Invented by Christopher V. Beckman, Individual
The Individual invention works as follows
New nanotechnology devices and other small-scale medical devices are provided for intravenous procedures. A group of injectable machines encapsulated in a syringe is delivered intravenously via a syringe. An external control system that monitors the blood flow, as well as other environmental factors, can specify and target a treatment area in a patient’s skin. The control system controls externally applied electrostatic and/or magnetic signaling and direction systems that, upon reaching the area of treatment, trigger the release encapsulation layer surrounding the injectable machine. Externally applied magnetic direction and signaling devices drive the machines to treatment targets in the treatment area by exploiting a charge and polarity that is distinct from the condition of the machines during encapsulation. The magnetic fields cause the polarized moving components to move in opposite directions, with opposing angles breaking up the treatment targets. In some embodiments, the machines may also or alternatively deliver a magnetically- or electrostatically-released medication or device to the treatment target. In other embodiments, the local control unit may perform additional, more complex actions. These actions can be triggered or directed by external signals from externally applied magnetic signaling devices or other aspects external control systems.
Background for Nanotechnology, small-scale injectable machines with external magnetic and electrostatic actuation in multi-stages
The use of medical devices for intravenous treatments, such as angioplasty for the treatment of atherosclerosis, has been ongoing for decades. In angioplasty a balloon catheter will be guided to the narrowed part of arteries, and then expanded in order to widen its lumen.
Nanorobotics and other microtechnologies are also being developed for many years. This includes machines with components that have a size at or near the nanometer scale (10-09 meters). Nanotechnology is often used to describe machines of a larger scale, such as nanorobots that measure about 10 micrometers long, high or deep.
It should be understood that disclosures made in this application relating to the background of this invention, including but not limited, to this section entitled ‘Background’, are intended to aid readers in understanding the invention. The disclosures are intended to help readers understand the invention. They do not include prior art, or any other publicly-known aspects that may affect the application. Instead, the disclosures related to the background in this application comprise details about the inventor’s discoveries, work, and work results, as well as aspects of the current invention. The disclosures relating to the background of this invention are not intended to be taken as an admission of prior art, or of work done by others before the conception of or reduction to practice for the present invention.
New nanotechnology devices and other small-scale medical devices are provided for intravenous procedures. A group of injectable machines encapsulated in a syringe is delivered intravenously via a syringe. An external control system that monitors the blood flow, as well as other environmental factors, can specify and target a treatment area in a patient’s skin. The control system controls externally applied electrostatic and/or magnetic signaling and direction systems that, upon reaching the area of treatment, trigger the release encapsulation layer surrounding the injectable machine. Externally applied magnetic direction and signaling devices drive the machines to treatment targets in the treatment area by exploiting a charge and polarity that is distinct from the condition of the machines during encapsulation. The magnetic fields cause the polarized moving components to move in opposite directions, with opposing angles breaking up the treatment targets. In some embodiments, the machines may also or alternatively deliver a magnetically- or electrostatically-released medication or device to the treatment target. In other embodiments, the local control unit may perform additional, more complex actions. These actions can be triggered or directed by external signals from externally applied magnetic signaling devices or other aspects external control systems.
Canons of Construction”,
When a term appears in a clause, sentence or statement (?statement), it should be read as if the meanings of each were separately stated. Each possible meaning, significance, and/or meaning of any term used should be read separately, conjunctively, and/or alternatively in additional statements. This is necessary to exhaust all possible meanings for each term and statement.
It should be understood that for the sake of readability and convenience, this application might include certain pronouns or other linguistic qualifiers with specific gender and numbers. However, in such cases, all other logically-possible gender and number options should be read as conjunctive statements and alternative statements as if they were equally, separately stated therein.
