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).

  • Patent number: 8923947
    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: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Barbara J. Gilligan, Mark A. Tapsak
  • Publication number: 20140378798
    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 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Mark A. Tapsak, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark C. Shults, Jason D. McClure
  • Publication number: 20140335343
    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: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults, Mark A. Tapsak
  • Patent number: 8865249
    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 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tapsak, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark C. Shults, Jason D. McClure
  • Publication number: 20140128701
    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: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20140128700
    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: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8676288
    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: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20130310666
    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: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K Rhodes, Barbara J. Gilligan, Mark A. Tapsak
  • Publication number: 20130299350
    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: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark A. Tapsak, James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults
  • Patent number: 8560039
    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: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter C. Simpson, Robert J. Boock, Matthew Wightlin, Mark C. Shults
  • Patent number: 8527026
    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: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Barbara J. Gilligan, Mark A. Tapsak
  • Patent number: 8527025
    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: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8509871
    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: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark A. Tapsak, James H. Brauker, Mark C. Shults
  • Publication number: 20120179014
    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 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Barbara J. Gilligan, Mark A. Tapsak
  • Patent number: 8155723
    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: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Barbara J. Gilligan, Mark A. Tapsak
  • Patent number: 8118877
    Abstract: A membrane for implantation in soft tissue comprising a first domain that supports tissue ingrowth, disrupts contractile forces typically found in a foreign body response, encourages vascularity, and interferes with barrier cell layer formation, and a second domain that is resistant to cellular attachment, is impermeable to cells and cell processes, and allows the passage of analytes. The membrane allows for long-term analyte transport in vivo and is suitable for use as a biointerface for implantable analyte sensors, cell transplantation devices, drug delivery devices, and/or electrical signal delivering or measuring devices. The membrane architecture, including cavity size, depth, and interconnectivity, provide long-term robust functionality of the membrane in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Brauker, Mark A. Tapsak, Mark C. Shults
  • Publication number: 20120040101
    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 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tapsak, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark C. Shults, Jason D. McClure
  • Patent number: 8053018
    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: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tapsak, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark C. Shults, Jason D. McClure
  • Patent number: 8050731
    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: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tapsak, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark C. Shults, Jason D. McClure
  • Publication number: 20110253533
    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: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Shults, Stuart J. Updike, Rathbun K. Rhodes