Abstract: A heater mechanism incorporating a thermoelectric converter for use with a self-powered, solid, liquid or gaseous fueled, heater. During operation of the heater mechanism the thermoelectric converter supplies sufficient electrical power to (a) sustain the heater in operation, (b) maintain the starter battery at full charge, and (c) provide auxiliary power to remove and transport heat to desired locations away from the heater. The converter is a highly compact design (high power output per unit volume of space) and lends itself to high volume (mass production) and automated assembly techniques to produce it inexpensively. The thermoelectric converter is made of fewer components than prior art devices. A number of components in the thermoelectric stack serve dual or even multi-functions. The thermoelectric stack components are bonded or mounted together in such a manner as to permit handling as a unit.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device has a cylindrical structure with a hollow central annulus member in which a fluid is pumped so that the heated fluid is pumped from the center of the structure and discharged on the outer surface of an outer annulus member or with the reversal of electrical current, the heated fluid is pumped from the outer periphery and discharged in the central tube. A plurality of thermoelectric cells are positioned in the space between the inner and outer annulus members with the cells being radially directed relative to the axis of the inner annulus member. A thermoelectric device having a similar structure may be used for the conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy when a thermal gradient is imposed between the inner member of the structure and the peripheral surface.

Abstract: A liquid-fueled thermoelectric field burner operable in two modes, a start-up mode and a steady-state mode. A rechargeable battery backed up by a manually operated generator permits cold start-up of a preheat burner followed by operation of a main burner which provides heat to thermoelectric converters which operate to provide necessary power for steady-state operation. Cold start-up is facilitated by atomizing the liquid fuel for combustion in the preheat burner, and steady-state blue flame operation is enhanced by mixing vaporized fuel and preheated air for combustion in a main burner. The thermoelectric converters are cooled by air from a cooling blower.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator module which is formed with a hot side heat exchanger having extruded fins on one surface and in contact with a series of individual thermoelectric semiconductor modules on the opposite side of the exchanger. A cold side heat exchanger attached to the opposite side of the semiconductor modules from the hot side heat exchanger, producing a thermal gradient across the semiconductor modules. The semiconductor modules are placed in an arranged pattern so that a maximum of heat flow through the modules is produced. Each semiconductor module is connected electrically to each other so that their output may be combined to produce a large quantity of electric power. A series of generator modules may be interconnected in a series or parallel combination to form a thermoelectric generator of varying power output.

Abstract: A voltage generator (1) which is adapted to be mounted on the exhaust pipe (9) of a motor vehicle comprises a plurality of thermocouples mounted on support fins (3) the hot junctions of the thermocouples being adjacent the longitudinal edge (5) of the fins (3) closest to the exhaust pipe (9) and the cold junctions being adjacent the longitudinal edge (7) of the fins (3) which is remote from exhaust pipe (9). The arrangement is such that the heat of the exhaust gases causes a voltage to be produced by the thermocouples.

Abstract: A thermoelectric electricity generating system for connection with a heat source and a heat acceptor respectively by first and second elongate plates of substantially constant cross section and high heat and electrical conductivity. A plurality of flat platelike thermoelectric members engage and are firmly sandwiched between the first and second plates. Thin surface layers of low electrical conductivity, but high heat transfer capability across the thickness thereof, are interposed between the thermoelectric members and first and second plates. The first plate may connect with a heat source by fitting in an opening in the wall of a fuel fired heater, to thereby apply a temperature drop across the thermoelectric members and thereby generate electricity.

Abstract: Thermoelectric installation of the "heat pump" type, in which the thermoelements 1 and the exchangers 2 and 3 are stacked to form columns, these assembled to form a rack.The rows of exchangers 2 and 3 demarcate two conduits for the circulation of a hot fluid and a cold fluid. These conduits are situated outside the stacking axes of the columns, so that adjacent exchangers can turn in relation to each other. The thermoelements and the exchangers are in contact by at least one cylindrical or spherical profile surface.This assembly allows proper tightening of the columns and therefore good contact between exchanger and thermoelement without destruction of the thermoelements.

