Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting error modes of a deformable mirror, including selecting or targeting one or more target error modes of a deformable mirror; and designing a pattern and/or shape of one or more electrodes, wherein the pattern and/or shape of the electrodes are designed to optimally correct the target error modes when the electrodes are disposed on the deformable mirror via an active material. Also disclosed is a deformable structure, including a composite shell including a plurality of plies each including carbon fibers embedded in a resin; a nanolaminate comprising individual nanolayers attached to a first side of the composite shell; an actuation structure attached to a second side of the composite shell; and a flexible electrode routing layer attached to the actuation structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting error modes of a deformable mirror, including selecting or targeting one or more target error modes of a deformable mirror; and designing a pattern and/or shape of one or more electrodes, wherein the pattern and/or shape of the electrodes are designed to optimally correct the target error modes when the electrodes are disposed on the deformable mirror via an active material. Also disclosed is a deformable structure, including a composite shell including a plurality of plies each including carbon fibers embedded in a resin; a nanolaminate comprising individual nanolayers attached to a first side of the composite shell; an actuation structure attached to a second side of the composite shell; and a flexible electrode routing layer attached to the actuation structure.

Abstract: A micro-scaled bi-material lattice structure includes a frame comprising a first material having a first coefficient of expansion and defining a plurality of unit cells. The bi-material lattice structure further includes a plurality of plates comprising a second material having a second coefficient of expansion different from the first coefficient of expansion. One of the plates is connected to each unit cell. The bi-material lattice structure has a third coefficient of expansion different from both the first coefficient of the expansion and the second coefficient of expansion, and the bi-material lattice structure has a thickness of about 100 nm to about 3000 microns.

Abstract: A deformable mirror is configured to be deformed by surface-parallel actuation. In one embodiment, the deformable mirror includes a first piezoelectric active layer on a first surface of a substrate. The first piezoelectric active layer has a substantially uniform thickness across the first surface of the substrate. The mirror also includes a first electrode layer on the first piezoelectric active layer. The first electrode layer has a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first pattern and has a substantially uniform thickness across the first piezoelectric active layer. The mirror may further include a second piezoelectric layer on the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer on the second piezoelectric layer. The electrodes of the first and second electrode layers are configured to supply a voltage to the piezoelectric active layers upon actuation to thereby locally deform the shape of the mirror to correct for optical aberrations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for use with a nursing bottle having an inner bag. In one embodiment, the device comprises a base member and a first member extending from the base member and adapted to engage with the inner bag of the nursing bottle. The device further comprises a second member extending from the base member and adapted to support the nursing bottle during feeding. The base member is formed with a lip portion which surrounds the first and second members. In operation, a person feeding an infant may support the nursing bottle upon the second member while filing the nursing bottle with baby formula. Thereafter, the person may remove the nursing bottle from the second member and engage the nursing bottle with the first member to eliminate air from the inner bag of the nursing bottle. This is accomplished by pushing the nursing bottle downward along the first member.

Abstract: A spill-resistant bowl consists of a larger diameter outer bowl, a smaller diameter inner bowl Which is releasably and concentrically mounted inside the outer bowl, and an annular cover which is received around the top of the outer bowl. The inner bowl is operative for receiving food, such as milk and cereal, and the central opening of the annular cover allows the user to remove the food from the inner bowl. If the bowl is abruptly moved during use so as to cause the liquid in the inner bowl to rise up and spill over the edge of the inner bowl, the liquid is deflected downwardly by the annular cover into the surrounding outer bowl.

Abstract: A football is provided with rearwardly extending fins which promote a tight spiralling rotation of the football when it is thrown through the air. A first of the fins is joined to the football by a centrally located notch therein which interlocks with a second fin integral with the football body when the first fin is passed through a centrally located slot in the second fin and adjacent football body. The fins include flat end surfaces which may be received on a supporting surface for supporting the ball in an upright position. The rearwardly extending fins elevate the body portion above the supporting surface and thereby make it easier to kick.

Abstract: A holder for a liquid containing package such as an aseptic juice package including a housing that receives the aseptic juice package in secure relation therein, the housing having an internal projection fixed therein that is received in an opening as formed in the juice package when the package is inserted into the housing, the projection having a passage formed therein that communicates with a feed member that is mounted on the housing, the liquid in the package being directed through the passage in the projection and outwardly of the feed member through a feed passage as formed therein when the holder is tipped by the user during the use thereof.

Abstract: A non-spill container for preventing the spilling of liquid therefrom when the container is tipped or turned upside down is disclosed. The non-spill container includes a bottom member and a top member that is releasably mounted on the bottom member, the bottom member including an annular wall portion and an annular flange portion. The top member that is joined to the bottom member also includes an upper annular wall portion to which an upper annular flange section is joined at the lowermost end thereof, the flanges of the top and bottom members being interconnected to releasably interlock the top and bottom members together.

Abstract: A holder for a liquid containing package such as an aseptic juice package including a housing that receives the aseptic juice package in secure relation therein, the housing having an internal projection fixed therein that is received in an opening as formed in the juice package when the package is inserted into the housing, the projection having a passage formed therein that communicates with a feed member that is mounted on the housing, the liquid in the package being directed through the passage in the projection and outwardly of the feed member through a feed passage as formed therein when the holder is tipped by the user during the use thereof.