Abstract: A magnetically actuated capsule comprising two portions pivotally connected to each other for allowing tetherless reconfiguration of the capsule between a closed configuration and an open configuration inside a body cavity by an external magnet. The capsule can be used for noninvasive sampling of microbiomes and liquid within a body cavity, or to release a cargo within the body cavity. Methods of using and manufacturing the capsule are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical tool for compact articulating during surgical procedures includes a pitch cable, at least one yaw cable, a first link, a second link, at least one end-effector link, and at least one tensioning mechanism. The first link has a pitch joint end with a pitch joint pin and at least one yaw cable guide channel. The second link has a yaw joint end with a yaw joint pin. The second link is rotatably connected to the pitch joint pin. The at least one end-effector link is rotatably connected to said yaw joint pin. The yaw cables are coupled to the end-effector links such that the yaw cables can actuate the end-effector links about the yaw joint pin. The yaw cable guide channel is configured such that the yaw cables travel through a smooth trajectory to the end-effector links. The tensioning mechanism is configured to maintain a constant length.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) untethered mobile actuator having the following parts: (a) a substrate having two or more magnetized panels, and (b) a frame that connects the magnetized panels, the magnetized panels being made of a polymer with embedded permanent magnetic particles, each magnetized panel of the 3D untethered mobile actuator having a magnetic moment in a different direction than a next neighboring panel, and the 3D untethered mobile actuator having a structural configuration that changes between a substantially flat structural configuration in the absence of a magnetic field, and an actuated structural configuration when under influence of a magnetic field. Methods of manufacturing and using the 3D mobile actuator and a system that includes the 3D mobile actuator are provided.

Abstract: A surgical tool for compact articulating during surgical procedures includes a pitch cable, at least one yaw cable, a first link, a second link, at least one end-effector link, and at least one tensioning mechanism. The first link has a pitch joint end with a pitch joint pin and at least one yaw cable guide channel. The second link has a yaw joint end with a yaw joint pin. The second link is rotatably connected to the pitch joint pin. The at least one end-effector link is rotatably connected to said yaw joint pin. The yaw cables are coupled to the end-effector links such that the yaw cables can actuate the end-effector links about the yaw joint pin. The yaw cable guide channel is configured such that the yaw cables travel through a smooth trajectory to the end-effector links. The tensioning mechanism is configured to maintain a constant length.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) untethered mobile actuator having the following parts: (a) a substrate having two or more magnetized panels, and (b) a frame that connects the magnetized panels, the magnetized panels being made of a polymer with embedded permanent magnetic particles, each magnetized panel of the 3D untethered mobile actuator having a magnetic moment in a different direction than a next neighboring panel, and the 3D untethered mobile actuator having a structural configuration that changes between a substantially flat structural configuration in the absence of a magnetic field, and an actuated structural configuration when under influence of a magnetic field. Methods of manufacturing and using the 3D mobile actuator and a system that includes the 3D mobile actuator are provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods to fabricate actuators that can be remotely controlled in an addressable manner, and methods to provide remote control such micro-actuators. The actuators are composites of two permanent magnet materials, one of which is has high coercivity, and the other of which switches magnetization direction by applied fields. By switching the second material's magnetization direction, the two magnets either work together or cancel each other, resulting in distinct “on” and “off” behavior of the devices. The device can be switched “on” or “off” remotely using a field pulse of short duration.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for sorting particles are provided. In one embodiment, a particle sorting device includes a microfluidic channel in a substrate formed of optically clear material and a diverter formed of magnetically responsive material in the microfluidic channel and capable of being rotated by a magnetic torque. Systems and methods are also described and illustrated.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods to fabricate actuators that can be remotely controlled in an addressable manner, and methods to provide remote control such micro-actuators. The actuators are composites of two permanent magnet materials, one of which is has high coercivity, and the other of which switches magnetization direction by applied fields. By switching the second material's magnetization direction, the two magnets either work together or cancel each other, resulting in distinct “on” and “off” behavior of the devices. The device can be switched “on” or “off” remotely using a field pulse of short duration.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods to fabricate actuators that can be remotely controlled in an addressable manner, and methods to provide remote control such micro-actuators. The actuators are composites of two permanent magnet materials, one of which is has high coercivity, and the other of which switches magnetization direction by applied fields. By switching the second material's magnetization direction, the two magnets either work together or cancel each other, resulting in distinct “on” and “off” behavior of the devices. The device can be switched “on” or “off” remotely using a field pulse of short duration.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods to fabricate actuators that can be remotely controlled in an addressable manner, and methods to provide remote control such micro-actuators. The actuators are composites of two permanent magnet materials, one of which is has high coercivity, and the other of which switches magnetization direction by applied fields. By switching the second material's magnetization direction, the two magnets either work together or cancel each other, resulting in distinct “on” and “off” behavior of the devices. The device can be switched “on” or “off” remotely using a field pulse of short duration.