Abstract: A tool comprises a first rod that extends along a first axis and moves perpendicular to the first axis along a second axis. A first sliding guide moves along the first rod. A second rod extends parallel to the second axis and moves perpendicular to the second axis and parallel to the first axis, and a second sliding guide moves along the second rod. A third rod extends along a third axis and moves perpendicular to the third axis and parallel to the second axis, and a third sliding guide moves along the third rod. A fourth rod extends along a fourth axis and moves perpendicular to the fourth axis and parallel to the first axis, and a fourth sliding guide moves along the fourth rod. The periphery of the sensor network film is secured to the rods, and the rods and guides move simultaneously to stretch the film.

Abstract: A force distribution arrangement is configured as an array of compliant building blocks, each having a plurality of leg elements having respective leg thickness distribution and leg lengths. The plurality of leg elements are, in some embodiments, of uniform thickness and uniform leg length. The legs are joined to one another at corresponding compliant nodes, and are integrally formed. The array is constrained at a first end thereof, and optionally at a second end thereof. A membrane is arranged to overlie the array, and a control point is affixed to the array and optionally to the membrane that overlies the array. The membrane is formed of a compliant material or fabric. A further array is arranged in some applications at a predetermined orientation with respect to the first array. The arrays have respective actuation force response characteristics to achieve contour upon the application of actuation forces.

Abstract: A pickup compartment cover system having a covering layer with a front and a back frame edge. Both a driver and a passenger side include a frame edge fixed at the head of the frame edge, a buckle having a slot with an inward opening, a lock casing on an end of the back frame edge having a lock tongue cavity with an outward opening; a lock tongue provided inside the tongue cavity at the tail with a pulling rod section passing backward through the casing, and a compression spring surrounding the pulling rod section inside the lock tongue cavity pushed on one end against the lock tongue and on the other end against a tip of the lock tongue cavity so the lock tongue protrudes outside of the opening and the opening can further be locked into the slot. The two pulling rod sections connect through a pulling cord.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stretching device for artistic media, which includes a pair of horizontal and vertical frame members. The horizontal frame members and the vertical frame members can be removably connected by means of L-shaped joints to form a rectangular frame. Each of the horizontal frame members and the vertical frame members include an upper flat bar and a lower flat bar slideably attached thereto by means of slide screws. The upper flat bar and the lower flat bar can be brought closer together so as to hold an edge of a piece of paper therebetween by adjusting clamping screws affixed thereto. The upper flat bar and the lower flat bar can be moved away from the horizontal frame member or the vertical frame member by means of stretch knob screws. In one embodiment, the device may be utilized to stretch watercolor paper and prevent the paper from wrinkling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a-stretcher bar frame and canvas fastening system. The system consists of side bars of variable lengths, pre-molded corners, and connecting segments for easy assembly and disassembly. The interlocking bar, corner, and connecting segments, features a locking mechanism utilizing the male plug and a female socket. The connecting segment plug-includes four resilient flexible arms with flat tooth surfaces that interlock during insertion into the bar or corner socket. The plug and socket members snap together for a tight and straight fit that is released using a side release mechanism. The side release mechanism disengages the stretcher bar segments by pressing inward on the flat tooth surfaces of the latching arms of the connecting segments. The back side of the stretcher bar features a self-healing canvas fastening block for insertion of staples and other fasteners allowing the canvas to be stretched or removed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stretcher bar framing and canvas fastening system. This system consists of side bar segments of variable lengths and pre-molded corner segments for quick and easy assembly and disassembly. The snap fit interlocking bar and corner segments features a locking mechanism utilizing a male plug member and a female socket member. The plug member includes a pair of resilient flexible arms with a flat surface tooth that interlocks during insertion of the socket member. The plug and socket members snap together for a tight and straight fit is released using a side release mechanism. The side release mechanism disengages the stretcher bar segments by pressing inward on the flat tooth surface of the latching arms located within the side apertures. The back side of the stretcher bar features a self-healing canvas fastening block for insertion of staples allowing canvas to be mounted or dissembled.

Abstract: A screen fabric frame is disclosed including a locking strip and a frame member. The frame member includes a locking strip groove extending at least a portion of a length of the frame member. The locking strip groove includes a central groove configured to receive the locking strip, a minor side groove having a minor depth, and a major side groove distal the central groove, the major side groove having a major depth greater than minor depth of the minor side groove.

Abstract: A billboard sign includes abutting rectangular tubular sections forming a frame using a rectangular tube extending across abutting ends within the tubular sections. The rectangular tube is biased against adjacent inside wall surfaces of the tubular sections for securing and aligning the tubular sections to each other. Risers extend between opposing horizontal frame sections and define a flat riser plane. Stringers are attached to support posts and define a vertically oriented plane. With risers defining the flat riser plane, the stringers horizontally attached to support posts and aligned for defining a vertically oriented plane, the flat riser plane can be aligned with the vertically oriented plane for securing the frame to the support posts in a flat plane of the frame vertically oriented as desired, regardless of the orientation of the support posts. A flexible substrate may be extended across a periphery of the frame with a message carrying surface.