Miniature plastic gripper and fabrication method

Patent · Tue Mar 11 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:445703

Benett, W J; Krulevitch, P A; Lee, A P; Northrup, M A; Folta, J A

A miniature plastic gripper actuated by inflation of a miniature balloon and method of fabricating same are disclosed. The gripper is constructed of either heat-shrinkable or heat-expandable plastic tubing and is formed around a mandrel, then cut to form gripper prongs or jaws and the mandrel removed. The gripper is connected at one end with a catheter or tube having an actuating balloon at its tip, whereby the gripper is opened or closed by inflation or deflation of the balloon. The gripper is designed to removably retain a member to which is connected a quantity or medicine, plugs, or micro-components. The miniature plastic gripper is inexpensive to fabricate and can be used for various applications, such as gripping, sorting, or placing of micron-scale particles for analysis. 8 figs.

• Research Organization: University of California
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,609,608/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-549,497
• OSTI ID: 445703
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
ACTUATORS
DESIGN
FABRICATION
MINIATURIZATION
OPERATION
TOOLS