Vorrichtung zur gekapselten Aufnahme eines Materials

This novel unit houses a material (6) encapsulating it. Its recess (8) provides the housing on a micro-engineered base (1, 4). Enclosure is completed by the micro-engineered or thin-film membrane (5). On the membrane or in the recess, there is an electrical heating element (7). To expose the material, this disrupts the membrane. USE - Potential uses include an irreversible indicator only changing colour when required, a catalysed reaction only triggered by an electronic signal, or a medicament released in sequential doses, under control. ADVANTAGE - The method of encapsulation prevents contamination of the contents, but application of electric current rapidly opens the container. The devices can be produced en mass using modern micro-engineering technologies. Suitable provision may be included to verify opening, electronically.