Patents by Inventor Timothy Ruchti

Timothy Ruchti 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: 20150011849
    Abstract: A noninvasive analyzer apparatus and method of use thereof is described using a plurality of sample illumination zones optically coupled to at least two optically stacked two-dimensional optical filter arrays. Sectioned pixels and/or zones of a detector array are optionally filtered for different light throughput and/or are passed through various pathlengths using the stacked two-dimensional optical filter arrays. Resulting pathlength resolved/wavelength controlled groups of spectra are subsequently analyzed to determine an analyte property.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy Ruchti, Alan Abul-Haj, Kevin Hazen
  • Publication number: 20080200783
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for noninvasive glucose measurement measures glucose indirectly from the natural response of tissue to variations in analyte concentration. The indirect measurement method utilizes factors affected by or correlated with the concentration of glucose, such as refractive index, electrolyte distribution or tissue scattering. Measurement reliability is greatly improved by stabilizing optical properties of the tissue at the measurement site, thus blood perfusion rates at the sample site are regulated. Perfusion is monitored and stabilized by spectroscopically measuring a control parameter, such as skin temperature, that directly affects perfusion. The control parameter is maintained in a range about a set point, thus stabilizing perfusion. Skin temperature is controlled using a variety of means, including the use of active heating and cooling elements, passive devices, such as thermal wraps, and through the use of a heated coupling medium having favorable heat transfer properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Blank, Timothy Ruchti, Mutua Mattu, Marcy Makarewicz, Stephen Monfre, Alexander Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20070179367
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibration development using clustering is disclosed. More particularly, the invention relates to subsequent calibration development using clusters that are individually interference compensated and to subsequent estimation. Estimation of analyte property values from data, such as noninvasive spectra, is improved by a calibration method that uses clusters that are individually interference-compensated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy Ruchti, Thomas Blank, Alexander Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20070060805
    Abstract: An optical sampling interface system minimizes and compensates error resulting from sampling variations and measurement site state fluctuations. Components include: An optical probe placement guide having an aperture wherein the optical probe is received, facilitates repeatable placement accuracy on surface of a tissue measurement site with minimal, repeatable disturbance to surface tissue. The aperture creates a tissue meniscus that minimizes interference due to surface irregularities and controls variation in tissue volume sampled; an occlusive element placed over the tissue meniscus isolates the meniscus from environmental fluctuations, stabilizing hydration at the site and thus, surface tension; an optical coupling medium eliminates air gaps between skin surface and optical probe; a bias correction element applies a bias correction to spectral measurements, and associated analyte measurements. When the guide is replaced, a new bias correction is determined for measurements done with the new placement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Blank, George Acosta, Mutua Mattu, Marcy Makarewicz, Stephen Monfre, Alexander Lorenz, Timothy Ruchti
  • Publication number: 20060264718
    Abstract: The invention relates to noninvasive analyte property determination. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for performing conditional additional acquisition of noninvasive spectra to improve analyzer performance. Conditional additional data acquisition is used to confirm, update, and/or supplement spectral data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Inventors: Timothy Ruchti, Linda Hockersmith, Stephen Monfre, Kevin Hazen
  • Publication number: 20060217602
    Abstract: The invention relates to noninvasive sampling. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a sample probe interface method and apparatus for targeting a tissue depth and/or pathlength that is used in conjunction with a noninvasive analyzer to control spectral variation. In a second embodiment, a signal from a sample or target probe of a tissue feature or volume is used in positioning a portion of a measuring system relative to the sample. The system is optionally used in conjunction with a targeting system used to control the sampling location of the measuring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Inventors: Alan Abul-Haj, Thomas Blank, Kevin Hazen, James Henderson, Timothy Ruchti, Josh Hope
  • Publication number: 20060211927
