Abstract: A segmented lead telluride egg-crate thermoelectric module. In preferred embodiments N legs and P legs are segmented into at least two segments. The segments are chosen for their figure of merit in the various temperature ranges between the hot side and the cold side of the module. In preferred embodiments a low-temperature egg-crate, molded from a liquid crystal polymer material, having very low thermal conductivity holds in place and provides insulation and electrical connections for the thermoelectric N legs and P legs at the cold side of the module. A castable ceramic capable of operation at temperatures in excess of 500° C. is used to provide electrical insulation between the legs at the hot side of the module.

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 high-temperature thermoelectric module. The module includes a two part molded egg-crate for holding in place and providing insulation and electrical connections for a number of thermoelectric n-legs and p-legs. A first part of the egg-crate is comprised of a ceramic material capable of operation at temperatures in excess of 600° C. and a second part comprised of a thermoplastic material having very low thermal conductivity. In preferred embodiments the high temperature ceramic is zirconia and the thermoplastic material is DuPont Zenite. The thermoelectric legs are also comprised of high-temperature and low-temperature material. In preferred embodiments the high temperature thermoelectric material is lead telluride and the low temperature material is bismuth telluride. In preferred embodiments metal felt spacers are provided in each leg to maintain proper electrical contacts notwithstanding substantial temperature variations. Preferably the module is sealed in an inert gas filled insulating capsule.

Abstract: A pre-soak station, a washing station, and a drying station are arranged in an in-line manner so that a multiplicity or group of mold support units or workpiece holders arranged single file may be moved sequentially from station to station. A first group of such units after being submersed in a hot water/detergent bath at the pre-soak station is placed on an open rail support or trackway for conveyance to the washing station where nozzles supported on corresponding manifolds surrounding the trackway direct pressurized streams of hot water against the individual units for a predetermined interval or washing cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for extracting tubular articles from their molds and inserting them into corresponding workpiece holders comprising a first orienting device for delivering the molded tubular articles in their molds to a first conveyer whereupon the axis of each mold and the tubular article therein has been rotated 90.degree., i.e.

Abstract: A transport mechanism for articles between a pair of conveyors includes a constantly driven drive member, a driven member and a ball and detent mechanism intercooperating between a pair of confronting surfaces of the members. The transport mechanism is mechanically phased in and out in operation in timed relation to movement of the conveyor to which articles are moved. Mechanical phasing in and out is carried out by a lever having a tooth adapted for engagement in a notch of the driven member and a wheel cooperative with a rail including a gate on the drive member. The transport mechanism is phased out of operation when the wheel enters the gate and phased in in operation when the wheel exits the gate.