Patents by Inventor Kenneth Witte

Kenneth Witte 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).

  • Publication number: 20070103678
    Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the composition of bodily fluid. The apparatus comprises a fluid handling network including a patient end configured to maintain fluid communication with a bodily fluid in a patient. The apparatus further comprises a pump unit in operative engagement with the fluid handling network. The pump unit has an infusion mode in which the pump unit is operable to deliver infusion fluid to the patient through the patient end, and a sample draw mode in which the pump unit is operable to draw a sample of the bodily fluid from the patient through the patient end. The apparatus further comprises a spectroscopic analyzer configured to obtain spectra from at least a portion of the sample, and a processor in communication with or incorporated into the spectroscopic analyzer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Inventors: Bernhard Sterling, W. Hall, David Callicoat, Jennifer Gable, James Braig, Kenneth Witte, Mark Wechsler, Richard Keenan, Richard King
  • Publication number: 20070083160
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a body fluid analyzing system includes a body fluid analyzer configured to be in fluid communication with a body fluid within a patient. The body fluid analyzing system further includes a communication interface configured to provide communication between the body fluid analyzer and a data system which includes at least one data file. The body fluid analyzer is configured to access the at least one data file via the communication interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: W. Hall, James Braig, Kenneth Witte, Mark Wechsler, Peter Rule, Richard King
  • Publication number: 20070082342
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus for analyzing the composition of bodily fluid includes a first fluid passageway having a patient end which is configured to provide fluid communication with a bodily fluid within a patient. The apparatus further includes at least one pump coupled to the first fluid passageway. The at least one pump has an infusion mode in which the pump is operable to deliver infusion fluid to the patient through the patient end, and a sample draw mode in which the pump is operable to draw a sample of the bodily fluid from the patient through the patient end. The apparatus further includes an analyte detection system accessible via the first fluid passageway such that the analyte detection system can receive at least one component of the drawn sample of bodily fluid and determine a concentration of at least one analyte. The analyte detection system is spaced from the patient end of the first fluid passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Inventors: James Braig, Kenneth Witte, Mark Wechsler, Peter Rule, Richard Keenan
  • Publication number: 20070060872
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for monitoring a predetermined parameter of a patient's body fluid while infusing an infusion fluid into the patient. The apparatus comprises an infusion line and a catheter configured for insertion into a blood vessel of the patient, and a reversible infusion pump connected between a source of an infusion fluid and the infusion line and catheter. The apparatus further comprises a body fluid sensor assembly mounted in fluid communication with the infusion line and which includes a first sensor and a sample cell. The first sensor provides a signal indicative of a predetermined parameter of any fluid present in the infusion line. The sample cell is substantially transmissive to light comprising a wavelength ?. The apparatus further comprises a controller that is configured to operate the infusion pump in a forward direction so as to pump the infusion fluid through the infusion line and catheter for infusion into the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: W. Hall, David Callicoat, Jennifer Gable, James Braig, Kenneth Witte, Mark Wechsler, Peter Rule, Richard Keenan
  • Publication number: 20060292650
    Abstract: An apparatus is presented for estimating the concentration of an analyte using a combined enzyme-spectroscopic method. Examples are provided for the detection of glucose and lactate. A sample of biological fluid is mixed or contacted with an enzyme specific to the analyte of interest, and the reacting fluid is probed with an optical system at wavelengths that includes at least one wavelength that is sensitive to the analyte concentration and at least one wavelength that is not sensitive to the analyte concentration. The optical system measures properties, such as optical density, and relates the measurements to concentration through a calibration of the system. A method is also provided for analyzing the data obtained from optical measurements of reactions of enzymes with biological fluids. These technologies may be applied to continuous or periodic patient sampling systems or to test strip type devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Inventors: James Braig, Kenneth Witte, Margaret Magarian, Jane Sheill, Bernhard Sterling
  • Publication number: 20060235348
    Abstract: A method of extracting and analyzing bodily fluids from a patient at the point of care for the patient is provided. The method comprises establishing fluid communication between an analyte detection system and a bodily fluid in the patient. A portion of the bodily fluid is drawn from the patient. The drawn portion is separated into a first component of the bodily fluid, while the analyte detection system remains in fluid communication with the patient. The analyte detection system analyzes the first component to measure a concentration of an analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Inventors: David Callicoat, Jennifer Gable, James Braig, Kenneth Witte, Mark Wechsler, Peng Zheng, Peter Rule, Richard Keenan, Richard King
  • Publication number: 20060200070
