U.S. patent application number 13/816481 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for sexual enhancement preparations and devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Glenn Godden. Invention is credited to Glenn Godden.
Application Number | 20130217961 13/816481 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48982776 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130217961 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Godden; Glenn |
August 22, 2013 |
SEXUAL ENHANCEMENT PREPARATIONS AND DEVICES
Abstract
Preparations for sexual enhancement may comprise a lubricant
material along with one or more gel battery device. The gel battery
devices may be fabricated from a gel anode material and a gel
cathode material. The gel batteries may further comprise a gel
electrolyte material. The gel materials may be in the form of thin
films or capsules. The gel batteries, their anode, cathode, and
electrolyte materials may all be non-toxic for an application to an
animal. One or more devices for sexual enhancement may be contacted
with the sexual enhancement preparation. The preparations or the
devices with the preparations may be applied to one or more tissues
of an animal.
Inventors: |
Godden; Glenn; (Edmonds,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Godden; Glenn |
Edmonds |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
LLC
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
48982776 |
Appl. No.: |
13/816481 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
April 9, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US12/32757 |
371 Date: |
February 11, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/38 ; 429/209;
429/212; 429/218.1; 429/220; 429/229; 429/231.6; 429/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 19/40 20130101;
H01M 4/62 20130101; H01M 2/0267 20130101; A61N 1/0436 20130101;
A61H 19/30 20130101; A61H 19/50 20130101; H01M 4/5825 20130101;
A61H 2201/0207 20130101; A61N 1/303 20130101; H01M 4/42 20130101;
H01M 2004/023 20130101; H01M 2300/0085 20130101; A61H 2201/10
20130101; A61M 31/00 20130101; A61N 1/0452 20130101; H01M 2300/0005
20130101; H01M 4/06 20130101; H01M 6/36 20130101; A61N 1/205
20130101; A61N 1/044 20130101; H01M 2220/00 20130101; H01M 4/46
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/38 ; 429/209;
429/229; 429/231.6; 429/218.1; 429/212; 429/220; 429/300 |
International
Class: |
A61M 31/00 20060101
A61M031/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 8, 2011 |
US |
PCT/US2011/031780 |
Jun 6, 2011 |
US |
PCT/US2011/039281 |
Claims
1. A preparation comprising: a personal lubricant; and at least one
gel electrochemical device, wherein the personal lubricant and the
gel electrochemical device are non-toxic for an application to an
animal.
2. The preparation of claim 1, wherein the animal is a human.
3. The preparation of claim 1, wherein the personal lubricant is
one or more of: a paste, a gel, and a lotion.
4. The preparation of claim 1, wherein the personal lubricant
comprises one or more of: an alcohol, an oil, a wax, a healing
agent, an odorant, a flavorant, an emulsifier, a protein, and a
preservative.
5.-7. (canceled)
8. The preparation of claim 1, wherein the gel electrochemical
device comprises: a gel anode; a gel cathode; and a gel
electrolyte, wherein at least a portion of the gel anode is in
contact with at least a portion of the gel electrolyte, and at
least a portion of the gel cathode is in contact with at least a
portion of the gel electrolyte.
9. The preparation of claim 8, wherein the gel anode comprises one
or more of: zinc metal powder, aluminum metal powder, and magnesium
metal powder.
10.-13. (canceled)
14. The preparation of claim 8, wherein one or more of the gel
anode, the gel cathode, or the gel electrolyte further comprises
one or more of: an odorant, a colorant, a flavorant, a stabilizer,
a filler, a binder, a preservative, and a food-grade polymer.
15. (canceled)
16. The preparation of claim 8, wherein the gel cathode comprises
one or more of a copper salt.
17. The preparation of claim 8, wherein the gel cathode comprises
copper gluconate.
18.-23. (canceled)
24. The preparation of claim 8, wherein the gel electrolyte
comprises one or more of: ascorbic acid, phosphoric acid, and a
salt.
25.-30. (canceled)
31. The preparation of claim 8, wherein the electrochemical device
is configured to produce an electric current when the
electrochemical device is hydrated.
32. (canceled)
33. The preparation of claim 8, wherein the gel anode is a gel
anode film, the gel cathode is a gel cathode film, and the gel
electrolyte is a gel electrolyte film.
34. The preparation of claim 33, wherein the gel electrochemical
device further comprises a coating.
35. (canceled)
36. The preparation of claim 1, wherein the gel electrochemical
device comprises one or more of: an encapsulated anode material, an
encapsulated cathode material, and an encapsulated electrolyte
material.
37. (canceled)
38. The preparation of claim 1, wherein the gel electrochemical
device comprises: an anode capsule; a cathode capsule; and an
electrolyte.
39. The preparation of claim 38, wherein the anode capsule
comprises an anode material and a first membrane, wherein the first
membrane is configured to encapsulate the anode material.
40.-41. (canceled)
42. The preparation of claim 38, wherein the cathode capsule
comprises a cathode material and a second membrane, wherein the
second membrane is configured to encapsulate the cathode
material.
43.-44. (canceled)
45. The preparation of claim 38, wherein the electrolyte is
encapsulated in an electrolyte capsule, and wherein the electrolyte
capsule comprises a third membrane configured to encapsulate the
electrolyte.
46.-48. (canceled)
49. A method, comprising: contacting a personal lubricant with at
least one gel electrochemical device thereby forming a preparation;
and applying the preparation to a tissue of an animal, wherein the
personal lubricant and the gel electrochemical device are non-toxic
for the application to the animal.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein the tissue is one or more of:
epidermal tissue, and mucosal tissue.
51. (canceled)
52. The method of claim 49, wherein applying the preparation to the
tissue comprises one or more of: spreading the preparation on the
tissue, coating the tissue with the preparation, rubbing the
preparation into the tissue, licking the preparation, kissing the
preparation, and inserting the preparation into a tissue-lined
orifice.
53. A sexual enhancement device, comprising an adult pleasure
component in contact with at least one gel electrochemical device,
wherein the gel electrochemical device is non-toxic for an
application to an animal.
54. The enhancement device of claim 53, further comprising a
personal lubricant.
55. The enhancement device of claim 53, wherein the gel
electrochemical device comprises one or more of: a gel anode, a gel
cathode; and an electrolyte.
56. The enhancement device of claim 53, wherein the component is
configured to be placed on a tissue, around a tissue, on and around
a tissue, or within a cavity comprising a tissue.
57.-59. (canceled)
60. A method comprising: applying at least one gel electrochemical
device to an adult pleasure component to form an adult sexual
enhancement device; and contacting the enhancement device with a
tissue of an animal, wherein the gel electrochemical device is
non-toxic to the animal.
61. The method of claim 60, wherein applying to a component
comprises: contacting the gel electrochemical device with a
personal lubricant to form a mixture; and applying the mixture to
an outer surface of the component.
62.-68. (canceled)
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of and priority to
International Application No. PCT/US2011/031780 entitled "Gel
Formed Battery" filed Apr. 8, 2011 and International Application
No. PCT/US2011/039281 entitled "Liquid Battery Formed From
Encapsulated Components" filed Jun. 6, 2011, the disclosures of
which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A battery is an electro-chemical device that converts
chemical energy into electrical energy. A battery generally
includes an anode and a cathode, which are connected by an
electrolyte. The electrolyte can be a wet electrolyte or a dry
electrolyte that is activated by moisture. When the battery is in
operation, a redox reaction occurs. During the redox reaction,
reduction occurs to cations at the cathode and oxidization occurs
to anions at the anode. The battery has a terminal voltage, which
is measured as the difference of voltage between the anode and
cathode.
SUMMARY
[0003] In an embodiment, a preparation may comprise a personal
lubricant and at least one gel electrochemical device, which may
comprise at least a gel anode and a gel cathode, and in which the
lubricant, the electrochemical device, the gel anode, and the gel
cathode, may all be non-toxic for an application to an animal.
[0004] In an embodiment, a method may comprise contacting a
personal lubricant with at least one gel electrochemical device,
thereby forming a preparation, and applying the preparation to a
tissue of an animal, in which the gel electrochemical device may
comprise at least a gel anode and a gel cathode, and in which the
lubricant, the electrochemical device, the gel anode, and the gel
cathode, may all be non-toxic for an application to an animal.
[0005] In an embodiment, a sexual enhancement device may comprise
an adult pleasure component in contact with at least one gel
electrochemical device, which may comprise at least a gel anode and
a gel cathode, and the electrochemical device, the gel anode, and
the gel cathode may be non-toxic for an application to an
animal.
