Processes Patents (Class 136/201)
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Patent number: 10651359Abstract: An energy conversion device to provide thermal energy and electric energy for a gas burner, comprising: an energy converter configured to provide thermal energy for a gas burner ring in which gas is burned, the energy converter having at least one thermoelectric element configured to convert a portion of the thermal energy into electric energy using a thermoelectric material.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: MIELE & CIE. KGInventors: Bernhard Roth, Igor Bogdanoski
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Patent number: 10634561Abstract: An infrared sensor is formed in such a manner that an infrared receiver and a base substrate are spaced with a beam made of a thin-film phononic crystal in which through holes are arranged periodically. The beam made of a phononic crystal is formed in such a manner that a period P of through holes increases at arbitrary intervals in a direction from the infrared receiver toward the base substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2019Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Kouhei Takahashi, Takashi Kawasaki, Yasuyuki Naito, Morio Tomiyama
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Patent number: 10625473Abstract: A ferroelectric polymer electrocaloric nanowire array and a preparation method thereof, in which the ferroelectric polymer electrocaloric material is formed by a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based ferroelectric polymer electrocaloric nanowire array embedded in a porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template. The PVDF-based ferroelectric polymer electrocaloric material is controlled to form a nanowire array embedded in the porous AAO template, and through adopting of a solution infiltration method to prepare the ferroelectric polymer electrocaloric nanowire array in the porous AAO template and improvement of the key morphology, structure, internal microscopic connection construction of the ferroelectric polymer, problems, such as low electrocaloric strength of the ferroelectric polymer, difficult heat conduction in the electrocaloric material and low refrigerating power density of the electrocaloric device in the prior art, can be effectively solved.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Guangzu Zhang, Zhaoyao Hu, Lingxi Weng, Shenglin Jiang, Mingyu Li
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Patent number: 10605667Abstract: An infrared sensor comprises a base substrate including a recess, a bolometer infrared ray receiver, and a Peltier device. The bolometer infrared ray receiver comprises a resistance variable layer, a bolometer first beam, and a bolometer second beam. The Peltier device comprises a Peltier first beam formed of a p-type semiconductor material and a Peltier second beam formed of an n-type semiconductor material. The Peltier device is in contact with a back surface of the bolometer infrared ray receiver. One end of each of the bolometer first beam, the bolometer second beam, the Peltier first beam, and the Peltier second beam is connected to the base substrate. The bolometer infrared ray receiver and the Peltier device are suspended above the base substrate. Each of the bolometer first beam, the bolometer second beam, the Peltier first beam, and the Peltier second beam has a phononic crystal structure including a plurality of through holes arranged regularly.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Kawasaki, Kouhei Takahashi, Naoki Tambo, Yasuyuki Naito
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Patent number: 10600948Abstract: A system includes an electronic device comprising one or more integrated circuit (IC) packages. The one or more IC packages include one or more IC chips and one or more thermoelectric power feedback systems. The one or more thermoelectric power feedback systems include one or more thermoelectric devices coupled to the one or more IC chips to generate power based on heat produced by the one or more IC chips. The one or more thermoelectric power feedback systems also include a power routing system that supplies the generated power to the one or more IC packages.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2016Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Hui Liu
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Patent number: 10580094Abstract: According to some embodiments, a thermostat obtains real-time energy prices from a electricity grid. It may also obtain additional data from external data sources, such as predicted energy prices or weather predictions. The thermostat attempts to find a control strategy for when to switch available aggregates that may include furnaces and air conditioners on and off. In order to solve this integer programming problem, the thermostat uses a random search algorithm. According to some embodiments, various data sources, such as day-ahead prices and real-time prices, are combined into forecasts of electricity prices for the present and future time periods. In some embodiments, a thermostat selects predictively between heating or cooling by letting outside air in or by using heating and cooling aggregates. Additional embodiments are discussed and shown.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Promanthan Brains LLC, Series Cold Futures onlyInventor: Oliver Markus Haynold
