Abstract: A heat transfer system cycles between a first mode where a heat transfer fluid is directed to a first electrocaloric module and from the first electrocaloric module to a heat exchanger to a second electrocaloric module while one of the first and second electrocaloric modules is energized, and a second mode where the heat transfer fluid is directed to the second electrocaloric module and from the second electrocaloric module to the heat exchanger to the first electrocaloric module, while the other of the first and second electrocaloric modules is energized. The modes are repeatedly cycled in alternating order directing the heat transfer fluid to cause a temperature gradient in each of the first and second electrocaloric modules, and heat is rejected to the fluid from the heat exchanger or is absorbed by the heat exchanger from the fluid.

Abstract: A method of making a heat exchanger with a net shape moldable highly thermally conductive polymer composite includes mixing a polymer and a thermally conductive filler material and molding the polymer composite into heat exchanger components. The heat exchanger can be tailored to varying heating and cooling needs with moldable geometries.

Abstract: A belt (30) for suspending and/or driving an elevator car (14) includes a plurality of tension elements (32) extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, at least one tension element of the plurality of tension elements having one or more tension element coating layers (46) applied thereto. A plurality of fibers are interlaced with the plurality of tension elements forming a composite belt structure. A belt coating (44) at least partially encapsulates the composite belt structure.

Abstract: An elevator brake wedge is provided and includes an elongate body having first and second generally opposed major surfaces and first and second generally opposed minor surfaces. The second minor surface has a greater length than the first minor surface. Each of the first and second major surfaces extends between corresponding first and second ends of the first and second minor surfaces, respectively. The second major surface defines low-friction film securing grooves extending from a plane of the second major surface into the elongate body.

Abstract: A heat transfer system is disclosed including a plurality of modules arranged in a stack. The stack modules include electrocaloric element and electrodes on each side of the film. A fluid flow path is disposed between two or more electrocaloric elements. A first electrical bus element (18) in electrical contact with the first electrode (14), and a second electrical bus element (20) in electrical contact with second electrode (16). The first electrical bus element is electrically connected to at least one other electrical bus of another electrocaloric element in the stack at the same polarity as said first electrical bus, or the second electrical bus element is electrically connected to at least one other electrical bus of another electrocaloric element in the stack at the same polarity as said second electrical bus.

Abstract: A heat transfer system includes an electrocaloric element comprising an electrocaloric film (12). A first electrical conductor is disposed on a first side of the electrocaloric film, and a second electrical conductor is disposed on a second side of the electrocaloric film. At least one of the first and second electrical conductors is an electrically conductive liquid. An electric power source (20) is in electrical contact with the first and second electrical conductors, and is configured to provide an electrical field across the electrocaloric film. A liquid flow path (28) is disposed along the plurality of electrocaloric elements for the electrically conductive liquid.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a metal tube and a composite polymer fin in thermal contact with the metal tube. The fin is formed of a polymer and a thermally conductive filler such that the fin has a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 0.5 Watts per meter Kelvin.

Abstract: A confinement article for containing a fluid includes a wall and a nano-aligned barrier. The wall is constructed and arranged to contain the fluid. The nano-aligned barrier co-extends with the wall, and is constructed and arranged to restrict permeation of the fluid.

Abstract: A veneer panel may comprise an outer surface, and a heat resistant system coupled to the outer surface comprising at least one of a thermal barrier layer or an intumescent layer.

Abstract: A veneer panel may comprise a face veneer, a thermally conductive layer, and a backing layer bonded to the thermally conductive layer. The thermally conductive layer may comprise a chemically treated thermally conductive layer. The chemically treated thermally conductive layer may comprise a plurality of first vinyl groups chemically bonded to a first surface of the chemically treated thermally conductive layer.

Abstract: A belt for suspending and/or driving an elevator car includes a plurality of tension elements extending longitudinally along a length of the belt and a plurality of fibers interlaced with the plurality of tension elements forming a composite belt structure. A coating at least partially encapsulates the composite belt structure to improve two or more operational characteristics of the belt. A method of forming a belt for suspending and/or driving an elevator car includes forming a plurality of tension elements and arraying the plurality of tension elements longitudinally along a belt. A plurality of fibers are interlaced with the plurality of tension elements to form a composite belt structure. A coating is applied to at least partially encapsulate the composite belt structure to improve at least two operational characteristics of the belt.

