Abstract: Disclosed are new piezoelectric/pyroelectric materials of polarized homopolymer and copolymers of trifluorovinyl acetate. Also disclosed is a unique predictive relationship for determining the piezoelectricity of unknown material.

Abstract: A heater mechanism that includes a combustion chamber that is heated by open flames of a combustion gas generated from solid, liquid, or gaseous fuel, with heat being transferred from the combustion chamber to a heat-carrier that, for indirect or direct transfer of heat to a room that is to be heated, is conveyed via at least one flow-producing mechanism, which is driven by an electric motor that is supplied with power obtained from at least one thermoelectric generator directly from the heat generated by the flame in the combustion chamber. This generator is embodied as a plate-like semiconductor element having a cold side and a side that is to be heated. The cold side is disposed in the inlet region for still-cool heat-carrier, or in the vicinity of the ambient air. The side that is to be heated is disposed either in the convection range of the flame of the combustion chamber, or in the exhaust gas stream from the latter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning a transducer over the center of a track is disclosed. An arm carries the transducer. Embedded in the arm is a heating element. The heating element is positioned so that the linear expansion or contraction of the arm resulting from the temperature rise or drop due to the amount of heat applied to the arm by the heating element will move the transducer across the track. In operation, a constant amount of heat is initially applied to the arm to center the transducer. During tracking, a circuit varies the amount of power applied to the heating element so that the transducer is kept over the center of the track.

Abstract: The apparatus uses a magnetic field (80) to accelerate a charged particle radially towards a target electrode (10). The increased kinetic energy of the particles enables the particle to give up more electrical energy to the target electrode (10) than was initially given to it. This charges the target electrode (10), and the increased energy is extracted from the apparatus by connecting an electrical load between the target electrode and a point of lower or higher potential.

Abstract: A control system for the automatic or self-actuated shutdown or "scram" of a nuclear reactor. The system is capable of initiating scram insertion by a signal from the plant protection system or by independent action directly sensing reactor conditions of low-flow or over-power.Self-actuation due to a loss of reactor coolant flow results from a decrease of pressure differential between the upper and lower ends of an absorber element. When the force due to this differential falls below the weight of the element, the element will fall by gravitational force to scram the reactor.Self-actuation due to high neutron flux is accomplished via a valve controlled by an electromagnet and a thermionic diode. In a reactor over-power, the diode will be heated to a change of state causing the electromagnet to be shorted thereby actuating the valve which provides the changed flow and pressure conditions required for scramming the absorber element.

Abstract: A thermionic energy conversion method and apparatus is disclosed that eliminates or substantially reduces deficiencies caused by space charge or thermal radiation losses from the emitter to the collector. The method and apparatus uses an acceleration electrode having an aperture and disposed in the space between the emitter and collector. A high positive voltage is applied to the acceleration electrode to generate a positive electrostatic field. The shape of the facing surfaces of the emitter and collector and the shape of the acceleration electrode shape the electrostatic field to cause boiled-off electrons from the emitter to be accelerated and converged so that they all pass through the aperture without impinging on the acceleration electrode.

Abstract: An electrode device for an electromagnetic fluid flow apparatus, comprising a pair of electrodes which face a pathway of an electrical conductive fluid, and a magnet which faces the pathway and effects a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the electrical conductive fluid and to a straight line connecting the two electrodes. Each electrode is made of a hydrophobic carrier with pores of at most 1 .mu.m pore size, the hydrophobic porous carrier having electrical conductivity, gas permeability and liquid impermeability. A gas generated from the electrode may be discharged from the rear surface of the electrode to the outside without releasing from the surface of the electrode into the electrical conductive fluid.

Abstract: A thermally actuated thermionic switch which responds to an increase of temperature by changing from a high impedance to a low impedance at a predictable temperature set point. The switch has a bistable operation mode switching only on temperature increases. The thermionic material may be a metal which is liquid at the desired operation temperature and held in matrix in a graphite block reservoir, and which changes state (ionizes, for example) so as to be electrically conductive at a desired temperature.

Abstract: Motion generating apparatus comprising:(a) first and second structures which are relatively rotatable,(b) magnetic material associated with one of said structures and characterized as having a first magnetic state at a high temperature and a second magnetic state at a low temperature,(c) a magnet associated with the other of said structures and having a pole to produce flux that intercepts said material as said structures relatively rotate,(d) first means to transfer heat to cause said material to vary in temperature between said high and low temperatures so that magnetic force is exerted on the rotating structure as said material relatively passes in proximity to said magnet, thereby producing torque casing the rotating structures to rotate, and(e) other means to transfer heat from the magnetic material to fluid media.

