Sensors for Medicine & Science, Inc.

The Johns Hopkins University

Senseonics, Incorporated

Jeffery C Lesho

Arthur Earl Colvin

Harry A Eaton

Carrie R Lorenz

Arthur F Hogrefe

Paul S Zerwekh

Gregory A Dale

Paul Samuel Zerwekh

Casey J O'Connor

Robert William Lynn

Steven J Walters

John S Gerig

Jr Colvin

Benjamin N Mcleod

Casey J O'connor

Jr Arthur E Colvin

Benjamin M Mcleod

The present invention provides a method for increasing the lifetime of an optical sensor. In one aspect, the method includes the step of configuring the optical sensor so that the duty cycle of sensor's radiant source is less than 100% over a continuous period amount of time when the sensor is periodically obtaining data regarding an analyte. By operating the sensor according to the above inventive method, the indicator molecules of the optical sensor are not excited during the entire continuous period of time during which the sensor is needed to provide data regarding the presence or concentration of a substance. Thus, the method increases the life of the indicator molecules.

Systems and methods for extending the useful life of optical sensors

A quantitative measurement system includes an external unit () and an internal unit () are provided for obtaining quantitative analyte measurements, such as within the body. In one example of an application of the system, the internal unit () would be implanted either subcutaneously or otherwise within the body of a subject. The internal unit () contains optoelectronics circuitry (), a component of which may be comprised of a fluorescence sensing device. The optoelectronics circuitry () obtains quantitative measurement information and modifies a load () as a function of the obtained information. The load () in turn varies the amount of current through coil (), which is coupled to a coil () of the external unit (). A demodulator () detects the current variations induced in the external coil () by the internal coil () coupled thereto, and applies the detected signal to processing circuitry, such as a pulse counter () and computer interface (), for processing the signal into computer-readable format for inputting to a computer ().

Implanted sensor processing system and method

A quantitative measurement system includes an external unit and an internal unit are provided for obtaining quantitative analyte measurements, such as within the body. In one example of an application of the system, the internal unit would be implanted either subcutaneously or otherwise within the body of a subject. The internal unit contains optoelectronics circuitry, a component of which may be comprised of a fluorescence sensing device. The optoelectronics circuitry obtains quantitative measurement information and modifies a load as a function of the obtained information. The load in turn varies the amount of current through coil, which is coupled to a coil of the external unit. A demodulator detects the current variations induced in the external coil by the internal coil coupled thereto, and applies the detected signal to processing circuitry, such as a pulse counter and computer interface, for processing the signal into computer-readable format for inputting to a computer.

Implanted sensor processing system and method for processing implanted sensor output

An optical-based sensor for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte using both indicator and reference channels. The sensor has a sensor body with a source of radiation embedded therein. Radiation emitted by the source interacts with indicator membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. At least one optical characteristic of these indicator molecules varies with analyte concentration. For example, the level of fluorescence of fluorescent indicator molecules or the amount of light absorbed by light-absorbing indicator molecules can vary as a function of analyte concentration. In addition, radiation emitted by the source also interacts with reference membrane indicator molecules proximate the surface of the body. Radiation (e.g., light) emitted or reflected by these indicator molecules enters and is internally reflected in the sensor body. Photosensitive elements within the sensor body generate both indicator channel and reference channel signals to provide an accurate indication of the concentration of the analyte. Preferred embodiments are totally self-contained and are sized and shaped for use in vivo in a human being. Such embodiments preferably include a power source, e.g. an inductor, which powers the source of radiation using external means, as well as a transmitter, e.g. an inductor, to transmit to external pickup means the signal representing the level of analyte.

Optical-based sensing devices

An optical interface incorporated into a multi-channel telemetry device used principally to provide data representing physiological conditions in a human subject. Information is transmitted without the need of a bio-compatible electrical connection via an optical link which conveys calibration parameters and commands to control the operation of the telemeter. The optical link is configured to reside completely on an integrated circuit chip. Of the three channels designed into the chip by means of appropriate electronic circuitry, one of the channels measures temperature and the other two channels are dedicated to develop generic information selectively derived from other physiological conditions. Calibration information that is programmed into the telemeter by means of the optical interface is retrieved by time division multiplexing with one of the generic channels.

Multi-channel pill with integrated optical interface

A multi-channel circuit for telemetering signals representing physiological values from a point in a human body to a receiver (24) outside of the body. The two signals (S.sub.1, S.sub.2) other than the temperature signal (27') are used to provide two frequency modulated signals (14, 16) summed by an amplifier (18) with the summed FM signal then being applied to amplitude modulate (21) a carrier (8) whose frequency varies as a function of temperature. The resulting FM/AM signal (22) is telemetered inductively outside of the body to an external receiver (24). Appropriate demodulation, filter, and shaping circuits within the external circuit detect the FM signals (14, 16) and thus produce three independent frequencies two of which are the original physiological variables and the third a function of local temperature. Real time plot of the two physiological variables can be obtained using FM discriminators while the temperature dependent frequency is best monitored by a counter.

AM/FM multi-channel implantable/ingestible biomedical monitoring

A temperature responsive transmitter is disclosed. The transmitter utilizes a unique circuit design that allows encapsulation in an ingestible size capsule. The inventive circuit design uses a one transistor inverting amplifier with a tank circuit forming the link between the transistor's collector and the battery. The tank circuit is tuned to provide a lagging capacitive load which causes the inverting amplifier to oscillate. The tank circuit contains a coil inductor that emits a near field magnetic communications field containing temperature information. The ingestible size temperature pill can be configured in a rechargeable embodiment. In this embodiment the pill uses the inductive coil in the tank circuit as the magnetic pickup to charge a rechargeable nickel cadmium battery.

Growing community of inventors

Brookeville, MD, United States of America

Jeffery C Lesho