Communication system with enhanced partial power source and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can also measure the conditions of the environment surrounding the system.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A system comprising:
 a pharmaceutical formulation; and   a device configured to be ingested within a body of a living organism and to produce a current through a conducting liquid that can be detected external to the body,   wherein the device includes a plurality of materials disposed on a support structure, the plurality of materials comprising:
 an anode material; 
 a cathode material that is dissimilar to the anode material, wherein the anode and cathode materials are configured to generate a voltage when in contact with the conducting liquid to enable the device to produce the current; 
 a transition material disposed between at least one of the anode material and the support structure or the cathode material and the support structure; and 
 an adhesion material disposed between at least one of the anode material and the support structure or the cathode material and the support structure. 
   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , the system further comprising a receiver configured to detect the current produced by the device. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the anode material comprises Mg. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the cathode material comprises CuCl. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the adhesion material comprises gold. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the adhesion material defines a layer that is less than 100 microns thick. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the adhesion material defines a layer having an uneven surface configured to improve adhesion. 
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 27 , wherein the uneven surface defines a plurality of holes. 
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein the plurality of holes are spaced a predetermined distance away from all edges of the layer of adhesion, such that every hole of the plurality of holes is covered by at least some portion of either the anode material or the cathode material. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the support structure comprises silicon. 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the transition material comprises titanium. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the device further comprises a control device configured to alter conductance between the anode and cathode material. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 32 , wherein the control device is further configured to produce a unique current signature by controlling a magnitude of the current. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 32 , wherein the control device comprises a control module and a memory. 
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 32 , wherein the control device comprises a clock. 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 32 , wherein the control device is powered on by the voltage generated by the anode and cathode material when in contact with the conducting liquid. 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 32 , wherein the control device comprises a sensor module. 
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the device further comprises a membrane comprising a non-conducting material. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 38 , wherein the membrane is secured to the support structure and surrounds the anode material, the cathode material, the adhesion material and the transition material. 
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 39 , wherein the membrane is configured to increase a length of the current to make the current more easily detectable by a receiver.