Abstract: A physical barrier having a carrier device and a sealer material applied to the carrier device. The sealer material is configured to expand when it is activated. In its pre-activation state, the sealer material is flowable. The sealer material is applied directly to the carrier in its pre-activation state through a dispensing orifice without being previously molded.

Abstract: An access door assembly for use in an air-handling unit provides a structural member that prevents over-compression of gaskets by the access door panel for improved gasket life and effectiveness and increases the thermal efficiency properties or the air-handling unit. The access door assembly has a “Z” shaped cross-section and includes a gasket channel and an anti-compression leg having a rim to prevent over compression of the gasket located in the gasket channel.

Abstract: A mechanism for capturing mechanical energy and converting it to electrical energy for use continually charging or providing emergency power to mobile, battery-powered devices comprises a plurality of elongated piezoelectric elements mounted at one or support points to one or more support structures. The plurality of piezoelectric elements are preferably structured and arranged so that at least each three-dimensional coordinate axis has at least one element with a dominant mode of deflection in a plane normal to the axis, in order to permit harvesting energy from forces applied in any direction without regard to the orientation of the energy harvesting mechanism to the source of forces. This results in improved coupling of the transducer with the random movements or vibrations that may not confined to any particular plane or in a plane that is not necessarily aligned with the plane in which a piezoelectric element is designed to bend, thus improving the efficiency of energy capture.

Abstract: A mechanism for capturing mechanical energy and converting it to electrical energy for use continually charging or providing emergency power to mobile, battery-powered devices comprises a plurality of elongated piezoelectric elements mounted at one or support points to one or more support structures. The plurality of piezoelectric elements are preferably structured and arranged so that at least each three-dimensional coordinate axis has at least one element with a dominant mode of deflection in a plane normal to the axis, in order to permit harvesting energy from forces applied in any direction without regard to the orientation of the energy harvesting mechanism to the source of forces. This results in improved coupling of the transducer with the random movements or vibrations that may not confined to any particular plane or in a plane that is not necessarily aligned with the plane in which a piezoelectric element is designed to bend, thus improving the efficiency of energy capture.

Abstract: A mechanism for capturing mechanical energy and converting it to electrical energy for use continually charging or providing emergency power to mobile, battery-powered devices comprises a plurality of elongated piezoelectric elements mounted at one or support points to one or more support structures. The plurality of piezoelectric elements are preferably structured and arranged so that at least each three-dimensional coordinate axis has at least one element with a dominant mode of deflection in a plane normal to the axis, in order to permit harvesting energy from forces applied in any direction without regard to the orientation of the energy harvesting mechanism to the source of forces. This results in improved coupling of the transducer with the random movements or vibrations that may not confined to any particular plane or in a plane that is not necessarily aligned with the plane in which a piezoelectric element is designed to bend, thus improving the efficiency of energy capture.

Abstract: A method for installing a constrained layer damper on a product of manufacture is disclosed. The method includes applying a layer of first polymeric material to a substrate of the product, wherein the first polymeric material is visco-elastic when solidified. Then, a second layer of polymeric material, which is stiff when solidified, is applied to the first polymeric material such that said first polymeric material is constrained between the second polymeric material and the substrate of the product. At least one of the layers of polymeric materials is dispensed in fluid form during the manufacture of the product from a bulk source of fluid material. The polymeric materials are chosen such that they do not require the application of heat above room temperature to solidify.

Abstract: A method for installing a constrained layer damper on a product of manufacture is disclosed. The method includes applying a layer of first polymeric material to a substrate of the product, wherein the first polymeric material is visco-elastic when solidified. Then, a second layer of polymeric material, which is stiff when solidified, is applied to the first polymeric material such that said first polymeric material is constrained between the second polymeric material and the substrate of the product. At least one of the layers of polymeric materials is dispensed in fluid form during the manufacture of the product from a bulk source of fluid material. The polymeric materials are chosen such that they do not require the application of heat above room temperature to solidify.

Abstract: A physical barrier having a carrier device and a sealer material applied to the carrier device. The sealer material is configured to expand when it is activated. In its pre-activation state, the sealer material is flowable. The sealer material is applied directly to the carrier in its pre-activation state through a dispensing orifice without being previously molded.

Abstract: An expandable baffle apparatus for sealing a cavity of an automobile or the like includes a piece of heat expandable sealing material that is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the cross section of the cavity to be sealed. A support element supports the piece of sealing material at the predetermined cross section while the apparatus is subjected to an elevated activation temperature at which the sealing material expands to seal the cavity at the cross section. The support element is formed of a material having a melting point higher than the activation temperature, and includes an open lattice formed of a shape corresponding to the shape of the cross section of the cavity. The sealing material is supported on the lattice so that when the sealing material is activated, the material expands radially to fill the cross section of the cavity and longitudinally through the lattice.

Abstract: Large metal structures for heavy duty machines are prefabricated from subassemblies. The subassemblies are made with matched grooves, and held together. The subassemblies are machined taken apart transported to the field reassembled and electroslag welded in the area of the grooves.