Abstract: A robotic system can include or be coupled with an end effector assembly. The end effector may include multiple of suction cups configured to individually receive suction pressure (e.g., from a shared vacuum source), and a set of unidirectional valves coupled to the multiple suction cups to individually control supply or cut-off of the suction pressure to an individual suction cup of the plurality of suction cups. Each of the unidirectional valves may include a first flow path to convey the suction pressure from the source of suction pressure to the suction cup, and a second flow path extending between a suction cup to the atmosphere. The valve can be configured to switch between the first flow path and the second flow path to activate or deactivate the individual suction cup.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for concentric suction cup tools with integrated air chambers. In one embodiment, an example picking assembly may include a vacuum manifold having a first integrated air pressure path and a second integrated air pressure path, and a first piston subassembly that includes a first air pipe, a first vacuum pipe, a first bushing disposed between the first air pipe and the first vacuum pipe, and a first suction cup, where the first piston subassembly is configured to independently actuate from a retracted position to an extended position. The picking assembly may include a second piston subassembly having a second air pipe, a second vacuum pipe, a second bushing disposed between the second air pipe and the second vacuum pipe, and a second suction cup, where the second piston subassembly is configured to independently actuate from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for concentric suction cup tools with integrated brake assemblies. In one embodiment, an example picking assembly may include a first piston subassembly having a first shell and a first suction cup, the first piston subassembly configured to independently actuate from a retracted position to an extended position, and a second piston subassembly having a second shell and a second suction cup, the second piston subassembly configured to independently actuate from the retracted position to the extended position, and a brake assembly configured to engage the first shell and the second shell, where the brake assembly prevents axial movement of the first piston subassembly and the second piston assembly when the brake assembly is engaged.

Abstract: A beverage cartridge and method for forming a beverage includes dispensing beverage material from a container into an attached mixing funnel. The container and mixing funnel may be moved toward each other to open the container and release beverage material. A cover of the container may have a movable portion that moves with contact with a part of the mixing funnel to open the container. The cartridge may be vibrated to dispense beverage material from the container, and liquid provided to the mixing funnel to mix with dispensed beverage material to form a beverage.

Abstract: A beverage cartridge and method for forming a beverage includes dispensing beverage material from a container into an attached mixing funnel. The container and mixing funnel may be moved toward each other to open the container and release beverage material. A cover of the container may have a movable portion that moves with contact with a part of the mixing funnel to open the container. The cartridge may be vibrated to dispense beverage material from the container, and liquid provided to the mixing funnel to mix with dispensed beverage material to form a beverage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for separation and concentration of particles from liquid and fluid samples. In some embodiments, the separation/concentration is achieved by sequential centrifugation steps. In particular, one aspect of the invention relates to a separation/concentration device which comprises at least a first chamber and a second chamber connected by a first valve, whereby operation of the first valve controls the material transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber. In some embodiments, valve operation can be manually, semi-manually or automatically. Other aspects of the invention relate to single- or multi-chambered separation/concentrator devices, and methods and systems for use. Other aspects of the invention relate to devices for operation of the valves, e.g., semi-manual actuation devices, and automatic inertial activation devices and mechanical actuation devices present in purpose-built centrifuges.

Abstract: Devices for performing fine-needle aspiration of tissue and methods of using the same are disclosed. The device includes a syringe including a fiber optic probe, a plunger, and a needle and a holder including a coupling mechanism, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The fiber optic probe is configured to move within a lumen of the needle and is guided into the needle by a fiber optic channel. The plunger is configured to create a vacuum in the needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for separation and concentration of particles from liquid and fluid samples. In some embodiments, the separation/concentration is achieved by sequential centrifugation steps. In particular, one aspect of the invention relates to a separation/concentration device which comprises at least a first chamber (101) and a second chamber (103) connected by a first valve (111), whereby operation of the first valve controls the material transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber. In some embodiments, valve operation can be manually, semi-manually or automatically. Other aspects of the invention relate to single- or multi-chambered separation/concentrator devices, and methods and systems for use. Other aspects of the invention relate to devices for operation of the valves, e.g., semi-manual actuation devices, and automatic inertial activation devices and mechanical actuation devices present in purpose-built centrifuges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for separation and concentration of particles from liquid and fluid samples. In some embodiments, the separation/concentration is achieved by sequential centrifugation steps. In particular, one aspect of the invention relates to a separation/concentration device which comprises at least a first chamber (101) and a second chamber (103) connected by a first valve (111), whereby operation of the first valve controls the material transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber. In some embodiments, valve operation can be manually, semi-manually or automatically. Other aspects of the invention relate to single- or multi-chambered separation/concentrator devices, and methods and systems for use. Other aspects of the invention relate to devices for operation of the valves, e.g., semi-manual actuation devices, and automatic inertial activation devices and mechanical actuation devices present in purpose-built centrifuges.

Abstract: A device for use in detecting structural damage comprises at least one piezoelectric wafer including a sensor, and an actuator in-plane with the sensor. At least one of the sensor and the actuator at least partially surrounds the other of the sensor and the actuator such that the piezoelectric wafer provides radial detection of structural occurrences in a material.

Abstract: A device for use in detecting an event in a structure comprises a sensor encapsulation, the encapsulation containing a sensor, an actuator positioned substantially in-plane to the sensor within the housing and a printed circuit board in communication with at least one of the sensor and the actuator. the printed circuit board includes a microprocessor constructed and arranged to collect data from at least one of the sensor and the actuator, a signal generator constructed and arranged to provide excitation to at least one of the sensor and the actuator, and an amplifier to condition the excitation.