Patents by Inventor John Lofy

John Lofy 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).

  • Patent number: 10455728
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cooling system for an induction charger includes a thermal conditioning module in fluid communication with an induction charging assembly, which includes a dock and an induction charging module. The dock can be configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, that is configured to accept inductive charging from the induction charging module. The thermal conditioning module can include a fan or other fluid encouraging assembly, ducting, and a thermoelectric device (e.g., a Peltier device). A fluid, such as air, can flow from the fan and across and/or through the thermoelectric device, thereby conditioning the fluid. The conditioned fluid can be provided to the dock to at least partially offset the heat generated by the inductive charging and/or the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John Lofy, David Marquette
  • Publication number: 20190261535
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cooling system for an inductive charger includes a thermal conditioning assembly in fluid communication with an inductive charging assembly. The inductive charging assembly can include a dock and an inductive charging module. The dock can be configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, that is configured to accept inductive charging from the inductive charging module. The thermal conditioning assembly can include a fluid transfer device and a thermal conditioning module, such as a thermoelectric device. In various embodiments, heat (e.g., heat produced during inductive charging) can be transferred from the inductive charging assembly to the thermal conditioning module and/or to a fluid flow produced by the fluid transfer device, thereby cooling the inductive charging assembly and/or the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: John Lofy, David Marquette
  • Patent number: 10228166
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate controlled seating assembly includes a thermal module. The thermal module comprises at least one inlet channel, at least one outlet channel and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) positioned upstream of the outlet channel. In one embodiment, the seating assembly includes a sensor positioned within an interior of the thermal module and configured to detect the presence of a liquid, such as water, condensation or other fluids, on or near said sensor. In certain arrangements, the sensor is configured to detect the presence of a liquid by measuring an electrical resistance or capacitance across a portion of the sensor. A climate control system can include a separator gasket located within a housing of a fluid module and at least partially between the cold passage and the hot passage. In some embodiments, the separator gasket comprises one or more wicking materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventor: John Lofy
  • Patent number: 10219407
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cooling system for an inductive charger includes a thermal conditioning assembly in fluid communication with an inductive charging assembly. The inductive charging assembly can include a dock and an inductive charging module. The dock can be configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, that is configured to accept inductive charging from the inductive charging module. The thermal conditioning assembly can include a fluid transfer device and a thermal conditioning module, such as a thermoelectric device. In various embodiments, heat (e.g., heat produced during inductive charging) can be transferred from the inductive charging assembly to the thermal conditioning module and/or to a fluid flow produced by the fluid transfer device, thereby cooling the inductive charging assembly and/or the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John Lofy, David Marquette
  • Publication number: 20180199464
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cooling system for an induction charger includes a thermal conditioning module in fluid communication with an induction charging assembly, which includes a dock and an induction charging module. The dock can be configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, that is configured to accept inductive charging from the induction charging module. The thermal conditioning module can include a fan or other fluid encouraging assembly, ducting, and a thermoelectric device (e.g., a Peltier device). A fluid, such as air, can flow from the fan and across and/or through the thermoelectric device, thereby conditioning the fluid. The conditioned fluid can be provided to the dock to at least partially offset the heat generated by the inductive charging and/or the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: John Lofy, David Marquette
  • Patent number: 9861006
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cooling system for an induction charger includes a thermal conditioning module in fluid communication with an induction charging assembly, which includes a dock and an induction charging module. The dock can be configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, that is configured to accept inductive charging from the induction charging module. The thermal conditioning module can include a fan or other fluid encouraging assembly, ducting, and a thermoelectric device (e.g., a Peltier device). A fluid, such as air, can flow from the fan and across and/or through the thermoelectric device, thereby conditioning the fluid. The conditioned fluid can be provided to the dock to at least partially offset the heat generated by the inductive charging and/or the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John Lofy, David Marquette
  • Publication number: 20170328612
    Abstract: A cooling system comprises a container that is conductively coupled or convectively coupled to a thermoelectric device to selectively cool and/or heat the container. A climate controlled container system for a vehicle includes a container or cavity and a conduction element configured to cool the cavity. In some embodiments, the cooling system comprises a housing, a housing inlet, a fluid passage and one or more thermoelectric devices and fluid transfer devices positioned within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventor: John Lofy
  • Publication number: 20170164515
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cooling system for an induction charger includes a thermal conditioning module in fluid communication with an induction charging assembly, which includes a dock and an induction charging module. The dock can be configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, that is configured to accept inductive charging from the induction charging module. The thermal conditioning module can include a fan or other fluid encouraging assembly, ducting, and a thermoelectric device (e.g., a Peltier device). A fluid, such as air, can flow from the fan and across and/or through the thermoelectric device, thereby conditioning the fluid. The conditioned fluid can be provided to the dock to at least partially offset the heat generated by the inductive charging and/or the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: John Lofy, David Marquette
  • Patent number: 9451723
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cooling system for an inductive charger includes a thermal conditioning assembly in fluid communication with an inductive charging assembly. The inductive charging assembly can include a dock and an inductive charging module. The dock can be configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, that is configured to accept inductive charging from the inductive charging module. The thermal conditioning assembly can include a fluid transfer device and a thermal conditioning module, such as a thermoelectric device. In various embodiments, heat (e.g., heat produced during inductive charging) can be transferred from the inductive charging assembly to the thermal conditioning module and/or to a fluid flow produced by the fluid transfer device, thereby cooling the inductive charging assembly and/or the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventors: John Lofy, David Marquette
  • Patent number: 9445524