    Abstract: A fluid sampling and analysis system. The system comprises a fluid handling network including a patient end configured to maintain fluid communication with a bodily fluid of a patient; a sample analysis chamber accessible by the fluid handling network; and a pump unit in operative engagement with the fluid handling network. The pump unit has an infusion mode in which the pump unit is operable to deliver infusion fluid to the patient through the patient end; a sample draw mode in which the pump unit is operable to draw a sample of bodily fluid from the patient through the patient end, and provide a portion of the sample to the sample analysis chamber; and an optical calibration mode in which the pump unit is operable to supply calibration fluid to the sample analysis chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Inventors: David Callicoat, Jennifer Gable, Kenneth Witte, Peng Zheng, Richard Keenan, Bernhard Sterling, James Braig, Mark Wechsler, W. Hall
  • Publication number: 20060197015
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described that permit an analyte concentration to be estimated from a measurement in the presence of compounds that interfere with the measurement. The method reduces the error in the analyte concentration in the presence of interferents. The method includes the use of a set of measurements obtained for a large population having a range of known analyte and interfering compound concentrations. From a sample measurement, which may or may not be one of the population, likely present interferents are identified, and a calibration vector is calculated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Inventors: Bernhard Sterling, W. Hall, Kenneth Witte, Mark Wechsler, Peng Zheng, Richard Keenan
  • Publication number: 20060195058
    Abstract: A fluid handling and analysis system comprises a fluid transport network comprising at least a first fluid passageway. The fluid transport network includes a patient end that is configured to maintain fluid communication with a bodily fluid in a patient. A sample analysis chamber and waste container are each accessible via the fluid transport network. A pump unit is in operative engagement with the fluid transport network. The pump unit has an infusion mode in which the pump unit is operable to deliver an infusion fluid to the patient through the patient end, and a sample draw mode in which the pump unit is operable to draw a volume of the bodily fluid from the patient through the patient end, towards the sample analysis chamber. A spectroscopic fluid analyzer is configured to analyze a sample of the bodily fluid while the sample is in the sample analysis chamber, and determine a concentration of at least one analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Inventors: Jennifer Gable, James Braig, Kenneth Witte, Mark Wechsler, Peng Zheng, Richard Keenan
  • Publication number: 20060195045
    Abstract: A fluid handling module is configured for removable engagement with a reusable main fluid handling instrument. The module comprises a housing, an infusion fluid passageway, a sample fluid passageway, and a fluid component separator. The infusion fluid passageway has a first port and a second port spaced from the first port, and a lumen extending from the first port to the second port. The sample fluid passageway is connected to the infusion fluid passageway. The fluid component separator is connected to the sample fluid passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Inventors: Jennifer Gable, James Braig, Kenneth Li, Kenneth Witte, Mark Wechsler, Peng Zheng, Richard Keenan
  • Publication number: 20060189858
    Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing the composition of bodily fluid. The apparatus comprises a fluid handling network including a patient end configured to maintain fluid communication with a bodily fluid in a patient; and a pump unit in operative engagement with the fluid handling network. The pump unit has an infusion mode in which the pump unit is operable to deliver infusion fluid to the patient through the patient end, and a sample draw mode in which the pump unit is operable to draw a sample of the bodily fluid from the patient through the patient end. The apparatus further comprises a spectroscopic analyzer positioned to analyze at least a portion of the sample; a processor in communication with or incorporated into the spectroscopic analyzer; and stored program instructions executable by the processor to obtain measurements of two or more properties of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Inventors: Bernhard Sterling, James Braig, Kenneth Witte, Peter Rule, Richard Keenan, W. Hall
  • Publication number: 20060189926
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for monitoring a predetermined parameter of a patient's body fluid while infusing an infusion fluid into the patient. The apparatus comprises an infusion line and a catheter configured for insertion into a blood vessel of the patient, and a reversible infusion pump connected between a source of an infusion fluid and the infusion line and catheter. The apparatus further comprises a body fluid sensor assembly mounted in fluid communication with the infusion line and which includes a first sensor and a sample cell. The first sensor provides a signal indicative of a predetermined parameter of any fluid present in the infusion line. The sample cell is substantially transmissive to light comprising a wavelength B. The apparatus further comprises a controller that is configured to operate the infusion pump in a forward direction so as to pump the infusion fluid through the infusion line and catheter for infusion into the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Inventors: W. Hall, David Callicoat, Jennifer Gable, James Braig, Kenneth Witte, Mark Wechsler, Peter Rule, Richard Keenan
  • Publication number: 20060189925
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system for bodily fluid sampling and analysis comprises a first fluid passageway having a patient end which is configured to provide fluid communication with a bodily fluid within a patient. A sample analysis chamber is accessible via the first fluid passageway. At least one pump is in operative engagement with the first fluid passageway such that the system is operable to periodically draw a sample of the bodily fluid from the patient through the first fluid passageway and toward the sample analysis chamber. A separator is accessible via the first fluid passageway and configured to remove at least one component from the sample of bodily fluid. A spectroscopic analyte detection system is configured to analyze the component of bodily fluid while the component of bodily fluid is in the sample analysis chamber, and determine a concentration of at least one analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Inventors: Jennifer Gable, James Braig, Kenneth Witte, Mark Wechsler, Peng Zheng, Richard Keenan
