Patents Examined by Etsub D. Berhanu
  • Patent number: 7792561
    Abstract: A device for sensing analyte concentration, and in particular glucose concentration, in vivo or in vitro is disclosed. An optical conduit, preferably an optical fiber has an optical system at the proximal end of the optical conduit. A sensing element is attached to the distal end of the optical conduit, and comprises at least one binding protein adapted to bind with at least one target analyte. The sensing element further comprises at least one reporter group that undergoes a luminescence change with changing analyte concentrations. Optionally, the sensing element includes reference groups with luminescence properties that are substantially unchanged by variations in the analyte concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Javier Alarcon, Kristin Weidemaier, Terry J. Amiss, John D. Denuzzio, Christopher C. Herdman, Ross Wayne Jacobson, J. Bruce Pitner, Douglas B. Sherman
  • Patent number: 7787923
    Abstract: A device for sensing analyte concentration, and in particular glucose concentration, in vivo or in vitro is disclosed. A sensing element is attached to the distal end of an optical conduit, and comprises at least one binding protein adapted to bind with at least one target analyte. The sensing element further comprises at least one reporter group that undergoes a luminescence change with changing analyte concentrations. Optionally, the optical conduit and sensing element may be housed within a cannulated bevel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Javier Alarcon, Kristin Weidemaier, Terry J. Amis, John D. DeNuzzio, Christopher C. Herdman, Ross W. Jacobson, J. Bruce Pitner, Douglas B. Sherman, Steven Keith
  • Patent number: 7783332
    Abstract: A method for determining the quantity of an analyte in a fluid is described along with various components of an apparatus designed to carry out the method. The method involves habituating a patient's eye to one or more colors, measuring the recovery time, and correlating the recovery time to the quantity of the analyte. A reproducible, objective, non-attentiveness-dependant test for assessing analyte levels is further disclosed. To this end, a device that measures saccadic eye movements may be used to assess the return of vision to the prehabituated state. The method and apparatus are particularly suited for noninvasively measuring blood glucose levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Laufer, Daniel R. Burnett
  • Patent number: 7774037
    Abstract: An apparatus for the measurement of at least one analyte in the blood of a patient, which includes a light source generating broadband light and a light-transmission arrangement having a plurality of transmitting fibers is positioned for simultaneously transmitting multiple wavelengths of the broadband light from the light source to the blood of the patient. The measurement apparatus further includes an optical fiber arrangement having a plurality of light detector fibers for leading multi-wavelength light, in spectrally unseparated form, transmitted through, or reflected from, the blood and a light detection arrangement for receiving the multi-wavelength light in its spectrally unseparated form from the optical fiber arrangement, for spectrally decomposing the received light, and for determining amplitudes of selected wavelengths of the decomposed light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Whitland Research Limited
    Inventors: Dawood Parker, David K Harrison
  • Patent number: 7769419
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring an apparent depth (1) of a section of an eye (30) are disclosed. Light is focused to a measurement location (15) proximate or within the eye. The measurement location is scanned through the section and upon passing through first and second refractive index interfaces defining the section, a respective reflected light signal is detected, from which apparent positions of the first and second interfaces may be derived. Preferably, a confocal scanning arrangement is employed. Preferably, the section is the aqueous humor (34) of the eye (30). From changes in its refractive index (n) corresponding changes in glucose concentration in the aqueous humor and, in turn, in the bloodstream of a patient may be derived, offering a non-invasive monitoring means for diabetic patients. The apparatus may be a hand-held device, employing microelectromechanical systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Lein Applied Diagnostics Limited
    Inventor: Daniel John Daly
  • Patent number: 7764983
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to pulse oximeter systems and methods. Specifically, one embodiment includes an oximeter system including an oximeter sensor comprising a light emitting element configured to emit light having a wavelength, a light detector configured to receive the light, and a memory storing signal quality data that facilitates determining a quality of signals sent from the light emitting element to the light detector via the light. Further, the oximeter system may comprise an oximeter monitor, comprising a receiving circuit configured to receive the signal quality data from the oximeter sensor, and a processor configured to use the signal quality data to calculate an optical transmissivity of a material for the wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Mannheimer, Michael E. Fein, Marcia Fein, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7764982
