Abstract: An actuator system for fabricating a cavity within thermoplastic material includes a plurality of actuators arranged in an array. When dimensions of an item are determined, the actuator system may be programmed with data regarding such dimensions to fabricate a cavity for the item. A subset of the actuators, and distances by which each of the actuators is to be extended, may be selected based on dimensions of the item, in order to fabricate a cavity within the thermoplastic material that may accommodate the item therein. Additionally, the actuators and the distances may be selected based on intrinsic or extrinsic data regarding the item, and a cavity fabricated within the thermoplastic material may include one or more buffer zones or protective regions that are specifically formed with respect to aspects of the item.

Abstract: An actuator system for fabricating a cavity within thermoplastic material includes a plurality of actuators arranged in an array. When dimensions of an item are determined, the actuator system may be programmed with data regarding such dimensions to fabricate a cavity for the item. A subset of the actuators, and distances by which each of the actuators is to be extended, may be selected based on dimensions of the item, in order to fabricate a cavity within the thermoplastic material that may accommodate the item therein. Additionally, the actuators and the distances may be selected based on intrinsic or extrinsic data regarding the item, and a cavity fabricated within the thermoplastic material may include one or more buffer zones or protective regions that are specifically formed with respect to aspects of the item.

Abstract: A self-locking hook for supporting a load on a support surface is disclosed. The hook has a relatively rigid C-shaped body which includes a surface defining an opening for accommodating a support component and a connector having a load bearing or attachment point. The surface of the opening includes a first contact area and a second contact area. The load bearing or attachment point is attached to the body relative to the opening such that application of a load at the load bearing point while the first contact area is contacting a component rotates the body about the first contact area until the second contact area abuts the component. This self-locking feature allows the hook to be used effectively on component surfaces which are at almost any angle or slope relative to horizontal.

Abstract: A self-locking hook for supporting a load on a substantially horizontal surface is disclosed. The hook has a relatively rigid C-shaped body which includes a surface defining an opening for accommodating a substantially horizontal component and a support having a load bearing or attachment point. The surface of the opening includes a first contact area and a second contact area. The load bearing or attachment point is attached to the body relative to the opening such that application of a load at the load bearing point while the first contact area is contacting a component rotates the body about the first contact area until the second contact area abuts the component. This self-locking feature allows the hook to be used effectively on both component surfaces which are slightly angled or sloped and with loads which are not perpendicular to the component surface.