Patents by Inventor Ronald T. Kurnik

Ronald T. Kurnik 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: 20080262334
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods, systems, and devices for measuring the concentration of target analytes present in a biological system using a series of measurements obtained from a monitoring system and a Mixtures of Experts (MOE) algorithm. In one embodiment, the present invention describes a method for measuring blood glucose in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Animas Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Dunn, Yalia Jayalakshmi, Ronald T. Kurnik, Matthew J. Lesho, Jonathan James Oliver, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Steven Richard Waterhouse, Charles W. Wei
  • Publication number: 20080262746
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods, systems, and devices for measuring the concentration of target analytes present in a biological system using a series of measurements obtained from a monitoring system and a Mixtures of Experts (MOE) algorithm. In one embodiment, the present invention describes a method for measuring blood glucose in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Animas Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Dunn, Yalia Jayalakshmi, Ronald T. Kurnik, Matthew J. Lesho, Jonathan James Oliver, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Steven Richard Waterhouse, Charles W. Wei
  • Patent number: 7405055
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods, systems, and devices for measuring the concentration of target analytes present in a biological system using a series of measurements obtained from a monitoring system and a Mixtures of Experts (MOE) algorithm. In one embodiment, the present invention describes a method for measuring blood glucose in a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Animas Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Timothy C. Dunn, Yalia Jayalakshmi, Ronald T. Kurnik, Matthew J. Lesho, Jonathan James Oliver, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Steven Richard Waterhouse, Charles W. Wei
  • Publication number: 20080033701
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving Ct determination in PCR amplification curves by correcting PCR data for temperature shifts that may occur during the PCR process. A double sigmoid function with parameters determined by a Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) regression process is used to find an approximation to the portion of the curve in the region after the temperature shift, termed “CAC”, the cycle where the temperature shift occurred. A robust linear approximation is determined for the portion of the curve in the region before the temperature shift. Values of the fluorescent intensity for the cycle CAC or CAC+1 are determined using both the linear approximation and the LM process, and a difference in these values is subtracted off of the portion of the data set representing the portion of the curve before the temperature shift occurred to produce a shift-corrected data set. The shift-corrected data set may be displayed or otherwise used for further processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: ROCHE MOLECULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Ronald T. Kurnik
  • Patent number: 7295867
    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 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Animas Corporation
    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: 20070143070
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining characteristic transition values such as elbow values in sigmoid or growth-type curves, such as the cycle threshold (Ct) value in PCR amplification curves. A double sigmoid function with parameters determined by a Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) regression process is used to find an approximation to a curve that fits a PCR dataset. Once the parameters have been determined, the curve can be normalized using one or more of the determined parameters. After normalization, the normalized curve is processed to determine the curvature of the curve at some or all points along the curve, e.g., to produce a dataset or plot representing the curvature v. the cycle number. The cycle number at which the maximum curvature occurs corresponds to the Ct value. The Ct value is then returned and may be displayed or otherwise used for further processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Applicant: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Jianmei Wang
  • Patent number: 6771995
    Abstract: A chemical signal-impermeable mask is positioned in the electrolyte flow such that the mask is between a source of chemical signal and a working electrode which senses the chemical signal transported from the source (e.g., by diffusion). The configuration of the mask is such that the mask prevents substantially all chemical signal transport from the chemical signal source having a radial vector component relative to a plane of the mask and the catalytic face of the working electrode, thus allowing primarily only chemical signal transport that is substantially perpendicular to the place of the mask and the catalytic surface of the working electrode. By reducing or eliminating chemical signal radial transport toward the working electrode, the mask thus significantly reduces or eliminates edge effects. By substantially reducing edge effects created by radial transport of chemical signal, it is possible to obtain a more accurate measurement of the amount (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney
  • Publication number: 20040108207
    Abstract: Methods of sample loading and separation in a microfluidics device are described. The methods provide high resolution and high signal intensity, using, in a preferred embodiment, a simple two-electrode injection scheme with transient isotachophoretic (ITP) stacking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Aclara BioSciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Stephen J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040018486
