Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed in which a pair of elongated solid cylindrical metal conductors mounted with their central axes mutually parallel are connected at their ends to form a closed electrical circuit path, there being heat sinks at spaced positions along their length which serve as heat transfer means setting up a temperature gradient along the lengths of the conductors. A strong electrical current flow in the conductors creates a circumferential magnetic field in the metal directed at right angles to the heat flow and this, by the Nernst Effect, produces a radial electric field gradient in the metal coupled with the transient accumulation of stored electrical energy. The apparatus disclosed serves for the experimental testing of energy conversion and storage by thermoelectric processes occurring in the metal and the ultimate utilization of the technology involved.

Abstract: Heat transfer apparatus, whether in panel or tubular form, comprises bimetallic laminations, at least one of the metals being ferromagnetic. A temperature differential causes thermoelectric current circulation (in effect, a d.c. eddy-current) within each lamination which develops a magnetizing H-field. A transverse electric potential may also be used to enhance thermoelectric activity across a bimetallic junction. The ferromagnetic B-field enhancement develops in turn a circulating diamagnetic reaction current which augments the thermoelectric activity and causes an overriding thermal feedback and bistable direction-of-heat-flow operation. Control involves the priming action of an applied electric and/or magnetic field or preheating by electrical resistors in the heat sinks. Application in a thermally powered electric transformer generator is described.

Abstract: A thermopile 30 comprises a stacked assembly of bimetallic layers in which there is full conductor interface contact over the distance separating hot and cold surfaces 31, 32. The assembly may include dielectric layers forming a capacitor stack. A.C. current through the stack is matched in strength to the Seebeck-generated thermoelectric current circulating in each bimetallic layer. The resulting current snakes through the stack to cause Peltier cooling at one heat surface and heating at the other. A.C. operation at a kilocycle frequency enhances the energy conversion efficiency as does heat flow parallel with the junction interface.

Abstract: The harmful effects which build up in the bloodstream and in body fluids owing to cyclotron resonance caused by mains-powered heating appliances such as electric blankets are reduced by powering the appliance through a single-phase full-wave rectifier which converts 60 Hz ac into heating power that is 81% dc and 18% ac at 120 Hz. The rectifier can be incorporated in the blanket or within the housing of a switch, plug or power socket.

Abstract: Thermal energy radiation is converted into another energy form by setting up a temperature differential between two heat sinks forming part of a conventional converter or heat engine, but the warmer heat sink derives its input energy by collecting optically-focused thermal radiation from a primary heat sink within the converter structure. Heat rejected by the cooler heat sink is recycled to the primary heat sink to enhance the thermal efficiency above the Carnot level set by the base temperature conditions. The power rating of the converter is enchanced by combination with a reverse heat engine which elevates the temperature of heat input to the primary heat sink and so the temperature of the radiating surface.

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: A reluctance motor is powered by a commutated ac voltage supply which comprises full cycles of the ac waveform interspersed with periods of zero power of fixed duration measured in full cycles. Motor structures are described which combine, with the above method of excitation, a feature by which a portion of the magnetic circuit carrying the magnetic flux developing reluctance drive torque during the power-on periods is magnetized cyclically over a range above the knee of the application B-H curve. A closed circuital dc flux path through this portion and separate from the ac flux route through the stator poles is magnetized as by permanent magnets to secure this near-saturation condition in which thermodynamic adiabatic cooling processes operate to enhance the power conversion efficiency of the motor by virtue of domain flux rotation processes.