Patents by Inventor Michael J. Tierney

Michael J. Tierney has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6594514
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. Device configuration and/or measurement techniques are employed in order to reduce the effect of interfering species on sensor sensitivity. One important application of the invention involves a method and device for monitoring blood glucose values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Berner, Chia-Ming Chiang, Michael D. Garrison, Janan Jona, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Patent number: 6587705
    Abstract: An automated system for continual transdermal extraction of analytes present in a biological system is provided. The system can be used for detecting and/or measuring the concentration of the analyte using an electrochemical biosensor detection means. The system optionally uses reverse iontophoresis to carry out the continual transdermal extraction of the analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: Lynn Kim, Norman A. Parris, Russell O. Potts, Janet Tamada, Michael J. Tierney, Bret Berner
  • Patent number: 6561978
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for frequently measuring the concentration of an analyte present in a biological system. A monitoring system having at least two components is employed in order to allow separation of data collection from data processing and display. Such separation allows greater flexibility and convenience for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Conn, Russell Ford, Russell O. Potts, Pravin L. Soni, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20030083673
    Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas G. Cooper, Chris A. Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
  • Publication number: 20030013949
    Abstract: Improved robotic surgical systems, devices, and methods include selectably associatable master/slave pairs, often having more manipulator arms than will be moved simultaneously by the two hands of a surgeon. Four manipulator arms can support an image capture device, a left hand tissue manipulation tool, a right hand tissue manipulation tool, and a fourth surgical instrument, particularly for stabilizing, retracting, tool change, or other functions benefiting from intermittent movement. The four or more arms may sequentially be controlled by left and right master input control devices. The fourth arm may be used to support another image capture device, and control of some or all of the arms may be transferred back-and-forth between the operator and an assistant. Two or more robotic systems each having master controls and slave manipulators may be coupled to enable cooperative surgery between two or more operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: FREDERIC H. MOLL, DAVID J. ROSA, ANDRIS D. RAMANS, STEVEN J. BLUMENKRANZ, GARY S. GUTHART, GUNTER D. NIEMEYER, WILLIAM C. NOWLIN, J. KENNETH SALISBURY, MICHAEL J. TIERNEY
  • Patent number: 6491701
    Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
  • Patent number: 6438414
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to consumable components of a device used for continually or continuously measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. More particularly, the invention relates to collection assemblies, laminate structures, and autosensor assemblies, which are used in connection with a transdermal sampling device. In one aspect, the invention includes autosensor assemblies which include laminate structures, electrode assemblies, and support trays. One important application of the invention involves an autosensor assembly for use in a blood glucose monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Conn, Russell Ford, Pravin L. Soni, Michael J. Tierney, Prema Vijayakumar
  • Publication number: 20020106709
    Abstract: Described herein are methods, devices, and microprocessors useful for predicting a hypoglycemic event in a subject. The hypoglycemic predictive approach described herein utilizes information obtained from a data stream, e.g., frequently obtained glucose values (current and/or predicted), body temperature, and/or skin conductance, to predict incipient hypoglycemic events and to alert the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Russell O. Potts, Michael J. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20020091312
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. Device configuration and/or measurement techniques are employed in order to reduce the effect of interfering species on sensor sensitivity. One important application of the invention involves a method and device for monitoring blood glucose values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Berner, Chia-Ming Chiang, Michael D. Garrison, Janan Jona, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20020082612
    Abstract: Improved robotic surgical systems, devices, and methods often include a first assembly with a surgical end effector supported and manipulated relative to a first base by a first robotic linkage, while a second surgical end effector manipulated and supported relative to a second, independent base by a second robotic linkage. One or more of these robotic assemblies may be moved relative to the other. To coordinate the end effector movements with those of input devices being manipulated by a surgeon relative to a display of a surgical worksite, the processor deriving the commands for movement of the robotic linkages may make use of a signal indicating a relative orientation of the bases of the robotic arm assemblies. Surprisingly, the robotic arm assemblies may not transmit signals to the processor indicating a relative translational position of the bases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, David J. Rose, Andris D. Ramans, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Gunter D. Niemeyer, William C. Nowlin, J. Kenneth Salisbury, Michael J. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20020072736
    Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert C. Younge
  • Patent number: 6393318
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to consumable components of a device used for continually or continuously measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. More particularly, the invention relates to collection assemblies, laminate structures, and autosensor assemblies, which are used in connection with a transdermal sampling device. In one aspect, the invention includes autosensor assemblies which include laminate structures, electrode assemblies, and support trays. One important application of the invention involves an autosensor assembly for use in a blood glucose monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Conn, Russell Ford, Pravin L. Soni, Michael J. Tierney, Prema Vijayakumar
  • Publication number: 20020053637
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to consumable components of a device used for continually or continuously measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. More particularly, the invention relates to collection assemblies, laminate structures, and autosensor assemblies, which are used in connection with a transdermal sampling device. In one aspect, the invention includes autosensor assemblies which include laminate structures, electrode assemblies, and support trays. One important application of the invention involves an autosensor assembly for use in a blood glucose monitoring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Conn, Russell Ford, Pravin L. Soni, Michael J. Tierney, Prema Vijayakumar
  • Publication number: 20020045808
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of formulating analyte data databases, the databases themselves, and methods of manipulating the same. In one aspect the present invention includes the formulation of analyte data points, derived data, and data attributes databases comprising data points collected using an analyte monitoring device capable of frequent monitoring of analyte concentrations or amounts. Such data points may comprise acquired data (e.g., values corresponding to analyte concentrations or amounts as measured by said analyte monitoring device). These data points are then associated with one or more relevant data attributes. The resulting databases may be manipulated to determine relationships among the components of the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Russell Ford, Matthew J. Lesho, Russell O. Potts, Michael J. Tierney, Charles W. Wei
  • Publication number: 20020032452
    Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
  • Publication number: 20020032451
    Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas G. Cooper, Chris A. Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
  • Patent number: 6356776
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. Device configuration and/or measurement techniques are employed in order to reduce the effect of interfering species on sensor sensitivity. One important application of the invention involves a method and device for monitoring blood glucose values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Berner, Chia-Ming Chiang, Michael D. Garrison, Janan Jona, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20020026110
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a predictive-kinetic method for use with data processing of a sensor-generated signal, as well as, microprocessors and monitoring systems employing such a predictive-kinetic method. Data from a transient region of a signal is used with suitable models and curve-fitting methods to predict the signal that would be measured for the system at the completion of the reaction. The values resulting from data processing of sensor response using the methods of the present invention are less sensitive to measurement variables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Norman A. Parris, Russell O. Potts, Michael J. Tierney, Christopher Uhegbu
  • Publication number: 20020019604
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode assembly for use in a transdermal analyte sensor operating in an alternating polarity mode in which a single electrode element provides both the counter electrode and iontophoretic electrode functions. By combining both the functions of the iontophoretic and counter electrode, the surface area of the electrode with respect to each function may be made larger. In turn this increases the ability of the electrode to deliver the required electrical field over a larger area when operating in the iontophoretic mode as well as increasing the ability of the counter electrode to compensate for the larger sensing electrode facilitated by this new design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: MICHAEL J. TIERNEY
  • Patent number: 6341232
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of producing consumable components of a device used for measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. More particularly, the invention relates methods of producing collection assemblies, laminate structures, and autosensor assemblies, which are used in connection with a transdermal sampling device. In one aspect, the invention includes methods of producing autosensor assemblies which include laminate structures, electrode assemblies, and support trays. One important application of the invention involves methods of producing an autosensor assembly for use in a blood glucose monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Conn, Russell Ford, Pravin L. Soni, Michael J. Tierney, Prema Vijayakumar