Patents by Inventor Arthur E. Colvin

Arthur E. Colvin 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: 6794195
    Abstract: The invention relates to indicator molecules for detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte in a medium, such as a liquid, and to methods for achieving such detection. More particularly, the invention relates to copolymer macromolecules containing relatively hydrophobic indicator component monomers, and hydrophilic monomers, such that the macromolecule is capable of use in an aqueous environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Sensors for Medicine & Science, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040176669
    Abstract: An optical-based sensor for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte using both indicator and reference channels. The sensor has a sensor body with a source of radiation embedded therein. Radiation emitted by the source interacts with indicator membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. At least one optical characteristic of these indicator molecules varies with analyte concentration. For example, the level of fluorescence of fluorescent indicator molecules or the amount of light absorbed by light-absorbing indicator molecules can vary as a function of analyte concentration. In addition, radiation emitted by the source also interacts with reference membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. Radiation (e.g., light) emitted or reflected by these indicator molecules enters and is internally reflected in the sensor body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: Sensors for Medicine and Science
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin
  • Patent number: 6711423
    Abstract: An optical-based sensor for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte using both indicator and reference channels. The sensor has a sensor body with a source of radiation embedded therein. Radiation emitted by the source interacts with indicator membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. At least one optical characteristic of these indicator molecules varies with analyte concentration. For example, the level of fluorescence of fluorescent indicator molecules or the amount of light absorbed by light-absorbing indicator molecules can vary as a function of analyte concentration. In addition, radiation emitted by the source also interacts with reference membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. Radiation (e.g., light) emitted or reflected by these indicator molecules enters and is internally reflected in the sensor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Sensors for Medicine and Science, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030156290
    Abstract: An optical sensor device for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte, contains a waveguide disposed over a light source and a light detector mounted on a surface of a substrate and separated by an internal baffle, wherein the waveguide has a thickness corresponding to a far field emission point of the light source as determined by a light shielding baffle between the light source and light detector. An analyte indicator matrix is disposed on the outer surface of the waveguide. The sensor device geometry takes advantage of only direct illumination of the indicator matrix, and direct collection of indicator matrix illumination, without any significant reflection by said waveguide. Undesirable light noise generated by the light source passes directly out of the device through the waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Arthur E. Colvin, Steven J. Walters
  • Publication number: 20030013204
    Abstract: The invention relates to indicator molecules for detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte in a medium, such as a liquid, and to methods for achieving such detection. More particularly, the invention relates to copolymer macromolecules containing relatively hydrophobic indicator component monomers, and hydrophilic monomers, such that the macromolecule is capable of use in an aqueous environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin
  • Publication number: 20030013202
    Abstract: The invention relates to indicator molecules for detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte in a medium, such as a liquid, and to methods for achieving such detection. More particularly, the invention relates to copolymer macromolecules containing relatively hydrophobic indicator component monomers, and hydrophilic monomers, such that the macromolecule is capable of use in an aqueous environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin
  • Publication number: 20030008408
    Abstract: The invention relates to indicator molecules for detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte in a medium, such as a liquid, and to methods for achieving such detection. More particularly, the invention relates to copolymer macromolecules containing relatively hydrophobic indicator component monomers, and hydrophilic monomers, such that the macromolecule is capable of use in an aqueous environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin
  • Publication number: 20030003592
    Abstract: The invention relates to indicator molecules for detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte in a medium, such as a liquid, and to methods for achieving such detection. More particularly, the invention relates to copolymer macromolecules containing relatively hydrophobic indicator component monomers, and hydrophilic monomers, such that the macromolecule is capable of use in an aqueous environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin
  • Publication number: 20020164813
    Abstract: An electro-optical sensing device for detecting the presence and concentration of an analyte in a liquid or gaseous medium includes a pair of indicator elements positioned to receive radiation from a radiation source and transmit radiation to a pair of photosensitive elements. The indicator elements each contain indicator molecules having an optical characteristic responsive to the presence of an analyte; however, one of the indicator elements is covered by an analyte-impermeable chamber that renders the indicator element insensitive to the presence of the analyte in the medium outside the chamber so that it can be used as a reference to cancel environmental and systemic variables that affect both indicator elements. The chamber preferably holds an analyte-containing fluid in contact with the reference indicator element so that the indicator elements operate under nominally identical conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Arthur E. Colvin, Robert W. Lynn
  • Publication number: 20020039793
    Abstract: The invention relates to indicator molecules for detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte in a medium, such as a liquid, and to methods for achieving such detection. More particularly, the invention relates to copolymer macromolecules containing relatively hydrophobic indicator component monomers, and hydrophilic monomers, such that the macromolecule is capable of use in an aqueous environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: Sensors for Medicine and Science, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin
  • Publication number: 20020026108
    Abstract: An optical-based sensor for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte using both indicator and reference channels. The sensor has a sensor body with a source of radiation embedded therein. Radiation emitted by the source interacts with indicator membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. At least one optical characteristic of these indicator molecules varies with analyte concentration. For example, the level of fluorescence of fluorescent indicator molecules or the amount of light absorbed by light-absorbing indicator molecules can vary as a function of analyte concentration. In addition, radiation emitted by the source also interacts with reference membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. Radiation (e.g., light) emitted or reflected by these indicator molecules enters and is internally reflected in the sensor body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin
