Patents by Inventor Mark C. Shults

Mark C. Shults 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: 20180192926
    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: March 6, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Barbara J. Gilligan, Mark A. Tapsak
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20180008173
    Abstract: Systems and methods of use involving sensors having a particle-containing domain are provided for continuous analyte measurement in a host. In some embodiments, a continuous analyte measurement system is configured to be wholly, transcutaneously, intravascularly or extracorporeally implanted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Peter C. Simpson, Robert J. Boock, Matthew Wightlin, Mark C. Shults
  • Publication number: 20170325726
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous and subcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Stuart J. Updike, James H. Brauker
  • 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: 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: 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: 9339223
    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 comprise a unique microarchitectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 9339222
    Abstract: Systems and methods of use involving sensors having a particle-containing domain are provided for continuous analyte measurement in a host. In some embodiments, a continuous analyte measurement system is configured to be wholly, transcutaneously, intravascularly or extracorporeally implanted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter C. Simpson, Robert J. Boock, Matthew D. Wightlin, 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
  • Publication number: 20160022186
    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: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Mark A. Tapsak, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark C. Shults, Jason D. McClure
  • Publication number: 20150374270
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous and subcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Stuart J. Updike, James H. Brauker
  • Patent number: 9179869
    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: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tapsak, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark C. Shults, Jason D. McClure
  • Publication number: 20150157248
    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: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults, Mark A. Tapsak
  • Publication number: 20150087943
    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: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Barbara J. Gilligan, Mark A. Tapsak