Abstract: This invention is a remote charging system for use with an electrical storage device mounted in an electric or electric/hybrid vehicle. The system includes a power transmission unit capable of transmitting electrical energy to the electrical storage device via a wireless energy beam. The vehicle includes an antenna capable of receiving the wireless energy beam and transferring the electrical energy to the storage device. The vehicle further includes a translocator for transmitting a coded signal to the power transmission unit corresponding to the location of the vehicle and thereby activating the power transmission unit. The power transmission unit receives and locks onto the coded signal and thereby tracks the vehicle during the charging operation. The translocator signal is transmitted until the electrical storage unit reaches a predetermined level of charge.

Abstract: Apparatus to generate electricity from energy in a flowing stream of fluid comprises a piezoelectric member and a flow restrictor connected with the member to cause portions of a flowing stream of fluid to flow past different sides of the member such that the member deforms to generate electricity in response thereto. A particular such apparatus includes a conduit to conduct a flowing stream of fluid; a divider disposed along at least a portion of the length of the conduit such that the divider divides that portion of the conduit into two flow channels; a piezoelectric member connected to the divider such that one side of the piezoelectric member is exposed to one of the two flow channels and another side of the piezoelectric member is exposed to the other of the two flow channels; and a flow restrictor disposed at a location between one end of the divider and the other end of the divider.

Abstract: An improved thermionic generator constructed using microenginerring techniques is described. This device is easy to construct in large numbers, efficient, and inexpensive. A preferred embodiment uses micromachined silicon to produce a thermionic converter cell. These may be joined together in large arrays to form a thermionic generator.

Abstract: This invention is a remote charging system for use with an electrical storage device mounted in an electric or electric/hybrid vehicle. The system includes a power transmission unit capable of transmitting electrical energy to the electrical storage device via a wireless energy beam. The vehicle includes an antenna capable of receiving the wireless energy beam and transferring the electrical energy to the storage device. The vehicle further includes a translocator for transmitting a coded signal to the power transmission unit corresponding to the location of the vehicle and thereby activating the power transmission unit. The power transmission unit receives and locks onto the coded signal and thereby tracks the vehicle during the charging operation. The translocator signal is transmitted until the electrical storage unit reaches a predetermined level of charge.

Abstract: A resonant thermoelectric generator includes a thermoelectric power converter connected in series with a resonant circuit. A current generated by the thermoelectric power converter is cycled back and forth in the resonant circuit. The polarity of the thermoelectric power converter with respect to the resonant circuit is switched back and forth to correspond with the direction of the current. In a second embodiment, the thermoelectric power converter is coupled to the resonant circuit through a transformer, and its polarity is also switched to correspond with the direction of the current. In both embodiments, a negative retarding voltage that builds up in the thermoelectric power converter is eliminated by switching its polarity to always correspond with the direction of the current, so that energy is added to the resonant circuit in each cycle, and power is very efficiently converted from heat directly into electricity.

Abstract: A process for generating electrical power in a gas turbine cycle including an air compression stage, first and second gas combustion stages, and a series of first and second gas expansion stages. Mechanical power is provided for the generation of electrical power in a rotating power generator. The first combustion stage is operated on hydrogen-depleted fuel gas at high pressure using air from the air compression stage. The hydrogen-depleted fuel gas is obtained by endothermic catalytic steam reforming of a hydrocarbon feed gas. Heat for the endothermic steam reforming is supplied by indirect heat exchange with heat from hot exhaust gas from the second expansion stage. The second combustion stage is operated at lower pressure than the first combustion stage on exhaust gas from the first expansion stage and the hydrogen-enriched gas separated form the hydrogen depleted gas. The hydrogen-enriched gas is separated from the hydrogen-depleted fuel gas during the catalytic steam reforming of the feed gas.

Abstract: During forward motion of an electrically-powered vehicle, air is captured at the front of the vehicle and channeled to one or more turbines. The air from the turbines is discharged at low pressure regions on the sides and/or rear of the vehicle. The motive power of the air rotates the turbines, which are rotatably engaged with a generator to produce electrical energy that is used to recharge batteries that power the vehicle. The generator is rotatably engaged with a flywheel for storing mechanical energy while the vehicle is in forward motion. When the vehicle slows or stops, the flywheel releases its stored energy to the generators, thereby enabling the generator to continue recharging the batteries. The flywheel enables the generators to provide a more stable and continuous current flow for recharging the batteries.

