Patents by Inventor Michael F. Tomasco
Michael F. Tomasco 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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Patent number: 6973706Abstract: A process for the manufacture of small sensors with reproducible surfaces, including electrochemical sensors. One process includes fanning channels in the surface of a substrate and disposing a conductive material in the channels to form an electrode. The conductive material can also be formed on the substrate by other impact and non-impact methods. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes cutting the substrate to form a sensor having a connector portion and a transcutaneous portion, the two portions having edges that define one continuous straight line.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: TheraSense, Inc.Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke
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Publication number: 20040236200Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2003Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke, Keith A. Friedman, Fredric C. Colman
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Publication number: 20040171921Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke, Keith A. Friedman, Fredric C. Colman
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Publication number: 20040167801Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke, Keith A. Friedman, Fredric C. Colman
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Publication number: 20040111017Abstract: An in vivo electrochemical sensor including a working electrode, and an analyte-responsive sensing layer proximate the working electrode. The sensing layer is exposed at an edge of the sensor, wherein the sensor signal is limited, at least in part, by mass transport of analyte to the sensing layer. The sensor is configured and arranged for implantation into the body of a mammal for contact with body fluids of the mammal. The analyte diffuses to the sensing element via the edge of the sensor, thereby restricting mass transport of the analyte to the sensing element. This is because the solution-contacting surface area of the sensor edge is much smaller than an open face of the sensing layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: TheraSense, Inc.Inventors: James L. Say, Henning Sakslund, Michael F. Tomasco, Jay D. Audett, Hyun Cho, Duane O. Yamasaki, Adam Heller
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Publication number: 20040106860Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke, Keith A. Friedman, Fredric C. Colman
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Publication number: 20040106859Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke, Keith A. Friedman, Fredric C. Colman
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Publication number: 20040106858Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Applicant: TheraSense, Inc.Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke, Keith A. Friedman, Fredric C. Colman
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Patent number: 6654625Abstract: An in vivo electrochemical sensor including a working electrode, and an analyte-responsive sensing layer proximate the working electrode. The sensing layer is exposed at an edge of the sensor, wherein the sensor signal is limited, at least in part, by mass transport of analyte to the sensing layer. The sensor is configured and arranged for implantation into the body of a mammal for contact with body fluids of the mammal. The analyte diffuses to the sensing element via the edge of the sensor, thereby restricting mass transport of the analyte to the sensing element. This is because the solution-contacting surface area of the sensor edge is much smaller than an open face of the sensing layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: TheraSense, Inc.Inventors: James L. Say, Henning Sakslund, Michael F. Tomasco, Jay D. Audett, Hyun Cho, Duane O. Yamasaki, Adam Heller
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Publication number: 20030188427Abstract: A process for the manufacture of small sensors with reproducible surfaces, including electrochemical sensors. One process includes forming channels in the surface of a substrate and disposing a conductive material in the channels to form an electrode. The conductive material can also be formed on the substrate by other impact and non-impact methods. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a continuous substrate web, and disposing a pattern of a conductive material on the continuous substrate web to form one or more working electrodes and/or counter electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: October 9, 2003Applicant: TheraSense, Inc.Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke
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Publication number: 20030187338Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: TheraSense, Inc.Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke, Keith A. Friedman, Fredric C. Colman
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Patent number: 6565509Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: TheraSense, Inc.Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke, Keith A. Friedman, Fredric C. Colman
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Publication number: 20030088166Abstract: An electrochemical analyte sensor formed using conductive traces on a substrate can be used for determining and/or monitoring a level of analyte in in vitro or in vivo analyte-containing fluids. For example, an implantable sensor may be used for the continuous or automatic monitoring of a level of an analyte, such as glucose, lactate, or oxygen, in a patient. The electrochemical analyte sensor includes a substrate and conductive material disposed on the substrate, the conductive material forming a working electrode. In some sensors, the conductive material is disposed in recessed channels formed in a surface of the sensor. An electron transfer agent and/or catalyst may be provided to facilitate the electrolysis of the analyte or of a second compound whose level depends on the level of the analyte. A potential is formed between the working electrode and a reference electrode or counter/reference electrode and the resulting current is a function of the concentration of the analyte in the body fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: TheraSense, Inc.Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke
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Patent number: 6484046Abstract: An electrochemical analyte sensor having conductive traces on a substrate is used to determine a level of analyte in in vitro or in vivo analyte-containing fluids. The electrochemical analyte sensor includes a substrate and conductive material disposed on the substrate, the conductive material forming a working electrode. In some sensors, the conductive material is disposed in recessed channels formed in a surface of the sensor. An electron transfer agent and/or catalyst may be provided to facilitate the electrolysis of the analyte or of a second compound whose level depends on the level of the analyte. A potential is formed between the working electrode and a reference electrode or counter/reference electrode and the resulting current is a function of the concentration of the analyte in the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: TheraSense, Inc.Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke
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Patent number: 6464849Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor including a bundle of electrically conductive fibers. The sensor also includes a sensing material coating at least some of the fibers in the bundle, and an insulating layer that surrounds the bundle of electrically conductive fibers.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1999Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Pepex Biomedical, L.L.C.Inventors: James L. Say, Henning Sakslund, Michael F. Tomasco
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Patent number: 6175752Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Therasense, Inc.Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke, Keith A. Friedman, Fredric C. Colman
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Patent number: 6134461Abstract: An electrochemical analyte sensor formed using conductive traces on a substrate can be used for determining and/or monitoring a level of analyte in in vitro or in vivo analyte-containing fluids. For example, an implantable sensor may be used for the continuous or automatic monitoring of a level of an analyte, such as glucose, lactate, or oxygen, in a patient. The electrochemical analyte sensor includes a substrate and conductive material disposed on the substrate, the conductive material forming a working electrode. In some sensors, the conductive material is disposed in recessed channels formed in a surface of the sensor. An electron transfer agent and/or catalyst may be provided to facilitate the electrolysis of the analyte or of a second compound whose level depends on the level of the analyte. A potential is formed between the working electrode and a reference electrode or counter/reference electrode and the resulting current is a function of the concentration of the analyte in the body fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: E. Heller & CompanyInventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke
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Patent number: 6103033Abstract: A process for the manufacture of small sensors with reproducible surfaces, including electrochemical sensors. One process includes forming channels in the surface of a substrate and disposing a conductive material in the channels to form an electrode. The conductive material can also be formed on the substrate by other impact and non-impact methods. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a continuous substrate web, and disposing a pattern of a conductive material on the continuous substrate web to form one or more working electrodes and/or counter electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: TheraSense, Inc.Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Behrad Aria, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke
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Patent number: 5843691Abstract: A multilayer reagent test strip measures the concentration of analyte in a liquid sample that is applied to it. The sample is guided to a number of assay areas arrayed along the strip, where the analyte can react with a reagent to cause a color change. Each assay area also includes an inhibitor for the color-change reaction. The inhibitor concentration increases in successive assay areas; thus, the number of areas that change color is a measure of the analyte concentration. The test strip is particularly adapted for measuring glucose in a whole blood sample. In a preferred embodiment, the sample is guided to the assay areas along a path formed by crushing selected areas of a membrane, and the assay areas are uncrushed areas of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Lifescan, Inc.Inventors: Joel Douglas, Ernest Kiser, Michael F. Tomasco, Remedios Dato, Edward G. Rice, Deborah P. Tuohy, Mark Maxson, Zbigniew Witko, Scott Segelke
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Patent number: 5719034Abstract: A chemical timer for a direct-reading reagent test strip changes color a predetermined time after a biological fluid is applied to the strip. The strip measures the concentration of an analyte in the fluid. The timer is a dry coating of an indicator, an enzyme-containing reagent that when hydrated can react with glucose to change the color of the indicator, an inhibitor to inhibit the change in color of the indicator, glucose, and optionally, an aldose that does not react with the enzyme in the reagent. Preferably, the reagent and glucose are present in excess in the coating, and the time it takes for the timer color to change can be controlled by the inhibitor concentration. The aldose provides timer stability, probably by interfering with glycosylation by the glucose in the dry state.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: Lifescan, Inc.Inventors: Ernest J. Kiser, Michael F. Tomasco, Edward G. Rice, Yeung S. Yu