Patents by Inventor Rick Fu

Rick Fu 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: 20260256477
    Abstract: A surgical drilling device includes a drill bit at a distal end of a shaft configured to drill a bone hole having a first diameter. A cutter disposed within the shaft can move between a closed position and an extended position. The cutter is configured to drill a bone hole having a second diameter in the extended position. An adjustable member is at least partially disposed in the handle. An actuator is operatively coupled to both the adjustable member and the cutter. A distal end of the actuator has an arcuate projection configured to engage an arcuate slot in the cutter. Incremental movement of the adjustable member causes a corresponding incremental degree of extension of the cutter between the closed position and the extended position to drill the bone hole having the second diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2026
    Publication date: September 3, 2026
    Applicants: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific PTE. Limited
    Inventors: Dennis COLLERAN, Rick Fu
  • Publication number: 20260256568
    Abstract: Medical implants are disclosed. A medical implant includes a first base material having a first end region, a second end region and a feltable material adjacent to the first base material. Further, the feltable material includes a plurality of feltable fibers configured to attach the implant to a target tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2026
    Publication date: September 3, 2026
    Applicants: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Young, Dennis P. Colleran, Nehal N. Patel, Collin W. Shale, Marc J. Balboa, William Middleton, Helawe Betre, Mark E. Housman, Robert Bearden, Hadi El Heneidi, Jon-Paul Rogers, Benjamin M. Hall, Rick Fu, Christopher D. MacCready, Matthew D. Cunningham, Ali Hosseini, Kieran Lenehan, David A. Yeung, Brendan Jablonski, Nicholas J. Cotton, Haley Schierwagen
  • Publication number: 20260207321
    Abstract: A medical device delivers an implant by securing, folding, and releasing it through coordinated component movements. The device includes a first component with opposing jaws or a slot for releasably securing the implant in a flat configuration. A second component couples to the first component and moves between positions: a first position maintaining the flat configuration, a second position where it contacts and folds the implant into a folded configuration, and an optional third position allowing the implant to return to flat. The second component both pivots and translates relative to the first component. Movement control utilizes pins with discorectangle profiles extending from the first component that engage compound apertures in the second component, where each aperture has a round portion permitting rotation and a rectilinear portion preventing rotation. Detents and recesses facilitate smooth transitions between portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2026
    Publication date: July 23, 2026
    Applicants: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Timothy J. Young, Rick Fu
  • Patent number: 12685555
    Abstract: A system for harvesting a tendon graft is disclosed, the system including a retractor, a guide and at least one harvesting tool. The retractor holds open an anatomic space in a patient above the tendon. The guide assembles with the retractor to orient a guide shaft along the retractor and thereby the anatomic space. A first harvesting tool and the guide include a plurality of surfaces that cooperate with each other to transect the tendon and form at least one side of the tendon graft, the plurality of surfaces cooperating to limit a trajectory and a depth of cut into the tendon and also limiting both ends of the translational extent of the harvesting tool along the tendon. A second harvesting tool may extend along the anatomic space formed by the retractor and form both a posterior cut along the tendon and transect a tendon graft end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2026
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Rick Fu, Christopher David MacCready, Geoffrey Ian Karasic, Carrie Deborah Burgess, Belin Mirabile, Bernard Kilroy, Francheska Torres, Gregory Gorham, Miles Malone
  • Patent number: 12678187
    Abstract: A system for harvesting a tendon graft is disclosed, including a retractor, a guide and a harvesting tool. The retractor is collapsible and upon release, becomes self-supporting to hold open an anatomic space developed in a patient above the tendon. A guide assembles with the retractor to orient a guide shaft along the retractor and thereby the anatomic space. The harvesting tool includes a working end with a blade edge for cutting into the tendon. The harvesting tool defines a contoured surface for engaging and translating along the guide shaft while assembled to the retractor. The guide shaft and contoured surface limit the trajectory and translation extent of the harvesting tool along and into the tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2026
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Paul McGovern, Ali Hosseini, Chun Liu, Rick Fu, Christopher D. MacCready, Geoffrey I. Karasic, Carrie D. Burgess, Belin Mirabile
  • Patent number: 12433582
    Abstract: Depth penetration limiters for use with meniscal repair devices which have a built-in, self-stopper feature to prevent the limiter from disengaging from the device housing. The self-stopper feature is a cantilevered flexure on a bottom surface of the limiter that deflects as it is moved through the housing. As the flexure passes the edge of a recess in the housing, the flexure returns to its original shape, trapping the flexure within the recess and preventing further distal movement of the limiter/depth tube. A connection feature on the limiter provides increased pull-off resistance of the depth tube from the limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2025
    Assignees: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC., SMITH & NEPHEW ORTHOPAEDICS AG, SMITH & NEPHEW ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LIMITED
    Inventors: Han Teik Yeoh, Matthew D. Cunningham, Geoffrey Ian Karasic, Rick Fu
  • Publication number: 20250127538
