Abstract: A lamina emergent torsional (LET) joint that includes an integrated membrane to reduce, or eliminate, certain unwanted motions and/or displacements associated with the operation of the LET joint is disclosed. The membrane-integrated LET joint (i.e., M-LET) can be used as a hinge for a lamina emergent mechanism and/or as a surrogate fold for an origami application to ensure accurate and repeatable transitions from a planar (i.e., lamina) state to a non-planar (i.e., lamina-emergent) state, and vice versa.

Abstract: A lamina emergent torsional (LET) joint that includes an integrated membrane to reduce, or eliminate, certain unwanted motions and/or displacements associated with the operation of the LET joint is disclosed. The membrane-integrated LET joint (i.e., M-LET) can be used as a hinge for a lamina emergent mechanism and/or as a surrogate fold for an origami application to ensure accurate and repeatable transitions from a planar (i.e., lamina) state to a non-planar (i.e., lamina-emergent) state, and vice versa.

Abstract: A lamina emergent torsional (LET) joint that includes an integrated membrane to reduce, or eliminate, certain unwanted motions and/or displacements associated with the operation of the LET joint is disclosed. The membrane-integrated LET joint (i.e., M-LET) can be used as a hinge for a lamina emergent mechanism and/or as a surrogate fold for an origami application to ensure accurate and repeatable transitions from a planar (i.e., lamina) state to a non-planar (i.e., lamina-emergent) state, and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a central member comprising a first side, a second side, and a third side, a first interior panel rotatably attached to the first side, a second interior panel rotatably attached to the second side, a third interior panel rotatably attached to the third side, a first exterior panel rotatably attached to the first interior panel, a second exterior panel rotatably attached to the second interior panel, a third exterior panel rotatably attached to the third interior panel, a first interior biasing member attached to the central member and the first interior panel and biasing the first interior panel to extend away from the central member toward a plane parallel to the central member, and a first interior restraint cable attached to the central member and the first interior panel and restraining the first interior panel from extending along the plane parallel to the central member.

Abstract: A flexible electronics assembly includes a single-piece substrate having two regions of rigidity separated by a localized region of flexibility. The localized region of flexibility has a lower rigidity than the two regions of rigidity. The two regions of rigidity are angularly deflectable from a planar configuration of the single-piece substrate to a non-planar configuration of the single-piece substrate by hinging action of the localized region of flexibility. At least one electronic component is mounted on at least one of the two regions of rigidity.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a central member comprising a first side, a second side, and a third side, a first interior panel rotatably attached to the first side, a second interior panel rotatably attached to the second side, a third interior panel rotatably attached to the third side, a first exterior panel rotatably attached to the first interior panel, a second exterior panel rotatably attached to the second interior panel, a third exterior panel rotatably attached to the third interior panel, a first interior biasing member attached to the central member and the first interior panel and biasing the first interior panel to extend away from the central member toward a plane parallel to the central member, and a first interior restraint cable attached to the central member and the first interior panel and restraining the first interior panel from extending along the plane parallel to the central member.

Abstract: A lamina emergent torsional (LET) joint that includes an integrated membrane to reduce, or eliminate, certain unwanted motions and/or displacements associated with the operation of the LET joint is disclosed. The membrane-integrated LET joint (i.e., M-LET) can be used as a hinge for a lamina emergent mechanism and/or as a surrogate fold for an origami application to ensure accurate and repeatable transitions from a planar (i.e., lamina) state to a non-planar (i.e., lamina-emergent) state, and vice versa.

Abstract: A flexible electronics assembly includes a single-piece substrate having two regions of rigidity separated by a localized region of flexibility. The localized region of flexibility has a lower rigidity than the two regions of rigidity. The two regions of rigidity are angularly deflectable from a planar configuration of the single-piece substrate to a non-planar configuration of the single-piece substrate by hinging action of the localized region of flexibility. At least one electronic component is mounted on at least one of the two regions of rigidity.

Abstract: A diaper is provided which includes at least one origami pattern. The at least one origami pattern includes a pattern of pre-determined fold lines. A method of manufacturing a diaper is also provided. In one step, at least one origami pattern is selected, comprising a pattern of fold-lines, to meet at least one of the following three parameters for the diaper: (1) sag; (2) shape-conformance; or (3) wicking. In another step, the diaper is manufactured to include the selected at least one origami pattern.

Abstract: A flexible electronics assembly includes a single-piece substrate having two regions of rigidity separated by a localized region of flexibility. The localized region of flexibility has a lower rigidity than the two regions of rigidity. The two regions of rigidity are angularly deflectable from a planar configuration of the single-piece substrate to a non-planar configuration of the single-piece substrate by hinging action of the localized region of flexibility. At least one electronic component is mounted on at least one of the two regions of rigidity.

