Abstract: A flexible vacuum assembly fixture including a base; at least one arm coupled to the base; a suction cup fitting coupled to the at least one arm distal from the base; a vacuum generator fluidly coupled to the suction cup fitting via a vacuum tube; and a grounding feature configured to electrically ground the suction cup fitting, the at least one arm, and the base.

Abstract: A bidirectional drawer system is disclosed. The bidirectional drawer system can include a frame. The bidirectional drawer system can also include first and second drawers slidably coupled to the frame. Each of the first and second drawers can be movable between a retracted position and first and second extended positions on opposite sides of the retracted position. In addition, the bidirectional drawer system can include a drawer interlock mechanism. The drawer interlock mechanism can include first and second interlock portions associated with the first and second drawers, respectively. The first interlock portion can have a cam with a cam surface, and a cam follower operable to interface with the cam surface. The second interlock portion can have a cam lock with a cam lock surface, and cam follower operable to interface with the cam lock surface.

Abstract: A fastener for engaging a threaded opening includes two shaft elements extending from a cap end to a shaft end and having a partially cylindrical shape, an internal alignment shaft surrounded by a central cavity, a releasable constriction mechanism, a releasable expansion mechanism, and a cap which can engage the cap ends of the shaft elements such that the shaft elements move relative to the internal alignment shaft. At least a portion of at least one shaft end includes external threads. The shaft elements are oriented about the central cavity and the central cavity is defined by internal surfaces of the shaft elements. The releasable constriction mechanism can constrict about the shaft elements such that the shaft elements move inward toward the internal alignment shaft. The releasable expansion mechanism can allow the shaft elements to move away from the internal alignment shaft.

Abstract: Described herein is a positioning spring configured to rotatably engage with a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft is configured to rotate relative to the positioning spring. The positioning spring comprises a first compliant lobe positioned at a first radial position. The first compliant lobe is configured to engage with one or more detent surfaces of the rotatable shaft to resist rotation of the rotatable shaft and to bias the rotatable shaft in one or more angular positions. The first compliant lobe is configured to flex upon engagement of the first compliant lobe with the rotatable shaft at a surface position out of contact with the detent surface.

Abstract: Described herein is a positioning spring configured to rotatably engage with a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft is configured to rotate relative to the positioning spring. The positioning spring comprises a first compliant lobe positioned at a first radial position. The first compliant lobe is configured to engage with one or more detent surfaces of the rotatable shaft to resist rotation of the rotatable shaft and to bias the rotatable shaft in one or more angular positions. The first compliant lobe is configured to flex upon engagement of the first compliant lobe with the rotatable shaft at a surface position out of contact with the detent surface.

Abstract: Described herein is a retaining pin comprising a tubular outer shaft and a rotatable shaft disposed within the tubular outer shaft. The rotatable shaft is rotatably engaged with the tubular outer shaft. The rotatable shaft can comprise a locking protrusion fixed to an end of the rotatable shaft and that is operable to rotate with rotation of the rotatable shaft. An axis of the tubular outer shaft and an axis of the rotatable shaft are eccentric.

Abstract: A flexible vacuum assembly fixture including a base; at least one arm coupled to the base; a suction cup fitting coupled to the at least one arm distal from the base; a vacuum generator fluidly coupled to the suction cup fitting via a vacuum tube; and a grounding feature configured to electrically ground the suction cup fitting, the at least one arm, and the base.

Abstract: A bidirectional drawer system is disclosed. The bidirectional drawer system can include a frame. The bidirectional drawer system can also include first and second drawers slidably coupled to the frame. Each of the first and second drawers can be movable between a retracted position and first and second extended positions on opposite sides of the retracted position. In addition, the bidirectional drawer system can include a drawer interlock mechanism. The drawer interlock mechanism can include first and second interlock portions associated with the first and second drawers, respectively. The first interlock portion can have a cam with a cam surface, and a cam follower operable to interface with the cam surface. The second interlock portion can have a cam lock with a cam lock surface, and cam follower operable to interface with the cam lock surface.