    Abstract: Adjustable, flexible cannulas of this disclosure include a body having a proximal end and a distal end. The body defines a through hole extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The distal end of the body has a flange for engaging a surface of tissue. An outer surface of the body includes a plurality of axially spaced first engagement features extending around a circumference of the body. A moveable member has a lumen for receiving the body therethrough. An inner surface of the lumen has a plurality of second engagement features for selectively engaging a corresponding one of the first engagement features. The moveable member is moveable along a length of the body to adjust a distance between the flange and the moveable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2024
    Publication date: April 24, 2025
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Fu, Kendra O'Malley, Fabiano Paiva-Filho, Justin A. Barbas
  • Publication number: 20250049465
    Abstract: A system for harvesting a tendon graft is disclosed, the system including a retractor, a guide and at least one harvesting tool. The retractor holds open an anatomic space in a patient above the tendon. The guide assembles with the retractor to orient a guide shaft along the retractor and thereby the anatomic space. A first harvesting tool and the guide include a plurality of surfaces that cooperate with each other to transect the tendon and form at least one side of the tendon graft, the plurality of surfaces cooperating to limit a trajectory and a depth of cut into the tendon and also limiting both ends of the translational extent of the harvesting tool along the tendon. A second harvesting tool may extend along the anatomic space formed by the retractor and form both a posterior cut along the tendon and transect a tendon graft end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Inventors: Rick Fu, Christopher David MacCready, Geoffrey Ian Karasic, Carrie Deborah Burgess, Belin Mirabile, Bernard Kilroy, Francheska Torres, Gregory Gorham, Miles Malone
  • Patent number: 12138679
    Abstract: A single-patient-use disposable tool comprises a molded, single-piece body with a curved upper surface having a predetermined bend radius for bending a needle slidably disposed in a sheath. A distal end of the curved surface has a slot for insertion of a tip of a needle, while the proximal end of the curved surface has a guide member for slidably receiving the sheath. Two finger loops or similar ergonomic features allow the user to rotate the bending tool relative to the sheath to bend the needle about the predetermined bend radius. After completing the bend, the tool is removed from the needle and disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Rick Fu, Matthew D. Cunningham, Allison Marie Stauffer, Geoffrey Ian Karasic, Belin Mirabile, Han Teik Yeoh, Fabiano Paiva-Filho
  • Patent number: 11903575
    Abstract: Anchor delivery systems include anchors having a generally cylindrical body with a rail on top for positioning within a delivery device slot. The rail incorporates a side-bulge as a retaining feature which axially extends along a majority of the length of the rail. The bulge interferes with a corresponding hourglass cutout in the delivery device slot to prevent the anchor from stripping out of the delivery device when the delivery device is retracted through tissue. The anchors are symmetrical along a length and width to facilitate loading within the delivery device. The distal portion of the delivery device includes a series of distally-extending barbs that intentionally change the penetration force required to push the device tip through tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC., SMITH & NEPHEW ORTHOPAEDICS AG, SMITH & NEPHEW ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LIMITED
    Inventors: Matthew D. Cunningham, Rick Fu, Allison Marie Stauffer, Geoffrey Karasic
  • Publication number: 20230210551
    Abstract: A system for harvesting a tendon graft is disclosed, including a retractor, a guide and a harvesting tool. The retractor is collapsible and upon release, becomes self-supporting to hold open an anatomic space developed in a patient above the tendon. A guide assembles with the retractor to orient a guide shaft along the retractor and thereby the anatomic space. The harvesting tool includes a working end with a blade edge for cutting into the tendon. The harvesting tool defines a contoured surface for engaging and translating along the guide shaft while assembled to the retractor. The guide shaft and contoured surface limit the trajectory and translation extent of the harvesting tool along and into the tendon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Paul McGovern, Ali Hosseini, Chun Liu, Rick Fu, Christopher D. MacCready, Geoffrey I. Karasic, Carrie D. Burgess, Belin Mirabile
  • Publication number: 20230134233
    Abstract: Tissue repair devices include an advancement assembly comprising a rod portion configured to advance through a needle to expel first and second implants from the needle, a ratchet coupled to a proximal section of the rod portion and configured to advance the rod through the needle by axial and rotational movement, and an advancement member having a linear travel axis including a first bore connected to a second bore. A diameter of the first bore is smaller than a diameter of the second bore such that the first bore and the second bore comprise a stop. The rod portion has mechanical properties optimized to both conform to a needle curvature and provide sufficient compressive strength to expel implants from the devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey I. Karasic, Matthew D. Cunningham, Han Teik Yeoh, Rick Fu, Roger R. Cassidy, Allison M. Stauffer, Belin Mirabile
  • Publication number: 20230109413
    Abstract: Depth penetration limiters for use with meniscal repair devices which have a built-in, self-stopper feature to prevent the limiter from disengaging from the device housing. The self-stopper feature is a cantilevered flexure on a bottom surface of the limiter that deflects as it is moved through the housing. As the flexure passes the edge of a recess in the housing, the flexure returns to its original shape, trapping the flexure within the recess and preventing further distal movement of the limiter/depth tube. A connection feature on the limiter provides increased pull-off resistance of the depth tube from the limiter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Han Teik Yeoh, Matthew D. Cunningham, Geoffrey Ian Karasic, Rick Fu
