Patents by Inventor Michael R. Tracey

Michael R. Tracey 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: 20070156012
    Abstract: A suburethral implant for treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) includes an elongated plate-like member which is slightly curved in transverse cross-section, and a pair of spaced apart arms having hooked ends or barbs which extend from the plate-like member. A device for deploying the suburethral implant for treating SUI includes a vaginal probe for insertion in the vaginal canal of a patient, and a urethra locator probe for the simultaneous insertion in the urethra of a patient. The urethra probe is spaced apart from and overlies the vaginal probe. The vaginal probe includes a wall in which is formed an exit port. A suburethral implant introducer assembly is extendable and retractable through the exit port on the vaginal probe. The introducer assembly has a distal end on which is removably mounted a suburethral implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Michael R. Tracey, Steve Bell, Bryan Knodel
  • Patent number: 7056288
    Abstract: A vaginal speculum assembly is provided including an upper arm and a lower arm movably coupled to one another by a coupling member positioned at a posterior end. Each of the upper and lower arms are dimensioned for at least partial insertion into a patient's vagina, and when so inserted, are dimensioned to exert pressure on at least upper and lower portions of an inner surface of the patient's vaginal wall. The coupling member permits movement of the upper and lower arms relative to one another to adjust their positioning relative to the vaginal wall. The assembly further includes a locking device coupled to at least one of the upper and lower arms which, when activated, substantially prevents movement of the upper and lower arms relative to one another. A connector member extends outwardly from a posterior end of the upper arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ethicon Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Tracey, Frederick T. Karl
  • Patent number: 7052452
    Abstract: A medical system is provided for assessing urinary function. The system includes a control device and at least one test module capable of being removably coupled to the control device such that, when coupled, the system is capable of performing a test to assess urinary function. The control device may include a processor and memory having stored therein a plurality of software subroutine, at least one of which directs a test to assess urinary function. The test module may include a module identification device, and the control device selects the software subroutine based upon information obtained from the module identification device. The test module may further include a tubing assembly forming a first fluid conduit between a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet and an insert member dimensioned for at least partial insertion into a patient's urinary tract and coupled to the first fluid outlet so that fluid infused through the first fluid conduit flows through the insert member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Ulf Ulmsten, Michael R. Tracey, Martin Nohilly
  • Patent number: 7004899
    Abstract: A portable, self-contained medical diagnostic system is provided for assessing urinary function. The system includes a control device including a processor, a pump device, and a pressure sensor, and a test module removably coupled to the control device, and further including a pressure interface and a tubing assembly defining a first fluid conduit between a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet. The pump device is coupled to the first fluid conduit for pumping fluid therethrough. The system also includes an insert member having a first channel therethrough and coupled to the first fluid outlet so that fluid flowing through the first fluid conduit may flow through the first channel. The insert member is dimensioned for insertion into a patient's bladder through the urethral canal. When so inserted, the pressure interface transmits bladder pressure information to the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Tracey
  • Patent number: 6997884
    Abstract: A test module is provided for coupling with a control device to form a portable system for assessing urinary function. The test module includes a test module housing, at least one coupling element for removably coupling the test module to the control device, a tubing assembly located at least partially within the test module housing, and a pressure interface in fluid communication with at least a portion of the tubing assembly. When the test module is coupled to the control device, the pressure interface is positioned relative to a pressure sensor in the control device so as to transmit pressure data thereto. The tubing assembly may also couple with a pump device in the control device so as to enable the pump device to pump fluid through the tubing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Ulf Ulmsten, Michael R. Tracey, Martin Nohilly
  • Patent number: 6916283
    Abstract: A system and method for assessing urinary function is provided. The system includes a processor, a tubing assembly forming a first fluid conduit between a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, and an insert member having a channel therethrough and coupled to the first fluid outlet so that fluid flowing through the first fluid conduit may flow through the insert member. The insert member is dimensioned for at least partial insertion into a patient's urethral canal distal of the patient's urethral sphincter, and dimensioned so that, when inserted, it substantially blocks fluid flow into or out of the urethral canal other than through the insert member channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Tracey, Martin Nohilly
