Ingestible device with pharmaceutical product

Abstract

A device for placement within a capsule. The device includes a unit to encode information in a current signature, the unit including a partial power source. The device further including a flexible membrane secured to the unit. The membrane engages the wall of the capsule and holds the device in place within the capsule.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for placement within a capsule, the device comprising:
 an assembly including:   a unit to encode information in a current signature, the unit comprising a partial power source; and   a flexible membrane secured to the unit, wherein the membrane engages the capsule's wall and holds the device in place within the capsule.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a protective coating surrounding the assembly. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a first protective sheet secured to an upper surface of the assembly and a second protective sheet secured to a lower surface of the assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the first protective sheet and the second protective sheet are secured to each other through a plurality of holes defined by the flexible membrane. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the first protective sheet and the second protective sheet are secured to each other at the edge of the assembly and extend beyond the perimeter of the assembly such that the assembly is enclosed within the protective sheets. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the unit includes:
 a first material secured to a support structure; and   a second material secured to the support structure and electrically isolated from the first material, such that the first material and second material represent a chemical voltage potential when in contact with a conducting fluid.   
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the support structure comprises a control module electrically connected to the first material and the second material to control the conductance between the first material and the second material, wherein the control module encodes the information in the current signature by altering the conductance. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible membrane includes a plurality of legs that engage the capsule's wall when the assembly is pressed into the capsule. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible membrane includes a plurality of extensions shaped to fit within the capsule and hold the assembly in place.