Abstract: The present invention provides a charged-device model (CDM) electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit for an integrated circuit (IC). The ESD protection circuit comprises a substrate of first conductivity type; a MOS component of second conductivity type formed on a first well on the substrate, and coupled to a pad; an isolating well/region having the second conductivity type being formed between the first well and the substrate to separate the first well and the substrate. Additionally, the circuit comprises an ESD clamp coupled to the isolated well/region. Under normal power operation, the ESD clamp is open. During a CDM ESD event, the CDM charges accumulated in the substrate and the MOS component are removed by the ESD clamp to prevent damage to the IC.

Abstract: A composite integrated semiconductor device. In one embodiment, an input surge/noise absorbing circuit absorbs surge from an input signal, an attenuating circuit attenuates the input signal, and an electrical signal converting circuit converts the input signal to an output signal. The input surge/noise absorbing circuit, the attenuating circuit, and the electrical signal converting circuit together form a unit, and a plurality of these units are arranged in parallel in one semiconductor substrate to form the composite integrated semiconductor device, resulting in a reduction in the number of discrete components mounted on a printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device for an optical disc drive is provided. A rail disposed on the casing of the disc drive has an opening. A guide bar is slidable disposed on the rail. A conductive elastic plate is fixed around the opening on the rail. The elastic plate has an elastic-pressing end leaning against the guide bar through the opening, and a protrusion electrically contacting the casing. A tray supported by the guide bar to move in and out of the casing has an underside covered by a protection bottom plate. A conductive strip-shaped elastic element is fixed on the tray by a fixing screw, which fastens the protection bottom plate on the tray. As such, the elastic element is in contact with the protection bottom plate; besides, the elastic element also leans against the guide bar, so as to dissipate electrostatic discharge by the guide bar.

Abstract: Electrostatic protection is performed without affecting the transfer of a normal input signal. An electrostatic protection circuit includes an input terminal, aground terminal, an Nch transistor whose gate and source are coupled to the input terminal and the ground terminal, respectively, and an electrostatic protection element connected to a drain and coupled to the gate of the Nch transistor. A discharge current flows into the ground terminal through the electrostatic protection element when an electrostatic discharge is applied to the input terminal. The discharge current flows through a drain-source parasitic resistance in the Nch transistor because the Nch transistor is turned on caused by an applied voltage of the electrostatic discharge to the gate. This leads to an increase in an electric potential at Point B (channel potential) of the Nch transistor. Then, a maximum value of a voltage applied to a gate insulating film reduces lower than the voltage caused by electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: This patent specification describes a backflow prevention circuit which includes a first switch configured to conduct or to shut down a current path from an input terminal to an output terminal, a logic circuit configured to binarize an input voltage at the input terminal based on an output voltage at the output terminal and to output a binary signal and a shutdown circuit configured to cause the first switch to shut down independently of a switching control signal in accordance with the binary signal output from the logic circuit. The switching control signal performs a switching control of the first switch. The logic circuit outputs a shutdown signal to shut down independently of the switching control signal when the input voltage becomes smaller than the output voltage.

Abstract: A power converter includes a controller having at least one input for monitoring a rate of change of an operating parameter of the power converter. The controller is configured for comparing the monitored rate of change of the operating parameter with an allowable rate of change for the operating parameter, and for generating a fault signal when the monitored rate of change of the operating parameter deviates from the allowable rate of change for the operating parameter. The operating parameter for which the rate of change is monitored may be, for example, a temperature, a current and/or a voltage in the power converter.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes: a plurality of batteries; a changeover portion switching the connection between the plurality of batteries; a short-circuit battery detection portion, if an internal short-circuit is produced in any of the plurality of batteries, detecting this internal short-circuit battery; and a changeover control portion, if the short-circuit battery detection portion detects the internal short-circuit battery, allowing the changeover portion to switch the connection between the plurality of batteries in such a way that this internal short-circuit battery and at least one of the other batteries are connected in series to thereby form a closed circuit.

Abstract: A system for controlling a high voltage switch having at least one connect/disconnect arm, the system comprising: actuating means for displacing the at least one connect/disconnect arm; an optical position sensor for determining a position of the at least one connect/disconnect arm; and a control module operatively connected to the actuating means and adapted to dynamically adjust a speed of motion of the at least one connect/disconnect arm as a function of the position of the at least one connect/disconnect arm.

