Patents by Inventor Andrew Wu

Andrew Wu 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: 20120101538
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for evaluating the success of a treatment applied to tissue in a patient, such as a radio frequency ablative treatment used to neuromodulate nerves associated with the renal artery. A system monitors parameters or values generated during the course of a treatment. Feedback provided to an operator is based on the monitored values and relates to an assessment of the likelihood that a completed treatment was technically successful. In other embodiments, parameters or values generated during the course of an incomplete treatment (such as due to high temperature or high impedance conditions) may be evaluated to provide additional instructions or feedback to an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Sowmya Ballakur, Robert Beetel, Paul Friedrichs, David Herzfeld, Andrew Wu, Denise Zarins, Mark S. Leung
  • Patent number: 8085025
    Abstract: A regulator with a high side pass device and a low side pass device coupled in series to the high side pass device is disclosed. The apparatus further includes a control module coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device to control the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is operable to lock out the high side pass device under certain conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Wu
  • Publication number: 20110264075
    Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver an energy delivery element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermal or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Leung, Benjamin J. Clark, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Erik Thai, Andrew Wu, Denise Zarins
  • Publication number: 20110264011
    Abstract: Multi-directional deflectable catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Mark S. Leung
  • Patent number: 8018694
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for a power converter system. The method includes: providing a primary current limit for the power converter system, wherein the power converter system has one or more transistors which can be switched on at a primary frequency to cause current to flow through an inductor of the power converter system; and using the primary current limit for over-current protection in the power converter system, wherein over-current protection does not employ any secondary frequency for switching of the one or more transistors and does not employ any secondary current limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Wu
  • Publication number: 20110208096
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues. In some embodiments, thermally-induced renal neuromodulation is achieved via delivery of a pulsed thermal therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Andrew Wu, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Mark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin
  • Publication number: 20110200171
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus for renal neuromodulation via stereotactic radiotherapy for the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic disorder or other ailments. Renal neuromodulation may be achieved by locating renal nerves and then utilizing stereotactic radiotherapy to expose the renal nerves to a radiation dose sufficient to reduce neural activity. A neural location element may be provided for locating target renal nerves, and a stereotactic radiotherapy system may be provided for exposing the located renal nerves to a radiation dose sufficient to reduce the neural activity, with reduced or minimized radiation exposure in adjacent tissue. Renal nerves may be located and targeted at the level of the ganglion and/or at postganglionic positions, as well as at pre-ganglionic positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Beetel, Neil C. Barman, Benjamin J. Clark, Paul Friedrichs, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, Karun D. Naga, Andrew Wu, Denise Zarins
  • Publication number: 20110128654
    Abstract: A regulator with a high side pass device and a low side pass device coupled in series to the high side pass device is disclosed. The apparatus further includes a control module coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device to control the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is operable to lock out the high side pass device under certain conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew Wu
  • Publication number: 20110060324
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Bejamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai
  • Patent number: 7880455
    Abstract: A regulator with a high side pass device and a low side pass device coupled in series to the high side pass device is disclosed. The apparatus further includes a control module coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device to control the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is operable to lock out the high side pass device under certain conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Wu
  • Patent number: 7880456
    Abstract: A switch-mode DC/DC converter and a linear low drop out (LDO) DC/DC regulator are connected in parallel to drive a single load. Both regulators share a common voltage reference, feedback network, input supply and output such that the regulated voltage is identical during each mode of operation. During heavy loads the switch-mode regulator is in operation and the linear regulator is disabled for the highest efficiency possible. Conversely at light loads the linear regulator is in operation with the switch-mode regulator disabled, also maximizing the efficiency. Each regulator senses load current to automatically transition between the appropriate voltage regulators at fixed load current levels. The presented invention also includes a make before break transition scheme of the voltage regulators to minimize the voltage transients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Falvey, Andrew Wu
  • Patent number: 7817797
    Abstract: An echo canceller comprising a first adaptive filter having N_long coefficients for converging to an echo path, a non-adaptive filter representing a direct echo path portion captured by the first adaptive filter and having N_short default coefficients, where N_long>N_short, for quick convergence of the echo canceller at start-up, wherein the default coefficients are replaced by the first N_short coefficients from the first adaptive filter responsive to an improvement in echo return loss enhancement (ERLE) of the first adaptive filter, a second adaptive filter having N_short default coefficients for modeling the direct echo path and providing an indication of double-talk and echo path changes, decision logic for receiving error signal outputs from the first and second adaptive filters and the non-adaptive filter and in response distinguishing between echo path changes and double-talk, and a non-linear processor for attenuating signals responsive to input from the decision logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: Mirjana Popovic, Dieter Schulz, Dean Swan, Andrew Wu
  • Publication number: 20100249773
    Abstract: The present disclosure comprises handle assemblies for intravascular treatment devices. In one embodiment, a handle assembly comprises an actuator for deflecting a distal region of an intravascular treatment device. In one embodiment, a handle assembly comprises a rotator for rotating an intravascular treatment device independently of the handle assembly. In one embodiment, a handle assembly comprises a rotation limiting element for limiting independent rotation of an intravascular treatment device relative to the handle assembly. Methods and systems for intravascular delivery, deflection and placement of an intravascular treatment device via a handle assembly of the present invention are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Clark, William R. George, Kenneth J. Michlitsch, John Paul Sam, Erik Thai, Andrew Wu
  • Publication number: 20100231190
    Abstract: A switch-mode DC/DC converter and a linear low drop out (LDO) DC/DC regulator are connected in parallel to drive a single load. Both regulators share a common voltage reference, feedback network, input supply and output such that the regulated voltage is identical during each mode of operation. During heavy loads the switch-mode regulator is in operation and the linear regulator is disabled for the highest efficiency possible. Conversely at light loads the linear regulator is in operation with the switch-mode regulator disabled, also maximizing the efficiency. Each regulator senses load current to automatically transition between the appropriate voltage regulators at fixed load current levels. The presented invention also includes a make before break transition scheme of the voltage regulators to minimize the voltage transients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher T. Falvey, Andrew Wu
  • Publication number: 20100220421
    Abstract: A regulator with a high side pass device and a low side pass device coupled in series to the high side pass device is disclosed. The apparatus further includes a control module coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device to control the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is operable to lock out the high side pass device under certain conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Wu
  • Publication number: 20100185968
    Abstract: A business software application system and method are provided that include a feed system for distributing changes about the application/module to a group of users and a cloud connector system that links external data sources to the business software application system and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: SugarCRM Inc.
    Inventors: Yun-Ping Hsu, Majed Itani, Ajay Gupta, Roger Smith, Rob Aagaard, Andrew Wu, Collin Lee, Lila Alexei Tretikov
  • Publication number: 20100168731
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai
  • Publication number: 20100168739
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Wu, Benjamin J. Clark, Denise Zarins, Erik Thai
  • Publication number: 20100157487
    Abstract: A regulator with a high side pass device and a low side pass device coupled in series to the high side pass device is disclosed. The apparatus further includes a control module coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is coupled to the high side pass device and the low side pass device to control the high side pass device and the low side pass device. The control module is operable to lock out the high side pass device under certain conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Wu
  • Publication number: 20100137860
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Nicolas Zadno, Benjamin J. Clark, Andrew Wu, Kenneth J. Michlitsch