Abstract: The present invention embodies a piezo-pyroelectric energy converter and is directed to a method and apparatus for conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy and refrigeration. The present invention utilizes one or more piezo-pyroelectric materials with thermally conductive metal electrodes, which resonate at a high frequency and are in thermal communication with hot and cold heat sinks to create a thermal gradient and heat flow along the metal electrodes and the piezo-pyroelectric material.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator for producing electric power for a motor vehicle from the heat of the exhaust gasses produced by the engine of the motor vehicle. The exhaust gasses pass through a finned heat transfer support structure which has seat positions on its outside surface for the positioning of thermoelectric modules. A good contact cylinder provides a framework from which a spring force can be applied to the thermoelectric modules to hold them in good contact on their seats on the surface of the heat transfer support structure.

Abstract: An electrical vehicle, especially a car, comprises bodywork (2) with ground engaging wheels (3, 4) for vehicle motion over the ground, the bodywork (2) carrying an electric motor (5) to drive the vehicle via certain of the wheels (3, 4) and batteries (6A, 6B) to power the electric motor (5). The invention provides additional energy generation means comprising a tunnel (8) extending through the bodywork (2) with a turbine fan/alternator set (7) located in the tunnel at the rear of the vehicle whereby electrical energy is generated by the set (7) during vehicle motion to charge the batteries thereby improving the performance of the vehicle, especially with regard to range. The inlet (8A) to the tunnel, of bell-mouth form, at the vehicle front constitutes the major portion of the vehicles frontal area. A special alternator (15) is provided, and the vehicle can also include solar cell means (32) for battery charging.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator includes a plurality of thermoelectric junctions embedded in each of a pair of thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive layers, these layers being separated by a thermally and electrically non-conductive layer. The junctions are connected to form a thermopile. An absorbent layer is provided adjacent one of the thermally conductive layers. A liquid such as water is applied to the absorbent layer, so that evaporation of the liquid from the absorbent layer enhances the temperature differential between the two thermally conductive layers.

Abstract: A thermionic generator (10) has a heated metal heat tube (11) journaled through a set of star-shaped emitters (12) and a set of electrically insulative spacers (13). The generator also has a collector (23) positioned about the grouped emitters and spacers a selected distance from the emitters. A cooling jacket (33) is positioned about the collector for cooling the collector during operation. A pair of seals (29) electrically and hermetically seal the cooling jacket about the heat tube.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for quickly and efficiently charging an electric double layer capacitor. The capacitor is charged by a constant-current power supply which is preferably a current controlled output type switching power supply. To cause the voltage across the terminals of the capacitor to reach its working voltage in a short time, the capacitor is overcharged for a short time. Where the capacitor is charged with a solar battery, a constant-current output type switching regulator is interposed between the solar battery and the capacitor.

Abstract: In an electric power generating element, either positive or negative electrode includes a composition containing an organic compound as a main agent and the positive electrode has an electrically conductive substance so that relatively low-temperature thermal energy is efficiently converted to electric energy. Polyethylene glycol is employed as the organic compound and graphite or a graphite composition is employed as the conductive substance. Salt providing ionic conductivity may be added to the organic compound or polyethylene glycol, and the negative electrode may be formed of a metal having an ionization tendency as large as or larger than copper or a composition of the metal.

Abstract: An RF tag (10) includes an RF receiver (16) and an RF transmitter (18). A power source (12) provides power to the receiver and transmitter. The power source includes a plurality of energy converters (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32). Each energy converter is responsive to a predetermined form of incident energy for converting its respective predetermined form of incident energy to electrical current. At least two of the energy converters are responsive to respective different predetermined forms of incident energy for providing electrical current. A storage capacitor (54) stores the electrical current provided by the energy converters and is coupled to the RF receiver and RF transmitter. A plurality of RF tags (10, 110, 140, 160) utilizing the power source 12 are also described.