Abstract: An IC having inputs and outputs for a plurality of frequency bands from a high frequency band to a low frequency band is protected from electrostatic damage. A high-frequency section of the IC is provided with a protection circuit including diode-connected transistors connected by multiple stages. In addition, there are applied the transistors in which elements thereof are isolated by insulator that can prevent thyristor operation.

Abstract: Over-voltage indicator and related circuit and method. The over-voltage indicator can work with an I/O circuit of a chip for detecting over-voltage in an I/O pad and providing an indication signal accordingly. When over-voltage does not happen, the over-voltage indicator continues to detect a signal level of the I/O pad and keeps the indication signal low. Once over-voltage is detected, the over-voltage indicator pauses detecting, asserts a high level in the indication signal, and periodically resumes detecting until end of over-voltage is detected. With informing provided by the indication signal, a core cell of the chip can perform proper operation to reduce potential damage caused by over-voltage.

Abstract: When a current flowing into a load 4 is increasing, a temperature of a wire is estimated by different estimation depending on whether the current is a normal current or the over-current. When the current flowing into the load 4 is decreasing, the temperature of the wire is estimated by different estimation depending on whether the current is the normal current or the over-current. Accordingly, a load circuit is protected by the precise estimation of an increasing temperature of the wire, which is made by determining whether the present condition of the load is in a normal mode or in an overcurrent-mode where a chattering short-circuit or a layer short-circuit occurs.

Abstract: An over-current protection circuit for use with a constant voltage circuit that converts an input voltage to a predetermined output voltage and that outputs the predetermined output voltage.

Abstract: What are proposed are a circuit arrangement and a method for protecting an integrated semiconductor circuit containing a protection circuit having a thyristor structure (SCR) and also a control circuit (TC; C1, R1, I1 to I3) for driving the protection circuit, which are both connected between an element (PV, LV) to be protected and a reference potential (VB), the control circuit (TC; C1, R1, I1 to I3) generating a plurality of control signals which in each case drive an active element (T1, T2) of the thyristor structure. A targeted triggering of the protection circuit in conjunction with defined switching thresholds and short turn-on times is thereby achieved. A possibility for determining the duration of the activation of the control circuit is furthermore proposed.

Abstract: A system and method for growing and controlling an electric arc from an electro-magnetic field generator is described. The arc may be formed substantially straight by growing from successively generated electric fields from electro-magnetic generator, such as a waveform-controlled solid state Tesla coil. The growth and direction of the arc may be controlled by forming a low impedance channel created by an area of focused laser light in the path of the growing arc.

Abstract: A wearable suit apparatus incorporating one or more user-operated solid state tesla coils includes a full body clothing article constructed of integrated, conductive shielding material. An on board power supply such as a battery pack powers the one or more solid state tesla coils, which are connected to the suit such that the entire suit is held at or near the same potential as the base of the secondary coil(s) of the SSTC(s), thereby protecting the wearer from injury from the high voltage.

Abstract: A processing system and method. The processing system includes a processing tool, an electrostatic chuck (ESC) arranged within the processing tool, and a system that at least one of detects at least one of an ESC bias spike and an ESC current spike of the ESC and determines when an ESC bias voltage is zero or exceeds a threshold value. The method includes at least one of detecting at least one of an ESC bias spike and an ESC current spike of the ESC, and determining when an ESC bias voltage is zero or exceeds a threshold value. The system and method can be used in real time ESC and plasma processing diagnostics to minimize yield loss and wafer scrap.

