Patents Assigned to SpectRx, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9561003
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that interrogate, receive, and analyze full emission spectra for at least one fluorescence excitation wavelength and for at least one reflectance measurement to determine tissue characteristics and correlate same to photographic images. Further, the system and method accomplish this measurement rapidly by increasing the light throughput by integrating optics into a hand held unit and avoiding the need for a coherent fiber optic bundle being used. The method includes illuminating a first portion of a target tissue with optical energy, forming a first image of the target tissue, illuminating a second portion of the target tissue with optical energy, performing spectroscopic measurements on optical energy reflected and/or emitted by the target tissue upon illumination of the second portion of the target tissue with optical energy, and determining tissue characteristics of the target tissue based on the results of the spectroscopic measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Spectrx, Inc.
    Inventors: Shabbir Bakir Bambot, Mark Faupel, Jonathan David Mongin
  • Patent number: 8781560
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that interrogate, receive, and analyze full emission spectra for at least one fluorescence excitation wavelength and for at least one reflectance measurement to determine tissue characteristics and correlate same to photographic images. Further, the system and method accomplish this measurement rapidly by increasing the light throughput by integrating optics into a hand held unit and avoiding the need for a coherent fiber optic bundle being used. The method includes illuminating a first portion of a target tissue with optical energy, forming a first image of the target tissue, illuminating a second portion of the target tissue with optical energy, performing spectroscopic measurements on optical energy reflected and/or emitted by the target tissue upon illumination of the second portion of the target tissue with optical energy, and determining tissue characteristics of the target tissue based on the results of the spectroscopic measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Spectrx, Inc.
    Inventors: Shabbir Bakir Bambot, Mark Faupel, Jonathan David Mongin
  • Patent number: 8644912
    Abstract: An apparatus to interrogate, receive, and analyze full emission spectra for at least one fluorescence excitation wavelength and for at least one reflectance measurement to determine tissue characteristics. The apparatus includes a base unit having illumination, detection and control sub-units, the illumination sub-unit providing illumination optical energy for illuminating a target tissue and the detection sub-unit detecting tissue characteristics of a target tissue, a separate tissue interface unit, and a pathway coupling the base unit and the tissue interface unit. The system and apparatus may also include a tube for maintaining the distance between the tissue and units and for surrounding the tissue to prevent patient movement from being transmitted to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: SpectRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Shabbir Bambot, Mark L. Faupel, Anant Agrawal, Keith D. Ignotz, Andrew Fordham
  • Publication number: 20120232404
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that interrogate, receive, and analyze full emission spectra for at least one fluorescence excitation wavelength and for at least one reflectance measurement to determine tissue characteristics and correlate same to photographic images. Further, the system and method accomplish this measurement rapidly by increasing the light throughput by integrating optics into a hand held unit and avoiding the need for a coherent fiber optic bundle being used. The method includes illuminating a first portion of a target tissue with optical energy, forming a first image of the target tissue, illuminating a second portion of the target tissue with optical energy, performing spectroscopic measurements on optical energy reflected and/or emitted by the target tissue upon illumination of the second portion of the target tissue with optical energy, and determining tissue characteristics of the target tissue based on the results of the spectroscopic measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: SpectRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Shabbir Bakir Bambot, Mark Faupel, Jonathan David Mongin
  • Publication number: 20110306887
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that interrogate, receive, and analyze full emission spectra for at least one fluorescence excitation wavelength and for at least one reflectance measurement to determine tissue characteristics. The method includes illuminating a first portion of a target tissue with optical energy, forming a first image of the target tissue, illuminating a second portion of the target tissue with optical energy, performing spectroscopic measurements on optical energy reflected and/or emitted by the target tissue upon illumination of the second portion of the target tissue with optical energy, and determining tissue characteristics of the target tissue based on the results of the spectroscopic measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: SpectRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Shabbir Bambot, Mark L. Faupel, Anant Agrawal, Keith D. Ignotz, Andrew Fordham
  • Patent number: 7384396
    Abstract: A system and method for extracting a biological fluid from an organism and continuously monitoring its characteristics. The system includes a tissue interface device suitable for positioning on or about the surface of the biological membrane of the organism and a monitor and control unit coupled to the tissue interface device. The tissue interface device includes a sensor positioned in a flow path of the fluid for continuously sensing a characteristic of the biological fluid as it flows out from the one or more artificial openings formed in the biological membrane. The sensor generates a sensor signal representative thereof. The monitor and control unit electrically or optically reads the sensor to obtain a measurement of a characteristic, such as concentration of a particular analyte, of the biological fluid on a continuous basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: SpectRx Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Samuels, Jonathan A. Eppstein, Michael R. Hatch, Alan Smith, Mark Faupel
  • Patent number: 7335166
