Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for providing vendors an alternative to a password-based security system. The system and method also allows vendors to manage secure transactions by leveraging various message authentication techniques while allowing the vendor full control over related processes such as payment processing and fulfillment. The system and method also monitors message requests from customers for the vendor to guarantee that the communication has not been compromised. Consolidating the authentication of users to their messaging minimizes the need for each individual vendor to maintain their own password for access to a customer account. This eliminates the requirement that customers generate a password thus increasing convenience and decreasing security risks associated with the use of passwords. This decreases risk not only for customer and vendor but also decreases the risk exposure across the internet-as the system scales.

Abstract: A monolithic tandem electrochromic device, comprising a central transparent conductor ion blocking layer, a first electrochromic multilayer stack arranged on a first surface of the central transparent conductor ion blocking layer, and a second electrochromic multilayer stack arranged on a second surface of the central transparent conductor ion blocking layer is described. The central transparent conductor ion blocking layer can comprise ion conductivities between 10?4 and 10?20 S/cm, and electrical resistivity less than 100 Ohm-cm.

Abstract: The current invention describes an electrochromic panel having optimized visual properties. The properties have been optimized to provide an electrochromic panel having a very transparent clear state and a very black and opaque dark state. The coloration of the electrochromic panel has also been optimized to provide options for aesthetically pleasing windows. In one embodiment, the clear state comprises a CIE-Lab L* in transmission from 70 to 95, b* in transmission from ?8 to 8, and a* in transmission from ?4 to 4 and a dark state comprises a Tvis less than 0.01%, a CIE-Lab b* in transmission from ?8 to 8, and a CIE-Lab a* in transmission from ?8 to 8.

Abstract: A monolithic tandem electrochromic device, comprising a central transparent conductor ion blocking layer, a first electrochromic multilayer stack arranged on a first surface of the central transparent conductor ion blocking layer, and a second electrochromic multilayer stack arranged on a second surface of the central transparent conductor ion blocking layer is described. The central transparent conductor ion blocking layer can comprise ion conductivities between 10?4 and 10?20 S/cm, and electrical resistivity less than 100 Ohm-cm.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electrochromic device is provided. The method includes measuring an open circuit voltage between a first electrode and a reference electrode in the electrochromic device in a fully bleached state. The method includes calculating a charge Q to return the first electrode to a baseline state and darkening the first electrode in the electrochromic device to a darkened state. The method includes transferring charge from the first electrode in the darkened state to a redox element.

Abstract: A monolithic tandem electrochromic device, comprising a central transparent conductor ion blocking layer, a first electrochromic multilayer stack arranged on a first surface of the central transparent conductor ion blocking layer, and a second electrochromic multilayer stack arranged on a second surface of the central transparent conductor ion blocking layer is described. The central transparent conductor ion blocking layer can comprise ion conductivities between 10?4 and 10?20 S/cm, and electrical resistivity less than 100 Ohm-cm.

Abstract: A multi-layer device comprising a first substrate and a first electrically conductive layer on a surface thereof, the first electrically conductive layer having a sheet resistance to the flow of electrical current through the first electrically conductive layer that varies as a function of position.

Abstract: A multi-layer device comprising a first substrate and a first electrically conductive layer on a surface thereof, the first electrically conductive layer having a sheet resistance to the flow of electrical current through the first electrically conductive layer that varies as a function of position.

Abstract: A multi-layer device comprising a first substrate and a first electrically conductive layer on a surface thereof, the first electrically conductive layer having a sheet resistance to the flow of electrical current through the first electrically conductive layer that varies as a function of position.

Abstract: Organic-inorganic hybrid nanofibres comprising two phases: a first mineral phase comprising a structured mesoporous network with open porosity; and a second organic phase comprising an organic polymer, wherein said organic phase is basically not present inside the pores of the structured mesoporous network. A membrane and an electrode comprising said nanofibres. A fuel cell comprising said membrane and/or said electrode. A method of preparing said nanofibres by electrically assisted extrusion (electrospinning).

Abstract: A multi-layer device comprising a first substrate and a first electrically conductive layer on a surface thereof, the first electrically conductive layer having a sheet resistance to the flow of electrical current through the first electrically conductive layer that varies as a function of position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable carrying device, arrangement, and method for carrying at least one object such as a bag. The device 100 includes a housing 101 having a channel 105 defined therethrough. The channel 105 is further defined by a first and a second frusto-shaped internal cavity 107, 109, each having linearly tapered sides 110. An elongated flexible strap 103 defining a continuous loop 103 is threaded through the channel 105. Portions of the elongated flexible strap 103 defining the continuous loop extend from first and second end openings 117, 115 of the channel 105 to define first and a second loop portions 119, 121. When the continuous loop is pulled taut through the housing 101, the first loop portion 119 is configured for receiving and grasping a handle portion 201 of the one or more bags 203. The second loop portion 121 can be extended over and around a user's shoulder for carrying the device 100 and the one or more bags 203.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable carrying device, arrangement, and method for carrying at least one object such as a bag. The device 100 includes a housing 101 having a channel 105 defined therethrough. The channel 105 is further defined by a first and a second frusto-shaped internal cavity 107, 109, each having linearly tapered sides 110. An elongated flexible strap 103 defining a continuous loop 103 is threaded through the channel 105. Portions of the elongated flexible strap 103 defining the continuous loop extend from first and second end openings 117, 115 of the channel 105 to define first and a second loop portions 119, 121. When the continuous loop is pulled taut through the housing 101, the first loop portion 119 is configured for receiving and grasping a handle portion 201 of the one or more bags 203. The second loop portion 121 can be extended over and around a user's shoulder for carrying the device 100 and the one or more bags 203.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a portable carrying device that includes a housing, an elongated flexible strap extendable from the housing, and at least one rigid support arm attached to the housing and configured for supporting an article to be carried. The portable carrying device can include a coupler disposed on a first end of the elongated flexible strap and a mating structure disposed on a portion of the housing for releasably securing the coupler. The rigid support arm can be movable from a first position in which the rigid support arm is compactly stored relative to the housing, to a second position in which the rigid support arm is at least partially extended away from the housing. The housing can have at least one recess for receiving the rigid support arm and the rigid support arm can have a shape corresponding to the recess.