Abstract: An integrated high power modular thermionic power system is described which comprises a heat source including a generally cylindrically shaped chemical reaction chamber enclosing a first chemical reactant, such as lithium, for exothermal reaction with a second chemical reactant, such as sulfur hexafluoride, controllably supplied from a separate source thereof to the reaction chamber; a plurality of ring shaped thermionic modules disposed around the reaction chamber with the thermionic emitter elements thereof in thermal contact with the reaction chamber and collector elements concentrically disposed around the emitters; a cylindrical heat sink disposed around the thermionic modules in thermal contact with the collector elements for absorbing heat therefrom; a plurality of heat radiating fins on the outer surface of the heat sink; and one or more heat pipes having the respective evaporator ends in thermal contact with the heat sink and the condenser ends disposed remote of the heat sink for conducting heat the

Abstract: A thermionic converter (10) is set forth which includes an envelope (12) having an electron collector structure (22) attached adjacent to a wall (16). An electron emitter structure (24) is positioned adjacent the collector structure (22) and spaced apart from opposite wall (14). The emitter (24) and collector (22) structures are in a common chamber (20). The emitter structure (24) is heated substantially only by thermal radiation. Very small interelectrode gaps (28) can be maintained utilizing the thermionic converter (10) whereby increased efficiency results.

Abstract: A rotary stepping device includes a rotatable shaft which is driven by means of a coiled spring clutch which is alternately tightened to grip and rotate the shaft and released to return it to a resting position. An actuator formed of a memory metal is used to pull the spring clutch to tighten it and rotate the shaft. The actuator is activated by heating it above its critical temperature and is returned to an elongated configuration by means of the force of the spring clutch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an engine and method for converting heat energy to electrical current. The engine includes a heat source with a heat exchanger. Dipole antennas receive heat energy and immediately convert it to electrical current which is then rectified before flowing to a load.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generating composite functioning apparatus used as a glow plug in a diesel engine has sintered semiconductor elements respectively formed in the shape of a bar of N-type and P-type thermoelectric semiconductor materials. The N-type and P-type semiconductor elements are provided oppositely with a gap between them, and their end portions are put in mutual contact to form a P-N junction. A low thermal conductivity insulator is filled in the interval between the N-type and the P-type semiconductor elements. The N-type and P-type semiconductor elements provided in the P-N junction state are contained through the insulator in a housing. Lead terminals connected to the N-type and P-type semiconductor elements are formed in the housing. The apparatus may provide heat to the combustion chamber, or generate electricity from the heat in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Pyroelectric crystals having relatively high figures of merit (p/K) of the order of 1.8 or more are provided. They are preferably prepared by doping alanine substituted triglycine sulfate crystals with phosphorous and/or arsenic.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting radiant energy directly into a turning force includes a rotor, a stator, a photoelectric converters on one of the rotor and stator for convering a radiant energy such as light or heat into an electric energy, coils on the one of the rotor and stator and which is adapted to produce a magnetic field when it receives the electric energy due to the radiant energy without need of any brush, and magnets on the other of the rotor and stator for providing a turning force in response to the magnetic fields in the coils.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling or regulating the through-flow or passage of at least one liquid, particularly for temperature regulation or control, contains at least one valve with an electrical valve drive, which is controlled by an electronic control unit. The control unit makes available the signals necessary for operating the valve drive. The power supply for the control unit and the valve drive is provided by a thermocouple, whose one side is exposed to the temperature of the liquid to be regulated and whose other side is exposed to a temperature differing therefrom. The apparatus preferably contains a storage battery.

Abstract: A generator that utilizes the magnetic flux lines of the earth and includes a base, a frame that is attached to the base, a shaft that has a free end and is rotatably mounted in the frame, components for rotating the shaft, a plurality of brushes that are mounted on the frame, at least one ring that is affixed to the free end of the shaft and which is in rotatable contact with the plurality of brushes, and an armature that is formed by coils of wire which are wound around a rod that is attached to the shaft, the coils of wire have free ends which are connected to at least one ring so that when the armature rotates the coils of wire cut the magnetic flux lines of the earth and cause an electric current to be generated at the plurality of brushes.