Abstract: A substrate hold apparatus is provided an electrostatic chuck for electrostatically attracting and holding a substrate thereon, a push-up member contactable with a position of vicinity of an edge of the substrate on the electrostatic chuck from below for pushing up the substrate, a drive apparatus for driving at least one of the electrostatic chuck and push-up member to thereby allow the push-up member to push up the substrate, a force sensor for detecting a force applied to the push-up member in an pushing-up operation, and a control unit wherein the control unit is configured to measure the force from the force sensor as a first measurement, output a normal state signal when the measured force in the first measurement is equal to or larger than a lower limit value and is equal to or smaller than a upper limit value.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck structure according to example embodiments of the present invention may include at least one specific region of a conductor having a thickness relatively smaller than those of other regions, at least one specific region of a dielectric having a thickness relatively larger than those of other regions, or at least one specific region of a conductor having a thickness relatively smaller than those of other regions and at least one specific region of a dielectric having a thickness relatively larger than those of other regions. Therefore, etching rate and CD uniformity can be improved during a semiconductor manufacturing process.

Abstract: An integrated inductor and capacitor component is provided and includes a number of tapered conductors. Neighboring ones of the tapered conductors are separated by a gap extending along a length of the component. A first one of the tapered conductors is characterized by a first width w1 that is larger at a first end of the component and tapers along the length of the component toward a second end of the component, and a second one of the tapered conductors is characterized by a second width w2 that is larger at the second end of the component and tapers toward the first end of the component.

Abstract: This invention uses the new concept of converting RCA or YCbCr to your computer monitor (SCSI). Although all computers are different, the connection for the computer monitor may differ depending on the computer brand.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric energy storage component comprising a coil winding and at least one connector (100, 200) including a plate (100) which is in contact with a plurality of said coils, wherein the plate of the connector has a surface which is provided with a terminal (200) wherein the shape thereof is essentially that of a revolution, wherein the plate (100) also forms a series of bosses (120, 125) extending in a raised manner along a surface of the plate opposite to the that containing the terminal (200). The invention is characterized in that the terminal (200) has at least one inner recess (210) and in that at least one boss (100) penetrates into said recess (210).

Abstract: Provided is an electric double-layer capacitor. The electric double-layer capacitor comprises an electrode portion composed of an anode and a cathode; a separator for providing electrical isolation between the anode and cathode; and an electrolyte solution which is filled in a space between the anode and cathode so as to form electric double-layers on surfaces of the anode and cathode upon application of a predetermined voltage, and in which a solvent and a solute are mixed so as to have a concentration of 1.25 to 2.5 mol/L.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid electrolytic capacitor including an anode lead frame and/or a cathode lead frame which are/is bent to be located along a side surface and a bottom surface of a resin package, wherein each of the anode lead frame and the cathode lead frame has a projecting portion extending outward from a portion located along the bottom surface of the resin package. By providing such a projecting portion, it is possible to easily check formation of a solder fillet in mounting the solid electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: A metal capacitor in which an electric conductivity is significantly improved by applying a metal material, instead of a solid electrolyte and electrolyte of an aluminum electrolytic capacitor, and a manufacturing method thereof is provided. A metal capacitor 10 includes a metal member 11 including a plurality of grooves 11a on both surfaces of the metal member 11, a metal oxide film 12 being formed on the metal member 11, a seed electrode layer 13 being formed on the metal oxide film 12, a main electrode layer 14 being formed on the metal oxide film 12 to fill the plurality of grooves 11a, a plurality of lead terminals 15 being installed in the main electrode layer 14, and a molding member 16 being disposed so that the plurality of lead terminals may be externally protruded from the molding member 16, and the metal member 11, the metal oxide film 12, the seed electrode layer 13, and the main electrode layer 14 may be sealed.

Abstract: Synthesis process for new particles of Li4Ti5O12, Li(4-?)Z?Ti5O12 or Li4Z?Ti(5-?)O12, preferably having a spinel structure, wherein ? is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.5 (preferably having a spinel structure), ? representing a number greater than zero and less than or equal to 0.33, Z representing a source of at least one metal, preferably chosen from the group made up of Mg, Nb, Al, Zr, Ni, Co. These particles coated with a layer of carbon notably exhibit electrochemical properties that are particularly interesting as components of anodes and/or cathodes in electrochemical generators.

