Abstract: A connector for connecting two structural components. The connector has a casing engaged and to move with a first of said structural components. The casing is of an elongate constant cross section interior within which is operative in a frictional sliding engagement a spring and damper assembly. This comprising of at least one damper to move with a second of said structural components and contacting the interior of the casing and able to slide in frictional contact with the casing. A spring is able to be elastically deformed by and between the damper and the casing when the damper and casing are in relative motion to bias the two structural components towards their initial relative position.

Abstract: A metal carbide ceramic fiber having improved mechanical properties and characteristics and improved processes and chemical routes for manufacturing metal carbide ceramic fiber. Metal carbide ceramic fibers may be formed via reaction bonding of a metal-based material (e.g. boron) with the inherent carbon of a carrier medium. One embodiment includes a method of making a metal carbide ceramic fiber using VSSP to produce high yield boron carbide fiber. Embodiments of the improved method allow high volume production of high density boron carbide fiber. The chemical routes may include a direct production of boron carbide fiber from boron carbide powder (B4C) and precursor (e.g. rayon fiber) having a carbon component to form a B4C/rayon fiber that may be processed at high temperature to form boron carbide fiber, and that may be subsequently undergo a hot isostatic pressing to improve fiber purity. Another route may include a carbothermal method comprising combining boron powder (B) with a precursor (e.g.

Abstract: A metal carbide ceramic fiber having improved mechanical properties and characteristics and improved processes and chemical routes for manufacturing metal carbide ceramic fiber. Metal carbide ceramic fibers may be formed via reaction bonding of a metal-based material (e.g. boron) with the inherent carbon of a carrier medium. One embodiment includes a method of making a metal carbide ceramic fiber using VSSP to produce high yield boron carbide fiber. Embodiments of the improved method allow high volume production of high density boron carbide fiber. The chemical routes may include a direct production of boron carbide fiber from boron carbide powder (B4C) and precursor (e.g. rayon fiber) having a carbon component to form a B4C/rayon fiber that may be processed at high temperature to form boron carbide fiber, and that may be subsequently undergo a hot isostatic pressing to improve fiber purity. Another route may include a carbothermal method comprising combining boron powder (B) with a precursor (e.g.

Abstract: Energy harvesting systems and methods that use multiple piezoelectric generators connected to the same energy harvesting circuit with minimal or no energy loss. The piezoelectric energy harvesting system may include individual diode bridge circuits electrically connected to the outgoing wires from each piezoelectric generator. The piezoelectric energy harvesting system may include multiple subsystems each having one or more individual diode bridges electrically connected to the outgoing wires from multiple piezoelectric generators. Multiple subsystems, each having multiple piezoelectric generators and a diode bridge, may be electrically connected to the same energy harvesting circuit. The use of multiple piezoelectric generators connected to the same energy harvesting circuit results in improved energy harvesting capabilities, and a simplified and low cost energy harvesting system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices, systems, and methods having energy harvesting capabilities for self-powering portable electronic devices. The energy harvesting system preferably includes piezoelectric ceramic fibers that harvest mechanical energy to provide electrical energy or power to operate one or more features of the portable electronic device. The piezoelectric ceramic fibers may be in and/or on a structure of a portable electronic device and/or auxiliary devices/structures associated with a portable electronic device. The piezoelectric ceramic fibers allow generation of charge from mechanical inputs seen in everyday use of the portable electronic device and provide for the collection of generated energy. The energy harvesting capabilities also provide for conversion and storage of the harvested energy as electrical energy that may be used for powering one or more features of the portable electronic device.