Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes a thermally conductive first plate and at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly. The first plate has a layer with a plurality of electrically conductive first portions and a plurality of electrically insulating second portions separating the first portions from one another. The at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly includes a thermally conductive second plate and a plurality of thermoelectric elements in a region between the first plate and the second plate. The plurality of thermoelectric elements is in electrical communication with the plurality of electrically conductive portions of the first plate, in electrical communication with electrically conductive portions of the second plate, and in thermal communication with the first plate and the second plate. The plurality of electrically insulating second portions includes a plurality of segments at least partially outside the region, the segments configured to avoid degradation of a structural rigidity of the first plate.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes a thermally conductive first plate and at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly. The first plate has a layer with a plurality of electrically conductive first portions and a plurality of electrically insulating second portions separating the first portions from one another. The at least one thermoelectric sub-assembly includes a thermally conductive second plate and a plurality of thermoelectric elements in a region between the first plate and the second plate. The plurality of thermoelectric elements is in electrical communication with the plurality of electrically conductive portions of the first plate, in electrical communication with electrically conductive portions of the second plate, and in thermal communication with the first plate and the second plate. The plurality of electrically insulating second portions includes a plurality of segments at least partially outside the region, the segments configured to avoid degradation of a structural rigidity of the first plate.

Abstract: A sandwich panel with at least one insert for forming a local reinforcement, which insert is smaller than a distance between the cover layers of the sandwich panel. A difference between the distance between the cover layers and a length of an extension of the insert including a previously viscous expansion compound with adhesive properties, which expansion compound has solidified during the pressing of the sandwich panel, is compensated for. A sandwich panel with at least one previously elastic insert whose original extension as a result of deformation during pressing of the sandwich panel is reduced. A method for producing such sandwich panels.

Abstract: A sandwich panel with at least one insert for forming a local reinforcement, which insert is smaller than a distance between the cover layers of the sandwich panel. A difference between the distance between the cover layers and a length of an extension of the insert including a previously viscous expansion compound with adhesive properties, which expansion compound has solidified during the pressing of the sandwich panel, is compensated for. A sandwich panel with at least one previously elastic insert whose original extension as a result of deformation during pressing of the sandwich panel is reduced. A method for producing such sandwich panels.

Abstract: A control valve is provided for controlling fluid flow in industrial systems, such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, having a fluid flow passageway with a cross-sectional shape of an opening such that the fluid flow increases exponentially as valve ball or plug, and is opened and which is relatively simple to manufacturer.

Abstract: A valve according to the invention having a disk with a shaped opening and one side interfacing with and conforming to the shape of the exterior of the ball or plug. The disk fits inside the port at the seat area, and is secured by a ring. The ring can be threaded into the connection for the fluid pipe line. Alternatively, the connection can have a groove for an internal retaining ring. The disk is positioned so it interacts with the hole in the ball, in such a way that the desired flow characteristics are accomplished.

Abstract: A valve according to the invention having a disk with a shaped opening and one side interfacing with and conforming to the shape of the exterior of the ball or plug. The disk fits inside the port at the seat area, and is secured by a ring. The ring can be threaded into the connection for the fluid pipe line. Alternatively, the connection can have a groove for an internal retaining ring. The disk is positioned so it interacts with the hole in the ball, in such a way that the desired flow characteristics are accomplished.