Abstract: A system includes at least one thermoelectric generator configured to generate electricity in response to a temperature difference across at least a portion of the at least one thermoelectric generator. The system further includes at least one fluid conduit in thermal communication with the at least one thermoelectric generator. The at least one fluid conduit is configured to have at least one working fluid flow through the at least one fluid conduit. The system further includes at least one device configured to direct the at least one working fluid through the at least one fluid conduit. The at least one device is powered by at least a portion of the electricity generated by the at least one thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: A system and method for generating electricity is provided, where the system includes at least one energy transmission element, such as at least one heat pipe or at least one thermosyphon, and at least one thermoelectric assembly extending around a portion of the at least one energy transmission element.

Abstract: Cartridge-based thermoelectric assemblies and systems are provided which include at least one shunt configured to extend around a conduit, a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication and in electrical communication with the at least one shunt with at least a portion of the at least one shunt sandwiched between the at least one first thermoelectric element and the at least one second thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric elements are electrically isolated from the conduit. The thermoelectric assemblies and systems further include at least one heat exchanger in thermal communication with the at least one shunt and configured to be in thermal communication with a second fluid.

Abstract: An atmospheric condensate collector and electrospray source apparatus. The apparatus has a cooler having a surface with a sharp point. The cooler generates a condensate from ambient atmosphere exposed to the cooler. A ground electrode is electrically and mechanically separated from the cooler. A high voltage power supply switchably provides a high voltage between the sharp point of the cooler and the ground electrode. A controller is electrically connected to the cooler power supply and the high voltage power supply. The controller controls the operation of the cooler power supply and the high voltage power supply. The atmospheric condensate collector and electrospray ionizer apparatus generates the condensate and generates particulate spray from the condensate in response to command signals issued from the controller. In some embodiments, an analyzer is provided to analyze particles of the spray to determine the chemical composition of the condensate.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include thermoelectric-based thermal management systems and methods configured to heat and/or cool an electrical device. Thermal management systems can include at least one electrical conductor in electrical and thermal communication with a temperature-sensitive region of the electrical device and at least one thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the at least one electrical conductor. Electric power can be directed to the thermoelectric device by the same electrical conductor or an external power supply, causing the thermoelectric device to provide controlled heating and/or cooling to the electrical device via the at least one electrical conductor.

Abstract: A thermoelectric assembly and method are provided. The thermoelectric assembly can extend at least partially around a perimeter of a first fluid conduit. The thermoelectric assembly can include a plurality of thermoelectric sub-assemblies aligned with one another along the perimeter of the first fluid conduit. Each thermoelectric sub-assembly can include a plurality of thermoelectric elements in parallel electrical communication with one another, and a plurality of electrically insulating elements to prevent current flow in a plane perpendicular to the first direction between adjacent thermoelectric sub-assemblies.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material and a method of forming a thermoelectric material are provided. The method of forming a thermoelectric material includes providing at least one compound fabricated by a first technique and having a first power factor and a first thermal conductivity. The method further includes modifying a spatial structure of the at least one compound by a second technique different from the first technique. The modified at least one compound has a plurality of portions separated from one another by a plurality of boundaries. The plurality of portions include one or more portions having a second power factor not less than the first power factor, and the modified at least one compound has a second thermal conductivity less than the first thermal conductivity.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a thermoelectric system can include a first thermoelectric assembly and a second thermoelectric assembly. Both the first and second thermoelectric assemblies can be configured to receive heat from at least one heat source and to transmit heat to at least one heat sink. The first and second thermoelectric assemblies can be in electrical communication with one another. The thermoelectric system can further include at least one electrically insulating element mechanically coupled to the first thermoelectric assembly and to the second thermoelectric assembly. The at least one electrically insulating element is not in a thermal path of either (i) heat flow from the at least one heat source to either the first thermoelectric assembly or the second thermoelectric assembly or (ii) heat flow to the at least one heat sink from either the first thermoelectric assembly or the second thermoelectric assembly.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an integrated power generation system includes a primary power source supplying power to a primary power user, a thermoelectric power generator system thermally coupled to a heat source, and an electronic controller unit. In certain embodiments, an electronic controller unit monitors the power output of the primary power source and operatively connects the thermoelectric power generating system to the primary power user when one or more power usage factors occurs. One power usage factor that can occur is the power output of the primary power source falling below a threshold power level.

Abstract: Systems and methods adapted for use with uncalibrated patterned surfaces for sensing any of position, displacement, velocity, acceleration, area, and volume are provided. A system includes a memory, processing electronics, and at least one readhead adapted to move relative to the surface and including a radiation source, lens, and an optical array transducer. One aspect includes generating a mapping data set representative of an intensity map of the patterned surface. Another aspect provides a variable travel speed readhead. Other aspects include multiple readheads adapted to travel in concert. Incremental and absolute sensing are provided, including systems having sub-pixel spatial resolution.

Abstract: Optical time domain reflectometry caused by absorption of a volatile or analyte into the fiber optic cladding is used an optical nose. The fiber optics (14) are covered with a gas permeable film (44) which is patterned to leave millimeter wide gas permeable notches (48a-48d). The notches contain a sensing polymer that responds to different gases by expanding or contracting.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material and a method of forming a thermoelectric material are provided. The method of forming a thermoelectric material includes providing at least one compound fabricated by a first technique and having a first power factor and a first thermal conductivity. The method further includes modifying a spatial structure of the at least one compound by a second technique different from the first technique. The modified at least one compound has a plurality of portions separated from one another by a plurality of boundaries. The plurality of portions include one or more portions having a second power factor not less than the first power factor, and the modified at least one compound has a second thermal conductivity less than the first thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Integrated opto-electronic oscillators that use micro resonators in the optical section of the opto-electronic feedback loop.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a improved composite thermoelectric and an accompanying method. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the thermoelectric is constructed in layers from a perform of a stack of layers, and then treated or otherwise modified in order to create a thinner thermoelectric structure.

Abstract: This application describes optical resonators having deposited optical material layers and optical resonators having layered structures to support whispering gallery modes.

Abstract: This application describes coupled and non-coupled opto-electronic oscillators with enhanced performance. Coupled OEOs implement a dispersion compensation mechanism to reduce dispersion-induced optical loss, a polarization control mechanism to reduce polarization-dependent optical loss, or a combination of the dispersion compensation mechanism and the polarization control mechanism to enhance the oscillator performance.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for filtering RF or microwave frequencies by optical filtering using a tunable optical filter.

Abstract: Integrated opto-electronic oscillators that use micro resonators in the optical section of the opto-electronic feedback loop.

Abstract: Integrated opto-electronic oscillators that use micro resonators in the optical section of the opto-electronic feedback loop.

Abstract: This application describes optical resonators substantially free of hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals and related fabrication techniques.