Abstract: A deployable panel is provided comprising a first subpanel, a second subpanel, and a shape memory alloy hinge connecting the subpanels. The shape memory alloy hinge enables the subpanels to move between a position in which the first and second subpanels are folded over each other and an unfolded position in response to an energy source that changes the shape of the shape memory alloy hinge, wherein the unfolded position is trained into the shape memory alloy hinge to ensure precise kinematic mating between the subpanels. Shape memory alloy springs are connected to the first subpanel and respective tethers connect the shape memory alloy springs to the second subpanel. The shape memory alloy springs contract in response to a second energy source to pull the subpanels together via the tethers when the subpanels are in the unfolded position to produce a seamless, featureless surface of the deployable panel.

Abstract: A deployable panel is provided comprising a first subpanel, a second subpanel, and a shape memory alloy hinge connecting the subpanels. The shape memory alloy hinge enables the subpanels to move between a position in which the first and second subpanels are folded over each other and an unfolded position in response to an energy source that changes the shape of the shape memory alloy hinge, wherein the unfolded position is trained into the shape memory alloy hinge to ensure precise kinematic mating between the subpanels. Shape memory alloy springs are connected to the first subpanel and respective tethers connect the shape memory alloy springs to the second subpanel. The shape memory alloy springs contract in response to a second energy source to pull the subpanels together via the tethers when the subpanels are in the unfolded position to produce a seamless, featureless surface of the deployable panel.

Abstract: A number of user interface devices are described. In one example, a user interface device includes a lens having a graphic visible through the lens, a transparent circuit film comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, a reflector film bonded to the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film, the reflector film including an embossed area which defines a pocket between the reflector film and the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film, a light emitting diode (LED) bonded to the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film and positioned within the pocket between the reflector film and the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film, and a layer of transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive interposed between the bottom surface of the lens and the top surface of the transparent circuit film.

Abstract: A number of user interface devices are described. In one example, a user interface device includes a lens having a graphic visible through the lens, a transparent circuit film comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, a reflector film bonded to the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film, the reflector film including an embossed area which defines a pocket between the reflector film and the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film, a light emitting diode (LED) bonded to the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film and positioned within the pocket between the reflector film and the bottom surface of the transparent circuit film, and a layer of transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive interposed between the bottom surface of the lens and the top surface of the transparent circuit film.

Abstract: An user interface device includes a lens with a top surface and a bottom surface, where the bottom surface includes at least one graphic that is visible through the top surface of the lens. The user interface device further includes a transparent circuit film with a top surface and a bottom surface, at least one light emitting diode (LED), at least one silver conductor, and a layer of transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive that secures the bottom surface of the lens to the top surface of the transparent circuit film.

Abstract: Neutralizing deflection in a transportation system comprising connecting a number of support structures to ground. A tube is coupled to the support structures via a number of actuators, wherein the tube defines an interior enclosure through which a vehicle can travel. Utilizing a number of sensors, directional displacement of the support structures can be sensed, and the actuators are controller to counter the sensed displacement of the support structures by producing a directionally-opposite displacement of the tube relative to the support structures.

Abstract: An user interface device includes a lens with a top surface and a bottom surface, where the bottom surface includes at least one graphic that is visible through the top surface of the lens. The user interface device further includes a transparent circuit film with a top surface and a bottom surface, at least one light emitting diode (LED), at least one silver conductor, and a layer of transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive that secures the bottom surface of the lens to the top surface of the transparent circuit film.

Abstract: Neutralizing deflection in a transportation system comprising connecting a number of support structures to ground. A tube is coupled to the support structures via a number of actuators, wherein the tube defines an interior enclosure through which a vehicle can travel. Utilizing a number of sensors, directional displacement of the support structures can be sensed, and the actuators are controller to counter the sensed displacement of the support structures by producing a directionally-opposite displacement of the tube relative to the support structures.

Abstract: A device including a resonant array of a plurality of synthetic jet generators where neighboring jet generators are coupled, resulting in the potential for constructive and destructive interference between jets of the plurality of synthetic jet generators depending on the relative phase of a corresponding plurality of drive signals to plurality of synthetic jet generators. The device also includes a controller configured to control the relative phase of the corresponding plurality of drive signals to effect a change in a first jet emitted by a first synthetic jet generator of the plurality of synthetic jets by changing a given phase of a second jet emitted by a second synthetic jet generator of the plurality of synthetic jet generators.

