Abstract: In one aspect, kits for constructing an apparatus are described herein which, in some embodiments, can demonstrate desirable modularity, adjustability, and reconfigurability. A kit for constructing an apparatus described herein comprises a plurality of modular blocks and fastening pins and coupling pins for connecting the modular blocks to one another. A modular block comprises a first face having one or more first apertures for receiving fastening pins and an adjacent second face having one or more second apertures for receiving coupling pins. A fastening pin comprises a sidewall aperture for receiving a coupling pin.

Abstract: In one aspect, kits for constructing an apparatus are described herein which, in some embodiments, can demonstrate desirable modularity, adjustability, and reconfigurability. A kit for constructing an apparatus described herein comprises a plurality of modular blocks and fastening sleeves, sleeve pins and coupling pins for connecting the modular blocks to one another. A modular block comprises a series of first apertures for receiving one or more of the fastening sleeves and series of second apertures for receiving the sleeve pins to secure the fastening sleeves in the first apertures, wherein the second apertures intersect the first apertures.

Abstract: In one aspect, kits for constructing an apparatus are described herein which, in some embodiments, can demonstrate desirable modularity, adjustability, and reconfigurability. A kit for constructing an apparatus described herein comprises a plurality of modular blocks and fastening pins and coupling pins for connecting the modular blocks to one another. A modular block comprises a first face having one or more first apertures for receiving fastening pins and an adjacent second face having one or more second apertures for receiving coupling pins. A fastening pin comprises a sidewall aperture for receiving a coupling pin.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of determining the shape of a sessile drop are described herein. In some embodiments, a method described herein comprises measuring a first shape parameter of a sessile drop to obtain a first shape parameter value, measuring a second shape parameter of the drop to obtain a second shape parameter value, and using the first and second shape parameter values to calculate a third shape parameter value of a third shape parameter of the drop.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of determining the shape of a sessile drop are described herein. In some embodiments, a method described herein comprises measuring a first shape parameter of a sessile drop to obtain a first shape parameter value, measuring a second shape parameter of the drop to obtain a second shape parameter value, and using the first and second shape parameter values to calculate a third shape parameter value of a third shape parameter of the drop.

Abstract: In one aspect, kits for constructing an apparatus are described herein which, in some embodiments, can demonstrate desirable modularity, adjustability, and reconfigurability. A kit for constructing an apparatus described herein comprises a plurality of modular blocks and fastening sleeves, sleeve pins and coupling pins for connecting the modular blocks to one another. A modular block comprises a series of first apertures for receiving one or more of the fastening sleeves and series of second apertures for receiving the sleeve pins to secure the fastening sleeves in the first apertures, wherein the second apertures intersect the first apertures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-dimensional standing wave probe for microscale and nanoscale measurement, manipulation, and surface modification, including: a filament having a first free end and a second end that is attached to at least one actuator to apply oscillation cycles to the filament; wherein the oscillation of the filament during at least one complete cycle of oscillation of the actuator causes the free end to move in a multi-dimensional envelope, producing a defined virtual probe tip at the free end, wherein a shape of the virtual probe tip is defined by both a characteristic shape of the oscillation of the free end and a geometry of the filament. Optionally, the actuator includes a monolithic crystal actuator. Preferably, the monolithic crystal actuator includes a crystal having zero grain boundaries. The monolithic crystal actuator also includes a plurality of thin flexure structures.

