The invention relates to a remote switch (1) comprising a first wireless interface (2) for sending out switch commands. The remote switch (1) has a second wireless interface (3) arranged separate from the first wireless interface (2). The second wireless interface (3) is configured for the wireless transmission of information (19) between the remote switch (1) and an external device (12). The invention also relates to a method for communication between a remote switch (1) and an external device (12). The method involves creating a communication link between a wireless interface (3) of the remote switch (1) and a wireless interface (14) of the external device (12), as well as transmitting information (19) between the remote switch (1) and the external device (12) by means of the established communication link. This allows for simple configuration or maintenance of the remote switch (1) by means of the external device (12) according to the exchanged information (19).

A remote control device includes: a housing; a central processor arranged in the housing and configured to control operations of the remote control device; a thermoelectric generator arranged in the housing and coupled to the central processor; a button module arranged in the housing and coupled to the central processor and the thermoelectric generator; and a communication module coupled to the central processor and the thermoelectric generator, wherein: the thermoelectric generator includes an electricity generator having two metal sheets made of different materials, the two metal sheets being connected to each other at two connection points and forming a closed loop circuit via the two connection points, and the electricity generator is configured to generate a thermoelectromotive force based on a temperature difference between the two connection points, and power the central processor, the button module, and the communication module using the thermoelectromotive force.

A remote sensor including a first wireless interface for sending out data. The remote sensor has a second wireless interface arranged separate from the first wireless interface. The second wireless interface is configured for the wireless transmission of information between the remote sensor and an external device. The invention also relates to a method for communication between a remote sensor and an external device. The method involves creating a communication link between a wireless interface of the remote sensor and a wireless interface of the external device, as well as transmitting information between the remote sensor and the external device by the established communication link. This allows for simple configuration or maintenance of the remote sensor by the external device according to the exchanged information.

A TEG system is attached to a rotating shaft and generates electricity from radiant energy that is substantially radiatively transmitted through the atmosphere from a stationary source to the TEG system that is rotating with the shaft. The rotation of the shaft provides cooling to the TEG system, but not heat energy. The TEG system includes at least one TEG, each TEG equipped with an energy receiving and heat containment window and an energy conversion system in combination with controlled convection cooling enhanced by an airflow moving in response to the rotation of the rotating shaft. Individual TEGs having controlled convection cooling also are described.

A method is provided that integrates a unique set of structural features for concealing self-powered sensor and communication devices in aesthetically neutral, or camouflaged, packages that include energy harvesting systems that provide autonomous electrical power to sensors, data processing and wireless communication components in the portable, self-contained packages. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below. The layers uniquely implement optical light scattering techniques to make the layers appear opaque when observed from a light incident side, while allowing at least 50%, and as much as 80+%, of the energy impinging on the energy or incident side to pass through the layer.

Wirelessly powered dielectric sensor in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In many embodiments, a wirelessly powered dielectric sensor includes an RF-power receiving antenna that receives electromagnetic power, a power management unit (PMU) including a capacitor to rectify and store the electromagnetic power, and a dielectric constant sensing sensor, where the PMU monitors harvested energy and operates the dielectric sensing sensor; and where the dielectric sensing sensor senses a dielectric constant of a material that is in close proximity.

A method is provided that integrated a unique set of structural features for concealing self-powered sensor and communication devices in aesthetically neutral, or camouflaged, packages that include energy harvesting systems that provide autonomous electrical power to sensors, data processing and wireless communication components in the portable, self-contained packages. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below. The layers uniquely implement optical light scattering techniques to make the layers appear opaque when observed from a light incident side, while allowing at least 50% and as much as 80+%, of the energy impinging on the energy or incident side to pass through the layer.

A TEG system is attached to a rotating shaft and generates electricity from radiant energy that is substantially radiatively transmitted through the atmosphere from a stationary source to the TEG system that is rotating with the shaft. The rotation of the shaft provides cooling to the TEG system, but not heat energy. The TEG system includes at least one TEG, each TEG equipped with an energy receiving and heat containment window and an energy conversion system in combination with controlled convection cooling enhanced by an airflow moving in response to the rotation of the rotating shaft. Individual TEGs having controlled convection cooling also are described.

A TEG system is attached to a rotating shaft and generates electricity from radiant energy that is substantially radiatively transmitted through the atmosphere from a stationary source to the TEG system that is rotating with the shaft. The rotation of the shaft provides cooling to the TEG system, but not heat energy. The TEG system includes at least one TEG, each TEG equipped with an energy receiving and heat containment window and an energy conversion system in combination with controlled convection cooling enhanced by an airflow moving in response to the rotation of the rotating shaft. Individual TEGs having controlled convection cooling also are described.

A method is provided that integrated a unique set of structural features for concealing self-powered sensor and communication devices in aesthetically neutral, or camouflaged, packages that include energy harvesting systems that provide autonomous electrical power to sensors, data processing and wireless communication components in the portable, self-contained packages. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below. The layers uniquely implement optical light scattering techniques to make the layers appear opaque when observed from a light incident side, while allowing at least 50% and as much as 80+%, of the energy impinging on the energy or incident side to pass through the layer.