  • Patent number: 6896650
    Abstract: An insertion device is provided for use in assessing urinary function. The insert device includes an insert member for at least partial insertion into a patient's urethral canal having a length such that it is positioned distal of the urethral sphincter, and having an outer surface at least a portion of which is configured to engage the inner wall of the urethra to substantially prevent fluid flow therebetween. The insert member has a channel therethrough through which fluid from a fluid source can be introduced into the urethral canal. Also provided is a device for introducing fluid into a patient's urethral canal including a hand-sized casing having a fluid conduit therein between a fluid inlet and a fluid source assembly. The device further includes an activation device movable between a first position wherein it does not obstruct the fluid conduit and a second position wherein it does obstruct the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Ethicon Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Tracey, Martin Nohilly, Hanspeter R. Bayer, Frederick T. Karl
  • Patent number: 6895305
    Abstract: A robotic apparatus and system adapted to communicate with a wireless sensor. The apparatus may be either physical or virtual in nature and is adapted to communicate physical movements with a wireless sensor. Data received from the sensor and/or robotic apparatus may be reviewed in a real-time mode, or may be saved for review at a later time. In addition, the apparatus may be controlled through an operator that is in local or remote communication with the apparatus. The robotic system may include pre-programmed interactive platforms for enabling communication between a user and the apparatus in a dynamic mode. In addition, the system may allow an operator to program a game/story for use as an interactive platform. Accordingly, the apparatus and system provides a platform for rehabilitative exercise of a patient as well as an entertainment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignees: Anthrotronix, Inc., University of Maryland
    Inventors: Corinna E. Lathan, Michael R. Tracey, Jack M. Vice, Allison Druin, Catherine Plaisant
  • Publication number: 20040133067
    Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing detrusor instability. The method includes using an insert member having a channel therethrough positioned distal of the urethral sphincter, creating a substantially fluid tight seal to substantially block fluid flow into or out of the urethral canal other than through the channel, infusing fluid from a fluid source through the channel in the insert member and into the urethral canal at a location distal of the urethral sphincter, and measuring a pressure within the urethral canal at a location distal of the urethral sphincter as the fluid is being infused therein. The infusing step further involves infusing fluid until the urethral sphincter opens, and thereafter until at least one detrusor contraction occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Michael R. Tracey
  • Publication number: 20030028075
    Abstract: A method is provided for assessing urinary function including removably coupling a first test module to a portable control device, selecting from a plurality of different tests a first test to assess urinary function, the selection being made based on first module identification information obtained by the control device from the test module, and performing the first test. The method may also include one or more of the steps of inserting an insert member coupled to the first test module at least partially into a patient's urinary tract, infusing fluid through the insert member into the urinary tract, and measuring pressure within the urinary tract as fluid is infused therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Ulf Ulmsten, Michael R. Tracey, Martin Nohilly
  • Publication number: 20030027326
    Abstract: A test module is provided for coupling with a control device to form a portable system for assessing urinary function. The test module includes a test module housing, at least one coupling element for removably coupling the test module to the control device, a tubing assembly located at least partially within the test module housing, and a pressure interface in fluid communication with at least a portion of the tubing assembly. When the test module is coupled to the control device, the pressure interface is positioned relative to a pressure sensor in the control device so as to transmit pressure data thereto. The tubing assembly may also couple with a pump device in the control device so as to enable the pump device to pump fluid through the tubing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Ulf Ulmsten, Michael R. Tracey, Martin Nohilly
  • Publication number: 20030028159