[0006] In an embodiment, a method may comprise applying at least
one gel electrochemical device to an adult pleasure component to
form an adult sexual enhancement device, and contacting the
enhancement device with a tissue of an animal, in which the gel
electrochemical device, which may comprise at least a gel anode and
a gel cathode, the gel anode, and the gel cathode may be non-toxic
for an application to an animal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a cathode chamber and an
anode chamber in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of an electrical circuit
formed in a mouth with the gel battery in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of operations
performed in forming a gel battery in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a cathode chamber, an
electrolyte chamber, and an anode chamber in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of a cathode chamber and
an anode chamber in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 5B illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of an
anode dispensing channel and a cathode dispensing channel in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of a cathode chamber, an
electrolyte chamber, and an anode chamber in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 6B illustrates a front plan view of an embodiment of an
anode dispensing channel, an electrolyte dispensing channel, and a
cathode dispensing channel in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a housing for a gel
anode and a gel cathode in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of multiple gel batteries
in series in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a gel battery in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a gel battery in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates yet another embodiment of a gel battery
in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of fabricating a
gel battery in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of another embodiment of
fabricating a gel battery in accordance with the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Described herein are illustrative methods and apparatuses
relating to a gel battery that is configured to deliver an
electrical current. Non-limiting uses of the battery may include
incorporation of the battery into an edible product, using the
battery topically on humans, animals, plants, etc., to treat a
condition, stimulate a muscle, reduce sweat, provide sexual
pleasure, etc., using the battery to increase saliva production,
using the battery to treat dry mouth or canker sores, using the
battery as a breath freshener, using the battery as an antiseptic,
using the battery to help deliver a vitamin or drug, using the
battery to enhance a cleaning agent, using the battery as a lotion,
etc. In one illustrative embodiment, components of the battery can
include gel anodes, gel cathodes, and gel electrolytes. The
components may be composed of food grade materials that are safe
for human consumption. Non-limiting examples of food-grade anodes
include copper, carbon, manganese dioxide, and iron. The food-grade
cathode may be, but is not limited to, zinc or nickel. Non-limiting
examples of a food-grade electrolyte include phosphoric acid,
ascorbic acid, and salt. A gel battery can be activated by
connecting the gel anode and the gel cathode in the presence of a
gel electrolyte. In one embodiment, the gel electrolyte may be
incorporated into one or both of the gel anode and the gel cathode.
Upon activation, an electrical current can produce a noticeable
sensation. For example, an edible gel battery can generate a
current that may be felt, for example, in a mouth, gums, lips,
stomach, etc.
[0023] The voltage of an illustrative battery may be increased or
decreased in various ways. One such example is by using multiple
batteries combined in series. For example, a second gel battery may
be configured to be in series with a first gel battery. One or more
additional batteries may similarly be connected in series with the
first and second batteries to generate additional electrical
voltage. Alternatively, multiple batteries can be combined in
parallel with one another to increase current in a circuit.
[0024] It will be understood that the above embodiments and
configurations are given as illustrative examples only and that
other configurations of the battery will be apparent to those of
skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. Additional
details and embodiments are described with reference to the
figures. FIG. 1 illustrates a cathode chamber 135 and an anode
chamber 115 for forming a gel battery 100 in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. In one embodiment, the anode chamber 115
and the cathode chamber 135 can be incorporated into a dispenser
for dispensing products such as, but not limited to, deodorants,
toothpaste, shampoo, liquid soap, lotions, cleaners, etc. In other
embodiments, the chambers 115 and 135 can be incorporated into a
pill or into food products such as, but not limited to, gum, a
jelly bean, candy, etc.
[0025] The cathode chamber 135 can store a gel cathode 130.
Likewise, the anode chamber 115 can store a gel anode 110. The gel
cathode 130 and/or the gel anode 110 can be made of various types
of gels such as, but not limited to, aquagel, colloidal gel,
hydrogel, etc.
[0026] In one embodiment, the gel cathode 130 can be made by adding
a cathode such as, but not limited to, zinc or nickel, to a gel.
Similarly, a gel anode can be made by adding to a gel an anode such
as, but not limited to, copper, carbon, manganese dioxide, or iron.
The anode or cathode can be incorporated in the gel by stirring or
using a homogenizer. In one embodiment, the volume concentration of
the anode and cathode is about 0.25. Other concentrations can also
be used such as, but not limited to, 0.1, 0.5, 0.75, etc. In some
embodiments, the gel can be heated prior to the adding of the anode
or cathode. In an illustrative embodiment, the anode chamber 115
and the cathode chamber 135 are made of a non-conductive material
such as, but not limited to, e.g., a plastic, glass, wood, etc.
When the gel anode 110 and the gel cathode 130 come into contact
with one another and a gel electrolyte, the gel battery 100 is
formed. Paths 170 and 175 illustrate physical paths that may be
traversed by a portion of the gel anode 110 and a portion of the
gel cathode 130, respectively, to create the gel battery 100. As
discussed in further detail below, the paths 170 and 175 may be
implemented as an anode dispensing channel mounted to the anode
chamber 115 and a cathode dispensing channel mounted to the cathode
chamber 135, respectively. In an illustrative embodiment, the gel
electrolyte may be integrated into at least one of the gel anode
110 or the gel cathode 130 such that the gel battery can be
formed.
[0027] As discussed in further detail below, a gel battery may be
incorporated into or may form various types of food products, such
as, but not limited to, snack foods, prepared foods, candies, and
condiments. Specific examples of food products that the gel battery
100 may form include, but are not limited to, gel candy, a
preserve, spreadable cheese, etc. Various food-grade products can
be used for the gel anode 110, the gel cathode 130, and the gel
electrolyte. For example, food-grade products that may make up the
gel anode 110 include, but are not limited to, copper, carbon,
manganese dioxide, or iron. The gel cathode 130 may be made of, but
is not limited to, zinc or nickel. The gel electrolyte may be made
of, but not limited to, phosphoric acid, ascorbic acid, and
salt.
[0028] In one embodiment, the gel anode 110 and gel cathode 130 may
be made of food-grade products such as vitamins and/or minerals. In
some embodiments, the gel anode 110 and/or the gel cathode 130 can
include an electrolyte. In another embodiment, a gel electrolyte
can connect the gel anode 110 and the gel cathode 130. Upon
ingestion of the gel battery by a subject, the vitamins and/or
minerals can be delivered to the subject. The gel anode 110, the
gel electrolyte and/or the gel cathode 130 may also be incorporated
into a pill such as, but not limited to, a vitamin, a mineral, or a
drug. In one such embodiment, the cathode chamber 135 and the anode
chamber 115 may be formed by the pill or a digestible substance
inserted into the pill and an electrolyte can be included in the
gel anode 110 and/or the gel cathode 130.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates an electrical circuit 200 that includes a
gel battery 100 and a mouth 210 in which the gel battery 100 is
activated in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. For
example, a tongue in the mouth 210 of a subject may connect the gel
anode 110 and gel cathode 130 to form the circuit 200. The circuit
200, however, is not limited to being formed by a tongue. Rather,
the circuit 200 may be formed with one or more other parts of the
mouth, including, but not limited to, teeth, gums, the walls of the
mouth, and/or any fluid that is associated with the mouth 210.
Additionally, the circuit 200 is not limited to being formed in the
mouth and can be formed on, but not limited to, skin or a scalp.
Any conductive surface, such as, but not limited to, a counter top,
a floor, a wall, etc. can also be used to connect the gel anode 110
and the gel cathode 130 to create the circuit 200. Once the circuit
200 is formed, the gel battery 100 generates a direct current that
flows through the circuit 200. In an illustrative embodiment, the
current is detectable by a user as a tingling of the parts of the
mouth 210 or other body part that forms the circuit 200.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram that depicts operations performed
in creating a gel battery 100. Additional, fewer, and/or different
operations may be performed depending on the particular
implementation. In addition, one or more of the operations may be
performed in a different order depending on the particular
implementation. In an operation 310, a portion of the gel cathode
130, stored in a cathode chamber 135, is released. In an operation
320, a portion of the gel anode 110, stored in an anode chamber
115, is released. In an embodiment in which the cathode chamber 135
and the anode chamber 115 are part of a dispenser, the gel cathode
130 and the gel anode 115 may be released simultaneously as a user
pushes a button (or other actuator) to activate the dispenser. The
portion of the gel cathode 130 contacts the portion of the gel
anode 110 to form a gel battery 100 that can generate an electrical
current in an operation 330. In some embodiments, the gel anode 110
and/or the gel cathode 130 can include an electrolyte. In another
embodiment, a gel electrolyte 120 is stored in a gel electrolyte
chamber 125 (as shown in FIG. 4). In this embodiment, a portion of
the gel electrolyte 120 can be released to connect the gel anode
110 and the gel cathode 130 to form a gel battery 100. In an
operation 340, a circuit, such as, but not limited to, circuit 200
(of FIG. 2), is formed and electrical current flows through the
circuit 200 powered by the gel battery 100.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a cathode chamber 115, an electrolyte
chamber 125, and an anode chamber 135 for forming the gel battery
100 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In one
embodiment, the anode chamber 115, the electrolyte chamber 125, and
the cathode chamber 135 can be incorporated into a dispenser for
dispensing products such as, but not limited to, liquid soaps,
deodorants, toothpastes, lotions, shampoos, cleaners, etc. In other
embodiments, the chambers 115, 125, and 135 can be incorporated
into a pill or into food products such as, but not limited to, gum,
a jelly bean, candy, etc. The electrolyte chamber 125 can store a
gel electrolyte 120. The gel anode 110 and/or the gel cathode 130
can also include an electrolyte, which may be different or the same
as the electrolyte within the gel electrolyte 120. The gel
electrolyte 120 can be made of various types of gels such as, but
not limited to, aquagel, colloidal gel, hyrdogel, etc. In one
embodiment, the gel electrolyte 120 can be made by adding an
electrolyte such as, but not limited to, phosphoric acid, ascorbic
acid, citric acid, or salt, to a gel. The electrolyte can be
incorporated in the gel by stirring or using a homogenizer. In one
embodiment, the volume concentration of the electrolyte is about
0.25. Other concentrations can also be used such as, but not
limited to, 0.1, 0.5, 0.75, etc. In some embodiments, the gel can
be heated prior to the adding of the electrolyte. An electrolyte
can be added to the gel anode 110 and/or the gel cathode 130. In
one embodiment, citric acid can be used as an electrolyte and can
be added to the gel anode 110 and/or the gel cathode 130 in volume
concentrations of, but not limited to, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.015,
0.25, etc.
