Abstract: The present disclosure provides a circuits for harvesting energy from an energy source. The energy source may have a first and a second potential of an input voltage. The circuits may further comprise one or more of a charging capacitor, transformers, transistors, or diodes. The circuits may be used for harvesting energy from thermoelectric generators.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a starter circuit for energy harvesting circuits for an energy source having a first and a second potential of an input voltage, in particular for thermoelectric generators.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a thermoelectric element comprising a flexible semiconductor substrate having exposed surfaces with a metal content that is less than about 1% as measured by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and a figure of merit (ZT) that is at least about 0.25, wherein the flexible semiconductor substrate has a Young's Modulus that is less than or equal to about 1×106 pounds per square inch (psi) at 25° C.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides wearable electronic devices with thermoelectric devices. The wearable electronic device may comprise a user interface for displaying information to a user. The thermoelectric device may comprise a heat collecting unit, a thermoelectric element, and a heat expelling unit. During use, the thermoelectric element may generate power upon the flow of thermal energy from the heat collecting unit, across the thermoelectric element, and to the heat expelling unit.

Abstract: A method for forming a densified solid object corresponding to a thermoelectric element from a mixture of uncompressed, powdered constituent materials. A powdered precursor material may be selected to cause a shrinkage of at least twenty percent in at least two mutually orthogonal linear dimensions of a densified solid object compared to corresponding dimensions of a mold cavity. In some embodiments, a precursor material is selected to produce a thermoelectric material having electrical and mechanical properties suitable for a thermoelectric module. In some embodiments, at least two thermoelectric elements are electrically connected to conductive plates to form a thermoelectric module.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides wearable electronic devices with thermoelectric devices. The wearable electronic device may comprise a user interface for displaying information to a user. The thermoelectric device may comprise a heat collecting unit, a thermoelectric element, and a heat expelling unit. During use, the thermoelectric element may generate power upon the flow of thermal energy from the heat collecting unit, across the thermoelectric element, and to the heat expelling unit.

Abstract: A method for forming a thermoelectric element for use in a thermoelectric device comprises providing a mask adjacent to a substrate, the mask comprising a polymeric mixture, and bringing a template having a first pattern in contact with the mask to define a second pattern in the mask. The first pattern comprises one of holes and rods, and the second pattern comprises the other of holes and rods. Holes or rods of the second pattern expose portions of the substrate. Next, an etching layer is deposited adjacent to exposed portions of the substrate. The etching layer is configured to aid in etching the substrate. The substrate is subsequently etched with the aid of the etching layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for forming a thermoelectric device, comprising providing a semiconductor substrate and providing a first layer of an etching material adjacent to the semiconductor substrate. The etching material facilitates the etching of the semiconductor substrate upon exposure to an oxidizing agent and a chemical etchant. Next, a second layer of a semiconductor oxide is provided adjacent to the first layer, and the second layer is patterned to form a pattern of holes or wires. The second layer and first layer are then sequentially etched to expose portions of the semiconductor substrate. Exposed portions of the semiconductor substrate are then contacted with an oxidizing agent and a chemical etchant to transfer the pattern to the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Methods for promoting the survivability and growth of seeds and seedlings which employ a fertilizer or a synergistic combination of a fertilizer and a moisture absorbing polymer which furnishes a reservoir of the moisture needed for plant growth and also provides a growth medium for soil bacteria relied upon to break down and release nitrogen from the fertilizer molecules. Systems for delivering these formulations and for verifying the delivery of the material.