Abstract: A mobile device for generating electrical power may include a combustion chamber and a heat sink. A TEC module is in thermal communication with the combustion chamber and the heat sink to transfer thermal energy from the combustion chamber to the heat sink. A heat flux across the TEC module causes electrical power to be generated. The mobile device may also include a fuel delivery system to feed fuel into the combustion chamber. A control system may be included to at least monitor and control delivery of fuel to the combustion chamber by the fuel delivery system and to control a temperature gradient across the TEC module to control the electrical power produced by the thermal-to-electric energy conversion device.

Abstract: A mobile device for generating electrical power may include a combustion chamber and a heat sink. A TEC module is in thermal communication with the combustion chamber and the heat sink to transfer thermal energy from the combustion chamber to the heat sink. A heat flux across the TEC module causes electrical power to be generated. The mobile device may also include a fuel delivery system to feed fuel into the combustion chamber. A control system may be included to at least monitor and control delivery of fuel to the combustion chamber by the fuel delivery system and to control a temperature gradient across the TEC module to control the electrical power produced by the thermal-to-electric energy conversion device.

Abstract: A mobile device for generating electrical power may include a combustion chamber and a heat sink. A TEC module is in thermal communication with the combustion chamber and the heat sink to transfer thermal energy from the combustion chamber to the heat sink. A heat flux across the TEC module causes electrical power to be generated. The mobile device may also include a fuel delivery system to feed fuel into the combustion chamber. A control system may be included to at least monitor and control delivery of fuel to the combustion chamber by the fuel delivery system and to control a temperature gradient across the TEC module to control the electrical power produced by the thermal-to-electric energy conversion device.

Abstract: A magnet structure is provided that includes a first layer of magnets including a first pole magnet and a plurality of first magnets that are positioned about the first pole magnet. The plurality of first magnets are oriented to have respective magnetic fields directed inward relative to the first pole magnet. The magnet structure may also include a second layer of magnets including a second pole magnet and a plurality of second magnets positioned about the second pole magnet and oriented such that the plurality of second magnets have respective magnetic fields directed outward relative to the second pole magnet. The magnet structure may also include a planar magnet positioned between the first and second layers of magnets and oriented such that the planar magnet repels each of the first and second layers of magnets. A magnet assembly and an associated method are also provided.

Abstract: A mobile device for generating electrical power may include a combustion chamber and a heat sink. A TEC module is in thermal communication with the combustion chamber and the heat sink to transfer thermal energy from the combustion chamber to the heat sink. A heat flux across the TEC module causes electrical power to be generated. The mobile device may also include a fuel delivery system to feed fuel into the combustion chamber. A control system may be included to at least monitor and control delivery of fuel to the combustion chamber by the fuel delivery system and to control a temperature gradient across the TEC module to control the electrical power produced by the thermal-to-electric energy conversion device.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for releasably joining first and second elements according to the present invention include a retaining member mounted to one of the elements and a reshapeable tube near the retaining member. The reshapeable tube has at least two states, an at least partially collapsed state and an at least partially expanded state. As such, the retaining member joins the elements while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially collapsed state. Furthermore, the retaining member releases the other element while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially expanded state, which deflects the retaining member. Thus, because components of the apparatus are not broken during the release of the elements, the amount of constrained or potential energy that is released when the retaining member releases the elements is substantially reduced or eliminated, which protects the elements from being damaged during the release.

Abstract: The invention is a low shock detachment device that includes an expandable latch with a plurality of fingers. The anterior surface of each finger has a stud-mating mechanism. A mechanism for repositioning each finger from a closed position to an open position is provided. A stud with a head and a stem is provided. The stem has a finger-mating mechanism sized and shaped to mate to the stud-mating mechanism on each finger. A first housing sized to slideably receive the stud is also provided. A second housing holds the plurality of fingers. The first and second housings have a mechanism that permits attachment to a structure. The first housing is attached to the second housing when the stud-mating mechanism of each finger interlocks with the finger-mating mechanism of the stud. The repositioning of each finger from the closed position to the open position by an explosive charge separates the housings.

Abstract: The invention is a low shock detachment device that includes an expandable latch with a plurality of fingers. The anterior surface of each finger has a stud-mating mechanism. A mechanism for repositioning each finger from a closed position to an open position is provided. A stud with a head and a stem is provided. The stem has a finger-mating mechanism sized and shaped to mate to the stud-mating mechanism on each finger. A first housing sized to slideably receive the stud is also provided. A second housing holds the plurality of fingers. The first and second housings have a mechanism that permits attachment to a structure. The first housing is attached to the second housing when the stud-mating mechanism of each finger interlocks with the finger-mating mechanism of the stud. The repositioning of each finger from the closed position to the open position by an explosive charge separates the housings.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for releasably joining first and second elements according to the present invention include a retaining member mounted to one of the elements and a reshapeable tube near the retaining member. The reshapeable tube has at least two states, an at least partially collapsed state and an at least partially expanded state. As such, the retaining member joins the elements while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially collapsed state. Furthermore, the retaining member releases the other element while the reshapeable tube is in the at least partially expanded state, which deflects the retaining member. Thus, because components of the apparatus are not broken during the release of the elements, the amount of constrained or potential energy that is released when the retaining member releases the elements is substantially reduced or eliminated, which protects the elements from being damaged during the release.