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).
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Patent number: 6370410Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney
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Publication number: 20020019022Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2001Publication date: February 14, 2002Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 6326160Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 6309351Abstract: A method for continual monitoring of a physiologic analyte in a subject includes steps of contacting the subject with a collection reservoir such that the analyte can move from the subject into the collection reservoir, the contents of the collection reservoir being in operative communication with a detector, collecting the analyte in the collection reservoir, using the detector to detect the analyte in the collection reservoir, and, once the analyte has been detected, rendering the analyte undetectable by the detector. Also, apparatus for continual monitoring of a physiologic analyte in a subject includes a collection reservoir for receiving the analyte from the subject, the contents of the collection reservoir being in operative relationship with a detector that detects the analyte in the reservoir, and means for rendering the analyte, once detected, undetectable by the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney, Russell Owen Potts
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Patent number: 6299578Abstract: A method for continual monitoring of a physiologic analyte in a subject includes steps of contacting the subject with a collection reservoir such that the analyte can move from the subject into the collection reservoir, the contents of the collection reservoir being in operative communication with a detector, collecting the analyte in the collection reservoir, using the detector to detect the analyte in the collection reservoir, and, once the analyte has been detected, rendering the analyte undetectable by the detector. Also, apparatus for continual monitoring of a physiologic analyte in a subject includes a collection reservoir for receiving the analyte from the subject, the contents of the collection reservoir being in operative relationship with a detector that detects the analyte in the reservoir, and means for rendering the analyte, once detected, undetectable by the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney, Russell Owen Potts
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Publication number: 20010020125Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: September 6, 2001Applicant: Cygnus, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney
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Patent number: 6284126Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney
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Publication number: 20010016682Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2001Publication date: August 23, 2001Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 6272364Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.Inventor: Ronald T. Kurnik
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Patent number: 6233471Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 6201979Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney
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Patent number: 6180416Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Jonathan James Oliver, Russell O. Potts, Steven Richard Waterhouse, Timothy C. Dunn, Yalia Jayalakshmi, Matthew J. Lesho, Janet A. Tamada, Charles W. Wei
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Patent number: 6139718Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 25, 1997Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael J. Tierney
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Patent number: 6141573Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 4, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney
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Patent number: 5989409Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of glucose diffused from a source to a working electrode which assembly includes a scavenging electrode is disclosed. The electrode of the invention is comprised of 1) a working electrode; 2) a scavenging electrode; 3) an electroosmotic electrode; and 4) a electrically insulating gap defined by adjacent edges of 1) and 2) and electrically isolating 1) and 2). The scavenging electrode substantially reduces or eliminates "edge-effects" or error in signal transported to the working electrode via a path which includes a radial vector component, i.e., eliminates chemical signal other than that which moves to the catalytic surface of the working electrode via a path which is substantially perpendicular to catalytic surface of the working electrode.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1995Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney
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Patent number: 5827183Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of a chemical present in a blood stream of a mammalian subject is disclosed. The method involves contacting the subject's skin with a sensor assembly comprised of an ionically conducting material which contacts the skin, a working electrode which is in contact with the ionically conducting material which electrode has a catalytic surface and a mask having an opening therein. The mask is positioned between the skin and the working electrode. When the electrode is activated, chemical is transported through the skin and the ionically conductive material. The mask is positioned so that it blocks the flow into the catalytic surface except for flow which is substantially axially to the catalytic surface. Electrical signal generated at the working electrode is monitored over a period of time and correlated with a concentration of chemical present in the blood stream of the mammalian subject.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney
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Patent number: 5735273Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 1995Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Cygnus, Inc.Inventors: Ronald T. Kurnik, Janet Tamada, Michael Tierney