Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing and time-sorting insects is provided. The apparatus comprises a receiving unit configured to serve as an entrance for the one or more insects; and facilitate trapping of the one or more insects. The apparatus further comprises a collecting unit comprising a plurality of containers configured to collect and retain the one or more insects trapped via the receiving unit, wherein the collecting unit is attached with the receiving unit such that at least a portion of the receiving unit is movable with respect to the plurality of containers. In addition, the apparatus comprises a control unit operationally connected with the receiving unit, wherein the control unit is configured to enable time-dependent movement of the portion of the receiving unit with respect to the plurality of containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing and time-sorting insects is provided. The apparatus comprises a receiving unit configured to serve as an entrance for the one or more insects; and facilitate trapping of the one or more insects. The apparatus further comprises a collecting unit comprising a plurality of containers configured to collect and retain the one or more insects trapped via the receiving unit, wherein the collecting unit is attached with the receiving unit such that at least a portion of the receiving unit is movable with respect to the plurality of containers. In addition, the apparatus comprises a control unit operationally connected with the receiving unit, wherein the control unit is configured to enable time-dependent movement of the portion of the receiving unit with respect to the plurality of containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring external excitation on a surface using nanocomposite paint. The method comprises applying the nanocomposite paint on the surface, wherein the nanocomposite paint comprises a mixture of a plurality of carbon nanotubes and an epoxy resin along with a plurality of electrically conductive patterned electrodes. The electrical properties of the nanocomposite paint changes in response to the external excitation of the surface. The change in the electrical properties of the nanocomposite is measured by a measuring instrument, wherein the change in the electrical properties of the nanocomposite paint is directly proportional to the external excitation experienced by the surface.

Abstract: A travelling wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus capable of generating electrical energy from heat energy is provided. The travelling wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus includes a hosing with two ends connected by an inertance component, a porous stack, a resonator, and a piezoelectric bimorph. The housing comprises a compressible fluid and has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion receives heat energy from a heat source for creating a temperature gradient between the first portion and the second portion. A cold heat exchanger within the second portion is positioned at one end of the porous stack. The compressible fluid traverses between the first portion and the second portion through the porous stack and the inertance component to generate travelling acoustic waves. The travelling acoustic waves resonate with the resonator for generating acoustic energy.

Abstract: A standing wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus capable of generating electrical energy from heat energy is provided. The standing wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus includes a housing, a porous stack and a piezoelectric bimorph. The housing comprises a compressible fluid and has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion receives the heat energy from a heat source for creating a temperature gradient between the first portion and the second portion. A cold heat exchanger within the first portion is positioned at one end of the porous stack. The compressible fluid traverses between the first portion and the second portion through the porous stack to generate standing acoustic waves for generating acoustic energy. The piezoelectric bimorph positioned at an end of the first portion opposite to an end of the first portion having the cold heat exchanger, oscillates based on the acoustic energy for generating the electrical energy.

Abstract: A civil structure block for buildings is provided. The civil structure block is composed of a mixture of a plurality of piezoelectric rods, a plurality of carbon fibers and cement material. The mixture imparts a vibration damping characteristic to the civil structure block.

Abstract: A reinforcement for buildings is provided. The reinforcement is composed of a mixture of a plurality of piezoelectric rods, a plurality of carbon fibers and cement material. The mixture imparts a vibration damping characteristic in the reinforcement.

Abstract: A travelling wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric refrigerator is provided. The travelling wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric refrigerator includes a housing with two ends connected by an inertance component, a porous stack, a resonator, and a piezoelectric bimorph. The housing comprises a compressible fluid and includes a first portion and a second portion. The porous stack is positioned between the first portion and the second portion. A hot heat exchanger is configured within the second portion near an end of the porous stack opposite to an end of the porous stack near to a cold exchanger configured within first portion. Further, the piezoelectric bimorph is positioned at an end of the resonator opposite to an end of the resonator connected to the second portion. The piezoelectric bimorph oscillates to resonate with the resonator to generate acoustic energy. The acoustic energy triggers travelling acoustic waves within the housing.

Abstract: A standing wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus capable of generating electrical energy from heat energy is provided. The standing wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus includes a housing, a porous stack and a piezoelectric bimorph. The housing comprises a compressible fluid and has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion receives the heat energy from a heat source for creating a temperature gradient between the first portion and the second portion. A cold heat exchanger within the first portion is positioned at one end of the porous stack. The compressible fluid traverses between the first portion and the second portion through the porous stack to generate standing acoustic waves for generating acoustic energy. The piezoelectric bimorph positioned at an end of the first portion opposite to an end of the first portion having the cold heat exchanger, oscillates based on the acoustic energy for generating the electrical energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring external excitation on a surface using nanocomposite paint. The method comprises applying the nanocomposite paint on the surface, wherein the nanocomposite paint comprises a mixture of a plurality of carbon nanotubes and an epoxy resin along with a plurality of electrically conductive patterned electrodes. The electrical properties of the nanocomposite paint changes in response to the external excitation of the surface. The change in the electrical properties of the nanocomposite is measured by a measuring instrument, wherein the change in the electrical properties of the nanocomposite paint is directly proportional to the external excitation experienced by the surface.

Abstract: A standing wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric refrigerator is provided. The standing wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric refrigerator includes a housing, a porous stack, and a piezoelectric bimorph. The housing comprises a compressible fluid and has a first portion and a second portion. The porous stack is positioned between a hot heat exchanger and a cold heat exchanger within the housing, at an end of the first portion of the housing opposite to an end of the first portion having the porous stack and is capable of oscillating to generate acoustic energy upon receiving energy from an external energy source. The oscillation of the piezoelectric bimorph compresses and expands the compressible fluid within the housing. Whereby, the compressible fluid traverses between the first portion and the second portion through the porous stack to generate standing acoustic waves enabling the compressible fluid to transfer heat from the cold heat exchanger to the hot heat exchanger.

Abstract: A reinforcement for buildings is provided. The reinforcement is composed of a mixture of a plurality of piezoelectric rods, a plurality of carbon fibers and cement material. The mixture imparts a vibration damping characteristic in the reinforcement.

Abstract: A civil structure block for buildings is provided. The civil structure block is composed of a mixture of a plurality of piezoelectric rods, a plurality of carbon fibers and cement material. The mixture imparts a vibration damping characteristic to the civil structure block.

Abstract: A travelling wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus capable of generating electrical energy from heat energy is provided. The travelling wave thermoacoustic piezoelectric apparatus includes a hosing with two ends connected by an inertance component, a porous stack, a resonator, and a piezoelectric bimorph. The housing comprises a compressible fluid and has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion receives heat energy from a heat source for creating a temperature gradient between the first portion and the second portion. A cold heat exchanger within the second portion is positioned at one end of the porous stack. The compressible fluid traverses between the first portion and the second portion through the porous stack and the inertance component to generate travelling acoustic waves. The travelling acoustic waves resonate with the resonator for generating acoustic energy.

Abstract: A drilling assembly includes a derrick, a swivel assembly coupled to the derrick, and a drill string coupled to the swivel assembly. The drill string includes a plurality of pipe sections, each having an insert providing a material and/or geometrical discontinuity in the pipe section, the plurality of pipe sections forming periodic cells collectively operative to selectively block propagation of vibrations in the drill string.