Abstract: A thin-client terminal (1, 1?) according to the invention serves for use in a potentially explosive area (ExB) and has at least the following components: an EDP device (11, 11?), which can be programmed using software, has graphics capabilities, has its own storage and computation capacity, is connected, via at least one data transmission channel (K), to a computer (C)—which is not arranged in the potentially explosive area (ExB) and acts as a server—and is capable of communicating with the latter as a thin client in accordance with the client/server principle, and a display (12) which is connected to the EDP device (11, 11?) and is intended to display data. The thin-client terminal (1, 1?) according to the invention is explosion-proof or is intrinsically safe and can thus be used in the potentially explosive area (ExB). The thin-client terminal (1, 1?) also preferably has an explosion-proof or intrinsically safe keyboard (13) which is connected to the EDP device (11, 11?) and is intended for inputting data.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for a keyboard (200) having a built-in docking station (204) for a handheld media device. The built-in docking station allows the handheld media device to be accessed from the computer and also recharged in some cases without requiring any additional setup or adding clutter to the computer work area, since the keyboard is already set up in the work area. In some embodiments, keyboard key codes may be intercepted and routed directly to the docking station, thus allowing the handheld media device to be accessed from the keyboard independently of the computer. Alternatively (or in addition), the keyboard may have a built-in media reader (406) for accessing a removable memory of the handheld media device. In some embodiments, a video display (606) and/or speakers (506) for the handheld media device may also be built-in the keyboard.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus is provided with a keyboard section provided on a main body unit, a display unit, and a hinge section for rotatably coupling the display unit to the main body unit. The keyboard section includes a plurality of keys to which inputting functions different from each other are allocated. The electronic apparatus is switchable a first usage state, in which the main body unit is to be placed on a desktop, a second usage state, in which the electronic apparatus is to be held with a hand. The keyboard section is constructed and arranged, when the electronic apparatus is used in the second usage state, the allocation of the inputting functions to the keys is electrically switched in such a manner that correspondence relationships between the fingertips and the inputting functions in the first usage state are maintained in the second usage state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multimedia portable electronic device including a first housing, a second housing coupled to the first housing so as to rotate about a first hinge axis, a third housing adapted to slide while facing the first housing, a fourth housing connected to the third housing so as to rotate about a second hinge axis to be folded/unfolded, a connection device positioned between the first and fourth housings so that the connection device rotates about a third hinge axis to slide the third housing when the fourth housing is folded on or unfolded from the third housing, and a sliding device positioned between the first and third housings so that the third housing can slide.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a device main frame portion, a display portion supported by the device main frame portion, a keyboard, and a casing on which the keyboard is disposed. The keyboard includes a plurality of operating keys, a placement base in which the plurality of operating keys are disposed, and a plurality of retaining portions disposed on at least portions of the placement base of the keyboard other than an outer circumferential portion. The keyboard is disposed on a casing. A plurality of connection retaining portions are provided on the casing, on which connection retaining portions the plurality of retaining portions of the placement base are retained, respectively.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided with a housing including a top wall and a side portion extending from an edge of the top wall, a keyboard, and a keyboard placing portion on which the keyboard is placed, the keyboard placing portion including a bottom surface provided in the top wall. At least part of the bottom surface extends to the side portion of the housing.

Abstract: The present relates to an electronic device represented by, for example, a personal computer and aims to reinforce a connector as well as suppress the increase in the number of parts. The electronic device includes: a motherboard 29; a USB connector 23 whose one side is secured to the motherboard 29 with its mating surface 231 pointing outward; and a support member 51 for supporting a woofer 25 which is larger than the USB connector 23, and which is disposed in a position adjacent to the USB connector 23; and the support member 51 further has a reinforcement section 512 for reinforcing the USB connector by adjoining the USB connector 23.

Abstract: A light film apparatus having an illuminated graphics panel with at least two segments that can be individually powered. A controller manages a power which is delivered from a power supply to each of the segments, so that each of the segments is either powered on, powered off or powered to an intermediate level. With the independent control of power to the different segments, it is possible to create a three-dimensional appearance of a moving image from a generally two-dimensional panel arrangement. A housing can be mounted so that the graphics panel abuts or is closely mounted to a mounting surface.

Abstract: An exemplary display device (10) includes a display module (11), a transparent protection structure (12), and a magnetic latch (13). The display module includes a housing (113) and a display panel (115) mounted in the housing. The housing defines a mounting hole (118). The transparent protection structure is detachably attached to the housing for protecting the display panel. The transparent protection structure defines a channel (123) corresponding to the mounting hole of the housing. The magnetic latch includes a first magnet (131) rotably disposed in the channel of the transparent protection structure and a second magnet (132) fixed in the mounting hole of the housing. The first magnet attracts the second magnet for fixing the transparent protection structure.

