Abstract: A load carrying and force distributing interface to be worn on a user's limb is described. The interface has one or more support members sized and dimensioned to fit around the user's limb, at least three elongated compression members circumferentially spaced apart and around the limb, and a sensor, an actuator, and a controller configured to dynamically adjust a compression level of at least one of the elongated compression members. The controller could also be configured to adjust one or more elongated compression members so as to compress the soft tissue of the limb against the bone structure to thereby reduce relative motion between the bone structure and the interface.

Abstract: A fastener having two strap ends connected by an elastomeric member is described. The elastomeric member has sufficient elasticity to allow a user to increase the distance of separation between the two strap ends by applying a separation force, while providing enough tension to return the two strap ends to close proximity when the user releases the separation force. The elastomeric member may also have an adjustable elasticity to accommodate different applications with different load forces. The two strap ends may each be attached to two connectors.

Abstract: A load carrying and force distributing device to be worn on a user's limb is described. The device has one or more support members and a plurality of elongated compression members that couple with each of the support members at locations that are circumferentially spaced around the user's limb. The space between the plurality of compression members provides a relief area. The load carrying and force distributing device compresses the soft tissue of the limb against the bone structure to thereby reduce motion of the bone structure towards a wall of the load carrying and force distributing device when worn on the limb. A method of fitting a load carrying and force distributing device to a limb is also described. The method includes coupling the elongated compression members to each of the support members and adjusting compression to thereby reduce motion of the bone towards a wall of the device.

Abstract: A load carrying and force distributing device to be worn on a user's limb is described. The device has one or more support members and a plurality of elongated compression members that couple with each of the support members at locations that are circumferentially spaced around the user's limb. The space between the plurality of compression members provides a relief area. The load carrying and force distributing device compresses the soft tissue of the limb against the bone structure to thereby reduce motion of the bone structure towards a wall of the load carrying and force distributing device when worn on the limb. A method of fitting a load carrying and force distributing device to a limb is also described. The method includes coupling the elongated compression members to each of the support members and adjusting compression to thereby reduce motion of the bone towards a wall of the device.

Abstract: A load carrying device to be worn on a user's limb is described. The load carrying device has a distal cuff, a proximal cuff, and several elongated compression members. The ends of the elongated compression members removably attach to the distal and proximal cuffs, and are designed to compress the limb's soft tissue and stabilize the bone. The alternative of compression and relief zones captures lost motion between the limb and the device when the device is worn on the user's limb. The load carrying device can be used in conjunction with a load distribution system.

Abstract: A fastener having two strap ends connected by an elastomeric member is described. The elastomeric member has sufficient elasticity to allow a user to increase the distance of separation between the two strap ends by applying a separation force, while providing enough tension to return the two strap ends to close proximity when the user releases the separation force. The elastomeric member may also have an adjustable elasticity to accommodate different applications with different load forces. The two strap ends may each be attached to two connectors.

Abstract: A fastener having two strap ends connected by an elastomeric member is described. The elastomeric member has sufficient elasticity to allow a user to increase the distance of separation between the two strap ends by applying a tension force, while providing enough tension to return the two strap ends to close proximity when the user releases the tension force. The elastomeric member may also have an adjustable elasticity to accommodate different applications with different load forces.

Abstract: A load carrying device to be worn on a user's limb is described. The load carrying device has a distal cuff, a proximal cuff, and several elongated compression members. The ends of the elongated compression members removably attach to the distal and proximal cuffs, and are designed to compress the limb's soft tissue and stabilize the bone. The alternative of compression and relief zones captures lost motion between the limb and the device when the device is worn on the user's limb. The load carrying device can be used in conjunction with a load distribution system.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a threadless base and a removable threadless insert that separately contains a check valve piece. The check valve piece is resiliently supported to abut a seal fitted to the insert. In one assembly, a pair of resiliently biased latch arms restrain the insert to the base. Flanges at the latch arms are resiliently biased to flex and grip the base as the insert is pushed into the base. Insert removal is effected with the release and lifting of the latch arms. In another assembly, the insert is magnetically coupled to the base and a resiliently biased check valve piece and setscrew adjuster regulates flow pressure.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a base and a removable latched insert that separately contains a valve piece. The valve piece is resiliently supported to abut a seal fitted to the insert. The insert is restrained to the base with a pair of resiliently biased latch arms that radiate from the insert. Flanges at the latch arms are resiliently biased to flex and grip the base as the insert is pushed into the base. Insert removal is effected with the release of the latch arms and a lifting of the latch arms.

Abstract: A method of forming a thermoelectric device may include forming a plurality of islands of thermoelectric material on a deposition substrate. The plurality of islands of thermoelectric material may be bonded to a header substrate so that the plurality of islands are between the deposition substrate and the header substrate. More particularly, the islands of thermoelectric material may be epitaxial islands of thermoelectric material having crystal structures aligned with a crystal structure of the deposition substrate. Related structures are also discussed.

Abstract: A method of forming a thermoelectric device may include providing a substrate having a surface, and thermally coupling a thermoelectric p-n couple to a first portion of the surface of a substrate. Moreover, the thermoelectric p-n couple may include a p-type thermoelectric element and an n-type thermoelectric element. In addition, a thermally conductive field layer may be formed on a second portion of the surface of the substrate adjacent the first portion of the surface of the substrate. Related structures are also discussed.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a base and a removable latched insert that separately contains a valve piece. The valve piece is resiliently supported to abut a seal fitted to the insert. The insert is restrained to the base with a pair of resiliently biased latch arms that radiate from the insert. Flanges at the latch arms are resiliently biased to flex and grip the base as the insert is pushed into the base. Insert removal is effected with the release of the latch arms and a lifting of the latch arms.

Abstract: A method of forming a thermoelectric device may include forming a pattern of conductive traces, and forming an electrically insulating matrix between the conductive traces of the pattern of conductive traces. In addition, a plurality of thermoelectric elements may be electrically and mechanically coupled to the pattern of conductive traces so that each conductive trace of the pattern of conductive traces has one of the plurality of thermoelectric elements thereon. In addition, the plurality of thermoelectric elements may be free of the electrically insulating matrix. Related methods and structures are also discussed.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a threadless base and a removable threadless insert that separately contains a check valve piece. The check valve piece is resiliently supported to abut a seal fitted to the insert. In one assembly, a pair of resiliently biased latch arms restrain the insert to the base. Flanges at the latch arms are resiliently biased to flex and grip the base as the insert is pushed into the base. Insert removal is effected with the release and lifting of the latch arms. In another assembly, the insert is magnetically coupled to the base and a resiliently biased check valve piece and setscrew adjuster regulates flow pressure.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device having at least one unipolar couple element (22) including two legs (22a) of a same electrical conductivity type. A first-temperature stage (24) is connected to one of the two legs. A second-temperature stage (28) is connected across the legs of the at least one unipolar couple element. A third-temperature stage (30) is connected to the other of the two legs. Methods for cooling an object and for thermoelectric power conversion utilize the at least one unipolar couple element to respectively cool an object and produce electrical power.

Abstract: A structure, system and method for controlling a temperature of a heat generating device in a solid medium, wherein heat is extracted from the medium into at least one heat extraction device, the heat extraction device dissipates heat into an environment apart from the medium by a heat sink thermally coupled to the heat extraction device; and heat from the medium is dissipated into the heat sink by a first thermal interface material thermally coupling the heat sink to the medium.