Patents Assigned to BSST LLC
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Publication number: 20080230618Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling the climate of a hybrid vehicle. The system includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger, a pump, and a valve. The thermoelectric module includes thermoelectric elements powered by electric energy. The thermoelectric elements emit or absorb heat energy based on the polarity of the electrical energy provided. A tube containing coolant runs proximate the thermoelectric elements. To aid in the transfer of heat energy, a blower is provided to generate an air flow across the thermoelectric elements and the tube. The coolant is provided from the thermoelectric module to a heat exchanger that heats or cools the air flow provided to the cabin of the vehicle. The pump and valve are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and thermoelectric module. The pump pressurizes the coolant flow through the tube and coolant lines. In a cooling mode, the valve is configured to selectively bypass the engine coolant system of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: BSST LLCInventor: Peter R. Gawthrop
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Patent number: 7426835Abstract: A personal environment appliance is disclosed in which a person in a work area can individually control the ambient conditions of that persons localized work space environment. The control permits highly localized adjustment to suit individual preferences, thereby, reducing the impact of individual environmental preferences on the individuals. In addition to environment conditions, a variety of accessories may be provided such as beverage heaters and/or coolers.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: BSST, LLCInventors: Lon E. Bell, Robert W. Diller
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Patent number: 7421845Abstract: An improved efficiency thermoelectric system is disclosed wherein convection is actively facilitated through a thermoelectric array. Thermoelectrics are commonly used for cooling and heating applications. Thermal power is convected through a thermoelectric array toward at least one side of the thermoelectric array, which leads to increased efficiency. Several different configurations are disclosed to provide convective thermal power transport, using a convective medium. In addition, a control system is disclosed which responds to one or more inputs to make adjustments to the thermoelectric system.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Lon E. Bell
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Patent number: 7380586Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling the climate of a hybrid vehicle. The system includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger, a pump, and a valve. The thermoelectric module includes thermoelectric elements powered by electric energy. The thermoelectric elements emit or absorb heat energy based on the polarity of the electrical energy provided. A tube containing coolant runs proximate the thermoelectric elements. To aid in the transfer of heat energy, a blower is provided to generate an air flow across the thermoelectric elements and the tube. The coolant is provided from the thermoelectric module to a heat exchanger that heats or cools the air flow provided to the cabin of the vehicle. The pump and valve are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and thermoelectric module. The pump pressurizes the coolant flow through the tube and coolant lines. In a cooling mode, the valve is configured to selectively bypass the engine coolant system of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Peter R. Gawthrop
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Patent number: 7273981Abstract: Representative configurations for improved thermoelectric power generation systems to improve and increase thermal efficiency are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: BSST, LLC.Inventor: Lon E. Bell
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Patent number: 7231772Abstract: A number of compact, high-efficiency thermoelectric system utilizing the advantages of thermal isolation in the direction of a working medium flow or movement, in manufacturable systems, are described. Such configurations exhibit high system efficiency and power density. Several different embodiments and applications are disclosed utilizing a plurality of thermoelectric modules or thermoelectric elements sandwiched between heat exchangers.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: BSST LLC.Inventor: Lon E. Bell
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Patent number: 7111465Abstract: An improved efficiency thermoelectric system and method of making such a thermoelectric system are disclosed. Significant thermal isolation between thermoelectric elements in at least one direction across a thermoelectric system provides increased efficiency over conventional thermoelectric arrays. Significant thermal isolation is also provided for at least one heat exchanger coupled to the thermoelectric elements. In one embodiment, the properties, such as resistance or current flow, of the thermoelectric elements may also be varied in at least one direction across a thermoelectric array. In addition, the mechanical configuration of the thermoelectric elements may be varied, in one embodiment, according to dynamic adjustment criteria.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Lon E. Bell
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Patent number: 6959555Abstract: A number of compact, high-efficiency and high-power density thermoelectric systems utilizing the advantages of thermal isolation are described. Such configurations exhibit high system efficiency and power density. Some configurations exhibit a substantial reduction in the amount of thermoelectric material required.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Lon E. Bell
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Patent number: 6948321Abstract: An improved efficiency thermoelectric system is disclosed wherein convection is actively facilitated through a thermoelectric array. Thermoelectrics are commonly used for cooling and heating applications. Thermal power is convected through a thermoelectric array toward at least one side of the thermoelectric array, which leads to increased efficiency. Several different configurations are disclosed to provide convective thermal power transport, using a convective medium. In addition, a control system is disclosed which responds to one or more inputs to make adjustments to the thermoelectric system.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Lon E. Bell
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Patent number: 6812395Abstract: Improved thermoelectric assemblies are disclosed, wherein layers of heterostructure thermoelectric materials or thin layers of thermoelectric material form thermoelectric elements. The layers are bound together with agents that improve structural strengths, allow electrical current to pass in a preferred direction, and minimize or reduce adverse affects, such a shear stresses, that might occur to the thermoelectric properties and materials of the assembly by their inclusion.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Lon E. Bell
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Patent number: 6672076Abstract: An improved efficiency thermoelectric system is disclosed wherein convection is actively facilitated through a thermoelectric array. Thermoelectrics are commonly used for cooling and heating applications. Thermal power is convected through a thermoelectric array toward at least one side of the thermoelectric array, which leads to increased efficiency. Several different configurations are disclosed to provide convective thermal power transport, using a convective medium. In addition, a control system is disclosed which responds to one or more inputs to make adjustments to the thermoelectric system.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Lon E. Bell
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Patent number: 6637210Abstract: An improved efficiency thermoelectric system operates the thermoelectric elements in the system in a non-steady state manner. The thermoelectric elements are powered for predefined periods of time to obtain increased efficiency. This benefit can be improved by also altering the resistance of the thermoelectric elements during the power-on period such that resistive heating is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Lon E. Bell
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Patent number: 6625990Abstract: An improved thermoelectric power generation system utilizes rotary thermoelectric configurations to improve and increase thermal power throughput. These systems are further enhanced by the use of hetrostructure thermoelectric materials, very thin plated materials, and deposited thermoelectric materials, which operate at substantially higher power densities than typical of the previous bulk materials. Several configurations are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Lon E. Bell
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Patent number: 6598405Abstract: An improved efficiency thermoelectric power generation system is disclosed wherein convection is actively facilitated through a thermoelectric array, and the thermoelectric array is used to generate electrical power. Thermal power is convected through the thermoelectric array or arrays toward at least one side of the thermoelectric array, which leads to increased efficiency. Thermal power is applied to the array, creating a temperature gradient across the array. The thermoelectric system may also be combined with other power generation systems, forming a co-generation system.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Lon E. Bell
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Patent number: 6539725Abstract: An improved efficiency thermoelectric system and method of making such a thermoelectric system are disclosed. Significant thermal isolation between thermoelectric elements in at least one direction across a thermoelectric system provides increased efficiency over conventional thermoelectric arrays. Significant thermal isolation is also provided for at least one heat exchanger coupled to the thermoelectric elements. In one embodiment, the properties, such as resistance or current flow, of the thermoelectric elements may also be varied in at least one direction across a thermoelectric array. In addition, the mechanical configuration of the thermoelectric elements may be varied, in one embodiment, according to dynamic adjustment criteria.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Lon E. Bell