Patents by Inventor Mark A. Tapsak

Mark A. Tapsak 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: 20180185587
    Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Manual integrations provide for a physical association between the devices wherein a user (for example, patient or doctor) manually selects the amount, type, and/or time of delivery. Semi-automated integration of the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components aids the user (for example, patient or doctor) in selecting, inputting, calculating, or validating the amount, type, or time of medicament delivery of glucose values, for example, by transmitting data to another component and thereby reducing the amount of user input required. Automated integration between the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components provides for full control of the system without required user interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: James H. Brauker, Mark A. Tapsak, Sean T. Saint, Apurv Ullas Kamath, Paul V. Neale, Peter C. Simpson, Michael Robert Mensinger, Dubravka Markovic
  • Patent number: 9993186
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for increasing oxygen availability to implantable devices. The preferred embodiments provide a membrane system configured to provide protection of the device from the biological environment and/or a catalyst for enabling an enzymatic reaction, wherein the membrane system includes a polymer formed from a high oxygen soluble material. The high oxygen soluble polymer material is disposed adjacent to an oxygen-utilizing source on the implantable device so as to dynamically retain high oxygen availability to the oxygen-utilizing source during oxygen deficits. Membrane systems of the preferred embodiments are useful for implantable devices with oxygen-utilizing sources and/or that function in low oxygen environments, such as enzyme-based electrochemical sensors and cell transplantation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Petisce, Mark A. Tapsak, Peter C. Simpson, Victoria Carr-Brendel, James H. Brauker
  • Patent number: 9937293
    Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Manual integrations provide for a physical association between the devices wherein a user (for example, patient or doctor) manually selects the amount, type, and/or time of delivery. Semi-automated integration of the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components aids the user (for example, patient or doctor) in selecting, inputting, calculating, or validating the amount, type, or time of medicament delivery of glucose values, for example, by transmitting data to another component and thereby reducing the amount of user input required. Automated integration between the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components provides for full control of the system without required user interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Brauker, Mark A. Tapsak, Sean T. Saint, Apurv Ullas Kamath, Paul V. Neale, Peter C. Simpson, Michael Robert Mensinger, Dubravka Markovic
  • Patent number: 9931067
    Abstract: Devices and methods for determining analyte levels are described. The devices and methods allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices, such as glucose monitoring devices that result in the delivery of a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device. The devices include unique architectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Barbara J. Gilligan, Mark A. Tapsak
  • Publication number: 20180024086
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor head for use in an implantable device that measures the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid which includes: a non-conductive body; a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode, wherein the electrodes pass through the non-conductive body forming an electrochemically reactive surface at one location on the body and forming an electronic connection at another location on the body, further wherein the electrochemically reactive surface of the counter electrode is greater than the surface area of the working electrode; and a multi-region membrane affixed to the nonconductive body and covering the working electrode, reference electrode and counter electrode. In addition, the present invention provides an implantable device including at least one of the sensor heads of the invention and methods of monitoring glucose levels in a host utilizing the implantable device of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark A. Tapsak, James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults
  • Publication number: 20180014765
    Abstract: The invention provides an implantable membrane for regulating the transport of analytes therethrough that includes a matrix including a first polymer; and a second polymer dispersed throughout the matrix, wherein the second polymer forms a network of microdomains which when hydrated are not observable using photomicroscopy at 400× magnification or less. In one aspect, the homogeneous membrane of the present invention has hydrophilic domains dispersed substantially throughout a hydrophobic matrix to provide an optimum balance between oxygen and glucose transport to an electrochemical glucose sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Mark A. Tapsak, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark C. Shults, Jason D. McClure
  • Patent number: 9804114
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor head for use in an implantable device that measures the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid which includes: a non-conductive body; a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode, wherein the electrodes pass through the non-conductive body forming an electrochemically reactive surface at one location on the body and forming an electronic connection at another location on the body, further wherein the electrochemically reactive surface of the counter electrode is greater than the surface area of the working electrode; and a multi-region membrane affixed to the nonconductive body and covering the working electrode, reference electrode and counter electrode. In addition, the present invention provides an implantable device including at least one of the sensor heads of the invention and methods of monitoring glucose levels in a host utilizing the implantable device of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark A. Tapsak, James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults
