Patents by Inventor Wayne M. Philips

Wayne M. Philips 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).

  • Electronic device featuring thermoelectric power generation
    Patent number: 6288321
    Abstract: A device for generating power to run an electronic component. The device includes a heat-conducting substrate (composed, e.g., of diamond or another high thermal conductivity material) disposed in thermal contact with a high temperature region. During operation, heat flows from the high temperature region into the heat-conducting substrate, from which the heat flows into the electrical power generator. A thermoelectric material (e.g., a Bi2Te3-based film or other thermoelectric material) is placed in thermal contact with the heat-conducting substrate. A low temperature region is located on the side of the thermoelectric material opposite that of the high temperature region. The thermal gradient generates electrical power and drives an electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Fleurial, N. Thomas Olson, Alexander Borshchevsky, Thierry Caillat, Elizabeth Kolawa, M. Amy Ryan, Wayne M. Philips