Michael F Tierney

US Patent:

6341232, Jan 22, 2002

Filed:

Mar 16, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/810917

Inventors:

Thomas E. Conn - Palo Alto CA
Russell Ford - San Francisco CA
Pravin L. Soni - Sunnyvale CA
Michael J. Tierney - San Jose CA
Prema Vijayakumar - Fremont CA

Assignee:

Cygnus, Inc. - Redwood City CA

International Classification:

A61N 130

US Classification:

604 20, 604501, 600345

Abstract:

The invention relates generally to methods of producing consumable components of a device used for measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. More particularly, the invention relates methods of producing collection assemblies, laminate structures, and autosensor assemblies, which are used in connection with a transdermal sampling device. In one aspect, the invention includes methods of producing autosensor assemblies which include laminate structures, electrode assemblies, and support trays. One important application of the invention involves methods of producing an autosensor assembly for use in a blood glucose monitoring device.

US Patent:

6370410, Apr 9, 2002

Filed:

Jan 18, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/764550

Inventors:

Ronald T. Kurnik - Foster City CA
Janet Tamada - Belmont CA
Michael Tierney - San Jose CA

Assignee:

Cygnus, Inc. - Redwood City CA

International Classification:

A61B 507

US Classification:

600345, 600347, 604 20

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. , concentration) of chemical signal that is transported from a given area of source material.

US Patent:

6393318, May 21, 2002

Filed:

May 11, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/309616

Inventors:

Thomas E. Conn - Palo Alto CA
Russell Ford - San Francisco CA
Pravin L. Soni - Sunnyvale CA
Michael J. Tierney - San Jose CA
Prema Vijayakumar - Fremont CA

Assignee:

Cygnus, Inc. - Redwood City CA

International Classification:

A61N 130

US Classification:

604 20

Abstract:

The invention relates generally to consumable components of a device used for continually or continuously measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. More particularly, the invention relates to collection assemblies, laminate structures, and autosensor assemblies, which are used in connection with a transdermal sampling device. In one aspect, the invention includes autosensor assemblies which include laminate structures, electrode assemblies, and support trays. One important application of the invention involves an autosensor assembly for use in a blood glucose monitoring device.

US Patent:

6438414, Aug 20, 2002

Filed:

Nov 30, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/006625

Inventors:

Thomas E. Conn - Palo Alto CA
Russell Ford - San Francisco CA
Pravin L. Soni - Sunnyvale CA
Michael J. Tierney - San Jose CA
Prema Vijayakumar - Fremont CA

Assignee:

Cygnus, Inc. - Redwood City CA

International Classification:

A61N 130

US Classification:

604 20, 604501, 600345

Abstract:

The invention relates generally to consumable components of a device used for continually or continuously measuring the concentration of target chemical analytes present in a biological system. More particularly, the invention relates to collection assemblies, laminate structures, and autosensor assemblies, which are used in connection with a transdermal sampling device. In one aspect, the invention includes autosensor assemblies which include laminate structures, electrode assemblies, and support trays. One important application of the invention involves an autosensor assembly for use in a blood glucose monitoring device.

US Patent:

6491701, Dec 10, 2002

Filed:

Jan 12, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/759542

Inventors:

Michael J. Tierney - Pleasanton CA
Thomas Cooper - Menlo Park CA
Chris Julian - Los Gatos CA
Stephen J. Blumenkranz - Redwood City CA
Gary S. Guthart - Foster City CA
Robert G. Younge - Portola Valley CA

Assignee:

Intuitive Surgical, Inc. - Sunnyvale CA

International Classification:

A61B 1900

US Classification:

606130, 7449002

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.

US Patent:

6529755, Mar 4, 2003

Filed:

Dec 6, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/006769

Inventors:

Ronald T. Kurnik - Foster City CA
Janet Tamada - Belmont CA
Michael Tierney - San Jose CA

Assignee:

Cygnus, Inc. - Redwood City CA

International Classification:

A61B 500

US Classification:

600345, 600347, 604 20

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. , concentration) of chemical signal that is transported from a given area of source material.

US Patent:

6561978, May 13, 2003

Filed:

Feb 11, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/503227

Inventors:

Thomas E. Conn - Palo Alto CA
Russell Ford - Portola Valley CA
Russell O. Potts - San Francisco CA
Pravin L. Soni - Sunnyvale CA
Janet A. Tamada - Mountain View CA
Michael J. Tierney - San Jose CA

Assignee:

Cygnus, Inc. - Redwood City CA

International Classification:

A61B 500

US Classification:

600309, 600365, 600347

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.

US Patent:

6594514, Jul 15, 2003

Filed:

Dec 20, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/026086

Inventors:

Bret Berner - El Granada CA
Chia-Ming Chiang - Foster City CA
Michael D. Garrison - Seattle WA
Janan Jona - Bear DE
Russell O. Potts - San Francisco CA
Janet A. Tamada - Mountain View CA
Michael J. Tierney - San Jose CA

Assignee:

Cygnus, Inc. - Redwood City CA

International Classification:

A16B 505

US Classification:

600347, 600345, 600365, 600309

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.