  • Patent number: 6344360
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample by exposing the sample to an indicator molecule comprising a fluorescent lanthanide metal chelate complex. The presence or concentration of the analyte in the sample is determined by observing and/or measuring the change in intensity of fluorescence emitted by the lanthanide metal chelate complex upon binding of the analyte to one or more recognition elements in the complex. The fluorescent indicator molecules can be used in various types of fluorescent sensing devices and are useful in various fields, including energy, medicine and agriculture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Sensors for Medicine and Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur E. Colvin, George Y. Daniloff, Aristole G. Kalivretenos, David Parker, Edwin E. Ullman, Alexandre V. Nikolaitchik
  • Patent number: 6330464
    Abstract: An optical-based sensor for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte using both indicator and reference channels. The sensor has a sensor body with a source of radiation embedded therein. Radiation emitted by the source interacts with indicator membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. At least one optical characteristic of these indicator molecules varies with analyte concentration. For example, the level of fluorescence of fluorescent indicator molecules or the amount of light absorbed by light-absorbing indicator molecules can vary as a function of analyte concentration. In addition, radiation emitted by the source also interacts with reference membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. Radiation (e.g., light) emitted or reflected by these indicator molecules enters and is internally reflected in the sensor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Sensors for Medicine & Science
    Inventors: Arthur E. Colvin, Jr., Gregory A. Dale, Paul Samuel Zerwekh, Jeffery C. Lesho, Robert W. Lynn
  • Patent number: 6304766
    Abstract: An optical-based sensor for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte. The sensor has a sensor body which functions as a wave guide, with a source of radiation embedded therein. Radiation emitted by the source interacts with indicator molecules on the surface of the body. At least one optical characteristics of the indicator molecules varies with analyte concentration. For example, the level of fluorescence of fluorescent indicator molecules or the amount of light absorbed by light-absorbing indicator molecules vary as a function of analyte concentration. Radiation (light) emitted or reflected by the indicator molecules enters and is internally reflected throughout the sensor body. A photosensitive element embedded within the sensor body generates a signal indicative of the level of internally reflected radiation and, hence, the concentration of the analyte. Preferred embodiments are totally self-contained and are sized and shaped for use in vivo in a human being.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Sensors for Medicine and Science
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5917605
    Abstract: A fluorescence sensing device for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a liquid or gaseous medium is constructed of a fiber optic plate comprising optical fibers having relatively small numerical apertures. The fiber optic plate is positioned on a photodetector and has a layer of analyte permeable fluorescent matrix or coated waveguide material on its top surface. The fluorescent matrix or waveguide coating contains indicator molecules whose fluorescence is affected by the local presence of analyte. A light source emits light into the fluorescent matrix in a direction generally parallel to the top surface of the fiber optic plate. Upon absorbing light from the light source, indicator molecules in the fluorescent matrix emit fluorescent light which is transmitted through the fiber optic plate to the photodetector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5910661
    Abstract: A fluorescence sensing device for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a liquid or gaseous medium is constructed of an optical filter, which is positioned on a photodetector and which has a thin film of analyte-permeable, fluorescent indicator molecule-containing material on its top surface. An edge-emitting, light-emitting P-N junction is positioned on the top surface of the optical filter such that the P-N junction from which light is emitted is positioned within the film. Light emitted by the fluorescent indicator molecules impacts the photodetector thereby generating an electrical signal that is related to the concentration of the analyte in the liquid or gaseous medium. Fluorescence sensing devices according to this invention are characterized by very compact sizes, fast response times and high signal-to-noise ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5894351
    Abstract: A fluorescence sensing device for determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a liquid or gaseous medium is constructed of a light-emitting diode having a hole generally perpendicular to the P-N junction, such that light is emitted from said junction into said hole. The hole is filled with a fluorescent matrix which is permeable to analyte and which contains fluorescent indicator molecules whose fluorescence is attenuated or enhanced by the presence of analyte. A photodetector is positioned at one end of the hole, such that fluorescent light received from the fluorescent indicator molecules if converted to an electrical signal that may be correlated to the presence or concentration of analyte in a gaseous or liquid medium in contact with the fluorescent matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5517313
    Abstract: A fluorescence sensor for detecting the presence and amount of an analyte. The fluorescence sensor has a photodetector, a high pass filter located adjacent the photodetector, and a glass layer located adjacent the high pass filter. An indicator layer is located adjacent the glass layer and a light emitting diode is embedded in the indicator layer. The indicator layer has indicator molecules that provide a fluorescent emission as a result of light from the light emitting diode. The indicator layer also allows an analyte to diffuse into it and the presence of the analyte reduces the amount of light emitted from the indicator molecules that passes through the glass layer and the high pass filter and is incident upon the photodetector. Since the amount of current from the photodetector depends upon the incident light, this is used to detect the presence and amount of the analyte. In one embodiment a waveguide is also present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4894152
    Abstract: A fluid control device for use in a fluid chromatography system comprising a control plate with a radial channel structure and a porous plug to create a fluid distribution across the entire cross sectional area of a separating matrix yielding increased efficiency in fluid chromatography operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Cerex Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur E. Colvin, Jr., Matthew W. Hanley
  • Patent number: D309498
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Cerex Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur E. Colvin, Jr.