Abstract: A compliant mechanism is provided for accurate and precision alignment of mechanical component parts, surfaces or assemblies and the like, where low-cost, accurate, and repeatable alignment are desired. The compliant mechanism may be used in applications that require high precision alignment and where the relative location of coupled components must be variable or adjustable. The compliant mechanism includes a stage coupled to a plurality of hinges, at least one tab coupled to one of the hinges, and a support coupled to the tab. The relative position of the stage and the support may be adjusted by actuating (i.e., displacing) the tab(s) or other parts of the structure, to enable controlled movement in six degrees of freedom therebetween.

Abstract: An adjustable kinematic coupling for accurate and precision coupling of mechanical component parts, surfaces or assemblies and the like, where low-cost, accurate, and repeatable coupling are desired. The coupling may be used in applications that require high precision coupling and where the relative location of coupled components must be variable or adjustable. Kinematic interfaces employ convex members assembled to a first component that mate with corresponding concave elements or concave grooves in a second component so that the six relative degrees of freedom (or fewer if desired) between the two components are deterministically constrained. Kinematic elements are attached to the coupled component via a connection that may experience controlled rotation with respect to the component. In addition to rotation, kinematic elements may undergo controlled translation parallel to the mating direction of the coupling.

Abstract: A compliant mechanism is provided for accurate and precision alignment of mechanical component parts, surfaces or assemblies and the like, where low-cost, accurate, and repeatable alignment are desired. The compliant mechanism may be used in applications that require high precision alignment and where the relative location of coupled components must be variable or adjustable. The compliant mechanism includes a stage coupled to a plurality of hinges, at least one tab coupled to one of the hinges, and a support coupled to the tab. The relative position of the stage and the support may be adjusted by actuating (i.e., displacing) the tab(s) or other parts of the structure, to enable controlled movement in six degrees of freedom therebetween.

Abstract: An adjustable kinematic coupling for accurate and precision coupling of mechanical component parts, surfaces or assemblies and the like, where low-cost, accurate, and repeatable coupling are desired. The coupling may be used in applications that require high precision coupling and where the relative location of coupled components must be variable or adjustable. Kinematic interfaces employ convex members assembled to a first component that mate with corresponding concave elements or concave grooves in a second component so that the six relative degrees of freedom (or fewer if desired) between the two components are deterministically constrained. Kinematic elements are attached to the coupled component via a connection that may experience controlled rotation with respect to the component. In addition to rotation, kinematic elements may undergo controlled translation parallel to the mating direction of the coupling.

Abstract: A debris cleaning device is equipped with a compound auger which has a rigid inner auger portion with auger fighting and a plurality of compliant combing attachments connected to the edge of the fighting. Instead of the compound auger, a helical rotary brush with a dense inner region of shorter stiffer bristles and a less populous outer region of longer bristles may be used. The cleaning device also has a suction mechanism with a nozzle located about at the midway point of the length of the auger (or rotary brush). The auger (or rotary brush) is positioned horizontally with its rotational axis co-linear with, or parallel to, an axle of supporting wheels so that the auger (or rotary brush) follows the contour of the surface being cleaned as do the wheels, thereby preventing the auger (or rotary brush) from digging into uneven terrain.