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).
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Publication number: 20160178558Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2016Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark A. Tapsak, James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults
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Patent number: 9328371Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: DexCom, Inc.Inventors: Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark A. Tapsak, James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults
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Patent number: 9296882Abstract: A method for improving the throughput of solid-state shear pulverization and solid-state melt-extrusion devices may include the addition of a heat absorbing material with a mixture of polymeric materials in an extruder. The extruder may include one or more extrusion screws. One or more portions of the one or more extrusion screws, one or more barrel sections, and/or one or more extruder work zones may be temperature controlled to maintain a temperature of the polymeric mixture in contact therewith at or below the liquefication temperature of the polymeric materials. The liquefication temperature may be a melting point of a semi-crystalline polymer or a glass transition temperature of an amorphous polymer.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: ZZYZX POLYMERS LLCInventors: Philip Brunner, Mark Tapsak, Michael Janse
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Publication number: 20160022186Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2015Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Mark A. Tapsak, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark C. Shults, Jason D. McClure
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Publication number: 20150351683Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2015Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: James H. Brauker, Mark A. Tapsak, Sean T. Saint, Apurv Ullas Kamath, Paul V. Neale, Peter C. Simpson, Michael Robert Mensinger, Dubravka Markovic
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Patent number: 9179869Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: DexCom, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Tapsak, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark C. Shults, Jason D. McClure
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Patent number: 9155843Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20150157248Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2015Publication date: June 11, 2015Inventors: James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults, Mark A. Tapsak
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Patent number: 9050413Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20150131399Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the temperature of a solid-state screw extruder may include providing an extrusion screw that incorporates one or more screw shaft channels. The shaft channels may be configured to conduct a flow of a heat conducting medium along a length of the shaft. The shaft channels may be incorporated into an exterior surface or within the body of the screw shaft. The extruder may include extrusion screw elements in mechanical communication with the shaft. Each of the elements may further include one or more element channels also configured to conduct a flow of the medium. The shaft channels and the element channels may be disposed to permit a flow of the medium therebetween. The temperature of the extrusion screws and/or screw elements may be controlled by circulating the medium from a source, through the shaft and element channels, and back to the source.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Philip BRUNNER, Mark TAPSAK
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Publication number: 20150104508Abstract: Systems, methods, compositions, and devices related to the delivery of one or more biologically active agents to a body include the admixture of one or more biologically active agents with one or more biocompatible polymeric mixtures in a solid-state shear extrusion system. The extrusion systems may include one or more extrusion screws. One or more portions of the one or more extrusion screws, one or more extrusion system active elements, one or more barrel sections, and/or one or more extruder work zones may be temperature controlled to maintain a temperature of the biocompatible polymeric mixture in contact therewith at or below the liquefication temperature of the biocompatible polymeric materials. The resulting compositions from the extrusion systems may be fabricated into devices to deliver the one or more biologically active agents to a body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Philip BRUNNER, Mark TAPSAK
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Publication number: 20150087943Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Barbara J. Gilligan, Mark A. Tapsak
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Publication number: 20150065616Abstract: A method for improving the throughput of solid-state shear pulverization and solid-state melt-extrusion devices may include the addition of a heat absorbing material with a mixture of polymeric materials in an extruder. The extruder may include one or more extrusion screws. One or more portions of the one or more extrusion screws, one or more barrel sections, and/or one or more extruder work zones may be temperature controlled to maintain a temperature of the polymeric mixture in contact therewith at or below the liquefication temperature of the polymeric materials. The liquefication temperature may be a melting point of a semi-crystalline polymer or a glass transition temperature of an amorphous polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Philip BRUNNER, Mark TAPSAK, Michael JANSE
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Publication number: 20150057514Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: James R. Petisce, Mark A. Tapsak, Peter C. Simpson, Victoria Carr-Brendel, James H. Brauker
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Patent number: 8926585Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: DexCom, Inc.Inventors: James H. Brauker, Mark A. Tapsak, Sean T. Saint, Apurv U. Kamath, Paul V. Neale, Peter C. Simpson, Michael Robert Mensinger, Dubravka Markovic
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Patent number: 8920401Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: DexCom, Inc.Inventors: James H. Brauker, Mark A. Tapsak, Sean T. Saint, Apurv U. Kamath, Paul V. Neale, Peter C. Simpson, Michael Robert Mensinger, Dubravka Markovic
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Patent number: 8923947Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: DexCom, Inc.Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Barbara J. Gilligan, Mark A. Tapsak
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Publication number: 20140378798Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Mark A. Tapsak, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark C. Shults, Jason D. McClure
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Patent number: 8909314Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: DexCom, Inc.Inventors: James R. Petisce, Mark A. Tapsak, Peter C. Simpson, Victoria E. Carr-Brendel, James H. Brauker
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Publication number: 20140335343Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults, Mark A. Tapsak