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Patent number: 10578493Abstract: A high-resolution thermopile infrared sensor array having monolithically integrated signal processing and a plurality of parallel signal processing channels for the signals from pixels of a sensor array, and a digital port for the serial output of the pixel signals are provided, wherein the sensor array is located on one or more sensor chips. The thermal piled infrared sensor array possesses low power loss, high integration density and high thermal and geometric resolution. Each signal processing channel (K1 . . . KN) has at least one analogue/digital converter (ADC), and is assigned a memory region in a memory (RAM) for storing the signals from the pixels (SE).Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: HEIMANN SENSOR GMBHInventors: Bodo Forg, Michael Schnorr, Jörg Schieferdecker, Karlheinz Storck, Marion Simon, Wilhelm Leneke
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Patent number: 10580872Abstract: Oxide heterostructures that form spatially separated electron-hole bilayers are provided. Also provided are electronic devices that incorporate the oxide heterostructures. The oxide heterostructure includes a base layer of SrTiO3, a polar layer of LaAlO2, and a non-polar layer of SrTiO3. Within the oxide heterostructures, a two-dimensional hole gas (2DHG) is formed at the interface between the non-polar layer and the polar layer and a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) is formed at the interface between the polar layer and the base layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2017Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Chang-Beom Eom, Hyungwoo Lee
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Patent number: 10573578Abstract: An integrated circuit has thermoelectric cooling devices integrated into bondpads. A method for operating the integrated circuit includes turning a thermal switch to a thermoelectric cooler operate position when the integrated circuit is powered up, turning the thermal switch to a thermoelectric cooler operate position to allow the thermoelectric cooler to operate when the integrated circuit powers down, and turning the thermal switch to a thermoelectric cooler off position when a predetermined integrated circuit chip temperature is reached.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventor: Henry L. Edwards
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Patent number: 10566515Abstract: A thin-film based thermoelectric module includes a flexible substrate, a number of electrically conductive pads disposed on the flexible substrate, and a number of pairs of N-type and P-type thermoelectric legs electrically in contact with one another formed on corresponding electrically conductive pads of the number of electrically conductive pads such that an area of each N-type thermoelectric leg and another area of each P-type thermoelectric leg are each more than an area of the corresponding electrically conductive pad to allow for extension thereof outside the corresponding electrically conductive pad. The flexible substrate is aluminum (Al) foil, a sheet of paper, teflon, plastic, a single-sided copper (Cu) clad laminate sheet, or a double-sided Cu clad laminate sheet, and has a dimensional thickness less than or equal to 25 ?m. The thin-film based thermoelectric module is less than or equal to 100 ?m in dimensional thickness.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Inventor: Sridhar Kasichainula
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Patent number: 10551717Abstract: A wavelength selective switch and a wavelength selection method are provided, where the wavelength selective switch includes: a dual-microring resonator, including a first microring and a second microring that are connected in series, where the first microring and the second microring respectively include one annular PN junction, and a direction of the annular PN junction of the first microring is the same as that of the annular PN junction of the second microring; an electric tuning module, where a first electric port of the electric tuning module is connected to a P zone of the first microring and an N zone of the second microring, a second electric port of the electric tuning module is connected to an N zone of the first microring and a P zone of the second microring; and a thermal tuning module, configured to adjust an operating temperature of the dual-microring resonator.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Xiao Ma, Xuecang Zhang, Jianyi Yang
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Patent number: 10536072Abstract: A circuit includes a transformer configured with a primary winding and a secondary winding that are driven from a voltage supplied by a thermoelectric generator (TEG). The circuit includes a bipolar startup stage (BSS) coupled to the transformer to generate an intermediate voltage. The BSS includes a first transistor device coupled in series with the primary winding of the transformer to form an oscillator circuit with an inductance of the secondary winding when the voltage supplied by the TEG is positive. A second transistor device coupled to the secondary winding of the transformer enables the oscillator circuit to oscillate when the voltage supplied by the TEG is negative. After startup, a flyback converter stage can be enabled from the intermediate voltage to generate a boosted regulated output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2018Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Nachiket Venkappayya Desai, Yogesh Kumar Ramadass
