Microfabricated mechanically actuated microtool and methods

Abstract

Apparatus and processes are disclosed that provide a microfabricated microtool having a mechanically actuated manipulating mechanism. The microtool comprises a tweezer having flexible arms, and an actuating mechanism. A biological, electrical, or mechanical component is grasped, cut, sensed, or measured by the flexible arms. The actuating mechanism requires no electric power and is achieved by the reciprocating motion of a smooth, rigid microstructure applied against the flexible arms of the microtool. In certain implementations, actuator motion is controlled distally by a tethered cable. A process is also disclosed for producing a microtool, and in particular, by micropatterning. Photolithography may be used to form micro-molds that pattern the microtool or components of the microtool. In certain implementations, the tweezer and actuating mechanism are produced fully assembled. In other implementations, the tweezer and actuating mechanism are produced separately and assembled together.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . A microfabricated microtool comprising:
 at least one mechanically moveable microfabricated single-bodied microarm that extends from the body and that terminates at a distal end to form a tip; and   a microfabricated mechanically actuating single-bodied mechanism that contacts at least one mechanically moveable microfabricated single-bodied microarm and is operative to cause motion of the least one mechanically moveable microfabricated single-bodied microarm.   
   
   
       18 . The microfabricated microtool recited in  claim 17 , wherein the at least one mechanically moveable microfabricated single-bodied microarm includes at least two mechanically moveable microfabricated single-bodied flexible microarms, wherein the microfabricated actuating mechanism comprises a plurality of contact members that contact lateral surfaces of two flexible microarms and are mechanically operative to open and close lateral portions of the tip formed by the two flexible microarms that are caused by relative motion between the contact members and the microarms. 
   
   
       19 . The microfabricated microtool recited in  claim 18 , wherein the microtool comprises a geared rotatable hub from which the at least one flexible microarm extends and wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a plurality of gear teeth that engage the geared rotatable hub to provide movement of the microarm. 
   
   
       20 . The microfabricated microtool recited in  claim 19 , further comprising a micromanipulator having a shaft and control apparatus for controlling movement of the shaft of the micromanipulator, wherein the microfabricated microtool or microfabricated actuating mechanism is coupled to the micromanipulator, and wherein the micromanipulator comprises a control member for moving the actuating mechanism relative to the microtool to open and close the tip of the microtool. 
   
   
       21 . The microfabricated microtool recited in  claim 20 , wherein the tip of each the mechanically moveable microfabricated single-bodied microarms comprises a substantially flat surface, wherein each surface is opposed to one another. 
   
   
       22 . The microfabricated microtool recited in  claim 20 , wherein the tip of each the mechanically moveable microfabricated single-bodied microarms comprises a serrated surface, wherein each surface is opposed to one another. 
   
   
       23 . The microfabricated microtool recited in  claim 20 , wherein the tip of each the mechanically moveable microfabricated single-bodied microarms comprises a sharp surface, wherein each surface is opposed to one another. 
   
   
       24 . The microfabricated microtool recited in  claim 17 , wherein the tip of at least one mechanically moveable microfabricated single-bodied microarms comprises insulated conducting surfaces with isolated conducting microelectrodes. 
   
   
       25 . The microfabricated microtool recited in  claim 18 , wherein the tip of at least two mechanically moveable microfabricated single-bodied microarms comprises insulated conducting surfaces with isolated conducting microelectrodes. 
   
   
       26 . The microfabricated microtool recited in  claim 20 , further comprising control apparatus for rotating the microtool around an axis through the microtool. 
   
   
       27 . The microfabricated microtool recited in  claim 20 , wherein the microtool is connected to a socket formed in the actuating mechanism. 
   
   
       28 . The microfabricated microtool recited in  claim 27 , wherein the microtool comprises magnetic material and is magnetically secured in the socket formed in the actuating mechanism.