    Abstract: The systems and methods involve creating an opening in the biological tissue of the patient and placing a sampling aperture of the extraction device over the opening. The sampling aperture is defined in a contact surface of the extraction device that is placed into contact with the tissue of the patient. A pump of the extraction device such as a depressible bulb sealed to the body is charged to create a vacuum between the pump through a sampling channel to the sampling aperture, and the vacuum draws the biological fluid from the tissue opening into the sampling channel. An access point is exposed to the sampling channel, and the sample of fluid may be accessed from the access point. The access point may be an extraction opening covered by an access door, and the access door is opened to access the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: SpectRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Faupel, Danny Lincoln
  • Patent number: 7301629
    Abstract: An apparatus and method embodying the invention include utilizing a device with a limited number of interrogation devices to accomplish a large number of measurements on a target tissue (50). An instrument embodying the invention includes a plurality of detection devices (54) that are arranged in a predetermined pattern on a tissue contacting face of the instrument. The face of the instrument is located adjacent the target tissue (50), and a plurality of tissue characteristic measurement are simultaneously conducted. The detection devices (54) are moved to a new position, preferably without moving the tissue contacting face, and a second plurality of tissue characteristic measurements are simultaneously conducted. By conducting a series of measurements cycles in this manner, the ultimate resolution of the device is increased, while still obtaining a given resolution, which reduces potential cross-talk errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: SpectRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Shabbir Bambot, Mark L. Faupel, Glenn Steven Arche
  • Publication number: 20070161876
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that interrogate, receive, and analyze full emission spectra for at least one fluorescence excitation wavelength and for at least one reflectance measurement to determine tissue characteristics and correlate same to photographic images. Further, the system and method accomplish this measurement rapidly by increasing the light throughput by integrating optics into a hand held unit and avoiding the need for a coherent fiber optic bundle being used. The method includes illuminating a first portion of a target tissue with optical energy, forming a first image of the target tissue, illuminating a second portion of the target tissue with optical energy, performing spectroscopic measurements on optical energy reflected and/or emitted by the target tissue upon illumination of the second portion of the target tissue with optical energy, and determining tissue characteristics of the target tissue based on the results of the spectroscopic measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: SpectRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Shabbir Bambot, Mark Faupel, David Mongin
  • Patent number: 7174927
    Abstract: A vacuum device and method for extraction of a substance from a fluid source, the vacuum device including an upper member that may be selectively, and operably, connected to a lower member. The upper member defines a bottom opening, and has a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the bottom opening. The vacuum pump is selectively coupled to an energy source. The lower member defines an inner cavity, a first opening, and a second opening, the inner cavity in communication with the first opening and the second opening. An elastic membrane defining an interior cavity is disposed in the inner cavity and is coupied to the first opening of the lower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: SpectRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny F. Lincoln, Krishna Kumar, Mark A. Samuels
  • Patent number: 7041057
    Abstract: A tissue interface device (10) suitable for positioning on or about one or more artificial openings in a biological membrane of an organism and for coupling to a monitor and control unit and a vacuum source. The tissue interface device (10) comprises a housing (100), a sensor channel (130), and a sensor (150). The housing (100) defines an orifice (120), the orifice (120) having an open inlet port (122) on the bottom end (102) of the housing (100) and a distal end (124) that is in fluid communication with the sensor channel (130). The orifice (120) is in fluid communication with fluid that flows from the artificial opening formed in the biological membranes. The sensor channel (130) is for coupling to, and fluid communication therewith, the vacuum source. The sensor (150) is positioned in the sensor channel (130) in a flow path of the fluid for sensing a characteristic of the fluid as it flows out from the artificial opening. The sensor generates a sensor signal representative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: SpectRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Faupel, Krishna Kumar, J. David Farquhar, Mark Vreeke, Alan Smith, Michael Hatch, Teresa Woods
  • Patent number: 7037277
    Abstract: A fluid collection and sensor device for placement over at least one artificial opening made in a biological membrane for measuring a characteristic of a biological fluid collected from the tissue through the at least one artificial opening. The device comprises a sensor positioned in a flow path of the biological fluid for contacting a quantity of the biological fluid and generating an indication of a characteristic of the biological fluid. According to one aspect of the invention, a waste fluid storage element, such as a reservoir, is positioned in the device to collect the biological fluid after it has made contact with the sensor. According to another aspect of the invention, various surfaces of the fluid flow path of the fluid collection and sensor device are treated with an agent to limit or minimize clotting, aggregation or sepsis of the biological fluid, blockage or clogging of the flow path or degradation of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignees: SpectRx, Inc., Altea Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Smith, Harry K. Delcher, Jonathan A. Eppstein, David Farquhar, Michael R. Hatch, Krishna Kumar
  • Patent number: 7006220
