Iontophoretic electrode structure
First Claim
1. A bioelectrode for use in the iontophoretic delivery of ions into the skin or tissue of a person comprisingan enclosure having a bottom wall formed of a membrane through which ions may migrate when subjected to an electric field and an upper wall joined to the bottom wall to define an interior compartment for holding an ion-containing solution,an electrode mounted to the enclosure to communicate electrically with the interior compartment of the enclosure through the upper wall, andreceptacle means disposed in the enclosure for receiving solution into the enclosure, said receptacle means having a top and a bottom and being attached to said upper wall so that the bottom of the receptacle means is elevated above and out of contact with the bottom wall, said receptacle means includinga conduit open at a first end, defining said top, which is directed away from the bottom wall,one or more openings located in the conduit to allow solution which is introduced into the conduit to flow therefrom,a blocking element disposed at a second end defining said bottom of the conduit to prevent a needle inserted into the conduit through the first end from passing through the second end, anda plug means disposed in the first end to prevent solution from escaping from the interior of the enclosure, said plug means being made of a resilient material through which a needle may be inserted and which, when the needle is retracted, closes about the opening made by the needle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An iontophoretic bioelectrode includes an enclosure having a bottom wall formed of a membrane through which ions may migrate when subjected to an electric field, and an upper wall joined to the bottom wall to define an interior compartment for holding an ion-containing solution. An electrode in the form of the male portion of a conventional clothing snap is mounted to the enclosure to communicate electrically with solution contained in the interior compartment. A needle receiving element is mounted in the upper wall of the enclosure. This element is in the form of a section of conduit having a receiving end, which is directed upwardly, and a blocking end which includes a platform for preventing a needle inserted into the receiving end from passing all the way through the conduit. A resilient plug is disposed in the receiving end of the conduit to prevent solution from escaping from the interior compartment. The plug is formed of a material through which a needle may be inserted but which, when the needle is retracted, closes about the opening made by the needle to prevent the escape of solution.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A bioelectrode for use in the iontophoretic delivery of ions into the skin or tissue of a person comprising
an enclosure having a bottom wall formed of a membrane through which ions may migrate when subjected to an electric field and an upper wall joined to the bottom wall to define an interior compartment for holding an ion-containing solution, an electrode mounted to the enclosure to communicate electrically with the interior compartment of the enclosure through the upper wall, and receptacle means disposed in the enclosure for receiving solution into the enclosure, said receptacle means having a top and a bottom and being attached to said upper wall so that the bottom of the receptacle means is elevated above and out of contact with the bottom wall, said receptacle means including a conduit open at a first end, defining said top, which is directed away from the bottom wall, one or more openings located in the conduit to allow solution which is introduced into the conduit to flow therefrom, a blocking element disposed at a second end defining said bottom of the conduit to prevent a needle inserted into the conduit through the first end from passing through the second end, and a plug means disposed in the first end to prevent solution from escaping from the interior of the enclosure, said plug means being made of a resilient material through which a needle may be inserted and which, when the needle is retracted, closes about the opening made by the needle.
Specification