Abstract: A device including a resonant array of a plurality of synthetic jet generators where neighboring jet generators are coupled, resulting in the potential for constructive and destructive interference between jets of the plurality of synthetic jet generators depending on the relative phase of a corresponding plurality of drive signals to plurality of synthetic jet generators. The device also includes a controller configured to control the relative phase of the corresponding plurality of drive signals to effect a change in a first jet emitted by a first synthetic jet generator of the plurality of synthetic jets by changing a given phase of a second jet emitted by a second synthetic jet generator of the plurality of synthetic jet generators.

Abstract: A device including a resonant array of a plurality of synthetic jet generators where neighboring jet generators are coupled, resulting in the potential for constructive and destructive interference between jets of the plurality of synthetic jet generators depending on the relative phase of a corresponding plurality of drive signals to plurality of synthetic jet generators. The device also includes a controller configured to control the relative phase of the corresponding plurality of drive signals to effect a change in a first jet emitted by a first synthetic jet generator of the plurality of synthetic jets by changing a given phase of a second jet emitted by a second synthetic jet generator of the plurality of synthetic jet generators.

Abstract: A device including a resonant array of a plurality of synthetic jet generators where neighboring jet generators are coupled, resulting in the potential for constructive and destructive interference between jets of the plurality of synthetic jet generators depending on the relative phase of a corresponding plurality of drive signals to plurality of synthetic jet generators. The device also includes a controller configured to control the relative phase of the corresponding plurality of drive signals to effect a change in a first jet emitted by a first synthetic jet generator of the plurality of synthetic jets by changing a given phase of a second jet emitted by a second synthetic jet generator of the plurality of synthetic jet generators.

Abstract: An improved rail and track assembly for a linear guide apparatus includes a rail support member with a pair of opposing track slots, each slot adapted to accommodate a track section terminating in a V-shaped proximal edge to mate with the groove in the guide rollers of a carriage. One side of the rail support has its track section fixed into its slot, pinned to the rail support at the ends to lock it into place. The opposing side of the rail support holds its track section in a similar slot and additionally accommodates a compliant (soft) element behind the track section. The compliant element fits in a recess between the bottom of the track slot and the flat distal edge of the track section. This second track section may also be pinned to the rail support at the ends to retain it in the slot, but preferably uses oversized holes in the track to allow it to move in and out of the slot and relative to the rail support to maintain fit-up with the guide rollers of the carriage.

Abstract: Continuous feed, chemical switching unit for supplying an uninterrupted flow of chemical fluid to a processing system including a control unit and a reservoir for containing a predetermined volume of chemical fluid wherein the reservoir is in hydraulic communication with a processing system. A plurality of float level sensors are provided within the reservoir for locating the fluid level in the reservoir wherein at least one level sensor provides an interlock to the processing system when energized to halt the processing system operation, and the other level sensors communicate reservoir level information to the control unit. The switching unit also includes a plurality of replaceable chemical fluid bottles for storing the fluid, e.g. a first active bottle and a second standby bottle, wherein the bottles are in independent hydraulic communication with the reservoir. Each fluid bottle has associated therewith an inert-gas actuated isolation valve for isolating the bottle from the reservoir.

Abstract: Continuous feed, chemical switching unit for supplying an uninterrupted flow of chemical fluid to a processing system including a control unit and a reservoir for containing a predetermined volume of chemical fluid wherein the reservoir is in hydraulic communication with a processing system. A plurality of float level sensors are provided within the reservoir for locating the fluid level in the reservoir wherein at least one level sensor provides an interlock to the processing system when energized to halt the processing system operation, and the other level sensors communicate reservoir level information to the control unit. The switching unit also includes a plurality of replaceable chemical fluid bottles for storing the fluid, e.g. a first active bottle and a second standby bottle, wherein the bottles are in independent hydraulic communication with the reservoir. Each fluid bottle has associated therewith an inert-gas actuated isolation valve for isolating the bottle from the reservoir.