Abstract: A system for the dynamic analysis of unstructured data where feedback loops exist between the user and the machine resulting in improved specificity and content (accuracy and precision) with regard to the results obtained from the machine learning algorithms. A Graphic User Interface (GUI) controls the configuration and deployment of all the features of the Intelligence Augmentation System (IAS) including data capture and processing, analytics, and feedback. Results of one set of algorithms can be forwarded to subsequent tools with the system for further analysis and planning using decision algorithms. The results are configured using a GUI that can manipulate the data in dynamically, allowing immediate visualization of user queries.

Abstract: A system for the dynamic analysis of unstructured data where feedback loops exist between the user and the machine resulting in improved specificity and content (accuracy and precision) with regard to the results obtained from the machine learning algorithms. A Graphic User Interface (GUI) controls the configuration and deployment of all the features of the Intelligence Augmentation System (IAS) including data capture and processing, analytics, and feedback. Results of one set of algorithms can be forwarded to subsequent tools with the system for further analysis and planning using decision algorithms. The results are configured using a GUI that can manipulate the data in dynamically, allowing immediate visualization of user queries.

Abstract: A system for the dynamic analysis of unstructured data where feedback loops exist between the user and the machine resulting in improved specificity and content (accuracy and precision) with regard to the results obtained from the machine learning algorithms. A Graphic User Interface (GUI) controls the configuration and deployment of all the features of the Intelligence Augmentation System (IAS) including data capture and processing, analytics, and feedback. Results of one set of algorithms can be forwarded to subsequent tools with the system for further analysis and planning using decision algorithms. The results are configured using a GUI that can manipulate the data in dynamically, allowing immediate visualization of user queries.

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: A long life, low cost, high-temperature, high efficiency thermoelectric module. Preferred embodiments include a two-part (a high temperature part and a cold temperature part) egg-crate and segmented N legs and P legs, with the thermoelectric materials in the three segments chosen for their chemical compatibility or their figure of merit in the various temperature ranges between the hot side and the cold side of the module. The legs include metal meshes partially embedded in thermoelectric segments to help maintain electrical contacts notwithstanding substantial temperature variations. In preferred embodiments a two-part molded egg-crate holds in place and provides insulation and electrical connections for the thermoelectric N legs and P legs. The high temperature part of the egg-crate is comprised of a ceramic material capable of operation at temperatures in excess of 500° C. and the cold temperature part is comprised of a thermoplastic material having very low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A miniature quantum well thermoelectric device. The device includes a number of quantum well n-legs and a number of quantum well p-legs. Each of the p-legs are alternately electrically connected in series with each of the n-legs at locations that are thermal communication with a cold side and a hot side. The device can be adapted to function as a cooler and it can be adapted to function as an electric power generator. In a preferred embodiment the p-legs and said n-legs are configured generally radially between the hot side and the cold side. In this preferred embodiments each of the n-legs has at least 600 n-type layers with each n-type layer separated from other n-type layers by an insulating layer and each of the p-legs has at least 600 p-type layers with each p-type layer separated from other p-type layers by an insulating layer.

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: A super-lattice thermoelectric device. The device is comprised of p-legs and n-legs, each leg being comprised of a large number of very thin alternating layers of two materials with differing electron band gaps. The n-legs in the device are comprised of alternating layers of Si and SiC. The p-legs are comprised of alternating layers of B4C and B9C. In preferred embodiments the layers are about 100 angstroms thick. 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×0.76 cm designed to produce 70 Watts with a temperature difference of 300 degrees C. with a module efficiency of about 30 percent. The module has 98 active thermoelectric legs, with each leg having more than 3 million super-lattice layers.

Abstract: A super-lattice thermoelectric device. The device includes p-legs and n-legs, each leg having 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 includes 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 the thermocouple 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.

Abstract: A tracking device for tracking a vehicle in which a radio transmitter is powered by heat energy of the exhaust system of an engine propelling the vehicle. A thermoelectric module is attached to a hot portion of the exhaust system. Electrical power generated by the thermoelectric module is used to power the transmitter. A preferred tracking device consists of one thermoelectric module, one transmitter, a flexible finned plate for dissipating heat, and two high Curie temperature magnets for attaching the device to the vehicle's tail pipe. The transmitter is mounted on the flexible finned plate with a thermal insulator in-between them.

Abstract: An electric generator system for producing electric power from the environmental temperature changes such as occur during a normal summer day on Earth or Mars. In a preferred embodiment a phase-change mass is provided which partially or completely freezes during the relatively cold part of a cycle and partially or completely melts during the relatively hot part of the cycle. A thermoelectric module is positioned between the phase-change mass and the environment. The temperature of the phase-change mass remains relatively constant throughout the cycle. During the hot part of the cycle heat flows from the environment through the thermoelectric module into the phase change mass generating electric power which is stored in an electric power storage device such as a capacitor or battery. During the cold part of the cycle heat flows from the phase change mass back through the module and out to the environment also generating electric power that also is similarly stored.