    Abstract: The invention involves the monitoring of a biological parameter through a compact analyzer. The preferred apparatus is a spectrometer based system that is attached continuously or semi-continuously to a human subject and collects spectral measurements that are used to determine a biological parameter in the sampled tissue. The preferred target analyte is glucose. The preferred analyzer is a near-IR based glucose analyzer for determining the glucose concentration in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Inventors: George Acosta, James Henderson, N. Abul Haj, Timothy Ruchti, Stephen Monfre, Thomas Blank, Kevin Hazen
  • Publication number: 20060206018
    Abstract: The invention relates to noninvasive sampling. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a sample probe interface method and apparatus for targeting a tissue depth and/or pathlength that is used in conjunction with a noninvasive analyzer to control spectral variation. In a second embodiment, a signal from a sample or target probe of a tissue feature or volume is used in positioning a portion of a measuring system relative to the sample. The system is optionally used in conjunction with a targeting system used to control the sampling location of the measuring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Alan Abul-Haj, Thomas Blank, Kevin Hazen, James Henderson, Timothy Ruchti, Josh Hope
  • Publication number: 20060195023
    Abstract: The invention involves the monitoring of a biological parameter through a compact analyzer. The preferred apparatus is a spectrometer based system that is attached continuously or semi-continuously to a human subject and collects spectral measurements that are used to determine a biological parameter in the sampled tissue. The preferred target analyte is glucose. The preferred analyzer is a near-IR based glucose analyzer for determining the glucose concentration in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Inventors: George Acosta, James Henderson, N. Abul Haj, Timothy Ruchti, Stephen Monfre, Thomas Blank, Kevin Hazen
  • Publication number: 20060183983
    Abstract: The invention involves the monitoring of a biological parameter through a compact analyzer. The preferred apparatus is a spectrometer based system that is attached continuously or semi-continuously to a human subject and collects spectral measurements that are used to determine a biological parameter in the sampled tissue. The preferred target analyte is glucose. The preferred analyzer is a near-IR based glucose analyzer for determining the glucose concentration in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: George Acosta, James Henderson, N. Abul Haj, Timothy Ruchti, Stephen Monfre, Thomas Blank, Kevin Hazen
  • Publication number: 20060173255
    Abstract: The invention involves the monitoring of a biological parameter through a compact analyzer. The preferred apparatus is a spectrometer based system that is attached continuously or semi-continuously to a human subject and collects spectral measurements that are used to determine a biological parameter in the sampled tissue. The preferred target analyte is glucose. The preferred analyzer is a near-IR based glucose analyzer for determining the glucose concentration in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: George Acosta, James Henderson, N. Abul Haj, Timothy Ruchti, Stephen Monfre, Thomas Blank, Kevin Hazen
  • Publication number: 20060173254
    Abstract: The invention involves the monitoring of a biological parameter through a compact analyzer. The preferred apparatus is a spectrometer based system that is attached continuously or semi-continuously to a human subject and collects spectral measurements that are used to determine a biological parameter in the sampled tissue. The preferred target analyte is glucose. The preferred analyzer is a near-IR based glucose analyzer for determining the glucose concentration in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: George Acosta, James Henderson, N. Haj, Timothy Ruchti, Stephen Monfre, Thomas Blank, Kevin Hazen
  • Publication number: 20060167350
    Abstract: A method of multi-tier classification and calibration in noninvasive blood analyte prediction is provided that minimizes prediction error by limiting co-varying spectral interferents. Tissue samples are categorized based on subject demographic and instrumental skin measurements, including in-vivo near-IR spectral measurements. A multi-tier intelligent pattern classification sequence organizes spectral data into clusters that have a high degree of internal consistency in tissue properties. In each tier, categories are successively refined using subject demographics, spectral measurement information, and other device measurements suitable for developing tissue classifications. The multi-tier classification approach to calibration uses multivariate statistical arguments and multi-tiered classification using spectral features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen Monfre, Thomas Blank, Timothy Ruchti, Suresh Thennadil
  • Publication number: 20060116562
    Abstract: The invention involves the monitoring of a biological parameter through a compact analyzer. The preferred apparatus is a spectrometer based system that is attached continuously or semi-continuously to a human subject and collects spectral measurements that are used to determine a biological parameter in the sampled tissue. The preferred target analyte is glucose. The preferred analyzer is a near-IR based glucose analyzer for determining the glucose concentration in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Inventors: George Acosta, James Henderson, N. Abul Haj, Timothy Ruchti, Stephen Monfre, Thomas Blank, Kevin Hazen
