Patents by Inventor G. Snyder

G. Snyder has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • HIGH EFFICIENCY THERMOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION USING ZINTL-TYPE MATERIALS
    Publication number: 20070095382
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to thermoelectrically-active p-type Zintl phase materials as well as devices utilizing such compounds. Such thermoelectric materials and devices may be used to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, or use electrical energy to produce heat or refrigeration. Embodiments of the invention relate to p-type thermoelectric materials related to the compound Yb14MnSb11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, The Regents of University of California
    Inventors: G. Snyder, Frank Gascoin, Shawna Brown, Susan Kauzlarich
  • System and method for fabrication of high-efficiency durable thermoelectric devices
    Publication number: 20060157101
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a durable high-efficiency thermoelectric device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermoelectric device formed with a novel thermoelectric material and system which incorporates a vaporizable scaffolding to create microscopic gaps between the thermoelectric elements which are filled with a high-density, shrink-resistant aerogel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Inventors: Jeff Sakamoto, G. Snyder, Thierry Calliat, Jean-Pierre Fleurial, Steven Jones, Jong-Ah Palk
  • System and method for suppressing sublimation using opacified aerogel
    Publication number: 20060090475
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a castable, aerogel-based, ultra-low thermal conductivity opacified insulation to suppress sublimation. More specifically, the present invention relates to an aerogel opacified with various opacifying or reflecting constituents to suppress sublimation and provide thermal insulation in thermoelectric modules. The opacifying constituent can be graded within the aerogel for increased sublimation suppression, and the density of the aerogel can similarly be graded to achieve optimal thermal insulation and sublimation suppression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Jeff Sakamoto, G. Snyder, Thierry Calliat, Jean-Pierre Fleurial, Steven Jones, Jong-Ah Palk