US5579583A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Microfabricated blades
Assignee: MicroMed Inc
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Filing: 1995-01-19
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Granted: 1996-12-03
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Expires: 2015-01-19
Abstract
Abstract A micromachined blade suitable for medical applications has an edge which is free of the imperfections common in mechanically sharpened steel blades. A method of forming micromachined blades having the desired characteristics may be performed by etching with anisotropic or isotropic etchants. This micromachined blade may be formed of a single-crystalline substrate, such as a silicon wafer commonly used in integrated circuit technology. Thus, such a micromachined blade may also carry circuitry capable of assisting a surgeon in the performance of certain procedures.
Inventors
- 👤 Mehran Mehregany
- 👤 Randal H. Rudderman
- 👤 Robert L. Mullen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 09:07
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/3209; A61B17/3211; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; B; B26; B26B; B26B9/00; A61B18/1402; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00107; A61B2018/00119
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
A micromachined cutting blade, comprising a body of silicon having a sharp cutting edge, including at least one segment defined by an intersection of two crystal planes; wherein the body of silicon is a single-crystal wafer; and further comprising an electronic circuit element diffused into a surface the silicon wafer, and non-electrically coupled to the silicon wafer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
57 words
A micromachined cutting blade, comprising a body of silicon having a sharp cutting edge, including at least one segment defined by an intersection of two crystal planes; wherein the body of silicon is a single-crystal wafer; and further comprising an electronic circuit element diffused into a surface the silicon wafer, and non-electrically coupled to the silicon wafer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A blade, as recited in claim 1, wherein the cutting edge of the body includes a plurality of the segments.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A micromachined blade as recited in claim 1, suitable for surgical use and further comprising: a sharp tip formed by an intersection of a third crystal plane and the intersection of two crystal planes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A blade, as recited in claim 1, wherein the body has a bottom surface adjacent the cutting edge, the bottom surface substantially corresponding with a <100> plane of the silicon.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A blade, as recited in claim 1, wherein the cutting edge substantially corresponds with a <111> plane of the silicon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A blade as recited in claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit element includes a strain/stress sensor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A blade, as recited in claim 1, wherein the electronic circuit element includes a resistive heater.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
80 words
A cutting instrument, comprising: a micromachined blade having a sharp cutting edge including at least one segment defined by an intersection of two crystal planes; a handle having a slot at one end, into which the micromachined blade is inserted; electronic circuitry integrated into a surface of the micromachined blade, including contact pads for making electrical contact with the electronic circuitry; and means for making electrical contact with the contact pads, the means disposed within the slot in the handle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
80 words
A cutting instrument, comprising: a micromachined blade having a sharp cutting edge including at least one segment defined by an intersection of two crystal planes; a handle having a slot at one end, into which the micromachined blade is inserted; electronic circuitry integrated into a surface of the micromachined blade, including contact pads for making electrical contact with the electronic circuitry; and means for making electrical contact with the contact pads, the means disposed within the slot in the handle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-12-03 | 2000-06-03 | 2000-12-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-12-03 | 2004-06-03 | 2004-12-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-12-03 | 2008-06-03 | 2008-12-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |