Abstract: An energy harvesting device is described that is configured to generate electricity from a moving fluid. The energy harvesting device comprises, in one embodiment, an oscillator element and an energy converter that converts the vibration of the oscillator element into direct current (DC). The oscillator elements can be in the form of an array in which exposes to the air flow a plurality of the oscillator elements. In one embodiment, an exemplary oscillator element comprises a blunt-body portion and a flexible structure each being configured so that the combination can generate electrical energy in response to low wind velocity (e.g., at or less than about 3 m/s).

Abstract: A superconducting bearing assembly includes a coil field source that may be superconducting and a superconducting structure. The coil field source assembly and superconducting structure are positioned so as to enable relative rotary movement therebetween. The structure and coil field source are brought to a supercooled temperature before a power supply induces a current in the coil field source. A Meissner-like effect is thereby obtained and little or no penetration of the field lines is seen in the superconducting structure. Also, the field that can be obtained from the superconducting coil is 2-8 times higher than that of permanent magnets. Since the magnetic pressure is proportioned to the square of the field, magnetic pressures from 4 to 64 times higher are achieved.

Abstract: A non-contacting superconducting rotating assembly is described which includes a floating, unsupported and stable rotor. The assembly includes first and second bearings comprised of a material which exhibits Type II superconducting properties. The rotor includes a magnetic pole at each of its extremities, each pole resting in a bearing. The polar axis of each pole is colinear with the rotating axis of the rotor. A temperature bath is provided for maintaining the bearings at or below their critical superconducting temperature and a motive mechanism provides for rotation of the rotor. Each magnet pole is thereby levitated and adapted to rotate in a stable, non contacting position by the field and pinning effects generated by the associated bearing.

Abstract: A cantilever beam is employed to place a magnet in proximity to a sample while the sample is maintained at a superconducting temperature. The magnet causes the sample, assuming it is superconductive, to itself generate a magnetic field which interacts with the magnet. Means are provided for measuring the movement of the cantilever beam, such movement being a measure of the interaction of the sample's magnetic field with the magnet. Several types of cantilever beams are disclosed, one of which is adapted to move in a direction orthogonal to the surface of the sample and another of which is adapted to move parallel to the surface of the sample. This enables the obtaining of quantitative measurements of the bulk properties of high temperature superconducting materials.

Abstract: A non-contacting superconducting rotating assembly is described which includes a floating, unsupported and stable rotor. The assembly includes first and second bearings comprised of a material which exhibits Type II superconducting properties. The rotor includes a magnetic pole at each of its extremities, each pole resting in a bearing. The polar axis of each pole is colinear with the rotating axis of the rotor. A temperature bath is provided for maintaining the bearings at or below their critical superconducting temperature and a motive mechanism provides for rotation of the rotor. Each magnet pole is thereby levitated and adapted to rotate in a stable, non-contacting position by the field and pinning effects generated by the associated bearing.

Abstract: Laminates of polyvinylidene fluroride (PVDF) are employed as piezoelectric sensors and actuators which can sense and/or generate complex motions that include bending, stretching, and twisting components. The laminates can be attached directly to a mechanical structure whose motions are to be sensed and/or controlled. By skewing the principal axes of each of the lamina in the laminate with respect to one another, the laminate is responsive not only to bending motions, but to torsional motions as well. Surface electrodes are disposed on the top and bottom sides of each of the lamina to either sense voltage generated by the lamina in response to motion imparted thereto, or supply voltage to the lamina to induce motion therein. The shape of the surface electrode patterns can be varied to control the particular components of motion to which each of the lamina is responsive (e.g., bending modes). The polarization profile in each of the lamina can also be varied for this purpose.