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: An apparatus for producing an electrical impulse comprising a tube made of superconducting material; a source of magnetic flux is mounted about one end of the tube; a means for intercepting the flux is mounted along the tube; and a means for changing the temperature of the superconductor is mounted about the tube. As the tube is progressively made superconducting, the magnetic field is trapped within the tube and in so doing creates an electrical impulse in the means for intercepting. A reversal of the superconducting state produces a second pulse.

Abstract: A method of supplying power to a device such as a lunar rover located on a planetary surface is provided according to the present invention. At least one, and preferably three, laser satellites are set in orbit around the planet. Each satellite contains a nuclear reactor for generating electrical power. This electrical power is converted into a laser beam which is passed through an amplifying array and directed toward the device such as a lunar rover. The received laser beam is then converted into electrical power for use by the device.

Abstract: A method and system for converting the chemical energy of methane to electrical energy. Methane is thermally decomposed to hydrogen and carbon in a decomposing unit at a temperature not less than about 1200.degree. K. and at a pressure at least slightly above atmospheric pressure. Carbon and substantially pure oxygen and a cesium or potassium seed material is transmitted to a combustor which is maintained at a pressure of at least about 50 atmospheres to combust the carbon and oxygen and provide an ionized plasma having a temperature not less than about 2800.degree. K. The ionized plasma is accelerated to a velocity not less than about 1000 m/sec and transported through an MHD generator having a magnetic field in the range of from about 4 to about 6 Tesla to generate dc power.

Abstract: A method and system for converting the chemical energy of methane to electrical energy. Methane is thermally decomposed to hydrogen and carbon in a decomposing unit at a temperature not less than 1200.degree. K. and at a pressure above atmospheric pressure. Carbon and substantially pure oxygen and a cesium or potassium seed material is transmitted to a combustor which is maintained at a pressure of at least 50 atmospheres to combust the carbon and oxygen and provide an ionized plasma having a temperature not less than 2900.degree. K. The ionized plasma is accelerated to a velocity not less than 1000 m/sec and transported through an MHD generator having a magnetic field in the range of from 4 to 6 Tesla to generate dc power.

Abstract: A light energized high voltage direct current power supply comprises a li source including solid-state laser diodes powered by electrical current at a voltage level, V.sub.1, for generating light; a photocell array positioned to receive the light and fabricated with silicon-on-sapphire for providing electrical power having an output voltage V.sub.2, where V.sub.2 >V.sub.1, where the photocell array includes serially connected photovoltaic cells; and a voltage regulator operably coupled to the light source and the photocell array for controlling the output of the power supply to a predetermined voltage level.

Abstract: A system for transmitting microwaves to one or more receiver assemblies comprises an array of separate microwave transmitting assemblies for emitting a plurality of microwave beams, the array being arranged to apparently fill a radiating aperture of predetermined shape and size when viewed from the direction of a receiver assembly, and a phase controlling assembly associated with the microwave transmitting assemblies for controlling the relative phase of the emitted beams to form at least one composite shaped microwave beam directed to at least one receiver assembly. The receiver assembly is located in the near field of the microwave beam. The transmitting assemblies are each associated with separate power sources comprising solar power collecting assemblies. In one arrangement the transmitting system is on the moon and the or each receiver assembly is on Earth.

Abstract: A thermoelectric energy converter incorporates thermocouples in a circuit carrying A. C. current via capacitors which provide electrical coupling but obstruct heat transfer between hot and cold junctions. The cyclic current oscillations through the capacitors are diverted by special circuits so as to be rendered asymmetric as current oscillations through the thermoelectric junctions. One such circuit includes the use of a diode configuration regulating current flow through different thermoelectric junctions spaced apart in the thermal gradient. Another involves the action of a unidirectional magnetic field having a polarizing effect on a three-metal thermoelectric junction.

