Patents by Inventor Lon Bell
Lon Bell 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).
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Patent number: 11913687Abstract: Thermoelectric enhanced hybrid heat pump systems are provided herein. A compressor increases the pressure of refrigerant within tubing. A first heat exchanger is downstream of the compressor and changes enthalpy of first fluid flow through heat exchange with refrigerant. A second heat exchanger changes enthalpy of second fluid flow through heat exchange with refrigerant. A thermoelectric device is downstream of the first heat exchanger and reduces refrigerant temperature. Expansion valves are downstream of the thermoelectric device and first heat exchanger, respectively located on first and second sides of the thermoelectric device, and expand refrigerant and reduce refrigerant pressure while conserving refrigerant enthalpy. At least one valve reverses refrigerant flow within the tubing without changing compressor operation. A control system controls the thermoelectric device and at least one valve to switch the heat pump system from heating mode to cooling mode and from cooling mode to heating mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: DTP THERMOELECTRICS LLCInventors: Douglas Crane, Lon Bell
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Patent number: 11903318Abstract: Provided herein is a thermoelectric element that includes a cold end, a hot end, and a p-type or n-type material having a length between the hot end and the cold end. The p-type or n-type material has an intrinsic Seebeck coefficient (S), an electrical resistivity (?), and a thermal conductivity (?). Each of two or more of S, ?, and ? generally increases along the length from the cold end to the hot end. The thermoelectric element may be provided in single-stage thermoelectric devices providing enhanced maximum temperature differences. The single-stage thermoelectric devices maybe combined with one another to provide multi-stage thermoelectric devices with even further enhanced maximum temperature differences.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: DTP Thermoelectrics LLCInventors: Lon Bell, Douglas Crane
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Publication number: 20240003598Abstract: Temperature controlled systems include at least one temperature controlled chamber or package for accommodating temperature-sensitive content. The system includes at least one solid state heat pump in thermal communication with the temperature controlled chamber or package. The system may include a thermal energy storage system in thermal communication with the solid state heat pump, an electrical energy source or an electrical storage system for providing electrical power to the at least one solid state heat pump, an electrical control/energy management system, and/or an input/output feature. The system maintains the temperature controlled chamber at a control temperature, and/or maintains different chambers at different control temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2021Publication date: January 4, 2024Applicant: DTP Thermoelectrics LLCInventors: Lon Bell, Douglas Crane
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Publication number: 20230120260Abstract: Provided herein is a thermoelectric element that includes a cold end, a hot end, and a p-type or n-type material having a length between the hot end and the cold end. The p-type or n-type material has an intrinsic Seebeck coefficient (S), an electrical resistivity (?), and a thermal conductivity (?). Each of two or more of S, ?, and ? generally increases along the length from the cold end to the hot end. The thermoelectric element may be provided in single-stage thermoelectric devices providing enhanced maximum temperature differences. The single-stage thermoelectric devices maybe combined with one another to provide multi-stage thermoelectric devices with even further enhanced maximum temperature differences.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Applicant: DTP Thermoelectrics LLCInventors: Lon Bell, Douglas Crane
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Publication number: 20230113018Abstract: Thermoelectric enhanced hybrid heat pump systems are provided herein. A compressor increases the pressure of refrigerant within tubing. A first heat exchanger is downstream of the compressor and changes enthalpy of first fluid flow through heat exchange with refrigerant. A second heat exchanger changes enthalpy of second fluid flow through heat exchange with refrigerant. A thermoelectric device is downstream of the first heat exchanger and reduces refrigerant temperature. Expansion valves are downstream of the thermoelectric device and first heat exchanger, respectively located on first and second sides of the thermoelectric device, and expand refrigerant and reduce refrigerant pressure while conserving refrigerant enthalpy. At least one valve reverses refrigerant flow within the tubing without changing compressor operation. A control system controls the thermoelectric device and at least one valve to switch the heat pump system from heating mode to cooling mode and from cooling mode to heating mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2022Publication date: April 13, 2023Applicant: DTP Thermoelectrics LLCInventors: Douglas Crane, Lon Bell
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Patent number: 11581467Abstract: Provided herein is a thermoelectric element that includes a cold end, a hot end, and a p-type or n-type material having a length between the hot end and the cold end. The p-type or n-type material has an intrinsic Seebeck coefficient (S), an electrical resistivity (?), and a thermal conductivity (?). Each of two or more of S, ?, and ? generally increases along the length from the cold end to the hot end. The thermoelectric element may be provided in single-stage thermoelectric devices providing enhanced maximum temperature differences. The single-stage thermoelectric devices maybe combined with one another to provide multi-stage thermoelectric devices with even further enhanced maximum temperature differences.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2021Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: DTP ThermoelectricsInventors: Lon Bell, Douglas Crane
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Patent number: 11421919Abstract: Thermoelectric systems employing distributed transport properties to increase cooling and heating performance are provided herein. In some examples, a thermoelectric heat pump is provided that includes a distributed transport properties (DTP) thermoelectric (TE) couple including at least one DTP TE element. The at least one DTP TE element includes a TE material with a Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, or electrical resistance varying within said DTP TE element such that when that DTP TE element is subjected to a fixed temperature differential and no current is flowing in a primary direction that produces heat pumping action, at least at one position within that DTP TE element there is a current that in steady state operation produces a lower temperature than the temperature at that position when no current is flowing.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2021Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: DTP Thermoelectrics LLCInventors: Lon Bell, Douglas Crane
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Publication number: 20210376217Abstract: Provided herein is a thermoelectric element that includes a cold end, a hot end, and a p-type or n-type material having a length between the hot end and the cold end. The p-type or n-type material has an intrinsic Seebeck coefficient (S), an electrical resistivity (?), and a thermal conductivity (?). Each of two or more of S, ?, and ? generally increases along the length from the cold end to the hot end. The thermoelectric element may be provided in single-stage thermoelectric devices providing enhanced maximum temperature differences. The single-stage thermoelectric devices maybe combined with one another to provide multi-stage thermoelectric devices with even further enhanced maximum temperature differences.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Applicant: DTP Thermoelectrics LLCInventors: Lon Bell, Douglas Crane
