Abstract: Thermoelectric devices and associated materials and assembly methods are generally described. Certain aspects relate to electrode materials and electrode configurations for use in thermoelectric devices. In some embodiments, the inventive thermoelectric devices comprise electrodes comprising silicon, such as silicides of cobalt, iron, and/or nickel. Such electrode materials can be useful for making electrical contact with a wide variety of thermoelectric materials, including skutterudite materials. The thermoelectric devices described herein can be used to convert applied voltages to thermal gradients and or to convert thermal gradients to electricity.

Abstract: An exercising and rehabilitation hand device is disclosed. The hand device according to the invention is portable and controllable by smart fluid-based brakes/dampers to provide a compact, lightweight mechanism whose resistance to motion can be changed on-the-fly, through computerize control, to vary the exercises that can be performed and tune the workout or rehabilitation session to the responses of the user.