Patents by Inventor Michael J. Tierney

Michael J. Tierney 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: 6882940
    Abstract: Described herein are methods, devices, and microprocessors useful for predicting a hypoglycemic event in a subject. The hypoglycemic predictive approach described herein utilizes information obtained from a data stream, e.g., frequently obtained glucose values (current and/or predicted), body temperature, and/or skin conductance, to predict incipient hypoglycemic events and to alert the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell O. Potts, Michael J. Tierney
  • Patent number: 6866671
    Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Tierney, Thomas Cooper, Chris Julian, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Robert G. Younge
  • Patent number: 6850790
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. Device configuration and/or measurement techniques are employed in order to reduce the effect of interfering species on sensor sensitivity. One important application of the invention involves a method and device for monitoring blood glucose values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Berner, Chia-Ming Chiang, Michael D. Garrison, Janan Jona, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Patent number: 6837883
    Abstract: Improved robotic surgical systems, devices, and methods often include a first assembly with a surgical end effector supported and manipulated relative to a first base by a first robotic linkage, while a second surgical end effector manipulated and supported relative to a second, independent base by a second robotic linkage. One or more of these robotic assemblies may be moved relative to the other. To coordinate the end effector movements with those of input devices being manipulated by a surgeon relative to a display of a surgical worksite, the processor deriving the commands for movement of the robotic linkages may make use of a signal indicating a relative orientation of the bases of the robotic arm assemblies. Surprisingly, the robotic arm assemblies may not transmit signals to the processor indicating a relative translational position of the bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, David J. Rosa, Andris D. Ramans, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Gunter D. Niemeyer, William C. Nowlin, J. Kenneth Salisbury, Jr., Michael J. Tierney, David S. Mintz
  • Patent number: 6816742
    Abstract: An automated system for continual transdermal extraction of analytes present in a biological system is provided. The system can be used for detecting and/or measuring the concentration of the analyte using an electrochemical biosensor detection means. The system optionally uses reverse iontophoresis to carry out the continual transdermal extraction of the analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Kim, Norman A. Parris, Russell O. Potts, Janet Tamada, Michael J. Tierney, Bret Berner
  • Publication number: 20040167383
    Abstract: An automated system for continual transdermal extraction of analytes present in a biological system is provided. The system can be used for detecting and/or measuring the concentration of the analyte using an electrochemical biosensor detection means. The system optionally uses reverse iontophoresis to carry out the continual transdermal extraction of the analytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Kim, Norman A. Parris, Russell O. Potts, Janet Tamada, Michael J. Tierney, Bret Berner
  • Patent number: 6736777
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a sensor for use in monitoring the amount or concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. For example, the invention relates to a sensor for measuring the amount or concentration of one or more analytes in a transdermally extracted sample. In one embodiment, the invention includes a sensor element comprising, a sensing electrode that reacts electrochemically with hydrogen peroxide to provide a detectable signal, wherein the sensing electrode comprises a platinum-group metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Kim, Norman A. Parris, Russell O. Potts, Michael J. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20040087671
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in analyte monitoring devices. These compositions are useful to increase the flux of analyte across skin, tissue or mucosal surfaces. The compositions include hydrogels and collection reservoir systems comprising ionically conductive materials. The present invention also includes methods of making/manufacturing hydrogels or collection reservoir systems, collection assemblies comprising the hydrogels, electrode assemblies in combination with the hydrogels or collection reservoir systems, and methods of using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney, Stephen C. Williams
  • Patent number: 6720988
    Abstract: This invention relates to a stereo imaging system for use in telerobotic systems. A method of imaging a target site in a stereo imaging system is provided. The method typically includes capturing a right and a left optical image of the target site and transforming the right and the left optical images preferably into digital information. The method further includes converting the digital information into opposed images of the target site displayed on a stereo display of the stereo imaging system, one of the opposed images being associated with the right optical image and the other of the opposed images being associated with the left optical image. The method further includes regulating the digital information to cause the positions of the target site displayed on the opposed images to change relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: David Gere, Christopher R. Burns, John D. Stern, Michael J. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20030225319
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of formulating analyte data databases, the databases themselves, and methods of manipulating the same. In one aspect the present invention includes the formulation of analyte data points, derived data, and data attributes databases comprising data points collected using an analyte monitoring device capable of frequent monitoring of analyte concentrations or amounts. Such data points may comprise acquired data (e.g., values corresponding to analyte concentrations or amounts as measured by said analyte monitoring device). These data points are then associated with one or more relevant data attributes. The resulting databases may be manipulated to determine relationships among the components of the database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Ford, Matthew J. Lesho, Russell O. Potts, Michael J. Tierney, Charles W. Wei
  • Publication number: 20030216715