  • Publication number: 20050264815
    Abstract: A sample element configured to hold a material sample for determining a concentration of an analyte in the material sample. The sample element comprises a first window, a sample chamber partially defined by the first window, and a second, moveable window substantially aligned with the first window and the sample chamber. The second window is moveable from a first position in which the second window is spaced from the sample chamber, to a second position in which the second window covers and at least partially encloses the sample chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Inventors: Mark Wechsler, Kenneth Witte, Rich Keenan, Ken Li, Andrew Smith, James Braig
  • Publication number: 20050197790
    Abstract: A method determines an analyte concentration in a sample including the analyte and a substance. The method includes providing an absorption spectrum of the sample. The absorption spectrum has an absorption baseline. The method further includes shifting the absorption spectrum so that the absorption baseline approximately equals a selected absorption value in a selected absorption wavelength range. The method further includes subtracting a substance contribution from the absorption spectrum. Thus, the method provides a corrected absorption spectrum substantially free of a contribution from the substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Publication date: September 8, 2005
    Inventors: Bernhard Sterling, James Braig, Daniel Goldberger, Kenneth Witte
  • Publication number: 20050036146
    Abstract: A sample element includes first and second substantially parallel faces separated by an intermediate member. The parallel faces and the intermediate member at least partially define a sample chamber configured to hold a volume of fluid. The sample element further includes an optical path extending through the parallel faces and the intermediate member, such that electromagnetic radiation can propagate through the sample chamber. The sample element further includes an identifying compound disposed within or on at least one of the parallel faces. The identifying compound has at least one indexed optical absorbance feature, such that spectral analysis of electromagnetic radiation propagated through the sample chamber yields the indexed optical absorbance feature. Detection of the indexed optical absorbance feature in electromagnetic radiation propagated through the sample chamber indicates to an analyte detection system whether the sample element is configured for use with the analyte detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: James Braig, Kenneth Witte, Philip Hartstein, Ken Li, Peter Rule
  • Publication number: 20050037384
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for estimating the concentration of an analyte in a material sample. The system comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation; a detector positioned to detect radiation emitted by the source, so that the source and the detector define an optical path therebetween; and a sample element configured to be positioned in the optical path. The sample element comprises a sample chamber at least partially defined by opposed first and second windows which are substantially transmissive of at least a portion of the radiation emitted by the source, and which define an optical pathlength through the sample element. The sample chamber has an internal volume of less than 2 microliters. When the material sample is positioned in the sample chamber and the sample chamber is positioned in the optical path, the system computes estimated concentrations of the analyte in the material sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: James Braig, Michael Munrow, Kenneth Witte, Mark Wechsler, Jennifer Gable, Igor Nemchuk, Peng Zheng, Kenneth Li, Maria Isaac, Robert Gaffney, Ronald Leguidleguid, Fiona Sander
  • Publication number: 20050037482
    Abstract: An analyte detection system is configured to measure concentrations of at least first and second analytes in a single material sample supported by a sample element. The measurement of a second analyte can be conditioned on a quantitative or qualitative result of the first measurement. In one embodiment, the first analyte is glucose and the second analyte is a ketone. According to such an embodiment the ketone is measured if the result of the glucose measurement exceeds a previously-specified value or falls outside of a previously-specified range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: James Braig, Peter Rule, Kenneth Witte, Philip Hartstein, Bernhard Sterling
  • Patent number: 5300066
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing damage to an optical fiber used as part of a laser radiation delivery system are disclosed. The apparatus includes the use of a spacer positioned adjacent the tip of the fiber to minimize the impact on the fiber tip of debris and vapor generated by exposure of a tissue target to high energy radiation. The end of the apparatus is configured to vent debris and vapor from the end of the tip to reduce damage. The fiber tip may also be annealed to enhance its resistance to damage. The buffer material may also be stripped from the delivery end of the fiber so that the inner diameter of the outer support can be narrowed. An epoxy resin is injected into the space between the uncoated fiber and the support to stabilize the fiber and prevent it from bending. The delivery end of the fiber can also be enlarged to shield the remainder of the fiber from debris and vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Coherent, Inc.
    Inventors: Nubar Manoukian, James L. Hobart, Kenneth Witte