[0032] In an alternative embodiment, the electrolyte chamber 125
can be a separator chamber that includes a separator such as, but
not limited to, potato, starch, etc. The separator can be dispensed
in between the gel anode 110 and the gel cathode 130 to separate
the gel anode 110 from the gel cathode 130. In this embodiment, the
gel anode 110 and/or the gel cathode 130 can include the gel
electrolyte 120. In an illustrative embodiment, the separator can
be porous to allow the flow of ions between the gel anode 110 and
the gel cathode 130. In another embodiment, an electrolyte or the
gel electrolyte 120 can be incorporated into the separator.
[0033] Path 172 illustrates a physical path that may be traversed
by a portion of the gel electrolyte 120 such that the gel battery
100 can be formed. As discussed in further detail below, the path
172 may be implemented as an electrolyte dispensing channel mounted
to the electrolyte chamber 125. In an illustrative embodiment, the
gel battery 100 can be formed when at least a portion of the gel
anode 110 comes into contact with at least a portion of the gel
cathode 130, and when the gel electrolyte 120 comes into contact
with at least the portion of the gel cathode 130 and/or at least
the portion of the gel anode 110. As discussed in further detail
below, the gel anode 110, the gel electrolyte 120, and gel cathode
130 can come into contact after being dispensed through an anode
dispensing channel, an electrolyte dispensing channel, and a
cathode dispensing channel, respectively.
[0034] FIG. 5A illustrates a cathode chamber 135 and an anode
chamber 115 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In one
embodiment, the anode chamber 115 and the cathode chamber 135 can
be incorporated into a dispenser for dispensing products such as,
but not limited to, deodorants, toothpastes, shampoos, liquid
soaps, lotions, cleaners, antibacterial compositions, antiviral
compositions, etc. In other embodiments, the chambers 115 and 135
can be incorporated into a pill or into food products such as, but
not limited to, gum, a jelly bean, candy, etc. In these
embodiments, the gel anode and/or the gel cathode can include an
electrolyte. The anode chamber 115 and the cathode chamber 135
store a gel anode and gel cathode, respectively. The gel anode
exits the anode chamber 115 through an anode dispensing channel
510. The gel cathode exits the cathode chamber 135 through a
cathode dispensing channel 530. FIG. 5B illustrates a front plan
view of the anode dispensing channel 510 and the cathode dispensing
channel 530. The anode dispensing channel 510 is separated from the
cathode dispensing chamber by a separator 540. As the gel anode 110
and gel cathode 130 exit their respective dispensing channels 510
and 530, the gel anode 110 and the gel cathode 130 come into
contact with one another. A gel battery 100 is created when the gel
anode and the gel cathode come into contact with one another.
[0035] An anode valve 545 can separate the anode chamber 115 from
the anode dispensing channel 510. A cathode valve 550 can separate
the cathode chamber 135 from the cathode dispensing channel 530. An
actuator or button can cause the valves 545 and 550 to open or move
such that the chambers 115 and 135 are placed in fluid
communication with their respective channels 510 and 520. Open
valves 545 and 550 can allow the gel anode and the gel cathode to
be released from the chambers 115 and 135 into the chambers 510 and
530, respectively. In one embodiment, the gel anode contacts the
gel cathode once dispensed from a dispenser. In this embodiment,
the gel battery 100 is formed external to the dispenser.
[0036] In another embodiment, a combination channel is connected to
the anode dispensing chamber 115 and the cathode dispensing chamber
135. The combination channel can allow the gel anode and the gel
cathode to come into contact with one another prior to exiting the
combination channel into an external environment. In these
embodiments, the gel anode and/or the gel cathode can include an
electrolyte.
[0037] FIG. 6A illustrates a cathode chamber 135, an electrolyte
chamber 125, and an anode chamber 115 in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. The anode chamber 115 and the cathode
chamber 135 store a gel anode and gel cathode, respectively. The
electrolyte chamber 125 stores a gel electrolyte 120. The gel anode
exits the anode chamber 115 through an anode dispensing channel
510. The gel electrolyte exits the electrolyte chamber 125 through
an electrolyte dispensing chamber 520, and the gel cathode exits
the cathode chamber 135 through a cathode dispensing channel 530.
FIG. 6B illustrates a frontal plan view of the anode dispensing
channel 510, electrolyte dispensing channel 520, and the cathode
dispensing channel 530. As the gel anode, gel electrolyte, and gel
cathode exit their respective dispensing channels 510, 520, and
530, the gel electrolyte comes into contact with both the gel anode
and the gel cathode. A gel battery 100 is formed when the gel
electrolyte comes into contact with the gel anode and the gel
cathode.
[0038] An electrolyte valve 555 can separate the electrolyte
chamber 125 from the electrolyte dispensing channel 520. An
actuator or button can cause the valves 545, 555, and 550 to open
or move such that the chambers 115, 125, and 135 are placed in
fluid communication with their respective channels 510, 520, and
520. The gel electrolyte 120 can released from chamber 125 when
valve 555 is open.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates a gel battery dispenser 700 for forming a
gel battery in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The gel
battery dispenser 700 includes the anode chamber 115 and the
cathode chamber 135. FIG. 7 illustrates the dispensed gel cathode
130 being horizontally aligned with the dispensed gel anode 110.
Any alignment, however, can be used, such as a vertical alignment.
The gel battery dispenser 700 can include an actuator that when
actuated causes a portion of the gel anode 110 to enter the anode
dispensing chamber 510 and a portion of the gel cathode 130 to
enter the cathode dispensing chamber 530. In one embodiment, a
movable bottom of the dispenser or the anode chamber 115 and the
cathode chamber 135 can cause the gel anode 110 and/or the gel
cathode 130 to be dispensed. In another embodiment, the gel battery
dispenser 700 also includes the electrolyte chamber 120, and the
actuator allows a portion of the gel electrolyte 120 to enter the
electrolyte dispensing chamber 520. In another embodiment, the gel
battery dispenser 700 does not include an actuator, but instead the
gel battery dispenser 700 can be a collapsible tube. Pressure
applied to the gel battery dispenser 700 can cause an amount of the
gel anode 110, gel cathode 130, and/or gel electrolyte 120 to exit
the gel battery dispenser 700 and thereby form a gel battery 100.
In another illustrative embodiment, the gel battery dispenser 700
can be disposable. For example, the gel battery dispenser 700 can
be used to store a limited amount of the gel anode 110 and gel
cathode 130, which in turn, can be used to create a limited number
of gel batteries 100. The gel battery dispenser 700 can be opened,
such as by tearing open a portion of the gel battery dispenser 700,
and pressure applied to the gel battery dispenser 700 can be used
to create the gel batteries 100.
[0040] In another embodiment, a pill can be used to store the gel
anode 110, the gel cathode 130, and/or the gel electrolyte 120. The
pill can include an anode chamber that is separated from a cathode
chamber. A coating can surround the pill and encapsulate the anode
chamber and the cathode chamber. The coating can be made of, but
not limited to, e.g., gelatin, wax, hypromellose, methyl cellulose,
hydroxypropyl cellulose, etc. In one embodiment, the pill can be
swallowed by a subject and the coating can dissolve during
digestion. Eventually, the gel anode and the gel cathode can be
released from the pill and come into contact with one another to
create a gel battery 100. In another embodiment, the pill can be
chewed, which can release the gel anode 110 and the gel cathode
130. In some embodiments, an electrolyte can be included with the
gel anode and/or the gel cathode. In other embodiments, the pill
can include a separate electrolyte chamber. In another embodiment,
the pill can also include a drug or vitamin, whose delivery is
affected by the current generated by the gel formed battery 100. In
another embodiment, one or more pills can be integrated into a
component, such as, but not limited to, a preserve, a cheese
product, a shampoo, or a cleaning agent. Pressure applied to the
component, such as through spreading the component or massaging the
component, can cause the coating to rupture and allow a portion of
the gel anode can come into contact with a portion of the gel
cathode to create a gel battery 100. In some embodiments, the gel
anode and/or the gel cathode can include an electrolyte. In other
embodiments, the pills can include an electrolyte chamber for
storing a gel electrolyte. In yet another embodiment, a pill can
contain only a portion of gel battery 100, such as the gel anode
110, the gel cathode 130, or the gel electrolyte 120. As the
various pills rupture, components from different pills can be
combined to form gel batteries. In one embodiment, spherical pills
can be formed using sodium alginate fixed in a calcium chloride
bath that can contain the gel anode 110, the gel electrolyte 120,
or the gel cathode 130.
