Patents by Inventor Joel C. Weber

Joel C. Weber 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).

  • Thermoelectric devices based on nanophononic metamaterials
    Patent number: 11588091
    Abstract: A nanophononic metamaterial-based thermoelectric energy conversion device and processes for fabricating a nanophononic metamaterial-based thermoelectric energy conversion device is provided. In one implementation, for example, a nanophononic metamaterial-based thermoelectric energy conversion device includes a first conductive pad, a second conductive pad, and a plurality of strip units. In one implementation, the first conductive pad is coupled to a first connection of the thermoelectric energy conversion device, and the second conductive pad is coupled to a second connection of the thermoelectric energy conversion device. The plurality of strip units are connected in series between the first and second conductive pads and provide a parallel heat transfer pathway. The strip units include a nanostructure design comprising a nanophononic metamaterial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignees: Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Commerce, The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Mahmoud Hussein, Kristine A. Bertness, Howard Branz, Joel C. Weber
  • THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES BASED ON NANOPHONONIC METAMATERIALS
    Publication number: 20200028049
    Abstract: A nanophononic metamaterial-based thermoelectric energy conversion device and processes for fabricating a nanophononic metamaterial-based thermoelectric energy conversion device is provided. In one implementation, for example, a nanophononic metamaterial-based thermoelectric energy conversion device includes a first conductive pad, a second conductive pad, and a plurality of strip units. In one implementation, the first conductive pad is coupled to a first connection of the thermoelectric energy conversion device, and the second conductive pad is coupled to a second connection of the thermoelectric energy conversion device. The plurality of strip units are connected in series between the first and second conductive pads and provide a parallel heat transfer pathway. The strip units include a nanostructure design comprising a nanophononic metamaterial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Mahmoud Hussein, Kristine A. Bertness, Howard Branz, Joel C. Weber
  • Controlled motion in a hydraulically actuated system
    Patent number: 8037807
    Abstract: A machine configured to prevent unintentional motion in a linkage pivotally connected to a frame may include a first hydraulic actuator connected to the linkage and a second hydraulic actuator connected to the linkage. The machine may include a sensor and an electronic control module in communication with the sensor. The electronic control module may be configured to close a valve of the first hydraulic cylinder and/or cancel an actuation command to one of the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator in response to the electronic control module determining unintentional motion of the linkage has occurred based on the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Merritt P. Callaghan, Justin P. Pahl, Brian W. Tracy, Joel C. Weber, Wayne E. Harshberger, Rajeev V. Kumar, Steven C. Budde
  • CONTROLLED MOTION IN A HYDRAULICALLY ACTUATED SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20080295679
    Abstract: A machine configured to prevent unintentional motion in a linkage pivotally connected to a frame may include a first hydraulic actuator connected to the linkage and a second hydraulic actuator connected to the linkage. The machine may include a sensor and an electronic control module in communication with the sensor. The electronic control module may be configured to close a valve of the first hydraulic cylinder and/or cancel an actuation command to one of the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator in response to the electronic control module determining unintentional motion of the linkage has occurred based on the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Merritt P. Callaghan, Justin P. Pahl, Brian W. Tracy, Joel C. Weber, Wayne E. Harshberger, Rajeev V. Kumar, Steven C. Budde