Patents by Inventor Ifung Lu

Ifung Lu 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: 20210289644
    Abstract: Some examples include a support for a display device including a first arm having a first end, an opposing second end, and a body having a width and a length, the first end pivotably coupled to a display device, the second end pivotably coupled to a base, a first cam and a second cam coupled to the first arm, and a second arm extending along the body of the first arm, the second arm having a proximal end movably coupled to the first arm at the first cam and a distal end movably coupled to the first arm at the second cam, the second arm extending within the width and the length of the first arm in a retracted state, and the second arm extending outside of the width and within the length of the first arm in an extended state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Arthur Zarnowitz, Cian Plumbe, Harc Lee, Andrew Guscott, Ifung Lu, Gianluca Berutti, Isaac Teece, Marcus Hoggarth, Victor Su
  • Patent number: 9138250
    Abstract: A medical instrument handle includes a stem, a joystick assembly, and a medical-instrument-member first articulation cable. The stem has a proximal stem portion and a distal stem portion. The joystick assembly includes a platform, a proximal joystick portion and a distal joystick portion, wherein the distal joystick portion is articulatably connected to the proximal stem portion. The first articulation cable includes a proximal cable portion which is connected to the platform and which is substantially transversely constrained by the stem. Articulation of the joystick assembly with respect to the stem changes a distance between the platform and the stem as measured along the first articulation cable. A medical instrument includes a medical instrument handle and a medical end effector. Examples of medical end effectors include, without limitation, a medical grasper and a medical snare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Ifung Lu, Rudolph H. Nobis
  • Patent number: 8211114
    Abstract: A medical instrument including a resiliently flexible first elongate member and a resiliently flexible second elongate member. The first elongate member has a first proximal end portion and a first distal portion. The second elongate member has a second proximal end portion and a second distal portion, wherein the second distal portion is attached to the first distal portion, and wherein the attached first and second distal portions define a distal-loop medical snare which is insertable within a patient. In a first example, the first proximal end portion is lengthwise translatable with respect to the second proximal end portion to articulate the medical snare. In the same or a second example, the first proximal end portion is rotatable about its centerline to articulate the medical snare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph H. Nobis, Ifung Lu
  • Patent number: 7959642
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a flexible sheath, a pivot base, a medical needle knife base, a medical needle knife, and a handpiece. The flexible sheath has a distal sheath portion insertable within a patient and has a proximal sheath portion. The pivot base is attached to the distal sheath portion. The needle knife base is pivotally connected to the pivot base and has a passageway. The medical needle knife is extendable from the passageway and is retractable within the passageway. The handpiece is connected to the proximal sheath portion and includes a manually-operated articulation control operatively connected to the needle knife base for pivoting the needle knife base with respect to the pivot base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph H. Nobis, Ifung Lu
  • Patent number: 7927327
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a flexible tube, a distal member, a flexible end-effector activation wire, a proximal member, and a flexible first cable. The distal member is connected to the distal tube portion. The activation wire is positioned within the tube. The proximal member is attached to the tube. The first cable is positioned outside the tube, is substantially transversely constrained by the proximal member, and has a first distal cable portion attached to the distal member. Lengthwise translation of the first cable articulates the distal member with respect to the proximal member. Another instrument includes a drive screw which articulates an end effector (e.g., a grasper) pivotally connected to a tube. An additional instrument includes a drive screw which articulates a distal medical instrument member pivotally connected to a tube. A medical end effector (e.g., a snare) is positionable in a lumen of the distal medical instrument member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Ifung Lu, Rudolph H. Nobis
  • Patent number: 7867228
    Abstract: A surgical device including an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, an arm pivotally connected to the distal end and moveable through a dissection plane, and a cutting element disposed on the arm and adapted to move from an un-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration, wherein the cutting element is generally aligned with the dissection plane when in the un-deployed configuration and at least partially transverse with respect to the dissection plane when in the deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph H. Nobis, Ifung Lu
  • Patent number: 7837620
