Multi-fixture assembly of cutting tools
US6993818B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49996
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Multiple cutting blades (56) are fabricated from a wafer (130). This wafer (130) is disposed on a blade handle mounting fixture (224) such that a blade handle (24) maybe mounted on each of the individual blades (56). A cutting edge (80) of each blade (56) is maintained in spaced relation to the fixture (224) as these blade handles (24) are being mounted. Thereafter, the wafer (130) is transferred to a blade separation fixture (300). Each blade 56 is suspended above the fixture (300). An appropriate force is transmitted to the individual blades (56) to separate the same from the wafer (130). Separation preferably occurs before the blade (56) contacts the fixture (300). Thereafter, the blade (56) in effect pivots into an inclined position where its cutting edge (80) projects at least generally upwardly. Preferably, at no time does the cutting edge (80) of any blade (56) contact either the blade handle mounting fixture (224) or the blade separation fixture (300).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.