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods, systems, and devices for measuring the concentration of target analytes present in a biological system using a series of measurements obtained from a monitoring system and a Mixtures of Experts (MOE) algorithm. In one embodiment, the present invention describes a method for measuring blood glucose in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Dunn, Yalia Jayalakshmi, Ronald T. Kurnik, Matthew J. Lesho, Jonathan James Oliver, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Steven Richard Waterhouse, Charles W. Wei
  • Patent number: 6653091
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods, systems, and devices for measuring the concentration of target analytes present in a biological system using a series of measurements obtained from a monitoring system and a Mixtures of Experts (MOE) algorithm. In one embodiment, the present invention describes a method for measuring blood glucose in a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Cyngnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Dunn, Yalia Jayalakshmi, Ronald T. Kurnik, Matthew J. Lesho, Jonathan James Oliver, Russell O. Potts, Janet A. Tamada, Steven Richard Waterhouse, Charles W. Wei
  • 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: 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
  • 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: 20030127327
    Abstract: A microfluidics device and method for sample loading, concentrating, mixing, and/or reacting is disclosed. The device has a microchannel network that includes a channel segment communicating with first and second reservoirs. A projection formed on a wall portion of the channel segment terminates therein at a point or edge. When a voltage potential is applied across the two reservoirs, the projection functions to create an electric field gradient within the channel segment that causes charged components in the channel segment to concentrate in the region of the projection. The device is useful, for example, in loading a sample of dilute charged components for electrophoretic separation in the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald T. Kurnik
  • Publication number: 20030120138
    Abstract: A chemical signal-impermeable mask is positioned in the electrolyte flow such that the mask is between a source of chemical signal and a working electrode which senses the chemical signal transported from the source (e.g., by diffusion). The configuration of the mask is such that the mask prevents substantially all chemical signal transport from the chemical signal source having a radial vector component relative to a plane of the mask and the catalytic face of the working electrode, thus allowing primarily only chemical signal transport that is substantially perpendicular to the place of the mask and the catalytic surface of the working electrode. By reducing or eliminating chemical signal radial transport toward the working electrode, the mask thus significantly reduces or eliminates edge effects. By substantially reducing edge effects created by radial transport of chemical signal, it is possible to obtain a more accurate measurement of the amount (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney
  • Patent number: 6546269
    Abstract: A method and device are provided for measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system, and then predicting a future or past concentration of an analyte using a series of such measurements. One important application of the invention involves predicting future or past blood glucose concentrations using a series of measured blood glucose values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald T. Kurnik
  • Patent number: 6529755
    Abstract: A chemical signal-impermeable mask is positioned in the electrolyte flow such that the mask is between a source of chemical signal and a working electrode which senses the chemical signal transported from the source (e.g., by diffusion). The configuration of the mask is such that the mask prevents substantially all chemical signal transport from the chemical signal source having a radial vector component relative to a plane of the mask and the catalytic face of the working electrode, thus allowing primarily only chemical signal transport that is substantially perpendicular to the place of the mask and the catalytic surface of the working electrode. By reducing or eliminating chemical signal radial transport toward the working electrode, the mask thus significantly reduces or eliminates edge effects. By substantially reducing edge effects created by radial transport of chemical signal, it is possible to obtain a more accurate measurement of the amount (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney
  • Publication number: 20020062073
    Abstract: A chemical signal-impermeable mask is positioned in the electrolyte flow such that the mask is between a source of chemical signal and a working electrode which senses the chemical signal transported from the source (e.g., by diffusion). The configuration of the mask is such that the mask prevents substantially all chemical signal transport from the chemical signal source having a radial vector component relative to a plane of the mask and the catalytic face of the working electrode, thus allowing primarily only chemical signal transport that is substantially perpendicular to the place of the mask and the catalytic surface of the working electrode. By reducing or eliminating chemical signal radial transport toward the working electrode, the mask thus significantly reduces or eliminates edge effects. By substantially reducing edge effects created by radial transport of chemical signal, it is possible to obtain a more accurate measurement of the amount (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney
  • 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
  • Patent number: RE38775
    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: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael J. Tierney