Techniques for manufacturing ingestible event markers comprising an ingestible component

Abstract

Method and systems for manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device are disclosed. In one method, a powdered material is provided into a die cavity of a tablet press and an electronic device is dispensed from a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press into the die cavity. The powdered material and the electronic device are compressing to form a tablet. A system comprises a tablet press comprising a die cavity for receiving a powdered material and an electronic device therein, an upper punch, and a lower punch. The upper and lower punches are operative to form the powdered material and the electronic device into a tablet. A tape-and-reel carrier tape is operatively coupled to the tablet press, where the carrier tape is configured for holding the electronic device. A transfer mechanism is used to transfer the electronic device from the tape carrier to the die cavity.

Description

INTRODUCTION

Various embodiments are disclosed that relate to manufacturing electronic devices with partial power sources and, more specifically, to electronic devices secured to a tablet wherein the electronic devices are activated upon contact with a conducting fluid.

Pharmaceutical products are delivered to a user in many forms, including a pill. Integration of a pharmaceutical product with an ingestible device into a tablet is often a challenge due to the delicate nature of the electronic components as well as the difficulty in securing the electronic components to the pharmaceutical product, such as a pill, tablet, capsule. For example, tablets are typically made using a press that applies pressure to a powder form. Handling a small electronic device is often a challenge during the assembly process. Therefore, what is needed is a technique for handling a small ingestible electronic device and attaching the device to a pharmaceutical product such as a tablet without damaging the ingestible electronic device.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a method of manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device is provided. The method comprises providing a powdered material into a die cavity of a tablet press; dispensing an electronic device from a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press, the carrier tape configured for holding the electronic device; locating the electronic device into the die cavity; and compressing the powdered material and the electronic device to form a tablet.

In another aspect, a system for manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device is provided. The system comprises a tablet press comprising a die cavity for receiving a powdered material and an electronic device therein, an upper punch, and a lower punch, wherein the upper and lower punches are operative to form the powdered material and the electronic device into a tablet; a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press, the carrier tape configured for holding the electronic device; and a transfer mechanism to transfer the electronic device from the tape carrier to the die cavity.

FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one aspect of a tape and reel assemblage for storing electronic devices.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of one aspect of a carrier tape with the cover tape removed to show an electronic device located within each of the cavities of the carrier tape.

FIG. 3 is a side view of one aspect of a carrier tape comprising a cover tape and an electronic device located within each of the cavities of the carrier tape.

FIG. 4 is a side view of one aspect of a carrier tape showing one cavity with the cover tape located over the cavity to secure the electronic device located within each of the cavities and one cavity with the cover tape removed to expose the electronic device for removal from the carrier tape.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic of one aspect of a tape and reel feed mechanism with a reel 100 having a hub, a carrier tape with cavities, and a cover tape.

FIG. 6 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus for compressing an electronic device with a powdered material into a tablet.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one aspect of a portion of one aspect of a rotor of the rotary tablet press shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a section through the arrangement according to FIG. 7, along the line 8-8.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of one aspect of a lower upper punch with guiding sleeve and sealing rings.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of one aspect of an assembly of the upper stamp with sleeve and sealing rings according to FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows different cross sections for the punch shafts.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of one aspect of a suction (vacuum) pick-and-place element transferring an electronic device in a die cavity of a die plate.

FIG. 13 illustrates one aspect of a low profile carrier tablet for use with a tablet press, such as the rotary punch press.

FIG. 14 illustrates one aspect an electronic device comprising materials and a base material for increased thickness.

FIG. 15 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus for compressing an electronic device with a powdered material into a tablet.

FIG. 16 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus employing a punch station to dispense an electronic device and compress the electronic device with a powdered material into a tablet.

FIG. 17 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus employing a punch press arrangement for dispensing an electronic device from a carrier tape and compressing the electronic device with a powdered material into a tablet.

FIG. 18 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus employing a punch press arrangement for dispensing an electronic device from a carrier tape comprising first and second adhesive tapes and compressing the electronic device with a powdered material into a tablet.

FIG. 19 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus employing a rotating punch wheel comprising multiple punch heads for dispensing an electronic device from a carrier tape, and a separate punch press process for compressing the electronic device with a powdered material into a tablet.

FIG. 20 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus employing a rotating punch wheel comprising multiple punch heads for dispensing an electronic device from a carrier tape comprising first and second adhesive tapes sandwiching an electronic device therebetween, and a separate punch press process for compressing the electronic device with a powdered material into a tablet.

FIG. 21 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus employing a rotary carrier wheel comprising a first punch station and rotary punch press comprising a second punch station to dispense an electronic device and compress the electronic device with a powdered material into a tablet.

FIG. 22 illustrates one aspect of a carrier comprising an electronic device embedded in a weighted annulus.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of the carrier shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 illustrates one aspect of a tube filled with a powdered material and at least two electronic devices.

FIG. 25A illustrates one aspect of an electronic device that includes tabs or legs and electronics.

FIG. 25B illustrates one aspect of an electronic device that includes tabs or legs and electronics.

FIG. 26 illustrates one aspect of an electronic device shown on a sheet, where the electronic device includes a skirt with a plurality of holes and electronics.

FIG. 27 illustrates one aspect of an electronic device laminated between two sheets.

FIGS. 28-32 illustrate one aspect of an electronic device punched out and placed inside a hole of a transfer tray.

FIG. 33 illustrates one aspect of a logic flow diagram for a process of producing a tablet by compressing an electronic device with a powdered material.

FIG. 34 is a block diagram representation of one aspect of the event indicator system with dissimilar metals positioned on opposite ends.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram representation of another aspect of the event indicator system with dissimilar metals positioned on the same end and separated by a non-conducting material.

FIG. 36 shows ionic transfer or the current path through a conducting fluid when the event indicator system of FIG. 34 is in contact with conducting liquid and in an active state.

FIG. 37 shows an exploded view of the surface of dissimilar materials of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 shows the event indicator system of FIG. 5 with a pH sensor unit.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram illustration of one aspect of the control device used in the system of FIGS. 34 and 35.

FIGS. 40 and 41 are cross-sectional side-views of one aspect of a pick-and-place transfer mechanism for picking an electronic device from a cavity of a carrier tape.

FIG. 42 is a top view of an electronic device located within a cavity of a carrier tape.

FIG. 43 is a side view of a pair of prongs grasping an electronic device.

FIG. 44 illustrates features provided at a distal end of a prong to facilitate locating and grasping an electronic device using the pick-and-place transfer mechanism shown in FIGS. 41 and 42.

FIG. 45 illustrates a bottom view perspective of four prongs engaging an outer diameter of a skirt portion of an electronic device.

FIG. 46A is a cross-sectional view of one aspect of a pick-and-place transfer mechanism holding an electronic device within a mechanical gripper 2154.

FIG. 46B is a bottom view of the pick-and-place transfer mechanism holding an electronic device shown in FIG. 46A.

FIG. 47 illustrates one aspect of a friction hold disc technique for handling an electronic device.

FIG. 48 illustrates one aspect of a pick-and-place transfer mechanism comprising a mobile sleeve.

FIG. 49 illustrates one aspect of a pick-and-place tool comprising an internal ejection member and a vacuum tube.

FIG. 50 illustrates one aspect of pick-and-place tool comprising an internal ejection member and an external tube comprising needles located at a distal end of the external tube.

FIG. 51 illustrates one aspect of pick-and-place tool comprising a head that has an external profile that matches the internal cavity profile of the carrier tape.

FIG. 52 illustrates one aspect of a pick-and-place tool comprising an inner slot at a distal end of a gripper.

FIG. 53 illustrates one aspect of a pick-and-place tool comprising an inner slot at a distal end of a gripper.

FIG. 54 illustrates one aspect of a pick-and-place tool comprising features at a distal end to create notches around the outer diameter of the skirt portion of the electronic device.

FIG. 55 illustrates one aspect of pick-and-place tool configured with hook-and-loop (VELCRO) or ridges at a distal end to hold the electronic device in place.

FIG. 56 illustrates one aspect of a tower for storing electronic devices.

FIG. 57 illustrates one aspect of the tower shown in FIG. 56 interfaced with a rotary transfer plate.

FIG. 58 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism employing a vacuum plate for holding electronic devices until they are ready to be dispensed.

FIG. 59 illustrates another aspect of a transfer mechanism that employs a vacuum plate for holding electronic devices until they are ready to be dispensed.

FIG. 60 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism that employs a vacuum plate for holding electronic devices until they are ready to be dispensed.

FIG. 61 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism employing a rail feed to supply the electronic devices top the tablet process table top.

FIG. 62 illustrates a cross sectional view of an ejection mechanism that rotates eccentrically about a first axis.

FIG. 63 illustrates a side view of the ejection mechanism shown in FIG. 62.

FIG. 64 illustrates a cross sectional view of the ejection mechanism shown in FIGS. 62 and 63.

FIG. 65 illustrates a pick-and-place tool comprising a body and flexible (resilient) fingers or flaps to grasp and hold the electronic device.

FIG. 66 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism that employs gravity.

FIG. 67 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism that employs air pressure.

FIG. 68 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism that employs a vacuum feeder.

FIG. 69 illustrates one aspect of collet gripper having a body that expands during the grip process, then contracts on the electronic device forming positive pressure grip around the outside of the electronic device.

FIG. 70 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism comprising a pre punched film/carrier tape that holds the electronic device so that punching the electronic device out into the press tool with a punch can be facilitated.

FIG. 71 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism as shown in FIG. 70 except that the punch occurs into a rotating plate that may hold the electronic device with a friction fit around the perimeter, or have some mechanical feature to lock in place

FIG. 72 illustrates a transfer mechanism comprising electrically charged pick-up head with fingers having opposite charge to grab the electronic device and hold the electronic device in place by electrostatic forces.

Notwithstanding the claims, the invention is also referred to in the following clauses:

1. A method of manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device, the method comprising:

providing a powdered material into a die cavity of a tablet press;

dispensing an electronic device from a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press, the carrier tape configured for holding the electronic device;

locating the electronic device into the die cavity; and

compressing the powdered material and the electronic device to form a tablet.

2. The method of clause 1, further comprising one or more of the following steps:

• • pre-compressing the powdered material prior to locating the electronic device into the die cavity,
  • providing additional powdered material into the die cavity after forming the tablet.
  • compressing the additional powdered material to form the tablet.3. The method of any of the preceding clauses with one or more of the following:
  • wherein the tablet press is a rotary tablet press.
  • wherein the powdered material is a pharmaceutical material.
  • wherein the electronic device is an ingestible event marker.4. The method of any of the preceding clauses wherein the carrier tape comprises a cover tape and defines a cavity for holding the electronic device between the cavity and the cover tape, wherein dispensing the electronic device from the carrier tape comprises:

removing the cover tape from the carrier tape to expose the electronic device within the cavity;

transferring the cover tape to a pick-and-place transfer mechanism;

picking the electronic device from the cavity with a pick-and-place element of the transfer mechanism, wherein the pick-and-place element is preferably a vacuum tool,

transferring the pick-and-place element to the tablet press; and

placing the electronic device in the die cavity.

