Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods, and kits for performing cell-free RNA transcription and/or cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS). The disclosed compositions, methods, and kits include or utilize components prepared from Vibrio species such as cellular extracts from Vibrio natriegens.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods, and kits for performing cell-free RNA transcription and/or cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS). The disclosed compositions, methods, and kits include or utilize components prepared from Vibrio species such as cellular extracts from Vibrio natriegens.

Abstract: A mechanical actuator system has variable and controllable mechanical impedance. Such a mechanical actuator system may be used to effectuate a degree of freedom in a robot, i.e., to control speed, output torque and direction of movement of a robotic component, such as a joint, wheel, arm, wrist or grabber. Mechanical impedance, i.e., an amount of “resistance” the robot presents to a human user, can be controlled for safety and rehabilitation purposes. The mechanical actuator system includes a mechanical differential and two adjustable-engagement clutches driven by motor. Advantageously, the motor may turn at a constant speed and direction, yet the mechanical actuator system can be controlled to turn in either direction and at a desired speed. The adjustable-engagement clutches may be electrorheological (ER) fluid clutches, magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutches, conventional dry friction clutches or any other type of clutch whose degrees of engagement can be controlled.

Abstract: A mechanical actuator system has variable and controllable mechanical impedance. Such a mechanical actuator system may be used to effectuate a degree of freedom in a robot, i.e., to control speed, output torque and direction of movement of a robotic component, such as a joint, wheel, arm, wrist or grabber. Mechanical impedance, i.e., an amount of “resistance” the robot presents to a human user, can be controlled for safety and rehabilitation purposes. The mechanical actuator system includes a mechanical differential and two adjustable-engagement clutches driven by motor. Advantageously, the motor may turn at a constant speed and direction, yet the mechanical actuator system can be controlled to turn in either direction and at a desired speed. The adjustable-engagement clutches may be electrorheological (ER) fluid clutches, magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutches, conventional dry friction clutches or any other type of clutch whose degrees of engagement can be controlled.

Abstract: A chair includes a base, a seat coupled to the base, and a back coupled to the seat and/or the base. The seat includes a front portion positioned on a first side of the base, and a rear portion positioned on a second side of the base. A seat angle defined between the front portion and the base is substantially fixed between approximately 85 degrees and approximately 90 degrees. The back extends generally upward from the rear portion of the seat.

Abstract: Robotic systems and specialized end-effectors provide for automated harvesting of produce such as fresh market apples. An underactuated design using tendons and flexure joints with passive compliance increases robustness to position error, overcoming a significant limitation of previous fruit harvesting end-effectors. Some devices use open-loop control, provide a shape-adaptive grasp, and produce contact forces similar to those used during optimal hand picking patterns. Other benefits include relatively low weight, low cost, and simplicity.

Abstract: Robotic systems and specialized end-effectors provide for automated harvesting of produce such as fresh market apples. An underactuated design using tendons and flexure joints with passive compliance increases robustness to position error, overcoming a significant limitation of previous fruit harvesting end-effectors. Some devices use open-loop control, provide a shape-adaptive grasp, and produce contact forces similar to those used during optimal hand picking patterns. Other benefits include relatively low weight, low cost, and simplicity.

Abstract: Robotic systems and specialized end-effectors provide for automated harvesting of produce such as fresh market apples. An underactuated design using tendons and flexure joints with passive compliance increases robustness to position error, overcoming a significant limitation of previous fruit harvesting end-effectors. Some devices use open-loop control, provide a shape-adaptive grasp, and produce contact forces similar to those used during optimal hand picking patterns. Other benefits include relatively low weight, low cost, and simplicity.

Abstract: A battery kit is provided for use with a headset including a headband, and an upper support portion coupled to the headband. An electronic component is coupled to the headset. The electronic component is coupled to a power port configured to receive a power plug. The battery kit includes a power source, a power plug coupled to the power source, and a coupling mechanism configured to removably couple the power source to the upper support portion. The power plug is coupleable to the power port.

Abstract: A chair includes a base, a seat coupled to the base, and a back coupled to the seat and/or the base. The seat includes a front portion positioned on a first side of the base, and a rear portion positioned on a second side of the base. A seat angle defined between the front portion and the base is substantially fixed between approximately 85 degrees and approximately 90 degrees. The back extends generally upward from the rear portion of the seat.

Abstract: A battery kit is provided for use with a headset including a headband, and an upper support portion coupled to the headband. An electronic component is coupled to the headset. The electronic component is coupled to a power port configured to receive a power plug. The battery kit includes a power source, a power plug coupled to the power source, and a coupling mechanism configured to removably couple the power source to the upper support portion. The power plug is coupleable to the power port.

Abstract: A tamper-evident closure includes a body adapted to mount on a container, a cap, and a hinge coupled to the body and to the cap. A tamper-evident tear strip is coupled to the cap to retain the cap temporarily in a fixed position relative to the body.

Abstract: A container closure includes a body formed to include a product-dispensing spout and to mate with a filler neck of a bottle or other container. A thin membrane seal is coupled to the bottle filler neck to close and seal a top opening of the bottle filler neck.

Abstract: A tamper-evident closure includes a body adapted to mount on a container, a cap, and a hinge coupled to the body and to the cap. A tamper-evident tear strip is coupled to the cap to retain the cap temporarily in a fixed position relative to the body.