Method of making a bio-probe

• US 6,892,438 B1
• Filed: 05/05/2003
• Issued: 05/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Inventors: Hadjicostis, Andreas N., Swanson, John W., Hill, Norman M.
• Primary Examiner(s): CHANG, RICK KILTAE
• Application Number:
  US10/429,652
• Time in Patent Office: 743 Days
• Field of Search: 298/25, 298/30, 298/46, 298/47, 298/52, 295/921, 600/378, 600/116
• US Class Current: 29/592.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/24 Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/685 Microneedles
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0529 Electrodes for brain stimulation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49117 Conductor or circuit manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49155 Manufacturing circuit on or in base
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49156 with selective destruction of conductive paths
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49165 by forming conductive walled aperture in base

Abstract

A method of producing a bio-probe that begins with the step of providing a tapering core of substantially rigid material. The core is then coated with dielectric material and this dielectric material is coated with a first layer of conductive material. The conductive material is then divided into longitudinal traces, extending from the base into proximity to said tip. The conductive material is then coated with a second layer of dielectric material. Finally, portions of the second layer of dielectric material are removed to form apertures to the conductive material, thereby forming electrodes.

Claims

1. A method of producing a bio-probe, comprising:

(a) providing a core of substantially rigid material, said core having a base and a tip, and at least one curved surface substantially extending from said base to said tip;

(b) substantially coating said curved surface with dielectric material;

(c) substantially coating said dielectric material with a first layer of conductive material;

(d) dividing said conductive material into longitudinal traces, extending from said base, to a region close to said tip;

(e) coating said conductive material with a second layer of dielectric material; and

(f) removing portions of said second layer of dielectric material to form apertures to said conductive material, thereby forming electrodes.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein step (c) more specifically comprises vacuum depositing said conductive material.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein (d) more specifically comprises using a laser to divide said conductive material into longitudinal traces.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said laser is an ND:

YAG laser.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said at least one curved surface is curved transversely to said article length.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said core is elliptical in cross-section.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said core is circular in cross-section.