Abstract: A thermoelectric electricity generating system for connection with a heat source and a heat acceptor respectively by first and second elongate plates of substantially constant cross section and high heat and electrical conductivity. A plurality of flat platelike thermoelectric members engage and are firmly sandwiched between the first and second plates. Thin surface layers of low electrical conductivity, but high heat transfer capability across the thickness thereof, are interposed between the thermoelectric members and first and second plates. The first plate may connect with a heat source by fitting in an opening in the wall of a fuel fired heater, to thereby apply a temperature drop across the thermoelectric members and thereby generate electricity.

Abstract: This invention is directed to transferring heat from an extremely high temperature source to an electrically isolated lower temperature receiver. The invention is particularly concerned with supplying thermal power to a thermionic converter from a nuclear reactor with electric isolation.Heat from a high temperature heat pipe (10) is transferred through a vacuum or a gap filled with electrically nonconducting gas (26) to a cooler heat pipe (18). The heat pipe (10) is used to cool the nuclear reactor while the heat pipe (18) is connected thermally and electrically to a thermionic converter (22).If the receiver requires greater thermal power density, geometries are used with larger heat pipe areas for transmitting and receiving energy than the area for conducting the heat to the thermionic converter. In this way the heat pipe capability for increasing thermal power densities compensates for the comparatively low thermal power densities through the electrically non-conducting gap between the two heat pipes.

Abstract: A power generation system is taught utilizing a ferromagnetic material contained in a tape and rotatably disposed in a triangular configuration around a series of pulleys. The entire system is under water in the ocean so as to utilize the temperature differentials available between just below the surface of the ocean and approximately 100 meters below. The tape which is ferromagnetic passes through superconducting coils having parallel fields and thereby providing a very large magnetic field. The lower portion of the ferromagnetic tape, which is cooled by the ocean, experiences greater magnetization than the upper warmer portions of the magnetic tape. The lower portion of the tape experiencing greater magnetization is pulled up into the magnetic field and thereby causes movement of the tape. As the tape moves upward it is warmed by the ocean currents with the result that a lower portion of the tape now experiences the greater magnetization. This therefore causes continual movement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pyroelectric shear meter which can be utilized as a pyroelectric vorticimeter in which a pyroelectric substrate has a heater element located thereon and two conductor elements located adjacent the heater element. The conductor elements are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the heater element and located on the same side of the longitudinal axis. A fluctuating power supply is connected to the heater element causing a fluctuating surface charge distribution which varies as a function of the temperature of the substrate in the vicinity of each of the spaced apart conductor elements. Differences in charge redistributions sensed at each of the spaced apart conductor elements is an indication of the differences in flow velocity due to shear in the vicinity of the shear meter. The orienting of two shear meters with heating elements at 90.degree.

Abstract: A fast rotating ferrite ring engine that is started by an external starting motor generates a medium mechanical power continuously. The rotating ferrite ring engine body is composed of thin circular ferrite rings affixed to a nonmagnetic plate connected to external devices necessary for the inventive operations, a heat portion, a magnetic field generator both of which are located in the same place where the rings are passing through, and a cooling portion through which the ferrite rings also are passing and restoring cyclically the heated portion of the rings to the cool state that is magnetizable.After starting by an external starter motor, the ferrite ring engine is controlled at a constant peripheral velocity V.sub.O by the countertorque of an externally connected electric power generator.In this state, the magnetic energy which enters into the heat portion is made to V.sub.O .multidot.HB.sub.S .multidot.S.multidot.(1/8.pi.).multidot.10.sup.

Abstract: The disclosed thermoelectric converter element includes at least one member made of thermoelectric substance whose crystal structure is so controlled that its crystallographic axis is directed to a preferred orientation which is different from the direction of a thermoelectric current therethrough.

Abstract: A convection column is used to produce a draft to draw alternately hot and then cool air over temperature variable capacitors on which a charge is placed, the capacitors being grouped in sets, and alternate sets of capacitors are each repeatedly heated and then cooled in such a way that while one set is being heated the other set is being cooled and part of the total charge that is shared by the combined sets is thereby made to cycle back and forth between the sets and to flow through a rectifier and a useful electric work load which are in series with these sets with the effect that useful electric power is extracted by means of the electric load.