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Patent number: 10529905Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thermoelectric material is provided. According to the method, a first shaped body is formed from a thermoelectric powder, of which a crystal has a layer structure. An extruded body is formed by extruding the first shaped body. A plurality of cut-off pieces are formed by cutting the extruded body along a cross-section perpendicular to an extrusion direction. A second shaped body is formed by stacking and pressing the cut-off pieces along a direction perpendicular to the extrusion direction. According to the above, a thermoelectric ability of a thermoelectric material and an efficiency for manufacturing a thermoelectric module may be improved.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Jin-Sang Kim, Seung-Hyub Baek, Seong-Keun Kim, Dow-Bin Hyun, Beomjin Kwon, Ji-Won Choi, Chong-Yun Kang, Im-Jun Roh
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Patent number: 10527498Abstract: A sensor device includes a sensor element detecting a temperature of an attachment member to which the sensor device is attached. The sensor device includes a flexible substrate that includes a base having a first surface and a second surface and made of an electrically insulating material, and a land disposed adjacent to the first surface and electrically connected to the sensor element. The sensor device further includes: a rigid member adhered to the second surface; a flexible member that has a thermal conductivity and a flexibility higher than those of the base, is stacked on the rigid member to be in contact with the rigid member on a side opposite to the flexible substrate, and is to be in contact with the attachment member in an attached state; and a pressing member that presses the flexible substrate toward the attachment member in the attached state.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2016Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Kiyoshi Otsuka, Junichi Ishikawa, Hirotaka Kurozaki
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Patent number: 10502636Abstract: The invention relates to a thermocouple (17) suspended from a part (26, 27) that can be locked onto a connecting section of the measuring stick, which comprises an opening in the form of a guiding cone (30) for inserting the thermocouple. The thermocouple is contained in a flexible cable (24) that can slide in a sheath (35) of the central compartment (16) which houses the thermocouple (17). A spring (34) can be added to lightly press the end of the thermocouple to the end of the housing thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: ORANO CYCLEInventor: Jean Saillard
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Patent number: 10501689Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a portable charcoal system and method of operating thereof, wherein the portable charcoal system comprises a first compartment adapted to burn a material, a second compartment connected to the first compartment and adapted to receive the material from the first compartment, and a third compartment adapted to receive the material from the second compartment, the third compartment comprising an auger adapted to move the material from a back end to a front end, and out of the third compartment. The portable charcoal system further includes a source of air.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Inventors: James Geronimo Archuleta, Jr., Deborah Page-Dumroese
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Patent number: 10490828Abstract: A carbon-platinum core-shell type catalyst for fuel cells and a method for preparing the same which includes carbon as a core and platinum as a shell which can solve durability-associated problems under proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) operation conditions and furthermore tackle manufacturing cost-related problems and process complexity by improving acid resistance through incorporation of a carbon material rather than a transition metal into catalysts.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Jun Tae Kim
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Patent number: 10488268Abstract: A temperature difference measuring apparatus includes: a bottomed tubular package in which a top face side is opened; a MEMS device disposed on an inner bottom face of the package, the MEMS device comprising at least one thermopile that measures a temperature difference, which is generated in the MEMS device by inflow heat through a bottom of the package; and a heat quantity increasing unit configured to increase a heat quantity flowing out from the MEMS device onto the top face side of the bottomed tubular package.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventor: Shinya Nakagawa
