Abstract: The proposed vibrational energy harvester comprises a frame (118), a mass (114) coupled to first and second primary flexures (110, 112) which are configured to flex and allow the mass to move in a first direction (130), a plurality of secondary flexures (120, 122) which are configured to flex and allow the mass to move in a different second direction (132), and a transduction assembly configured to convert movement of the mass and flexures into electrical energy, preferably of electrodynamic or piezoelectric type. Each of the primary flexures is coupled to a secondary flexure at a position spaced from the mass. The resonant frequency of torsional vibration modes can thereby be raised to a frequency higher than the frequency band of ambient vibrations, which effectively prevents the energy harvester from vibrating in undesirable torsional modes that would result in wear between components.

Abstract: The proposed vibrational energy harvester comprises a frame (118), a mass (114) coupled to first and second primary flexures (110, 112) which are configured to flex and allow the mass to move in a first direction (130), a plurality of secondary flexures (120, 122) which are configured to flex and allow the mass to move in a different second direction (132), and a transduction assembly configured to convert movement of the mass and flexures into electrical energy, preferably of electrodynamic or piezoelectric type. Each of the primary flexures is coupled to a secondary flexure at a position spaced from the mass. The resonant frequency of torsional vibration modes can thereby be raised to a frequency higher than the frequency band of ambient vibrations, which effectively prevents the energy harvester from vibrating in undesirable torsional modes that would result in wear between components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented method to provide an option to a purchaser to refund a purchase. A content distributor system (“CDS”) receives content from a content provider. The CDS presents an option to purchase online content to a user operating a user network device. The CDS presents a refund option to the user before the user makes the purchase and while evaluating the content. The CDS receives an indication that the user initiated a purchase of the product and provides the content to the user. The CDS determines a length of time for which the refund option is valid before the refund option is terminated. If the user requests a refund, the CDS refunds the user purchase and the CDS transmits instructions to render the content unusable. If the time expires and the refund option has not been initiated, the CDS conducts the transaction.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for providing query suggestions, particularly midstring query completions for an original query being edited or hovered over. An original query is received from a client. One or more segments in the original query are identified including an anchor segment and zero or more remaining segments. The anchor segment is identified based on cursor placement within the original query. Then one or more sibling segments associated with the anchor segment are identified. The sibling segments are identified by the server system to be semantically distinct from anchor segment. Then one or more query refinement candidates are identified. A respective query refinement candidate includes a sibling segment in place of the anchor segment and includes the remaining segments, if any, of the original query. Then information including one or more of the query refinement candidates is sent to the client for presentation.