  • Patent number: 9801574
    Abstract: The invention provides an implantable membrane for regulating the transport of analytes therethrough that includes a matrix including a first polymer; and a second polymer dispersed throughout the matrix, wherein the second polymer forms a network of microdomains which when hydrated are not observable using photomicroscopy at 400× magnification or less. In one aspect, the homogeneous membrane of the present invention has hydrophilic domains dispersed substantially throughout a hydrophobic matrix to provide an optimum balance between oxygen and glucose transport to an electrochemical glucose sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tapsak, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark C. Shults, Jason D. McClure
  • Publication number: 20170188923
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices for determining an analyte concentration (e.g., glucose). The devices comprise a sensor configured to generate a signal associated with a concentration of an analyte and a sensing membrane located over the sensor. The sensing membrane comprises an enzyme layer, wherein the enzyme layer comprises an enzyme and a polymer comprising polyurethane and/or polyurea segments and one or more zwitterionic repeating units. The enzyme layer protects the enzyme and prevents it from leaching from the sensing membrane into a host or deactivating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Jiong Zou, Robert J. Boock, Andrew Trinin Dennis, Ted Tang Lee, Jeff T. Suri, David Sze, Mark A. Tapsak, Huashi Zhang, Shanger Wang
  • Publication number: 20170188916
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices for determining an analyte concentration (e.g., glucose). The devices comprise a sensor configured to generate a signal associated with a concentration of an analyte and a sensing membrane located over the sensor. The sensing membrane comprises a biointerface layer which interfaces with a biological fluid containing the analyte to be measured. The biointerface layer can comprises a biointerface polymer, wherein the biointerface polymer comprises polyurethane and/or polyurea segments and one or more zwitterionic repeating units. The sensing membrane can also comprise an enzyme layer, wherein the enzyme layer comprises an enzyme and a polymer comprising polyurethane and/or polyurea segments and one or more zwitterionic repeating units. The sensing membrane can also comprise a diffusion-resistance layer, which can comprise a base polymer having a lowest Tg of greater than ?50 C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Shanger Wang, Robert J. Boock, Andrew Trinin Dennis, Ted Tang Lee, Jeff T. Suri, David Sze, Mark A Tapsak, Huashi Zhang, Jiong Zou
  • Publication number: 20170191955
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices for determining an analyte concentration (e.g., glucose). The devices comprise a sensor configured to generate a signal associated with a concentration of an analyte and a sensing membrane located over the sensor. The sensing membrane comprises an enzyme layer, wherein the enzyme layer comprises an enzyme and a polymer comprising polyurethane and/or polyurea segments and one or more zwitterionic repeating units. The enzyme layer protects the enzyme and prevents it from leaching from the sensing membrane into a host or deactivating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Jiong Zou, Robert J. Boock, Andrew Trinin Dennis, Ted Tang Lee, Jeff T. Suri, David Sze, Mark A. Tapsak, Huashi Zhang, Shanger Wang
  • Publication number: 20170150910
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for increasing oxygen availability to implantable devices. The preferred embodiments provide a membrane system configured to provide protection of the device from the biological environment and/or a catalyst for enabling an enzymatic reaction, wherein the membrane system includes a polymer formed from a high oxygen soluble material. The high oxygen soluble polymer material is disposed adjacent to an oxygen-utilizing source on the implantable device so as to dynamically retain high oxygen availability to the oxygen-utilizing source during oxygen deficits. Membrane systems of the preferred embodiments are useful for implantable devices with oxygen-utilizing sources and/or that function in low oxygen environments, such as enzyme-based electrochemical sensors and cell transplantation devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: James R. Petisce, Mark A. Tapsak, Peter C. Simpson, Victoria Carr-Brendel, James H. Brauker
  • Patent number: 9597027
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for increasing oxygen availability to implantable devices. The preferred embodiments provide a membrane system configured to provide protection of the device from the biological environment and/or a catalyst for enabling an enzymatic reaction, wherein the membrane system includes a polymer formed from a high oxygen soluble material. The high oxygen soluble polymer material is disposed adjacent to an oxygen-utilizing source on the implantable device so as to dynamically retain high oxygen availability to the oxygen-utilizing source during oxygen deficits. Membrane systems of the preferred embodiments are useful for implantable devices with oxygen-utilizing sources and/or that function in low oxygen environments, such as enzyme-based electrochemical sensors and cell transplantation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Petisce, Mark A. Tapsak, Peter C. Simpson, Victoria Carr-Brendel, James H. Brauker