Abstract: A thermochemical magnetic generator system utilizes a gas, preferably hydrogen, and a material, such as LaCo.sub.5, which varies in magnetization upon addition of the gas to the material to generate electricity from a magnetic circuit which includes the magnetizable material in the circuit. When the gas partial pressure is reduced or heat is applied to the material which has combined with the gas, then the gas is driven off in a thermochemical reaction which reverses the magnetization of the system. In particular, the addition of hydrogen gas to LaCo.sub.5 reduces the magnetization and its removal from the material increases the magnetization. Rapid reversal of the pressure cycle or heating and cooling cycles with a plurality of chambers through which the gas is admitted and exhausted reversibly can be used as a source of electricity.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for converting heat to electrical energy by the use of one or more capacitors having temperature dependent capacitance. The capacitor is cycled between relatively high and relatively low temperatures by successive thermal contact with relatively high and relatively low temperature portions of a heat transfer medium having a temperature gradient therein. Upon heating of the capacitor, the capacitance thereof is reduced, so that a charge therein is caused to expand into associated external circuitry in which it is available to do electrical work. The capacitor is then cooled and recharged and the cycle is repeated. The electrical output of the capacitor results from the regenerative delivery of heat to and removal of heat from the capacitor by the heat transfer medium, and efficient conversion of heat to electric energy is thereby effected.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with improving the efficiency of thermionic energy converters. The invention is particularly directed to the reduction of plasma losses in these converters.This beneficial technical effect is achieved by internal distribution of tiny shorted cesium diodes driven by the thermal gradient between the primary emitter (10) and the collector (12). Specifically, the tiny, shorted diode distribution (14) comprises protrusions of the emitter material (16) from the main emitter face (18) which contact the main collector face (22) thermally but not electrically. The main collector ends (20) of the protrusions are separated from the main collector by a thin layer of insulation (24), such as aluminum oxide.The diode effect will increase with the use of metals that adsorb cesium less readily for the main emitter ends of the tiny protrusions and metals that adsorb cesium more readily for the main collector ends of the protrusions.

Abstract: Solar energy is collected by collector means supported in space by geostationary satellite and directed to an air buoyant intermediate platform at a position within the upper atmosphere. The laser energy is there converted to microwave energy and beamed down to earth.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed including a compact thermionic generator formed with an outer cathode cylinder and an axially concentric inner anode cylinder. The cylinders are sealed and evacuated and provided with external electrical connections leading to the cathode and anode cylinders. A thermoelectric generator formed of a folded length of thermocouples is nested within the anode cylinder with respective ends thermically and electrically coupled to the cathode and anode cylinders. Sufficient heat applied to the outer cylinder causes the thermionic emission from the cathode to anode cylinders to be enhanced by the positive potential applied to the anode cylinder from the internal thermoelectric generator which is also responsive to the applied heat to generate the positive potential relative to the potential of the cathode cylinder. A generator system is also disclosed in which a pair of these generators is interconnected by a solid state switching circuit to an output load via intermediate charging capacitors.

Abstract: A pyroelectric pellet made of a Z cut plane of lithium tantalate, for example, is fixed onto an electrically conductive supporting base made of copper, for example, by means of an adhesive agent layer. One embodiment of the adhesive agent layer interposed between the pyroelectric pellet and the electrically conductive supporting base comprises a mixture of an electrically conductive adhesive agent, such as a silver paste, admixed with heat insulating grains made of glass, ceramic, or the like, whereby thermal dissipation from the pyroelectric pellet to the electrically conductive supporting base is decreased. Another embodiment of the adhesive agent layer comprises an electrically conductive adhesive agent layer in which is embedded a thin sheet made of synthetic resin having apertures. The electrically conductive adhesive agent extends through the apertures of the sheet so as to fix the pyroelectric pellet to the electrically conductive supporting base.

Abstract: A device for generating an electric current having a discharge chamber capable of containing an ionizable medium which provides free charges in said chamber, a means for ionizing the medium and releasing free charges therein, an accelerating means located external to said chamber to prevent its neutralization by the free charges therein and capable of exerting an accelerating field in the chamber to accelerate the free charges, and a means for collecting the free charges in said chamber and discharging them through a load circuit to generate an electric current.

