Abstract: The following disclosure presents a system for high-speed biometric data acquisition comprising flexible optical fibers that may be anchored in a garment or wearable band. The flexible optical fibers are configured to collect biometric data, such as heartrate, a respiratory parameter, muscle contraction, and/or joint movement, at a sampling rate of at least 10 kilosamples per second, over a large dynamic range, and at high sensitivity and accuracy. The system further comprises a wearable modular electronics pod comprising a processor and transmitter for sending the biometric data to a wireless node. The present disclosure also presents a method for high-speed data acquisition comprising collecting biometric data at a sampling rate of at least 10 kilosamples per second and transmitting a wireless signal comprising the biometric data to a receiver at a speed of at least 0.1 kbps.

Abstract: Optical fibers, optical waveguides, optical sensors, and combinations thereof are disclosed. Strains in excess of 100% are permitted while subcentimeter changes in fiber length are detectable. Light intensity changes with changes in fiber or waveguide strain, and the changes are correlatable with other variables. Production of such devices according to some embodiments entails coating of a core with cladding. Core material may be polyurethane whilst cladding material may be silicone, for example.

Abstract: A composition comprising: i. at least one chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) pathway inhibitor or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in particular repagermanium or propagermanium: ii. a diluent in a concentration from 30 to 70% w/w; iii. a binder in a concentration from 2 to 5% w/w: iv. a disintegrant in a concentration from 2 to 8% w/w; and v. a lubricant in a concentration from 0.05 to 5% w/w; and methods of treatment with same.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting strain are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system may include an optical fiber comprising one or more of a first end configured to receive light emitted by a light source, a second end configured to transmit light to a detector, a first fiber section having a first propagation loss parameter, and a second fiber section having a variable propagation loss parameter, the variable propagation loss parameter. In some embodiments, the variable propagation loss parameter may increase as the second fiber section is deformed.

Abstract: Waveguides, such as light guides, made entirely of elastomeric material or with indents on an outer surface are disclosed. These improved waveguides can be used in scissors, soft robotics, or displays. For example, the waveguides can be used in a strain sensor, a curvature sensor, or a force sensor. In an instance, the waveguide can be used in a hand prosthetic. Sensors that use the disclosed waveguides and methods of manufacturing waveguides also are disclosed.

Abstract: A waveguide is provided. The waveguide having a first core, a second core spaced apart from and parallel with the first core, and a cladding surrounding the first core and the second core. An interstitial portion of the cladding is located between the first core and the second core. A first region of the first core adjacent to the cladding or of the cladding adjacent to the first core is color dyed.

Abstract: Waveguides, such as light guides, made entirely of elastomeric material or with indents on an outer surface are disclosed. These improved waveguides can be used in scissors, soft robotics, or displays. For example, the waveguides can be used in a strain sensor, a curvature sensor, or a force sensor. In an instance, the waveguide can be used in a hand prosthetic. Sensors that use the disclosed waveguides and methods of manufacturing waveguides also are disclosed.

Abstract: Waveguides, such as light guides, made entirely of elastomeric material or with indents on an outer surface are disclosed. These improved waveguides can be used in sensors, soft robotics, or displays. For example, the waveguides can be used in a strain sensor, a curvature sensor, or a force sensor. In an instance, the waveguide can be used in a hand prosthetic. Sensors that use the disclosed waveguides and methods of manufacturing waveguides also are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are actuators and methods of making and actuating the same. Such actuators may comprise a body having a cavity, a membrane configured to cooperate with the cavity to form a combustion chamber, an inlet channel in fluid communication with the combustion chamber, an ignitor operable to ignite a combustible gas contained within the combustion chamber, and an outlet channel in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The membrane may be configured to move in response to a change in pressure within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are actuators and methods of making and actuating the same. Such actuators may comprise a body having a cavity, a membrane configured to cooperate with the cavity to form a combustion chamber, an inlet channel in fluid communication with the combustion chamber, an ignitor operable to ignite a combustible gas contained within the combustion chamber, and an outlet channel in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. The membrane may be configured to move in response to a change in pressure within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure may be embodied as a method for creating a restriction pattern from a mask material having a strain (?mask) an for mapping elastomeric membrane having a strain (?membrane) into a target 3D shape. The method may include discretizing the target 3D shape into a plurality of radial segments, and a radial strain (?r) is determined for each radial position (r) on each radial segment of the plurality of radial segments. A restriction pattern is determined, wherein the restriction pattern comprises a quantity of mask material for each position r to provide a composite strain (?mask, ?silicone). In some embodiments, the method further includes depositing a first membrane layer into a mold and placing mask material into the first membrane layer according to the determined restriction pattern. The first membrane layer is cured.