Abstract: A thermoelectrical arrangement comprises a thermocouple element, each limb of which has a heat flow at one point such that a large temperature gradient is present and, as a result, the specific heat conduction at this point is reduced.

Abstract: A method of operating a thermoelectric generator includes: cyclically producing increasing then decreasing temperature differences in the thermoelectric material of the generator; and generating a cyclically increasing then decreasing electrical generator output signal, in response to such temperature differences, to transmit electrical power generated by the generator from the generator. Part of the thermoelectric material reaches temperatures substantially above the melting temperature of the material. The thermoelectric material of the generator forms a part of a closed electrical loop about a transformer core so that the inductor voltage for the loop serves as the output signal of the generator. A thermoelectric generator, which can be driven by the described method of operation, incorporates fins into a thermopile to conduct heat toward or away from the alternating spaces between adjacent layers of different types of thermoelectric material.

Abstract: Apparatus are described for converting thermal energy into electrical energy wherein the electrical energy conversion is accomplished by the use of materials having thermally dependent magnetic susceptibilities. In some embodiments one of the electrodes of the apparatus may be an electrode of an electrochemical storage cell.

Abstract: An electron current generator is disclosed which includes a non-electrical heat source, a heat pipe having its first end in thermal relationship with the heat source, and a second end projecting upwardly therefrom and constituting a thermionic emitter enclosed within a chamber containing an alkali metal vapor at a substantially reduced atmospheric pressure. A substantial portion of the chamber wall constitutes a thermionic collector which is cooled by an appropriate cooling means to enhance current generation. A body of liquid metal is disposed between the heat source and heat pipe as a thermal stabilizing agent while a solid state diode is arranged in a forward bias situation in the electrical output of the generator to stabilize the voltage thereby forming a constant voltage current generator.

Abstract: The invention comprises the conversion of thermal power into electrical energy. Two dissimilar metals, such as aluminum and brass, are separated by a heat conductive and electrical conductive material. Water makes a good separator. When a fluid is used, it is heated and caused to flow between the dissimilar metals. The metals may be in the form of rectangular plates and they act as electrodes from which the electrical power is tapped by suitable lines. In the above case the fluid is heated and passed between the metals, the internal temperature being greater than the outside of the metal plates. If desired, the outside of the metal plates may be additionally cooled. In a variation, the heat may be applied to the outside of one metal and passed through the metal, the separator, in this case preferably solid, and through the other metal. Again the other metal plate may be independently cooled. The heat can be applied in any conventional manner and solar heat can readily be used.

Abstract: A generator of electric energy by the transformation of thermal, solar energy, or of heat of any source, consisting in one or more thermocouples combined with a cooling device, cooling down the weldings of the thermocouples on which heat is produced by the Peltier effect, also producing a very high thermal gradient. The cooling device exploits, for the functioning thereof, the phenomena which can be observed along the thermocouples. The system for the use of such a generator provides a particular disposition of the same in parabolic collectors, as to increase the sun ray concentration onto the weldings exposed to the heat and as to allow a decentralization in the electric energy supply by means of a plurality of generators consisting in only one thermocouple, said generators being interconnected.

Abstract: A thermocouple and thermopile formed of conductor elements. The conductors are joined at thermocouple junctions, with the junction areas being relatively large compared with the normal cross-sectional area of the conductor elements. By providing large cross-sectional areas of the thermocouple junctions, reduction in resistance and heat concentration is achieved, so that the resulting thermocouple and thermopile may easily be used for solar energy collection to produce an electrical current and voltage related to the available solar energy.

Abstract: Thermoelectric generator assembly accommodating differential thermal expansion between thermoelectric elements by means of a cylindrical split follower forming a slot and having internal spring loaded wedges that permit the split follower to open and close across the slot.

Abstract: An electricity generator which produces electrical energy from the random Brownian movement of molecules in a gas, and the uneven distribution of thermal energy in the different molecules of the gas, which is at an overall average uniform temperature. A plurality of sets of thermocouples are mounted on a surface in direct contact with the atmosphere, or a gas in a reservoir, with each thermocouple set consisting of a junction of molecular size of two dissimilar metals, and with each thermocouple set joined through a rectifier a similar thermocouple set. Alternatively, a plurality of separate molecular size metal anodes may be mounted on a surface with pairs of anodes converted by rectifiers to the output circuit.