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Patent number: 10483448Abstract: The present disclosure relates to flexible thermoelectric devices. In some embodiments, such devices can comprise a flexible substrate with a first conductive component and a second, different conductive component deposited thereon so as to form a plurality of electrical junctions. The flexible substrate can be a fabric, and the conductive component can be deposited by methods such as stitching of conductive yarns or deposition of conductive inks. The present disclosure further relates to methods of preparing flexible thermoelectric devices and methods of utilizing flexible thermoelectric devices for producing electrical current from waste heat.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignees: North Carolina State University, University of Virginia Patent FoundationInventors: Jesse Jur, Mark Losego, Patrick E. Hopkins
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Patent number: 10475615Abstract: This method of producing a negative electrode includes a step of adjusting a heat transfer coefficient between a leg portion and a fixing portion so that at least one of leg portions and the other leg portions become different in the heat transfer coefficient by deforming the plurality of fixing portions by applying pressure to the plurality of fixing portions from the outside thereof to fix the leg portions to the fixing portions.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventors: Shinichiro Okamura, Atsushi Yajima
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Patent number: 10465553Abstract: The present disclosure relates to probe sheaths adapted for a probe housing positioned within a turbomachine fluid flow path. A probe sheath according to the disclosure can include: a non-metallic sheathing material having at least one opening shaped to enclose a first portion of a fluid probe therein, the non-metallic sheathing material being sized for placement within an interior cavity of the probe housing; and a metallic sheathing material mechanically coupled to a first end of the non-metallic sheathing material and sized for placement within the interior cavity of the probe housing. The metallic sheathing material may include at least one opening in fluid communication with the at least one opening of the non-metallic sheathing material, and may be shaped to enclose a second portion of the fluid probe therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roberto Jose Manzano, Andrew David Maduskuie, Ashley Marie Meenaghan, Timothy James Pfaffenroth
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Patent number: 10468574Abstract: A thermoelectric material includes a polymer matrix and a plurality of partially coated particles dispersed within the polymer matrix. Each particle of the plurality has a discontinuous coating of metal on a carbon-based material. A method includes dispersing functionalized particles comprising a carbon-based material in a solvent; providing a metal salt in the solvent; and forming a plurality of distinct metal volumes on a surface of the functionalized particles to form partially coated particles. The distinct metal volumes are thermally insulated from other volumes of the plurality. A composition of matter includes a discontinuous coating of metal on a surface of a carbon-based material. The carbon-based material is selected from the group consisting of graphene oxide and functionalized carbon nanotubes.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLCInventors: Radhika Suresh, Oleksandr V. Kuznetsov, Valery N. Khabashesku
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Patent number: 10461238Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion structure according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes a thermoelectric conversion unit structure including a magnetic fine particle including a magnetic material with the spin Seebeck effect arising and an electromotive body with which to cover the magnetic fine particle, wherein a plurality of the thermoelectric conversion unit structures form an aggregate with the electromotive body connecting to each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Masahiko Ishida, Akihiro Kirihara, Asuka Fukue
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Patent number: 10411179Abstract: A thermoelectric generation module has a cooling surface formed on one of a front side and a rear side and a heating surface formed on the other thereof. The thermoelectric generation module includes: a plurality of thermoelectric elements; a pair of flexible boards holding the thermoelectric elements therebetween and respectively defining the cooling surface and the heating surface; a plurality of interelement electrodes respectively provided on opposed surfaces of the flexible boards and configured to electrically connect the thermoelectric elements to each other; a lead wire configured to be electrically connected to an interelement electrode to which a terminal element located at an end of an electrical arrangement is connected; and a reinforcing pattern interposed between the flexible boards and being closer to the drawn-out lead wire with respect to the terminal element.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2016Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: KELK Ltd.Inventors: Kazuya Makino, Shinichi Fujimoto, Hirokuni Hachiuma