    Abstract: A medical tubular assembly includes four medical coilpipes together having a distal end portion insertable into a patient. The four medical coilpipes include a central coilpipe and three peripheral coilpipes disposed outward of the central coilpipe. The four medical coilpipes are wound from a continuous length of wire. In one example, a lengthwise translatable medical-end-effector activation cable is located in the central coilpipe, a separate and lengthwise translatable medical-instrument-member articulation cable is located in each of the three peripheral coilpipes, and the distal end portion is endoscopically insertable into the patient. Other examples are left to those skilled in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph H. Nobis, Ifung Lu
  • Patent number: 7833223
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for forming multidirectional cuts in tissue. The tissue cutting devices disclosed herein generally include a flexible elongate member with at least first, second, and third wires that are at least partially constrained within or along a portion of the member. A distal portion of the wires is anchored on or within a portion of the elongate member. When tension is applied to at least one of the wires, such as by an actuator at a proximal end of the device, the elongate member bows while an unconstrained portion of the wire becomes exposed relative to the adjacent portion of the elongate member, assuming a tissue-cutting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar Vakharia, Ifung Lu, Rudolph H. Nobis, Christopher Paul Swain
  • Patent number: 7758577
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for delivering monopolar energy to a treatment area in order to cut and/or coagulate tissue. In one embodiment, the device can include an elongated shaft having a distal end that is mated to a cutting head. The cutting head can include opposed jaws and an active monopolar cutting element coupled to at least one of the jaws and adapted to communicate with an energy source for delivering energy to tissue grasped between the jaws. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting element is slidably retractable relative to the jaws to cut and/or coagulate tissue engaged therebetween. Exemplary methods for cutting and/or coagulating tissue are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph Nobis, Ifung Lu
  • Patent number: 7758593
    Abstract: A medical instrument handle includes a medical-instrument-handle body, manually-slidable first and second slides, and medical-instrument-member first and second articulation cables. The handle body has a longitudinal axis, a proximal body portion, and a distal body portion. The first slide is slidably attached to the handle body. The first articulation cable includes a first proximal cable portion which has a first centerline and which is connected to the first slide. The second slide is slidably attached to the handle body. The second articulation cable includes a second proximal cable portion which is connected to the second slide. A medical instrument also includes a flexible shaft and a medical end effector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph H. Nobis, Ifung Lu, Omar Vakharia
  • Patent number: 7749222
    Abstract: A surgical system including a source of electrical energy, the source including a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection, a first jaw member including a first electrode connected thereto and electrically isolated therefrom, the first electrode being electrically connected to the first electrical connection, a second jaw member pivotally connected to the first jaw member and including a second electrode connected thereto and electrically isolated therefrom, the second electrode being electrically connected to the second electrical connection and electrically isolated from the first electrode, and an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the first jaw member and the second jaw member are connected to the distal end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Ifung Lu, Gary L. Long, Omar Vakharia
  • Patent number: 7651491
    Abstract: A method for resecting tissue from an organ of a patient, the organ being comprised of at least a first layer, a second layer and a third layer, the method including the steps of providing an EMR device with access to the organ, the EMR device including at least one deployable cutting element disposed on at least one moveable arm, identifying a target tissue area for resection, forming an incision through the first and second layers without penetrating the third layer, positioning the EMR device through the incision such that the device is positioned between the first third layers, advancing the moveable arm between the first and third layers, deploying the cutting element such that the cutting element is advanced in the direction of the first layer and away from the third layer and, while the EMR device is positioned between the first and third layers, cutting through the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph H. Nobis, Ifung Lu
  • Patent number: 7549991
    Abstract: A surgical device including a shaft defining an axis and having a distal end and a proximal end, a first elongated electrode pivotally connected to the distal end of the shaft and deployable from a first configuration, wherein the first electrode is generally coaxially aligned with the axis, to a second configuration, wherein the first electrode is generally perpendicular relative to the axis, and a second elongated electrode pivotally connected to the distal end of the shaft and deployable from a first configuration, wherein the second electrode is generally coaxially aligned with the axis, to a second configuration, wherein the second electrode is generally perpendicular relative to the axis, wherein the first elongated electrode is adapted to extend radially relative to the second elongated electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Ifung Lu, Gary L. Long, Omar Vakharia
  • Publication number: 20080188879