Abstract: An energy converter includes a vibrating structure formed of metallic or ceramic material and including a spherical member having a spherical opening located concentrically therein. The vibrating structure is cooled by liquid hydrogen and the spherical opening contains a spherical outer member formed of ceramic and containing piezoelectric crystals embedded therein. An intermediate spherical member formed of an insulator material is positioned concentrically within the outer spherical member, and an inner sectional spherical member is positioned within the intermediate spherical member. The sectional spherical member is comprised of a plurality of laminated sections, each including inner, outer, and intermediate elements. Suitable conductors connect the innere and outer elements of the sectional spherical member with a source of electrical current. A spherical core member is positioned interiorly of the sectional spherical member and is formed of a non-fusion material (does not heat up on impact).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating electricity which capitalizes on the energy which is released by steam through sudden transition to a liquid state. Electric current is generated by piezoelectric elements which are attached to the walls of a vessel equipped with an outlet port and two inlet ports. Cold water enters the vessel at one of the inlet ports. Steam is introduced to the vessel at the other inlet port. The sudden change in phase from the vapor to the liquid state caused by the encounter of the steam with the interior of the vessel produces shock waves which mechanically charge the piezoelectric elements to produce an electric current.

Abstract: A system for transmitting microwaves to one or more receiver assemblies comprises an array of separate microwave transmitting assemblies for emitting a plurality of microwave beams, the array being arranged to apparently fill a radiating aperture of predetermined shape and size when viewed from the direction of a receiver assembly, and a phase controlling assembly associated with the microwave transmitting assemblies for controlling the relative phase of the emitted beams to form at least one composite shaped microwave beam directed to at least one receiver assembly. The receiver assembly is located in the near field of the microwave beam. The transmitting assemblies are each associated with separate power sources comprising solar power collecting assemblies. In one arrangement the transmitting system is on the moon and the or each receiver assembly is on Earth.

Abstract: An electric power generating device includes a bundle of conductors which are placed in a magnetic field generated by north and south pole pieces of a permanent magnet. The magnetic field is shifted back and forth through the bundle of conductors by a pair of thin films of superconductive material. One of the thin films is placed in the superconducting state while the other thin film is in a non-superconducting state. As the states are cyclically reversed between the two films, the magnetic field is deflected according to the Meissner effect back and forth through the bundle of conductors to produce an electromagnetic force.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solar harness apparatus which includes a plurality of solar cells with each having an active surface, that is, a surface which absorbs photons to generate electrical power, and these are arranged in a substantially parallel fashion with the active surfaces all facing the same direction and with the solar cells being stacked in line behind one another. The solar harness includes a plurality of magnets with at least one magnet being located between each adjacent solar cell in the plurality of solar cells so as to hold the cells in the stacked arrangement without any further support and so as to create solderless contacts therewith. Means is connected to the stack for drawing electric current therefrom. Preferably, the magnets are at least partially wrapped or wound in electrically conductive material so that the conductivity in series is enhanced.

Abstract: A superconducting energy storage device for storing electric power in superconducting magnets in the form of magnetic energy. The superconducting magnets are include a superconducting toroidal magnet and a superconducting solenoid magnet arranged to be inscribed in the inside of the superconducting toroidal magnet, the magnets being connected electrically in series to each other. Further, the superconducting magnets include a plurality of units, each of which is formed as a combination of the aforementioned toroidal and solenoid superconducting magnets, the units being piled up in the axial direction of the superconducting solenoid magnet. In the thus arranged device, electromagnetic force generated in the superconducting magnets can be supported without the necessity of firm bed rock, thereby eliminating the limitation in conditions of location of the energy storage device. Further, the plurality of energy storage units can be arranged effectively so that space can be saved.

Abstract: An electric arc plasma steam generator includes a pair of electrodes for generating the arc plasma, and a housing for enclosing the arc plasma. Jets of water are directed into the arc plasma to convert the water into steam and to ionize the hydrogen and oxygen components of the steam. Arrangements including coils and water jackets are provided for circulating water in proximity to the arc plasma and for super-heating the water contained in the water jacket and/or the coils, which are preferably mounted within the housing. An expansion chamber is connected to receive both the super-heated water, and also the superheated steam from the arc plasma, as the hydrogen and oxygen recombine to form steam once again.

Abstract: The apparatus of thermoelectric effect for current generation in internal combustion engine vehicles and the like, with recovery of the externally dissipated heat, according to the present invention, comprises a thermoelectric generator provided with several Peltier effect elements undergoing heat transfer with a high-temperature fluid originating from the engine and with a cooling fluid, and possessing electrical conductors connected to their ends across which a thermoelectric e.m.f. is generated, said conductors being connected to an electrical user circuit.

