Abstract: Conveying systems and methods are provided that selectively controls gas-propelling devices to move objects over the conveyer table at different speeds and in different directions. The systems and methods include a conveyer table having of an array of gas-propelling devices that propel gas from a surface of the table. Each of the of gas-propelling devices can have layers arranged in a stack and a through-hole in the stack and the table. The surfaces of each of the layers are exposed in the interior of the through hole and a heating/cooling device selectively heats and/or cools the layers to generate thrust.

Abstract: A solid-state device that is capable of imparting a directional momentum via thermoelectric microelements. High surface area is used to enhance the efficiency of heat transfer. The device can be operated in adiabatic mode in order to minimize thermal emissions.