Device for sampling gastro-intestinal material
US11937791B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 2017 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2010/0061
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices for sampling gastro-intestinal material are disclosed. In one arrangement a device comprises a capsule body that has a sample input valve. A suction mechanism is provided that is capable of generating a partial vacuum within the capsule body and thereby drawing gastro-intestinal material into the capsule body through the sample input valve. An actuator actuates the suction mechanism. The actuator comprises a dissolvable element and is configured so that the dissolvable element dissolves in a predetermined region of the gastro-intestinal tract and the dissolving of the dissolvable element causes actuation of the suction mechanism. The suction mechanism comprises a biasing member restrained by the dissolvable element prior to actuation of the suction mechanism. The dissolving of the dissolvable element releases the biasing member. The biasing member expands a sample chamber within the capsule body on release of the biasing member, and generates the partial vacuum within the capsule body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.