    Abstract: A physiological sensor has light emitting sources, each activated by addressing at least one row and at least one column of an electrical grid. The light emitting sources are capable of transmitting light of multiple wavelengths and a detector is responsive to the transmitted light after attenuation by body tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Masimo Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: David Dalke, Ammar Al-Ali, Mohamed Diab, Marcelo Lamego, Robert Smith
  • Patent number: 7761128
    Abstract: A physiological monitor varies perfusion at a tissue site and measures resulting perfusion values and corresponding oxygen consumption values. A constant oxygen consumption relationship between the perfusion values and the oxygen consumption values is characterized, and changes in that relationship are monitored so as to indicate changes in metabolism at the tissue site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: MASIMO Corporation
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Mohamed K. Diab, Massi E. Kiani, Robert James Kopotic, David Tobler
  • Patent number: 7761126
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a non-invasive method and apparatus for measuring a fluid analyte, particularly relating to glucose or alcohol contained in blood or tissue, utilizing spectroscopic methods. More particularly, the method and apparatus incorporate means for detecting and quantifying changes in the concentration of specific analytes in tissue fluid. Also, the method and apparatus can be used to predict future levels of analyte concentration either in the tissue fluid or in blood in an adjacent vascular system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Inlight Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Gardner, Trent D. Ridder, William Gruner
  • Patent number: 7761127
    Abstract: A physiological sensor has emitters configured to transmit optical radiation having multiple wavelengths in response to corresponding drive currents. A thermal mass is disposed proximate the emitters so as to stabilize a bulk temperature for the emitters. A temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the thermal mass. The temperature sensor provides a temperature sensor output responsive to the bulk temperature so that the wavelengths are determinable as a function of the drive currents and the bulk temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Masimo Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Mohamed Diab, Marcelo Lamego, James P. Coffin, Yassir Abdul-Hafiz
  • Patent number: 7761129
    Abstract: A measurement head has an objective for imaging of a target area such as including a capillary vessel in the skin. The measurement head does not require a lateral shifting of the optical axis of the objective. Transverse relative movements between the objective and a capillary vessel in the skin are performed by mechanically shifting the skin with respect to the objective of the measurement head. Moreover, the measurement head is adapted to host one or more pressure sensors for measuring the contact pressure between the measurement head and the skin. Pressure information may be exploited in order to calibrate a spectroscopic analyzer, and/or to regulate the contact pressure within predefined margins specifying an optimum range of contact pressure for spectroscopic examination of capillary vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Marjolein Van Der Voort, Bernardus Leonardus Bakker, Gerald Lucassen, Hendrikus Antonius Cornelus Maria Compen, Michael Cornelis Van Beek, Wouter Harry Jacinth Rensen
  • Patent number: 7753903
    Abstract: A method for monitoring biological substances found in the bloodstream include implanting in-vivo a pedestal such that a sensor mounted on the pedestal extends into the bone marrow for sensing the biological substance. A transmitter is included for transmitting signals from the sensor to a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Paunceforte Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Victor Burton, Robert Harold Lovett
  • Patent number: 7751863
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an optical sensor capable of measuring two analytes simultaneously with a single indicator system. In preferred embodiments, the sensor comprises a fluorescent dye having acid and base forms that facilitate ratiometric pH sensing, wherein the dye is further associated with a glucose binding moiety and configured to generate a signal that varies in intensity with the concentration of glucose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: GluMetrics, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Markle, Jeff T. Suri, Ritchie A. Wessling, Matthew A. Romey
  • Patent number: 7747301