5. The method of clause 6, further comprising locating the pick-and-place element above the die cavity.

6. The method of clause 4 or 5 further comprising:

transferring the pick-and-place element to a carrier;

locating the pick-and-place element above the carrier;

placing the electronic device in the carrier;

picking the electronic device from the carrier with a second pick-and-place element of a second transfer mechanism; and

locating the second pick-and-place element above the die cavity.

7. The method of any of the preceding clauses wherein dispensing the electronic device from the tape carrier comprises:

transferring the carrier tape to a punch press;

punching through the carrier tape comprising the electronic device with an ejector pin portion of the punch press, wherein the ejector pin perforates the carrier tape; and

dispensing the electronic device into the die cavity through the perforations.

8. The method of clause 7, further comprising:

dispensing the electronic device into a carrier; and

transferring the carrier to the tablet press, preferably wherein the carrier frictionally engages the electronic device and centers the electronic device with the die cavity.

9. The method of any of the preceding clauses wherein the carrier tape carrier comprises first and second adhesive tapes for holding the electronic device therebetween, wherein dispensing the electronic device from the carrier tape comprises:

removing the first adhesive tape from the carrier tape to expose the electronic device within the cavity;

transferring the cover tape to a punch press;

punching through the carrier tape comprising the electronic device with an ejector pin portion of the punch press, wherein the ejector pin perforates the carrier tape; and

dispensing the electronic device into the die cavity through the perforations, and preferably further comprising the steps of dispensing the electronic device into a carrier; and

transferring the carrier to the tablet press.

10. A system for manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device, the system comprising:

a tablet press comprising a die cavity for receiving a powdered material and an electronic device therein, an upper punch, and a lower punch, wherein the upper and lower punches are operative to form the powdered material and the electronic device into a tablet;

a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press, the carrier tape configured for holding the electronic device; and

a transfer mechanism to transfer the electronic device from the tape carrier to the die cavity.

11. The system of clause 17, wherein the transfer mechanism comprises a pick-and-place transfer mechanism operatively coupled to the carrier tape and the tablet press.

12. The system of clause 10 or 11 further comprising a carrier to receive the electronic device and center the electronic device relative to the die cavity, wherein the pick-and-place transfer mechanism locates the electronic device in the carrier.

13. The system of clause 12, further comprising a second pick-and-place transfer mechanism to pick the electronic device from the carrier, locate the second pick-and-place transfer mechanism above the die cavity, preferably wherein the first and/or second pick-and-place transfer mechanism comprises a vacuum tool.14. The system of any of the preceding clauses 10-13 further comprising a punch press for dispensing the electronic device from the tape carrier operatively coupled to the tablet press, preferably wherein the punch press comprises a rotating punch wheel, and/or wherein the carrier tape carrier comprises first and second adhesive tapes for holding the electronic device therebetween.15. Use of a system according to any of the preceding clauses 10-14 in a process according to any of the preceding clauses 1-9.

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed generally to various techniques are disclosed for handling an electronic device and integrating the handling process with a press process used in manufacturing a pill, tablet, or capsule. The technique includes a system and method for securing an ingestible electronic device to a pharmaceutical product in a tablet form in a press process without damaging the ingestible electronic device. The techniques include a process for manufacturing a product comprising the electronic device and a pharmaceutical agent that integrates with a tablet press, such as, for example, a rotary tablet press described hereinbelow. The techniques described herein, however, are not limited to a rotary tablet press.

Tape and reel packaging provides a compact means for storing, transporting, and dispensing integrated circuits. The reel is placed directly onto a relatively small piece of equipment for picking and placing the circuits, and as a result this type of handling equipment has become much more desirable to the end user than the more bulky x/y table used to pick-and-place from trays.

Consequently, a need for packing reels and an assemblage which is compatible with dry baking integrated circuit devices has developed. Simply using existing reels constructed of high temperature plastic has not been successful because the design is inefficiency for baking, and because high temperature plastics are generally more dense, thus resulting in additional shipping weight.

A lightweight packing reel for storing encapsulated semiconductor devices which may be baked for extended periods of time at temperatures sufficiently high to desorb moisture from the packages, and which allows efficient flow of heat and air through the tape and reel assemblage is provided.

In the manufacture of large-scale electronic devices, it is necessary to package the electronic devices in a way which minimizes handling, and which minimizes potential damage to the electronic devices. When large numbers of identical electronic devices are required, the electronic devices frequently are packaged in elongated strips of sealed “pocket tape.”

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of one aspect of a tape and reel packing assemblage with a reel 100 having a hub 102 and parallel flanges 104, a carrier tape 106 with cavities 108, and a cover tape 110. The reel 100, generally constructed of plastic, provides areas on the flange where labels 112 can be placed to provide information pertaining to the electronic devices. Large openings called windows 114 in the flange are not specified, but may exist to provide a convenient means to grasp the reel. The carrier tape 106 is made of a flexible plastic material in which a series of adjacent pockets or cavities 108 are formed. The size of the cavity 108 is selected to accommodate correspondingly-sized electronic devices, with one electronic device typically being placed in each cavity 108. The cavities 108 are arranged to run the length of the carrier tape 106, which also typically includes perforated flanges along each edge of the tape for utilization in indexing machines, where the electronic devices subsequently are removed from the carrier tape 106. The cavities 108 in the carrier tape 106 can be formed by punching, embossing, thermoforming, or other techniques. The cover tape 110 has a heat or pressure sensitive adhesive on predefined sealing areas which attaches to the carrier tape, and holds the electronic device securely in the cavity 108.

The electronic devices may be automatically vacuum loaded into each cavity 108 in the carrier tape 106, the tape 106 indexed to the next position, a cover tape 110 sealed onto the loaded cavity 108, and the tape 106 indexed onto the reel 100. For unloading, the procedure may be reversed.

At the manufacturer of the electronic devices, the carrier tape 106 is moved along while the devices are inserted, and then a releasable cover tape 110 is sealed to the carrier tape 106 along the edges of the different cavities 108 to hold the electronic devices securely in the cavity 108. After this is done, the sealed carrier tape 106 is rolled up on reels 100 for delivery. The orientation of the electronic devise in the cavities 108 of the reels 100 follows according to specifications of the particular device package. Normally, inspection of the orientation of the electronic packages in the cavities 108 of the carrier tape may involve visual monitoring by an operator or machine monitoring using a suitable sensing technique, such optical inspection which is less prone to human error.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of one aspect of the carrier tape 106 with the cover tape 110 removed to show the electronic device 200 located within each of the cavities 108 of the carrier tape 106. The size of the cavity 108 is selected to accommodate correspondingly-sized electronic devices 200, with one electronic device 200 being placed in each of the cavities 108. The cavities 108 are arranged to run the length of the carrier tape 106, which includes perforated flanges 202a, 202b along each corresponding edge 204a, 204b of the carrier tape 106 for utilization in indexing machines, where the electronic devices 200 subsequently are removed from the carrier tape 106.

In one aspect, the electronic device 200 may be activated upon contact with a conducting fluid. The scope of the present disclosure, however, is not limited by the environment or type of the conducting fluid. Once ingested, the electronic device 200 comes into contact with a conducting fluid, such as stomach fluids, and the device 200 is activated. Referring again to the instance where the device 200 is used with the product that is ingested by the living organism, when the product that includes the device 200 is taken or ingested, the device 200 comes into contact with the conducting liquid of the body and a voltage potential is created and the system is activated. A portion of the power source is provided by the device 200, while another portion of the power source is provided by the conducting fluid.

FIG. 3 is a side view of one aspect of the carrier tape 106 comprising the cover tape 110 and an electronic device 200 located within each of the cavities 108 of the carrier tape 106.

FIG. 4 is a side view of one aspect of the carrier tape 106 showing one cavity with the cover tape 110 located over the cavity 108 to secure the electronic device 200 located within each of the cavities 108 and one cavity 108 with the cover tape 110 removed to expose the electronic device 200 for removal from the carrier tape 106. The electronic device 200 may be removed from the carrier tape 106 using a variety of techniques including, without limitation, pick and place components, actuators, punch portion, peeled off tape, conveyor, gravity feed, air pressure, laser cuts, die ejection, among other techniques. Pick and place components include, without limitation, vacuum tools, adhesion, gripper. Once dispensed, the electronic devices 200 can be provided to a subsequent process, such as a rotary tablet press process, by a transfer wheel, conveyor, pick and place components, actuators, hopper, gravity feed, vibratory feed, punched into rotary tablet press, slide/ramp, or air pressure.

In one aspect, the reel 100 described in connection with FIGS. 1-3, may be configured such that the carrier tape 106 or the cover tape 110 can be perforated by a punch press to eject the electronic component 200. In such aspects, the cover tape 110, for example, which may be laminated onto the carrier tape 106, may be reinforced and may have a thickness that is minimal in comparison to the thickness of the ultimate tablet product. In addition, the cover tape 110 may be made of a biocompatible material that is soluble in a liquid such as water and has low mechanical strength. In one aspect, the liquid soluble biocompatible material may be fast dissolving when exposed to a liquid. In other examples, the cover tape 110 may be formed of a non-liquid soluble material. In such cases, the cover tape 110 may be porous to allow liquid ingress.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic of one aspect of a tape and reel feed mechanism 300 with a reel 100 having a hub 102, a carrier tape 106 with cavities 108, and a cover tape 110. In order to dispense the carrier tape 106 from right to left in direction B, the reel 100 is rotatably unwound in direction A. The carrier tape 106 moves along a guide rail 302 and wound by a second reel 304 in direction C. A third reel 306 is wound in direction D and is used to wind the cover tape 110 as it is removed from the carrier tape 106 to expose the electronic device 200 located within the cavity 108 of the carrier tape 106. After the cover tape 110 is removed from the carrier tape 106, the electronic device 200 is exposed and passes below a rotary pick-and-place transfer mechanism 308. The rotary pick-and-place transfer mechanism 308 rotates in direction E and includes multiple suction (vacuum) based pick-and-place elements 310 that move in direction F to pick an electronic device 200 from the carrier tape 106 cavity 108. Once the pick-and-place element 310 secures the electronic device 200, the rotary pick-and-place transfer mechanism 308 rotates in direction E and the carrier tape 106 advances (feeds) in direction B such the next pick-and-place element 310 rotates into position and lowers to pick up the next electronic device 200 in the carrier tape 106. The rotary pick-and-place transfer mechanism 308 can be interfaced with a rotary tablet press to secure an ingestible electronic device to a pharmaceutical product into a tablet form in without damaging the ingestible electronic device as discussed hereinafter. It will be appreciated that any suitable robotic electronic component transfer mechanism maybe employed to transfer the electronic device 200 from the carrier tape 106 to a rotary tablet press.