  • Publication number: 20060017923
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for enhancing the analysis of noninvasive spectra, resulting in improved analytical performance. More particularly, the invention comprises a method and apparatus for processing noninvasive spectra with an analyte filter that preferably rejects variation likely to be detrimental to the measurement system, while passing signal that probabilistically is unique to the target analyte. Subsequently, the analyte filtered data are used to estimate an analyte property, such as a glucose concentration, in the presence of noise, interferences, state changes, and/or across analyzers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Publication date: January 26, 2006
    Inventors: Timothy Ruchti, Alexander Lorenz, Kevin Hazen
  • Publication number: 20050267342
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for noninvasive sampling. More particularly, the method and apparatus relate to control of motion of an optical sample probe interface relative to a tissue sample site. A dynamic probe interface, is used to collect spectra of a targeted sample, control positioning of the sample probe relative to the tissue sample in terms of at least one of x-, y-, and z-axes, and/or control of sample tissue displacement to minimize spectral variations resulting from the sampling process and increase analyte property estimation precision and accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Blank, George Acosta, Timothy Ruchti, Mutua Mattu, Alexander Lorenz, Kevin Hazen, James Henderson
  • Publication number: 20050240090
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus that corrects for tissue related interference calibration and/or measurement of biological parameters noninvasively. The invention concerns such terms as outlier identification, filtering, spectral correction, and baseline subtraction steps that, when used together, provides for noninvasive measurement of biological parameters, such as glucose concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Timothy Ruchti, Thomas Blank, Alexander Lorenz
  • Publication number: 20050209515
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to the extraction and/or presentation of glucose concentrations estimated as a function of time into a format that facilitates conveyance of the underlying information. More particularly, glucose concentration histories are presented in terms of risk of behavior, in a video format, and/or in an audio format. The reduction of data into video format, selected by time period, cluster, or glucose concentration response, into an animated or video presentation allows diagnosis and treatment information to be more readily determined and used. Alternatively, glucose concentrations are output through a voice synthesizer or an earcon. These information presentations are useful for both the medical professional and the end user. The information presentation is preferably used with a noninvasive, implantable, semi-continuous, and/or continuous analyte analyzer, such as a glucose concentration analyzer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Inventors: Linda Hockersmith, Kevin Hazen, Timothy Ruchti
  • Publication number: 20050203358
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating noninvasive or implantable glucose analyzers uses either alternative invasive glucose determinations or noninvasive glucose determinations for calibrating noninvasive or implantable glucose analyzers. Use of an alternative invasive or noninvasive glucose determination in the calibration allows minimization of errors due to sampling methodology, and spatial and temporal variations that are built into the calibration model. An additional embodiment uses statistical correlations between noninvasive and alternative invasive glucose determinations and traditional invasive glucose determinations to adjust noninvasive or alternative invasive glucose concentrations to traditional invasive glucose concentrations. The invention provides a means for calibrating on the basis of glucose determinations that reflect the matrix observed and the variable measured by the analyzer more closely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Stephen Monfre, Kevin Hazen, Timothy Ruchti, Thomas Blank, James Henderson
  • Publication number: 20050203364
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating noninvasive or implantable glucose analyzers that uses either alternative invasive glucose determinations or noninvasive glucose determinations to calibrate noninvasive or implantable glucose analyzers. Use of an alternative invasive or noninvasive glucose determination in the calibration allows minimization of errors due to sampling methodology, and spatial and temporal variations that are built into the calibration model. An additional embodiment uses statistical correlations between noninvasive and alternative invasive glucose determinations and traditional invasive glucose determinations to adjust noninvasive or alternative invasive glucose concentrations to traditional invasive glucose concentrations. The invention provides a means for calibrating on the basis of glucose determinations that reflect the matrix observed and the variable measured by the analyzer more closely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Stephen Monfre, Kevin Hazen, Timothy Ruchti, Thomas Blank, James Henderson