Micromachining system
First Claim
1. A micro-machining system configured for cutting an elongate element of small transverse dimension having a lengthwise axis, comprising:
- a controller programable to enable control of cuts in the elongate element with respect to each other in terms of position along and around the lengthwise axis and to a depth desired;
a clamp configured to enable repeatedly releasing and then holding the elongate element in a fixed position for cutting the elongate element transversely relative to the lengthwise axis;
a pinch roller feed configured to advance the elongate element and to rotate the elongate element about the lengthwise axis of the elongate element, thereby moving the elongate element so that the elongate element is disposed in a position for cutting;
a contact reference position sensor; and
a cutter configured for forming at least one precision cut in the elongate element to the depth desired into the elongate element from a sensed first contact by the cutter with the elongate element.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A micro-machining system configured for cutting an elongate object, including a clamp configured to enable repeatedly releasing and then holding the elongate object in a position suitable for cutting the elongate object transversely relative to its lengthwise axis, and a manipulating means, which can include a pinch roller feed configured to advance the elongate element and to rotate it about a lengthwise axis of the elongate object, thereby moving the elongate object so that it can be disposed in the position suitable for cutting, and a cutter configured for forming the at least one precision cut in the elongate object to a desired depth, under the control of a controller.
147 Citations
23 Claims
-
1. A micro-machining system configured for cutting an elongate element of small transverse dimension having a lengthwise axis, comprising:
-
a controller programable to enable control of cuts in the elongate element with respect to each other in terms of position along and around the lengthwise axis and to a depth desired;
a clamp configured to enable repeatedly releasing and then holding the elongate element in a fixed position for cutting the elongate element transversely relative to the lengthwise axis;
a pinch roller feed configured to advance the elongate element and to rotate the elongate element about the lengthwise axis of the elongate element, thereby moving the elongate element so that the elongate element is disposed in a position for cutting;
a contact reference position sensor; and
a cutter configured for forming at least one precision cut in the elongate element to the depth desired into the elongate element from a sensed first contact by the cutter with the elongate element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A system for micro-machining an elongate element having a lengthwise axis, comprising:
-
a controller configured to control operation of the system, programable to produce micro-machined elongate elements of desired configurations;
a clamp configured to engage and release the elongate element under control of the controller;
manipulating means configured to move the elongate element along the lengthwise axis and to rotate the elongate element about the lengthwise axis under the control of the controller, further comprising an actuator controlled by the controller configured to rotate the elongate element, and an actuator controlled by the controller configured to move the elongate element along the lengthwise axis;
a saw blade configured to form cuts of small dimensions in the elongate element and an actuator configured to move the saw blade toward and away from the elongate element under control of the controller;
a contact reference point identification system configured to provide a signal interperatable by the controller indicating that the saw blade has approached the elongate element and just made contact therewith without appreciable depth of cut to thereby control depth of cut from a contact reference point into the elongate element by the saw blade, whereby the elongate element is clamped to hold the elongate element in a fixed position, and a first cut of precisely controlled depth is made, and the elongate element is released and at least one of rotated and moved along and about the lengthwise axis so that a second precise cut is made at a desired depth in a desired position relationship to the first cut. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
-
-
23. A system for forming cuts in a small-diameter elongate element having a lengthwise axis, comprising:
-
a controller configured to control operation of the system, programable to produce micro-machined elongate elements of desired configurations in diameter sizes usable as catheters and guidewires for invasive medical procedure in a human body;
a clamp configured to engage and release the elongate element under control of the controller;
manipulating means including a pinch roller assembly configured to grasp the elongate element, and move the elongate element along the lengthwise axis and to rotate the elongate element about the lengthwise axis under the control of the controller, further comprising an actuator comprising a stepper motor controlled by the controller configured to rotate the elongate element, and an actuator comprising a stepper motor control led by the controller configured to move the elongate element along the lengthwise axis;
a saw blade configured to form cuts of small dimensions in the elongate element and to be movable toward and away from the elongate element by an actuator comprising a stepper motor turning a caliper under control of the controller;
a contact reference point identification system comprising an electrical circuit configured to provide a signal interperatable by the controller indicating that the saw blade has approached the elongate element and just made contact therewith without appreciable depth of cut to thereby control depth of cut from a contact reference point into the elongate element by the saw blade, whereby the elongate element can be clamped to hold the elongate element in a fixed position, and a first cut made, then the elongate element is released and moved by being at least one of rotated and moved along and about the lengthwise axis so that second precise cut is made to a desired depth at a desired position in relationship to the first cut.
-
Specification