Abstract: A thermoelectric material and a method of using a thermoelectric material is provided. The thermoelectric material can include at least one compound. For example, the at least one compound may be a Group IV-VI compound such as lead telluride. The at least one compound may further include one or more dopants such as sodium, potassium, and thallium. The method of using a thermoelectric material can include exposing at least one portion of the at least one compound to a temperature greater than about 700 K.

Abstract: A method for determining fuel dilution of diesel engine lubricating oil in a diesel engine. A first table contains a soot compensation factor, respectively, for each weight of oil selected among a predetermined range of oil weights. A second table contains fuel dilution levels for a plurality of predetermined compensated viscosity ratios. After determining the weight of the oil in the engine a first viscosity of the oil at a first temperature and a second viscosity of the oil at a second temperature are measured. Next, either a ratio or a difference of the first and second viscosities is determined. Using the ratio, soot in the oil is compensated using a soot compensation factor of the first table which is respective of the oil to thereby provide a compensated viscosity ratio. Finally, the compensated viscosity ratio is compared with the second table to thereby determine the fuel dilution level.

Abstract: A photocatalyst for the decomposition of water is provided that includes a tetrahedrally-bonded oxide semiconductor having an energy band gap in the range of about 1.5 eV to 3.2 eV. A photoelectrochemical cell for hydrogen production and a method of producing a photocatalyst for the decomposition of water is also provided.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material having enhanced Seebeck coefficient is characterized by a microstructure comprising nanoscale Pb inclusions dispersed in matrix substantially composed of PbTe. The excess Pb is obtained either by adding Pb in an amount greater than the stoichiometric amount needed to form PbTe, or by adding an additive effective to getter Te so as to produce the desired excess. The method is generally applicable to enhance thermoelectric properties of compounds of Pb, Sn or Ge, and Te, Se, or S.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device is disposed in series with the HVAC module for heating and cooling air Ta from the HVAC module for delivery to seat passages of a seat assembly. The thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger having cold and hot sides, ductwork, a divider that sends variable air flow to the cold or hot sides of the thermoelectric module, and thermal insulation between the cold and hot sides downstream of the heat exchanger. The fan of the HVAC module is the sole motivation for moving the conditioned air Ta originating from the central HVAC module through the thermoelectric device and to the seat assembly.

Abstract: A thermo-electric device is disposed in series with the HVAC module for heating and cooling air Ta from the HVAC module for delivery to seat passages of a seat assembly and/or to a thermal container. The thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger having cold and hot sides, ductwork, a divider that sends variable air flow to the cold or hot sides of the thermoelectric module, and thermal insulation between the cold and hot sides downstream of the heat exchanger. The fan of the HVAC module is the sole motivation for moving the conditioned air Ta originating from the central HVAC module through the thermoelectric device and to the seat assembly and/or to a thermal container.

Abstract: A thermo-electric device has a seat side and a cabin side for delivering heating and cooling air from a HVAC module to seat passages of a vehicle seat assembly. A selector is included for setting a desired or control temperature Tcontrol of the seat assembly. A comparator is included for determining the temperature difference ?T between the actual temperature of the seat assembly Tseat and the desired or selected temperature Tcontrol. A controller simultaneously adjusts a proportioning valve and adjusts the electrical current to the thermoelectric device in relationship to one another in response to the temperature difference ?T.

Abstract: A torque sensing apparatus for picking up a magnetic field of a magnetostrictive material disposed on a shaft, comprising: a first integrating ring; a second integrating ring; a first fluxgate return strip and a second fluxgate return strip each being connected to the first integrating ring at one end and the second integrating ring at the other end; an excitation coil; and a feedback coil; wherein the first integrating ring and the second integrating ring are configured to be positioned to pick up flux signals along the entire periphery of the ends of the magnetostrictive material.

Abstract: Activation energy, W, is determined from oil conductivity measurements to thereby provide engine oil condition from a known relationship between viscosity and W. Changes of W at a given temperature as the oil ages are reflective of changes in viscosity of the oil at the same given temperature, wherein changes in W at different temperatures are reflective of changes of viscosity at those respective temperatures as the oil ages. To determine viscosity, the temperature dependence of the oil's conductivity is measured to deduce the value of W at a given temperature. W is monitored as the oil ages. W may also be determined through the ratio of the oil conductivities at two different temperatures by techniques well known in the art by which the viscosity may be determined as the oil ages.

Abstract: A method of determining Ab:Ag complex in a biological fluid sample comprising adding to the sample a solution of RF or Clq and a known quantity of a material, such as immunoglobulin-coated polystyrene particles, which is caused to agglutinate on contact with RF or Clq, and detecting the amount of material which is not agglutinated.