Abstract: Manufacturing systems and methods for thin films, including modifying thin film into engineered film panels, are provided. Some embodiments of the present technology are directed to applying an edging material to a film edge of a thin film in an automated and continuous manner, and some embodiments are directed to treating thin films by adjusting one or more dimensions of the thin film using an adjustable structure, and heating the adjusted portion of the thin film, in addition to, or in lieu of applying the edging material.

Abstract: Drive mechanisms for solar concentrators, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative solar energy collection system includes an at least partially transparent enclosure, a receiver positioned in the enclosure to receive solar radiation passing into the enclosure, a concentrator positioned within the enclosure to focus incoming solar radiation on the receiver, and a drive system operatively coupled to the concentrator to rotate the concentrator relative to the receiver. The drive system can include a drive chain operatively coupled to the concentrator, a drive gear engaged with the drive chain, and a drive motor coupled to the drive gear to rotate the drive gear and rotate the concentrator relative to the receiver.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to phase change materials for cooling enclosed electronic components, including for solar energy collection, and associated systems and methods. In particular embodiments, a system directs warm air through an airflow path in thermal communication with a phase change material to liquefy the phase change material and cool the air. The system also directs the cool air into thermal communication with electronic components to cool the electronic components via conduction and/or convection.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to phase change materials for cooling enclosed electronic components, including for solar energy collection, and associated systems and methods. In particular embodiments, a system directs warm air through an airflow path in thermal communication with a phase change material to liquefy the phase change material and cool the air. The system also directs the cool air into thermal communication with electronic components to cool the electronic components via conduction and/or convection.

Abstract: Supports for suspended solar enhanced oil recovery concentrators and receivers, and associated systems and methods. A representative solar concentrator system includes a curved reflective element oriented concave relative to a focal line, a curved first rib member carrying the reflective element and oriented concave relative to the focal line, a curved second rib member oriented convex relative to the focal line, and a plurality of cross members coupled between the first rib member and the second rib member. In further embodiments, the system includes a bearing having an inner bearing element in rotational contact with a concentrator attachment member, which supports a solar concentrator. A receiver interface member is fixedly engaged with the inner bearing element, and a receiver attachment member is pivotably connected to the receiver interface member. A biasing element biases the inner bearing element against the receiver.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to phase change materials for cooling enclosed electronic components, including for solar energy collection, and associated systems and methods. In particular embodiments, a system directs warm air through an airflow path in thermal communication with a phase change material to liquefy the phase change material and cool the air. The system also directs the cool air into thermal communication with electronic components to cool the electronic components via conduction and/or convection.

Abstract: A powered lower extremity orthotic, including a shank link coupled to an artificial foot, a knee mechanism connected to the shank link and a thigh link, is controlled by based on signals from various orthotic mounted sensors such that the artificial foot follows a predetermined trajectory defined by at least one Cartesian coordinate.

Abstract: A powered lower extremity orthotic, including a shank link coupled to an artificial foot, a knee mechanism connected to the shank link and a thigh link, is controlled by based on signals from various orthotic mounted sensors such that the artificial foot follows a predetermined trajectory defined by at least one Cartesian coordinate.

Abstract: A semi-actuated above knee prosthetic system, which is mostly passive in nature and includes a shank link coupled to an artificial foot, a knee mechanism connected to the shank link and a thigh link attached to an above-knee remaining lower limb of an amputee, is operable in either an actuated mode or an un-actuated mode controlled by a signal processor linked to various prosthetic mounted sensors which may include combinations of knee angle, stance, thigh angle and shank angle sensors. Power is delivered through an electric motor connected to a battery source and employed to drive a hydraulic pump which is part of an overall hydraulic power unit including the torque generator. A signal processor selects a swing state from at least forward, combination forward and descent, combination forward and ascent, reverse, combination reverse and descent, and combination reverse and ascent swing states.