Abstract: An electric cell having a membrane of fast ion-conducting material each side thereof having different ionic concentrations therein creating ionic movement from the side of higher ion concentration to the side of lower ion concentration, such membrane disposed in a magnetic field generally perpendicular to the direction of such ionic movement creating an electric potential at the side of said membrane perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field and direction of ionic movement and method of producing electricity with such cell.

Abstract: A solar energy electric generating system for space vehicles is provided which directly generates alternating current from ambient light without the use of inefficient power conversion. Light incident to photocell arrays is mechanically or electrically gated to produce fluctuating DC. A number of transforming devices are provided to convert the fluctuating direct current to alternating current. By varying the frequency and duty cycle of the pulsing output voltage, frequency and phase relative to some reference may be controlled. Additionally, direct current may also be produced efficiently from the same photocell arrays. A closed-loop system is provided for regulation. The rotational torque produced by a rotating shutter version may also be used, under inertial navigation control, to provide a rotational torque for vehicle positioning.

Abstract: An optical power distribution system for supplying power to low power electrical devices includes an electrically powered source of optical radiation the output of which is applied to a photovoltaic cell array arranged on the device to be powered and electrically connected thereto.

Abstract: An electricity-producing cell utilizing a foamed multiple thermocouple made of a conductive open-cellular foam matrix, a portion of which forms a first pole with a plurality of discrete conductors of a different material from the foam matrix embedded in the foam having a portion of each of the discrete conductors being exposed on the insides of the cells of the foam forming a plurality of thermocouples with means to contact the discrete conductors to convey current produced by the thermocouples to a second pole with means to heat the discrete conductors, in some embodiments, being radioactive isotopes.

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 dual fueled thermoelectric generator wherein two different sources of energy are provided. The first source of energy is electrical energy which is tapped from an overhead transmission ground wire and converted into thermal energy by electric resistance heaters. The thermal energy produced is applied to a thermopile which converts it into DC electric energy. The second source is a fossil fuel which is converted into thermal energy when a burner is actuated. The thermal energy produced thereby is applied to a thermopile. The burner is actuated in response to either a loss of input voltage from the transmission ground wire or loss of output power from the thermopile. The fossil fuel is preferably propane and the output of the thermopile may be supplied to distributed loads, such as distributed fiber optic repeaters.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic magnetohydrodynamic electrical generator includes an intrinsically irreversible thermoacoustic heat engine coupled to a magnetohydrodynamic electrical generator. The heat engine includes an electrically conductive liquid metal as the working fluid and includes two heat exchange and thermoacoustic structure assemblies which drive the liquid in a push-pull arrangement to cause the liquid metal to oscillate at a resonant acoustic frequency on the order of 1,000 Hz. The engine is positioned in the field of a magnet and is oriented such that the liquid metal oscillates in a direction orthogonal to the field of the magnet, whereby an alternating electrical potential is generated in the liquid metal. Low-loss, low-inductance electrical conductors electrically connected to opposite sides of the liquid metal conduct an output signal to a transformer adapted to convert the low-voltage, high-current output signal to a more usable higher voltage, lower current signal.

Abstract: Excitation of a field coil 2 is carried out by a separated power source 9 placed independent of a battery 8 to increase the output of a generator. A solar battery 10, a piezoelectric element 13 or a thermoelectric converting element 19 is used as the separately exciting means so that the output of the generator is increased for an exciting current effected by the separately exciting means.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting one form of energy into an alternate form of energy by means of a low-temperature process. A liquid flow loop with two vertical columns that are interconnected at the top and bottom circulates a fluid. A convective flow of this fluid is established by heating the fluid in one of the columns and cooling the fluid in the other column to establish a weight differential between the fluid in the two columns. An electric generator is placed on this loop so that, as the fluid flows through the loop and through the generator, electrical energy is generated. This electrical energy is used to electrolize a second fluid, such as a solution of sulphuric acid, into gasses such as hydrogen and oxygen. The gasses so generated are used to increase the rate of flow of the fluid, and consequently the rate of electric energy production. The preferred embodiments incorporate a fermentation process to produce Carbon dioxide gas and heat energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power supply system for vehicles having a generator which includes an armature coil for generating three-phase alternating current, a field coil held in opposition to the armature coil, a rectifier for converting an A.C. output of the armature coil into a direct current, and a voltage regulator for setting the generated voltage of the armature coil at a constant value by controlling a current flowing through the field coil, and a first battery which is connected across output terminals of the generator; a starting motor and an electric load connected in parallel with the first battery; and consists of a two-battery power supply system for vehicles comprising a second battery which is connected to an ignition device separately from said first battery, and which is charged by a power source other than said generator.