    Abstract: Medical diagnostic system, apparatus and methods are disclosed. Optical transmitters generate radiation-containing photons having a specific interaction with at least one target chromophore in a target structure, preferably a blood vessel such as the interior jugular vein. The optical transmitters transmit the radiation into at least a first area including a substantial portion of the target structure and into a second area not including a substantial portion of the target structure. Optical receivers detect a portion radiation scattered from at least the first area and the second area. A processor estimates oxygenation, pH or cardiac output based on the scattered radiation detected from the first area, and the scattered radiation from the second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Skyline Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Xuefeng Cheng, Daniel Hwan Kim, Butrus T. Khuri-Yakub
  • Patent number: 7747302
    Abstract: A method for the integrated facilitization of blood flow and monitoring of blood analyte concentration (for example, blood glucose concentration) includes implanting a stent configured to facilitate blood flow into a cardiovascular system of a user's body with the stent having attached thereto a continuous blood analyte determination module of a blood analyte monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Lifescan, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Milledge, Mahyar Z. Kermani
  • Patent number: 7742794
    Abstract: A probe adapted to be used with a pulse oximeter is disclosed. A flexible first housing is adapted to be brought into contact with at least a nail of a finger or a toe of a subject. A flexible second housing is adapted to be brought into contact with at least a top of the finger or the toe. A flexible connecting part connects the first housing and the second housing, and is adapted to cover a tip end of the nail. A light emitting element is provided on one of the first housing and the second housing. A light receiving element is provided on the other one of the first housing and the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Noriaki Todokoro, Keiichi Sugiura, Toru Maeda, Hideki Fujisaki
  • Patent number: 7738934
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus uses a biological component sensor including a plate-shaped sensor chip having a biological component sensing function and a sensor chip holding frame surrounding and holding the sensor chip. The biological component sensor is disposed in a measuring apparatus main body housing. A fixed engaging member and movable engaging member disposed on a sensor chip support table fixed to the measuring apparatus main body housing fix and support the sensor chip holding frame, and the sensor chip can be thus replaced. The biological component sensor contacts a forearm portion of a human body, and a biological component exuded from a contact part of the forearm portion is caused to contact the sensor chip to change a physical or chemical surface property of the sensor chip, thereby measuring the change through an irradiation of an inspection light to calculate concentration of the biological component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomohiro Takase, Isao Nawata, Ikuo Uematsu, Kayoko Oomiya
  • Patent number: 7738937
    Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided that includes a skeletal frame comprising first and second portions configured to move relative to one another. At least one physiological sensor is attached to the frame. A coating is provided over the frame and the at least one physiological sensor to form the sensor assembly. The sensor may be placed on a patient's finger, toe, ear, and so forth to obtain pulse oximetry or other physiological measurements. Methods for manufacturing and using a sensor are also provided as is a method for manufacturing a sensor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Coakley, George L. Matlock, William Raridan, Darius Eghbal
  • Patent number: 7738935
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for reducing motion artifacts when measuring blood oxygen saturation. A portion of the light having the first wavelength, a portion of light having the second wavelength and a portion of the light having the third wavelength are received. A first signal is produced based on the received portion of light having the first wavelength. Similarly, a second signal is produced based on the received portion of light having the second wavelength, and a third signal is produced based on the received portion of light having the third wavelength. A difference between the second signal and the first signal is determined, wherein the difference signal is first plethysmography signal. Similarly, a difference is determined between the third signal and the first signal to produce a second plethysmography signal. Blood oxygen saturation is then estimated using the first and second plethysmography signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Turcott
  • Patent number: 7738936
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for obtaining measures of blood oxygen saturation using an implantable device implanted within a patient and a non-implanted device external to the patient, while limiting the amount of processing that need be performed by the implantable device. Other embodiments limit the amount of processing that is performed within the implantable device by monitoring changes and blood oxygen saturation without determining actual measures of blood oxygen saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Turcott