Abstract: A semi-actuated above knee prosthetic system, which is mostly passive in nature and includes a shank link coupled to an artificial foot, a knee mechanism connected to the shank link and a thigh link attached to an above-knee remaining lower limb of an amputee, is operable in either an actuated mode or an un-actuated mode controlled by a signal processor linked to various prosthetic mounted sensors. In the actuated mode, power is delivered to a torque generator connected to the knee mechanism to cause a forced movement between the thigh and shank links. In the un-actuated mode, a control circuit operates in a non-powered manner to allow operation of the knee mechanism with modulated resistance. Power is delivered through an electric motor connected to a battery source and employed to drive a hydraulic pump which is part of an overall hydraulic power unit including the torque generator.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assembly is provided that includes an SMA component. The SMA component is used to impart motion in an output shaft. Also provided is a return force component that provides a variable, tailored return force to the SMA component. Additionally, a variety of protective mechanisms are disclosed and utilized to prevent damage to the internal workings and components within the SMA actuator assembly as well as provide protection and safety for external workings.

Abstract: A mechanical release mechanism is provided. The mechanical release mechanism includes two structural members in slideable relation one to another. A latch holds one structural member in a latched position relative to the other structural member. A shape memory alloy member disposed within one of the structural members is used to move the latch holding the other structural member thereby allowing relative motion between the structural members.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator assembly is provided that includes an SMA component. The SMA component is used to impart motion in an output shaft. Also provided is a return force component that provides a variable, tailored return force to the SMA component. Additionally, a variety of protective mechanisms are disclosed and utilized to prevent damage to the internal workings and components within the SMA actuator assembly as well as provide protection and safety for external workings.

Abstract: A mechanical release mechanism is provided. The mechanical release mechanism includes two structural members in slideable relation one to another. A latch holds one structural member in a latched position relative to the other structural member. A shape memory alloy member disposed within one of the structural members is used to move the latch holding the other structural member thereby allowing relative motion between the structural members.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for wireless material handling systems. The invention further provides an instrumented glove device worn by an operator. A sensory system within the glove device measures the contact force the operator is exerting on either an object to be moved or the material handling system and generates a set of contact signals representing the contact force. The contact signals are transmitted, via a transmitter circuitry, to a controller in another location. The controller receives and processes the signals and generates a set of command signals. The command signals control the speed and mechanical assistance required of an actuator, as a function of the operator contact force, to move the material handling system.

Abstract: A wireless lifting assist device includes a pulley driven by an actuator which is attached to a ceiling. An end-effector is suspended, via a line, from the pulley and interfaces the object to be maneuvered. The wireless lifting assist device further provides an instrumented glove worn by an operator. The glove measures the contact force the operator is exerting on either the object to be moved or the lifting assist device and generates a set of contact signals representing the contact force. The contact signals are transmitted to a controller. The controller generates a set of command signals to control the actuator as a function of the operator contact force such that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The object thus feels lighter to the operator.

Abstract: A wireless lifting assist device includes a pulley driven by an actuator which is attached to a ceiling. An end-effector is suspended, via a line, from the pulley and interfaces the object to be maneuvered. The wireless lifting assist device further provides an instrumented glove worn by an operator. The glove measures the contact force the operator is exerting on either the object to be moved or the lifting assist device and generates a set of contact signals representing the contact force. The contact signals are transmitted to a controller. The controller generates a set of command signals to control the actuator as a function of the operator contact force such that a predetermined percentage of the force necessary to lift or lower the load is applied by the actuator, with the remaining force being supplied by the operator. The object thus feels lighter to the operator.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for wireless material handling systems. The invention further provides an instrumented glove device worn by an operator. A sensory system within the glove device measures the contact force the operator is exerting on either an object to be moved or the material handling system and generates a set of contact signals representing the contact force. The contact signals are transmitted, via a transmitter circuitry, to a controller in another location. The controller receives and processes the signals and generates a set of command signals. The command signals control the speed and mechanical assistance required of an actuator, as a function of the operator contact force, to move the material handling system.