FIG. 6 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus 400 for compressing an electronic device with a powdered material into a tablet. In one aspect, the assembling apparatus 400 comprises a tape and reel feed mechanism 300 operatively coupled to a rotary punch press 420. The tape and reel feed mechanism 300 interfaces with a conveyor system 402 moving in direction I. As shown, the tape and reel feed mechanism 300 as described in connection with FIG. 5, comprises a pick-and-place transfer mechanism 308 to pick electronic devices 200 fed by the tape and reel feed mechanism 300 and place the electronic devices 200 in a carrier 404 located on the conveyor system 402. The carrier 404 includes a compartment 406, which is dimensioned to frictionally hold the electronic device 200 until a second rotary pick-and place machine 410 transfer the electronic device 200 from the carrier 404 to the rotary punch press 420. The second rotary pick-and-place transfer mechanism 410 rotates in direction G and includes multiple suction (vacuum) pick-and-place elements 412 to pick electronic devices 200 from the carrier 404 and place them in a die cavity 422 (punch cavity) of the rotary punch press 420, which has been pre filled with a powdered material, e.g., a powdered pharmaceutical product.

The rotary punch press 420 rotates in direction H as shown. The press 420 includes a die cavity 422 and an ejection tray (not shown). A powdered material is deposited into the die cavity 422 and may be tamped or pre-compressed. The press 420 rotates to another position, which is positioned below a pick-and-place element 412 of the pick-and-place transfer mechanism 410 to receive the electronic device 200 in the die cavity 422 that includes the powdered material.

In various aspects, the carrier 404 may be configured to center the electronic component 200 to properly align the electronic device with the die cavity 422. Thus, the carrier 404 may be configured to align the electronic device 200 with the center of the die cavity 422. This process may be assisted by vision guidance systems, pick-and-place tip designs, or other suitable mechanical configurations. Additional features include features formed on the electronic device 200 to enable suitable placement of the electronic device 200 relative to the die cavity 422.

Some of these configurations include providing a flexible membrane on the electronic device that includes a plurality of legs that engage the wall of the carrier 404 when the electronic device 200 and the powdered material in the die cavity 422 are pressed into a tablet. In various aspects, the electronic device 200 may be placed within the carrier 404 and in other aspects the electronic device 200 may be secured within the carrier using friction, ingestible glues, pressure sensitive adhesives, thermal adhesives, mechanically attachment, secured to a band that is later placed around the tablet.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the rotary punch press 420 comprises a punch portion 424 to form a tablet from a powdered material and the electronic device 200 by compression or tamping. The rotary punch press 420 is activated each time a die cavity 422 containing a powdered material and an electronic device 200 passes below the punch portion 424. A completed tablet comprising the electronic device is eventually ejected from the rotary punch press 420 and moved to a collection point through an ejection tray (not shown) for further processing, such as coating layers as needed. Examples of an ejection tray is discussed in commonly assigned International PCT US Patent Application No. 2012/0116359 titled “Integrated Ingestible Event Marker System With Pharmaceutical Product,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one aspect of a portion of a rotor 500 of the rotary punch press 420 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 shows a section through the arrangement according to FIG. 7, along the line 8-8. Generally, the rotary punch press 420 comprises a rotor portion 500 and punch portion 424. When the rotor 500 is aligned with the punch portion 424, upper and a lower punch guides for upper and lower punches co-operate with die cavity 422 bores in a die plate 506 which is arranged between the upper and the lower punch guides. The punches have shafts, which are sealedly axially movable in guiding bores of the punch guides by means of a sealing arrangement.

Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, in one aspect, the rotary punch press 420, from which only a cut-out is shown in FIG. 7, has an upper punch guide 502 and a lower punch guide 504, as well as a die plate 506 between the upper and the lower punch guiding 502, 504. In the illustrated example, the rotary punch press 420 is formed of plural pieces where the upper punch portion 424 is stationary and the lower rotor 500 portion rotates in direction H. In other aspects, the punch portion 424 and the rotor 500 may be formed as a unit in one single piece. The die plate 506 in particular may comprise individual segments.

The upper punch guide 502 has accommodation bores 508, and the lower punch guide 504 has accommodation bores 510. The punch guides 502, 504 guide in a pair-wise fashion upper punches 512 and lower punches 514, which co-operate with die bores 516 of the die plate 506 in order to press together powder-shaped material (e.g., the powdered material) and the electronic device 200 in the die cavities 422.

As shown in FIG. 8 in particular, the accommodation bores 508, 510 receive guiding sleeves 518, 520. FIG. 9 shows the upper and lower punches 512, 514 with the respective guiding sleeves 524, 526 and sealing rings 528, 530, in an exploded perspective view. FIG. 10 shows the assembly of the upper stamp with sleeve 518, and sealing rings according to FIG. 9, in a perspective view. In FIG. 9, the upper and lower punches 512, 514 and guiding sleeves 518, 520 are depicted. FIG. 11 shows different cross sections for the punch shafts. The pressing punches 512, 514 have a head 522, a shaft 524 and a tool portion 526. Only the tool portion 526 co-operates with the die bores 516 (in the following, only the upper punch 512 is treated, wherein the lower punch 514 is to be regarded in the same way). The head 522 is essentially standardized in its topside. It co-operates with not shown pressing rollers, which press the upper punch 512 into the die bore 516 against the material which is to be pressed, e.g., the pharmaceutical powder and electronic device. The shaft 524 may have an out of round cross section. In FIG. 11, cross section shapes are exemplified. FIG. 11a shows a triangular cross section, FIG. 11b a square one, and FIG. 11c a cross section which is composed of three circle sections, wherein the transitions are rounded. The guiding sleeves 518, 520, which can consist of ceramic material and which are glued into the accommodation bores 508 and 510, respectively, have a cross section which is complementary to the cross section of the shafts 524. For this reason, the described cross sections fix the rotational position of the punches 512, 514 in the punch guiding 502 or 504, respectively. An upper sealing ring 528 and a lower sealing ring 530 is associated to each punch 512, 514 and to each guiding sleeve 518, 520 respectively.

The rotary punch press 420 described in connection with FIGS. 7-11 may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail merely as a specific embodiment example and this description is not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to the particular aspect illustrated.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of a suction (vacuum) pick-and-place element 412 transferring an electronic device 200 in a die cavity 422 of a die plate 506. The die cavity 422 includes a powdered material 550, e.g., powdered pharmaceutical, which has been tamped or pre-compressed and which will be compressed together with the electronic device 200 into a tablet. The pick-and-place element 412 includes a vacuum line 552 coupled to a vacuum source. To pick up an electronic device 200, the tip 554 of the pick-and-place element 412 is placed in contact with a top surface of the electronic device 200 and the vacuum source is turned on. Once the pick-and-place element 412 is aligned with the die cavity 422, the vacuum source is turned off and the electronic device 200 falls into the die cavity 422 and is positioned above the pre-compressed powdered material 550.

FIG. 13 illustrates one aspect of a low profile carrier tablet 600 for use with a tablet press, such as the rotary punch press 420. The low profile carrier tablet 600 is combined with an electronic device 200. The low profile carrier tablet 600 may have a diameter φ of about 2 to 6 mm and a thickness H2 of about 300 μm to about 3 mm. The electronic device 200 may have a diameter comparable with the low profile carrier tablet 600 and a thickness H1 of about 300 μm. The low profile carrier tablet 600 comprises a low tack adhesive applied to the surface that receives the electronic device 200 for rapid separation of the carrier 600 and the electronic device 200 when exposed to a liquid (e.g., water). Also, the carrier 600 is formed of a material for fast dissolution in the liquid.

FIG. 14 illustrates one aspect of an electronic device 200 comprising materials 610, 612 and a base material 614 for increased thickness. The base material 614 is attached to the base of the electronic device 200 by low pressure lamination. As shown, each layer of material 610, 612, 614 has a corresponding thickness H3, H4, H5. The dimensions of these thicknesses may vary from about 300 μm to about 3 mm. Optionally, a bore 616 may be defined in the area above the electronic device 200. Although in the illustrated example, three separate materials 610, 612, 614 are depicted, one or more materials may be employed. In one aspect, the skirt materials 610, 612, 614 are “non-electrically-conducting materials” and may be formed in various shapes and configurations. For example, the electronic device 200 may be surrounded entirely or partially by the materials 610, 612, 614 and may be positioned along a central axis of the electronic device 200 or off-center relative to a central axis. Thus, the shape of the materials 610, 612, 614 is not limited by the shape or size. Furthermore, in other aspects, the materials 610, 612, 614 may be separated by an additional material that is positioned in any defined region between the materials 610, 612, 614.

FIG. 15 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus 700 for compressing an electronic device with a powdered material into a tablet. In one aspect, the assembling apparatus 700 comprises a tape and reel feed mechanism 300 operatively coupled to a rotary punch press 420. The tape and reel feed mechanism 300 interfaces directly with the rotary punch press 420 without using the conveyor system of FIG. 6. As shown, the tape and reel feed mechanism 300 comprises a rotary pick-and-place transfer mechanism 410 that rotates in direction G and includes multiple suction (vacuum) pick-and-place elements 412. The pick-and-place elements 412 pick electronic devices 200 from the carrier tape 106 and place them in a die cavity 422 of the rotary punch press 420, which has been pre filled with a powdered material. As the tape and reel feed mechanism 300 moves in direction B, the rotary punch press 420 rotates in direction H as shown. The rotary punch press 420 and the punch portion 424 operate in the same manner previously discussed in connection with FIGS. 6-12 to produce a tablet comprising the electronic device 200.

FIG. 16 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus 800 employing a punch station 808 to dispense an electronic device 200 and compress the electronic device 200 with a powdered material into a tablet. In one aspect, the assembling apparatus 800 comprises a tape and reel feed mechanism 802 operatively coupled to a rotary punch press 420, previously discussed in connection with FIGS. 6-12. The tape and reel feed mechanism 802 does not include a rotary transfer mechanism using a rotary pick-and-place transfer mechanism as previously discussed herein. The tape and reel feed mechanism 802 feeds the carrier tape 106 in direction B without removing the cover tape from the carrier tape 106. Rather than using a rotary pick-and-place transfer mechanism to pick and place the electronic device 200 into the die cavity 422 of the rotary punch press 420, an ejector pin 804 (or punch) on the punch station 808 is used to punch the electronic device 200 through the carrier tape 106 package by perforating the carrier tape 106, leaving a perforation 806 or aperture, such that the electronic device 200 drops into the die cavity 422 positioned below the ejector pin 804. The ejector pin 804 is rotationally stationary and vertically movable by cam, solenoid, or other suitable actuation mechanism, without limitation. As the tape and reel feed mechanism 802 moves in direction B, the rotary punch press 420 rotates in direction H as shown. The rotary punch press 420 and the punch portion 424 operate in the same manner previously discussed in connection with FIGS. 6-12 to produce a tablet comprising the electronic device 200.

FIG. 17 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus 900 employing a punch press arrangement for dispensing an electronic device from a carrier tape and compressing the electronic device with a powdered material into a tablet. In one aspect, the assembling apparatus 900 comprises a tape and reel feed mechanism operatively coupled to a rotary punch press 420, previously discussed in connection with FIGS. 6-12. In the illustrated example, the carrier tape 106 is fed in direction B in between the die plate 506 and the punch portion 424 of the rotary punch press 420. The carrier tape 106 indexes in direction B such that the electronic device 200 is axially centered with the die cavity 422, which contains a powdered material 550, which has been tamped or pre-compressed, and the upper and lower punches 512, 514. A cam 902 actuates the upper punch 512—which acts as an ejector pin—to perforate the carrier tape 106, forming apertures 906, 908 above and below the carrier tape 106, to dispense the electronic device 200 into the die cavity 422 above the pre-compressed powdered material 550. As the cam 902 rotates further in direction K, the upper punch 512 compresses the powdered material 550 and the electronic device 200 into a tablet form. Thus, in a single operation, the electronic device 200 is dispensed and pressed into the tablet by actuating the upper punch 512 with the cam 902.

