Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can be used in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical delivery systems for delivering dosages according to the present invention include a carrier component and a cap configured to seal an internal volume of the carrier component, wherein the cap includes a device that produces a unique current signature. Dosages prepared to be delivered according to embodiments of the invention find use in a variety of different applications, including clinical trials.

Abstract: Portable electroviscerography systems are provided. Aspects of the systems include a body-associated receiver and an ingestible identifier unit, both of which are configured to detect visceral electrical signals. The system communicates with an extra-corporeal data processor configured to receive data from the body-associated receiver and generate and electroviscerogram from the received data. Also provided are methods of producing electroviscerograms using systems of the present invention.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for depositing a copper seed layer onto a substrate surface. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate having a barrier layer disposed on a substrate surface, wherein the barrier layer has a barrier surface comprising a material selected from the group consisting of cobalt, ruthenium, tungsten, titanium, and a compound of two or more thereof, and exposing the substrate to a non-complexed, acid electrochemical plating solution with a plating bias applied across the substrate surface to deposit a copper-containing seed layer directly on the barrier surface without intervening layer disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting an electric field of an electrochemical processing cell are provided. In one embodiment, a capacitive element is disposed in the processing solution. The strength, shape, or direction of the electric field in the processing solution may be modulated by charging and discharging the capacitive element in a controlled manner. Because the electric field is modulated with out passing a current from the capacitive element to the processing solution, electrochemical reactions do not occur on the interface of the capacitive element and the processing solution, thus, reduces complications caused by unwanted electrochemical reactions.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can be used in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plating a metal onto a substrate. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for electroplating a substrate. The apparatus comprises a fluid basin, an anode disposed near a bottom of the fluid basin, a restrictor disposed above the anode, and a substrate support member configured to move the substrate within the fluid basin among different elevations relative to the restrictor. Plating profiles on the substrate may be adjusted by changing the elevation of the substrate during plating.

Abstract: The present invention provides for safe and reliable electronic circuitry that can be employed in ingestible compositions. The ingestible circuitry of the invention includes a solid support; a conductive element; and an electronic component. Each of the support, conductive element and electronic component are fabricated from an ingestible material. The ingestible circuitry finds use in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Electrolytic capacitor microstimulators are provided. Microstimulators of the invention are configured to operate, upon implantation into a living body, as an electrolytic capacitor that employs body fluid as its electrolyte. Also provided are methods and systems that include the microstimulators of the invention, as well as methods of using the devices and systems in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: Ingestible event markers having high reliability are provided. Aspects of the ingestible event markers include a support, a control circuit, a first electrochemical material, a second electrochemical material and a membrane. In addition, the ingestible event markers may include one or more components that impart high reliability to the ingestible event marker. Further, the ingestible event markers may include an active agent. In some aspects, the active agent, such as a pharmaceutically active agent or a diagnostic agent may be associated with the membrane.

Abstract: Portable electroviscerography systems are provided. Aspects of the systems include a body-associated receiver and an ingestible identifier unit, both of which are configured to detect visceral electrical signals. The system communicates with an extra-corporeal data processor configured to receive data from the body-associated receiver and generate and electroviscerogram from the received data. Also provided are methods of producing electroviscerograms using systems of the present invention.

Abstract: Receivers, which may be external or implantable, are provided. Aspects of receivers of the invention include the presence of one or more of: a high power-low power module; an intermediary module; a power supply module configured to activate and deactivate one or more power supplies to a high power processing block; a serial peripheral interface bus connecting master and slave blocks; and a multi-purpose connector. Receivers of the invention may be configured to receive a conductively transmitted signal. Also provided are systems that include the receivers, as well as methods of using the same. Additionally systems and methods are disclosed for using a receiver for coordinating with dosage delivery systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plating a metal onto a substrate. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for electroplating a substrate. The apparatus comprises a fluid basin, an anode disposed near a bottom of the fluid basin, a restrictor disposed above the anode, and a substrate support member configured to move the substrate within the fluid basin among different elevations relative to the restrictor. Plating profiles on the substrate may be adjusted by changing the elevation of the substrate during plating.

Abstract: The present invention provides for safe and reliable electronic circuitry that can be employed in ingestible compositions. The ingestible circuitry of the invention includes a solid support; a conductive element; and an electronic component. Each of the support, conductive element and electronic component are fabricated from an ingestible material. The ingestible circuitry finds use in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Generally, the process includes depositing a barrier layer on a feature formed in a dielectric layer, decorating the barrier layer with a metal, performing a grafting process, initiating a copper layer and then filing the feature by use of a bulk copper fill process. Copper features formed according to aspects described herein have desirable adhesion properties to a barrier layer formed on a semiconductor substrate and demonstrate enhanced electromigration and stress migration results in the fabricated devices formed on the substrate.

Abstract: Controlled activation identifiers for use in ingestible compositions, such as pharma-informatics enabled compositions, are provided. The identifiers include a controlled activation element that provides for activation of the identifier in response to the presence of a predetermined stimulus at a target site of interest. The invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including but not limited to, monitoring of therapeutic regimen compliance, tracking the history of pharmaceutical agents, etc.

Abstract: Ingestible event marker systems that include an ingestible event marker (i.e., an IEM) and a personal signal receiver are provided. Embodiments of the IEM include an identifier, which may or may not be present in a physiologically acceptable carrier. The identifier is characterized by being activated upon contact with a target internal physiological site of a body, such as digestive tract internal target site. The personal signal receiver is configured to be associated with a physiological location, e.g., inside of or on the body, and to receive a signal the IEM. During use, the IEM broadcasts a signal which is received by the personal signal receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plating a metal onto a substrate. One embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus for electrochemically plating a substrate. The apparatus comprises a fluid basin configured to retain a plating solution therein, an anode assembly disposed in the fluid basin, a substrate support member configured to support the substrate and contact the substrate electrically, and an encased auxiliary electrode assembly disposed in the fluid basin. The encased auxiliary electrode assembly generally comprises an auxiliary electrode disposed in a protective tube.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, a voltage potential is created and the power source is completed, which activates the system. The electronic component controls the conductance between the dissimilar materials to produce a unique current signature. The system can be used in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Power sources that enable in-body devices, such as implantable and ingestible devices, are provided. Aspects of the in-body power sources of the invention include a solid support, a first high surface area electrode and a second electrode. Embodiments of the in-power sources are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the power sources of the invention.