Abstract: A mechanical device for grasping an object that includes a receiver, an actuator, a rotatable sleeve, a pilot, and a grasping device. The receiver includes a distal end shaft having an internal bore. The internal bore defines a recessed track. The actuator is slidably engaged with the receiver. The rotatable sleeve is disposed within the internal bore of the receiver and is coupled to the actuator. The rotatable sleeve includes at least one protrusion. The protrusion is disposed within the recessed track of the receiver. The pilot is secured to a distal end portion of the receiver. The grasping device is mounted to the pilot.

Abstract: A mechanical device for grasping an object includes a receiver having a distal end shaft with an internal bore, the internal bore defining a recessed track. The recessed track defines a curvilinear path having two sets of resting peaks, each set of resting peaks being at a different height relative to a centerline of the curvilinear path. An actuator is slidably engaged with the receiver and includes a central shaft and an activator disposed at a distal end portion of the central shaft. A rotatable sleeve is disposed within the internal bore of the receiver and is coupled to the actuator. The rotatable sleeve has opposed protrusions, the opposed protrusions being disposed within the recessed track of the receiver. A pilot is secured to a distal end portion of the receiver and a grasping device is mounted to the pilot and coupled to the activator.

Abstract: A mechanical device for grasping an object without a power source includes a receiver and at least one grabber assembly secured to the receiver. The grabber assembly includes first and second arms with proximal end portions and distal end portions, hooks disposed at the distal end portions, and a mechanical linkage disposed near the proximal end portion of the first arm and the second arm. The mechanical linkage kinematically couples the first arm to the second arm. Displacement of the first arm or the second arm against the object causes movement of the mechanical linkage and thus movement of the second arm or first arm, respectively.

Abstract: A mechanical device for grasping an object includes a receiver having a distal end shaft with an internal bore, the internal bore defining a recessed track. The recessed track defines a curvilinear path having two sets of resting peaks, each set of resting peaks being at a different height relative to a centerline of the curvilinear path. An actuator is slidably engaged with the receiver and includes a central shaft and an activator disposed at a distal end portion of the central shaft. A rotatable sleeve is disposed within the internal bore of the receiver and is coupled to the actuator. The rotatable sleeve has opposed protrusions, the opposed protrusions being disposed within the recessed track of the receiver. A pilot is secured to a distal end portion of the receiver and a grasping device is mounted to the pilot and coupled to the activator.

Abstract: A mechanical device for grasping an object without a power source includes a receiver and at least one grabber assembly secured to the receiver. The grabber assembly includes first and second arms with proximal end portions and distal end portions, hooks disposed at the distal end portions, and a mechanical linkage disposed near the proximal end portion of the first arm and the second arm. The mechanical linkage kinematically couples the first arm to the second arm. Displacement of the first arm or the second arm against the object causes movement of the mechanical linkage and thus movement of the second arm or first arm, respectively.

Abstract: A method of forming a 3D part includes applying liquid on a pattern on at least some of a plurality of sheets, applying a bonding agent on the liquid pattern on the at least some of the plurality of sheets, and forming perforations within the plurality of sheets along a perforation outline. The plurality of sheets are bonded together at the patterns between sheets via the bonding agent and a 3D pre-form within a stack of the plurality of sheets is formed. The perforations within each sheet bounds the pattern on each sheet and excess sheet material is removed from the stack of sheets bonded together by separating the plurality sheets along the perforations. Removal of the excess sheet material provides a semi-finished 3D part. The semi-finished 3D part may be further processed, e.g., by bead blasting, to provide a finished 3D part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling warping and/or curling in a 3D-printed component are disclosed. One method may include fabricating a component having one or more anchors attached thereto layer-by-layer via additive manufacturing. The component and anchor(s) may be formed of a first material. The method may also include fabricating a support structure to support portions of the component as it is fabricated. The support structure may at least partially enclose the anchor(s). The anchor(s) and the support structure may be removed from the component after it is fabricated. Each anchor may be the same size and shape, which may reduce design time and allow the same anchor design to be used across multiple components. The support structure enclosing the anchors may lock them into place and prevent the component from warping or curling, for example, due to expansion or contraction during cooling.

Abstract: A method of forming a 3D part includes applying liquid on a pattern on at least some of a plurality of sheets, applying a bonding agent on the liquid pattern on the at least some of the plurality of sheets, and forming perforations within the plurality of sheets along a perforation outline. The plurality of sheets are bonded together at the patterns between sheets via the bonding agent and a 3D pre-form within a stack of the plurality of sheets is formed. The perforations within each sheet bounds the pattern on each sheet and excess sheet material is removed from the stack of sheets bonded together by separating the plurality sheets along the perforations. Removal of the excess sheet material provides a semi-finished 3D part. The semi-finished 3D part may be further processed, e.g., by bead blasting, to provide a finished 3D part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling warping and/or curling in a 3D-printed component are disclosed. One method may include fabricating a component having one or more anchors attached thereto layer-by-layer via additive manufacturing. The component and anchor(s) may be formed of a first material. The method may also include fabricating a support structure to support portions of the component as it is fabricated. The support structure may at least partially enclose the anchor(s). The anchor(s) and the support structure may be removed from the component after it is fabricated. Each anchor may be the same size and shape, which may reduce design time and allow the same anchor design to be used across multiple components. The support structure enclosing the anchors may lock them into place and prevent the component from warping or curling, for example, due to expansion or contraction during cooling.