Abstract: Liquid Crystal Elastomer (LCE) fibers, an apparatus for manufacturing, and a method for using the apparatus are provided. LCE fibers formed from each of a plurality of resin recipes can undergo reversible temperature driven actuation of the fiber. Each of the resin recipes forms a fiber having a different actuation temperature. The apparatus includes: an extrusion device, a drawing bobbin, a coating basin, a collector bobbin, a first plurality of curing devices, and a second plurality of curing devices, to transform a resin recipe into a LCE fiber. In operation, the extrusion device extrudes the resin through to the first plurality of curing devices for a partial cure. Once in contact with drawing bobbin the resin is coated in a fluid, and then pull through the second plurality of curing devices for a final cure by collector bobbin, where it can be collected and post-processed.

Abstract: A computer system consists primarily of identical modular microcontroller units, interconnecting with one another in a three-dimensional lattice. During operation, each microcontroller communicates asynchronously by relying on token-passing between itself and its neighbors. Programming and construction of such microcontroller units occurs in one operation, through robotic pick-and-place operations that are configured through a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface includes simple drag and drop operations to facilitate a WYSIWYG depiction of the desired build and the final system. The design tools and automated assembly of the disclosed framework introduces system scalability and structural flexibility that are not available with existing supercomputing racks and chassis.

Abstract: Custom folded 3-dimensional plate lattices are modularly assembled to form structures with single and double curvature for use in structural engineering and robotics applications. The plate lattice structural corrugation uses a building block strategy and incorporates custom modified unit cells based on a Kirigami Expanded Miura pattern. This transformation involves expanding the top and bottom zig-zag crease lines into facets and orienting them in space. The structure of these lattices allows for the design of anisotropies in their flexural stiffness by alternating between the Maxwell criterion on bending-dominated and stretch dominated cells. These anisotropies can have value differences of up to 24 times with the same geometry, making them ideal for robotic morphing applications.

Abstract: An approach for fabricating rigid foldable steel load-bearing structures is disclosed. The invention employs unit cells with an expanded-truncated rectangular pyramid geometry, formed from metallic sheet stock through a progressive folding process. The modular design reduces strain concentrations, eliminates edge-edge connections, and enables robust mechanical joining methods such as riveting. The manufacturing process uses press-forming molds to ensure precision and accommodate springback in metallic materials. The resulting structures exhibit customizable relative densities, enhanced mechanical performance, and improved energy absorption, making them suitable for static and dynamic loading scenarios.

Abstract: A vortex generation system and method for reducing hydrodynamic drag in ships with high block coefficients is disclosed. The system includes a hull and a plurality of vortex generators affixed circumferentially to the hull at locations determined relative to the point of detachment of the boundary layer. Each vortex generator features substantially triangular surfaces with dimensions, such as height, width, and surface area, optimized using a data-driven methodology employing Gaussian Process Regression (GPR). The method iteratively analyzes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to identify optimal design parameters, including wedge angle, longitudinal position, and density of vortex generators, which minimize form drag while maintaining low skin friction coefficients. This system significantly enhances fuel efficiency and operational performance by addressing the moving detachment point dilemma and optimizing vortex generator configurations.

Abstract: A method for hiding data within cover audio uses a set of sample codebook waveforms that are each assigned a unique representative digit value. A hidden data sequence representing the data is formed from the waveforms by concatenation of the waveforms assigned to the digit values of the data. The sequence is superimposed upon segments of the cover audio at a fractional amplitude. After transmission, the received signal is decompressed if necessary, the hidden data sequence is recovered from the cover audio, and the data is recovered from the hidden data sequence. This may be done by recovering the locations of the codebook waveforms and interpolating the time markers of the locations. The recovered data may be cleaned up by using estimated distances between successive cross-correlations to discard extraneous correlation peaks and sequence recurrence to probabilistically delete overlapping correlation peaks.

Abstract: Architected artificial reefs including modules of optimally arranged and sized multiple porous cylindrical bodies achieve an unprecedented wave energy dissipation rate, quantified through an equivalent drag coefficient of the order of 20, providing coastal protection against storms using a fraction of the material required in conventional artificial reefs. Selected porosity and selected material for the bodies within each reef module preserves the capacity for high drag coefficient, while offering the added advantages of ensuring a shelter to marine life, as well as making the building of the reefs in the field modular and efficient. Optimization of the dimensions and location of the multiple cylinders allow targeted design to fit the specific wave characteristics and bottom topography of the location to be protected. Architected artificial reefs with multiple porous and non-porous cylinders with overall diameters comparable to the wave height lead to high drag coefficients.

Abstract: Liquid Crystal Elastomer (LCE) fibers, an apparatus for manufacturing, and a method for using the apparatus are provided. LCE fibers formed from each of a plurality of resin recipes can undergo reversible temperature driven actuation of the fiber. Each of the resin recipes forms a fiber having a different actuation temperature. The apparatus includes: an extrusion device, a drawing bobbin, a coating basin, a collector bobbin, a first plurality of curing devices, and a second plurality of curing devices, to transform a resin recipe into a LCE fiber. In operation, the extrusion device extrudes the resin through to the first plurality of curing devices for a partial cure. Once in contact with drawing bobbin the resin is coated in a fluid, and then pull through the second plurality of curing devices for a final cure by collector bobbin, where it can be collected and post-processed.

Abstract: A method for hiding data within cover audio uses a set of sample codebook waveforms that are each assigned a unique representative digit value. A hidden data sequence representing the data is formed from the waveforms by concatenation of the waveforms assigned to the digit values of the data. The sequence is superimposed upon segments of the cover audio at a fractional amplitude. After transmission, the received signal is decompressed if necessary, the hidden data sequence is recovered from the cover audio, and the data is recovered from the hidden data sequence. This may be done by recovering the locations of the codebook waveforms and interpolating the time markers of the locations. The recovered data may be cleaned up by using estimated distances between successive cross-correlations to discard extraneous correlation peaks and sequence recurrence to probabilistically delete overlapping correlation peaks.