Abstract: A composite structure may comprise a composite core comprising a composite material, and a heat resistant system coupled to the composite core comprising a binder and/or at least one of a heat dissipation material or a thermal barrier material. The heat dissipation material may comprise boron nitride, graphene, graphite, carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, aluminum foil, and/or copper foil, and the thermal barrier material may comprise montmorillonite, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, silicate glass, mica powder or flake, aluminum oxide powder, titanium dioxide powder, and/or zirconium oxide powder. The binder may comprise at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol copolyacetate, polyacrylamide, polyethylene glycol, polyethylenimine, polyurethane, polyester, or latex.

Abstract: A belt for suspending and/or driving an elevator car includes a plurality of cords. Each cord includes a plurality of wires and at least one yarn thread disposed at an outer periphery of the plurality of wires. An elastomeric jacket substantially retains the plurality of cords. The at least one yarn thread is configured to promote adhesion of the elastomeric jacket to the plurality of cords and reduce fretting of the plurality of wires. A method of forming a belt includes arranging a plurality of wires into a cord, arranging one or more yarn threads at an outer periphery of the plurality of wires, arranging a plurality of cords into a selected arrangement and applying an elastomeric jacket to the cords to retain the cords. The one or more yarn threads are configured to promote adhesion of the elastomeric jacket to the cords and reduce fretting of the wires.

Abstract: An elevator brake wedge is provided and includes an elongate body having first and second generally opposed major surfaces and first and second generally opposed minor surfaces. The second minor surface has a greater length than the first minor surface. Each of the first and second major surfaces extends between corresponding first and second ends of the first and second minor surfaces, respectively. The second major surface defines low-friction film securing grooves extending from a plane of the second major surface into the elongate body.

Abstract: A belt for an elevator system includes a plurality of tension members arranged along a belt width, a jacket material at least partially encapsulating the plurality of tension members defining a traction surface, a back surface opposite the traction surface together with the traction surface defining a belt thickness, and two end surfaces extending between the traction surface and the back surface defining the belt width. A metallic coating layer applied from a liquid solution is positioned over at least one end surface of the two end surfaces.

Abstract: An abradable seal includes a seal element that is formed of a polymer matrix with thermally conductive microspheres dispersed through the polymer matrix. The polymer matrix has a polymer matrix thermal conductivity and the microspheres have a microsphere thermal conductivity that is greater than the polymer matrix thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A traction-driven belt for moving a load includes a plurality of tension elements extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, and a plurality of yarns interlaced with the plurality of tension elements forming a composite belt structure. A laminate material layer is affixed to at least one surface of the composite belt structure to improve one or more performance properties of the composite belt structure. A belt for suspending and/or driving an elevator car includes a plurality of tension elements extending longitudinally along a length of the belt, and a plurality of yarns interlaced with the plurality of tension elements forming a composite belt structure. A sheath encloses at least one tension element of the plurality of tension elements. The sheath is formed from a flowable material to bind the tension element to the plurality of yarns, and/or adjacent tension elements.

Abstract: A tension member for a lifting and/or hoisting system includes a core including a plurality of load carrying fibers arranged in a matrix material, and an outer layer secured to the core including a plurality of outer fibers arranged around a perimeter of the core. The outer layer includes one or more outer fibers arranged off-axis relative to the load carrying fibers of the core. A method of forming a tension member for an elevator system includes arranging a plurality of load carrying fibers along a length of the tension member, retaining the plurality of load carrying fibers in a matrix material to define a core, and enclosing the core in an outer layer including a plurality of outer fibers arranged around a perimeter of the core. The outer layer includes one or more outer fibers arranged off-axis relative to the load carrying fibers of the core.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for securing a grating over an atmospheric opening of a ventilation shaft fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct. A vertically extending support for arrangement in the shaft has horizontal flanges for projecting across a top of at least two opposing sides of said shaft to hang said support in said shaft for over topping by said grating. An anchoring member is supported in the support at a level below the flanges and proximate the atmospheric opening. A hold-down connects to the anchoring member to secure the hold-down and the grating to the anchoring member.

Abstract: A cooling system for electrical and optical devices includes an electrocaloric cooler (EEC). A fluid circuit is in thermal communication with the EEC to dump heat from a working fluid of the fluid circuit into the EEC. The system can include a second EEC, a second fluid circuit in thermal communication with the second EEC to dump heat from a working fluid of the second fluid circuit into the EEC, and a second heat sink in thermal communication with the second fluid circuit to dump heat into the working fluid of the second fluid circuit. The second EEC, second fluid circuit, and second heat sink can be cascaded with the first EEC, first heat sink, and first fluid circuit wherein the second heat sink is in thermal communication with the first EEC to accept heat therefrom.