Abstract: The present invention relates to deployable origami structures and methods of making and using same. Such deployable origami structures can be folded into a compact state utilizing origami, yet easily deployed as the structures comprise pseudo-elastic connectors. Additive manufacturing techniques can be used to make such deployable origami structures as such techniques can lower cost and structure weight.

Abstract: Spacecraft Heat Shield A deployable spacecraft atmospheric-entry heat shield (30, 40, 50, 60) is configured in a flasher pattern with a transformable polyhedral-surface. The transformable polyhedral-surface has a plurality of sectors (2, see FIG. 1a), each sector (2) having a plurality of mountain fold lines (4, 5), a plurality of valley fold lines (6, 7), a plurality of facets (8) lying between the fold lines (4, 5, 6, 7) and an outside edge (12). The heat shield (30, 40, 50, 60) is configured to unfold from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A gyromesh solar sail spacecraft having a gyromesh of solar sail panel assemblies, each with a reflective solar sail. The gyromesh of solar sail panel assemblies distributed around a hub and rim with a cable structure, the cable structure having a plurality of radial cables and plurality of circular cables, the radial cables extending from the hub linearly and the plurality circular cables encircling the hub. The solar sail panels assemblies attached to at least one of the plurality of circular cables, at least a portion of the solar sail panel assemblies attached to the circular cables by a plurality of actuators, respectively, wherein centrifugal force keeps the plurality of radial cables, plurality of circular cables, and solar sail panels extended from the rim.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multifunctional locking device a housing, and a motor in the housing. An actuator includes a distal end, a filament configured to convey a signal between the distal end and the housing, a first actuator section including a first plurality of engagement members, and a second actuator section including a second plurality of engagement members. There is a reel in the housing, the reel being driven by the motor, the reel being configured to wind up and store the first actuator section at a time when the first engagement members are disengaged from the second engagement members. A combining head is configured to bring the first actuator section together with the second actuator section, to engage the first engagement members with the second engagement members, thereby increasing a rigidity of the actuator, enabling the actuator to impart both a pushing force and a pulling force to an object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the combining of hollow fibers to form a bundle, wherein after a batch-wise taking of continuously manufactured hollow fibers onto a reel apparatus the hollow fibers placed together to form bundles are wound around by means of a winding film and are subsequently welded. Such hollow fibers represent intermediate products in the manufacture of dialyzers for use in hemodialysis.

Abstract: A reinforcement ring is insert-molded as an insert body on a reel hub of a reel around which recording tape is wound. The reinforcement ring includes a metal ring at least whose inner peripheral surface is covered by a resin layer. The clearance between the reinforcement ring and a mold during reel molding can be reduced, and the amount of eccentricity of the insert body with respect to the reel hub can be reduced.

Abstract: On an energy guiding chain for guiding hoses, cables and the like, where the upper strand lies on the lower strand and rollers (11, 12) are provided on at least some chain links of the lower strand and/or the upper strand, which roll on running surfaces (16) provided on the chain links of the opposite strand when the energy guiding chain is traversed, it is envisaged, in order to guarantee very quiet running, that the axis of rotation of each of the rollers (11, 12) coincides with the pivoting axis of the adjacent pair (4) of side straps (5, 6).

Abstract: On an energy guiding chain for guiding hoses, cables and the like, where the upper strand rests on the lower strand and rollers (5, 6) are provided on at least some chain links of the upper strand and/or the lower strand, which can roll on running surfaces (9, 10) provided on the chain links of the opposite strand and which, on their running surface, display a number of spaced peripheral guide grooves that can be engaged by the crests (13, 14) of the rollers of the opposite strand, it is envisaged, in order to facilitate traversing of the chain, that the running surfaces display spaced longitudinal slits that allow the crests of the roller profile to pass through, where the webs (17, 18) between the longitudinal slits cover the guide grooves on the side facing the other strand, such that the crests of the rollers of the other strand can roll on the webs.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge has a cartridge casing, a single reel around which a magnetic tape is wound and which is contained in the cartridge casing for rotation and a leader pin fixed to the leading end portion of the magnetic tape. The leader pin is provided at its opposite ends with engagement portions which are brought into engagement with a tape drawing mechanism of a recording and reproducing system when the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded in the recording and reproducing system. The end face of each engagement portion is provided with a recess at which the tape drawing mechanism chucks the leader pin.

