Patent ID: 7461882
Filing Date: 2008-12-09
Classification: B25J,B81C,C25D,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a microfabricated single-bodied microtool comprising a microfabricated body and two mechanically moveable microfabricated microarms that extend from the body and terminate at a distal end to form a tip; a microfabricated mechanical single-bodied actuating mechanism that contacts the microtool and is operative to mechanically cause motion of the microtool, wherein the microfabricated body is disposed in a channel of the actuating mechanism, wherein a portion of the channel contacts the microfabricated body, wherein the microfabricated body is a guide for the actuating mechanism as the actuating mechanism moves forward and backward, wherein the microfabricated mechanical as the actuating mechanism comprises a pair of opposing contact members that contact lateral surfaces of the two mechanically moveable microfabricated microarms and are operative to mechanically open and close lateral portions of the tip formed by the two mechanically moveable microfabricated microarms, wherein mechanically opening and closing the microfabricated microarms are caused by relative motion between the contact members and the mechanically moveable microfabricated microarms as the microfabricated body moves forward or backward in the channel; and a micromanipulator having a shaft and control apparatus for mechanically controlling movement of the shaft of the micromanipulator, wherein the microfabricated microtool or microfabricated mechanical actuating mechanism is coupled to the shaft of the micromanipulator, wherein the micromanipulator comprises a control member for mechanically moving the microfabricated mechanical actuating mechanism relative to the microtool to open and close the tip of the microtool.