Abstract: A solar electric generator is provided wherein a plurality of propellers are mounted transversely to a shaft journaled on bearings in a housing. Each propeller includes a plurality of equiangularly spaced arms with each arm terminating in a vane member which is coated with a light absorbing medium. The housing is provided with a transparent window so that sunlight may fall on the coated side of the vanes as they rotate with the shaft mounted in the housing. The shaft is connected to a suitable electric generator such that rotation of the shaft is converted into electrical energy by the generator. A focusing system is provided to direct light along different paths to strike the absorbing surface of the vanes as they rotate about the shaft and a tracking mechanism is operative to track the sun both daily and seasonally.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiant energy converter which directs concentrated radiant energy in a first direction through or to a plane of limited area. An energy absorbing fluid is passed through the plane in the opposite direction so that the concentrated radiant energy is absorbed directly by the fluid. The converter may be used in connection with conventional collectors and concentrators to provide more efficient conversion of radiant energy. Also disclosed is a magnetohydrodynamic generator employing the converter of the invention.

Abstract: A thermally controlled servo system in which a member supporting the drive for a device to be accurately positioned is moved relative to a stationary support member in response to changes in temperature of an elongated, tensioned member. Changes in temperature of the tensioned member are achieved by regulating the current flow through the tensioned member in accordance with a control signal derived from an error signal generated by the device to be positioned.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for generating high density pulses of electrons thermionically. The apparatus includes a metallic target maintained within a low pressure cesium vapor atmosphere. A laser rapidly heats the cesiated target surface to a high temperature in a time short compared with the residence time of cesium atoms adsorbed on the target surface. This rapid surface heating in combination with the adsorbed cesium atoms emits copious quantities of electrons forming a high current density pulse.

Abstract: A heat-to-electricity converter, particularly adaptable for use by high-atude platforms such as aerostats and space stations, for changing heat energy of radiation from the earth to electric power during day and/or night. The converter includes an array of heat-collector sources and radiator heat sinks interconnected by thermoelectric n- and p- doped material elements. The array is fabricated on thin films of plastic and may be mounted on a high-altitude platform. The collectors absorb infrared (IR) heat from the earth and conduct the heat to the thermoelectric elements. The elements convert the heat to electricity. The absorbed heat less the heat converted to electricity is emitted to space by the radiator heat sinks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pyroelectric anemometer capable of providing an accurate indication of fluid flow rate. A pyroelectric substrate has a heater element located essentially transverse to the fluid flow direction. Sensor electrodes also transverse to the fluid flow direction are located upstream and downstream of the heater electrode. A fluctuating power supply is connected to the heater electrode which results in a fluctuating voltage at each sensor electrode. The amplitude of the fluctuations at the electrodes are compared and the difference in amplitude of fluctuations is indicative of the flow rate of fluid flowing thereover. Preferred embodiments utilize a differential amplifier to compare the fluctuating amplitudes and provides an output to a lock-in-amplifier which provides a fluid flow rate indicator output.

Abstract: A mechanism for tracking the sun and positioning a solar energy collector, photovoltaic cells being utilized to energize pairs of electric coils rotatably mounted within magnetic rings. When the sun's rays fall upon a bank of photovoltaic cells a pair of coils are energized, setting up electromotive forces in opposition to the force field of the magnetic ring, and rotating the coils and solar collector mounted thereto.

Abstract: A laser excited thermionic electric converter is disclosed wherein an externally located heat source causes electrons to be boiled off an electron emissive surface interiorly positioned on one end wall of an evacuated cylindrical chamber. A grid having a small negative potential traps the electron flow and the mass of electrons is then exposed to a laser pulse discharge and at the same time the potential on the grid is removed to permit a bolus of electrons to flow therethrough. The electron bolus is electrically focused and accelerated through the interior of an air core induction coil located within a transverse magnetic field, and subsequently is collected on the other end wall of the chamber functioning as a collecting plate. The EMF generated in the induction coil by action of the transiting electron bolus interacting with the transverse magnetic field is applied to an external circuit to perform work.

Abstract: An accelerometer includes a thermocouple circuit which comprises a movable member and a second member which abuts the movable member, wherein the abutting parts of the members include a cutting portion and wherein said parts are composed of dissimilar metals, for example steel and tungsten carbide, and recording means connected to the members for recording a thermoelectric signal generated when the cutting portion cuts the abutting part of the other member during acceleration.

Abstract: A thermionic electric converter is disclosed wherein an externally located heat source causes electrons to be boiled off an electron emissive surface interiorly positioned on one end wall of an evacuated cylindrical chamber. The electrons are electrically focused and accelerated through the interior of an air core induction coil located within a transverse magnetic field, and subsequently are collected on the other end wall of the chamber functioning as a collecting plate. The EMF generated in the induction coil by action of the transiting electron stream interacting with the transverse magnetic field is applied to an external circuit to perform work, thereby implementing a direct heat energy to electrical energy conversion.