[0041] The current created by a gel battery 100 can be used in
numerous ways. In one example, the current of a gel battery 100 can
be used to effect delivery/absorption of a drug, to combat bacteria
such as the bacteria that causes acne, to combat a virus such as
the herpes virus, to stimulate muscles, etc. In addition, the
current can also have an anti-bacterial effect and/or an anti-viral
effect. In another embodiment, the gel anode 110, the gel
electrolyte 120, or the gel cathode 130 can include an
antibacterial agent. In an illustrative embodiment, the gel battery
100 can be a facial mask. The current from the gel battery 100 of
the facial mask can be used as an acne treatment. The current from
a gel battery 100 can also have an anti-viral effect and can be
used in the treatment of skin sores or sores of the mouth, such as,
but not limited to, canker sores. In another embodiment, the
current from a gel battery 100 can be used to treat various skin
conditions. In one illustrative embodiment, a gel battery 100 can
be applied to a rash, an area of dry skin, and/or an area of
irritated skin The gel battery 100 can generate a current that
flows through portions of the skin, which can be used to diminish
itching in skin by providing a competing stimulus.
[0042] In another embodiment, the gel anode 110 and the gel cathode
130 can be made of cosmetic grade materials, such as, but not
limited to, aluminum and carbon. In some embodiments, the gel
electrolyte 120 can also be made of cosmetic grade materials. One
or more gel batteries 100, using cosmetic grade materials, can be
used as an antiperspirant and/or deodorant. For example, the gel
anode 110 can include an aluminum complex and the gel cathode 130
can include carbon. In another embodiment, the gel battery 100 can
include a cosmetic grade gel electrolyte 120 that contains salt.
Illustrative aluminum complexes include, but are not limited to,
aluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, and aluminum-zirconium
compounds. The current produced by the gel battery 100 through a
subject's skin can aid in the iontophoretic delivery of the
aluminum-based complexes. Although not intending to be limited by
theory, the aluminum-based complexes may aid in the formation of
plugs in sweat glands, and thus, can help prevent perspiration. The
aluminum-based complexes may also interact with keratin fibrils in
sweat ducts and form a physical plug that prevents sweat from
reaching the surface of skin. Accordingly, a gel battery 100 can be
used to combat excessive sweating in an area of skin that is
covered by the gel battery 100. One or more of the gel anode 110,
the gel electrolyte 120, and the gel cathode 130 can also include
fragrant materials.
[0043] In another illustrative embodiment, a gel battery 100 can be
used to treat wounds or burns. The gel battery 100 can be applied
to an affected portion of a subject's skin to provide a current
through the subject's skin tissue. The current can be used to
affect the healing of the wound through, but not limited to,
increasing blood flow, enhancing tissue oxygenation, preventing an
infection, stimulating epidermal cell reproduction, etc. In some
embodiments, the electrical current can reduce the amount of scar
tissue of a healed wound, resulting in a smoother and thinner
scar.
[0044] In another illustrative embodiment, a gel battery 100 can
include other components such that the gel battery 100 can be used
as a mouthwash, as toothpaste, as shampoo, as an enhancement to
hair dye, as a facial mask, as a teeth whitener, to deliver
medicine such as, but not limited to, antacid medicine, cold
medicine, nicotine, or anti-gas medicine, as an energy supplement,
or for sexual stimulation. In each of these embodiments, a gel
battery 100 can provide an electrical current that enhances the
performance of the component for its intended purpose. For
instance, the electrical current may facilitate the delivery of a
drug contained within the gel anode 110, gel electrolyte 120, or
gel cathode 130, or a drug that is taken simultaneously with the
gel battery 100. In another embodiment, the current from the gel
battery 100 may impede the flora of the mouth, and therefore, helps
protect against cavities and/or gum disease. In addition, the gel
battery 100 may also increase the production and secretion of
saliva, which also helps protect against cavities and/or gum
disease. In another embodiment, the gel battery 100 is a toothpaste
that can include flavoring, such as, but not limited to, mint,
bubble gum, berry, etc.
[0045] Another illustrative embodiment includes a gel battery 100
that includes a hair dye. As the hair dye is applied, the gel
battery 100 can create an electrical current that flows through a
person's scalp and hair. This electrical current can enhance the
application of the hair dye, for example by reducing the
application time and/or by increasing the absorption of the hair
dye into hair. In another illustrative embodiment, a gel battery
100 includes a cleaner. Current from the gel battery 100 can help
loosen dirt, grease, and/or enhance the cleaning ability of the
cleaner.
[0046] The gel battery 100 can also be used for sexual stimulation.
In an illustrative embodiment, one or more gel batteries 100 can be
placed upon or within sex organs. The gel battery 100 can produce
an electrical current that flows through a subject's genitals to
provide sexual stimulation. In another embodiment, the gel anode
110 can be placed one subject's body and the gel cathode 130 can be
placed on a second subject's body. When the gel anode 110 and the
gel cathode 130 come into contact a gel battery 100 is created, and
an electrical current will flow between the subjects. In these
embodiments, the gel anode 110 and/or the gel cathode 130 can
include an electrolyte. In addition, the effects of the gel battery
100 are transferable from one person to another. For instance,
portions of a gel battery 100 can be transferred between two
individuals through kissing, fellatio, cunnilingus, sexual
intercourse, etc. The electrical current can result in heightened
sexual stimulation.
[0047] A number of parameters may influence the properties of the
gel battery 100. For example, the terminal voltage of the gel
battery 100, the amperage of the circuit 200 (FIG. 2), and the
lifespan of the gel battery 100 may be configured based upon the
properties of the gel battery 100. The materials that make up the
gel anode 110 and gel cathode 130 provide properties that affect
the voltage of the gel battery 100. In one embodiment, the amperage
of the circuit 200 can be increased by increasing the molar
concentration of the electrolyte in the gel cathode 130 and/or gel
anode 110. Increasing the surface area between the gel anode 110,
gel cathode 130, and/or the gel electrolyte 120 can also increase
the amperage of the circuit 200. In one embodiment, the surface
area is increased based upon the shapes of the gel anode 110 and
the gel cathode 130 prior to coming into contact with one another.
The shapes can be formed based on the shape of the apertures
through which the gel anode 110 and gel cathode 130 are dispensed
(or extruded). The placement of the apertures relative to one
another can also be used to increase amount of surface area of the
connection between the gel anode 110 and the gel cathode 130.
[0048] In one embodiment, the gel anode 110 can be, but is not
limited to, a hexagon, a pentagon, a triangle, etc. Any
corresponding shape that increases the surface area of the
connection of the gel anode 110 and gel cathode 130 can be used.
The gel cathode 130 can be a shape that comes into contact with
multiple sides of the gel anode 110. As an example, the gel anode
110 may be dispensed in the shape of a triangle and the gel cathode
130 may be dispensed in a "V" shape that corresponds to an apex and
two sides of the triangle. The aperture that dispenses the gel
cathode 130 can be positioned relative to the aperture that
dispenses the gel anode 110 such that the "V" shaped gel cathode
130 comes into contact with two sides of the triangular shaped gel
anode 110. Alternatively, the gel cathode 130 can be shaped as, but
not limited to, a hexagon, a triangle, a pentagon, a rectangle, an
octagon, etc, and the aperture that dispenses the gel anode 110 can
be shaped and positioned such that the gel anode 110 comes into
contact with multiple sides of the gel cathode 130. For example, an
aperture that dispenses the gel cathode 130 can be a hexagon, and
an aperture that dispenses the gel anode 110 can be shaped and
positioned such that gel anode 110 comes into contact with two,
three, four, etc. sides of the hexagonally shaped gel cathode
130.
[0049] The size of the gel battery 100 is another property that may
be used to configure the gel battery 100. Specifically, the size of
the gel battery 100 may be used to configure how long the gel
battery 100 is operable. Generally, the more gel anode 110 and gel
cathode 130 used to create the gel battery 100 the longer the
battery will remain active. The concentration of the anode,
cathode, and electrolyte also impacts the longevity of the gel
battery 100. For example, higher concentrations of the anode,
cathode, and electrolyte within a gel results in a longer lasting
gel battery 100. A gel battery 100 may remain active between 5 and
60 seconds. In alternative embodiments, the gel battery 100 can be
configured to remain active for less than 5 seconds or greater than
60 seconds. The time the gel battery 100 is active may be increased
by using a greater amount and/or concentration of gel anodes 110
and gel cathodes 130. The amount and/or concentration of the gel
electrolyte 120 or the concentration of an electrolyte in the gel
anode 110 and/or gel cathode 130 also impacts the activation length
of the gel battery 100. Larger amounts or larger concentrations of
the gel electrolyte 120 and higher concentrations of an electrolyte
in the gel anode 110 and/or the gel cathode 130 can increase the
time the gel battery 100 remains active.
