Abstract: An energy storage system includes multiple cells, a heat pipe, a first heat transfer channel, and a second heat transfer channel. Each cell has a first end with anode and cathode terminals and a second end opposite the first end with the multiple cells arranged so that the second ends are aligned. The heat pipe has a U-shape and includes an evaporation portion having a flat evaporation surface facing the second ends of the multiple cells, a first condensation portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the evaporation portion, and a second condensation portion oriented substantially perpendicular to the evaporation portion. The first condensation portion is at a first end of the evaporation portion and the second condensation portion is at a second end of the evaporation portion. The first heat transfer channel abuts the first condensation portion and the second heat transfer channel abuts the second condensation portion.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes: multiple cells, each cell having a first end with anode and cathode terminals, and a second end opposite the first end, the cells arranged so that the second ends are aligned; for each of the cells, electrical connections coupled to the anode and cathode terminals at the first end; and a heat pipe having a flat evaporation surface facing the second ends.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generating unit includes a hot-side heat exchanger (HHX) including one or more discrete channels and substantially flat first and second cold-side plates. A first plurality of thermoelectric devices are between the first cold-side plate and a first side of the HHX; and a second plurality of thermoelectric devices can be between the second cold-side plate and a second side of the HHX. Fasteners can extend between the first and second cold-side plates at locations outside of the HHX channel(s). The fasteners can be disposed within gaps between the thermoelectric devices of the first plurality and within gaps between the thermoelectric devices of the second plurality. The fasteners can compress the first plurality of thermoelectric devices between the first cold-side plate and the first side of the HHX and can compress the second plurality of thermoelectric devices between the second cold-side plate and the second side of the HHX.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a structure includes a tetrahedrite substrate; a first contact metal layer disposed over and in direct contact with the tetrahedrite substrate; and a second contact metal layer disposed over the first contact metal layer. A thermoelectric device can include such a structure. Under another aspect, a method includes providing a tetrahedrite substrate; disposing a first contact metal layer over and in direct contact with the tetrahedrite substrate; and disposing a second contact metal layer over the first contact metal layer. A method of making a thermoelectric device can include such a method.

Abstract: Method for assembling thermoelectric unicouples is provided and applied with silicon-based nanostructure thermoelectric legs. The method includes preparing and disposing both n-type and p-type thermoelectric material blocks in alternative columns on a first shunt material. The method includes a sequence of cutting processes to resize the thermoelectric material blocks to form multiple singulated unicouples each having an n-type thermoelectric leg and a p-type thermoelectric leg bonded to a section of the first shunt material. Additionally, the method includes re-disposing these singulated unicouples in a serial daisy chain configuration with a predetermined pitch distance and bonding a second shunt material on top. The method further includes performing additional cutting processes to form one or more daisy chains of thermoelectric unicouples. The first shunt material is coupled to a cold-side heat sink and the second shunt material is coupled to a hot-side heat sink.

Abstract: Method for assembling thermoelectric unicouples is provided and applied with silicon-based nanostructure thermoelectric legs. The method includes preparing and disposing both n-type and p-type thermoelectric material blocks in alternative columns on a first shunt material. The method includes a sequence of cutting processes to resize the thermoelectric material blocks to form multiple singulated unicouples each having an n-type thermoelectric leg and a p-type thermoelectric leg bonded to a section of the first shunt material. Additionally, the method includes re-disposing these singulated unicouples in a serial daisy chain configuration with a predetermined pitch distance and bonding a second shunt material on top. The method further includes performing additional cutting processes to form one or more daisy chains of thermoelectric unicouples. The first shunt material is coupled to a cold-side heat sink and the second shunt material is coupled to a hot-side heat sink.