Abstract: An electron current generator is disclosed which includes a non-electrical heat source, a heat pipe having its first end in thermal relationship with the heat source, and a second end projecting upwardly therefrom and constituting a thermionic emitter enclosed within a chamber containing an alkali metal vapor at a substantially reduced atmospheric pressure. A substantial portion of the chamber wall constitutes a thermionic collector which is cooled by an appropriate cooling means to enhance current generation. A body of liquid metal is disposed between the heat source and heat pipe as a thermal stabilizing agent while a solid state diode is arranged in a forward bias situation in the electrical output of the generator to stabilize the voltage thereby forming a constant voltage current generator.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a thermoelectric generator which converts heat directly from a heat source into electrical energy. This is done by applying an external electromotive force (emf) across a heated semiconductor to produce the drifting of electrons and thereby producing a current in the semiconductor which can be used in a load. Operation is possible at maximum power, maximum efficiency near unity, or at high combined power and efficiency. When used separately or in combination with a concentrating lens or combination of a heat absorber and heat exchanger there is provided a system for converting the sun's energy to electricity. When used in combination with a heat absorber and heat exchanger there is provided a system for converting fossil, nuclear, and geothermal heat energy to electricity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for converting heat to electricity wherein a non-porous dielectric barrier layer is placed on a conducting member, a cathode is placed on the barrier layer, a grommet is placed thereon and an anode is mounted on the grommet in spaced proximity with the barrier layer and the cathode to define a chamber. The anode and the cathode are electrically connected across a load by external circuit means. Gas is then admitted to the chamber and maintained at a desired pressure. DC voltage is then applied across the above electrodes and the conducting member to establish an electric field therebetween and heat is applied to the conducting member to cause current to flow in the external circuit.In another embodiment, porous dielectric material is placed in the cavity to enhance such current flow.

Abstract: An improved collector is provided for a thermionic energy converter. The collector comprises a p-type layer of a semiconductor material formed on an n-type layer of a semiconductor material. The p-n junction is maintained in a forward biased condition. The electron affinity of the exposed surface of the p-type layer is effectively lowered to a low level near zero by the presence of a work function lowering activator. The dissipation of energy during collection is reduced by the passage of electrons through the p-type layer in the metastable conduction band state. A significant portion of the electron current remains at the potential of the Fermi level of the n-type layer rather than dropping to the Fermi level of the p-type layer. Less energy is therefore dissipated as heat and a higher net power output is delivered from a thermionic energy converter incorporating the collector.

Abstract: A solar electric generator comprises a concentrator of the sun radiation consisting of a system of lenses which focalize the sun radiation into a vessel of which the bottom--that is the wall opposite to the radiation inlet--comprises a thermoionic stage, that is a high temperature electron emitter and a collector which are separated by a low pressure gaseous mixture. At thermal contact with the receiver of the thermoionic stage, a thermoelectric stage is provided, that is a plurality of couples of semiconductor material bars, one of the P type and the other of the N type. One of the ends of each couple is in contact with the collector of the thermoionic stage and the other end is in contact with a heat draining means for transferring the heat from the thermoelectric stage to the atmosphere.The electrical output from said two stages is taken out of the generator and suitably transformed to meet the user's requirement.

Abstract: A thermoelectric arrangement comprises a thermoelement built up of element limbs of strips, discs or rings formed from plates foils or layers, means for moving the strips discs or rings relative to each other and in touch contact at least at one print to form a bundle of alternate p/n and n/p thermoelectrical junctions and means, for enabling an electrical current to flow through the bundle perpendicular to the surface of the strips, discs or rings.

Abstract: A hydro-thermic energy converter capable to convert thermal energy contained in hot water in mechanical energy by utilizing the low Curie-temperature property of ferromagnetic alloys in a directional magnetic field alternation of the ferromagnetic property of said alloy such that a magnetic one-directional tractive force resolves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for use in converting heat to electrical energy and comprises a plurality of capacitors which have a temperature dependent capacitance. Heat is used to decrease the dielectric constant in the capacitors causing charge to expand from the capacitors into an associated circuit and do electrical work. The invention also includes reeds which are caused to vibrate by the flow of vapor carrying heat between stages. These reeds serve as thermal switches which pulse heat at the proper frequency and phase through a large number of stacked capacitors. The efficiency of the apparatus is optimized by operating the individual capacitors through cycles approximating Carnot cycles.