[0050] The terminal voltage of the battery 100, the current of the
circuit 200, and lifespan of the battery 100 may be also be
controlled by using multiple batteries. FIG. 8 illustrates multiple
gel batteries in series in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment. A manifold dispensing nozzle 805 can be used to create
multiple gel batteries in series with one another. In one
embodiment, the manifold dispensing nozzle can be created using
three dimensional printing. An anode manifold can be connected to
the anode storage chamber 115. The anode manifold can dispense any
number of portions 810 of the gel anode 110. A cathode manifold can
connect to the cathode chamber 135 and dispense a number of
portions 830 of the gel cathode 130. Similarly in another
embodiment, an electrolyte manifold can connect to electrolyte
chamber 125 and dispense numerous portions 820 of the gel
electrolyte 120. The portions 810 of the gel anode 110 and the
portions 830 of the gel cathode 130 can be interleaved with one
another to create a number of gel batteries that are in series with
one another. In another embodiment, the multiple gel batteries can
be connected in parallel with one another. For ease of
illustration, the various illustrated portions 810, 820, and 830
have space between them. These portions, however, can be connected
to form the multiple gel batteries in series with one another. A
payload 840 can be included along with the batteries. The payload
can be, but is not limited to, a food, a lotion, a toothpaste, a
cleaner, a shampoo, a hair dye, a facial mask, a medicine, a
pharmaceutical composition, or a teeth whitener.
[0051] Numerous embodiments of the gel battery 100 can be
incorporated into various foods. In addition to producing a
current, a gel battery 100 can increase the amount of saliva
generated in the mouth of a user. Saliva can be produced by the
stimulation of either or both the sympathetic nervous system and
the parasympathetic nervous system. For example, stimulation of the
trigeminal nerve can result in an increase in the secretion and
production of saliva. While not intending to be limited by theory,
a gel battery 100 may stimulate the trigeminal nerve and/or other
nerves of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Accordingly, a gel battery 100 can result in an increase in both
saliva production and saliva secretion. In an illustrative
embodiment, a gel battery can be a gel mouth rinse or toothpaste.
The gel battery 100 can increase the saliva production and saliva
secretion of the user by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system
and/or parasympathetic nervous system. Accordingly, a gel battery
100 can be used to treat such conditions as Xerostomia (e.g., dry
mouth) by increasing saliva production and secretion. The current
generated by the gel battery 100 can enhance the absorption of a
drug contained within the gel anode 110, gel electrolyte 120,
and/or gel cathode 130 through stimulation of tissues in the mouth,
stomach, and/or small intestines.
[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of an electrochemical cell
comprising gel materials 900. In one embodiment, the cell comprises
a gel anode 910, a gel cathode 930, and a gel electrolyte 920. As
illustrated in FIG. 9, the gel anode 910 and gel cathode 930 are at
least in partial contact with the gel electrolyte 920. Thus,
portions of the gel anode might not be in contact with the
electrolyte, and portions of the gel cathode also might not be in
contact with the electrolyte. Additionally, portions of the
electrolyte might not be in contact with either one of the cathode
or anode. The materials comprising the electrochemical cell 900,
including the gel anode 910, gel cathode 930, and gel electrolyte
920, can be compositions that may be non-toxic to an animal to
which the electrode is applied. While it is understood that such an
electrochemical cell may be applied to any animal, disclosures of
the use of the electrochemical cell below may, for illustrative
purposes only, refer to the use by humans.
[0053] In one embodiment, the gel anode 910 may comprise an anode
compound, including, without limitation, any one or more of, finely
divided powders of zinc metal, aluminum metal, and magnesium metal.
The gel anode may also comprise a gelling compound, such as a
food-grade polymer. Examples of such food-grade polymers may
include without limitation an alginate, a carrageenan, a pectin,
gellan gum, and a dextrin. The gel anode may also comprise other
components, including, without limitation, odorants, colorants,
flavorants, stabilizers, fillers, binders, and preservatives. Some
examples may include lemon oil, menthol, sweet almond oil, and food
colorings. The anode material in the gel anode may be present at an
amount of about 0.5% by weight to the gel material to about 6% by
weight to the gel material. In one embodiment, the amount of anode
material may be about 1.5% by weight to the gel material. Examples
of the amount of anode material that may be present includes 0.5%,
1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5% and 6% by weight
and ranges between any two of these values.
[0054] In one embodiment, the gel cathode 930 may comprise a
cathode compound, including, without limitation, copper gluconate
or other cupric salt. The gel cathode may also comprise a gelling
compound, such as a food-grade polymer. Examples of such food-grade
polymers may include without limitation an alginate, a carrageenan,
a pectin, gellan gum, and a dextrin. The gel cathode may also
comprise other components, including, without limitation, odorants,
colorants, flavorants, stabilizers, fillers, binders, and
preservatives. Some examples may include lemon oil, menthol, sweet
almond oil, and food colorings. The cathode material in the gel
cathode may be present at an amount of about 0.5% by weight to the
gel material to about 6% by weight to the gel material. In one
embodiment, the amount of cathode material may be about 1.5% by
weight to the gel material. Examples of the amount of cathode
material that may be present includes 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%,
3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5% and 6% by weight and ranges between any
two of these values.
[0055] In one embodiment, the gel electrolyte 920 may comprise an
electrolyte compound, including, without limitation, any one or
more of ascorbic acid, phosphoric acid, and a salt. The gel
electrolyte may also comprise a gelling compound, such as a
food-grade polymer. Examples of such food-grade polymers may
include without limitation an alginate, a carrageenan, a pectin,
gellan gum, and a dextrin. The gel electrolyte may also comprise
other components, including, without limitation, odorants,
colorants, flavorants, stabilizers, fillers, binders, and
preservatives. Some examples may include lemon oil, menthol, sweet
almond oil, and food colorings. The electrolyte material in the gel
anode may be present at an amount about 0.5% by weight of the gel
material to about 6% by weight of the gel material.
[0056] In one embodiment, the amount of electrolyte material may be
about 1.5% by weight of the gel material. Examples of the amount of
electrolyte material that may be present includes 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%,
2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6% by weight and ranges
between any two of these values.
[0057] Although FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which three gel
components form the electrochemical cell, in another embodiment,
the electrolyte material may also be incorporated into the gel
anode 910. In such an embodiment, a separate gel electrolyte, 920,
may not be needed. In another embodiment, the electrolyte material
may also be incorporated into the gel cathode 930. In such an
embodiment, a separate gel electrolyte 920 may not be needed. In a
further embodiment, the electrolyte material may be incorporated
into a non-gel liquid that at least partially contacts both the gel
anode 910 and the gel cathode 930. In this further embodiment, a
separate gel electrolyte 920 may not be needed.
[0058] It may be appreciated that the electrochemical cell 900 may
be configured to produce an electrical current when the cell is
hydrated. Alternatively, the electrochemical cell may be configured
to produce an electrical current when the gel components contact
each other. Such contact may include, without limitation, being
mixed together, being macerated, being wiped on or anointed on the
animal, or if the material is spread on a surface or an animal.
Other forms of contacting or combining the gel anode, gel cathode,
and electrolyte may also be anticipated by this disclosure.
[0059] It may be understood that the voltage potential between the
gel anode and the gel cathode may be determined, at least in part,
on the anode material and the cathode material, together forming an
electrochemical cell pair. For example, a Zinc/Copper pair may have
a voltage of about 1.10 V, a Magnesium/Carbon pair may have a
voltage of about 1.20 V, a Nickel/Iron pair may have a voltage of
about 1.20 V, a Zinc/Carbon pair may have a voltage of about 1.50
V, a Zinc/Manganese dioxide pair may have a voltage of about 1.50
V, and an Aluminum/Manganese dioxide pair may have a voltage of
about 1.90 V.
[0060] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an electrochemical
cell 1000. In this embodiment, the cell may comprise a gel anode
film 1010, a gel cathode film 1030, and a gel electrolyte film
1020, in which at least a portion of the gel anode film may contact
a portion of the electrolyte film, and at least a portion of the
gel cathode film may contact the gel electrolyte film. In addition,
the electrochemical cell may further comprise a coating 1040 that
encloses the gel films. It may be understood that the
electrochemical cell illustrated in FIG. 10, including its
components and optional coating, may all be non-toxic for an
application to or ingestion by an animal such as a human.
