Abstract: An actuatable flow media for controlling a flow rate of a liquid through the flow media, the actuatable flow media comprising a base having a plurality of base cavities formed therein, at least one aperture formed in each base cavity defining a liquid flow path for the entry of liquid into or exit of liquid from the flow media; a flexible membrane arranged in spaced relation with the base and defining a liquid flow path through the flow media; and an elastically deformable element arranged in each base cavity and extending between the base and the flexible membrane for actuation between at least a first configuration in which the element is substantially undeformed and the liquid flow path through the at least one aperture is open and a second configuration in which the element is substantially deformed and the liquid flow path through the at least one aperture is closed.

Abstract: A pick and place system and methods of use are presented. The pick and place system comprises a backing plate, a porous facesheet, and a flow generator. The backing plate is configured to direct air flow within the pick and place system. The porous facesheet is secured to the backing plate. The flow generator is configured to provide an air flow between the backing plate and the porous facesheet.

Abstract: An actuatable flow media for controlling a flow rate of a liquid through the flow media, the actuatable flow media comprising a base having a plurality of base cavities formed therein, at least one aperture formed in each base cavity defining a liquid flow path for the entry of liquid into or exit of liquid from the flow media; a flexible membrane arranged in spaced relation with the base and defining a liquid flow path through the flow media; and an elastically deformable element arranged in each base cavity and extending between the base and the flexible membrane for actuation between at least a first configuration in which the element is substantially undeformed and the liquid flow path through the at least one aperture is open and a second configuration in which the element is substantially deformed and the liquid flow path through the at least one aperture is closed.

Abstract: An actuatable flow media for the control of a flow rate of a liquid through the flow media, the actuatable flow media comprising a base having at least one cavity formed therein, at least one aperture formed in the cavity defining a liquid flow path for the entry of liquid into or exit of liquid from the flow media; a flexible membrane arranged in spaced relation with the base and defining a liquid flow path through the flow media; and an elastically deformable element arranged in the cavity and extending between the base and the flexible membrane for actuation between at least a first configuration in which the element is substantially undeformed and the liquid flow path through the at least one aperture is open and a second configuration in which the element is substantially deformed and the liquid flow path through the at least one aperture is closed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for utilizing enhanced vacuum gripping techniques. One embodiment is a method that includes locating an array of valves for an end effector, selectively switching valves within the array between open states and closed states based on a shape of a work piece that the end effector will transport, selectively applying vacuum through a plurality of valves in a shape that corresponds with the shape of the work piece, disposing the end effector at the work piece while the vacuum is applied to grip the work piece, and picking up the work piece by moving the end effector while the vacuum is applied.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for utilizing enhanced vacuum gripping techniques. One embodiment is a method that includes locating an array of valves for an end effector, selectively switching valves within the array between open states and closed states based on a shape of a work piece that the end effector will transport, selectively applying vacuum through a plurality of valves in a shape that corresponds with the shape of the work piece, disposing the end effector at the work piece while the vacuum is applied to grip the work piece, and picking up the work piece by moving the end effector while the vacuum is applied.

Abstract: A method for drawing a flexible sleeve over an elongated mandrel includes placing a ring within a lumen of the sleeve. A first end of the sleeve is fixed against movement relative to a first end of the mandrel. A first end portion of the sleeve is inverted over a first end portion of the mandrel so as to define a circumferential cuff in the sleeve, and the ring is positioned concentrically within the circumferential cuff. Using, e.g., a magnet, the ring is then urged longitudinally along the mandrel and toward an opposite, second end thereof, such that the sleeve is inverted over at least an outer surface of the mandrel.

Abstract: A base assembly for coupling an end effector to a structure includes a first side and an opposite second side. The first side configured to couple to the end effector. The base assembly also includes at least one cavity disposed on the second side, and at least one pneumatic generator coupled in flow communication with the at least one cavity. The at least one pneumatic generator is operable in a suction mode and a blower mode. The second side having the at least one cavity is securely coupleable to a surface of the structure via a vacuum force induced by the at least one pneumatic generator in the suction mode, and the second side having the at least one cavity is movable substantially frictionlessly across the surface via an air cushion induced by the at least one pneumatic generator in the blower mode.

Abstract: An actuatable flow media for the control of a flow rate of a liquid through the flow media, the actuatable flow media comprising a base having at least one cavity formed therein, at least one aperture formed in the cavity defining a liquid flow path for the entry of liquid into or exit of liquid from the flow media; a flexible membrane arranged in spaced relation with the base and defining a liquid flow path through the flow media; and an elastically deformable element arranged in the cavity and extending between the base and the flexible membrane for actuation between at least a first configuration in which the element is substantially undeformed and the liquid flow path through the at least one aperture is open and a second configuration in which the element is substantially deformed and the liquid flow path through the at least one aperture is closed.

Abstract: A method for drawing a flexible sleeve over an elongated mandrel includes placing a ring within a lumen of the sleeve. A first end of the sleeve is fixed against movement relative to a first end of the mandrel. A first end portion of the sleeve is inverted over a first end portion of the mandrel so as to define a circumferential cuff in the sleeve, and the ring is positioned concentrically within the circumferential cuff. Using, e.g., a magnet, the ring is then urged longitudinally along the mandrel and toward an opposite, second end thereof, such that the sleeve is inverted over at least an outer surface of the mandrel.

Abstract: A base assembly for coupling an end effector to a structure includes a first side and an opposite second side. The first side configured to couple to the end effector. The base assembly also includes at least one cavity disposed on the second side, and at least one pneumatic generator coupled in flow communication with the at least one cavity. The at least one pneumatic generator is operable in a suction mode and a blower mode. The second side having the at least one cavity is securely coupleable to a surface of the structure via a vacuum force induced by the at least one pneumatic generator in the suction mode, and the second side having the at least one cavity is movable substantially frictionlessly across the surface via an air cushion induced by the at least one pneumatic generator in the blower mode.