Abstract: A method of generating parameters to guide a spreading process of a three dimensional printer may include the following steps: determining one or more properties of an actual powder; generating a virtual powder model which mimics the actual powder; performing one or more virtual spreading simulations; experimentally validating virtual spreading; and using advanced regression techniques to generate spreading process map from a few virtual spreading simulations.

Abstract: This invention describes devices that incorporate phase change materials in containment vessels that promote conduction of thermal energy between the phase change materials within the containment vessels and the surrounding air. In some embodiments, the containment vessels are transparent to enable visual awareness of the operation and functionality of the PCMs. In some embodiments, the containment vessels are design to passively promote air flow across the surfaces of the containment vessels. In some embodiments, the containment vessels include embedded structures to promote the conduction of thermal energy to and from the interior of the containment vessel. In some of these embodiments, the intent is to target the location of crystal ‘seeds’ and control crystal growth, thus gaining greater control over thermal transfer.

Abstract: An indoor ultrasonic location tracking system that can utilize standard audio speakers to provide indoor ranging information to modern mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. The method uses a communication scheme based on linearly increasing frequency modulated chirps in the audio bandwidth just above the human hearing frequency range where mobile devices are still sensitive. The method uses gradual frequency and amplitude changes that minimize human perceivable (psychoacoustic) artifacts derived from the non-ideal impulse response of audio speakers. Chirps also benefit from Pulse Compression, which improves ranging resolution and resilience to both Doppler shifts and multi-path propagation that plague indoor environments. The method supports the decoding of multiple unique identifier packets simultaneously. A Time-Difference-of-Arrival pseudo-ranging technique allows for localization without explicit synchronization with the broadcasting infrastructure.

Abstract: Present invention describes a patterned and coated micro- and nano-scale fibers elastomeric material for enhanced adhesion in wet or dry environments. A multi-step fabrication process including optical lithography, micromolding, polymer synthesis, dipping, stamping, and photopolymerization is described to produce uniform arrays of micron-scale fibers with mushroom-shaped tips coated with a thin layer of an intrinsically adhesive synthetic polymer, such as lightly crosslinked p(DMA-co-MEA).

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses of ultra-miniature, ultra-compliant probe arrays that allows for design flexibility to match the stiffness of the tissue it is being applied to, such as the brain tissue, in all three axes (x, y and z), with interconnect cross section smaller than cell dimensions. Stiffness matching requires specific geometric and fabrication approaches, commonly leading to ultra-thin probe wires. Sizing of the electrodes for specific cell dimensions reduces glial formation. Further reduction in stiffness is obtained by incorporating different geometric features to the electrode, such as meandering the electrode wires. The small thickness and geometric features of the wires commonly result in very high compliance.