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Fabrication method for miniature plastic gripper

Patent ·
OSTI ID:672492
A miniature plastic gripper is described actuated by inflation of a miniature balloon and method of fabricating same. 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 dosed 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
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
Assignee:
Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,783,130/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-753,720
OSTI ID:
672492
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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