Abstract: A symmetric ultra-precision spindle design in which all forces of constraint are, within the tolerances of manufacturing and assembly processes, symmetrically arranged about its axis. Additionally this design may require little or no external power other than the forces to rotate the spindle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-sensing tweezer device for micro and nano-scale manipulation, assembly, and surface modification, including: one or more elongated beams disposed in a first configuration; one or more oscillators coupled to the one or more elongated beams, wherein the one or more oscillators are operable for selectively oscillating the one or more elongated beams to form one or more “virtual” probe tips; and an actuator coupled to the one or more elongated beams, wherein the actuator is operable for selectively actuating the one or more elongated beams from the first configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides standing wave fluidic and biological tools, including: at least one elongated fiber that has mesoscale (i.e. milliscale), microscale, nanoscale, or picoscale dimensions, the at least one elongated fiber having a first end and a second end; and an actuator coupled to the first end of the at least one elongated fiber, wherein the actuator is operable for applying oscillation cycles to the at least one elongated fiber in one or more directions, and wherein the actuator is operable for generating a standing wave in the at least one elongated fiber. These standing wave fluidic and biological tools are selectively disposed in a fluid to provide a function such as mixing the fluid, measuring the viscosity of the fluid, attracting particles in the fluid, shepherding particles in the fluid, providing propulsive force in the fluid, pumping the fluid, dispensing the fluid, sensing particles in the fluid, and detecting particles in the fluid, among others.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing surface property measurements, such as workpiece hardness and other material property measurements, with in-process compensation for instrument frame distortion and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-dimensional standing wave probe for microscale and nanoscale measurement, manipulation, and surface modification, including: a filament having a first free end and a second end that is attached to at least one actuator to apply oscillation cycles to the filament; wherein the oscillation of the filament during at least one complete cycle of oscillation of the actuator causes the free end to move in a multi-dimensional envelope, producing a defined virtual probe tip at the free end, wherein a shape of the virtual probe tip is defined by both a characteristic shape of the oscillation of the free end and a geometry of the filament. Optionally, the actuator includes a monolithic crystal actuator. Preferably, the monolithic crystal actuator includes a crystal having zero grain boundaries. The monolithic crystal actuator also includes a plurality of thin flexure structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing surface property measurements, such as workpiece hardness and other material property measurements, with in-process compensation for instrument frame distortion and the like.

Abstract: A small-scale positioning device employing a platform, a levering mechanism and a floating actuator device. The platform is movably attached to a fixed frame by a lever, a pair of levers, or more. The floating actuator device is coupled between at least one lever and the platform. When the actuator device is activated, it generates a force on the platform and an equal but opposite force on the levering mechanism, causing one or more levers to rotate around their respective fulcrums, thereby controlling the position of the movable platform relative to the fixed frame. The amount of displacement of the platform is dependent upon the effective expansion or contraction of the actuator device and the lever ratio. If the pair of levers are symmetrical, then motion is created in only a single degree of motion. Flexures may be included to prevent motion in unwanted directions.

Abstract: An oscillating probe of an elongated rod, having a first free end, and a second end that is attached to at least one actuator to apply oscillation cycles to the rod. Oscillation of the elongated rod during at least one complete cycle of oscillation of the actuator causes the free end to move in at least one-dimensional envelope, producing a defined virtual probe tip geometry at the free end. The probe is connected to a system for utilizing information sensed as the free end is placed near a surface.

Abstract: Products are disclosed for measuring electromagnetic fields. One embodiment has at least two coplanar magneto-resistive sensors. Each magneto-resistive sensor has a sensitive axis in the plane of the at least two coplanar magneto-resistive sensors. The at least two magneto-resistive sensors may be orthogonally arranged about a central point to measure orthogonal components of electromagnetic fields.

Abstract: An apparatus for profiling the surface of a workpiece, including a probe adapted to make contact with the surface of a workpiece, a sensor for determining or deriving the force between the probe and the workpiece surface, an actuator that adjusts the position of the probe along an axis, which is generally perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece, in order to maintain a constant force between the probe and the surface, and a closed control loop, including a controller that controls the operation of the actuator based on information from the sensor.

Abstract: A small-scale positioning device employing a platform, a levering mechanism and a floating actuator device. The platform is movably attached to a fixed frame by a lever, a pair of levers, or more. The floating actuator device is coupled between at least one lever and the platform. When the actuator device is activated, it generates a force on the platform and an equal but opposite force on the levering mechanism, causing one or more levers to rotate around their respective fulcrums, thereby controlling the position of the movable platform relative to the fixed frame. The amount of displacement of the platform is dependent upon the effective expansion or contraction of the actuator device and the lever ratio. If the pair of levers are symmetrical, then motion is created in only a single degree of motion. Flexures may be included to prevent motion in unwanted directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for profiling the surface of a workpiece, including a probe adapted to make contact with the surface of a workpiece, a sensor for determining or deriving the force between the probe and the workpiece surface, an actuator that adjusts the position of the probe along an axis, which is generally perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece, in order to maintain a constant force between the probe and the surface, and a closed control loop, including a controller that controls the operation of the actuator based on information from the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for profiling the surface of a workpiece, including a probe adapted to make contact with the surface of a workpiece, a sensor for determining or deriving the force between the probe and the workpiece surface, an actuator that adjusts the position of the probe along an axis, which is generally perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece, in order to maintain a constant force between the probe and the surface, and a closed control loop, including a controller that controls the operation of the actuator based on information from the sensor.