  • Publication number: 20170020418
    Abstract: Devices and methods for determining analyte levels are described. The devices and methods allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices, such as glucose monitoring devices that result in the delivery of a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device. The devices include unique architectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Barbara J. Gilligan, Mark A. Tapsak
  • Patent number: 9532741
    Abstract: The present invention provides a biointerface membrane for use with an implantable device that interferes with the formation of a barrier cell layer including; a first domain distal to the implantable device wherein the first domain supports tissue attachment and interferes with barrier cell layer formation and a second domain proximal to the implantable device wherein the second domain is resistant to cellular attachment and is impermeable to cells. In addition, the present invention provides sensors including the biointerface membrane, implantable devices including these sensors or biointerface membranes, and methods of monitoring glucose levels in a host utilizing the analyte detection implantable device of the invention. Other implantable devices which include the biointerface membrane of the present invention, such as devices for cell transplantation, drug delivery devices, and electrical signal delivery or measuring devices are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults, Mark A. Tapsak
  • Patent number: 9498155
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically and intelligently estimating analyte data from a continuous analyte sensor, including receiving a data stream, selecting one of a plurality of algorithms, and employing the selected algorithm to estimate analyte values. Additional data processing includes evaluating the selected estimative algorithms, analyzing a variation of the estimated analyte values based on statistical, clinical, or physiological parameters, comparing the estimated analyte values with corresponding measure analyte values, and providing output to a user. Estimation can be used to compensate for time lag, match sensor data with corresponding reference data, warn of upcoming clinical risk, replace erroneous sensor data signals, and provide more timely analyte information encourage proactive behavior and preempt clinical risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Brauker, Victoria E. Carr-Brendel, Paul V. Goode, Apurv Ullas Kamath, James P. Thrower, Ben Xavier, Peter C. Simpson, Mark A. Tapsak
  • Publication number: 20160289434
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a composition including an ultra-high molecular weight polymer and a low molecular weight polymer and having a bimodal molecular weight distribution and articles including the composition. This disclosure further describes methods including providing a mixture of an ultra-high molecular weight polymer and a low molecular weight polymer, and applying solid-state shear pulverization to the mixture to form a bimodal molecular weight alloy. This disclosure also describes methods that include providing a mixture including a first polymer and a second polymer, and applying solid-state shear pulverization to the mixture to disperse the first polymer in the second polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Tapsak, Philip Brunner
  • Patent number: 9439589
    Abstract: Devices and methods for determining analyte levels are described. The devices and methods allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices, such as glucose monitoring devices that result in the delivery of a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device. The devices include unique architectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Barbara J. Gilligan, Mark A. Tapsak
  • Publication number: 20160178558
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor head for use in an implantable device that measures the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid which includes: a non-conductive body; a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode, wherein the electrodes pass through the non-conductive body forming an electrochemically reactive surface at one location on the body and forming an electronic connection at another location on the body, further wherein the electrochemically reactive surface of the counter electrode is greater than the surface area of the working electrode; and a multi-region membrane affixed to the nonconductive body and covering the working electrode, reference electrode and counter electrode. In addition, the present invention provides an implantable device including at least one of the sensor heads of the invention and methods of monitoring glucose levels in a host utilizing the implantable device of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark A. Tapsak, James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults
  • Patent number: 9328371
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor head for use in an implantable device that measures the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid which includes: a non-conductive body; a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode, wherein the electrodes pass through the non-conductive body forming an electrochemically reactive surface at one location on the body and forming an electronic connection at another location on the body, further wherein the electrochemically reactive surface of the counter electrode is greater than the surface area of the working electrode; and a multi-region membrane affixed to the nonconductive body and covering the working electrode, reference electrode and counter electrode. In addition, the present invention provides an implantable device including at least one of the sensor heads of the invention and methods of monitoring glucose levels in a host utilizing the implantable device of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark A. Tapsak, James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults