Abstract: A temperature controlled mobile vehicle compartment for providing a convenient article storage having a heat exchanger thermally connected to a thermoelectric device controlling thermal energy flow to and from the compartment. An air duct assembly cooperates with the thermoelectric device to vent the heat from the device outside the compartment and segregates the inflow air from the outflow air which received the thermal energy.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module contains a P-type semiconductor element and an N-type semiconductor element electrically connected in series to each other in a circuit containing a conductor and a solder layer. The solder is formed from a ternary eutectic alloy composition containing bismuth in an amount of from 5 to 70 atomic %, tin in an amount of from 20 to 70 atomic % and antimony in an amount of from 5 to 70 atomic %. The solder composition provides the thermoelectric module with improved high temperature performance and enables the semiconductor elements to be directly contacted with the soldering layer without the necessity of a barrier layer.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device using a pressed and sintered P-type semiconductor material connected to a crystalline N-type semiconductor material exhibits an unexpectedly high figure-of-merit, Z, and improved mechanical strength.

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: An exterior wall of the firebox of a wood burning stove or the like fixedly supports in close heat exchanging relation therewith a plurality of aluminum fins comprising plates arranged in close side-by-side, substantially coplanar and parallel relation. A single continuous jointless tube of relatively stiff, heat conductive material is bent in a serpentine shape with elongate substantially parallel legs each fixed to the exterior face of a respective plate. The serpentine tube is in contact with said plates except where bent to extend from the end of one plate to the next. In a preferred embodiment, a cover is fixed with respect to and overlies the fins and serpentine portion of the tube, with the ends of the tube extending outward therefrom for connection through water lines to pump and valve apparatus associated with a tank of water to be heated.