FIG. 18 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus 1000 employing a punch press arrangement for dispensing an electronic device 200 from a carrier tape 1002 comprising first and second adhesive tapes 1004, 1006 and compressing the electronic device 200 with a powdered material into a tablet. In one aspect, the assembling apparatus 1000 comprises a tape and reel feed mechanism operatively coupled to a rotary punch press 420, previously discussed in connection with FIGS. 6-12. In the illustrated example, a carrier tape 1002 comprises a first adhesive tape 1004 and a second adhesive tape 1006 with the electronic device 200 located therebetween. The first and second adhesive tapes 1004, 1006 should have low mechanical strength but may be reinforced to facilitate reel handling. The first and second adhesive tapes 1004, 1006 may be laminated to the carrier tape 1002. As the carrier tape 1002 feds in direction B, a roller 1008 peels off the second adhesive tape 1006 to expose one side of the electronic device 200. The opposite side of the electronic device 200 remains attached to the first adhesive tape 1004. When the electronic device 200 is axially aligned with the die cavity 422 and the upper and lower punches 512, 514, the cam 902 actuates the upper punch 512 to perforate the first adhesive tape 1004 forming apertures 1010 in the first adhesive tape 1004 to eject the electronic device 200 into the die cavity 422 above the powdered material 550, which has been tamped or pre-compressed. As the cam 902 rotates further in direction K, the upper punch 512 compresses the powdered material 550 and the electronic device 200 into a tablet form. Thus, in a single operation, the electronic device 200 is dispensed and pressed into the tablet by actuating the upper punch 512 with the cam 902.

In one aspect, the upper punch 512 of the rotary punch press 420 used to cut through the carrier tape 1002, can have the same diameter as the electronic device 200, for example. Thus, after the electronic device 200 is ejected from the first adhesive tape 1004, the portion of the first adhesive tape 1004 located above the electronic device 200 remains attached to the electronic device 200. Accordingly, the first adhesive tape 1004 should be made of a biocompatible material and the thickness of the first adhesive tape 1004 should be selected to minimize the appearance on the tablet. The first adhesive tape 1004 may be made of a material that is fast dissolving in an aqueous solution. In another example, the adhesive tape 1004 need not necessarily be soluble in an aqueous solution. As such, the adhesive tape 1004 in contact with the electronic device 200 can be porous to allow aqueous solution ingress.

FIG. 19 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus 1100 employing a rotating punch wheel 1102 comprising multiple punch heads 1104 for dispensing an electronic device 200 from a carrier tape 106, and a separate punch press process for compressing the electronic device 200 with a powdered material into a tablet. In one aspect, the assembling apparatus 1100 comprises a tape and reel feed mechanism operatively coupled to a rotary punch press 420, previously discussed in connection with FIGS. 6-12. In the illustrated example, the assembling apparatus 1100 comprises a rotating punch wheel 1102 comprising multiple punch heads 1104. As the carrier tape 106 is fed in direction B, the punch wheel 1102 rotates in direction L such that the punch head 1104 perforates the carrier tape 106, forming apertures 1106, 1108 above and below the carrier tape 106, to dispense the electronic device 200 into the die cavity 422 above the powdered material 550, which has been tamped or pre-compressed. Once the electronic device 200 is positioned within the die cavity 422, the process continues to the punch portion 424 of the rotary punch press 420 to press the electronic device 200 into a tablet using the upper and lower pressing punches 512, 514.

FIG. 20 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus 1200 employing a rotating punch wheel 1102 comprising multiple punch heads 1104 for dispensing an electronic device 200 from a carrier tape 1002 comprising first and second adhesive tapes 1004, 1006 sandwiching an electronic device 200 therebetween, and a separate punch press process for compressing the electronic device 200 with a powdered material into a tablet. In one aspect, the assembling apparatus 1200 comprises a tape and reel feed mechanism operatively coupled to a rotary punch press 420, previously discussed in connection with FIGS. 6-12. In the illustrated example, the assembling apparatus 1200 comprises a rotating punch wheel 1102 comprising multiple punch heads 1104. The carrier 1002 comprises a first adhesive tape 1004 and a second adhesive tape 1006 with the electronic device 200 located therebetween, where the first and second adhesive tapes 1004, 1006 have low mechanical strength but may be reinforced to facilitate reel handling, as discussed in connection with FIG. 18. As the carrier tape 1002 is fed in direction B, the second adhesive tape 1006 is peeled from the electronic device 200 and is rolled up by a roller 1008. The punch wheel 1102 rotates in direction L such that the punch head 1104 perforates the first adhesive tape 1004, forming apertures 1206 in the first adhesive tape 1104, to dispense the electronic device 200 into the die cavity 422 above the powdered material 550, which has been tamped or pre-compressed. Once the electronic device 200 is positioned within the die cavity 422, the process continues to the punch portion 424 of the rotary punch press 420 to press the electronic device 200 into a tablet using the upper and lower pressing punches 512, 514.

FIG. 21 illustrates one aspect of an assembling apparatus 1200 employing a rotary carrier wheel 1210 comprising a first punch station 1212 and rotary punch press 420 comprising a second punch station 1214 to dispense an electronic device 200 and compress the electronic device 200 with a powdered material into a tablet. In one aspect, the assembling apparatus 1200 comprises a tape and reel feed mechanism 802 operatively coupled to a rotary punch press 420, previously discussed in connection with FIGS. 6-12. The tape and reel feed mechanism 802 does not include a rotary transfer mechanism using a rotary pick-and-place transfer mechanism as previously discussed herein. The tape and reel feed mechanism 802 feeds the carrier tape 106 in direction B without removing the cover tape from the carrier tape 106.

In the illustrated example, the carrier tape 106 is positioned below a first punch station 1212 comprising an ejector pin 1202 as the rotary carrier wheel 1210 rotates in direction M. The rotary carrier wheel 1210 can ride on a top surface of the rotary punch press 420 table for placement control. As the rotary carrier wheel 1210 rotates in direction M, the ejector pin 1202 of the first punch station 1212 punches the electronic device 200 through the carrier tape 106 package by perforating the carrier tape 106, leaving a perforation 806 or aperture, such that the electronic device 200 drops into a carrier assembly 1204 positioned below the ejector pin 804. The ejector pin 804 is rotationally stationary and vertically movable by cam, solenoid, or other suitable actuation mechanism, without limitation. The carrier assembly 1204 comprises an aperture 1206 to frictionally hold the electronic device 200 in place until the next transfer process step. The transfer wheel 1210 rotates in direction M to the second punch station 1214 at the rotary punch press 420, which rotates in direction N, where a second ejector pin 1208 punches the electronic device 200 into the die cavity 422 of the rotary punch press 420, which has been pre filled with a powdered material 550, which has been tamped or pre-compressed. In one aspect, the second ejector pin 1208 can provide pre-compression or tamping of the powdered material 550. The rotary punch press 420 and the punch portion 424 operate in the same manner previously discussed in connection with FIGS. 6-12 to produce a tablet comprising the electronic device 200.

In various aspects, the carrier assembly 1204 may be configured to center the electronic component 200 to properly align the electronic device with the die cavity 422. Thus, the carrier assembly 1204 may be configured to align the electronic device 200 with the center of the die cavity 422. This process may be assisted by vision guidance systems, pick-and-place tip designs, or other suitable mechanical configurations. Additional features include features formed on the electronic device 200 to enable suitable placement of the electronic device 200 relative to the die cavity 422.

In other aspects, rather than employing the first or second punch stations 1212, 1214 comprising ejector pins 1202, 1208 at the rotary carrier wheel 1210 or the rotary punch press 420 wheel, the electronic device 200 can be handled with a vacuum pick-and-place machine can be employed to pick-up pre-punched electronic devices 200 from a waffle pack, tube, vibratory bowl, sheet, web strip, IDEC tray, carrier tape with adhered electronic device, among others.

FIG. 22 illustrates one aspect of a carrier 1400 comprising an electronic device 200 embedded in a weighted annulus 1402, and FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23. With reference now to FIGS. 22 and 23, in one aspect, the weight and shape of the carrier 1400 is compatible with core tablet press handlers that interface with the rotary punch press 420, as previously described. The carrier 1400 defines a cavity 1404 for receiving the electronic device 200 therein.

FIG. 24 illustrates one aspect of a tube 1500 filled with a powdered material 550 and at least two electronic devices 200. The tube 1500 is loaded with powdered material 550 and is then tamped or pre-compressed. The tube 1500 is loaded with alternating layers of a pre-metered quantity of powdered material 550 and electronic devices 200. A press punch compresses the powdered material 550 and the electronic devices 200 into tablet forms.

Any of the processes described hereinabove for manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device may be controlled using a variety of process controls. Such process controls include, without limitation, monitoring for various process variables or parameters to ensure that a suitable amount of powdered material was or is dispensed into the die cavity and to also to determine that a single electronic device, or suitable number of electronic devices, is dispensed in the die cavity per tablet. Such process variables or parameters that can be monitored by a process control system include, without limitation, weight of the dispended powdered material, weight of the electronic device, metal detection to detect the electronic device, wireless interrogation of the electronic device, tamp/compression force compression measurements, vision, X-rays, light/backlight/dark contrast, vertical placement, electrical, among others. In addition, any of the electronic device, powder filling, or tablet ejection operations described hereinabove, may be vision controlled, or controlled by other suitable process control means described herein.

Any of the operations described hereinabove for transferring the electronic device, powdered material, or tablet may be performed using transfer wheels, conveyors, pick-and-place machines, hopper feed, gravity feed, mechanical feed, punch press, slide ramp, rotary wheel, vibratory bowl, among other suitable transfer mechanisms. In addition, any of such component transfer operations may be performed by a SCARA Cartesian robotic device, where SCARA is an acronym that stands for Selective Compliant Assembly Robot. It also may be referred to as a Selective Compliant Articulated Robot Arm. In general, a SCARA robot is a 4-axis robot arm that can move to any X-Y-Z coordinate within a predefined work envelope. A fourth axis of motion may include wrist rotation (Theta-Z). The vertical motion is usually an independent linear axis at the wrist or in the base. The SCARA robot arm includes a parallel-axis joint layout with an arm that is slightly compliant in the X-Y direction but rigid in the “Z” direction making it selective compliant. A SCARA robot may be configured to operate under controlling software that requires inverse kinematics for linear interpolated moves.

As previously discussed, accessing and handling of the electronic device 200 may be performed using a variety of techniques including, without limitation, pick and place components, actuators, punch portion, peeled off tape, conveyor, gravity feed, air pressure, laser cuts, die ejection, among other techniques. Pick and place components include, without limitation, vacuum tools, adhesion, gripper. Once dispensed, the electronic devices 200 can be provided to a subsequent process, such as a rotary tablet press process, by a transfer wheel, conveyor, pick and place components, actuators, hopper, gravity feed, vibratory feed, punched into rotary tablet press, slide/ramp, or air pressure.