    Abstract: An insertion device is provided for use in assessing urinary function. The insert device includes an insert member for at least partial insertion into a patient's urethral canal having a length such that it is positioned distal of the urethral sphincter, and having an outer surface at least a portion of which is configured to engage the inner wall of the urethra to substantially prevent fluid flow therebetween. The insert member has a channel therethrough through which fluid from a fluid source can be introduced into the urethral canal. Also provided is a device for introducing fluid into a patient's urethral canal including a hand-sized casing having a fluid conduit therein between a fluid inlet and a fluid source assembly. The device further includes an activation device movable between a first position wherein it does not obstruct the fluid conduit and a second position wherein it does obstruct the fluid conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Michael R. Tracey, Martin Nohilly, Hanspeter R. Bayer, Frederick T. Karl
  • Publication number: 20030028074
    Abstract: A system and method for assessing urinary function is provided. The system includes a processor, a tubing assembly forming a first fluid conduit between a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, and an insert member having a channel therethrough and coupled to the first fluid outlet so that fluid flowing through the first fluid conduit may flow through the insert member. The insert member is dimensioned for at least partial insertion into a patient's urethral canal distal of the patient's urethral sphincter, and dimensioned so that, when inserted, it substantially blocks fluid flow into or out of the urethral canal other than through the insert member channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Michael R. Tracey, Martin Nohilly
  • Publication number: 20030023135
    Abstract: A medical system is provided for assessing urinary function. The system includes a control device and at least one test module capable of being removably coupled to the control device such that, when coupled, the system is capable of performing a test to assess urinary function. The control device may include a processor and memory having stored therein a plurality of software subroutine, at least one of which directs a test to assess urinary function. The test module may include a module identification device, and the control device selects the software subroutine based upon information obtained from the module identification device. The test module may further include a tubing assembly forming a first fluid conduit between a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet and an insert member dimensioned for at least partial insertion into a patient's urinary tract and coupled to the first fluid outlet so that fluid infused through the first fluid conduit flows through the insert member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Ulf Ulmsten, Michael R. Tracey, Martin Nohilly
  • Publication number: 20030023144
    Abstract: A vaginal speculum assembly is provided including an upper arm and a lower arm movably coupled to one another by a coupling member positioned at a posterior end. Each of the upper and lower arms are dimensioned for at least partial insertion into a patient's vagina, and when so inserted, are dimensioned to exert pressure on at least upper and lower portions of an inner surface of the patient's vaginal wall. The coupling member permits movement of the upper and lower arms relative to one another to adjust their positioning relative to the vaginal wall. The assembly further includes a locking device coupled to at least one of the upper and lower arms which, when activated, substantially prevents movement of the upper and lower arms relative to one another. A connector member extends outwardly from a posterior end of the upper arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Michael R. Tracey, Frederick T. Karl
  • Publication number: 20030023134
    Abstract: A portable, self-contained medical diagnostic system is provided for assessing urinary function. The system includes a control device including a processor, a pump device, and a pressure sensor, and a test module removably coupled to the control device, and further including a pressure interface and a tubing assembly defining a first fluid conduit between a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet. The pump device is coupled to the first fluid conduit for pumping fluid therethrough. The system also includes an insert member having a first channel therethrough and coupled to the first fluid outlet so that fluid flowing through the first fluid conduit may flow through the first channel. The insert member is dimensioned for insertion into a patient's bladder through the urethral canal. When so inserted, the pressure interface transmits bladder pressure information to the pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Michael R. Tracey
  • Publication number: 20020120362
    Abstract: A robotic apparatus and system adapted to communicate with a wireless sensor. The apparatus may be either physical or virtual in nature and is adapted to communicate physical movements with a wireless sensor. Data received from the sensor and/or robotic apparatus may be reviewed in a real-time mode, or may be saved for review at a later time. In addition, the apparatus may be controlled through an operator that is in local or remote communication with the apparatus. The robotic system may include pre-programmed interactive platforms for enabling communication between a user and the apparatus in a dynamic mode. In addition, the system may allow an operator to program a game/story for use as an interactive platform. Accordingly, the apparatus and system provides a platform for rehabilitative exercise of a patient as well as an entertainment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Corinna E. Lathan, Michael R. Tracey, Jack M. Vice, Allison Druin, Catherine Plaisant