Abstract: A space efficient, portable computer unit has been developed. The computer unit includes a unit case that is generally cubic shaped and a cooling system. The cooling system includes multiple exhaust fan mounted on the rear of the unit case and a filter mounted on the front of the unit case. The exhaust fan draws cooling air from the exterior of the unit case through the filter. The internal computer components are mounted inside the unit case, so that each internal computer component is arranged to receive cooling air directly from the filter and avoid heat stacking of the components.

Abstract: A display device includes a panel assembly and a chassis base attached to the panel assembly. A circuit board include a plurality of circuit elements is attached to the chassis base to form a space between the circuit board and the chassis base. A shield case for covering the circuit board and the space is located between the chassis base and the circuit board.

Abstract: A display includes: a display panel including a display surface; a frame including a cover part which partially faces the display surface; and a film whose fixing area is fixed to the cover part and which is arranged between the display surface and the cover part. The cover part includes a flat part and a stepped part which projects toward the display surface, and the film comes in contact with the display surface to be bent.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus having improved cooling efficiency is disclosed. The information processing apparatus includes a first chassis and a second chassis separated from each other at a prescribed distance, the first chassis accommodating a substrate on which high heat generating parts such as a CPU and a chipset are mounted, and the second chassis accommodating low heat generating and low heat resistance parts. Because of this structure, the first chassis and the second chassis are thermally isolated, and the surface area of the apparatus is increased, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting components of an information handling system such as a desktop computer or other desktop information handling system. The supported components may be motorized or other vibration-producing components that are supported and mounted directly or indirectly to a mounting structure of an information handling system using an isolation apparatus that is configured on a first end with one or more insertable snap-fit retaining features configured to retainably engage one or more internal retaining features of the mounting structure in order to fixedly couple the isolation apparatus to the mounting structure, and that is configured on an opposing second end with one or more insertable pins that may in turn be employed to couple the isolation apparatus to the vibration-producing component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic device represented by, for example, a personal computer and aims to dispose an IC card in a suitable position. The electronic device includes: a main unit 20 in the shape of a small board equipped with a keyboard 21 disposed at a rearward position on the upper surface; a heat-producing part incorporated within the main unit 20 so as to make the amount of heat produced in the back half of the main unit 20 become larger than the amount of heat produced in the front half; and a card slot formed in the front end face of the main unit 20, into which a removable IC card can be inserted.

Abstract: A modular small size computer system is disclosed that may be used in a very limited workspace environment in the close proximity of other people without the ability of such people being able to view the information on the display screen. The modular small size computer system includes four main elements: a nano-processor unit, a power supply, visual display goggles for projecting a virtual display screen, a mouse/input device, and a keyboard. The modular small size computer system may be a stand-alone system or configured to attach to the laptop, tablet notebook, or desktop computer that will serve as the primary computer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for cooling equipment and network cabinets, particularly server cabinets, in which the fans are integrated into a door. The resulting fan door, in the closed position, covers an access area of the rear of the cabinet and longitudinally adjacent to the fan door is arranged in fixed manner an air-to-fluid heat exchanger, whilst covering a residual area of the rear of the cabinet and to which is articulated the fan door. The heat loss given off to a cooling liquid, particularly cold water, in the heat exchanger is removed via a pipe system outside the cabinet installation area and rigid connecting pipes of a gas-tight material can be used for the connection of the heat exchangers of the individual cabinets to the building-side pipe system.

Abstract: A heat dissipating member, a heat dissipating mechanism, and an information processing apparatus capable of improving the cooling efficiency without increasing the size of the apparatus are disclosed. In the information processing apparatus, it becomes possible to effectively transfer heat from a unit such as a memory disposed in an inner space of the apparatus to the outside regardless of the layout position of the unit by using the heat dissipating mechanism fixed to a unit and a heat dissipation surface so that the heat is transferred from the unit to the heat dissipation surface.