It will be appreciated that any of the tape-and-reel feed mechanisms described hereinabove may be configured to operate with a singles reel or with multiple reels. In other aspects, the reel may be replaced with a web or sheet comprising one or more rows and columns of components, e.g., electronic devices, for dispensing and transferring into the die cavity for compression with a powdered material into a tablet.

Referring now to FIG. 25A, in accordance with one aspect, the electronic device 200 includes tabs or legs 428 and electronics 426. The legs 428 are flexible and as the electronic device 200 is pushed into the die cavity 422, the friction between the legs 428 and the wall of the die cavity 422 hold the electronic device 200 in place.

Turning now to FIG. 25B, in accordance with one aspect, the electronic device 200 includes tabs or legs 430 and electronics 426. The legs 430 are used to secure the electronic device 200 into the carrier 404. The carrier 404 includes a matching number of slots or indentations 432 to the legs 430 of the electronic device 200. In an alternative aspect, the number of legs 430 may differ from the number of slots 432. As the electronic device 200 is pressed inside the carrier 404, the tabs 430 engage the slots 432 and lock the electronic device 200 into place mechanically. In use, as the carrier 404 dissolves, the walls of the carrier 404 change shape or collapse causing the electronic device 200 to be released from the carrier 404. In addition, a film layer may be manufactured via lamination, application of a coating solution, or slurry followed by a cure. In accordance with other aspects, the film or layer may be formed using dry compression, such as tablet press.

As shown in FIG. 26, the electronic device 200 shown on a sheet 441, where the electronic device 200 includes a skirt with a plurality of holes 444 and electronics 440. As the sheets 442a and 442b are subject to heating or pressure, then the sheets 442a and 442b are secured to each other through the holes 444 and the electronic device 200 is securely held between the sheets 442a and 442b. As shown in FIG. 27, the electronic device 200 is laminated between the sheets 442a and 442b. Thus, as the portions of the sheets 442a and 442b are exposed to heat or pressure, then the oversized portions at the edges are secured to each other forming a pocket that surrounds the electronic device 200 as well as secured to in place through the holes 444 as noted above. In accordance with another aspect, the holes 444 may be eliminated when the device is placed between the oversized portions and secured within a pocket that surrounds the electronic device 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 28-32, in accordance with one aspect, the electronic device 200 may be punched out and placed inside a hole 462a of a transfer tray 462. The tray 462 is shown in FIG. 28 with a plurality of holes. As shown in FIG. 29, the tray 462 is positioned below a sheet of electronic devices 200. A punch blade 454 cuts an electronic device 200 from the sheet of devices and inserts the electronic device 200 into the hole 462a. The electronic device 200 is held in place in the hole 462 with friction as shown in FIG. 30. The tray 462 is then advanced to the next step of the process and a punch press 470 pushes the electronic device 200 into a die cavity 422 as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32.

Having described various manufacturing systems for producing a tablet by compressing an electronic device with a powdered material, the present disclosure now turns to a description of a general process for producing a tablet by compressing an electronic device with a powdered material. Accordingly, FIG. 33 illustrates one aspect of a logic flow diagram 1600 for a process of producing a tablet by compressing an electronic device with a powdered material. At 1602, a powdered material is provided into a die cavity. At 1604, the powdered material in the die cavity tamped or pre-compressed. At 1606, an electronic device, preferably in the form of a semiconductor die, is inserted into the die cavity above the pre-compressed powdered material. At 1608, the electronic device is compressed with the pre-compressed powdered material. At 1610, an additional, over layer, of powdered material is provided into the die cavity to form a tablet. At 1612, the over layer of powdered material is compressed. At 1614, the pressed electronic device and powdered material in the form of a tablet is ejected from the die cavity.

In one aspect, a machine vision inspection of the die cavity may be performed after any one of the steps 1602-1614. The vision inspection can be useful to determine whether the powdered material and/or the die have been properly placed in the die cavity prior to tamping or compressing them into the final tablet product. In other aspects, in addition to machine vision, other forms of inspection may be employed, such as, for example, without limitation, weight of the dispended powdered material, weight of the electronic device, metal detection to detect the electronic device, wireless interrogation of the electronic device, tamp/compression force compression measurements, X-rays, light/backlight/dark contrast, vertical placement, electrical, among others.

In one aspect, the electronic device 200 is an ingestible event marker (IEM) as illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 34. With reference to FIG. 34, there is shown one aspect of an ingestible device event indicator system with dissimilar metals positioned on opposite ends as system 2030. The system 2030 can be used in association with any pharmaceutical product, as mentioned above, to determine when a patient takes the pharmaceutical product. As indicated above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the environment and the product that is used with the system 2030. For example, the system 2030 may be compressed into a tablet or placed within a capsule and the tablet or capsule is placed within the conducting liquid. The tablet or capsule would then dissolve over a period of time and release the system 2030 into the conducting liquid. Thus, in one aspect, the tablet or capsule would contain the system 2030 and no product. Such a tablet or capsule may then be used in any environment where a conducting liquid is present and with any product. For example, the tablet or capsule may be dropped into a container filled with jet fuel, salt water, tomato sauce, motor oil, or any similar product. Additionally, the tablet or capsule containing the system 2030 may be ingested at the same time that any pharmaceutical product is ingested in order to record the occurrence of the event, such as when the product was taken.

In the specific example of the system 2030 combined with the pharmaceutical product, as the product or pill, tablet, or capsule is ingested, the system 2030 is activated. The system 2030 controls conductance to produce a unique current signature that is detected, thereby signifying that the pharmaceutical product has been taken. The system 2030 includes a framework 2032. The framework 2032 is a chassis for the system 2030 and multiple components are attached to, deposited upon, or secured to the framework 2032. In this aspect of the system 2030, a digestible material 2034 is physically associated with the framework 2032. The material 2034 may be chemically deposited on, evaporated onto, secured to, or built-up on the framework all of which may be referred to herein as “deposit” with respect to the framework 2032. The material 2034 is deposited on one side of the framework 2032. The materials of interest that can be used as material 2034 include, but are not limited to: Cu or CuI. The material 2034 is deposited by physical vapor deposition, electrodeposition, or plasma deposition, among other protocols. The material 2034 may be from about 0.05 to about 500 μm thick, such as from about 5 to about 100 μm thick. The shape is controlled by shadow mask deposition, or photolithography and etching. Additionally, even though only one region is shown for depositing the material, each system 2030 may contain two or more electrically unique regions where the material 2034 may be deposited, as desired.

At a different side, which is the opposite side as shown in FIG. 34, another digestible material 2036 is deposited, such that materials 2034 and 2036 are dissimilar. Although not shown, the different side selected may be the side next to the side selected for the material 2034. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the side selected and the term “different side” can mean any of the multiple sides that are different from the first selected side. Furthermore, even though the shape of the system is shown as a square, the shape maybe any geometrically suitable shape. Material 2034 and 2036 are selected such that they produce a voltage potential difference when the system 2030 is in contact with conducting liquid, such as body fluids. The materials of interest for material 2036 include, but are not limited to: Mg, Zn, or other electronegative metals. As indicated above with respect to the material 2034, the material 2036 may be chemically deposited on, evaporated onto, secured to, or built-up on the framework. Also, an adhesion layer may be necessary to help the material 2036 (as well as material 2034 when needed) to adhere to the framework 2032. Typical adhesion layers for the material 2036 are Ti, TiW, Cr or similar material. Anode material and the adhesion layer may be deposited by physical vapor deposition, electrodeposition or plasma deposition. The material 2036 may be from about 0.05 to about 500 μm thick, such as from about 5 to about 100 μm thick. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the thickness of any of the materials nor by the type of process used to deposit or secure the materials to the framework 2032.

Thus, when the system 2030 is in contact with the conducting liquid, a current path, an example is shown in FIG. 36, is formed through the conducting liquid between material 2034 and 2036. A control device 2038 is secured to the framework 2032 and electrically coupled to the materials 2034 and 2036. The control device 2038 includes electronic circuitry, for example control logic that is capable of controlling and altering the conductance between the materials 2034 and 2036.

The voltage potential created between the materials 2034 and 2036 provides the power for operating the system as well as produces the current flow through the conducting fluid and the system. In one aspect, the system operates in direct current mode. In an alternative aspect, the system controls the direction of the current so that the direction of current is reversed in a cyclic manner, similar to alternating current. As the system reaches the conducting fluid or the electrolyte, where the fluid or electrolyte component is provided by a physiological fluid, e.g., stomach acid, the path for current flow between the materials 2034 and 2036 is completed external to the system 2030; the current path through the system 2030 is controlled by the control device 2038. Completion of the current path allows for the current to flow and in turn a receiver, not shown, can detect the presence of the current and recognize that the system 2030 has been activate and the desired event is occurring or has occurred.

In one aspect, the two materials 2034 and 2036 are similar in function to the two electrodes needed for a direct current power source, such as a battery. The conducting liquid acts as the electrolyte needed to complete the power source. The completed power source described is defined by the physical chemical reaction between the materials 2034 and 2036 of the system 2030 and the surrounding fluids of the body. The completed power source may be viewed as a power source that exploits reverse electrolysis in an ionic or a conductive solution such as gastric fluid, blood, or other bodily fluids and some tissues. Additionally, the environment may be something other than a body and the liquid may be any conducting liquid. For example, the conducting fluid may be salt water or a metallic based paint.

In certain aspects, these two materials are shielded from the surrounding environment by an additional layer of material. Accordingly, when the shield is dissolved and the two dissimilar materials are exposed to the target site, a voltage potential is generated.

Referring again to FIG. 34, the materials 2034 and 2036 provide the voltage potential to activate the control device 2038. Once the control device 2038 is activated or powered up, the control device 2038 can alter conductance between the materials 2034 and 2036 in a unique manner. By altering the conductance between materials 2034 and 2036, the control device 2038 is capable of controlling the magnitude of the current through the conducting liquid that surrounds the system 2030. This produces a unique current signature that can be detected and measured by a receiver (not shown), which can be positioned internal or external to the body. In addition to controlling the magnitude of the current path between the materials, non-conducting materials, membrane, or “skirt” are used to increase the “length” of the current path and, hence, act to boost the conductance path, as disclosed in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/238,345 entitled, “In-Body Device with Virtual Dipole Signal Amplification” filed Sep. 25, 2008, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, throughout the disclosure herein, the terms “non-conducting material”, “membrane”, and “skirt” are interchangeably with the term “current path extender” without impacting the scope or the present aspects and the claims herein. The skirt, shown in portion at 2035 and 2037, respectively, may be associated with, e.g., secured to, the framework 2032. Various shapes and configurations for the skirt are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the system 2030 may be surrounded entirely or partially by the skirt and the skirt maybe positioned along a central axis of the system 2030 or off-center relative to a central axis. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the shape or size of the skirt. Furthermore, in other aspects, the materials 2034 and 2036 may be separated by one skirt that is positioned in any defined region between the materials 2034 and 2036.

