Abstract: A hollow rod developable actuator tool including a cylinder defining the outer circumference of the hollow rod, a first tool mechanism, and a second tool mechanism. The hollow rod developable actuator tool transitions from a first closed state wherein the first tool mechanism and second tool mechanism are contained entirely within the outer circumference of the hollow rod to a second open state wherein the first tool mechanism and second tool mechanism extent outside the outer circumference of the hollow rod.

Abstract: A lamina emergent torsional (LET) joint that includes an integrated membrane to reduce, or eliminate, certain unwanted motions and/or displacements associated with the operation of the LET joint is disclosed. The membrane-integrated LET joint (i.e., M-LET) can be used as a hinge for a lamina emergent mechanism and/or as a surrogate fold for an origami application to ensure accurate and repeatable transitions from a planar (i.e., lamina) state to a non-planar (i.e., lamina-emergent) state, and vice versa.

Abstract: A lamina emergent torsional (LET) joint that includes an integrated membrane to reduce, or eliminate, certain unwanted motions and/or displacements associated with the operation of the LET joint is disclosed. The membrane-integrated LET joint (i.e., M-LET) can be used as a hinge for a lamina emergent mechanism and/or as a surrogate fold for an origami application to ensure accurate and repeatable transitions from a planar (i.e., lamina) state to a non-planar (i.e., lamina-emergent) state, and vice versa.

Abstract: A lamina emergent torsional (LET) joint that includes an integrated membrane to reduce, or eliminate, certain unwanted motions and/or displacements associated with the operation of the LET joint is disclosed. The membrane-integrated LET joint (i.e., M-LET) can be used as a hinge for a lamina emergent mechanism and/or as a surrogate fold for an origami application to ensure accurate and repeatable transitions from a planar (i.e., lamina) state to a non-planar (i.e., lamina-emergent) state, and vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a central member comprising a first side, a second side, and a third side, a first interior panel rotatably attached to the first side, a second interior panel rotatably attached to the second side, a third interior panel rotatably attached to the third side, a first exterior panel rotatably attached to the first interior panel, a second exterior panel rotatably attached to the second interior panel, a third exterior panel rotatably attached to the third interior panel, a first interior biasing member attached to the central member and the first interior panel and biasing the first interior panel to extend away from the central member toward a plane parallel to the central member, and a first interior restraint cable attached to the central member and the first interior panel and restraining the first interior panel from extending along the plane parallel to the central member.

Abstract: A hollow rod developable actuator tool including a cylinder defining the outer circumference of the hollow rod, a first tool mechanism, and a second tool mechanism. The hollow rod developable actuator tool transitions from a first closed state wherein the first tool mechanism and second tool mechanism are contained entirely within the outer circumference of the hollow rod to a second open state wherein the first tool mechanism and second tool mechanism extent outside the outer circumference of the hollow rod.

Abstract: A hollow rod developable actuator tool including a first link comprising an outer cylinder, a deployment ring including second link comprising a first portion pivotably connected to the first link at a first joint mounted in a first cavity in the wall of the outer cylinder and a third link comprising a second tool portion pivotably connected to the first portion at a second link, and a fourth link comprising an inner cylinder to which the second portion of the deployment ring is also pivotably connected at a third link mounted in a second cavity in the wall of the inner cylinder. When the inner cylinder of the fourth link is rotated in relation to the outer cylinder of the first link the actuator tool transitions from a first state where the deployment ring is stowed within the tool to a second state where the deployment ring is deployed externally.

Abstract: A flexible electronics assembly includes a single-piece substrate having two regions of rigidity separated by a localized region of flexibility. The localized region of flexibility has a lower rigidity than the two regions of rigidity. The two regions of rigidity are angularly deflectable from a planar configuration of the single-piece substrate to a non-planar configuration of the single-piece substrate by hinging action of the localized region of flexibility. At least one electronic component is mounted on at least one of the two regions of rigidity.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a central member comprising a first side, a second side, and a third side, a first interior panel rotatably attached to the first side, a second interior panel rotatably attached to the second side, a third interior panel rotatably attached to the third side, a first exterior panel rotatably attached to the first interior panel, a second exterior panel rotatably attached to the second interior panel, a third exterior panel rotatably attached to the third interior panel, a first interior biasing member attached to the central member and the first interior panel and biasing the first interior panel to extend away from the central member toward a plane parallel to the central member, and a first interior restraint cable attached to the central member and the first interior panel and restraining the first interior panel from extending along the plane parallel to the central member.

Abstract: A lamina emergent torsional (LET) joint that includes an integrated membrane to reduce, or eliminate, certain unwanted motions and/or displacements associated with the operation of the LET joint is disclosed. The membrane-integrated LET joint (i.e., M-LET) can be used as a hinge for a lamina emergent mechanism and/or as a surrogate fold for an origami application to ensure accurate and repeatable transitions from a planar (i.e., lamina) state to a non-planar (i.e., lamina-emergent) state, and vice versa.

Abstract: A flexible electronics assembly includes a single-piece substrate having two regions of rigidity separated by a localized region of flexibility. The localized region of flexibility has a lower rigidity than the two regions of rigidity. The two regions of rigidity are angularly deflectable from a planar configuration of the single-piece substrate to a non-planar configuration of the single-piece substrate by hinging action of the localized region of flexibility. At least one electronic component is mounted on at least one of the two regions of rigidity.

