Abstract: Various techniques and apparatus permit fabrication of superconductive circuits. A superconducting integrated circuit comprising a superconducting stud via, a kinetic inductor, and a capacitor may be formed. Forming a superconducting stud via in a superconducting integrated circuit may include masking with a hard mask and masking with a soft mask. Forming a superconducting stud via in a superconducting integrated circuit may include depositing a dielectric etch stop layer. Interlayer misalignment in the fabrication of a superconducting integrated circuit may be measured by an electrical vernier. Interlayer misalignment in the fabrication of a superconducting integrated circuit may be measured by a chain of electrical verniers and a Wheatstone bridge. A superconducting integrated circuit with three or more metal layers may include an enclosed, matched, on-chip transmission line. A metal wiring layer in a superconducting integrated circuit may be encapsulated.

Abstract: An assembly and method for the cooking of food is presented. The assembly of the present application is a singular device allowing versatility for the cook to prepare food either indoor or outdoor by operating effectively with different forms of heat generation while also being adaptable to various types of foods and work surfaces. Included is an upper portion and a lower portion concaved in shape to define an internal volume. The upper portion may pivot relative to the lower portion. An attachment member may be used to stabilize the lower portion to a work surface when the upper portion is opened. Heat may be provided via flame, charcoal and electrical heating element. Heat may be applied internally or externally to the lower portion. Additionally food may be cooked on a grate or in contact with the internal surface of the lower portion.

Abstract: Stiffener tool positioning apparatus and methods are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a base, a first flipper member and second flipper member. The first flipper member is slide-ably attached to the base. The first flipper member is also configured to selectively attach a first mandrel thereon and to rotate the first mandrel. The second flipper member is also slide-ably attached to the base. The first and second flipper members are slide-ably positioned select distances from each other on the base in embodiments. The second mandrel is further configured to attach a second mandrel thereon and to rotate the second mandrel.

Abstract: A method and system for a fiber compaction device with interdependent segment travel is described. A compaction device structure supports a series of individual interdependent segments including a compaction surface. Each segment also includes an opening in which a presser member can be located. The presser members consist of either an elastomeric bladder filled with an incompressible fluid or individual pistons that are manifolded together with a fixed volume of incompressible fluid. The presser members create an interdependence in segment positions such that if one or more segments are displaced the others move to balance the segment positions. Having a fixed volume of incompressible fluid allows the segments to work interdependently, thus guaranteeing that the average section position will be the nominal position and eliminating the need for a fixed center section.

Abstract: Stiffener tool positioning apparatus and methods are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a base, a first flipper member and second flipper member. The first flipper member is slide-ably attached to the base. The first flipper member is also configured to selectively attach a first mandrel thereon and to rotate the first mandrel. The second flipper member is also slide-ably attached to the base. The first and second flipper members are slide-ably positioned select distances from each other on the base in embodiments. The second mandrel is further configured to attach a second mandrel thereon and to rotate the second mandrel.

Abstract: A fiber redirect system for use with a multi-axis robotic wrist and fiber placement system and methods of using the same are provided. The fiber redirect system may include one or more redirect mechanisms configured to alter the path of one or more fiber tows fed from a creel assembly to a fiber placement head. The redirect mechanism may be located and configured so as to be centered about either the intersection of the pitch and yaw axes of the robotic wrist or the intersection of the yaw and roll axes of the robotic wrist. In one exemplary embodiment, a first redirect mechanism is centered about the intersection of the pitch and yaw axes, a second redirect mechanism is centered about the intersection of the yaw and roll axes and a third redirect mechanism may be centered about the roll axis.

Abstract: A fiber redirect system for use with a multi-axis robotic wrist and fiber placement system and methods of using the same are provided. The fiber redirect system may include one or more redirect mechanisms configured to alter the path of one or more fiber tows fed from a creel assembly to a fiber placement head. The redirect mechanism may be located and configured so as to be centered about either the intersection of the pitch and yaw axes of the robotic wrist or the intersection of the yaw and roll axes of the robotic wrist. In one exemplary embodiment, a first redirect mechanism is centered about the intersection of the pitch and yaw axes, a second redirect mechanism is centered about the intersection of the yaw and roll axes and a third redirect mechanism may be centered about the roll axis.

Abstract: A blade guard (12) for preventing a saw blade (16) or other cutting member from cutting into tissue the cutting member is not intended to cut. The blade guard includes a body (20) that is attached to the surgical tool (10) from which the cutting member extends. A leg (24) extends from the body. A foot (34) is attached to the end of the leg. The foot encapsulates the end of the cutting member to prevent it from penetrating into tissue the cutting member is not intended to cut. The leg is formed with a tapered profile such that it has a leading edge (29) adjacent the cutting member that is narrow in width than the trailing edge (30) spaced from the cutting member. The tapered profile of the leg provides the leg with structural strength. The tapered profile also facilitates the separation of the sections of the bone that define the kerf as the cutting member and blade guard pass through the bone.