Abstract: Processes for producing peening media, the peening media produced from such processes, and methods of using such media. Particles are provided having surfaces that are formed of or contain a metal that exhibits solubility for oxygen in a metallic phase so as to increase in surface hardness as a result of solid solution strengthening due to oxidizing of the surfaces of the particles. The particles are subjected to a thermal process in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at a process temperature and for a process duration sufficient to oxidize the surfaces of the particles to increase the surface hardness of the particles while not forming an oxide layer that encases the particles.

Abstract: A simple and practical antibacterial treatment with nisin in cracked or uncracked metal tools is provided and easily monitored for its bacteriocin effect.

Abstract: A simple and practical antibacterial treatment with nisin in cracked or uncracked metal tools is provided and easily monitored for its bacteriocin effect.

Abstract: Processes for producing peening media, the peening media produced from such processes, and methods of using such media. Particles are provided having surfaces that are formed of or contain a metal that exhibits solubility for oxygen in a metallic phase so as to increase in surface hardness as a result of solid solution strengthening due to oxidizing of the surfaces of the particles. The particles are subjected to a thermal process in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at a process temperature and for a process duration sufficient to oxidize the surfaces of the particles to increase the surface hardness of the particles while not forming an oxide layer that encases the particles.

Abstract: Energy converters and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an energy converter includes a first structural member spaced apart from a second structure member, a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element individually coupled to the first structural member and the second structural member, and a deflection member tensionally suspended between the first and second piezoelectric elements. The deflection member is substantially rigid.

Abstract: Energy converters and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an energy converter includes a first structural member spaced apart from a second structure member, a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element individually coupled to the first structural member and the second structural member, and a deflection member tensionally suspended between the first and second piezoelectric elements. The deflection member is substantially rigid.

Abstract: Energy converters and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an energy converter includes a first structural member spaced apart from a second structure member, a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element individually coupled to the first structural member and the second structural member, and a deflection member tensionally suspended between the first and second piezoelectric elements. The deflection member is substantially rigid.

Abstract: Piezoelectric transducers and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a piezoelectric transducer includes a support member, a piezoelectric element attached to the support member, and a pressurized chamber at one side of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element comprises a flexible film, and the pressurized chamber contains a fluid that applies a static pressure to a side of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: Energy converters and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an energy converter includes a first structural member spaced apart from a second structure member, a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element individually coupled to the first structural member and the second structural member, and a deflection member tensionally suspended between the first and second piezoelectric elements. The deflection member is substantially rigid.

Abstract: Piezoelectric transducers and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a piezoelectric transducer includes a support member, a piezoelectric element attached to the support member, and a pressurized chamber at one side of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element comprises a flexible film, and the pressurized chamber contains a fluid that applies a static pressure to a side of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: Various micro-transducers incorporating piezoelectric materials for converting energy in one form to useful energy in another form are disclosed. In one embodiment, a piezoelectric micro-transducer can be operated either as a micro-heat engine, converting thermal energy into electrical energy, or as a micro-heat pump, consuming electrical energy to transfer thermal energy from a low-temperature heat source to a high-temperature heat sink. In another embodiment, a piezoelectric micro-transducer is used to convert the kinetic energy of an oscillating or vibrating body on which the micro-transducer is placed into useful electrical energy. A piezoelectric micro-transducer also is used to extract work from a pressurized stream of fluid. Also disclosed are a micro-internal combustion engine and a micro-heat engine based on the Rankine cycle in which a single fluid serves as a working fluid and a fuel.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of a thermal switch used to control the transfer of heat from a heat source to a heat sink. According to one aspect, the thermal switch can be activated, or turned “on”, so as to establish a path of low thermal resistance between the heat source and the heat sink to facilitate the transfer of heat therebetween. The thermal switch can also be de-activated, or turned “off”, so as to establish a path of high thermal resistance between the heat source and the heat sink to minimize or totally prevent the transfer of heat between the heat source and heat sink. In certain embodiments, the thermal switch includes at least drop of a thermally conductive liquid that thermally couples the heat source to the heat sink whenever the switch is activated.