Device with encapsulated gel
View Patent ↗Apparatus and techniques are provided for interfacing a device with a surface. The apparatus and techniques provide gel encapsulation and isolation mechanisms to extend the shelf-life of the preparation devices, allow for the use of more effective materials, and improve the quality of the contact between a device and an application surface. Particular embodiments of these apparatus and techniques suitable for use in medical contexts are also provided.
1. A device for preparing a subject, comprising:
at least one capsule containing a gel;
a contact portion comprising a plurality of tines, positioned above the gel capsule;
an actuation surface, positioned above the contact portion; and
a visual feedback mechanism that indicates that the gel has been released, wherein the visual feedback mechanism comprises a color change of the gel;
wherein, when the capsule of the preparation device is in contact with a subject, applying a downward force to the actuation surface causes the contact portion to compress the capsule and release the gel contained therein.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the contact portion is configured to burst the capsule and release the gel contained therein upon application of a downward force to the actuation surface.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the contact portion is configured to pierce the capsule and release the gel contained therein upon application of a downward force to the actuation surface.
4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the capsule is configured to be pierced by at least one of the plurality of tines.
5. The device of claim 3 , wherein the capsule is configured to be pierced by a piercing member of the contact portion.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the capsule is configured not to be in contact with any of the plurality of tines prior to compressing the capsule.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the capsule is configured to come into contact with at least one of the plurality of tines upon compression of the capsule.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the capsule is configured to be in contact with at least one of the plurality of tines prior to compressing the capsule.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the actuation surface is concave.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the capsule comprises a membrane surrounding the gel contained therein.
11. The device of claim 10 , wherein the membrane provides a barrier between the gel and the contact portion.
12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the membrane comprises a less corrosive material than the gel.
13. The device of claim 11 , wherein the contact portion comprises a sensor surface, and the membrane provides a barrier between the gel and the sensor surface.
14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the gel and the sensor surface are configured to come into contact when the gel is released from the capsule.
15. The device of claim 10 , wherein a portion of the membrane is scored.
16. The device of claim 10 , wherein a portion of the membrane is thinned.
17. The device of claim 10 , wherein the membrane is comprised of a conductive material.
18. The device of claim 10 , wherein at least one of the membrane and the gel is comprised of an adhesive material.
19. The device of claim 1 , wherein the capsule is spherical.
20. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of capsules.
21. The device of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the actuation surface is translucent.
22. The device of claim 1 , wherein the gel is a conductive gel.
23. The device of claim 22 , wherein the gel is a high salt content gel.
24. A device for preparing a subject, comprising:
at least one toroidal capsule containing a gel;
a contact portion comprising a plurality of tines, positioned above the gel capsule; and
an actuation surface, positioned above the contact portion;
wherein, when the capsule of the preparation device is in contact with a subject, applying a downward force to the actuation surface causes the contact portion to compress the capsule and release the gel contained therein.