FIG. In accordance with the aspects of this invention, FIG. 1 shows a perspective of an injectable machine (example) 101 and 102 is an externally applied signaling and direction device that controls activity of injectable machines 101. The outer protective capsule of the injectable machine 101 can be activated by a magnetic or electrostatic field. By applying a positive charge or the positive pole from a dipole magnet near a negatively-charged locus of machine 101, an slidable cylindrical 107 will be pulled outward and against a negative location 109 of capsule, as shown by motion arrows 108. The locking tabs 111, located on the inner surface cylinder-holding shaft 113, which was used to move cylinder 107 as a reaction to the positive field generated by external device 102, then hold the cylinder in place against locus. Both locus 109 & 105 have a negative charge, so a repelling force is created between them. This force is enough to overcome friction, structural connections or hydrogen bonds, or any other forces that hold capsule 103 together. As a result, the capsule halves 115, 117, separate along the joint 118 and release the rest of machine 101 as indicated by the capsule separation motion arrows, 119, 121. In some embodiments an additional external device, which is opposite, applies a similar electrostatic or magnetic external force (but in some embodiments with reversed charge, or polarity addressing reversed charging in corresponding locations of the opposing machine 101). External device 102, as will be described in more detail below, is preferably located outside of the treatment area. It creates strong electrostatic and magnetic fields and pulses that are sufficient to cause separation and the other machine actuation discussed here, such as in the following images. In certain aspects of the invention, machines like 101 may have fixed dipoles or charges, while differential charges and dipoles can be found in subfeatures. These charges and dipoles are then externally actuable by, for example an externally applied electrostatic and/or magnetic signaling and directional device, such as 102. In other embodiments, such charges and dipoles may be influenced by and altered by, or moved by, such external magnetic or electrostatic field-generating devices, and then further controlled by subsequently-generated magnetic or electrostatic fields. This way, as well as in other ways that are discussed below in more detail, the actuation of specific sub-mechanisms within a machine such 101 can be turned on or off.
FIG. “FIG. The injectable machine is shown in FIG. 1, but it has been stripped of its protective capsule to be deployed in a treatment zone. Machine 201 is electrostatically positive, or has an outer positive pole. As a result of this, externally applied electrostatic and/or magnetic signaling and directing device 202 can move machine 201 in desired areas within a sufficiently close proximity to machine 201 and the device. Device 202 creates electrostatic and magnet fields by using separately chargeable areas, 223. By creating a negative magnetic or electrostatic charge in the leftward regions of device 202 but a positive one in the rightward regions 223, device 202 can drive the positively charged arms 225 to the left of machine 201 and turn the machine counterclockwise. A second externally applied electrostatic and/or magnetic signaling and directional device 204 can be used to further control the location of machine and drive it into desired regions. The device 204 can be bigger and more powerful to pull or push the charged arms 225. Device 202, on the other hand, is used to steer machine 201 or another, or group of similar charged machines. The devices 202 & 204 can also be used for enhancing a magnetic field or other fields. For example, they could exert opposing dipoles of charges or magnetic charges around a treatment area. In some embodiments, however, only one such arm may be used.
Devices 200 and 204 can be pulsed, or create other patterns and waves of changing magnetic fields and/or electric fields to power rotary actions and other actions for tools and tool sets within device 201. Two spinning saw disks 227 and 229. are able to rotate independently and in opposition about an axel 231 as shown by the opposing rotary movement arrows 233 & 235. Each disk 227 and 229. may contain a dipole that can be driven at different parts of the disk. For example, the magnetic field patterns generated by devices 202 or 204, such as pulsed magnetic regions 223 or magnetic waves, can be shifted in opposing directions to drive each disk. If the patterns or waves are strong enough, they can overcome any tendency for the dipoles to lock together. Dipole 237 is an example of a dipole that can be used to oppose or drive the dipoles on one or both disks. In certain embodiments, the axel 231 or the surrounding bushing may be fixed to rotate with only one disk, not both. The dipole may also be located closer to the opposite disk. This way, a magnetic field or wavefront that reaches both the dipole of the other disk (but not the disk attached to the axel), will cause them to rotate in opposite directions. In order to drive counter-rotation, for example, to push the chipping teeth 249. toward a target as shown by motions arrows 233 & 235, machine 201 may be forced into a locked-in position. However, strong temporary waves or subcurrents can still be used in order to differentially drive disks 227 & 229. In some embodiments gripping features like claws 241 can allow machine 201 be first driven into a targeted, such as with a pole or strong negative charge facing arms 225. Once fixed in place, another phase of magnetic waves could drive counter-rotation disks 227 & 229.