Referring now to FIG. 35, in another aspect of an ingestible device is shown in more detail as system 2040. The system 2040 includes a framework 2042. The framework 2042 is similar to the framework 2032 of FIG. 34. In this aspect of the system 2040, a digestible or dissolvable material 2044 is deposited on a portion of one side of the framework 2042. At a different portion of the same side of the framework 2042, another digestible material 2046 is deposited, such that materials 2044 and 2046 are dissimilar. More specifically, material 2044 and 2046 are selected such that they form a voltage potential difference when in contact with a conducting liquid, such as body fluids. Thus, when the system 2040 is in contact with and/or partially in contact with the conducting liquid, then a current path, an example is shown in FIG. 36, is formed through the conducting liquid between material 2044 and 2046. A control device 2048 is secured to the framework 2042 and electrically coupled to the materials 2044 and 2046. The control device 2048 includes electronic circuitry that is capable of controlling part of the conductance path between the materials 2044 and 2046. The materials 2044 and 2046 are separated by a non-conducting skirt 2049. Various examples of the skirt 2049 are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/173,511 filed on Apr. 28, 2009 and entitled “HIGHLY RELIABLE INGESTIBLE EVENT MARKERS AND METHODS OF USING SAME” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/173,564 filed on Apr. 28, 2009 and entitled “INGESTIBLE EVENT MARKERS HAVING SIGNAL AMPLIFIERS THAT COMPRISE AN ACTIVE AGENT”; as well as U.S. application Ser. No. 12/238,345 filed Sep. 25, 2008 and published as 2009-0082645, entitled “IN-BODY DEVICE WITH VIRTUAL DIPOLE SIGNAL AMPLIFICATION”; the entire disclosure of each is incorporated herein by reference.

Once the control device 2048 is activated or powered up, the control device 2048 can alter conductance between the materials 2044 and 2046. Thus, the control device 2048 is capable of controlling the magnitude of the current through the conducting liquid that surrounds the system 2040. As indicated above with respect to system 2030, a unique current signature that is associated with the system 2040 can be detected by a receiver (not shown) to mark the activation of the system 2040. In order to increase the “length” of the current path the size of the skirt 2049 is altered. The longer the current path, the easier it may be for the receiver to detect the current.

Referring now to FIG. 36, the system 2030 of FIG. 34 is shown in an activated state and in contact with conducting liquid. The system 2030 is grounded through ground contact 2052. The system 2030 also includes a sensor module 2074, which is described in greater detail with respect to FIG. 39 ion or current paths 2050 form between material 2034 to material 2036 through the conducting fluid in contact with the system 2030. The voltage potential created between the material 2034 and 2036 is created through chemical reactions between materials 2034/2036 and the conducting fluid.

FIG. 37 shows an exploded view of the surface of the material 2034. The surface of the material 2034 is not planar, but rather an irregular surface 2054 as shown. The irregular surface 2054 increases the surface area of the material and, hence, the area that comes in contact with the conducting fluid.

In one aspect, at the surface of the material 2034, there is chemical reaction between the material 2034 and the surrounding conducting fluid such that mass is released into the conducting fluid. The term “mass” as used herein refers to protons and neutrons that form a substance. One example includes the instant where the material is CuCl and when in contact with the conducting fluid, CuCl becomes Cu (solid) and Cl⁻ in solution. The flow of ions into the conduction fluid is depicted by the ion paths 2050. In a similar manner, there is a chemical reaction between the material 2036 and the surrounding conducting fluid and ions are captured by the material 2036. The release of ions at the material 2034 and capture of ion by the material 2036 is collectively referred to as the ionic exchange. The rate of ionic exchange and, hence the ionic emission rate or flow, is controlled by the control device 2038. The control device 2038 can increase or decrease the rate of ion flow by altering the conductance, which alters the impedance, between the materials 2034 and 2036. Through controlling the ion exchange, the system 2030 can encode information in the ionic exchange process. Thus, the system 2030 uses ionic emission to encode information in the ionic exchange.

The control device 2038 can vary the duration of a fixed ionic exchange rate or current flow magnitude while keeping the rate or magnitude near constant, similar to when the frequency is modulated and the amplitude is constant. Also, the control device 2038 can vary the level of the ionic exchange rate or the magnitude of the current flow while keeping the duration near constant. Thus, using various combinations of changes in duration and altering the rate or magnitude, the control device 2038 encodes information in the current flow or the ionic exchange. For example, the control device 2038 may use, but is not limited to any of the following techniques namely, Binary Phase-Shift Keying (PSK), Frequency modulation, Amplitude modulation, on-off keying, and PSK with on-off keying.

As indicated above, the various aspects disclosed herein, such as systems 2030 and 2040 of FIGS. 34 and 35, respectively, include electronic components as part of the control device 2038 or the control device 2048. Components that may be present include but are not limited to: logic and/or memory elements, an integrated circuit, an inductor, a resistor, and sensors for measuring various parameters. Each component may be secured to the framework and/or to another component. The components on the surface of the support may be laid out in any convenient configuration. Where two or more components are present on the surface of the solid support, interconnects may be provided.

As indicated above, the system, such as system 2030 and 2040, control the conductance between the dissimilar materials and, hence, the rate of ionic exchange or the current flow. Through altering the conductance in a specific manner the system is capable of encoding information in the ionic exchange and the current signature. The ionic exchange or the current signature is used to uniquely identify the specific system. Additionally, the systems 2030 and 2040 are capable of producing various different unique exchanges or signatures and, thus, provide additional information. For example, a second current signature based on a second conductance alteration pattern may be used to provide additional information, which information may be related to the physical environment. To further illustrate, a first current signature may be a very low current state that maintains an oscillator on the chip and a second current signature may be a current state at least a factor of ten higher than the current state associated with the first current signature.

Referring now to FIG. 39, a block diagram representation of the control device 2038 is shown. The device 2030 includes a control module 2062, a counter or clock 2064, and a memory 2066. Additionally, the device 2038 is shown to include a sensor module 2072 as well as the sensor module 2074, which was referenced in FIG. 36. The control module 2062 has an input 2068 electrically coupled to the material 2034 and an output 2070 electrically coupled to the material 2036. The control module 2062, the clock 2064, the memory 2066, and the sensor modules 2072/2074 also have power inputs (some not shown). The power for each of these components is supplied by the voltage potential produced by the chemical reaction between materials 2034 and 2036 and the conducting fluid, when the system 2030 is in contact with the conducting fluid. The control module 2062 controls the conductance through logic that alters the overall impedance of the system 2030. The control module 2062 is electrically coupled to the clock 2064. The clock 2064 provides a clock cycle to the control module 2062. Based upon the programmed characteristics of the control module 2062, when a set number of clock cycles have passed, the control module 2062 alters the conductance characteristics between materials 2034 and 2036. This cycle is repeated and thereby the control device 2038 produces a unique current signature characteristic. The control module 2062 is also electrically coupled to the memory 2066. Both the clock 2064 and the memory 2066 are powered by the voltage potential created between the materials 2034 and 2036.

The control module 2062 is also electrically coupled to and in communication with the sensor modules 2072 and 2074. In the aspect shown, the sensor module 2072 is part of the control device 2038 and the sensor module 2074 is a separate component. In alternative aspects, either one of the sensor modules 2072 and 2074 can be used without the other and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the structural or functional location of the sensor modules 2072 or 2074. Additionally, any component of the system 2030 may be functionally or structurally moved, combined, or repositioned without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, it is possible to have one single structure, for example a processor, which is designed to perform the functions of all of the following modules: the control module 2062, the clock 2064, the memory 2066, and the sensor module 2072 or 2074. On the other hand, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure to have each of these functional components located in independent structures that are linked electrically and able to communicate.

Referring again to FIG. 39, the sensor modules 2072 or 2074 can include any of the following sensors: temperature, pressure, pH level, and conductivity. In one aspect, the sensor modules 2072 or 2074 gather information from the environment and communicate the analog information to the control module 2062. The control module then converts the analog information to digital information and the digital information is encoded in the current flow or the rate of the transfer of mass that produces the ionic flow. In another aspect, the sensor modules 2072 or 2074 gather information from the environment and convert the analog information to digital information and then communicate the digital information to control module 2062. In the aspect shown in FIG. 36, the sensor modules 2074 is shown as being electrically coupled to the material 2034 and 2036 as well as the control device 2038. In another aspect, as shown in FIG. 39, the sensor module 2074 is electrically coupled to the control device 2038 at connection 2078. The connection 2078 acts as both a source for power supply to the sensor module 2074 and a communication channel between the sensor module 2074 and the control device 2038.

Referring now to FIG. 38, the system 2030 includes a pH sensor module 2076 connected to a material 2039, which is selected in accordance with the specific type of sensing function being performed. The pH sensor module 2076 is also connected to the control device 2038. The material 2039 is electrically isolated from the material 2034 by a non-conductive barrier 2055. In one aspect, the material 2039 is platinum. In operation, the pH sensor module 2076 uses the voltage potential difference between the materials 2034/2036. The pH sensor module 2076 measures the voltage potential difference between the material 2034 and the material 2039 and records that value for later comparison. The pH sensor module 2076 also measures the voltage potential difference between the material 2039 and the material 2036 and records that value for later comparison. The pH sensor module 2076 calculates the pH level of the surrounding environment using the voltage potential values. The pH sensor module 2076 provides that information to the control device 2038. The control device 2038 varies the rate of the transfer of mass that produces the ionic transfer and the current flow to encode the information relevant to the pH level in the ionic transfer, which can be detected by a receiver (not shown). Thus, the system 2030 can determine and provide the information related to the pH level to a source external to the environment.

As indicated above, the control device 2038 can be programmed in advance to output a pre-defined current signature. In another aspect, the system can include a receiver system that can receive programming information when the system is activated. In another aspect, not shown, the switch 2064 and the memory 2066 can be combined into one device.

In addition to the above components, the system 2030 may also include one or other electronic components. Electrical components of interest include, but are not limited to: additional logic and/or memory elements, e.g., in the form of an integrated circuit; a power regulation device, e.g., battery, fuel cell or capacitor; a sensor, a stimulator, etc.; a signal transmission element, e.g., in the form of an antenna, electrode, coil, etc.; a passive element, e.g., an inductor, resistor, etc.

In various aspects, the techniques described herein provide bonding of a skirt material and or/sensor surface to the tablet powdered material blend or granulation during compression of tablets or the placement of an electronic device such as an IEM in the tablet press for sensor-in-tablet platform. In one aspect, texture or features may be added to the skirt film during manufacturing of the film, during manufacturing of the IEM, or after manufacturing the IEM. The texture may be created by mechanical deformation of the skirt, laser texturing of the skirt, chemical etch, or by making the formulation more porous, or by thermal processing. In another aspect, macroscale features may be created such as holes, slots, indentations, or other shapes to provide tablet bonding or riveting to the IEM. In yet another aspect, an adhesive may be added to the skirt, or otherwise the skirt may be made sticky to enhance bonding of the tablet material to the IEM.

FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrate one aspect of a pick-and-place transfer mechanism 2100 for picking an electronic device 200 from a cavity 108 of a carrier tape 106 and transferring the electronic device 200. The pick-and-place transfer mechanism 2100 comprises a housing 2102 that defines a chamber 2120 to contain a movable pressure plate 2104 and a movable prong holder plate 2106. The pressure plate 2104 is movable in a downward direction to pick an electronic device 200 comprising a skirt 2110 by the application of a force F_D, which also compresses a spring 2108. The spring 2108 stores energy and applies an upward force F_U to lift the electronic device 200 from the cavity 108 of the carrier tape 106. The downward force F_D may be applied mechanically by a piston 2112 (as shown) or by pressurized air acting against the pressure plate 2104. If the downward force F_D is applied by the piston 212, the spring force F_C may be used as the lifting force. If the downward force F_D is applied by pressurized air, then the application of a vacuum may be employed to lift the pressure plate 2104.

Attached to the pressure plate 2104 are a plurality of prongs 2114 (arms), which are elongated members employed to engage the outer diameter 2116 (perimeter) of the skirt 2110 portion of the electronic device 200 in order to lift the electronic device 200 out of the cavity 108. In one aspect four prongs 2114 are employed to grasp the outer diameter 2116 of the skirt 2110 surrounding the electronic device 200. This is best illustrated in FIG. 45, which illustrates a bottom view perspective of the four prongs 2114 engaging the outer diameter 2116 of the skirt 2110 portion of the electronic device 200. With reference now to FIGS. 40, 41, and 45, the four prongs 2114 are slidably disposed within corresponding apertures formed in prong holder 2106. The prong holder 2106 is configured such that the distal ends 2118 of the prongs 2114 expand slightly as indicted by the arrows in order to facilitate engagement of the perimeter of the skirt 2110. Once the electronic device 200 is grasped by the outer diameter 2116 of the skirt portion 2110 of the electronic device 200, the electronic device 200 can be released by extending and expanding the prongs 2114 from the spring loaded chamber 2120. This will help lock the electronic device 200 into a controlled environment to lift out of the carrier tape 106 and load into the rotary tablet press or onto a conveyor belt, as previously discussed.

In one aspect, the spring loaded chamber 2120 may comprise a vacuum opening 2122 on a side to add vacuum to assist with lifting and holding the electronic device 200.

FIG. 42 is a top view of the electronic device 200 located within the cavity 108 of the carrier tape 106. As illustrated, the electronic device 200 sits in a square surface mount technology (SMT) carrier tape 106 pocket or cavity 106, which leaves the four corners 2128 open and available to receive the distal ends 2118 of the prongs 2114. As described in connection with FIGS. 40 and 41, the prongs 2114 are attached to a spring loaded (or air actuated) chamber 2120 that expands the prongs 2114 to fit into the four corners 2128 of the carrier tape cavity 108 pocket, and then retracts and tightens the prongs 2114 around the outer diameter 2116 of the skirt 2110 portion of the electronic device 2110 as shown in FIG. 45, from a bottom view perspective, and FIG. 43 from a side view perspective.

As shown in FIG. 44, the distal end 2118 of each prong 2114 comprises feature to assist locating and grasping the electronic device 200. In one aspect, for example, a indent 2124 feature located near the distal end 2118 of the prong 2114 will assist to secure the electronic device 200 into place. Also, the tip portion of the prong 2114 comprises a slight chamfer 2126 to help slide the prong 2114 corners 2128 inside the cavity 108 portion of the carrier tape 106.

FIG. 46A is a cross-sectional view of one aspect of a pick-and-place tool 2150 holding an electronic device 200 within a mechanical gripper 2154. FIG. 46B is a bottom view of the pick-and-place tool 2150 holding an electronic device 200 shown in FIG. 46A. With reference to both FIGS. 46A and 46B, as shown, a vacuum tube 2152 pick tool is located within a chamber 2158 defined by a mechanical gripper 2154. The pick-and-place tool 2150 may comprise a plurality of mechanical grippers 2154 comprising a flange 2156 portion for grasping and holding the outer diameter 2116 portion of the skirt 2110 portion of the electronic device 200. As illustrated in FIG. 46B, in one aspect, the pick-and-place tool 2150 may comprise four mechanical grippers 2154 each comprising a flange 2156 portion for clamping or grasping and holding the electronic 200 by the outer diameter 2116 of the skirt 2110. In operation, the mechanical gripper 2154 is sued to clamp around the outer diameter 2116 of the skirt 2110 portion of the electronic device 200. The distal ends 2160 of the mechanical gripper 2154 spread open when the pick-and-place tool 2150 is extended, but when the retracted, the mechanical gripper 2154 closes around the outer diameter 2116 of the skirt 2110 portion of the electronic device 200 and centers the electronic device 200 relative to the vacuum tube 2152 pick tip.

FIG. 47 illustrates one aspect of a friction hold disc mechanism 2170 for handling an electronic device 200. An electronic device 200 is initially contained within a tape carrier 2172. A cam driven pin 2174 movable in direction V is used to push the electronic device 200 from the carrier tape 2172 into a cavity 2180 of a rotating disc 2176. The electronic device 200 is pushed or placed in the cavity 2180 of the rotating disc 2176 and is then centered over a carrier 2178 before being pushed into the carrier 2178 by the vertically V cam driven pin 2174.

FIG. 48 illustrates one aspect of a pick-and-place tool 2170 comprising a mobile sleeve 2172. As shown in FIG. 48, the pick-and-place tool 2170 comprises mobile sleeve 2172 that is capable of moving up-and-down in a direction V. The mobile sleeve 2172 is spring 2174 loaded. As shown, the mobile sleeve 2172 is used to center the electronic device 200 relative to a vacuum tube 2152 pick tool is located within the mobile sleeve 2172.

FIG. 49 illustrates one aspect of a pick-and-place tool 2200 comprising an internal ejection member 2202 (plunger) and a vacuum tube 2204. The ejection member 2202 is movable in direction V within an inner chamber 2206 defined by the vacuum tube 2204. The distal end 2208 of the vacuum tube 2204 is shaped to center the electronic device 200 with the ejection member 2202. In the illustrated example, the distal end 2208 of the vacuum tube 2204 comprises tapered edges 2210 to slidably receive and center the electronic device 200 relative to the ejection member 2202. The electronic device 200 is picked when a vacuum is applied to the vacuum tube 2204. The ejection member 2202 may be spring loaded, or otherwise movable, to push out the electronic device 200 once the vacuum is removed for placement.

FIG. 50 illustrates one aspect of pick-and-place tool 2220 comprising an internal ejection member 2222 (plunger) and an external tube 2224 comprising needles 2230 located at a distal end of the external tube 2224. The needles 2230 puncture the skirt 2210 portion of the electronic device 200. The ejection tube 2222 is movable in direction V within an inner chamber 2226 defined by the external tube 2224. The ejection tube 2222 can be mechanically pushed to eject the electronic device 200 from the needles 2230 when the placed over a desired location. The ejection tube 2222 may be spring loaded or cam driven without the need of a vacuum source for picking and/or placing the electronic device.

FIG. 51 illustrates one aspect of pick-and-place tool 2240 comprising a head 2242 that has an external profile that matches the internal cavity profile of the carrier tape. As shown, the distal end 2246 of the head 2242 comprises a tapered outer wall 2244 where the profile of the tapered outer wall 2244 complements (or matches) the internal profile 2248 of the carrier tape 106 cavity 108. Thus, when the distal end 2246 of the head 2242 is inserted within the cavity 108 of the carrier tape 108, the distal end 2246 of the head 2242 is centered with the electronic device 200. Similarly, the shape of the tapered outer wall 2244 forces the electronic device 200 to be centered with a complementary shaped inner cavity during placement.

FIG. 52 illustrates one aspect of a pick-and-place tool 2260 comprising an inner slot 2266 at a distal end 2272 of a gripper 2268. As shown, the pick-and-place tool 2260 comprises an outer gripper 2268 with an inner slot 2266 defined at a distal end 2272 of the gripper 2268. A punch 2274 that is movable in direction V is used to push the electronic device 200 into a chamber 2276 defined within the distal end 2272 of the gripper 2268. The outer diameter 2116 of the skirt 2110 portion of the electronic device 200 flexes and snaps in and out of the slot 2266 within the chamber 2276. An ejection member 2264 that is movable in direction V is used to eject the electronic device 200 when it is time for placement.

FIG. 53 illustrates one aspect of a pick-and-place tool 2280 comprising an inner slot 2286 at a distal end 2292 of a gripper 2282. As shown, the pick-and-place tool 2280 comprises an outer gripper 2282 with an inner slot 2286 defined by snap elements 2294 located at the distal end 2292 of the gripper 2282. The pick-and-place tool 2280 is plunged in a downward direction to snap the outer diameter 2116 of the skirt 2110 portion of the electronic device 200 such that it is snapped into the chamber 2290. The outer diameter 2116 of the skirt 2110 portion of the electronic device 200 flexes and snaps in and out of the chamber 2290 and is held in place by the vertical seat defined by the snap elements 2294. An ejection member 2284 (plunger) that is movable in direction V is used to eject the electronic device 200 when it is time for placement.

FIG. 54 illustrates one aspect of a pick-and-place tool 2300 comprising features 2304 at a distal end 2310 to create notches around the outer diameter 2116 of the skirt 2110 portion of the electronic device 200. The pick-and-place tool 2300 comprises a movable body portion 2302 and notching features 2304 at the distal end. The notching features 2304 pinch the edges of the skirt material 2308 to create notches in the skirt portion 2110 of the electronic device 200 for frictional holding in a carrier. The cutout 2306 portion below the tool 2300 shows the features formed in the skirt 2110 portion of the electronic device 200. Since the notched edges hold the electronic device 200 in a carrier or cavity by friction, the electronic device 200 forced out by a plunger, similar to the ejection members described previously.

FIG. 55 illustrates one aspect of pick-and-place tool 2320 configured with hook-and-loop (VELCRO) or ridges 2330 at a distal end 2332 to hold the electronic device 200 in place. The pick-and-place tool 2320 comprises an outer body 2322 portion defining an inner chamber 2326 for movably receiving therein an ejection member 2324 (plunger) that is movable in direction V. A distal end 2332 of the pick-and-place tool 2320 comprises hook-and-loop (VELCRO) or ridges 2330 at a distal end 2332 to hold the electronic device 200. The ejection tool 2324 or plunger is used to force out or eject the electronic device when it is time for placement.

FIG. 56 illustrates one aspect of a tower 2340 for storing electronic devices 200. In the illustrated example, the tower 2340 comprises a cylindrical body 2342 defining an inner chamber 2348 suitable for storing electronic devices 200. The cylindrical body 2342 comprises seats 2344 or ledges to holding the electronic devices 200 within the chamber 2348. Electronic devices 200 are located below the tower body 2342 in the usual carrier tape 106. A punch 2346 movable in direction V is used to punch through the carrier tape 106 and load the electronic device 200 into the camber 2348.

FIG. 57 illustrates one aspect of the tower 2340 interfaced with a rotary transfer plate 2354. A shown, the tower 2340 may be flipped upside down to dispense the electronic devices 200 into nests 2352 located on the rotary transfer plate 2354.