Abstract: A self-powered food heater. The food heater includes a burner with an electric fuel pump and an electric blower, a fire box, a water tank and electronic controls. The food heater also includes a set of thermoelectric modules compressed against a heat transfer surface of the tank. Hot exhaust leaving the burner enters the fire box. Some of the heat from the fire box passes through the thermoelectric modules generating sufficient electric power to power the fuel pump and the blower. Water in the tank is heated to its boiling temperature. Heat from the boiling water heats food also contained in the tank. In a preferred embodiment special compression frames provide substantially uniform compression, within desired ranges, of the modules between a portion of the heat transfer surface of the tank and a module cover plate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a portable carrying device that includes a housing, an elongated flexible strap extendable from the housing, and at least one rigid support arm attached to the housing and configured for supporting an article to be carried. The portable carrying device can include a coupler disposed on a first end of the elongated flexible strap and a mating structure disposed on a portion of the housing for releasably securing the coupler. The rigid support arm can be movable from a first position in which the rigid support arm is compactly stored relative to the housing, to a second position in which the rigid support arm is at least partially extended away from the housing. The housing can have at least one recess for receiving the rigid support arm and the rigid support arm can have a shape corresponding to the recess.

Abstract: A quickly attachable electric generator device for producing electric power from surfaces of hot or cold pipes. The invention provides a thermoelectric unit which includes a pedestal comprised of a material with high thermal conductivity on which a thermoelectric module is located. The pedestal includes a heat transfer element made to conform to a hot or cold cylindrical surface. The module also includes a module-to-air heat transfer element and the thermoelectric module is compressed between the air-to-module element and the pedestal. This element is referred to as a heat sink when energy is extracted from a hot surface and is referred to as a heat source when energy is flowing from the air and a cold surface. In preferred embodiments the heat transfer element is a thin flexible heat conductor that conforms to the hot or cold surface of various shapes and serves as a heat transfer conduit to transfer heat to or from a rigid portion of the pedestal.

Abstract: A quantum well thermoelectric module providing very high conversion of heat energy in to electrical energy. In prefered embodiments the module provides electric power for monitoring, measuring or detecting any of a variety of things (such as temperature, smoke, other pollution, flow, fluid level and vibration) and a transmitter for transmitting information measured or detected. In a preferred embodiment wireless monitor systems are utilized to monitor conditions at various locations aboard a ship and to wirelessly transmit information about those conditions to a central location. Preferably, a finned unit is provided to efficiently transfer heat from a module surface to the environment. A preferred quantum well choice is p type B9C/B4C and n-type Si/SiGe legs. Another preferred choice is n-doped Si/SiGe for the n-legs and p-doped Si/SiGe for the p-legs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a portable carrying device that includes a housing, an elongated flexible strap extendable from the housing, and at least one rigid support arm attached to the housing and configured for supporting an article to be carried. The portable carrying device can include a coupler disposed on a first end of the elongated flexible strap and a mating structure disposed on a portion of the housing for releasably securing the coupler. The rigid support arm can be movable from a first position in which the rigid support arm is compactly stored relative to the housing, to a second position in which the rigid support arm is at least partially extended away from the housing. The housing can have at least one recess for receiving the rigid support arm and the rigid support arm can have a shape corresponding to the recess.

Abstract: A super-lattice thermoelectric device. The device is comprised of p-legs and n-legs, each leg being comprised of a large number of alternating layers of two materials with differing electron band gaps. The n-legs in the device are comprised of alternating layers of silicon and silicon germanium. The p-legs are comprised of alternating layers of B4C and B9C. In preferred embodiments the layers are about 100 angstroms thick. Applicants have fabricated and tested a first Si/SiGe (n-leg) and B4C/B9C (p-leg) quantum well thermocouple. Each leg was only 11 microns thick on a 5 micron Si substrate. Nevertheless, in actual tests operated the couple operated with an amazing efficiency of 14 percent with a Th of 250 degrees C. Thermoelectric modules made according to the present invention are useful for both cooling applications as well as electric power generation. This preferred embodiment is a thermoelectric 10×10 egg crate type module about 6 cm×6 cm×0.