FIG. “FIG. Above, FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. The third figure shows a device 302 that is externally applied to control the activity of the injection machines 301. Vessel 351, which contains a pulsed blood stream, is shown with arrows 357. The machines 301 were injected in the lumen 351 of vessel 351, at a point upstream from plaques 353, 355 (not shown). The blood flow brought the machines 301 into the treatment area. Device 302 directs them as they enter the treatment area, in a direction that is combined with the blood-flow force to cause them to arrive at a net vector (and preferably at distributed or purposeful cut locations) at one of the plaques 353, or 355. In the provided example, devices 301 are forced into various locations around plaque 353 by the electrostatic fields generated by device 302. Device 302 can be seen at an external position, near the treatment area. For example, in some embodiments, charged, directable arms that are streamlined to be inserted into the body of a patient may be used to help guide machines 301. However, the device 302 should preferably not enter the body of the patient where the treatment area is located. A control unit 359 can be connected to the power and control device 302 in order to control the magnetic and electrostatic fields that direct and actuate machines. The control system may detect the location or concentration of machines 301 and alter it in real-time to achieve the desired destinations and actuation. This tracking can be done using a variety of real-time scanners and location hardware, both within the control unit 359 as well as within the machines 301. For example, identifiable reflective beacons in machines 301 that transpond with electromagnetic signals coming from an antenna in control unit 301, in conjunction with medical image devices. These imaging devices can also track the effects of machines 301 (such as plaque breakdown) and stop their actions at the desired time.
Machine 301 can be equipped with many tools in addition to, or instead of, capsules 115/117 and rotary cutting disks, such as 227, 229. In some embodiments machines 301 can include a vector that is intended for injection or implantation at a target site, such as a radiotherapy pellet, a die or any other medicine.
In some embodiments, the injectable machines may also include a control module, which controls, for instance, actuators, communications hardware, and tools within the machines. In these embodiments, the control unit 359 can send and receive communications and commands from machines 301. Due to the size limitations of the control units that include processors and computer hardware in injectable machines, remote signal-induced actuator actuation, control and powering are preferred at this time. It should be noted that the invention can also use on-board sensors, actuators and control hardware similar to those found in large-scale robotics for actuation, monitoring, and other actions.
FIG. The perspective view of FIG. 4 shows another injectable machine 401 that includes a new contact-driven mechanism for deploying medicine 463. The medicine delivery mechanism 463 consists of a needle with a contact opening 465, and a fluid container under pressure 467. Machine 401 can be initially encapsulated with capsule halves 469, prior to its full deployment. When deployed, however, dipoles or differentially charged regions within the capsule halves may cause them open in response to a magnetic or electrostatic force, similar to what was discussed in relation to FIG. The capsule halves 115, 117 and 1 are shown. The separation of the capsule halves may only be temporary and can be reversed, for example by a spring or another force bias that tends to close the halves when they are not under such a magnetic fields influence.
When closed, halves create a capsule that protects and encloses needle 465. As shown, needle 465 doesn’t immediately release the fluid from container 467 when opened. A material 470, which is part of needle 465, causes needle 465 maintain a seal that closes needle hole 471 and seals in the fluid container 467. Needle 465, in its closed state, is particularly sharp and has at least one thin stiff structural member 473, preferably with a sharp tip 474. If machine 401, which has capsule halves 469 open and needle 465 exposed (as shown), collides with tissue or another material such as that present in the area of tissue 475, needle may penetrate tissue. The outer surface of the tissue 476 will then press against the lever pad 477. This will cause the lever 478 to pivot and pull open the elastomeric material and needle hole 471. The fluid from container 467 will then be expelled to the lower pressure in the area 475 of the tissue, treating it. Fluids present in container 467 can be a variety of medical deliverables such as small molecule medicine, biologics or tags.
