Patents Represented by Attorney Barbara G. Robins & Associates McClung
  • Patent number: 6144869
    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: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    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: 6141573
    Abstract: A chemical signal-impermeable mask is positioned in the electrolyte flow such that the mask is between a source of chemical signal and a working electrode which senses the chemical signal transported from the source (e.g., by diffusion). The configuration of the mask is such that the mask prevents substantially all chemical signal transport from the chemical signal source having a radial vector component relative to a plane of the mask and the catalytic face of the working electrode, thus allowing primarily only chemical signal transport that is substantially perpendicular to the place of the mask and the catalytic surface of the working electrode. By reducing or eliminating chemical signal radial transport toward the working electrode, the mask thus significantly reduces or eliminates edge effects. By substantially reducing edge effects created by radial transport of chemical signal, it is possible to obtain a more accurate measurement of the amount (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney
  • Patent number: 6139718
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for sensing an electrochemical signal diffused from a source to a working electrode which is comprised of a plurality of substantially separated working electrode surfaces is disclosed. The electrode of the invention is comprised of 1) a working electrode made up of a plurality of working electrode surfaces or components and 2) a electrically insulating gap defined by adjacent edges of 1) insulating the working electrode surfaces or components from each other. The working electrode components are configured to receive electrochemical signal from two or preferably three dimensions simultaneously. The working electrode components configured over the same surface as a single electrode provide (1) an improved signal to noise ratio as compared to a single electrode by reducing noise, and (2) provide an overall enhanced signal after sensing for a given period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael J. Tierney