Transdermal Micro-Patch
First Claim
1. A transdermal micro-patch for use on a living tissue comprising:
- (a) a first membrane being permeable so as to allow passage of a fluid;
(b) a reservoir which stores said fluid;
(c) a micro-pump which communicates said fluid between said reservoir and said first membrane;
(d) at least one flextensional transducer which independently generate ultrasonic waves that are separately communicated into said living tissue and increase the permeability of said living tissue so as to facilitate transport of said fluid between said living tissue and said first membrane; and
(e) a microelectronics circuit which controls functionality of said at least one flextensional transducer and said micro-pump, said reservoir, said micro-pump, said at least one flextensional transducer, and said microelectronics disposed along one side of said first membrane.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A transdermal micro-patch for use with living tissue is provided. The micro-patch includes a first membrane, a reservoir, a micro-pump, flextensional transducers, a microelectronics circuit, and an optional sensor. The first membrane is permeable to allow the passage of fluid in either a unidirectional or bidirectional fashion. The reservoir is a container-like element capable of storing a fluid removed from or communicated into the tissue. The micro-pump facilitates transport of the fluid between the reservoir and first membrane. The flextensional transducers generate ultrasonic waves which are separately communicated into the tissue to transport fluid between the first membrane and tissue. Ultrasonic waves could interact to enhance the performance of the micro-patch. The microelectronics circuit controls both flextensional transducers and the micro-pump. The sensor could be embedded within the micro-patch to monitor temperature, pressure, or flow rate so as to avoid damage or irritation to the tissue.
76 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A transdermal micro-patch for use on a living tissue comprising:
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(a) a first membrane being permeable so as to allow passage of a fluid; (b) a reservoir which stores said fluid; (c) a micro-pump which communicates said fluid between said reservoir and said first membrane; (d) at least one flextensional transducer which independently generate ultrasonic waves that are separately communicated into said living tissue and increase the permeability of said living tissue so as to facilitate transport of said fluid between said living tissue and said first membrane; and (e) a microelectronics circuit which controls functionality of said at least one flextensional transducer and said micro-pump, said reservoir, said micro-pump, said at least one flextensional transducer, and said microelectronics disposed along one side of said first membrane. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of delivering or extracting a fluid between a tissue and a transdermal micro-patch including a reservoir, a micro-pump, at least one flextensional transducer, a membrane, and a microelectronics circuit comprising the steps of:
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(a) actuating said micro-pump to communicate said fluid between said reservoir and said membrane; (b) actuating said at least one flextensional transducer to separately generate ultrasonic waves within said wound area, said ultrasonic waves increase the permeability within said tissue; and (c) transporting said fluid between said membrane and said tissue, said actuating steps controlled by said microelectronics circuit. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification