Abstract: A self-deploying shelter assembly deploys between a unfolded and folded state automatically. The shelter includes a plurality of legs and a hub, the hub being configured to be coupled to one end of a leg. A leg has a first element, a second element and a third element. A second end of the third element is movably coupled to the hub. A foot member is coupled to a first end of the first element. A second end of the first element is movably coupled to a first end of the second element and a second end of the second element is movably coupled to the first end of the third element. A roller member is coupled to one or more of the second end of the second element and the first end of the third element and is configured to contact a ground surface when the shelter is folded.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying flexible solar panels to flexible underlying membranes are disclosed. The embodiments disclosed herein involve systems and methods for applying flexible photovoltaic modules to flexible underlying membranes, including large and small span and permanent membrane structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying flexible solar panels to flexible underlying membranes are disclosed. The embodiments disclosed herein involve systems and methods for applying flexible photovoltaic modules to flexible underlying membranes, including large and small span and permanent membrane structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying flexible solar panels to flexible underlying membranes are disclosed. The embodiments disclosed herein involve systems and methods for applying flexible photovoltaic modules to flexible underlying membranes, including large and small span and permanent membrane structures.

Abstract: Tensioned sheet-metal based solar panels and structures for supporting the same are disclosed. The sheet metal based solar panels can include a flexible photovoltaic solar module laminated onto a thin, flexible metal sheet. Such solar panels can be mounted on and tensioned within a support frame that is twisted out of plane with respect to a reference planar datum surface. The resulting surface can be a hyperbolic paraboloid, which can be aesthetically pleasing while improving structural stability and maximizing angular exposure to the sun.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying flexible solar panels to flexible underlying membranes are disclosed. The embodiments disclosed herein involve systems and methods for applying flexible photovoltaic modules to flexible underlying membranes, including large and small span and permanent membrane structures.

Abstract: Tensioned sheet-metal based solar panels and structures for supporting the same are disclosed. The sheet metal based solar panels can include a flexible photovoltaic solar module laminated onto a thin, flexible metal sheet. Such solar panels can be mounted on and tensioned within a support frame that is twisted out of plane with respect to a reference planar datum surface. The resulting surface can be a hyperbolic paraboloid, which can be aesthetically pleasing while improving structural stability and maximizing angular exposure to the sun.

Abstract: Geometrically complex solar panels are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying flexible solar panels to flexible underlying membranes are disclosed. The embodiments disclosed herein involve systems and methods for applying flexible photovoltaic modules to flexible underlying membranes, including large and small span and permanent membrane structures.

Abstract: A tensile structure is provided that includes a plurality of vertical support members, one of the vertical support members being taller than all others of the vertical support members. A plurality of securing members is connected between the vertical support members and ground. A membrane is attached to and extending between the vertical support members to form a roof of the tensile structure, such that one corner of the membrane is raised with respect to the other corners. A plurality of flexible photovoltaic devices are integrated with the membrane.

Abstract: A capillary pump is provided for producing pressurized and unpressurized vapor emissions from liquid feed. In its simplest form, the capillary pump incorporates a liquid feed intake, a porous vaporization component, and a heat transfer component. Additional components, such as an insulator component, a feed pre-heat component, a liquid feed reservoir and/or delivery system, an integrated or associated heater component, a vapor collection chamber, a heat distribution component, an orifice component and/or vapor release component, may also be associated with or integrated in the improved capillary pumps. Capillary pump arrays are provided, and numerous applications for capillary pumps are disclosed.

Abstract: A capillary pump is provided for producing pressurized and unpressurized vapor emissions from liquid feed. In its simplest form, the capillary pump incorporates a liquid feed intake, a porous vaporization component, and a heat transfer component. Additional components, such as an insulator component, a feed pre-heat component, a liquid feed reservoir and/or delivery system, an integrated or associated heater component, a vapor collection chamber, a heat distribution component, an orifice component and/or vapor release component, may also be associated with or integrated in the improved capillary pumps. Capillary pump arrays are provided, and numerous applications for capillary pumps are disclosed.

Abstract: A turn-on tuning system comprising threaded tuning rims or drumheads with threaded frames in place of lugs used by conventional drums, and a spherical acoustic chamber to provide both acoustic and visual improvements over prior art instruments. The tuning system secures a drumhead to a drum by either sandwiching the drumhead between a threaded drum shell and a threaded rim or by directly attaching the drumhead to the threaded drum shell via a threaded frame integral with the drumhead. The drum is tuned by rotating the rim or drumhead to increase pressure on the drumhead. The spherical acoustic chamber, which may be attached to or in place of a traditional drum shell, provides enhanced audio quality and may also provide housing for electronic equipment or acoustic elements which may be held within the spherical chamber. The spherical acoustic chamber also provides numerous visual improvements.

Abstract: A turn-on tuning system comprising threaded tuning rims or drumheads with threaded frames in place of lugs used by conventional drums, and a spherical acoustic chamber to provide both acoustic and visual improvements over prior art instruments. The tuning system secures a drumhead to a drum by either sandwiching the drumhead between a threaded drum shell and a threaded rim or by directly attaching the drumhead to the threaded drum shell via a threaded frame integral with the drumhead. The drum is tuned by rotating the rim or drumhead to increase pressure on the drumhead. The spherical acoustic chamber, which may be attached to or in place of a traditional drum shell, provides enhanced audio quality and may also provide housing for electronic equipment or acoustic elements which may be held within the spherical chamber. The spherical acoustic chamber also provides numerous visual improvements.