Abstract:
An energy harvesting system can be used to exploit freely available flow energy with a piezoelectric device(s). The system may include a piezoelectric device and a flow disruptor, such as a blunt body that creates flow turbulence and flow characteristic randomization that can increase movement response from the piezoelectric device and enhance electrical power generation. Multiple piezoelectric devices may be linked to each other to enhance movement of a less-influenced piezoelectric device from translated movement of a more-influenced piezoelectric device and create more electrical power than a single piezoelectric device subjected to the same flowing fluid.
Abstract:
A micro-grid system blending utility power with power from multiple renewable sources including energy storage devices provides power factor correction using the renewable sources and energy storage devices by adjustment of associated converters. A controller maximizes power factor correction by utility source subject to a cost weighting of penalties for exceeding a power factor threshold.
Abstract:
A polylactic acid (PLA) composite material includes biodegradable and/or renewable materials such as purified lignin recovered as a byproduct in organosolv processes. The result is a material suitable for additive printing, with improved properties but that is still environmentally friendly. A coupling agent such as silane, diisocyanate crosslinking agent, and reactive extrusion agent may improve the blending of polylactic acid and purified lignin. Additional filler materials such as fibers or their powders may be added to significantly improve the mechanical properties of three-dimensional printed objects.
Abstract:
Multiple spatially diverse and compact weight sensors are statistically combined to reduce or eliminate errors caused by snow bridging. Data transmission using satellite communication minimizes the power consumption of the sensor station further allowing the entire system to be relatively compact and easily transported. The weight sensors may be combined with other standard sensors for measurement of air temperature and snow height, the latter measurement, for example, using ultrasound ranging or the like.
Abstract:
Convenient anodizing is provided through a pen form factor anodizing tool having a reservoir for holding anodizing fluid and an electrical cable connection communicating electrical power to a tip dispensing anodizing fluid from the reservoir at a anodizing voltage from electrical power through the electrical cable connection.
Abstract:
Provided herein are monomeric variants of Sandercyanin fluorescent protein (SFP) including those monomeric SFP variants set forth in SEQ ID NO:2-6 and SFP variants with increased brightness. Also provided herein are methods of making and using fluorescent probes comprising such monomeric variants, where the fluorescent probes have specificity for desired targets.
Abstract:
A system provides compression of a limb of a patient and out-of-axis restraint of a joint of the limb being compressed and application of vibration to a first end of the limb so that the vibration is transmitted through the first end of the limb, the compressed joint, and through the remainder of the limb.
Abstract:
A prefabricated sprue assembly provides attachment to independently-produced investment casting molds to substantially reduce the need for pattern material. Installable connections between the prefabricated sprue assembly and the investment mold allow substantial reduction of scrap loss caused by errors in production of individual investment molds by culling defective molds before installation to the sprue assembly.
Abstract:
A system includes a vibration unit that provides independent adjustability of vibration characteristics such as frequency and amplitude and may provide a first motor that rotates an eccentric and can adjust vibration frequency and a second motor that that may move the eccentric within the vibration unit in a manner that adjusts amplitude of the vibration.
Abstract:
An apparatus for musculoskeletal stimulation allows independent electronic control of vibration parameters and overall biasing force so that an optimum combination of these parameters may be obtained regardless of the user's weight and without the need for adjustment of mechanical weights or springs.