    Abstract: Improved robotic surgical systems, devices, and methods include selectably associatable master/slave pairs, often having more manipulator arms than will be moved simultaneously by the two hands of a surgeon. Four manipulator arms can support an image capture device, a left hand tissue manipulation tool, a right hand tissue manipulation tool, and a fourth surgical instrument, particularly for stabilizing, retracting, tool change, or other functions benefiting from intermittent movement. The four or more arms may sequentially be controlled by left and right master input control devices. The fourth arm may be used to support another image capture device, and control of some or all of the arms may be transferred back-and-forth between the operator and an assistant. Two or more robotic systems each having master controls and slave manipulators may be coupled to enable cooperative surgery between two or more operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Frederic H. Moll, David J. Rosa, Andris D. Ramans, Steven J. Blumenkranz, Gary S. Guthart, Gunter D. Niemeyer, William C. Nowlin, J. Kenneth Salisbury, Michael J. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20030195403
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. Device configuration and/or measurement techniques are employed in order to reduce the effect of interfering species on sensor sensitivity. One important application of the invention involves a method and device for monitoring blood glucose values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Berner, Chia-Ming Chiang, Michael D. Garrison, Janan Jona, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Patent number: 6633772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of formulating analyte data databases, the databases themselves, and methods of manipulating the same. In one aspect the present invention includes the formulation of analyte data points, derived data, and data attributes databases comprising data points collected using an analyte monitoring device capable of frequent monitoring of analyte concentrations or amounts. Such data points may comprise acquired data (e.g., values corresponding to analyte concentrations or amounts as measured by said analyte monitoring device). These data points are then associated with one or more relevant data attributes. The resulting databases may be manipulated to determine relationships among the components of the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Ford, Matthew J. Lesho, Russell O. Potts, Michael J. Tierney, Charles W. Wei
  • Publication number: 20030155557
    Abstract: The invention is directed to conductive polymer compositions, catalytic ink compositions (e.g., for use in screen-printing), electrodes produced by deposition of an ink composition, methods of making, and methods of using thereof. An exemplary ink material comprises platinum black and/or platinum-on-carbon as the catalyst, graphite as a conducting material, a polymer binding material, and an organic solvent. The polymer binding material is typically a copolymer of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers. The conductive polymer compositions of the present invention can be used, for example, to make electrochemical sensors. Such sensors can be used in a variety of analyte monitoring devices to monitor analyte amount or concentrations in subjects, for example, glucose monitoring devices to monitor glucose levels in subjects with diabetes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20030153820
    Abstract: A method is provided for continually or continuously measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system, and processing analyte-specific signals to obtain a measurement value that is closely correlated with the concentration of the target chemical analyte in the biological system. One important application of the invention involves a method for signal processing in a system for monitoring blood glucose values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Berner, Timothy C. Dunn, Kathleen C. Farinas, Michael D. Garrison, Ronald T. Kurnik, Matthew J. Lesho, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20030153821
    Abstract: A method is provided for continually or continuously measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system, and processing analyte-specific signals to obtain a measurement value that is closely correlated with the concentration of the target chemical analyte in the biological system. One important application of the invention involves a method for signal processing in a system for monitoring blood glucose values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Berner, Timothy C. Dunn, Kathleen C. Farinas, Michael D. Garrison, Ronald T. Kurnik, Matthew J. Lesho, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20030144581
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for frequently measuring the concentration of an analyte present in a biological system. A monitoring system having at least two components is employed in order to allow separation of data collection from data processing and display. Such separation allows greater flexibility and convenience for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Conn, Russell Ford, Russell O. Potts, Pravin L. Soni, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Patent number: 6595919
    Abstract: A method is provided for continually or continuously measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system, and processing analyte-specific signals to obtain a measurement value that is closely correlated with the concentration of the target chemical analyte in the biological system. One important application of the invention involves a method for signal processing in a system for monitoring blood glucose values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret Berner, Timothy C. Dunn, Kathleen C. Farinas, Michael D. Garrison, Ronald T. Kurnik, Matthew J. Lesho, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20030135100
    Abstract: An automated system for continual transdermal extraction of analytes present in a biological system is provided. The system can be used for detecting and/or measuring the concentration of the analyte using an electrochemical biosensor detection means. The system optionally uses reverse iontophoresis to carry out the continual transdermal extraction of the analytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Kim, Norman A. Parris, Russell O. Potts, Janet Tamada, Michael J. Tierney, Bret Berner
  • Patent number: RE38681
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for sensing an electrochemical signal diffused from a source to a working electrode which is comprised of a plurality of substantially separated working electrode surfaces is disclosed. The electrode of the invention is comprised of 1) a working electrode made up of a plurality of working electrode surfaces or components and 2) a electrically insulating gap defined by adjacent edges of 1) insulating the working electrode surfaces or components from each other. The working electrode components are configured to receive electrochemical signal from two or preferably three dimensions simultaneously. The working electrode components configured over the same surface as a single electrode provide (1) an improved signal to noise ratio as compared to a single electrode by reducing noise, and (2) provide an overall enhanced signal after sensing for a given period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael J. Tierney