Abstract:
A device includes a clip including first and second arms distal ends of which are biased apart and a core member including first and second portions connected to one another via a frangible link. The first portion includes a first protrusion for engaging a cut-out in the first arm. The frangible link is fractured when subjected to a load of at least a predetermined level deploying the clip. The device also includes a capsule slidably housing the core member and a proximal portion of the clip.
Abstract:
Multi-layer, multi-material fabrication methods include depositing at least one structural material and at least one sacrificial material during the formation of each of a plurality of layers wherein deposited materials for each layer are planarized to set a boundary level for the respective layer and wherein during formation of at least one layer at least three materials are deposited with a planarization operation occurring before deposition of the last material to set a planarization level above the layer boundary level and wherein a planarization occurs after deposition of the last material whereby the boundary level for the layer is set. Some formation processes use electrochemical fabrication techniques (e.g. including selective depositions, bulk depositions, etching operations and planarization operations) and post-deposition processes (e.g. selective etching operations and/or back filling operations).
Abstract:
Some embodiments of the invention are directed to electrochemical fabrication methods for forming structures or devices (e.g. microprobes for use in die level testing of semiconductor devices) from a core material and a shell or coating material that partially coats the surface of the structure. Other embodiments are directed to electrochemical fabrication methods for producing structures or devices (e.g. microprobes) from a core material and a shell or coating material that completely coats the surface of each layer from which the probe is formed including interlayer regions. Additional embodiments of the invention are directed to electrochemical fabrication methods for forming structures or devices (e.g. microprobes) from a core material and a shell or coating material wherein the coating material is located around each layer of the structure without locating the coating material in inter-layer regions. Each of these groups of embodiments incorporate both the core material and the coating material during the formation of each layer and each layer is also formed with a sacrificial material that is removed after formation of all layers of the structure. In some embodiments the core material may be a genuine structural material while in others it may be only a functional structural material (i.e. a material that would be removed with sacrificial material if it were accessible by an etchant during removal of sacrificial material.
Abstract:
An electroplating method that includes: a) contacting a first substrate with a first article, which includes a substrate and a conformable mask disposed in a pattern on the substrate; b) electroplating a first metal from a source of metal ions onto the first substrate in a first pattern, the first pattern corresponding to the complement of the conformable mask pattern; and c) removing the first article from the first substrate, is disclosed. Electroplating articles and electroplating apparatus are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The invention includes a forceps and collection assembly for acquiring and storing a plurality of tissue samples in a single pass, and accompanying mechanisms for use with the forceps and collection assembly. The accompanying mechanisms include an endoscope working channel cap assembly configured to minimize compression of a pouch of the forceps and collection assembly as it traverses a seal of the cap assembly, and a flush adapter configured to be coupled to the pouch so as to assist in removing tissue samples in the pouch by flowing fluid through the pouch.
Abstract:
Embodiments are directed to micro-scale or meso-scale devices having hydraulic or pneumatic actuation mechanisms incorporating bearings elements (such as ball bearings, cylindrical bearings, interference bearings, or hydrostatic bearings. Devices of some embodiments are turbines. Some devices may function as medical devices. Other embodiments are directed to multi-layer, multi-material electrochemical fabrication methods for producing such devices.
Abstract:
An electroplating method that includes: a) contacting a first substrate with a first article, which includes a substrate and a conformable mask disposed in a pattern on the substrate; b) electroplating a first metal from a source of metal ions onto the first substrate in a first pattern, the first pattern corresponding to the complement of the conformable mask pattern; and c) removing the first article from the first substrate, is disclosed. Electroplating articles and electroplating apparatus are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Multi-layer fabrication methods (e.g. electrochemical fabrication methods) for forming microscale and mesoscale devices or structures (e.g. turbines) provide bushings or roller bearing that allow rotational or linear motion which is constrained by multiple structural elements spaced from one another by gaps that are effectively less than minimum features sizes associated with the individual layers used to form the structures. In some embodiments, features or protrusions formed on different layers on opposing surfaces are offset along the axis of layer stacking so as to bring the features into positions that are closer than allowed by the minimum features sizes associated with individual layers. In other embodiments, interference is used to create effective spacings that are less than the minimum features sizes.
Abstract:
Some embodiments of the invention provide an instrument for mechanically removing segments of tissue from a patient during a minimally invasive surgical procedure. An exemplary instrument provides an inlet for receiving tissue a mechanism for cutting away received tissue and for simultaneously moving the cut away tissue away from the inlet to allow additional material to enter the inlet for removal wherein multiple specimens can be captured and eventually removed from the patient's body without the need of removing the instrument after each capture.
Abstract:
RF and microwave radiation directing or controlling components are provided that may be monolithic, that may be formed from a plurality of electrodeposition operations and/or from a plurality of deposited layers of material, that may include switches, inductors, antennae, transmission lines, filters, and/or other active or passive components. Components may include non-radiation-entry and non-radiation-exit channels that are useful in separating sacrificial materials from structural materials. Preferred formation processes use electrochemical fabrication techniques (e.g. including selective depositions, bulk depositions, etching operations and planarization operations) and post-deposition processes (e.g. selective etching operations and/or back filling operations).