Abstract: A compliant crank slider with adjustable constant-force output. Constant-force mechanisms (CFM) are used to maintain a constant output reaction force throughout a large range of compressive motion. The invention improves on existing CFM by introducing a second degree of freedom that adjusts the mechanism's output without changing its kinematic structure. This second degree of freedom is the rotation of a compliant beam about its longitudinal axis as it is constrained to the initial plane of bending. In an embodiment, the second degree of freedom is the rotation of both a first compliant beam and a second compliant beam. The resulting change in the constant force mechanism allows for adjustment to a specifiable range of constant-force outputs.

Abstract: A compliant crank slider with adjustable constant-force output. Constant-force mechanisms (CFM) are used to maintain a constant output reaction force throughout a large range of compressive motion. The invention improves on existing CFM by introducing a second degree of freedom that adjusts the mechanism's output without changing its kinematic structure. This second degree of freedom is the rotation of a compliant beam about its longitudinal axis as it is constrained to the initial plane of bending. The resulting change in the beam's stiffness allows for adjustment to a specifiable range of constant-force outputs.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a mechanically reconfigurable slot antenna includes an electrically conductive layer having multiple slots, multiple electrically conductive parasitic patches, each patch associated with one of the slots, and a rack-and-pinion mechanism adapted to simultaneously linearly displace at least two of the patches along their associated slots.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a mechanically reconfigurable antenna includes a patch antenna, one or more parasitic patches, and a radially foldable linkage associated with the patch antenna that can be actuated to move the parasitic patches radially inward and radially outward relative to the patch antenna to change an electromagnetic property of the antenna.

Abstract: Shape-shifting surfaces that retain their effectiveness as physical barriers while undergoing changes in shape. The shape changes include any motion that makes the surface more effective at performing its function, such as expansion, shrinkage, twisting, encircling, wiggling, swallowing or constricting. The shape-shifting surfaces include tiled arrays of polygonal cells, each cell including specifically-designed compliant flexures attached to specifically-shaped overlapping thin plates or shells. Applications for such surfaces include micro-scale cellular engineering and macro-scale biomedical applications, recreational uses, national security, and environmental protection.

Abstract: Multistable shape-shifting surfaces that retain their effectiveness as physical barriers while undergoing changes in shape and that can remain stable in the various shapes. The shape changes include any motion that makes the surface more effective at performing its function, such as expansion, shrinkage, twisting, encircling, wiggling, swallowing or constricting. The shape-shifting surfaces include tiled arrays of polygonal cells, each cell including specifically-designed compliant flexures attached to specifically-shaped overlapping thin plates or shells. The surfaces remain stable by leveraging them during deformation to an extent that they cannot spontaneously return to the unstressed shape. Applications for such surfaces include micro-scale cellular engineering and macro-scale biomedical applications, recreational uses, national security, and environmental protection.

Abstract: Multistable shape-shifting surfaces that retain their effectiveness as physical barriers while undergoing changes in shape and that can remain stable in the various shapes. The shape changes include any motion that makes the surface more effective at performing its function, such as expansion, shrinkage, twisting, encircling, wiggling, swallowing or constricting. The shape-shifting surfaces include tiled arrays of polygonal cells, each cell including specifically-designed compliant flexures attached to specifically-shaped overlapping thin plates or shells. The surfaces remain stable by leveraging them during deformation to an extent that they cannot spontaneously return to the unstressed shape. Applications for such surfaces include micro-scale cellular engineering and macro-scale biomedical applications, recreational uses, national security, and environmental protection.

Abstract: Shape-shifting surfaces that retain their effectiveness as physical barriers while undergoing changes in shape. The shape changes include any motion that makes the surface more effective at performing its function, such as expansion, shrinkage, twisting, encircling, wiggling, swallowing or constricting. The shape-shifting surfaces include tiled arrays of polygonal cells, each cell including specifically-designed compliant flexures attached to specifically-shaped overlapping thin plates or shells. Applications for such surfaces include micro-scale cellular engineering and macro-scale biomedical applications, recreational uses, national security, and environmental protection.

Abstract: A fin cover release and deployment system designed for high G forces of gun-launched missiles. In one embodiment, a pyrotechnic actuator drives actuator arms to first release and eject the fin slot covers, followed by deployment of the fins radially outward to the steering position. Following complete ejection of the covers, the fins are driven outwardly by cam surfaces along the latch arms, followed by a spring and wedge mechanism installed interiorly of the fin steering shaft to lock the fins in the fully deployed state. In another embodiment, a motor and rotating threaded shaft replace the pyrotechnic actuator.