[0061] In one embodiment, the gel anode film 1010 may comprise an
anode compound, including, without limitation, any one or more of
finely divided zinc metal, aluminum metal, and magnesium metal. The
gel anode film may also comprise a gelling compound, such as a
food-grade polymer as disclosed above. The gel anode film may also
comprise other components as disclosed above. The anode material in
the gel anode film may be present in amounts as disclosed above
with respect to the gel anode. The gel anode film may comprise
dimensions of length, width, and thickness. The length of the gel
anode film may be about 0.1 inch (0.25 cm) to about 10 inches (25
cm). In one embodiment, the length may be about 5.4 inches (about
13.7 cm.) In another embodiment, the length may be about 1 inch
(2.5 cm). Examples of the length of the gel anode film may include
0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm,
17 cm, 20 cm, 22 cm, 25 cm and ranges between any two of these
values. The width of the gel anode film may be about 0.1 inch (0.25
cm) to about 10 inches (25 cm). In one embodiment, the width may be
about 5.4 inches (about 13.7 cm.) In another embodiment, the width
may be about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Examples of the width of the gel
anode film may include 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5
cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm, 17 cm, 20 cm, 22 cm, 25 cm and ranges
between any two of these values. The thickness of the gel anode
film may be about 0.025 cm to about 0.062 cm. Examples of the
thickness of the gel anode film may include about 0.020 cm, 0.025
cm, 0.03 cm, 0.035 cm, 0.04 cm, 0.045 cm, 0.05 cm, 0.055 cm, 0.06
cm, 0.065 cm and ranges between any two of these values.
[0062] In one embodiment, the gel cathode film 1030 may comprise a
cathode compound, including, without limitation, copper gluconate.
The gel cathode film may also comprise a gelling compound, as
disclosed above. The gel cathode film may also comprise other
components, including, without limitation, odorants, colorants,
flavorants, stabilizers, fillers, binders, and preservatives, with
examples as disclosed above. The cathode material in the gel
cathode film may be present at an amount as disclosed above with
respect to the gel cathode. The gel cathode film may comprise
dimensions of length, width, and thickness. The length, width, and
thickness of the gel cathode film may be substantially the same as
the respective dimensions of the gel anode film, as disclosed
above.
[0063] In one embodiment, the gel electrolyte film 920 may comprise
an electrolyte compound, including, without limitation, any one or
more of ascorbic acid, phosphoric acid, and a salt. The gel
electrolyte film may also comprise a gelling compound, such as a
food-grade polymer, essentially the same as the material disclosed
above with respect to the gel electrolyte. The electrolyte material
in the gel anode film may be present at an amount essentially the
same as disclosed above with respect to the gel electrolyte. The
gel electrolyte film may comprise dimensions of length, width, and
thickness. The dimensions of the gel electrolyte films may be
essentially the same as the respective dimension of the gel anode
film or the gel cathode film. In some embodiments, each of the
cathode, anode, and electrolyte films have similar dimensions and
are substantially co-extensive with one another such that there is
minimal overlap.
[0064] The electrochemical cell may further comprise an optional
coating 1040. In one embodiment, the coating 1040 may comprise one
or more of a sugar or a gelatin. The coating may also comprise
other components, including, without limitation, odorants,
colorants, flavorants, stabilizers, fillers, binders, and
preservatives. In one embodiment, the thickness may be about 0.01
inches (0.025 cm).
[0065] Although FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment in which three
gel film components form the electrochemical cell, in another
embodiment, the electrolyte material may also be incorporated into
the gel anode film 1010. In such an embodiment, a separate gel
electrolyte film, 1020, may not be needed. In another embodiment,
the electrolyte material may also be incorporated into the gel
cathode film 1030. In such an embodiment, a separate gel
electrolyte film 1020 may not be needed.
[0066] It may be appreciated that the electrochemical cell 1000 may
be configured to produce an electrical current when the cell is
hydrated. Alternatively, if the electrochemical cell comprises a
coating, the gel electrochemical cell may require being macerated
in addition to being hydrated to produce an electrical current. In
another embodiment, the electrochemical cell may merely require
maceration to produce an electrical current. In some embodiments,
the gel material may simply dissolve upon exposure to moisture e.g.
from saliva or may melt or dissolve upon heating from e.g. body
heat. When melted or dissolved, the various components come into
operative contact with one another.
[0067] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of an electrochemical
device comprising a number of individual electrochemical cells,
1100a-c, such as illustrated in FIG. 10, and as disclosed above.
Each electrochemical cell may comprise a gel anode film 1110, a gel
cathode film 1130, and a gel electrolyte film 1120, in which at
least a portion of each gel anode film may contact a portion of an
electrolyte film within an electrochemical cell, and at least a
portion of each gel cathode film may contact the gel electrolyte
film within the same electrochemical cell. In addition, the entire
electrochemical device may further comprise a coating 1140 that
encloses the device and its component electrochemical cells. In one
embodiment, the coating 1140 may comprise the materials disclosed
above with respect to coating 1040 of FIG. 10. The thickness of
coating 1140 may be about 0.01 inches (0.025 cm). It may be
understood that the electrochemical cell illustrated in FIG. 11,
including its components and optional coating, may all be non-toxic
for an application to an animal such as a human. It may be
appreciated that an electrical potential generated by such an
electrochemical device illustrated in FIG. 11 may depend on the
number of electrochemical cells that comprise it. In one
embodiment, the number of electrochemical cells may be about 1 to
about 3. Examples of the number of electrochemical cells may
include 1, 2, and 3. Thus, for example, if the electrical potential
between the gel anode film and the gel cathode film in a gel film
electrochemical cell is about 1V, then the voltage across an
electrochemical device comprising three such cell in series, would
have about three times the potential, or about 3V. It may be
apparent that the total voltage potential across an electrochemical
device may be adjusted according to the number of cells placed in
series in the device.
[0068] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of
fabricating an electrochemical cell. A gel anode film may be
provided 12010 in one fabrication step. The gel anode film may be
provided by contacting an anode material, a first gel, and water to
form a wet anode mixture. The mixture may be vacuum sealed and
refrigerated until a wet anode film is produced. Once the wet anode
film is produced, it may be dried, cut, and stored for further use.
The wet anode film may be fabricated by any means, including
without limitation, casting, spreading, rolling out, molding, spray
coating, and printing through the use of an ink jet printer with
liquid electrode or electrolyte in the place of ink The anode
material may comprise an anode compound, and additional materials
such as odorants, colorants, and similar as disclosed above. The
first gel may comprise gel materials such as food-grade polymers
also as disclosed above.
[0069] In an alternative embodiment, the wet gel anode film may be
contacted with a calcium solution, such as calcium chloride or
calcium lactate. The calcium salt solution may have a calcium
concentration of about 30 mM to about 300 mM. In one embodiment,
the solution may be about 45 mM calcium chloride. In another
embodiment, the solution may be about 230 mM calcium lactate.
Examples of the concentration of the calcium salt solution may
include 35 mM, 40 mM, 50 mM, 75 mM, 100 mM, 125 mM, 150 mM, 175 mM,
200 mM, 225 mM, 250 mM, 275 mM, 300 mM, and ranges between any two
of these values. In one embodiment, contacting comprises coating
with. In another embodiment, contacting comprises spraying. The gel
material with the calcium infusion may then be allowed to fix for
about 1 to 2 minutes to form a firmer film. The fixed film may be
briefly heated to dry, or air dried.
[0070] In similar manner to the production of the gel anode film, a
gel cathode film may also be provided 12020. The gel cathode film
may be provided by contacting a cathode material, a second gel, and
water to form a wet cathode mixture. The mixture may be vacuum
sealed and refrigerated until a wet cathode film is produced. Once
the wet cathode film is produced, it may be dried, cut, and stored
for further use. The wet cathode film may be fabricated by any
means, including without limitation, casting, spreading, rolling
out, molding, spray coating, and printing through the use of an ink
jet printer. The cathode material may comprise a cathode compound,
and additional materials such as odorants, colorants, and similar
as disclosed above. The second gel may comprise gel materials such
as food-grade polymers also as disclosed above. As disclosed above
with respect to the anode film, the cathode film may also be
contacted with a calcium solution and heated or allowed to dry.
[0071] At least a portion of the gel anode film may then be placed
in contact with a gel electrolyte film 12030. The gel electrolyte
film may be provided by contacting an electrolyte material, a third
gel, and water to form a wet electrolyte mixture. The mixture may
be vacuum sealed and refrigerated until a wet electrolyte film is
produced. Once the wet electrolyte film is produced, it may be
dried, cut, and stored for further use. The wet electrolyte film
may be fabricated by any means, including without limitation,
casting, spreading, rolling out, molding, spray coating, and
printing through the use of an ink jet printer. The electrolyte
material may comprise an electrolyte compound, and additional
materials such as odorants, colorants, and similar as disclosed
above. The third gel may comprise gel materials such as food-grade
polymers also as disclosed above. As disclosed above with respect
to the anode film, the electrolyte film may also be contacted with
a calcium solution and heated or allowed to dry.
[0072] At least a portion of the gel cathode film may then be
placed in contact with the gel electrolyte film 12040, thereby
forming an electrochemical cell similar to 1000 in FIG. 10.
Alternatively, the electrochemical cell fabricated in this manner
may be further coated 12050 using a coating material as disclosed
above.
[0073] It may be understood that the order in which the individual
films--anode films, cathode films, and electrolyte films--are
fabricated in FIG. 12 is arbitrary, and that FIG. 12 does not imply
any restriction on the order of their fabrication.
[0074] It is further understood, that the method as illustrated in
FIG. 12 is not restricted to a single three-layer electrochemical
cell. For example, multiple anode films may contact each other,
multiple electrolyte films may contact each other, and multiple
cathode films may contact each other. Alternatively, steps 12010
through 12040 may be repeated. Thus, a three-layer cell comprising
an anode film an electrolyte film, and a cathode film, may serve as
a base on which another three-layer cell may be constructed. A
second three-layer cell may contact a first three-layer cell in
which the anode of a first cell may be in contact with a cathode of
a second cell. In this manner, an electrochemical device comprising
multiple three-layer electrochemical cells similar to that
disclosed in FIG. 11 may be fabricated.
[0075] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of another embodiment of a method of
fabricating an electrochemical cell. A gel anode film may be
provided 13010 in one fabrication step. The gel anode film may be
provided by contacting an anode material, a first gel, and water to
form a wet anode mixture. The mixture may be vacuum sealed and
refrigerated until a wet anode film is produced. Once the wet anode
film is produced, it may be dried 13020. The wet anode film may be
fabricated by any means, including without limitation, casting,
spreading, rolling out, molding, spray coating, and printing
through the use of an ink jet printer. The anode material may
comprise an anode compound, and additional materials such as
odorants, colorants, and similar as disclosed above. The first gel
may comprise gel materials such as food-grade polymers also as
disclosed above. As disclosed above the anode film may also be
contacted with a calcium solution and heated or allowed to dry.
[0076] At least a portion of a wet gel electrolyte film may then be
placed in at least in partial contact with the dried gel anode film
13030. The gel electrolyte film may be provided by contacting an
electrolyte material, a second gel, and water to form a wet
electrolyte mixture. The mixture may be vacuum sealed and
refrigerated until a wet electrolyte film is produced. The wet
electrolyte film may be fabricated so that it at least partially
contacts the dried anode film, for example by fabricating the wet
electrolyte film on top of the dried anode film. The wet
electrolyte film may be fabricated by any means, including without
limitation, casting, spreading, rolling out, spray coating, and
printing through the use of an ink jet printer. The electrolyte
material may comprise an electrolyte compound, and additional
materials such as odorants, colorants, and similar as disclosed
above. The second gel may comprise gel materials such as food-grade
polymers also as disclosed above. The wet electrolyte film may then
be dried 13040. As disclosed above with respect to the anode film,
the electrolyte film may also be contacted with a calcium solution
before drying.
[0077] In similar manner to the production of the gel electrolyte
film, a gel cathode film may also be provided 13050. The gel
cathode film may be provided by contacting a cathode material, a
third gel, and water to form a wet cathode mixture. The mixture may
be vacuum sealed and refrigerated until a wet cathode film is
produced. The wet cathode film may be fabricated so that it at
least partially contacts the dried electrolyte film, for example by
fabricating the wet cathode film on top of the dried electrolyte
film. The wet cathode film may be fabricated by any means,
including without limitation, casting, spreading, rolling out,
spray coating, and printing through the use of an ink jet printer.
The cathode material may comprise a cathode compound, and
additional materials such as odorants, colorants, and similar as
disclosed above. The second gel may comprise gel materials such as
food-grade polymers also as disclosed above. The wet cathode film
may then be dried 13060. As disclosed above with respect to the
anode film, the cathode film may also be contacted with a calcium
solution before drying.
[0078] According to this embodiment, an electrochemical cell
similar to 1000 in FIG. 10 may be fabricated. Alternatively, the
electrochemical cell fabricated in this manner may be further
coated 12070 using a coating material as disclosed above.
[0079] It may be understood that the order in which the individual
films--anode films, cathode films, and electrolyte films--are
fabricated in FIG. 13 is not restrictive. For example, the gel
cathode film may be fabricated first, followed by the fabrication
of the gel electrolyte film and then the gel anode film.
[0080] It is further understood, that the method as illustrated in
FIG. 13 is not restricted to a single three-layer electrochemical
cell. For example, multiple anode films may contact each other,
multiple electrolyte films may contact each other, and multiple
cathode films may contact each other. Alternatively, steps 13010
through 13060 may be repeated. Thus, a three-layer cell comprising
an anode film an electrolyte film, and a cathode film, may serve as
a base on which another three-layer cell may be constructed. A
second three-layer cell may contact a first three-layer cell in
which the anode of a second cell may be in contact with the cathode
of a first cell. In this manner, an electrochemical device
comprising multiple three-layer electrochemical cells similar to
that disclosed in FIG. 11 may be fabricated.
[0081] It may be appreciated that the gel electrochemical devices
as disclosed above may be combined with any number or type of
possibly non-toxic carrier medium to compose a consumable product
for an animal. While types of consumable products are disclosed
below with reference to consumption by humans, it is understood
that these consumable products are not limited to humans, but may
be, by extension, used by other animals.
[0082] In one embodiment, a consumable product may comprise at
least one gel anode and at least one gel cathode. In another
embodiment, the consumable product may also comprise at least one
gel electrolyte. Any one or more of the electrochemical cell
components may be present as a gel film, including the gel anode,
the gel cathode, and/or the gel electrolyte. Further, any one or
more the electrochemical cell components may have a coating. The
coating may be applied independently to any one of the gel
electrolyte components, such as the anode, the cathode, and/or the
electrolyte. Alternatively, a coating may be provided to any
combination of cell components, including, without limitation, to a
combination of the gel anode plus gel electrolyte, the gel cathode
and the gel electrolyte, or to the gel anode plus electrolyte plus
cathode. If multiple components have a coating, they may each be
coated with the same material. Alternatively, a coating for one
component, as for example a gel electrolyte film, may have a
different composition than a coating for another component, as for
example a gel cathode film.
[0083] In another embodiment, the consumable may comprise a gel
electrochemical device that may further comprise an anode capsule,
a cathode capsule, and an electrolyte. The anode capsule may
comprise an anode material and a first membrane, in which the first
membrane is configured to encapsulate the anode material. In some
non-limiting examples, the first membrane may comprise one or more
of a polyol, a polysaccharide, and a protein. Additional
non-limiting examples of the first membrane may also include one or
more of sodium alginate, potassium alginate, ammonium alginate,
poly ethylene glycol, albumin, or casein.
[0084] The cathode capsule may comprise a cathode material and a
second membrane, in which the second membrane may be configured to
encapsulate the cathode material. The second membrane may comprise
any one or more of the same materials as disclosed above with
respect to the first membrane.
[0085] The consumable product may also comprise an electrolyte that
may be encapsulated in an electrolyte capsule. The electrolyte
capsule may comprise a third membrane configured to encapsulate the
electrolyte. The third membrane may further comprise any one or
more of the same materials as disclosed above with respect to the
first membrane.
[0086] A consumable product may further include a preparation
comprising a personal lubricant and at least one electrochemical
device in which both the lubricant and the electrochemical device
may be non-toxic for an application to an animal, such as a human.
The personal lubricant may be one or more of a paste, a gel, or a
lotion. In one embodiment, the personal lubricant may comprise one
or more of an alcohol, an oil, a wax, a healing agent, an odorant,
a flavorant, an emulsifier, a protein, and a preservative. As
non-limiting examples, the personal lubricant may comprise one or
more of glycerol, propylene glycol, poly ethylene glycol, stearyl
alcohol, cetyl alcohol, sorbitol, coconut oil, mineral oil,
lanolin, petrolatum jelly, an extract of Aloe vera, sweet almond
oil, lemon oil, coconut flavor, lauryl sulfate salts, albumen,
methyl paraben, and propyl paraben.
[0087] The electrochemical device or devices in the preparation may
comprise one or more of an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. In
one embodiment, the anode may be a gel anode, the cathode may be a
gel cathode, and the electrolyte may be a gel electrolyte. Suitable
gel components are described herein as well as in International
Application no. PCT/US2011/031780, filed Apr. 8, 2011, as well as
international PCT application no. (unknown) filed contemporaneously
herewith entitled "Gel Formed Battery" (attorney docket no.
138248.06822), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety. The compositions of the gel anode, the gel cathode,
and the gel electrolyte may be substantially the same as disclosed
above. It may be appreciated that the gel components may also be
gel film components, such as a gel anode film, a gel cathode film,
and a gel electrolyte film. The gel film components may have
compositions substantially the same as disclosed above. An
electrochemical device comprising gel film components may also be
coated, with a coating having properties substantially the same as
disclosed above.
[0088] Additionally, the electrochemical device may be provided in
the form of encapsulated battery components as described in
International Application no. PCT/US2011/039281 filed Jun. 6, 2011,
as well as International Application no. (unknown) filed
contemporaneously herewith entitled "Liquid Battery Formed From
Encapsulated Components" (attorney docket no. 138248.06832), each
of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In
such cases an electrochemical device comprises an encapsulated
anode, an encapsulated cathode, and an encapsulated electrolyte. As
with the other forms, the various components may be kept separate
until the resultant effect is desired.