  • Publication number: 20220409198
    Abstract: Anchor delivery systems include anchors having a generally cylindrical body with a rail on top for positioning within a delivery device slot. The rail incorporates a side-bulge as a retaining feature which axially extends along a majority of the length of the rail. The bulge interferes with a corresponding hourglass cutout in the delivery device slot to prevent the anchor from stripping out of the delivery device when the delivery device is retracted through tissue. The anchors are symmetrical along a length and width to facilitate loading within the delivery device. The distal portion of the delivery device includes a series of distally-extending barbs that intentionally change the penetration force required to push the device tip through tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Cunningham, Rick Fu, Allison Marie Stauffer, Geoffrey Karasic
  • Patent number: 11523815
    Abstract: A knot pushing and suture-cutting device is disclosed including a handle having a multi-positional control and an inner shaft and outer tube extending from the handle. The inner shaft and outer tube both comprise slots and the outer tube is both axially and rotationally moveable relative to the inner shaft, to move the inner shaft and outer tube slots relative to each other. In a first configuration, the inner shaft and outer tube slots are aligned and configured to receive a suture therein. In a second configuration, the slots are configured to lock the suture within a lumen of the inner shaft. In a third configuration a cutting edge on the outer slot is configured to cut the suture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignees: Smith & Nephew, Inc., Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics AG, Smith & Nephew Asia Pacific Pte. Limited
    Inventors: Rick Fu, Matthew D. Cunningham, Allison Marie Stauffer
  • Patent number: 11457911
    Abstract: Anchor delivery systems include anchors having a generally cylindrical body with a rail on top for positioning within a delivery device slot. The rail incorporates a side-bulge as a retaining feature which axially extends along a majority of the length of the rail. The bulge interferes with a corresponding hourglass cutout in the delivery device slot to prevent the anchor from stripping out of the delivery device when the delivery device is retracted through tissue. The anchors are symmetrical along a length and width to facilitate loading within the delivery device. The distal portion of the delivery device includes a series of distally-extending barbs that intentionally change the penetration force required to push the device tip through tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignees: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC., SMITH & NEPHEW ASIA PACIFIC PTE, LIMITED
    Inventors: Matthew D. Cunningham, Rick Fu, Allison Marie Stauffer, Geoffrey Karasic
  • Publication number: 20220161306
    Abstract: A single-patient-use disposable tool comprises a molded, single-piece body with a curved upper surface having a predetermined bend radius for bending a needle slidably disposed in a sheath. A distal end of the curved surface has a slot for insertion of a tip of a needle, while the proximal end of the curved surface has a guide member for slidably receiving the sheath. Two finger loops or similar ergonomic features allow the user to rotate the bending tool relative to the sheath to bend the needle about the predetermined bend radius. After completing the bend, the tool is removed from the needle and disposed of.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Fu, Matthew D. Cunningham, Allison Marie Stauffer, Geoffrey Ian Karasic, Belin Mirabile, Han Teik Yeoh, Fabiano Paiva-Filho
  • Publication number: 20200390434
    Abstract: A knot pushing and suture-cutting device is disclosed including a handle having a multi-positional control and an inner shaft and outer tube extending from the handle. The inner shaft and outer tube both comprise slots and the outer tube is both axially and rotationally moveable relative to the inner shaft, to move the inner shaft and outer tube slots relative to each other. In a first configuration, the inner shaft and outer tube slots are aligned and configured to receive a suture therein. In a second configuration, the slots are configured to lock the suture within a lumen of the inner shaft. In a third configuration a cutting edge on the outer slot is configured to cut the suture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Rick Fu, Matthew D. Cunningham, Allison Marie Stauffer
  • Publication number: 20200360007
    Abstract: Anchor delivery systems include anchors having a generally cylindrical body with a rail on top for positioning within a delivery device slot. The rail incorporates a side-bulge as a retaining feature which axially extends along a majority of the length of the rail. The bulge interferes with a corresponding hourglass cutout in the delivery device slot to prevent the anchor from stripping out of the delivery device when the delivery device is retracted through tissue. The anchors are symmetrical along a length and width to facilitate loading within the delivery device. The distal portion of the delivery device includes a series of distally-extending barbs that intentionally change the penetration force required to push the device tip through tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Cunningham, Rick Fu, Allison Marie Stauffer, Geoffrey Karasic
  • Publication number: 20200360010
    Abstract: Tissue repair assemblies for repairing soft tissue consist of two soft anchors connected by a suture. Each soft anchor is a woven braid with a suture stitched through opposite sides of the anchor. The suture includes a pre-tied sliding knot located between the anchors. When the anchors are deployed in the body and the knot is reduced toward the tissue, the suture slides through the anchors, causing them to expand radially or fold to form a ball shape or cluster, thus increasing the contact area against the tissue and improving the overall construct strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Allison Marie Stauffer, Matthew D. Cunningham, Rick Fu