Abstract: The actuation of a seat actuator can be customized to provide an enhanced user experience. In one respect, a seat actuation profile can be modified or a new seat actuation profile can be created based on user data, vehicle data, and/or environmental data. The modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile to be implemented. As a result, one or more actuators operatively connected to a seat can selectively activated or deactivated in accordance with the modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile. In another respect, an aspects can be identified from a one or more seat actuation profiles and/or one or more seat actuation preferences. A seat actuation profile can be caused to be presented to a user based on the identified aspect.

Abstract: One or more actuators can be used to provide a substantially continuous level of lumbar support to a seat occupant. An actuator can be operatively positioned relative to a lumbar region of a seat. The actuator can be caused to morph into an activated configuration to support a lumbar region of a seat occupant. The activated configuration of the actuator can be maintained to provide a substantially continuous level of lumbar support.

Abstract: A state of a shape memory material member in an actuator can be monitored and controlled to protect the shape memory material member. When activated, the actuator can be configured to morph into an activated configuration in which a dimension (e.g., the height) of the actuator increases. A sensor configured to acquire sensor data. A portion of the shape memory material member can operatively engaging the sensor. One or more processors can be operatively connected to monitor a state of the shape memory material member based on the sensor data.

Abstract: An actuator is configured to provide an enhanced haptic or massaging sensation to a user. The actuator can include an outer body member. The actuator can include a push structure operatively connected to the outer body member. The actuator can include a massaging element movably connected to the push structure. When activated, the actuator can be configured to morph into an activated configuration in which a dimension of the actuator increases and such that a position of the push structure changes. When the massaging element can be brought into operative contact with an object so as to cause a movement of the massaging element. As a result, the massaging element can move from a neutral position to a moved position.

Abstract: An actuator is configured to provide an enhanced haptic or massaging sensation to a user. The actuator can include an outer body member. The actuator can include a push structure operatively connected to the outer body member. The push structure can be configured to rotate. When activated, the actuator can be configured to morph into an activated configuration in which a dimension of the actuator increases and such that a position of the push structure changes.

Abstract: A device for canceling acoustic noise generated includes, in one example, an inlet channel configured to be fluidly connected to an inlet port of a pump and an outlet channel configured to be fluidly connected to an outlet port of the pump. The device also includes an inlet resonator and an outlet resonator, both having open ends and closed ends. The open ends of the inlet and outlet resonators are fluidly connected to the inlet and outlet channels, respectively. When in operation, the inlet and outlet resonators can cancel noise generated by the operation of the pump.

Abstract: A table structure includes a table top structured to be configurable to a retracted configuration and to a fully deployed configuration for use. At least one shape memory material (SMM) member is operably connected to the table top such that energization of the SMM member configures the table top to the fully deployed configuration and de-energization of the at least one SMM member enables configuration of the table top the retracted configuration. The table structure may be incorporated into a wall of a vehicle as an optional, retractable accessory.

Abstract: An actuator can include an outer body. At least a portion of the outer body can be configured to pivot. The actuator can include a contracting member, such as a shape memory material member. When an activation input is provided to the contracting member, the contracting member can contract. As a result, the actuator can be caused to morph into an activated configuration in which a dimension, such as the height, of the actuator increases.

Abstract: An actuator can include one or more shape memory material members. When an activation input is provided to the one or more shape memory material members, the one or more shape memory material members contract, which causes the actuator to morph into an activated configuration. A height of the actuator increases in the activated configuration. The actuator can include a first outer body member and a second outer body member. The first outer body member can include a first portion and a second portion pivotably connected to each other. One or more processors can be operatively connected to selectively activate the one or more shape memory material members.

Abstract: A bicycle can include a frame. The frame can include a front steering axle, a front fork assembly, and a handlebar assembly for steering a front wheel of the bicycle. The bicycle can also include one or more vibration isolators. The one or more vibration isolators can be operatively connected to at least one of the frame, the front steering axle, the front fork assembly, and the handlebar assembly. The one or more vibration isolators can also be configured to exhibit a non-linear stiffness profile including a region of quasi-zero stiffness. As a result, the one or more vibration isolators isolate a rider of the bicycle from vibrations transferred through the frame.

Abstract: A bicycle seat suspension can include one or more movable body members. The one or more movable body members can be configured to be operatively connected to a bicycle saddle. The one or more movable body members can be configured to change configuration when a load is applied to the bicycle saddle. The bicycle seat suspension can also include a vibration isolator. The vibration isolator can be configured to exhibit a non-linear stiffness profile including a region of quasi-zero stiffness. The vibration isolator can be operatively positioned such that, when the one or more movable body members change configuration responsive to a load being applied to the bicycle saddle, the one or more movable body members can engage the vibration isolator. As a result, the vibration isolator can isolate a person seated on the bicycle saddle from vibrations transferred through the bicycle saddle.

