Magnetic levitation of intraluminal microelectronic capsule
US8235055B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 11, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 10, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/0219
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for magnetically levitating and further steering of an intraluminal device, such as a swallowable microelectronic capsule, for monitoring bodily functions is provided. The method comprises diamagnetically-stabilized levitation, followed by dynamic modification of the external magnetic field producing the said levitation, so that the levitating intraluminal device can be steered in desired direction. The said intraluminal device contains appropriate sensors and reports in real time the forces and pressures exerted on it, as well as its position, so that the levitation and the steering can be dynamically adjusted using appropriate dynamic control of external magnetic devices such as solenoids.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.