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: A space-oriented apparatus for converting solar energy to microwave energy. The microwave energy is used to generate an RF beam for propagation to the earth. The apparatus is formed into an extended planar sandwich-like structure carrying solar cells on one surface facing the sun and microwave devices on the other face for generating the RF beam. The microwave devices are energized by the solar cells, and function to generate the RF energy. The apparatus is useful for converting solar energy to microwave power, and to operate communication satellites and satellites having radar functions.

Abstract: An electric power generating apparatus that is powered primarily by the emission of electrically charged particles from radio-active materials enclosed in an evacuated vessel of glass or the like. An arrangement of reflecting electrodes causes a beam of particles to switch back and forth at a high frequency between two collecting electrodes that are connected to a resonating tuned primary circuit consisting of an inductor with resonating capacitor. The reflecting electrodes are energized in the proper phase relationship to the collecting electrodes to insure sustained oscillation by means of a secondary winding coupled inductively to the primary winding and connected to the reflecting electrodes. Power may be drawn from the circuit at a stepped down voltage from a power take-off winding that is coupled to the primary winding.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting thermal energy into chemical energy by means of a low-temperature process. A liquid flow loop with two vertical columns that are interconnected at the top and bottom circulates an electrically conducting fluid, such as mercury. A convective flow of this electrically conducting fluid is established by heating the fluid in one of the columns and cooling the fluid in the other column to establish a weight differential between the fluid in the two columns. A magnetohydroynamic generator is placed on this loop so that, as the fluid flows through the loop and through the generator, electrical energy is generated. This electrical energy is used to electrolize a second fluid, such as a solution of sulphuric acid, into gasses such as hydrogen and oxygen. The gasses so generated are injected into the rising column of the electrically conducting fluid to increase the weight differential between the fluid in the two columns and enhance the convective flow of that fluid.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting one form of energy into an alternate form of energy by means of a low-temperature process. A liquid flow loop with two vertical columns that are interconnected at the top and bottom circulates a fluid. A convective flow of this fluid is established by heating the fluid in one of the columns and cooling the fluid in the other column to establish a weight differential between the fluid in the two columns. An electric generator is placed on this loop so that, as the fluid flows through the loop and through the generator, electrical energy is generated. This electrical energy is used to electrolize a second fluid, such as a solution of sulphuric acid, into gasses such as hydrogen and oxygen. The gasses so generated are used to increase the rate of flow of the fluid, and consequently the rate of electric energy production.

Abstract: The disclosed thermoelectric converter element includes at least one member made of thermoelectric substance whose crystal structure is so controlled that its crystallographic axis is directed to a preferred orientation which is different from the direction of a thermoelectric current therethrough.

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: Hydrogen evaporating in a liquid hydrogen tank is fed to a fuel cell generating electrical energy used to drive a cooling unit which cools the tank.

Abstract: A structural array and electrical rotary joint for transmitting an electrical power between large space structures having relative rotational movement therebetween is disclosed as including large support framework structures A and B which rotate relative to one another about a common axis of rotation X. A rotary interface joint 14 is defined between the structures A and B. A cylindrical hub member C is carried by the structure A and a cylindrical hub member is carried by support structure B with hub member C being received concentrically within hub member D for relative rotation. Tension connecting cables connect hub member C and hub member D with their associated outer structures A and B whereby relative rotational movement between structures A and B is transmitted to the cylindrical hub members for unitary motion therewith.