FIG. 58 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism 2400 employing a vacuum plate 2402 for holding electronic devices 200 until they are ready to be dispensed. In the illustrated example, the electronic devices 200 are moving along the in the carrier tape 106. Just prior to reaching the vacuum plate 2402, the cover tape 110 is removed such that the vacuum plate 2402 applies negative pressure to the top side of the electronic device 200 to hold the electronic device 200 in place until ready for dispensing on a conveyor 2404, as shown, or a carrier.

FIG. 59 illustrates another aspect of a transfer mechanism 2450 that employs a vacuum plate 2402 for holding electronic devices 200 until they are ready to be dispensed. The electronic devices 200 are supplied by way of the carrier tape 106. The cover tape 110 is removed at a stripping station 2458 just prior to the vacuum plate 2402 such that when the cover tape 110 is removed, the negative pressure from the vacuum plate is applied to the top portion of the electronic device 200 to hold the electronic device in place until it is time to dispense. In the illustrated example, an insert pin 2452 pushes out the electronic device 200 into a die cavity 2454 located on the tablet top plate 2456. A bottom punch 2458 is used to form the electronic device 200 into a tablet using the die cavity 2454.

FIG. 60 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism that employs a vacuum plate 2402 for holding electronic devices 200 until they are ready to be dispensed. The electronic devices 200 are supplied by way of the carrier tape 106. The cover tape 110 is removed at a stripping station 2458 by a stripping edge 2455 just prior to the vacuum plate 2402 such that when the cover tape 110 is removed, the negative pressure from the vacuum plate is applied to the top portion of the electronic device 200 to hold the electronic device in place until it is time to dispense. In the illustrated example, an insert pin 2468 pushes out the electronic device 200 into a die cavity 2462 located on the tablet top plate 2464. The insert pin 2468 moves through the carrier tape 106 to push the electronic device 200 into the die cavity 2462. In one aspect, the insert pin 2468 activation can be linear motion.

FIG. 61 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism 2470 employing a rail feed 2472 to supply the electronic devices 200 top the tablet process table top 2476. In the illustrated example, the electronic devices 200 are supplied to the punch station 2482 above the punch die cavity 2474 by way of the rail feed 2472. A linear actuator 2480 having electronic device 200 alignment pins 2478 is used to transfer the electronic device 100 into the die cavity 2474. The electronic devices 200 are forced down the rail feed 2472 into insert position. The linear actuator 2480 aligns the electronic device 200 with four pins 2478 and then applies a force F to the electronic device 200 to bend or flex the skirt 2110 portion of the electronic device 200 slightly out of the opening 2484 beneath the rail feed 2472 and in to the die cavity 2474. In another aspect, the linear actuator 2480 dispense the electronic devices 200 into carriers or nests located on the process table top 2476.

FIG. 62 illustrates a cross sectional view of an ejection mechanism 2500 that rotates eccentrically about a first axis 2508. The ejection mechanism 2500 comprises vacuum tubes 2506 and ejector members 2502 therebetween. The ejector members 2502 are rotatably attached to a wheel 2504 that rotates eccentrically such that the ejector members 2502 act on the electronic device.

FIG. 63 illustrates a side view of the ejection mechanism 2500 shown in FIG. 62. As shown, the wheel 2504 rotates about the axis 2508, which causes the ejector members 2502 to move accordingly. A second wheel attached to the vacuum tubes 2506 (not shown) rotates about a center axis 2510.

FIG. 64 illustrates a cross sectional view of the ejection mechanism 2500 shown in FIGS. 62 and 63. As shown, the vacuum tubes 2506 hold the electronic device 200 place. The ejector members 2502 are coupled to a first wheel 2504 that rotates eccentrically about the axis 2508. The vacuum tubes 2506 for holding the electronic device 200 are coupled to a second wheel 2512 that rotates on center about axis 2510. Thus, when the electronic device 200 gets to the bottom and interfaces with the tablet press cavity, the offset ejector member 2502 ejects the electronic device 200 out into the cavity.

FIG. 65 illustrates a pick-and-place tool 2600 comprising a body 2602 and flexible (resilient) fingers or flaps 2604 to grasp and hold the electronic device 200. In one aspect, the resilient fingers 2604 may be made of rubber or other suitable material.

FIG. 66 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism 2610 that employs gravity. The transfer mechanism 2610 uses of gravity and a plated template 2612 to allow an electronic device 200 to fall into the press 2614 and center it as it falls thru the template.

FIG. 67 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism 2620 that employs air pressure. The transfer mechanism 2620 uses air pressure 2622 from the bottom of the carrier tape 106 to push the electronic device 200 out of the carrier tape 106 through a pressurized feeder tube 2624 which ejects the electronic device 200 into the press 2614.

FIG. 68 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism 2630 that employs a vacuum feeder. The transfer mechanism 2630 uses a vacuum feeder wheel 2632 that holds the electronic devices 200 by a vacuum tube and the wheel spins and places the electronic device 200 in the press 2614. In one aspect, the vacuum feeder 2634 has an array of vacuum heads.

FIG. 69 illustrates one aspect of collet gripper 2640 having a body 2642 that expands during the grip process, then contracts on the electronic device 200 forming positive pressure grip around the outside of the electronic device 200. The mechanism to open and close the collet gripper head 2644 can be cam driven (pointy arrow in middle).

FIG. 70 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism 2650 comprising a pre punched film/carrier tape 2652 that holds the electronic device 200 so that punching the electronic device 200 out into the press tool 2654 with a punch 2656 can be facilitated. This would also facilitate unique perimeter designs mentioned previously.

FIG. 71 illustrates one aspect of a transfer mechanism 2660 as shown in FIG. 70 except that the punch occurs into a rotating plate 2664 that may hold the electronic device 200 with a friction fit around the perimeter, or have some mechanical feature to lock in place. This rotating plate can move the electronic device 200 into the press area.

FIG. 72 illustrates a transfer mechanism 2670 comprising electrically charged pick-up head with fingers 2672, 2674 having opposite charge to grab the electronic device and hold the electronic device 200 in place by electrostatic forces.

It is worthy to note that any reference to “one aspect” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one aspect” or “in an aspect” in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

Some aspects may be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some aspects may be described using the term “connected” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. In another example, some aspects may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled,” however, also may mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

While certain features of the aspects have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true scope of the disclosed aspects.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device, the method comprising: providing a powdered material into a die cavity of a tablet press;dispensing an electronic device from a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press, the carrier tape configured for holding the electronic device;locating the electronic device into the die cavity; andcompressing the powdered material and the electronic device to form a tablet; andwherein the carrier tape comprises a cover tape and defines a cavity for holding the electronic device between the cavity and the cover tape, wherein dispensing the electronic device from the carrier tape comprises: removing the cover tape from the carrier tape to expose the electronic device within the cavity;transferring the cover tape to a pick-and-place transfer mechanism;picking the electronic device from the cavity with a pick-and-place element of the transfer mechanism;transferring the pick-and-place element to the tablet press; andplacing the electronic device in the die cavity.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising pre-compressing the powdered material prior to locating the electronic device into the die cavity.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing additional powdered material into the die cavity after forming the tablet.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising compressing the additional powdered material to form the tablet.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the tablet press is a rotary tablet press.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the powdered material is a pharmaceutical material.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is an ingestible event marker.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising locating the pick-and-place element above the die cavity.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: transferring the pick-and-place element to a carrier;locating the pick-and-place element above the carrier;placing the electronic device in the carrier;picking the electronic device from the carrier with a second pick-and-place element of a second transfer mechanism; andlocating the second pick-and-place element above the die cavity.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the pick-and-place element is a vacuum tool.

11. A method of manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device, the method comprising: providing a powdered material into a die cavity of a tablet press;dispensing an electronic device from a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press, the carrier tape configured for holding the electronic device;locating the electronic device into the die cavity; andcompressing the powdered material and the electronic device to form a tablet; andwherein dispensing the electronic device from the tape carrier comprises: transferring the carrier tape to a punch press;punching through the carrier tape comprising the electronic device with an ejector pin portion of the punch press, wherein the ejector pin perforates the carrier tape; anddispensing the electronic device into the die cavity through the perforations;dispensing the electronic device into a carrier; andtransferring the carrier to the tablet press.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the carrier frictionally engages the electronic device and centers the electronic device with the die cavity.

13. A method of manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device, the method comprising: providing a powdered material into a die cavity of a tablet press;dispensing an electronic device from a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press, the carrier tape configured for holding the electronic device;locating the electronic device into the die cavity; andcompressing the powdered material and the electronic device to form a tablet; andwherein the carrier tape carrier comprises first and second adhesive tapes for holding the electronic device therebetween, wherein dispensing the electronic device from the carrier tape comprises: removing the first adhesive tape from the carrier tape to expose the electronic device within the cavity;transferring the cover tape to a punch press;punching through the carrier tape comprising the electronic device with an ejector pin portion of the punch press, wherein the ejector pin perforates the carrier tape; anddispensing the electronic device into the die cavity through the perforations.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: dispensing the electronic device into a carrier; andtransferring the carrier to the tablet press.

15. A system for manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device, the system comprising: a tablet press comprising a die cavity for receiving a powdered material and an electronic device therein, an upper punch, and a lower punch, wherein the upper and lower punches are operative to form the powdered material and the electronic device into a tablet;a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press, the carrier tape configured for holding the electronic device; anda transfer mechanism to transfer the electronic device from the tape carrier to the die cavity; andwherein the transfer mechanism comprises a pick-and-place transfer mechanism operatively coupled to the carrier tape and the tablet press.

16. A system for manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device, the system comprising: a tablet press comprising a die cavity for receiving a powdered material and an electronic device therein, an upper punch, and a lower punch, wherein the upper and lower punches are operative to form the powdered material and the electronic device into a tablet;a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press, the carrier tape configured for holding the electronic device; anda transfer mechanism to transfer the electronic device from the tape carrier to the die cavity; andfurther comprising a carrier to receive the electronic device and center the electronic device relative to the die cavity, wherein the pick-and-place transfer mechanism locates the electronic device in the carrier.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a second pick-and-place transfer mechanism to pick the electronic device from the carrier, locate the second pick-and-place transfer mechanism above the die cavity.

18. A system for manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device, the system comprising: a tablet press comprising a die cavity for receiving a powdered material and an electronic device therein, an upper punch, and a lower punch, wherein the upper and lower punches are operative to form the powdered material and the electronic device into a tablet;a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press, the carrier tape configured for holding the electronic device; anda transfer mechanism to transfer the electronic device from the tape carrier to the die cavity; andwherein the pick-and-place transfer mechanism comprises a vacuum tool.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising a punch press for dispensing the electronic device from the tape carrier operatively coupled to the tablet press.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the punch press comprises a rotating punch wheel.

21. A system for manufacturing a tablet comprising an electronic device, the system comprising: a tablet press comprising a die cavity for receiving a powdered material and an electronic device therein, an upper punch, and a lower punch, wherein the upper and lower punches are operative to form the powdered material and the electronic device into a tablet;a tape-and-reel carrier tape operatively coupled to the tablet press, the carrier tape configured for holding the electronic device; anda transfer mechanism to transfer the electronic device from the tape carrier to the die cavity; andwherein the carrier tape carrier comprises first and second adhesive tapes for holding the electronic device therebetween.