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Patent number: 10403807Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric conversion material having a reduced thermal conductivity and having an improved figure of merit, and a method for producing the material. The thermoelectric conversion material has, as formed on a resin substrate having recesses, a thermoelectric semiconductor layer formed of a thermoelectric semiconductor material, wherein the resin substrate comprises one formed by curing a resin layer of a curable resin composition. The production method for the thermoelectric conversion material comprises a resin substrate formation step of transcribing a protruding structure from an original plate having the protruding structure onto a resin layer of a curable resin composition and curing the layer, and a film formation step of forming a thermoelectric semiconductor layer of a thermoelectric semiconductor material on the resin substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2013Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: LINTEC CORPORATIONInventors: Kunihisa Kato, Tsuyoshi Mutou
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Patent number: 10388847Abstract: A method and/or apparatus of energy harvesting for wearable technology through a thin flexible thermoelectric device is disclosed. A lower conduction layer is formed on top of a lower dielectric layer. An active layer, comprising at least one thin film thermoelectric conduit and a thermal insulator, is formed above the lower conduction layer. An internal dielectric layer is formed above the active layer, and contact holes are drilled above each thermoelectric conduit. An upper conduction layer and upper dielectric layer are formed, connecting the thermoelectric conduits in series. The resulting flexible thermoelectric device generates a voltage when exposed to a temperature gradient.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: NIMBUS MATERIALS INC.Inventor: Sridhar Kasichainula
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Patent number: 10388842Abstract: A thermoelectric generator system of an engine is provided and includes an insulating heat protective cover that is mounted within an engine. Additionally, a unit is disposed at an upper end of the heat protective cover to uniformly distribute heat energy to use the heat protective cover mounted at an upper end of an exhaust manifold of the engine to protect a wiring from exhaust heat. Accordingly, heat energy discarded from the exhaust manifold is absorbed to generate electricity using the waste heat discarded from the exhaust manifold without affecting the catalyst to improve the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine. Further, heat is transferred by conduction at a particular temperature or greater and heat is transferred by radiation and convection at a temperature less than the particular temperature to increase the efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2015Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jin Woo Kwak, In Woong Lyo, Tae Won Lee, Hong Kil Baek, Han Saem Lee, Su Jung Noh, Seung Woo Lee, Kyong Hwa Song
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Patent number: 10375837Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ceramic substrate includes the steps of preparing a ceramic paste in which a powder of at least one of a metal boride and a metal silicide is added to a raw material powder of a glass ceramic, applying the ceramic paste to a green sheet which is to become a ceramic layer after firing, applying a conductor paste which is to become a conductor trace after firing to the ceramic paste having been applied to the green sheet, and firing the green sheet carrying the ceramic paste and the conductor paste applied thereto.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.Inventors: Tatsuya Katoh, Masanori Ito, Masaki Kutsuna
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Patent number: 10333015Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell assembly, comprising a solar cell attached to a bonding pad and a cooling substrate and wherein the bonding pad and the cooling substrate are joined to each other in a planar and flush manner such that the bonding pad and the cooling substrate are connected to each other in the form of a solid state connection. The invention further relates to a solar cell assembly that includes a solar cell attached to a bonding pad and a cooling substrate and wherein the bonding pad is attached on a surface of the cooling substrate such that the bonding pad and the cooling substrate are connected to each other in the form of a solid state connection. Also, a method for manufacture of such solar cell assemblies is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Saint-Augustin Canada Electric Inc.Inventors: Martin Ziegler, Sascha Van Riesen
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Patent number: 10323487Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods to generate electrical power in a downhole environment. In one embodiment, the system includes a thermoelectric generator operable to convert a temperature gradient across a section of the thermoelectric generator into electrical energy and deployed in a wellbore. The system also includes a pressure control device positioned proximate the thermoelectric generator and having a fluid flow path for a fluid flowing through the pressure control device and across the thermoelectric generator such that an absolute pressure of the fluid decreases when the fluid flow out of the pressure control device and across the thermoelectric generator. A temperature of the fluid changes as the fluid flows out of the thermoelectric generator and across the thermoelectric generator due to a change in the absolute pressure of the fluid. The temperature gradient across the thermoelectric generator is due to change in the temperature of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Jules Frosell, Michael Linley Fripp
