# US 8,540,632 B2 · Low profile antenna for in body device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,540,632 B2 - Document ID: US8540632B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 12/126,792 - Filed: 2008-05-23 - Published: 2008-12-11 - Granted: 2013-09-24 - Earliest claimed: 2007-05-24 - Assignees: Proteus Digital Health, Inc. - Applicants: Timothy L. Robertson; Olivier Colliou; Eric Snyder; Mark J. Zdeblick - Inventors: Timothy L. Robertson; Olivier Colliou; Eric Snyder; Mark J. Zdeblick - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8540632B2 ## CPC - A61B 5/07: Endoradiosondes - A61B 1/00016: {using wireless means} - H01Q 1/2208: {associated with components used in interrogation type services, i.e. in systems for information exchange between an interrogator/reader and a tag/transponder, e.g. in Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] systems (methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns G06K7/00; record carrier for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K19/00)} - H01Q 1/36: Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; {Particular materials used therewith}(H01Q1/08, H01Q1/14 take precedence) - A61B 1/041: {Capsule endoscopes for imaging} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) - H01Q: ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS (radiators or antennas for microwave heating H05B6/72) ## Abstract Low profile antennas for ingestible devices, such as ingestible event markers, are provided. Aspects of the ingestible devices of the invention include low profile signal transmission antennas configured such that they are flexible or degrade after use, allowing the antenna and attached components to pass easily through the body. Embodiments of the low profile antennas are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the devices of the invention. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An ingestible event marker comprising: an identifier that emits a signal when activated at a target site, wherein the identifier comprises a signal generation element comprising a low profile antenna, wherein the low profile antenna is enclosed within an encapsulating material such that the encapsulating material holds the low profile antenna in a first configuration prior to and during signal transmission, and wherein the encapsulating material is dissolvable after ingestion and after signal transmission to release the low profile antenna to a second configuration. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the low profile antenna is more flexible when in the second configuration than when in the first configuration. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The ingestible event marker according to claim 2, wherein the flexible second configuration allows the antenna to pass easily through the body after signal transmission. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The ingestible event marker of claim 1, wherein the low profile antenna comprises a first and a second transmission element separated by flexible conductor. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The ingestible event marker according to claim 4, wherein the first and second transmission elements are electrodes. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The ingestible event marker according to claim 5, wherein the low profile antenna comprises a coil in the first configuration. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The ingestible event marker according to claim 6, wherein the low profile antenna is linear in the second configuration. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The ingestible event marker according to claim 7, wherein each antenna ranges in length from 100 μm to 10 cm. ### Claim 9 (depends on 5) The ingestible event marker according to claim 5, wherein the low profile antenna forms a loop in the second configuration. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the identifier is activated upon contact with fluid at the target site. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the target fluid is stomach fluid. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the identifier comprises an integrated circuit. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the identifier comprises a power source. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The ingestible event marker according to claim 13, wherein the power source comprises a battery. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the low profile antenna is configured to conform to ingestible pill dimensions. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, further comprising an active agent stably associated with the signal generation element. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the low profile antenna has a greater effective area when in the first configuration than when in the second configuration. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the encapsulating material is at least a part of a pill wall. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The ingestible event marker according to claim 1, wherein the encapsulating material is coupled to a surface of a pill. ### Claim 20 A system comprising: an ingestible event marker comprising an identifier that emits a signal when activated at a target site, wherein the identifier comprises a signal generation element comprising a low profile antenna, wherein the low profile antenna is enclosed within an encapsulating material such that the encapsulating material holds the low profile antenna in a first configuration prior to and during signal transmission, and wherein the encapsulating material is dissolvable after ingestion and after signal transmission to release the low profile antenna to a second configuration; and a receiver for detecting a signal produced by the signal generation element. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) The system according to claim 20, wherein the receiver is an in vivo receiver. ### Claim 22 (depends on 20) The system according claim 20, wherein the receiver is an ex vivo receiver. ### Claim 23 A method comprising: administering to a subject an ingestible event marker comprising an identifier that emits a signal when activated at a target site, wherein the identifier comprises a signal generation element comprising a low profile antenna, wherein the low profile antenna is enclosed within an encapsulating material such that the encapsulating material holds the low profile antenna in a first configuration prior to and during signal transmission, and wherein the encapsulating material is dissolvable after ingestion and after signal transmission to release the low profile antenna to a second configuration. ### Claim 24 A kit comprising: at least one ingestible event marker comprising an identifier that emits a signal when activated at a target site, wherein the identifier comprises a signal generation element comprising a low profile antenna, wherein the low profile antenna is enclosed within an encapsulating material such that the encapsulating material holds the low profile antenna in a first configuration prior to and during signal transmission, and wherein the encapsulating material is dissolvable after ingestion and after signal transmission to release the low profile antenna to a second configuration. ### Claim 25 (depends on 24) The kit according to claim 24, wherein the kit comprises a plurality of the ingestible event markers. ### Claim 26 (depends on 24) The kit according to claim 24, wherein the kit further comprises a receiver. ### Claim 27 An in-body device comprising: a low profile antenna, wherein the low profile antenna is enclosed within an encapsulating material such that the encapsulating material holds the low profile antenna in a first configuration prior to and during signal transmission, and wherein the encapsulating material is dissolvable after ingestion and after signal transmission to release the low profile antenna to a second configuration. ### Claim 28 (depends on 27) The in-body device according to claim 27, wherein the in-body device is an ingestible device. ### Claim 29 (depends on 28) The in-body device according to claim 28, wherein the in-body device is an implantable device.