Abstract: A surgical retractor device for retaining and/or moving internal organs during minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery is provided. The surgical retractor can be a single continuous structure that includes a shaft. The shaft can branch into a first elongate finger with a first distal end opposite the shaft and a second elongate finger with a second distal end opposite the shaft. The retractor can further include a resilient lattice structure disposed between the first elongate finger and the second elongate finger. The retractor can have an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration based on relative distance between the first distal end and the second distal end. When the retractor is in the collapsed configuration, spring force energy can be stored in the resilient lattice structure.

Abstract: A flexible electronics assembly includes a single-piece substrate having two regions of rigidity separated by a localized region of flexibility. The localized region of flexibility has a lower rigidity than the two regions of rigidity. The two regions of rigidity are angularly deflectable from a planar configuration of the single-piece substrate to a non-planar configuration of the single-piece substrate by hinging action of the localized region of flexibility. At least one electronic component is mounted on at least one of the two regions of rigidity.

Abstract: Surgical forceps for gripping internal organs during minimally invasive surgery are provided. The surgical forceps can be a sanitizable sheet in a folded configuration that includes a first elongate region which transitions to a resilient hinge which transitions to a second elongate region, all of which are formed of the same sheet. The first elongate region can further include a first grasper end opposite the resilient hinge and the second elongate region can include a second grasper end opposite the resilient hinge. The resilient hinge can apply a spring force to the first elongate region and the second elongate region that biases the forceps in an open configuration where the first grasper end and the second grasper end are distal from each other. When an external force is applied against the resilient hinge, the first grasper end can close against the second grasper end.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a container including a lid, and a cradle configured to support a device. The apparatus can include a lifting mechanism operably coupled to the cradle and the lid. The lifting mechanism can be configured to move between a storage position where the cradle is disposed in the container to a dispensing position where the cradle is disposed outside of the container. The lifting mechanism can be configured to move between the storage position and the dispensing position in response to moving the lid. The lifting mechanism can include a first link aligned parallel to a second link when the lifting mechanism is in the dispensing position and when the lifting mechanism is in the storage position. The first link and the second link can both be within the same plane when in a position between the storage position and the dispensing position.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a plurality of frame segments that define a first frame array, the first frame array being coupled to a first mounting connection. A plurality of contiguous segments define a second frame array, the plurality of contiguous segments being coupled to a second mounting connection and being coupled to the first frame array. The first frame array and the second frame array are positioned relative to one another such that application of a force in a first direction to the first and second mounting connections results in application of a force in an opposing direction to the plurality of contiguous segments.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a plurality of frame segments that define a first frame array, the first frame array being coupled to a first mounting connection. A plurality of contiguous segments define a second frame array, the plurality of contiguous segments being coupled to a second mounting connection and being coupled to the first frame array. The first frame array and the second frame array are positioned relative to one another such that application of a force in a first direction to the first and second mounting connections results in application of a force in an opposing direction to the plurality of contiguous segments.

Abstract: In a general aspect, an apparatus can include a container including a lid, and a cradle including a void and configured to support a device. The apparatus can include a lifting mechanism operably coupled to the cradle and the lid. The lifting mechanism can be configured to move between a storage position where the cradle is disposed in the container to a dispensing position where the cradle is disposed outside of the container. The lifting mechanism can be configured to move between the storage position and the dispensing position in response to moving the lid. The lifting mechanism can include a first link aligned parallel to a second link when the lifting mechanism is in the dispensing position and when the lifting mechanism is in the storage position.

Abstract: A surgical retractor device for retaining and/or moving internal organs during minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery is provided. The surgical retractor can be a single continuous structure that includes a shaft. The shaft can branch into a first elongate finger with a first distal end opposite the shaft and a second elongate finger with a second distal end opposite the shaft. The retractor can further include a resilient lattice structure disposed between the first elongate finger and the second elongate finger. The retractor can have an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration based on relative distance between the first distal end and the second distal end. When the retractor is in the collapsed configuration, spring force energy can be stored in the resilient lattice structure.

Abstract: Surgical forceps for gripping internal organs during minimally invasive surgery are provided. The surgical forceps can be a sanitizable sheet in a folded configuration that includes a first elongate region which transitions to a resilient hinge which transitions to a second elongate region, all of which are formed of the same sheet. The first elongate region can further include a first grasper end opposite the resilient hinge and the second elongate region can include a second grasper end opposite the resilient hinge. The resilient hinge can apply a spring force to the first elongate region and the second elongate region that biases the forceps in an open configuration where the first grasper end and the second grasper end are distal from each other. When an external force is applied against the resilient hinge, the first grasper end can close against the second grasper end.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a system for collecting surface material in marine environments, comprising (1) one or more arm members extendable from an operation platform; (2) at least one sprayer releasably attachable to a distal end of at least one arm member; (3) at least one skimmer releasably attachable to a distal end of at least one arm member, the skimmer being operationally configured to collect material from a water surface; and (4) a fluid delivery means in fluid communication with the sprayer, the sprayer being operationally configured for linear discharge of fluid to a target, the direction of fluid discharge being adjustable in relation to the location of the operation platform.