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Patent number: 10308818Abstract: An article comprising a substrate and at least one coating layer disposed on the substrate. The coating layer includes a silicate glass matrix, an oxygen scavenger phase dispersed through the silicate glass matrix, and at least one metal in metallic form.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Xia Tang, David C. Jarmon, Paul Sheedy, Virginia H. Faustino
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Patent number: 10307688Abstract: Provided herein are integrated distillation apparatuses configured as stand-alone fully integrated systems having a reduced footprint. Integrated distillation apparatuses can have a rotary evaporator, a condenser, and an integrated refrigeration system or chiller, as well as an integrated water bath and vacuum pump, all of which can be integrated into a central frame and/or housing assembly. Integrated distillation apparatuses can be configured such that the rotary evaporator is movably attached to a frame structure and configured to be vertically translatable in position, whereas the condenser can be affixed to the structure by an arm extending from the structure and adjacent to the rotary evaporator, and wherein the refrigeration system can be in fluid communication with the condenser.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Ecodyst, Inc.Inventor: George Adjabeng
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Patent number: 10290531Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for a release layer that is affixed directly onto a carrier or with the use of an interfacial adhesive layer to fabricate a flexible work product, and upon completion, the release layer is removed by an external applied force of a given value that overcomes the adhesive force without harm to the work product. The release layer serves as a permanent support for the manufacture of flexible electronic devices and upon completion offers a simple means to achieve a wide range of thin and ergonomically pleasing options for the consumer. The invention provides benefits of flexibility in choosing a host of materials to meet the needs of a specific manufacturing objective and rapidly moving towards the next step in the manufacture of semiconductors and flat panel displays.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Inventor: John Cleaon Moore
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Patent number: 10281333Abstract: An infrared sensor is formed in such a manner that an infrared receiver and a base substrate are spaced with a beam made of a thin-film phononic crystal in which through holes are arranged periodically. The beam made of a phononic crystal is formed in such a manner that a period P of through holes increases at arbitrary intervals in a direction from the infrared receiver toward the base substrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2017Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Kouhei Takahashi, Takashi Kawasaki, Yasuyuki Naito, Morio Tomiyama
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Patent number: 10271898Abstract: A medical device for sympathetic nerve ablation may include a catheter shaft, an expandable member disposed on or coupled to the catheter shaft, and a plurality of elongate electrode assemblies each constructed as a flexible circuit having a plurality of layers. The expandable member may be configured to shift between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The plurality of electrode assemblies may be disposed on an outer surface of the expandable member. Each of the plurality of electrode assemblies may include a temperature sensor within the plurality of layers.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2014Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Hong Cao, Kenneth R. Larson
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Patent number: 10260397Abstract: A thermoelectric generating apparatus may include a thermoelectric generation portion disposed on a first flow passage, and configured to convert thermal energy of exhaust gas passing through the first flow passage into electrical energy; a heat exchange portion disposed on a second flow passage, and configured to heat coolant through heat-exchange of the coolant and exhaust gas passing through the second flow passage; a third flow passage configured to pass through received exhaust gas without change; and a valve configured to selectively open or close the first flow passage, the second flow passage, or the third flow passage, and thus control a flowing route of the exhaust gas.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Hochan An
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Patent number: 10247685Abstract: Disclosed herein are a high-temperature structure for measuring properties of a curved thermoelectric device, which is capable of precisely measuring the properties of a medium-temperature curved thermoelectric device that is applied to a tube-type waste heat source and is used in research, and a system and a method for measuring the properties using the same. The high-temperature structure may include a plurality of rod-shaped cartridge heaters, and a heating element having a surface that is a curved surface coming into contact with a lower end of the curved thermoelectric device, having a plurality of holes for accommodating the plurality of cartridge heaters, and directly heating the lower end of the curved thermoelectric device.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignees: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH, KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Sang Hyun Park, Chung-Yul Yoo, Hong Soo Kim, Min Soo Suh, Dong Kook Kim, Byung jin Cho