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for forming multidirectional cuts in tissue. The tissue cutting devices disclosed herein generally include a flexible elongate member with at least first, second, and third wires that are at least partially constrained within or along a portion of the member. A distal portion of the wires is anchored on or within a portion of the elongate member. When tension is applied to at least one of the wires, such as by an actuator at a proximal end of the device, the elongate member bows while an unconstrained portion of the wire becomes exposed relative to the adjacent portion of the elongate member, assuming a tissue-cutting configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar Vakharia, Ifung Lu, Rudolph H. Nobis, Christopher Paul Swain
  • Publication number: 20080132891
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for delivering monopolar energy to a treatment area in order to cut and/or coagulate tissue. In one embodiment, the device can include an elongated shaft having a distal end that is mated to a cutting head. The cutting head can include opposed jaws and an active monopolar cutting element coupled to at least one of the jaws and adapted to communicate with an energy source for delivering energy to tissue grasped between the jaws. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting element is slidably retractable relative to the jaws to cut and/or coagulate tissue engaged therebetween. Exemplary methods for cutting and/or coagulating tissue are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Rudolph Nobis, Ifung Lu
  • Publication number: 20070270643
    Abstract: An endoscopic instrument having a lumen stabilizing feature, including a flexible shaft having a first distal end for insertion into the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, a plurality of arm housings disposed about the periphery of the distal end, a plurality of arms retained within the arm housings, wherein the arms may be extended from and retracted into the arm housings; and a finger connected to an arm, wherein the finger may be rotated with respect to a lateral axis of the arm. Lumen stabilizing accessories for flexible endoscopic instruments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Ifung Lu, Rudolph H. Nobis, Duane A. Linenkugel
  • Publication number: 20070270798
    Abstract: A surgical system including a source of electrical energy, the source including a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection, a first jaw member including a first electrode connected thereto and electrically isolated therefrom, the first electrode being electrically connected to the first electrical connection, a second jaw member pivotally connected to the first jaw member and including a second electrode connected thereto and electrically isolated therefrom, the second electrode being electrically connected to the second electrical connection and electrically isolated from the first electrode, and an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the first jaw member and the second jaw member are connected to the distal end of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Ifung Lu, Gary L. Long, Omar Vakharia
  • Publication number: 20070270797
    Abstract: A surgical device including a shaft defining an axis and having a distal end and a proximal end, a first elongated electrode pivotally connected to the distal end of the shaft and deployable from a first configuration, wherein the first electrode is generally coaxially aligned with the axis, to a second configuration, wherein the first electrode is generally perpendicular relative to the axis, and a second elongated electrode pivotally connected to the distal end of the shaft and deployable from a first configuration, wherein the second electrode is generally coaxially aligned with the axis, to a second configuration, wherein the second electrode is generally perpendicular relative to the axis, wherein the first elongated electrode is adapted to extend radially relative to the second elongated electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Ifung Lu, Gary L. Long, Omar Vakharia
  • Publication number: 20070270895
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a flexible sheath, a pivot base, a medical needle knife base, a medical needle knife, and a handpiece. The flexible sheath has a distal sheath portion insertable within a patient and has a proximal sheath portion. The pivot base is attached to the distal sheath portion. The needle knife base is pivotally connected to the pivot base and has a passageway. The medical needle knife is extendable from the passageway and is retractable within the passageway. The handpiece is connected to the proximal sheath portion and includes a manually-operated articulation control operatively connected to the needle knife base for pivoting the needle knife base with respect to the pivot base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Rudolph Nobis, Ifung Lu
  • Publication number: 20070260264
    Abstract: A medical instrument handle includes a medical-instrument-handle body, manually-slidable first and second slides, and medical-instrument-member first and second articulation cables. The handle body has a longitudinal axis, a proximal body portion, and a distal body portion. The first slide is slidably attached to the handle body. The first articulation cable includes a first proximal cable portion which has a first centerline and which is connected to the first slide. The second slide is slidably attached to the handle body. The second articulation cable includes a second proximal cable portion which is connected to the second slide. A medical instrument also includes a flexible shaft and a medical end effector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: Rudolph Nobis, Ifung Lu, Omar Vakharia