Abstract: Toilet paper, paper towel and facial tissue products (10) are presented. Information may be placed, through printing or embossing, on the toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissues. The information (62) may comprise advertisements, coupons, prizes (such as stickers and crossword puzzles), games or other promotional materials. In addition, information (62) may be placed on a sheet separate from the toilet paper and/or paper towels and/or facial tissues. The information sheet may be then be placed in conjunction with the toilet paper, paper towel or facial tissue by rolling or by interleaving (16) the information sheet with the toilet paper, paper towel or facial tissue. In another aspect, different information may be place on two or more sheets to convey a story (39) or other information. The information (72) may, for example, be used to help potty train children, or to teach children numbers or the alphabet.

Abstract: A magnetic tape cartridge has a cartridge casing, a single reel around which a magnetic tape is wound and which is contained in the cartridge casing for rotation and a leader pin fixed to the leading end portion of the magnetic tape. The leader pin is provided at its opposite ends with engagement portions which are brought into engagement with a tape drawing mechanism of a recording and reproducing system when the magnetic tape cartridge is loaded in the recording and reproducing system. The end face of each engagement portion is provided with a recess at which the tape drawing mechanism chucks the leader pin.

Abstract: A carriage has a support shaft for supporting a plurality of film rolls and can be closed by a light shield cover to place the film rolls in a light-shielded state. A film roll storage mechanism is disposed in a dark room and has a shank for receiving the film rolls from the carriage. The film roll storage mechanism can transfer the film rolls one at a time from the shank onto a film unwinding shaft. A positioning mechanism positions the support shaft and the shank coaxially with each other and locks the carriage with respect to the film roll storage mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing or preventing fiber entry whip as the loose end of a fiber being wound on a spool enters a fiber winding device. A fiber winding device comprises a spool winder entrance, a winding spool and a fiber whip shield substantially surrounding the winding spool. A fiber entry whip reducer positioned in front of the fiber winding device comprises at least one pulley and a guide channel including a straight entry section and a curved section leading to the fiber winding device. The guide channel is formed and positioned such that the loose end of the fiber is maintained against the guide channel by centrifugal force imparted onto the fiber by the curvature of the channel and forward motion of the fiber produced by the rotating spool, thereby producing a trajectory such that the loose end of the fiber enters the fiber winding device and is maintained against the whip shield.

Abstract: A leader pin assembly for connecting tape to tape drive equipment, such as those used in magnetic tape storage systems, is disclosed. The leader pin assembly includes a leader pin and a flexible element covering at least a part of the leader pin. A clip secures the flexible element to the leader pin, the clip being adapted and constructed to be crimped in securing relation over the flexible element. The tape can be secured between the leader pin and the flexible element. The clip can be fabricated from a flexible metal such as stainless steel, specifically #300 stainless steel. The clip can be provided with an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the flexible element. The clip can be provided as a generally annular cylindrical member having a longitudinal opening, with a pair of beveled, substantially parallel edges forming the longitudinal opening. The flexible element and the clip can form an integral one-piece unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing or preventing fiber entry whip as the loose end of a fiber being wound on a spool enters a fiber winding device. A fiber winding device includes a spool winder entrance, a winding spool and a fiber whip shield substantially surrounding the winding spool. A fiber entry whip reducer positioned in front of the fiber winding device includes at least one pulley and a guide channel including a straight entry section and a curved section leading to the fiber winding device. The guide channel is formed and positioned such that the loose end of the fiber is maintained against the guide channel by centrifugal force imparted onto the fiber by the curvature of the channel and forward motion of the fiber produced by the rotating spool, thereby producing a trajectory such that the loose end of the fiber enters the fiber winding device and is maintained against the whip shield.

Abstract: A warp beamer having a frame supported on the floor and a horizontal warp beam rotatable on the frame has a step assembly provided with a step displaceable between a lower position supported directly on the floor and an upper position spaced well above the floor and of the warp beam. A motor connected between the step and the frame displaces the step between its positions. The step rides on a vertical guide on the frame and a lever assembly pivots the step between a horizontal position in the lower position and a generally vertical position in the upper position.