Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a cross-spring actuator (CSA) and device designs that incorporate one or more cross-spring actuators. The CSA can include a first cross-spring element and a second cross-spring element that each have end portions. The CSA can also include a set of spring arms connecting the first cross-spring element and the second cross-spring element. The set of spring arms can be disposed at an angle such that each of the set of spring arms cross at a pivot point. The CSA can also include at least one shape-memory alloy (SMA) wire connected between end portions of any of the cross-spring elements. The CSA can be part of a two-axis tilt module, a serial rotational joint, a spine device, and a revolute joint device.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a bistable SMA actuator. The bistable SMA actuator as described herein can include a two-position actuator to move a bistable structure between two positions. Multiple SMA actuators can be disposed opposite one another to move the bistable structure between the two positions. For example, a first SMA actuator can actuate to move the bistable structure from a first position to a second position. After actuation by the first SMA actuator, the actuator can de-actuate, and the bistable structure can use spring force to hold the bistable structure in the second position. The bistable structure can include multiple springs that use force(s) from the springs to hold the bistable structure at a position with zero external force provided by the SMA actuators.

Abstract: Various card devices and methods involving card devices are described. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Various systems and methods that may relate to referral and/or delivery services are described. Some embodiments may include incentivizing groups to meet goals. Various other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Various card devices and methods involving card devices are described. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to an actuator that includes a parallelogram spring guiding structure. The actuator can include a base and a moving carriage configured to move in a direction (e.g., Z direction). The parallelogram spring guiding structure can be fixed to the moving carriage and the base. Further, the parallelogram spring guiding structure can include side lengths and flexible hinge areas configured to flex as the moving carriage is actuated, preventing or mitigating unwanted motion of the moving carriage during actuation.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a flex hinge actuator. The actuator can include a base and a moving carriage configured to move in a direction (e.g., Z direction). A flex hinge assembly can include structures disposed on multiple sides (e.g., 2-sides, 4-sides). The flex hinge assembly structures can limit movement of the moving carriage in other directions than the Z direction to limit adverse motions of the moving carriage. The actuators as described herein can include a simple structure to constrain pitch and yaw tilt during Z motion of a payload. The actuator can push on sides of structure to move a carriage up and down (or in the Z-direction).

Abstract: Various systems and methods that may relate to referral and/or delivery services are described. Some embodiments may include incentivizing groups to meet goals. Various other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases such as long shot bias and favorite bias. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases relating to the Monty Hall paradox. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may include wagering on hands of cards, e.g., poker wagering games.

Abstract: A suspension assembly is described. The suspension assembly including a rigid interposer circuit; a plurality of flexible circuits configured to attach to the rigid interposer circuit and movable about an x-axis and a y-axis with respect to the static plate; and a sensor mounting region on the rigid interposer circuit.

Abstract: In various embodiments a single reel on a gaming device contains multiple symbols.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator with a reduced number of materials for manufacturing the actuator. In some instances, elements of the SMA actuator can comprise a dielectric material disposed on the actuator via an injection molding process. In other instances, the SMA actuator can dispose SMA wires above a base of the SMA actuator without the use of any dielectric material. In a first example, an SMA actuator can include a carriage and a base. The base can include a fixed end fixed to the carriage, a free end, a beam connecting the fixed end and the free end, and at least one SMA wire. The SMA actuator can also include an insulator comprising a dielectric material electrically isolating a set of electrical contacts at the fixed end.

Abstract: In various embodiments a single reel on a gaming device contains multiple symbols.

Abstract: Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases such as long shot bias and favorite bias. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases relating to the Monty Hall paradox. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may include wagering on hands of cards, e.g., poker wagering games.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: A suspension assembly is described. The suspension assembly including a static member or plate; a moving member or plate movable about an x-axis and a y-axis with respect to the static plate; a sensor mounting region on the moving plate; and one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) elements extending between and coupled to the static plate and moving plate. The SMA elements, when driven by a controller, move the moving plate and the sensor mounting region thereon about the x-axis and the y-axis with respect to the static plate.

Abstract: Autofocus assembly and related methods are described. One example of an autofocus assembly includes a housing element. The housing element including a hall housing wall configured to secure a hall sensor. The autofocus assembly includes a lens carriage configured to secure a hall magnet and configured to be received within the housing element and configured to define a receiving space between the lens carriage and the housing element to receive one or more bearing elements. The autofocus assembly includes a magnetic element disposed at the hall housing wall and configured to magnetically attract the hall magnet and to secure the hall housing wall to the housing element and secure the one or more bearing elements between the hall housing wall and the lens carriage.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.