Abstract: Thermoelectric (TE) nanocomposite material that includes at least one component consisting of nanocrystals. A TE nanocomposite material in accordance with the present invention can include, but is not limited to, multiple nanocrystalline structures, nanocrystal networks or partial networks, or multi-component materials, with some components forming connected interpenetrating networks including nanocrystalline networks. The TE nanocomposite material can be in the form of a bulk solid having semiconductor nanocrystallites that form an electrically conductive network within the material.

Abstract: Precursor solutions for radiation patternable coatings are formed with an organic solvent and monoalkyl tin trialkoxides in which the water content of the solvent is adjusted to be within 10 percent of a selected value. Generally, the water content of the solvent is adjusted through water addition, although water removal can also be used. In some embodiments, the adjusted water content of the solvent can be from about 250 ppm by weight to about 10,000 ppm by weight. With the appropriate selection of ligands, the adjusted precursor solutions can be stable for at least about 42 days, and in some cases at least 8 months.

Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system includes a plurality of utility meter endpoints, each of which includes a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter adapted for transmitting endpoint information. A plurality of transceivers are adapted to read endpoints located throughout a designated coverage area, and each transceiver adapted to receive endpoint information from utility meter endpoints located within a corresponding portion of the designated coverage area. A central storage arrangement is adapted to communicate with each of the transceivers and to store endpoint information in a central database. The AMR system also includes a low cost receiver (LCR) having a communications range that defines a gap-filling coverage area. The LCR is adapted to automatically forward received endpoint information to the central storage arrangement.