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cooling system for an induction charger includes a thermal conditioning module in fluid communication with an induction charging assembly, which includes a dock and an induction charging module. The dock can be configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, that is configured to accept inductive charging from the induction charging module. The thermal conditioning module can include a fan or other fluid encouraging assembly, ducting, and a thermoelectric device (e.g., a Peltier device). A fluid, such as air, can flow from the fan and across and/or through the thermoelectric device, thereby conditioning the fluid. The conditioned fluid can be provided to the dock to at least partially offset the heat generated by the inductive charging and/or the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventors: John Lofy, David Marquette
  • Patent number: 9335073
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate controlled seating assembly includes a thermal module. The thermal module comprises at least one inlet channel, at least one outlet channel and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) positioned upstream of the outlet channel. In one embodiment, the seating assembly includes a sensor positioned within an interior of the thermal module and configured to detect the presence of a liquid, such as water, relative humidity, condensation or other fluids, on or near said sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventor: John Lofy
  • Publication number: 20160030234
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a thermal conditioning system for selectively cooling skin of a subject comprises at least one thermal conditioning device comprising a first side and second side, the second side being generally opposite of the first side. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a heat sink positioned along the second side of the at least one thermal conditioning device, wherein the first side of the at least one thermal conditioning device is configured to be placed in contact with or in close proximity to a skin surface of the subject to selectively cool or heat the skin surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: John Lofy, David Marquette
  • Patent number: 9121414
    Abstract: A blower configured to be positioned in confined spaces and to provide ventilation of a fluid, such as temperature controlled air, is disclosed. In various embodiments, the blower is configured to have a reduced axial thickness, which can be desired in such confined spaces. In some embodiments, the blower has an integral filter, a wire channel for the routing of one or more wires, and/or an exposed backplate. In some embodiments, the blower has a snap-fit circuit board, containment system for mounting the motor, one or more vanes for directing fluid flow, shrouded impeller, and/or integrated connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: John Lofy, Ryan Walsh
  • Patent number: 9105809
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a thermoelectric system includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements forming a thermoelectric array, the thermoelectric elements having a cooling side and a heating side. The system further includes at least one heat exchanger on at least one of the cooling side and the heating side, the heat exchanger being in thermal communication with at least some of the thermoelectric elements. In addition, the system includes a substrate generally positioned between the thermoelectric elements and the heat exchange element. The substrate comprises an electrical isolation layer, a support element configured to receive the heat exchanger and a plurality of interconnecting tabs configured to place adjacent thermoelectric elements in electrical communication with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventor: John Lofy
  • Publication number: 20140260331
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a thermal conditioning system for selectively cooling skin of a subject comprises at least one thermal conditioning device comprising a first side and second side, the second side being generally opposite of the first side. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a heat sink positioned along the second side of the at least one thermal conditioning device, wherein the first side of the at least one thermal conditioning device is configured to be placed in contact with or in close proximity to a skin surface of the subject to selectively cool or heat the skin surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventors: John Lofy, David Marquette
  • Publication number: 20140250918
    Abstract: A cooling system comprises a container that is conductively coupled or convectively coupled to a thermoelectric device to selectively cool and/or heat the container. A climate controlled container system for a vehicle includes a container or cavity and a conduction element configured to cool the cavity. In some embodiments, the cooling system comprises a housing, a housing inlet, a fluid passage and one or more thermoelectric devices and fluid transfer devices positioned within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventor: John Lofy
  • Publication number: 20140130516
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate controlled seating assembly includes a thermal module. The thermal module comprises at least one inlet channel, at least one outlet channel and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) positioned upstream of the outlet channel. In one embodiment, the seating assembly includes a sensor positioned within an interior of the thermal module and configured to detect the presence of a liquid, such as water, relative humidity, condensation or other fluids, on or near said sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventor: John Lofy
  • Publication number: 20140062392
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cooling system for an inductive charger includes a thermal conditioning assembly in fluid communication with an inductive charging assembly. The inductive charging assembly can include a dock and an inductive charging module. The dock can be configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, that is configured to accept inductive charging from the inductive charging module. The thermal conditioning assembly can include a fluid transfer device and a thermal conditioning module, such as a thermoelectric device. In various embodiments, heat (e.g., heat produced during inductive charging) can be transferred from the inductive charging assembly to the thermal conditioning module and/or to a fluid flow produced by the fluid transfer device, thereby cooling the inductive charging assembly and/or the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventors: John Lofy, David Marquette
  • Publication number: 20140007594
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a cooling system for an induction charger includes a thermal conditioning module in fluid communication with an induction charging assembly, which includes a dock and an induction charging module. The dock can be configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, that is configured to accept inductive charging from the induction charging module. The thermal conditioning module can include a fan or other fluid encouraging assembly, ducting, and a thermoelectric device (e.g., a Peltier device). A fluid, such as air, can flow from the fan and across and/or through the thermoelectric device, thereby conditioning the fluid. The conditioned fluid can be provided to the dock to at least partially offset the heat generated by the inductive charging and/or the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: John Lofy, David Marquette
  • Publication number: 20130239592
    Abstract: A cooling system comprises a container that is conductively coupled or convectively coupled to a thermoelectric device to selectively cool and/or heat the container. A climate controlled container system for a vehicle includes a container or cavity and a conduction element configured to cool the cavity. In some embodiments, the cooling system comprises a housing, a housing inlet, a fluid passage and one or more thermoelectric devices and fluid transfer devices positioned within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventor: John Lofy