    Abstract: An apparatus and method embodying the invention including utilizing a device with a limited number of interrogation devices to accomplish a large number of measurements on a target tissue. An instrument embodying the invention includes a plurality of detection devices that are arranged in a predetermined pattern on a tissue contacting face of the instrument. The face of the instrument is located adjacent the target tissue, and a plurality of tissue characteristic measurement are simultaneously conducted. The detection devices are moved to a new position, preferably without moving the tissue contacting face, and a second plurality of tissue characteristic measurements are simultaneously conducted. By conducting a series of measurement cycles in this manner, the ultimate resolution of the device is increased, while still obtaining a given resolution, which reduces potential cross-talk errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: SpectRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Shabbir Bambot, Mark L. Faupel, Glenn Steven Arche
  • Patent number: 6975899
    Abstract: An apparatus and method according to the invention combine more than one optical modality (spectroscopic method), including but not limited to fluorescence, absorption, reflectance, polarization anisotropy, and phase modulation, to decouple morphological and biochemical changes associated with tissue changes due to disease, and thus to provide an accurate diagnosis of the tissue condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: SpectRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Faupel, Shabbir B. Bambot, Tim Harrell, Anant Agrawal
  • Patent number: 6951411
    Abstract: An improved light beam generation and focusing device (15, 50) has a light source (16, 51) constructed and arranged to emit at least one beam of light (20), and a lens assembly (17, 19, 56) constructed and arranged to focus the at least one beam of light on a surface plane. The device is constructed and arranged to sequentially direct the at least one beam of light to at least two spaced locations (21, 21?) on the surface plane. The lens assembly comprises a collimating lens (17), and a spaced focusing lens (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignees: SpectRx, Inc., Altea Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna S. Kumar, Danny F. Lincoln, Jonathan A. Eppstein, Michael R. Hatch
  • Patent number: 6925317
    Abstract: An alignment device and related systems and methods for aligning at least one apparatus with respect to a surface of a tissue. The alignment device comprises a tissue interface member suitable for positioning on the surface of the tissue and mating with the apparatus to maintain alignment of the apparatus during an operation of the apparatus. The alignment device is useful to align various apparatus that are part of a continuous analyte monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: SpectRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Samuels, Krishna S. Kumar, Garrett T. Robinson, J. David Farquhar, Allison Minton, Diedre Williams, Michael R. Hatch, Alan M. Smith, Teresa Woods, Mark Vreeke
  • Patent number: 6922578
    Abstract: An integrated device for poration of biological tissue, harvesting a biological fluid from the tissue, and analysis of the biological fluid. The device comprises a tissue-contacting layer having an electrically or optically heated probe to heat and conduct heat to the tissue to form at least one opening, such as a micropore to collect biological fluid from the opening, and a detecting layer responsive to the biological fluid to provide an indication of a characteristic of the biological fluid, such as the concentration of an analyte in interstitial fluid. In the embodiment in which, the probe comprises a photosensitizing assembly designed for the uniform application of a photosensitizing material, such as, for example, a dye or a pigment, to a tissue, e.g., the stratum comeum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignees: SpectRx, Inc., Altea Therapeutics Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Eppstein, Mark A. Samuels, Michael R. Hatch
  • Patent number: 6918874
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting a measuring an analyte in a biological fluid of an animal. A harvesting device (10) is provided suitable for positioning on the surface of tissue of an animal to harvest biological fluid therefrom. The harvesting device (10) comprises an analyte sensor (50) positioned to be contacted by the harvested biological fluid and which generates a measurement signal representative of the analyte. At least one attribute sensor (40) is provided to measure an attribute associated with the biological fluid harvesting operation of the harvesting device (10) or the assay of the biological fluid, and which generates an attribute signal representative of the attribute. Adjustments are made to operational parameters of the harvesting device (10) based on the one or more attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignees: SpectRx, Inc., Altea Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Hatch, Jonathan A. Eppstein, Stuart McRae
  • Patent number: 6870620
    Abstract: An apparatus embodying the invention includes a probe head with an interrogation surface that is intended to be positioned adjacent or pushed into contact with a target material or tissue. The probe head is constructed to have a plurality of interrogation devices arranged across the face of the interrogation surface. The probe head is also constructed so that the interrogation device can conform to a non-uniform or non-planar surface of the target tissue. In some embodiments, the interrogation surface may have a particular shape that conforms to the shape of a target material. In other embodiments, one or more portions of the interrogation surface could be movable with respect to the remaining portions so that the interrogation surface could be movable with respect to remaining portions so that the interrogation surface can thereby conform to a non-uniform surface. In still other embodiments, a plurality of separately moveable interrogation devices can be arranged across the interrogation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Spectrx, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Faupel, Shabbir B. Bambot, Tim Harrell, J. David Farquhar, Glenn S. Arche, Walter R. Sanders, Edward L. Kimbrell
  • Patent number: 6792982
    Abstract: A vacuum device and method for extraction of a substance from a fluid source, the vacuum device including an upper member that may be selectively, and operably, connected to a lower member. The upper member defines a bottom opening, and has a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the bottom opening. The vacuum pump is selectively coupled to an energy source. The lower member defines an inner cavity, a first opening, and a second opening, the inner cavity in communication with the first opening and the second opening. An elastic membrane defining an interior cavity is disposed in the inner cavity and is coupled to the first opening of the lower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Spectrx, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny F. Lincoln, Krishna Kumar, Mark A. Samuels