Abstract: The invention is directed to a composite article suitable for use in thermoelectric generators. The article comprises a thin film comprising molybdenum oxide as an electrode deposited by physical deposition techniques onto solid electrolyte. The invention is also directed to the method of making same.

Abstract: An electrode having higher power output is formed of a thin, porous film (less than 1 micrometer) applied to a beta-alumina solid electrolyte (BASE). The electrode includes an open grid, current collector such as a series of thin, parallel, grid lines applied to the thin film and a plurality of cross-members such as loop of metal wire surrounding the BASE tube. The loops are electrically connected by a bus wire. The overall impedance of the electrode considering both the contributions from the bulk BASE and the porous electrode BASE interface is low, about 0.5 OHM/cm.sup.2 and power densities of over 0.3 watt/cm.sup.2 for extended periods.

Abstract: A composition for use in the preparation of a bone-scanning agent comprises a mixture of a bis-phosphonic acid of formula (I), wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 may be the same or different group selected from H, --SO.sub.3 H and a lower aliphatic group which may optionally contain one or more hetero atoms and which contains at least one --SO.sub.3 H group; R.sup.2 is a group selected from H, --OH, --NH.sub.2, --NHMe, --NMe.sub.2 and lower alkyl optionally substituted by one or more polar groups; R.sup.4 is a group selected from H, --OH, --NH.sub.2 --NHMe, --NMe.sub.2, --SO.sub.3 H and a lower alkyl optionally substituted by one or more polar groups; and n is 0 or 1; with the proviso that when n is 0, R.sup.1 is not H and that when n is 1, R.sup.1 and R.sup.3 cannot both be H; or a non-toxic salt thereof, together with a reducing agent for pertechnetate ions. Technetium-99m, as an aqueous solution of pertechnetate ions, is added to the composition to form a complex of Tc-99m, and the bisphosphonate.

Abstract: The invention provides a power storage battery (10) comprising a multiplicity of interconnected identical electrochemical power storage cells (11) whose internal resistance varies with their temperature. The cells are interconnected into a plurality of groups (16, 18, 31) with each group comprising a plurality of the cells, at least some of which are connected in series. The groups are connected in parallel and the battery in use has a temperature profile whereby at least some of its cells are at different temperatures from one another. The cells of each group are located and interconnected so that, in use, each group has substantially the same internal resistance as any other group.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for utilizing energy, in which the apparatus may be used for generating electricity or as a heat pump. When used as an electrical generator, two gas concentration cells are connected in a closed gas circuit. The first gas concentration cell is heated and generates electricity. The second gas concentration cell repressurizes the gas which travels between the cells. The electrical energy which is generated by the first cell drives the second cell as well as an electrical load. When used as a heat pump, two gas concentration cells are connected in a closed gas circuit. The first cell is supplied with electrical energy from a direct current source and releases heat. The second cell absorbs heat. The apparatus has no moving parts and thus approximates a heat engine.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator device which converts heat energy to electrical energy. An alkali metal is used with a solid electrolyte and a portion of the return line for the alkali metal is located within the generator vacuum space.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator device which converts heat energy to electrical energy. An alkali metal is used with a solid electrolyte and a hermetically sealed feedthrough structure.

Abstract: The efficiency of thermal galvanic cells is enhanced by establishing a temperature gradient along the electrodes, in addition to the temperature gradient between the electrodes, and/or by optimizing electrode geometry. Optimization of electrode geometry may comprise segmenting the electrodes while retaining the desired total electrode area or controlling the depth of immersion of the electrodes into the electrolyte. Further performance improvement may be obtained through the addition of a silica containing material and/or a thermal barrier to the electrolyte.

Abstract: The efficiency of thermal galvanic cells is enhanced by establishing a temperature gradient along the electrodes, in addition to the temperature gradient between the electrodes, and/or by optimizing electrode geometry. Optimization of electrode geometry may comprise segmenting the electrodes while retaining the desired total electrode area or controlling the depth of immersion of the electrodes into the electrolyte. Further performance improvement may be obtained through the addition of a silica containing material and/or a thermal barrier to the electrolyte.

Abstract: A thermoelectric energy system comprising first and second separated metal electrodes, an electrolyte comprising a source of metal ions and a material for complexing the metal ions to form a metal ion complex, the electrolyte being disposed between and in contact with the electrodes to provide a metal ion conduction path which extends substantially the entire distance between the electrodes. A temperature gradient is imposed between the electrodes to produce a voltage across the electrodes. An electric circuit is connected to the electrodes to allow for removal of electrical energy from the system.

Abstract: A new class of porous electrodes deposited on solid electrolyte for use in thermoelectric generator devices as the sodium heat engine. The electrode configuration has an openness that provides especially high electrode efficiency.

Abstract: Thermoelectric generator devices and methods using, for example, alkali metal as a working fluid are disclosed. In operation, elemental alkali metal is ionized on the inside of an electrolyte tube to alkali metal cations, reconverted outside the tube to elemental alkali metal at a porous electrode, vaporized into a furnace zone in vapor communication with the porous electrode, discharged hydrodynamically from the furnace zone to a cooling zone, and collected as a liquid for return to the inside of the electrolyte tube. Essentially isothermal series electrical connection within the devices provides a means for reduction of heat conduction losses.

Abstract: An improved thermoelectric generator of the type having (1) enclosure means for a first reaction zone; (2) enclosure means for a second reaction zone; (3) a reaction zone separator which (a) separates and essentially completes enclosure of the two reaction zones and (b) comprises a cationically-conductive, solid electrolyte that is essentially impermeable to elemental alkali metal and compounds thereof and ionically conductive with respect to cations of the alkali metal; (4) alkali metal within the first reaction zone and in fluid communication with the solid electrolyte; (5) an electrode within the second reaction zone in electrical contact with the solid electrolyte and sufficiently porous to permit alkali metal vapor to pass therethrough; (6) conduction means for electron flow between the alkali metal within the first reaction zone and the electrode; (7) inlet means for introducing the alkali metal into the first reaction zone; and (8) temperature control means adapted to maintain a temperature in the firs