Abstract: A flexible electronics assembly includes a single-piece substrate having two regions of rigidity separated by a localized region of flexibility. The localized region of flexibility has a lower rigidity than the two regions of rigidity. The two regions of rigidity are angularly deflectable from a planar configuration of the single-piece substrate to a non-planar configuration of the single-piece substrate by hinging action of the localized region of flexibility. At least one electronic component is mounted on at least one of the two regions of rigidity.

Abstract: A flexible electronics assembly includes a single-piece substrate having two regions of rigidity separated by a localized region of flexibility. The localized region of flexibility has a lower rigidity than the two regions of rigidity. The two regions of rigidity are angularly deflectable from a planar configuration of the single-piece substrate to a non-planar configuration of the single-piece substrate by hinging action of the localized region of flexibility. At least one electronic component is mounted on at least one of the two regions of rigidity.

Abstract: Surgical forceps for gripping internal organs during minimally invasive surgery are provided. The surgical forceps can be a sanitizable sheet in a folded configuration that includes a first elongate region which transitions to a resilient hinge which transitions to a second elongate region, all of which are formed of the same sheet. The first elongate region can further include a first grasper end opposite the resilient hinge and the second elongate region can include a second grasper end opposite the resilient hinge. The resilient hinge can apply a spring force to the first elongate region and the second elongate region that biases the forceps in an open configuration where the first grasper end and the second grasper end are distal from each other. When an external force is applied against the resilient hinge, the first grasper end can close against the second grasper end.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a container including a lid, and a cradle configured to support a device. The apparatus can include a lifting mechanism operably coupled to the cradle and the lid. The lifting mechanism can be configured to move between a storage position where the cradle is disposed in the container to a dispensing position where the cradle is disposed outside of the container. The lifting mechanism can be configured to move between the storage position and the dispensing position in response to moving the lid. The lifting mechanism can include a first link aligned parallel to a second link when the lifting mechanism is in the dispensing position and when the lifting mechanism is in the storage position. The first link and the second link can both be within the same plane when in a position between the storage position and the dispensing position.

Abstract: In a general aspect, an apparatus can include a container including a lid, and a cradle including a void and configured to support a device. The apparatus can include a lifting mechanism operably coupled to the cradle and the lid. The lifting mechanism can be configured to move between a storage position where the cradle is disposed in the container to a dispensing position where the cradle is disposed outside of the container. The lifting mechanism can be configured to move between the storage position and the dispensing position in response to moving the lid. The lifting mechanism can include a first link aligned parallel to a second link when the lifting mechanism is in the dispensing position and when the lifting mechanism is in the storage position.

Abstract: Surgical forceps for gripping internal organs during minimally invasive surgery are provided. The surgical forceps can be a sanitizable sheet in a folded configuration that includes a first elongate region which transitions to a resilient hinge which transitions to a second elongate region, all of which are formed of the same sheet. The first elongate region can further include a first grasper end opposite the resilient hinge and the second elongate region can include a second grasper end opposite the resilient hinge. The resilient hinge can apply a spring force to the first elongate region and the second elongate region that biases the forceps in an open configuration where the first grasper end and the second grasper end are distal from each other. When an external force is applied against the resilient hinge, the first grasper end can close against the second grasper end.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission or clutch device (10) includes at least one pulley (18) rotatable on a pivot (28) and having a pair of adjustable sheaves (30, 34) including a movable sheave (30) movable along the pivot. An ortho-planar compliant mechanism (14) is capable of elastic deformation and operatively coupled to the movable sheave to bias the movable sheave towards or away from the other sheave. The ortho-planar compliant mechanism includes a substantially flat configuration and is deflectable therefrom as the movable sheave moves. The ortho-planar compliant mechanism can include a center platform (38) disposed on the pivot and a plurality of arms (42) extending from the platform to distal ends (46) coupled to the movable sheave.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle (18), or a kit (10) for converting a standard bicycle (14) into a tracked cycle, includes a track assembly (22) with a bogie assembly (84) for riding on snow, mud, sand, etc. The track assembly includes a continuous track (60) movably disposed about a drive wheel (64) coupled to a frame (34) of the vehicle or bike, and a bogie wheel (68) disposed rearward of the drive wheel. The bogie assembly includes a compliant and resilient arm (80) coupling the bogie wheel to the frame of the vehicle or bike. The arm exerts a force against the bogie wheel, which forces the track towards the riding surface.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle (18), or a kit (10) for converting a standard bicycle (14) into a tracked cycle, includes a track assembly (22) with a bogie assembly (84) for riding on snow, mud, sand, etc. The track assembly includes a continuous track (60) movably disposed about a drive wheel (64) coupled to a frame (34) of the vehicle or bike, and a bogie wheel (68) disposed rearward of the drive wheel. The bogie assembly includes a compliant and resilient arm (80) coupling the bogie wheel to the frame of the vehicle or bike. The arm exerts a force against the bogie wheel, which forces the track towards the riding surface.