Abstract: Provided are sensors and articles of manufacture comprising one or more sensors. Also provided are uses of the sensors. The sensors have an elastomeric foam and one or more light sources and one or more light receivers. In various examples, the light source(s) and light receiver(s) are disposed on and/or disposed in and/or partially disposed in the elastomeric foam.

Abstract: Optical fibers, optical waveguides, optical sensors, and combinations thereof are disclosed. Strains in excess of 100% are permitted while subcentimeter changes in fiber length are detectable. Light intensity changes with changes in fiber or waveguide strain, and the changes are correlatable with other variables. Production of such devices according to some embodiments entails coating of a core with cladding. Core material may be polyurethane whilst cladding material may be silicone, for example.

Abstract: A waveguide is provided. The waveguide having a first core, a second core spaced apart from and parallel with the first core, and a cladding surrounding the first core and the second core. An interstitial portion of the cladding is located between the first core and the second core. A first region of the first core adjacent to the cladding or of the cladding adjacent to the first core is color dyed.

Abstract: By rotationally casting soft robots, no bonding of different material layers is required. Soft robots including one or more integrated enclosed compartments are constructed from fibers that are embedded directly into the mold prior to adding elastomeric precursors.

Abstract: This relates to a light guide for a lighting device for a vehicle, including at least one woven flat body and a plurality of optical fibers, which at least partly build the flat body. All or some of the optical fibers comprise at least one coupling section. Each coupling section is disposable or disposed in a socket of the lighting device to receive light from a light source of the lighting device. The optical fibers include at least one light decoupling section being part of at least one illumination section of the woven flat body. The woven flat body and/or the at least one light decoupling section of the optical fibers include at least one reflecting element to decouple light from the optical fibers.

Abstract: Provided are sensors and articles of manufacture comprising one or more sensors. Also provided are uses of the sensors. The sensors have an elastomeric foam and one or more light sources and one or more light receivers. In various examples, the light source(s) and light receiver(s) are disposed on and/or disposed in and/or partially disposed in the elastomeric foam.

Abstract: Printable elastomer materials that are conductive or insulating and that may be printed in three dimensions (3D) for use in applications, including for example fabrication of actuators such as dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs).

Abstract: The present disclosure may be embodied as a method for creating a restriction pattern from a mask material having a strain (?mask) an for mapping elastomeric membrane having a strain (?membrane) into a target 3D shape. The method may include discretizing the target 3D shape into a plurality of radial segments, and a radial strain (?r) is determined for each radial position (r) on each radial segment of the plurality of radial segments. A restriction pattern is determined, wherein the restriction pattern comprises a quantity of mask material for each position r to provide a composite strain (?mask,?silicone). In some embodiments, the method further includes depositing a first membrane layer into a mold and placing mask material into the first membrane layer according to the determined restriction pattern. The first membrane layer is cured.

Abstract: Waveguides, such as light guides, made entirely of elastomeric material or with indents on an outer surface are disclosed. These improved waveguides can be used in sensors, soft robotics, or displays. For example, the waveguides can be used in a strain sensor, a curvature sensor, or a force sensor. In an instance, the waveguide can be used in a hand prosthetic. Sensors that use the disclosed waveguides and methods of manufacturing waveguides also are disclosed.