Abstract: To improve coolant sealing or reduce the risks in the event of leakage for an electronic unit, e.g. an engine control unit, containing electric and/or electronic components which are disposed on an upper side of a thermally conductive electronic base plate and thermally coupled to the base plate, the base plate in turn being thermally coupled to a coolant passage, there is provided a particular configuration and arrangement of the components delimiting a coolant passage. Advantageously, the underside of the base plate can come into direct contact with a coolant (“direct cooling”). By making a ridge running in an annularly closed manner and being formed in one-piece with the base plate, coolant escaping from the coolant passage is prevented from passing directly to the underside of the base plate. Accordingly, the coolant passage may be sealed by a “double sealing arrangement” on the underside of the base plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing electronic components comprises a chassis enclosure defining an internal chamber and having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion comprises a first front wall having a length dimension greater than a width dimension, and a first pair of opposing side walls that are each contiguous with the first front wall. The lower portion comprises a second front wall having a length dimension less than the length dimension of the first front wall, and a second pair of opposing side walls that are each contiguous with the second front wall. A plurality of heat sink fins are on each of the first front and side walls, and on each of the second front and side walls. Each of the heat sink fins are configured to be substantially parallel to the length dimension of the first front wall and the second front wall, and extend continuously along each wall. The plurality of heat sink fins has an arcuate-like end view profile on each wall of the chassis enclosure.

Abstract: Techniques for cooling in a data center are provided. In one aspect a computer equipment rack is provided comprising one or more air inlets; one or more exhaust outlets, and one or more of: an air inlet duct mounted to the computer equipment rack surrounding at least a portion of the air inlets, the air inlet duct having a lateral dimension that approximates a lateral dimension of the computer equipment rack and a length that is less than a length of the computer equipment rack, and an air exhaust duct mounted to the computer equipment rack surrounding at least a portion of the exhaust outlets, the air exhaust duct having a lateral dimension that approximates the lateral dimension of the computer equipment rack and a length that is less than the length of the computer equipment rack.

Abstract: A chassis (300) for housing at least one cardcage (302) is disclosed. The chassis includes a first portion (420) of a chassis housing (300) through a sixth portion (460) thereof. The first through sixth portions forming a boundary around a storage region of the chassis housing (300). The chassis (300) also includes at least one air moving device (316). At least first (413) and second openings (425) are situated within the chassis housing (300). The first and (413) second openings (425) located at substantially different elevations relative to each other. A cardcage (302) is located in the storage region and situated in a skewed orientation relative to at least two of the portions of the chassis housing (300). The at least first (413) and second (425) openings and the at least one air moving device (316) are located relative to the skewed oriented cardcage (302) to facilitate airflow thereacross.

Abstract: A thermal module suitable for cooling a heat generating element within a casing of an electronic apparatus includes a fan, a heat sink and a heat pipe. The fan is mounted within the casing for generating airflow to an opening of the casing. The heat sink is mounted within the casing between the opening of the casing and the fan, such that the airflow generated by the fan passes through the heat sink and then flows out of the opening. The heat pipe contacts the heat generating element, extends from the heat generating element to the heat sink, and extends along a periphery of the fan to contact the heat generating element again.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for thermal conduction interfacing. The system for thermal conduction interfacing is provided with a first layer formed substantially of a pliable thermally conductive material. The system includes a second layer formed substantially of a pliable thermally conductive material and coupled at the edges to the first layer forming a pliable packet, wherein the first layer and the second layer conform to a set of thermal interface surfaces. Additionally, the system includes a plurality of thermally conductive particles disposed within the packet, wherein thermal energy is transferred from the first layer to the second layer through the thermally conductive particles. Beneficially, such a system would provide effective thermal coupling between a heat generating device and a heat dissipating device. Additionally, the system would be modular, reusable, and easy to install or replace without a significant mess.

Abstract: A receptacle assembly includes a housing that is configured to hold an electrical module. An energy transfer element, which is held by the housing, is positioned to directly engage the electrical module. The transfer element absorbs thermal energy produced by the electrical module. The receptacle assembly also includes a heat sink that is remotely located from the transfer element. A thermally conductive member extends between the heat sink and the transfer element to convey thermal energy therebetween.