Abstract: An electric generator system for producing electric power from the environmental temperature changes such as occur during a normal summer day on Earth or Mars. In a preferred embodiment a phase-change mass is provided which partially or completely freezes during the relatively cold part of a cycle and partially or completely melts during the relatively hot part of the cycle. A thermoelectric module is positioned between the phase-change mass and the environment. The temperature of the phase-change mass remains relatively constant throughout the cycle. During the hot part of the cycle heat flows from the environment through the thermoelectric module into the phase change mass generating electric power which is stored in an electric power storage device such as a capacitor or battery. During the cold part of the cycle heat flows from the phase change mass back through the module and out to the environment also generating electric power that also is similarly stored.

Abstract: A tracking device for tracking a vehicle in which a radio transmitter is powered by heat energy of the exhaust system of an engine propelling the vehicle. A thermoelectric module is attached to a hot portion of the exhaust system. Electrical power generated by the thermoelectric module is used to power the transmitter. A preferred tracking device consists of one thermoelectric module, one transmitter, a flexible finned plate for dissipating heat, and two high Curie temperature magnets for attaching the device to the vehicle's tail pipe. The transmitter is mounted on the flexible finned plate with a thermal insulator in-between them.

Abstract: A heat of fusion thermoelectric generator. A heat source is in thermal contact with a phase change material, wherein the heat source is capable of providing sufficient heat so as to be able to melt the phase change material. The phase change material is in thermal contact with a hot side heat sink. At least one thermoelectric module is disposed between and in thermal contact with the hot side heat sink and a cold side heat sink. Electric power is generated by the thermoelectric module from a temperature difference between the hot side heat sink and the cold side heat sink.

Abstract: A thermoelectric fire alarm system capable of generating electric power. A thermoelectric device is compressed between a heat absorbing plate and a cold side heat sink. A fire heats the plate. A phase change material is provided to absorb heat at an approximately constant temperature to keep the cold side heat sink relatively cold to provide at least a temporary temperature differential across the thermoelectric device allowing the device to generate sufficient electric power to activate an alarm identifying the fire.

Abstract: A low-cost thermoelectric module utilizing a greatly reduced quantity of thermoelectric material as compared to similar prior art thermoelectric modules. An egg crate design containing thermoelectric elements is utilized in the present invention. However, the walls of the egg crate in the parts of the module separating the thermoelectric elements are made thick so that the total cross sectional area of the elements is less than 75 percent of the total module cross sectional area. The spaces above and below the elements are filled with a high heat and electric conducting material such as aluminum. This produces funnel-shaped conductors funneling heat and electric current into and out of each of the thermoelectric elements. The payoff to this approach is that the heat flux through the hot and cold module surfaces can be maintained while producing the same power output with about half the thermoelectric material or less.

Abstract: A combustion heat powered portable electronic device. At least one thermoelectric module is sandwiched between a hot block heated by a combustion heat source and a cold-side heat sink and provides electric power to a portable electronic device from the temperature difference. An electric circuit provides power for purposes of operating the portable electronic device either directly or indirectly by charging a rechargeable battery which in turn provides power to the electronic device. In a preferred embodiment the combustion heat source is a catalytic combustion unit. The hot block and/or cold side heat sink can be integrated into a single unit with the thermoelectric module. In a preferred embodiment the cold side heat sink is cooled by fins cooled by air driven by a forced air fan powered by the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a self-powered air conditioner system. An absorption type air conditioning unit is configured to air condition at least a portion of cab space of the motor vehicle. The unit has at least one electric powered component. There is a generator located outside the cab space for vaporizing a refrigerant. There is a condenser for condensing the refrigerant to produce a condensate, and an evaporator configured to remove heat from the cab space by a process of evaporation of the condensate. There is a combustion unit configured to burn fuel from the fuel tank. The combustion unit provides heat to a hot surface. A plurality of thermoelectric modules is mounted in thermal contact with the hot surface. A heat sink is cooled by the cooling water system. The heat sink is positioned so that it is in thermal contact with said plurality of thermoelectric modules.

Abstract: A miniature thermoelectric module for generating electric power from low power heat sources in the range of a fraction of a Watt to a few Watts. The module comprises an array of thermoelectric elements, each element having a cross section of less than 0.001 square inch and a length of at least 0.25 inch. The elements are separated from each other with a polyimide insulator sheet in a checkerboard array. In a preferred embodiment, the modules are fabricated by hot pressing a stack of alternating plates of p and n doped thin plates all separated by thin sheets of a polyimide insulator material to produce a pressed stack of p and n doped layers. The stack is then sliced to produce layered plates which are then stacked with insulating polyimide layers positioned between the layered plates to produce the checkerboard array of p and n thermoelectric elements. Contacts are applied to electrically connect all of the elements.

Abstract: A stovepipe thermoelectric generator. The unit fits in a stovepipe of a coal or wood stove. At least one thermoelectric module is sandwiched between a hot side fin unit with fins extending into the flow of exhaust gases and a cold side fin unit with fins cooled by forced room air. A damper controls exhaust gas flow through a heat chamber, directing the exhaust gas through a generating side and a bypass side depending on a temperature indication. This prevents heat damage to the thermoelectric module. At least one fan is provided to force room air through cooling fins of the cold side fin unit An electric circuit is described for providing power for the fan and providing additional electric power for purposes such as charging a battery.