Abstract: A method for operation of AOFP circuits includes accepting data arriving at any phase of a clock cycle, synchronizing the data to a known phase of a subsequent clock cycle, and providing the synchronized data to an AQFP circuit during the known phase of the subsequent clock cycle. The accepting and synchronizing of the data may be performed by a phase synchronizer and/or by a token-passing circuit. An asynchronous AOFP device includes at least one AQFP circuit and an activation phase synchronizer and/or token-passing circuit. The phase synchronizer may comprise a multiplexed array of QFP Buffers that samples each input phase of the clock cycle through a weak constant zero cell and outputs the logical OR of all input clock phases, propagating an input signal on any activation phase to a first phase output of the next activation cycle.

Abstract: A shape-morphing ultralight structure using materials that dramatically increase the efficiency of load-bearing aerostructures that includes a programmable material system applied as a large-scale, ultralight, and conformable (shape-morphing) aeroelastic structure. The use of a modular, lattice-based, ultralight material results in stiffness and density typical of an elastomer. This, combined with a building block-based manufacturing and configuration strategy, enables the rapid realization of new adaptive structures and mechanisms. The heterogeneous design with programmable anisotropy allows for enhanced elastic and global shape deformation in response to external loading, making it useful for tuned fluid-structure interaction. The present invention demonstrates an example application experiment using two building block types for the primary structure of a 4.27 m wingspan aircraft with spatially programed elastic shape morphing to increase aerodynamic efficiency.

Abstract: A laser micro-machining process called laser-assisted material phase-change and expulsion (LAMPE) micromachining that includes cutting features in a cutting surface of a piece of material using a pulsed laser with intensity, pulse width and pulse rate set to melt and eject liquid material without vaporizing said material, or, in the case of silicon, create an ejectible silicon oxide. Burrs are removed from the cutting surface by electro-polishing the cutting surface with a dilute acid solution using an electric potential higher than a normal electro-polishing electric potential. A multi-lamina assembly of laser-micro-machined laminates (MALL) may utilize MEMS. In the MALL process, first, the individual layers of a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) are fabricated using the LAMPE micro-machining process. Next, the fabricated microstructure laminates are stack assembled and bonded to fabricate MEM systems.

Abstract: A method for the design, manufacture, and assembly of modular lattice structures composed of cuboctahedron unit cells.

Abstract: A method for fabricating MAS NMR rotors and drive caps made of diamond to increase the maximum achievable spinning frequency and enhance MAS NMR sensitivity and resolution. Diamond is an excellent choice for making MAS NMR rotors due to its high tensile and flexural strength, however, micromachining diamond is difficult due to its hardness. Although laser cutting is often employed to cut diamond sheets, this process cannot be used to create the high aspect ratio and small features required for MAS NMR rotors. In the present invention, a laser micromachining process is used to create the desired high aspect ratio while maintaining the small lateral features. In this process, the laser is used to first convert the diamond into graphite followed by a conversion to carbon dioxide in the presence of oxygen. To create a rotor, a rectangular log has a center hole drilled by the laser, and is then micromachined into a hollow cylinder.

Abstract: A method for the design, manufacture, and assembly of modular lattice structures composed of cuboctahedron unit cells.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel modular, generalizable meso-micro-nano-fluidic platform apparatus, design and methodology which in exemplary embodiments may be applied in conjunction with a novel external triggering and automation/feedback loop control mechanism deployed via computer to explore the phase space of single or double emulsification for applications including the encapsulation of hydrophilic active pharmacological ingredients (APIs). End use applications include the mass production of particulate encapsulation of hydrophobic or hydrophilic APIs with automatic or user-supervised feedback methodology to control and discover mass production or per-drug customized settings of interest for the manufacture of novel or extant therapeutics.

Abstract: An outer skin of a metamaterial is provided that includes a tessellation of folded structures. This outer skin integrates the mechanical needs of movable structures with one process, which better replicates nature's engineering strategies. The tessellation of folded structures may be discretely assembled and may include an offset arrangement of corrugations. In certain embodiments, the metamaterial may be a portion of a continuum robotic structure.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical (MEM) relay and its fabrication process. The MEM relay includes a movable actuator electrode anchored to a substrate with two cantilever beams. Below the actuator electrode, there are three fixed electrodes. These three electrodes are the gate, the input, and the output contacts. The square base of the actuator electrode, and the square gate electrode below it, form an electrostatic parallel-plate actuator. When a voltage is applied between the actuator electrode and the gate electrode, the actuator electrode is pulled-down due to electrostatic attraction closing the relay. When the voltage is removed, the cantilever beams act as springs opening the relay.

Abstract: A system of flexural, actuating, and semiconducting elements of part-types necessary to assemble actuated robotic systems. These parts are joined with a common interface, interlocking with neighboring parts to form a regular lattice structure. Primary considerations for the design of the part interfaces include ease of assembly and the ability to transfer mechanical loads and electronic signals to neighboring parts. The parts are designed to be assembled vertically so structures can he built incrementally one part at a time. They can be easily fabricated at a range of length-scales using a variety of two-dimensional manufacturing processes. These processes include, for example, stamping and laminating, which enable high-throughput production. The simple mechanical interfaces between parts also enable disassembly allowing for reconfigurability and reuse. The interlocking nature of these assemblies allows loads to be distributed through many parallel load-paths.

Abstract: A method for the design, manufacture, and assembly of modular lattice structures composed of cuboctahedron unit cells.