Patents Assigned to Sierra Medical Technology
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Patent number: 8262878Abstract: The present invention pertains to a means of combining and configuring specific hydrophilic and dielectric materials in such a way as to allow an antimony/reference electrode pH sensor to be packaged and stored dry yet become fully hydrated to an activated state after exposure to aqueous liquids. The sensor is packaged and stored dry to maintain component stability and minimize component degradation. When the user removes the sensor from the package and the sensor tip is submerged in a hydration (ion conduction) media or solution, the hydrophilic coating along with the impregnated reference wick, absorb the fluid to create an electrolytic gel inside the reference wick, which activates the pH sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Sierra Medical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Erich H. Wolf, Charles Bankert, Ross Tsukashima, Elmer Custodio
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Patent number: 7736320Abstract: The present invention is a system for monitoring a patient's breath chemistry comprising a plurality of components, including a self-condensing pH sensor distally mounted on a catheter, a transmitter with hydration sensing circuitry for the pH sensor, and, a processing receiver/data recorder. The specifically designed self-condensing pH sensor located on the distal end of the catheter is designed to be inserted into the patient's airway. Monitoring of a patient's breath pH is accomplished by using the miniaturized self-condensing pH sensor, providing for real-time monitoring of patient airway pH values.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Sierra Medical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ross Tsukashima, Erich H. Wolf, Jeffery D. Schipper, Charles S. Bankert, Leo R. Roucher, Thomas Germain Wallner
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Patent number: 7297120Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating certain medical conditions, such as asthma, gastroesophageal reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux. The system includes a mask apparatus or sensor module fitted with a pH sensor and thermocouple, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a processing receiver, and a therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The mask apparatus, CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device are connected by a pneumatic means. The pH sensor and the thermocouple are in electrical communication with the processing receiver that controls, through an electronic means, the CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The electrical communications can be in the form of a plurality of wires or employ wireless means.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Sierra Medical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ross Tsukashima, Jeffery D. Schipper, Leo R. Roucher, Jr., Erich H. Wolf
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Patent number: 7238267Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a means of constructing a pH sensor that can detect changes in pH levels of humidified gases and liquid samples. When electronically connected to a computerized or analog display means, sensitive quantitative measurements can be obtained. Given the construction of current pH devices available today, there is a need in the field for a novel, miniaturized, self-condensing pH probe that can be used in fluid or humidified gases.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Sierra Medical TechnologyInventors: Erich H Wolf, Charles S. Bankert
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Patent number: 7206624Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for evaluating the signal strength from the pH sensor to determine whether the sensor is hydrated sufficiently to accurately measure pH. This is accomplished by utilizing circuitry that periodically sends a low voltage signal to a suitable pH sensor and then receiving the resulting waveforms which are analyzed by a processing receiver. The electrical connection between a suitable pH sensor and hydration monitoring circuitry is generally hard wired. In one embodiment, a processing receiver is coupled with the hydration monitoring circuitry as a single apparatus. In a second embodiment, the processing receiver can be independent and located remote from the hydration monitoring circuitry. In this embodiment, the hydration monitoring circuitry and the processing receiver are electrically connected using either hard wired techniques or wireless technology. In addition, the processing receiver can include data recording capability.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Sierra Medical Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ross Tsukashima, Erich H. Wolf, Jeffery D. Schipper, Charles S. Bankert, Leo R. Roucher, Thomas Germain Wallner
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Patent number: 7166201Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a means of constructing a pH sensor that can detect changes in pH levels of humidified gases and liquid samples. When electronically connected to a computerized or analog display means, sensitive quantitative measurements can be obtained. Given the construction of current pH devices available today, there is a need in the field for a novel, miniaturized, self-condensing pH probe that can be used in fluid or humidified gases.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Sierra Medical TechnologyInventor: Erich Wolf