Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Infinite Corridor Technology, LLC

Leland Stanford Junior University

Mary C Boyce

Douglas P Hart

Christopher M Boyce

Oscar C Yeh

Katia Bertoldi

David Moore Parks

Steffen Reichert

Beth L Pruitt

Christine Ortiz

Alex J Hsieh

Simona Socrate

Bin Chen

Hugo M Ayala

Adam D Mulliken

Rebecca Elizabeth Taylor

Hugo A Ayala

Juha Song

Brian P Greviskes

Tom Mullin

Stephanie Deschanel

Sai Sarva

A micromechanical device capable of providing out-of-plane motion and force generation in response to an in-plane strain applied to the device is provided. Embodiments of the present invention comprise one or more islands that are operatively coupled with one or more hinges. The hinges are operative for inducing rotation of the islands when a lateral strain is applied to the structure. In some embodiments, the hinges are also electrically conductive such that they enable electrical communication between the one or more islands and devices external to the structure. Some embodiments of the present invention are particularly well suited for use in biological applications. Some devices in accordance with the present invention are fabricated using conventional planar processes, such as flex-circuit fabrication techniques.

In-plane-strain-actuated out-of-plane actuator

Articulating protective systems for resisting mechanical loads and related methods are generally described. The protective structures described herein can incorporate one or more features that enhance the ability of the structure to resist an applied force while remaining sufficiently flexible to allow for movement of the object or person the structure is designed to protect.

Articulating protective system for resisting mechanical loads

A flexible and stretchable patterned substrate is provided having a strain-permitting material comprising a patterned conformation that allows the flexible patterned substrate to experience local strain or local strain domains lower than the macroscopic strain of the flexible and stretchable patterned substrate.

Structured material substrates for flexible, stretchable electronics

A transformative periodic structure includes a plurality of elastomeric or elasto-plastic periodic solids that experiences a transformation in the structural configuration upon application of a critical macroscopic stress or strain. The transformation alters the geometric pattern changing the spacing and the shape of the features within the transformative periodic structure. For the case of elastomeric periodic structures upon removal of the critical macroscopic stress or strain, the transformative periodic solids are recovered to their original form. For the case of elasto-plastic periodic structures upon removal of the critical macroscopic stress or strain, the new pattern is retained. Polymeric periodic solids can be recovered to their original form by heating or plasticizing.

Pattern production and recovery by transformation

A hierarchical composite armor is disclosed for protection against projectile impact comprising a plurality of platelets and a matrix substrate. The plurality of platelets are distributed in at least a first layer and in a second layer parallel to the first layer wherein the distribution of the platelets in the second layer is at least slightly offset from and overlaps the distribution of platelets in the first layer. The platelets are less thick than the overall thickness of the composite armor, and the platelets include a first material. The matrix substrate encapsulates the platelets, and the matrix substrate is different than the first material. The platelets and matrix substrate form an interactive network that dissipates a projectile's impact energy over an area much greater than the size of the projectile by synergistically transmitting the impact energy from platelets close to an impact location to platelets away from the impact location. The failure is localized to the primary interaction zone between the projectile and the platelets and matrix substrate. The geometry and distribution of the platelets is tailored to optimize the kinetic energy absorption by the composite armor.

Hierarchical material assemblies and articles for use in projectile impact protection

Filler-enhanced polymeric fiber. High aspect ratio filler particles are placed into intimate contact during processing with a polymeric fiber. The filler particles serve as templates to orient the molecular structure of the polymeric fiber to enhance mechanical properties. The highly oriented molecular morphology results in enhanced axial stiffness and strength.

Filler-enhanced polymeric fibers with improved mechanical properties and method for making

The present invention relates to seals having textured features. The present invention particularly relates to seals having contact surfaces with said features wherein the contact surface seals properly and is resistant to wear. The contact surface is able to perform in very severe environments, such as those found in earthmoving applications.

Textured seal for reduced wear

A contact surface of a seal having textured features is described. The contact surface seals properly and is resistant to wear. The contact surface is able to perform in very severe environments, such as those found in earthmoving applications.

Growing community of inventors

Winchester, MA, United States of America

Mary C Boyce