Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes a nanocomposite material with nanowires of at least one thermoelectric material having a predetermined figure of merit, the nanowires being formed in a porous substrate having a low thermal conductivity and having an average pore diameter ranging from about 4 nm to about 300 nm.

Abstract: An information storage device includes a substrate and a shape memory alloy film established on the substrate. The shape memory alloy film may receive, supply, and store digital information. One or more thermoelectric modules is/are nanoimprinted between the substrate and the shape memory alloy film. The thermoelectric modules(s) is adapted to selectively erase at least some of the digital information from the shape memory alloy film.

Abstract: Method of making a cast-to-size mold for molding class A finishes on molded plastic articles including the steps of filling any pores in the molding surface with a conductive thermosetting resin and thereafter electroplating the surface.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, the exterior surface of an evaporator carries a coating of dried paint resistant to microbial growth and suitable for forming an adhered layer on cooling surfaces of an air conditioner. This paint comprises a pigment, a liquid, a binder to promote formation and adherence of the coating after the paint is applied and dried, and a metallic constituent which inhibits microbial growth. Preferably, the metallic constituent is inorganic and includes one or more of: copper, cupric carbonate, cuptic hydroxide, cuptic oxide, cuprous oxide, silver, silver oxide, zinc oxide, and zinc peroxide. The coating is preferably applied to the integral core after assembling and brazing the several plates and fins of the core.

Abstract: In a preferred method, a zinc-rich alloy coating is applied to a substrate using an electrolysis deposition solution which contains a metal salt of zinc and a metal salt of nickel each in an amount sufficient to provide a weight ratio of zinc to nickel (Zn:Ni) of at least about 1:1; a phosphorus-containing reducing agent in an amount sufficient to cause reduction of the zinc and the nickel to ions thereof; sufficient complexing agent to maintain the nickel ions and the zinc ions in solution; and a buffer in an amount sufficient to achieve a desired pH. Preferably, the surface of the substrate is pretreated or precatalyzed before deposition by a sensitizing step using tin and an activating step using palladium.

Abstract: Anodic formation of amorphous iron phosphate films in a dialkyl hydrogen phosphate electrolytic medium containing hydrogen-rich cation exchange resin particles having a free moisture content between about 9% and about 33% by weight.