Abstract: Thermoelectric structures include a flexible substrate; a plurality of conductive shunts; and a plurality of thermoelectric legs that are in thermal and electrical communication with the thermoelectric legs via thermal and electrical paths. In some embodiments, the paths are through apertures in the flexible substrate, and the flexible substrate can be substantially out of the thermal and electrical paths. Some embodiments include a circuit board coupled to the flexible substrate, and a bend in the flexible substrate can be disposed between the plurality of conductive shunts and the circuit board. In some embodiments, a plurality of perforations are defined through the flexible substrate and can be configured to rupture responsive to a temperature condition that otherwise would damage one or more of the thermal and electrical paths, said rupture inhibiting such damage. Other embodiments, and methods, are provided.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes: multiple cells, each cell having a first end with anode and cathode terminals, and a second end opposite the first end, the cells arranged so that the second ends are aligned; for each of the cells, electrical connections coupled to the anode and cathode terminals at the first end; and a heat pipe having a flat evaporation surface facing the second ends.

Abstract: Nanostructured thermoelectric elements are made from planar uniwafer processing methods. The method includes producing either n-type or p-type thermoelectric uniwafer structure bearing nanostructure material embedded in a low thermal conductivity fill material. The method further includes partially cutting the uniwafer structure to form a plurality of chip structures separated by trenches. The method includes filling the trenches with the fill material to surround the nanostructure material within each chip structure. The method further includes additionally planar processing to form both frontend and backend conductive contact layers respectively coupled to frontend regions and backend regions of the chip structures. Additionally, the modified thermoelectric uniwafer structure is cut to turn the chip structures to bulk-sized nanostructured thermoelectric legs, each bulk-sized nanostructured thermoelectric leg being wrapped around by the fill material and ready for assembling thermoelectric modules.

Abstract: Thermoelectric device with a multi-leg package and method thereof. The thermoelectric device includes a first ceramic base structure including a first surface and a second surface, and a first plurality of pads including one or more first materials thermally and electrically conductive. The first plurality of pads are attached to the first surface. Additionally, the thermoelectric device includes a second plurality of pads including the one or more first materials. The second plurality of pads are attached to the second surface and arranged in a mirror image with the first plurality of pads. Moreover, the thermoelectric device includes a plurality of thermoelectric legs attached to the first plurality of pads respectively. Each pad of the first plurality of pads is attached to at least two first thermoelectric legs of the plurality of thermoelectric legs.

Abstract: Method for assembling thermoelectric unicouples is provided and applied with silicon-based nanostructure thermoelectric legs. The method includes preparing and disposing both n-type and p-type thermoelectric material blocks in alternative columns on a first shunt material. The method includes a sequence of cutting processes to resize the thermoelectric material blocks to form multiple cingulated unicouples each having an n-type thermoelectric leg and a p-type thermoelectric leg bonded to a section of the first shunt material. Additionally, the method includes re-disposing these cingulated unicouples in a serial daisy chain configuration with a predetermined pitch distance and bonding a second shunt material on top. The method further includes performing additional cutting processes to form one or more parallel series of thermoelectric unicouples in daisy chain configuration. The first shunt material is coupled to a cold-side heat sink and the second shunt material is coupled to a hot-side heat sink.

Abstract: A writing instrument holding and retaining device comprising a wristband/bracelet (22) with one or more fasteners (24), a tether/leash (26), and a writing instrument holder (32) securing a writing instrument (30). The tether connects the writing instrument holder to the wristband. The wristband and tether may be constructed of any suitable material and may vary depending on design and aesthetic preferences. The writing instrument may also have an appropriate fastener (36). The fasteners on the wristband and on the writing instrument must be able to be attached together to secure the writing instrument to the wristband when the writing instrument is not in use. The tether (26) may also have a fastener (28), so that the tether may be kept from dangling when not in use by attaching the tether's fastener to one of the fasteners on the wristband.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for protecting the edges of a book. An elongated, flexible material has a zipper located along the center of the elongated axis. The zipper, which may be of the plastic pressure lock type, connects two elongated halves forming the flexible material. On the outer edges of the flexible material is an adhesive bonding surface protected by an adhesive covering strip. In use, the adhesive covering strip is removed. The flexible material is then attached to the outer edges of the book by the adhesive bonding surface. To open the book, the zipper is unzipped, thereby allowing the book to be opened. To provide smooth corners on the book, notches are cut in the flexible material.