Abstract: A high-capacity bin for storing loose agricultural commodities, for example, fruits and vegetables, has a basket, four risers, and two foot straps. The sidewalls of the basket have a curved contour in the form of a dome with waves superimposed on the dome along the entire length of the dome, to strengthen the sidewalls against compressive, hydraulic, and buckling forces. The four risers are removably attached to the four corners of the basket, and have a webbed pattern of ridges, and valleys defined between the ridges, to stiffen the risers. The foot straps are removably retained by posts and sockets formed on the bottom of the basket.

Abstract: A sample manipulator includes a drive system, a pair of flexure plates, and piezoelectric actuators. The drive system preferably includes a pair of drive pulleys on opposite sides of a driven pulley and coupled to the driven pulley by a drive belt. The sample rotates around a rotational axis with the driven pulley. The driven pulley is preferably driven by a pair of drive belts, one being located above the sample, and the other being located below the sample. Fluid bearings provide improved rotation of the driven pulley. The flexure plates are preferably monolithic with a high number of machined flex veins with the side of a tapered threaded screw being used to create the high force required to bend many flexures at the same time for sample motion and to provide fine, precise sub-micron motion control. The piezoelectric actuators provide high-precision control of the load on the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for engaging and disengaging various members to each other are described herein. The preferred apparatus and methods reduce the number of components and/or sub-assemblies in hinged apparatus and methods and other applications, and simplify and improve the quality and efficiency of installation and removal of latches associated with the hinged elements or members. The latching/locking system and methods of the invention also enable selective relatively permanent engagement of the hinged elements or members to each other, and can permit selective transition between the foregoing hinged and locked relationships. Improved latches are disclosed, with interchangeability, keying to assist assembly, and other features. Methods of fabrication and assembly are disclosed.

Abstract: A sample manipulator includes a drive system, a pair of flexure plates, and piezoelectric actuators. The drive system preferably includes a pair of drive pulleys on opposite sides of a driven pulley and coupled to the driven pulley by a drive belt. The sample rotates around a rotational axis with the driven pulley. The driven pulley is preferably driven by a pair of drive belts, one being located above the sample, and the other being located below the sample. Fluid bearings provide improved rotation of the driven pulley. The flexure plates are preferably monolithic with a high number of machined flex veins with the side of a tapered threaded screw being used to create the high force required to bend many flexures at the same time for sample motion and to provide fine, precise sub-micron motion control. The piezoelectric actuators provide high-precision control of the load on the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for engaging and disengaging various members (280) to each other are described herein. The preferred apparatus and methods reduce the number of components and/or sub-assemblies in hinged apparatus (270) and methods and other applications, and simplify and improve the quality and efficiency of installation and removal of latches (290) associated with the hinged elements or members (280). The latching/locking system and methods of the invention also enable selective relatively permanent engagement of the hinged elements or members (280) to each other, and can permit selective transition between the foregoing hinged and locked relationships. Improved latches (290) are disclosed, with interchangeability, keying to assist assembly, and other features. Methods of fabrication and assembly are disclosed.