes zinc.

64. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the multiple first reservoirs include a first pattern of reservoirs, and wherein the multiple second reservoirs include a second pattern of reservoirs interleaved with the first pattern of reservoirs.

65. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the multiple first reservoirs and the multiple second reservoirs are joined to the first substrate surface.

66. A method of manufacturing an apparatus, the method comprising:

joining, with a substrate, multiple first reservoirs wherein selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and wherein first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface; and

joining, with the substrate, multiple second reservoirs, wherein selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and wherein second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein joining the multiple first reservoirs and joining the multiple second reservoirs comprises joining using one or more techniques selected from a group of techniques consisting of painting, printing, screen printing, ink jet printing, chemical deposition, electrochemical deposition, vapor deposition, plating, spray coating, gravure coating, plasma coating, dip coating, vacuum deposition, nanometer scale deposition, sputtering, bonding, and fusing reservoir material onto the first substrate surface.

68. The method of claim 66, wherein joining the multiple first reservoirs and joining the multiple second reservoirs comprises embedding reservoir material into the substrate.

69. The method of claim 66, wherein joining the multiple first reservoirs and joining the multiple second reservoirs comprises adhering the multiple first reservoirs and the multiple second reservoirs to the first substrate surface using an adhesive material.

70. The method of claim 66, further comprising:

curing the apparatus.

71. The method of claim 66, further comprising:

joining a tissue contacting layer to the apparatus.

72. The method of claim 66, further comprising:

joining a fluid absorbing material to the apparatus.

73. The method of claim 66, further comprising:

joining a securing mechanism to the apparatus.

74. The method of claim 66, further comprising:

joining an activation material reservoir to the apparatus.

75. The method of claim 66, further comprising:

incorporating one or more active agents into the apparatus.

76. A method for treating an area of biologic tissue, the method comprising:

applying an apparatus to the area of biologic tissue, wherein the apparatus includes

multiple first reservoirs joined with a substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and wherein first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface, and

multiple second reservoirs joined with the substrate, wherein selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and wherein second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

77. The method of claim 76, further comprising:

applying an activation material to the area of biologic tissue.

78. The method of claim 76, further comprising:

applying an activation material to a tissue facing surface of the apparatus.

79. The method of claim 76, further comprising:

allowing the apparatus to remain proximate to the biologic tissue for a period of time.

80. The method of claim 76, wherein the apparatus further comprises a securing mechanism, and the method further comprises:

securing the apparatus to the area of biologic tissue using the securing mechanism.

81. The method of claim 76, wherein the biologic tissue is selected from a group of tissue types consisting of skin tissue, epithelial tissue, optic tissue, otic tissue, mucous membrane tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nerve tissue.

82. The method of claim 76, wherein the area of biologic tissue includes biologic tissue selected from a group consisting of damaged biologic tissue, inflamed biologic tissue, diseased biologic tissue, infected biologic tissue, and combinations thereof.

83. The method of claim 76, wherein the area of biologic tissue includes one or more conditions selected from a group consisting of an infected traumatic lesion, a surgical incision, a lesion, a wound, a cut, a puncture, a rupture, an abrasion, a laceration, a biopsy site, post-laser treated skin, post-chemical peeled skin, a burn, sunburn, frostbite, an ulcer, a bed sore, a rash, contact dermatitis, an insect bite, an insect sting, a snake bite, and an animal bite.

84. The method of claim 76, wherein the area of biologic tissue includes one or more conditions selected from a group consisting of a bacterial infection, a mycobacterial infection, a yeast infection, a fungal infection, a viral infection, a scar, acne, a blister, a corn, a callus, dermatographia, hives, angioedema, psoriasis, rosacea, scabies, vitiligo, dysplasia, dermatitis, ecthyma, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, neurodermatitis, athlete'"'"'s foot, a boil, carbuncles, cellulitis, a cold sore, folliculitis, furunculosis, impetigo, jock itch, molluscum conagiosum, herpes, Mucha-Havermann disease, ringworm, shingles, tinea versicolor, actinic keratosis, a wart, freckles, a mole, unusual pigmentation, lipoma, melanoma, scalp cancer, skin cancer, acanthosis nigricans, bullous pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa, icthyosis, pityriasis rosea, granuloma annulare, hidradenitis, lichen nitidus, lichen planus, morphea, scleroderma, pilonidial cysts, pyoderma gangrene, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, hemangioma, sweating, body odor, cercarial dermatitis, an ingrown toenail, and a nail fungal infection.

85. The method of claim 76, wherein the area of biologic tissue includes one or more conditions selected from a group consisting of an oral yeast infection, a vaginal yeast infection, a sty, conjunctivitis, gingivitis, oral cancer, a cancer sore, and cervical cancer.

86. The method of claim 76, wherein the area of biologic tissue includes one or more conditions selected from a group consisting of cataracts, iritis, ocular melanoma, Sjogren'"'"'s syndrome, uveitis, conjunctivitis, a sty, tissue compromised by cornea transplant surgery, and tissue compromised by refractive eye surgery.

87. The method of claim 76, wherein area of biologic tissue includes one or more conditions selected from a group consisting of an ear infection, a ruptured ear drum, and tissue compromised by ear surgery.

88. The method of claim 76, wherein the method for treating an area of biologic tissue includes a method for reducing a likelihood of, preventing, or reducing infection of the area of biologic tissue proximate to the apparatus.

89. The method of claim 76, wherein the method for treating an area of biologic tissue includes a method for reducing or reversing the appearance of various skin characteristics selected from a group consisting of skin pigmentation, a scar, hair loss, hair growth, uneven skin texture, non-optimal skin firmness, non-optimal skin elasticity, apparent skin vasculature, dark eye circles, cellulite, non-optimal skin shine, tumors, and wrinkles.

90. The method of claim 76, wherein the method for treating an area of biologic tissue includes a method for altering cellular activity within the area of biologic tissue proximate to the apparatus.

91. The method of claim 90, wherein the method for altering cellular activity within the area of biologic tissue proximate to the apparatus includes a method selected from a group consisting of a method for modulating cellular induction, modulating cellular differentiation, modulating cellular de-differentiation, modulating cellular apoptosis, modulating cellular morphology, modulating cellular function, modulating cellular activity, modulating cellular chemical activity, and modulating cellular behavior.