[0089] It may be appreciated, in view of the material disclosed
above, that the electrochemical devices may produce an electric
current when hydrated or otherwise produce an organoleptic effect.
It may also be appreciated that the components of a gel
electrochemical device may contact each other when the preparation
is macerated, or anointed on, applied to, wiped on or spread on an
animal such as a human. Under such contact conditions, the
electrochemical devices may also produce an electric current. In
some embodiments, the animal tissue may be epidermal tissue, or
mucosal tissue. In some non-limiting examples, the tissue may be
human tissue, and may comprise one or more of lips, tongue,
gingiva, hard palate, soft palate, axilla, breast, nipple, abdomen,
inner thigh, groin, pubis, scrotum, penis, labia majora, labia
minora, clitoris, vagina, perineum, anus, or rectum. The
preparation may be placed in contact with an animal tissue in any
of a number of manner, including but not limited to spreading the
preparation on a tissue, coating a tissue with the preparation,
rubbing the preparation into a tissue, licking the preparation,
kissing the preparation, and inserting the preparation into a
tissue-lined orifice.
[0090] In use, the electrochemical cells disclosed herein may be
applied to one or more individuals, and may be transferred from one
partner to another through intimate contact. For example, an
individual who has received an effective amount of the
electrochemical cells e.g. on their tongue, genitals, etc., may
pass at least some of the electrochemical cells, and thus the
effect, to their partner via intimate contact such as kissing,
intercourse, cunilingus, felatio, etc. Different body parts and
tissues may have a different sensation, for example, bare skin may
require a higher voltage to achieve a meaningful effect, while a
lower voltage may produce a marked effect in a mucosal membrane
such as the oral cavity or vagina.
[0091] In some instances, the organoleptic affect can be delayed
until at least two partners come into intimate contact with one
another, by applying one of the electrochemical cell components to
one partner and the other component to another partner.
[0092] It can be further appreciated that one or more
electrochemical devices, with or without a personal lubricant, as
disclosed above, may be put in contact with an adult pleasure
component to produce a sexual enhancement device. The adult
pleasure component may be configured to be placed on a tissue,
around a tissue, or on and around a tissue. Non-limiting examples
of such adult pleasure components may include vibrators, orifice
insertion plugs, scrotum rings, penile rings, vaginal clips,
condoms, and chastity devices. The enhancement device may be placed
in contact with any one or more of the lips, the tongue, the
axilla, the breast, the nipples, the abdomen, the inner thigh, the
pubis, the scrotum, the perineum, the penis, labial majora, and the
anus. In one embodiment, the enhancement may be configured to be
placed within a cavity comprising a tissue. Such cavities may
include, without limitation, one or more of the mouth, the vagina,
the intergluteal cleft, and the rectum.
[0093] It is contemplated that the electrochemical cell may be
packaged in lotions, oils, lubricants, and the like. It is also
contemplated that such may be packaged with prophylactics such as
condoms. Although it is contemplated that such products may include
a complete electrochemical cell waiting to be activated, it is also
contemplated that two separate products may be employed separately
including one of the cathode and anode, such that when the two come
together the cell is activated, and the organoleptic affect
results.
[0094] Regardless of the delivery mechanism, whether a lotion, oil,
adult pleasure component or other, the electrochemical cells or any
component thereof may be placed in contact with any one or more of
the lips, the tongue, the axilla, the breast, the nipples, the
abdomen, the inner thigh, the pubis, the scrotum, the perineum, the
penis, labial majora, and the anus, or any part thereof. In one
embodiment, the enhancement may be configured to be placed within a
cavity comprising a tissue. Such cavities may include, without
limitation, one or more of the mouth, the vagina, the intergluteal
cleft, and the rectum. Once the anode and cathode combine, the
electrical reaction takes place, leading to the organoleptic
effect.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
A Gel Film Electrochemical Cell and Method for Making Same
[0095] About 1.5 w:w % compared to water of copper gluconate was
blended together with about 1.7 w:w % of glycerin, about 1.1 w:w %
of lemon essential oil to form a wet cathode mixture. About 3.5 w:w
% of maltodextrin DE8 was dry blended into the wet cathode mixture.
Additionally, about 3.8 w:w % of sodium alginate, and 1.4 w:w % of
carageenan were combined with the wet cathode mixture by slow
whisking. The final wet cathode gel material was vacuum sealed and
refrigerated for about 8 hours. A wet anode material was fabricated
using about 1.5% w:w versus water of finely divided zinc metal in a
similar mixture. A wet electrolyte material was fabricated using
about 1.5% w:w versus water of citric acid in a similar mixture.
Thereafter, each wet gel film material, anode, cathode, and
electrolyte, was rolled out on a flat glass surface to about a 0.01
inch (0.025 cm) thickness. The wet gel films were then allowed to
dry at ambient temperature for about 24 hours. The resulting films
were sliced with a razor blade into squares approximately 0.1 inch
(0.25 cm) by 0.1 inch (0.25 cm) and removed by scraping the films
off the flat surface. The gel anode, gel cathode, and gel
electrolyte films were combined using a single layer of a gel anode
film placed on top of a gel electrolyte film, with a gel cathode
film placed underneath the gel electrolyte film. The complete
battery structure was coated with a gelatin mixture to prevent
moisture from contacting the gel film battery, and to maintain its
integrity.
Example 2
A Personal Lubricant Containing Gel Film Electrochemical Cells
[0096] A number of gel electrochemical devices measuring about 0.1
in..times.0.1 in. (about 0.25 cm.times.0.25 cm) substantially the
same as disclosed above in Example 1 may be mixed with a commercial
personal lubricant.
Example 3
A Sexual Enhancement Device Comprising an Adult Personal Lubricant
Containing Gel Film Electrochemical Cells and Use Thereof
[0097] A vibrator may be coated with a personal lubricant
substantially similar to that described in Example 2, above, which
may contain a number of gel electrochemical devices. The vibrator
may then be energized and placed in intimate contact with the
vagina, clitoris, and/or perineum.
Example 4
Method of Using a Personal Lubricant Containing Gel Film
Electrochemical Cells
[0098] A number of gel film electrochemical cells may be admixed
into a commercial personal lubricant. The lubricant including the
cells may then be rubbed on the labia and vagina prior to sexual
activity.
Example 5
Method of Making Gel Electrochemical Cell Components Using and
Using Same
[0099] A gel anode substantially as disclosed above was fabricated
using about 6% w:w compared to water of finely divided zinc power
(anode material). A gel cathode substantially as disclosed above
was fabricated using about 6% w:w compared to water of copper
gluconate (cathode material). A separate gel electrolyte
substantially as disclosed above was fabricated using about 6% w:w
compared to water of citric acid (electrolyte material). In one
example, an amount of gel anode equivalent to about 0.78 mg zinc
compound, and an amount of gel cathode equivalent to about 0.75 mg
copper compound were incorporated into about a tablespoon (15 ml)
of a commercially available water-based personal lubricant. In
another example, an amount of gel anode equivalent to about 1.5 mg
zinc compound, and an amount of gel cathode equivalent to about 1.5
mg copper compound were incorporated into about a tablespoon (15
ml) of a commercially available silicon-based personal
lubricant.
[0100] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the
particular embodiments described in this application, which are
intended as illustrations of various aspects. Many modifications
and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and
scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of
the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated in this disclosure,
will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing
descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to
fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present
disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is
not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, or
compositions, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be
understood that the terminology used in this disclosure is for the
purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not
intended to be limiting.
[0101] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms in this disclosure, those having skill in the art
can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the
singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or
application. The various singular/plural permutations may be
expressly set forth in this disclosure for sake of clarity. It will
be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used
in this disclosure, and especially in the appended claims (e.g.,
bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open"
terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). While
various compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms
of "comprising" various components or steps (interpreted as meaning
"including, but not limited to"), the compositions, methods, and
devices can also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the
various components and steps, and such terminology should be
interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups.
[0102] It will be further understood by those within the art that
if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended,
such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the
absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,
as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may
contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one
or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such
phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a
claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least
one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or
"an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or
more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used
to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited,
those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should
be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare
recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at
least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A,
B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended
in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the
convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C"
would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further
understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive
word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms,
whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be
understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the
terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase
"A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or
"B" or "A and B."
[0103] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and
all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description,
all ranges disclosed in this disclosure also encompass any and all
possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any
listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing
and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal
halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting
example, each range discussed in this disclosure can be readily
broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc.
As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language
such as "up to," "at least," and the like include the number
recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down
into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood
by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual
member.
[0104] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various
embodiments of the present disclosure have been described for
purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be
made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
disclosure. Accordingly, the various embodiments disclosed are not
intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being
indicated by the following claims.
* * * * *