The mechanism shown in FIG. 4 can be replaced or complemented by a wide range of other mechanisms such as self-deploying or contact-deploying ones. 4. Also, 4 can be used. Referring to FIG. 7, another form of such contact-deploying medical machines is shown below. 7.
FIG. In accordance with the aspects of this invention, FIG. 5 shows a side-view of a low-profile hollow medical needle, 565 that opens for injection, shown in an unpressurized state. As discussed with needle 465 in FIG. In Figure 4, an elastomeric 570 material is shown, which holds needle 565 closed (not allowing a release of pressurized liquid). Bands of elastomeric materials, such as those shown in the example as 573, close an inner lumen of needle 565. Needle 565 can be opened in a variety of ways, but preferably an increase in force overcomes the elastomeric inner force of bands and material 570, which causes the lumen to expand. 6, below.
FIG. In FIG. 6, a side view is shown of the same low-profile hollow medical needle 665 in an unpressurized state, according to aspects of the invention. As previously mentioned, if fluid is pushed through the lumen of the needle (now 665), the elastomeric materials, now 670 will yield under the pressure. This will allow the fluid to be expelled from the needle 665 via an expanded loop 672 made of elastomeric 670. The present figure illustrates the fluid flow in accordance with a fluid direction arrow 680 and the expanded elastomeric 670. Due to the high pressure of fluid expelled, the material 670 can only be stretched up to a certain size.
The sharp inner needle support member with the sharp tip 682 allows needle 665 operate by piercing tissues regardless of whether the elastomeric materials 570/670 are expanded by expelling fluid. The smaller overall size and profile may reduce the pain of piercing by affecting fewer nerves.
FIG. The perspective view 7 shows another type of contact-driven medication deployment mechanism 701 in accordance to aspects of the invention. A hollow needle 765 and a fluid container with pressurized pressure are shown again. When needle 765 has been pressed sufficiently into tissue, a pressable ring is present. This ring is then pushed in the motion arrow direction 766 when needle 765 has been firmly pressed. A tab 769 attached within a slot 770 travels down and, as another end of the tab 769 is connected to a stopper 771, stopper 771, too, descends, releasing pressurized liquid from container 767.
FIG. The schematic block diagram 8 shows some of the elements of a control system 800 which may be implemented in accordance with certain aspects of the invention. This includes, but is not limited to, implementing data storage or supplementation. The generic components and other aspects described in this document are not exhaustive. They do not cover all possible systems and variations. This includes a variety of hardware aspects and machine-readable mediums that could be used. The system 800 is described in order to illustrate how certain aspects can be implemented. The system 800 includes, among other components: an input/output unit 801, a storage device 803, a hard disk recorder or cloud storage port/connection device 805, a processor 807 or processors. The processors 807 are capable of receiving, interpreting and processing signals, manipulating them, and executing instructions to further process and output, pre-output, or store data in the system and elsewhere. The processor(s), 807, may be multipurpose or general, single or multi-threaded and have one core or multiple processor cores. This includes, but is not limited to microprocessors. Among other things, the processor(s) 807 is/are capable of processing signals and instructions for the input/output device 801, analog receiver/storage/converter device 819, analog in/out device 821, and/or analog/digital or other combination apparatus 823 to cause a display, light-affecting apparatus and/or other user interface with active physical controls, such as indicator buttons and displays, and control actuation monitoring hardware, any of which may be comprised or partially comprised in a GUI, to be provided for use by a user on hardware, such as a specialized personal computer, media console, monitor or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) or control unit screen (including, but not limited to, monitors or touch- and gesture-actuable displays) or a terminal monitor with a mouse and keyboard or other input hardware and presentation and input software (as in a software application GUI), and/or other physical controls, such as a button, knob or LEDs for determining appliance conditions or statuses or related circuit or other characteristics. The system may also accept or exert passive (e.g. tactile) input and output from the user, power supply and appliance operation (e.g. sensors), user activity (e.g. sensor input), circuit and environment (e.g. sensor input) using input/output devices 819 and 821.