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Publication number: 20210302075Abstract: Thermoelectric systems employing distributed transport properties to increase cooling and heating performance are provided herein. In some examples, a thermoelectric heat pump is provided that includes a distributed transport properties (DTP) thermoelectric (TE) couple including at least one DTP TE element. The at least one DTP TE element includes a TE material with a Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, or electrical resistance varying within said DTP TE element such that when that DTP TE element is subjected to a fixed temperature differential and no current is flowing in a primary direction that produces heat pumping action, at least at one position within that DTP TE element there is a current that in steady state operation produces a lower temperature than the temperature at that position when no current is flowing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Applicant: DTP Thermoelectrics LLCInventors: Lon Bell, Douglas Crane
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Publication number: 20080035195Abstract: Representative configurations for improved thermoelectric power generation systems to improve and increase thermal efficiency are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventor: Lon Bell
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Publication number: 20070033951Abstract: A heating and cooling system including a first and second thermoelectric module each has a first surface and a second surface. In thermal communication with the first and second surfaces of the thermoelectric modules are separate heat exchangers. A thermal storage device is in thermal communication with the first surface of the second thermoelectric module. The thermal storage device is configured to store thermal energy generated by the second surface of the second thermoelectric module.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2005Publication date: February 15, 2007Inventors: Lakhi Goenka, Douglas Crane, Lon Bell
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Publication number: 20070017666Abstract: A system for optimizing electrical power management in a vehicle. The system includes a HVAC device and a thermal storage device, both configured to provide heating and cooling to an occupant compartment of the vehicle. The system further includes a controller connected to an electrical storage device and an electrical generating device. The controller receives electrical power generated by the electrical generating device and directs the electrical power to satisfy the vehicle's power requirements and/or stores the electrical power in at least one of the electrical storage device and the thermal storage device. Furthermore, the controller directs at least one of the HVAC device and the thermal storage device to provide heating and cooling to the occupant compartment of the vehicle, depending on the available storage of the thermal storage unit or occupant compartment demands.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2005Publication date: January 25, 2007Inventors: Lakhi Goenka, Douglas Crane, Lon Bell
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Publication number: 20060225441Abstract: Disclosed is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for a vehicle that operates in a heating mode, a cooling mode or a demisting mode. The system includes a first circuit having first pump for circulating a first medium therein, a second circuit having a second pump for circulating a second medium therein and a thermoelectric module having a first surface in thermal contact with the first medium and a second surface in thermal contact with the second medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2005Publication date: October 12, 2006Inventors: Lakhi Goenka, Douglas Crane, Lon Bell
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Publication number: 20060048518Abstract: Disclosed is a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid. The system includes a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a thermoelectric device configured to pump heat. Heat exchangers are provided for transferring heat to and from the thermoelectric device and for generating a fluid flow across the thermoelectric device. The conditioned fluid may be placed in thermal communication with a variety of objects, such as a vehicle seat, or anywhere localized heating and cooling are desired. Thermal isolation may also be provided in the direction of flow to enhance efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2005Publication date: March 9, 2006Inventor: Lon Bell
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Publication number: 20050263177Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2005Publication date: December 1, 2005Inventor: Lon Bell
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Publication number: 20050210883Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2004Publication date: September 29, 2005Inventor: Lon Bell
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Publication number: 20050072165Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2003Publication date: April 7, 2005Inventor: Lon Bell
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Patent number: 5518271Abstract: A dense mass centrally located in a personal vehicle acts as an inertial analog computer for predicting and compensating motion of an occupant of the vehicle during crashes. Acceleration and motion of the mass is converted into motion of impact prevention or impact velocity reduction systems to reduce likelihood of severe injury to the occupant. Power disconnection in alternatively powered vehicles through disconnection of electrical systems by motion of the mass provides additional safety during the crash.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1993Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: Amerigon, Inc.Inventor: Lon Bell
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Patent number: 5295709Abstract: A dense mass centrally located in a personal vehicle acts as an inertial analog computer for predicting and compensating motion of an occupant of the vehicle during crashes. Acceleration and motion of the mass is converted into motion of impact prevention or impact velocity reduction systems to reduce likelyhood of severe injury to the occupant. Power disconnection in alternatively powered vehicles through disconnection of electrical systems by motion of the mass provides additional safety during the crash.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1993Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Assignee: Amerigon, Inc.Inventor: Lon Bell
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Patent number: 5249826Abstract: A dense mass centrally located in a personal vehicle acts as an inertial analog computer for predicting and compensating motion of an occupant of the vehicle during crashes. Acceleration and motion of the mass is converted into motion of impact prevention or impact velocity reduction systems to reduce likelyhood of severe injury to the occupant. Power disconnection in alternatively powered vehicles through disconnection of electrical systems by motion of the mass provides additional safety during the crash.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1991Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Assignee: Amerigon, Inc.Inventor: Lon Bell