Abstract: A flexible transducer is responsive to an electrical circuit for rupturing or perforating a substrate material with a printed trace defining a circuit element. The substrate defines a fluidic seal or valve on a vessel for controlling fluidic communication with the vessel. The control circuit delivers an electrical flow across the trace for inducing an arc or current flow sufficient to melt the substrate and allow the fluid to pass through a formed perforation. Flexible construction of the substrate and vessel are amenable to usage in soft-bodied robots. A flexible polymer such as TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) may receive a printed conductive ink in thermal communication with the substrate from a current flow or voltage arc along the substrate. Controlled passage of a gas through the perforation provides a valve or fluid release in a deformable robotic configuration.

Abstract: A flexible trace formed from a fluidic, conductive material deposited onto a flexible and stretchable substrate forms a stretchable and deformable circuit for implementations subject to bending and flexing such as soft robotics and textile application such as clothing. An encapsulation layer forms a convex vessel over the flexible trace, and additional circuit layers are accommodated on the encapsulation layer by forming an aperture in the encapsulation layer for defining a via, and depositing a trace on the encapsulation layer engaged with the aperture. Successive encapsulation layers may serve as successive substrate layers for additional traces deposition or printing, followed by a final encapsulation layer for fully enclosing the traces and any placed components. As the layers are deformable and stretchable, and the traces are a fluidic, conductive material, the entire structure is flexible and deformable without compromising the electrical continuity of the deposited traces and connected components.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation system is described, including a first and second magnets having surfaces of their like-poles facing each other; and a container disposed between the first and second magnets' like poles and containing a solution including a paramagnetic complex in a non-aqueous solvent, where the paramagnetic complex includes a paramagnetic metal and at least one ligand that coordinates to the paramagnetic metal via electron donation. Methods of separating a mixture of solid compounds, and/or identifying, confirming, and/or predicting the composition of the mixture, are also described.

Abstract: A flexible sensor invokes a fluid sensing medium in an encapsulation for detecting pressure based on movement of the fluid in the flexible encapsulation. The fluid sensing medium is a conductive liquid which exhibits a varied resistance to changes in a cross section resulting from deformation of the flexible encapsulation. A flexible substrate with a fused planar material adheres around the fluid sensing medium. The fluid sensing medium maty be deposited or placed by an extrusion or print nozzle, a screen or other selective application. A deposited bead or run of the fluid sensing medium has a viscosity for holding a shape until the flexible planar material is adhered. A narrow, elongated and patterned or curved run provides a length of encapsulated fluid which is responsive to deformation from pressure. Insertion of electrical leads at opposed ends of the run provides a measurable electrical resistance that varies with fluid movement.

Abstract: A surface treatment of a printed trace improves electrical conductivity at a contact area defining an insertion or engagement of a circuit element. Mechanical and chemical treatment at a contact area of an extruded trace generated from 3-dimensional (3D) printing techniques mitigates resistance of the surface. A conductive trace may be extruded from a conductive filament material including conductive granules, flakes or powder. A solvent or etchant applied to the extruded surface at the contact point removes, dissolves or otherwise abrades the contact area. A mechanical drilling or incision may also be applied. Dissolution of the non-conductive material exposes the conductive material for improved contact with a conductive epoxy or paste applied to the contact area for receiving a conductive terminal (pin or pad) from a circuit element.

Abstract: In one aspect, system to form a pneumatically-actuated transistor logic includes a first deformable conduit; a first extensible bladder disposed at a first location along the first conduit; a first structure in proximity with the first bladder and configured to constrain expansion of the first bladder; wherein the first structure and the first bladder are configured to allow flow of fluid through the first conduit when the first bladder is in a first state and to prevent flow of fluid through the first conduit when the first bladder is in a second state.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation system is described, including a first and second magnets having surfaces of their like-poles facing each other; and a container disposed between the first and second magnets' like poles and containing a solution including a paramagnetic complex in a non-aqueous solvent, where the paramagnetic complex includes a paramagnetic metal and at least one ligand that coordinates to the paramagnetic metal via electron donation. Methods of separating a mixture of solid compounds, and/or identifying, confirming, and/or predicting the composition of the mixture, are also described.