For the past six years KAB Laboratories, Inc. has been investigating various techniques for extracting electrical power from linear mechanical motion. It has built, tested, patented, and licensed devices to do this. The electric power generation techniques used can extract electric power from the slightest movement of the devices, and can be made in a variety of form-fit shapes. Devices have been made which, when worn or carried, will power a radio, a flashlight, and create a self-charging battery. The work to date has mostly defined the concept and explored some useful applications. It is the objective of this proposal to demonstrate the feasibility of this technology to develop sufficient electric power for portable computing (and other uses) from the normal movement available in activities such as walking, riding in a vehicle, etc. This will be done by measuring the available mechanical energy present in a variety of activities, designing devices to enhance electric power generation from those activities, and testing the resultant designs to determine their actual power generation potential and efficiency.
