Abstract: A method of generating a three-dimensional physical map using different data sources includes receiving, at a computing device, topographic data, e.g., digital surface model data and/or digital elevation model data, for a geographic area and also receiving map area data, e.g., coordinates, scaling, and/or resolution data, for a subset area of the geographic area. The computing device generates map data, such as computer-readable three-dimensional (3D) printer data, based on the topographic data and the map area data, which can be used by a 3D printer or other additive manufacturing process to generate a three-dimensional physical map that depicts the topographic features of the subset area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positron fueled ramjet operation is provided including a convection chamber for a ramjet comprising a rate of absorption of gamma rays that yields a uniform heating of the convection chamber to a temperature sufficient to sustain ramjet operation. The convection chamber may comprise at least one open ended cylinder, a plurality of concentrically arranged cylinders, a plurality of rods, a honeycomb structure or other structures for absorbing gamma rays. A ramjet powered by gamma rays is also provided that includes a housing forming a fluid passageway. A reaction vessel is positioned within the housing, and arranged in flow communication with a source of positrons. A gamma ray absorption assembly is positioned within the fluid passageway so that as positrons interact with electrons and annihilate, gamma rays impinge upon the gamma ray absorption assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing electricity from heat. The present invention is a thermoelectric generator that uses materials with substantially no electrical resistance, often called superconductors, to efficiently convert heat into electrical energy without resistive losses. Preferably, an array of superconducting elements is encased within a second material with a high thermal conductivity. The second material is preferably a semiconductor. Alternatively, the superconducting material can be doped on a base semiconducting material, or the superconducting material and the semiconducting material can exist as alternating, interleaved layers of waferlike materials. A temperature gradient imposed across the boundary of the two materials establishes an electrical potential related to the magnitude of the temperature gradient. The superconducting material carries the resulting electrical current at zero resistivity, thereby eliminating resistive losses.