Abstract: Composite materials include a steel matrix with structural aramid formed of individual fibers penetrating into the matrix at substantial depth. The fibers typically have defined diameters and large ratios of penetration depth to fiber diameter. Specified methods for forming the composite materials have a unique ability to achieve the large ratios of penetration depth to fiber diameter.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle system can include a saddle body. The system can include a vibration isolator including a stack of a plurality of conical springs. An intermediate structure can be operatively positioned between the saddle body and the vibration isolator. In some instances, the vibration isolator can be located within a portion of the bicycle frame. In some instances, the vibration isolator can be configured to exhibit a non-linear stiffness profile including a region of quasi-zero stiffness. The system can be used to provide improved vibration isolation performance when using a bicycle saddle.

Abstract: A vibration isolator cartridge can be configured to exhibit a non-linear stiffness profile. The non-linear stiffness profile including a region of quasi-zero stiffness. The vibration isolator cartridge can include a housing. The vibration isolator cartridge can include a plunger. The plunger can be configured to be depressed toward a distal end portion of the housing. The vibration isolator cartridge can include a plurality of spring members operatively positioned within the housing between the plunger and the distal end portion of the housing. The plurality of spring elements can be arranged in a stack. The vibration isolator cartridge can be used to provide improved vibration isolation performance in various applications, such as a bicycle saddle.

Abstract: A chair can be configured for synchronized movement with visual content, such as a video game or movie, presented on a display. The chair can include a seat portion. A plurality of actuators can be operatively positioned to cause a movement of the seat portion. The actuators can include one or more shape memory material members. Each of the actuators being configured such that, when an activation input is provided to the one or more shape memory material members, the one or more shape memory material members change from a first configuration to a second configuration and cause the actuator to morph into an activated configuration. One or more processors operatively connected to selectively activate one or more of the actuators by causing the activation input to be provided to the one or more shape memory material members of at least one of the actuators.

Abstract: Carbon fiber reinforced steel matrix composites have carbon fiber impregnated in the steel matrix and chemically bonded to the steel. Chemical bonding is shown by the presence of a unique amorphous carbon layer at the carbon fiber/steel interface, and by canting of steel crystal edges adjacent to the interface. Methods for forming carbon fiber reinforce steel composites include sintering steel nanoparticles around a reinforcing carbon fiber structure, thereby chemically bonding a sintered steel matrix to the carbon fiber. This unique bonding likely contributes to enhanced strength of the composite, in comparison to metal matrix composites formed by other methods.

Abstract: Carbon fiber reinforced metal matrix composite turbine rotors include a planar carbon fiber structure encapsulated within a metal matrix formed of sintered metal nanoparticles. The metal nanoparticles can include a metal having a high sintering temperature that would ordinarily destroy the carbon fiber. Novel techniques for making small uniform nanoparticles for sintering lowers the sintering temperature to a level that can accommodate carbon fiber. The composite rotors possess high strength to weight ratio.

Abstract: Composite materials include a steel matrix with reinforcing carbon fiber integrated into the matrix. The composite materials have substantially lower density than steel, and are expected to have appreciable strength. Methods for forming composite steel composites includes combining a reinforcing carbon fiber component, such as a woven polymer, with steel nanoparticles and sintering the steel nanoparticles in order to form a steel matrix with reinforcing carbon fiber integrated therein.

Abstract: A vibration isolator cartridge can be configured to exhibit a non-linear stiffness profile. The non-linear stiffness profile including a region of quasi-zero stiffness. The vibration isolator cartridge can include a housing. The vibration isolator cartridge can include a plunger. The plunger can be configured to be depressed toward a distal end portion of the housing. The vibration isolator cartridge can include a plurality of spring members operatively positioned within the housing between the plunger and the distal end portion of the housing. The plurality of spring elements can be arranged in a stack. The vibration isolator cartridge can be used to provide improved vibration isolation performance in various applications, such as a bicycle saddle.

Abstract: A vibration isolator can be configured to provide improved vibration isolation performance, such as in connection with a bicycle saddle. The bicycle saddle can be operatively connected to a bicycle frame. The vibration isolator can be located within a portion of the bicycle frame. The vibration isolator can be operatively positioned with respect to the bicycle saddle. The vibration isolator being configured to exhibit a non-linear stiffness profile. The non-linear stiffness profile can include a region of quasi-zero stiffness. The vibration isolator including one or more super elastic material members.