Abstract: A thermopile type radiation detector for use in radiation pyrometry having small size and high performance in which the thermopiles are formed by evaporating the thermocouple leads onto a thin substrate together with a pattern distribution of thermocouple junctions that produces an output that is more representative of the distributed radiant energy impinging on the hot junctions of the thermopile. The thermopile performance is improved also by the incorporation of relatively large reflecting areas associated with the region of the thermopile where the cold junctions are located.

Abstract: A thermoelectric voltage generator utilizing heat from a vehicle exhaust to rovide a differential temperature through a plurality of thermoelectric elements comprised of serially connected alternate N- and P-type semiconductors having alternate electrical contacts between adjacent elements at a hot side and at a cold side to produce electrical energy in accordance with the Seebeck effect and in which the electrical energy is applied to an external device by way of connections at opposite ends of said plurality of thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: An improved thermopile construction particularly adapted for use as an electric generator for producing a signalin response to heat from a pilot flame. Groups of elongated elements of dissimilar metals are assembled or arrayed in a circle within a metal sleeve to produce a pilot generator. The first group of elements is arrayed against the inside wall of the metal sleeve and the second group of elements is assembled radially inwardly from the first group. Respective ends of the elements of the first group and the second group are joined with the opposite end of the respective end of the element of the second group being joined to the opposite end of the next adjacent element of the first group. Individual elements of each group have a cross-sectional configuration to provide for optimum heat transfer between the sleeve and elements of the first group and to provide for assembly of the elements of the second group in a circle of smaller diameter.

Abstract: A tubular thermoelectric module used primarily as a part of thermoelectric generators, comprising an inner thermal conductor with circular thermopiles embracing the inner thermal conductor, and with strips serving to interconnect the thermopiles; an outer thermal conductor in the form of several sealed taper clamps, each embracing a circular thermopile; and electric insulation units which insulate one thermopile from another and from the inner and outer thermal conductors.

Abstract: An electric power generator of the type employing a nuclear heat source or the like and a thermoelectric converter is described wherein a transparent thermal insulating medium is provided inside an encapsulating enclosure to thermally insulate the heat source and thermoelectric generator. The heat source, the thermoelectric converter, and the enclosure are provided with facing surfaces which are heat-reflective to a substantial degree to inhibit radiation of heat through the medium of the encapsulating enclosure. Multiple reflective foils may be spaced within the medium as necessary to inhibit natural convection of heat and/or further inhibit radiation.

Abstract: A thermo-electric assembly comprises a plurality of metal layers, of alternately different metals, with dielectric layers between them, the layers being produced by deposition from the vapor-phase in a vacuum. Each dielectric layer separates adjacent metal layers only over part of the facing metal layer surfaces, so that the metal layers contact over the remaining part of their facing surfaces to form a thermo-couple junction. The even-numbered junctions through the stack are physically displaced from the odd-numbered junctions to enable a temperature difference to be applied between the two sets of junctions.

Abstract: An improved thermal generator is described which includes a plurality of film thermocouples which are vapor-deposited on an insulating carrier material. The improvement resides in the fact that at least two rows of the thermocouples, arranged on the carrier with consecutive thermocouples alternating in polarity and serially connected to each other, are bridged together by a connecting layer which is vapor-deposited between two thermocouples in each row.

Abstract: Very compact thermoelectric microgenerator providing a high output voltage (10 V) and having high efficiency, comprising a great number of thermocouples arranged in rows connected together so as to form a continuous conductor of deposited thin layers on a thin insulating support. The cold and hot sources are fitting provided with low walls parallel to one another and orthogonal to the rows of thermocouples. The even junctions of the thermocouples are placed in the vicinity of the low walls of the cold source and the odd junctions are placed in the vicinity of the low walls of the hot source. Application is to implanted medical appliances.