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Patent number: 10243129Abstract: A thermoelectric module may include a module housing surrounding a module interior. Thermoelectric elements and conductor bridges may be arranged in the module interior. A first side of the module housing may include a first side wall connected in a heat-conducting fashion to first conductor bridges. A second side of the module housing may include a second side wall connected in a heat-conducting fashion to second conductor bridges. The thermoelectric elements may extend between the first and second conductor bridges. A liquid metal layer and a first electrical insulation layer may be arranged between the first conductor bridges and the first side wall. At least one further liquid metal layer may be arranged between the first conductor bridges and the first electrical insulation layer. At least one other liquid metal layer may be arranged between the first electrical insulation layer and the first side wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Thomas Himmer, Christopher Laemmle
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Patent number: 10243130Abstract: In a step of pressing a laminate, the laminate is first pressed while being heated to a temperature lower than a melting point of a thermoplastic resin so as to elastically deform the thermoplastic resin and apply a pressure in a direction perpendicular to a laminating direction to thereby allow first and second conductive pastes to tightly adhere to front and rear surface patterns. Next, the laminate is pressed while being heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the thermoplastic resin so as to fluidize the thermoplastic resin while allowing the thermoplastic resin to flow out from the laminate and apply a pressure in the direction perpendicular to the laminating direction to thereby allow the first and second conductive pastes are solid-sintered.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuhiro Tanaka, Atusi Sakaida, Toshihisa Taniguchi, Yoshihiko Shiraishi
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Patent number: 10219788Abstract: Doppler ultrasound systems are valuable diagnostic tool for investigation of vascular blood flow pattern and velocity. Error in blood velocity measurements made by doppler instruments will cause probable misdiagnosis in clinical practice. There are different phantom designs for evaluation of the performance and QC of doppler ultrasonography systems. Among different phantom designs the string phantom because of their ability to precise calculation of target velocity were widely used by different investigators. Generally this type of phantom consists of a moving string with known velocity as a target inside a water tank to mimic blood flow inside the vessels of the body. We designed a new string phantom with three dependently adjustable parameters including target velocity, target angle and target depth.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Inventor: Faraj Tabeie
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Patent number: 10217920Abstract: A sensing system including in-ground sensors not requiring battery power. A thermoelectric generator sensor rod includes an upper thermal contact and a lower thermal contact at or near its two ends. When the thermoelectric generator sensor rod is buried in the ground with one end buried more deeply than the other, a temperature gradient in the soil produces a temperature difference between the upper thermal contact and the lower thermal contact. The upper thermal contact and the lower thermal contact are thermally connected to a thermoelectric generator, e.g., by heat pipes or thermally conductive rods. Electrical power generated by the thermoelectric generator powers sensors for monitoring conditions in the ground, and circuitry for transmitting sensor data to a central data processing system.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: RAYTHEON BBN TECHNOLOGIES CORP.Inventors: Edin Insanic, Joshua Cochin, Alex Benjamin Jordan
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Patent number: 10158060Abstract: A thermoelectric element includes a thermoelectric member made of thermoelectric materials and having a through hole, a pipe inserted into the through hole for making fluid flow, and a soaking member provided to the side of the thermoelectric element. The pipe and the soaking member respectively also function as an electrode of the thermoelectric member. A surface of the soaking member includes a blackened surface and a mirror surface. A thermoelectric generation system includes a container having a lighting window, the thermoelectric element housed in the container, a fluid feeder for feeding fluid into the pipe, and a power consumption source that consumes electric power generated by the thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element is housed in the container so that the blackened surface is located under the lighting window.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHOInventors: Hirofumi Hazama, Akitoshi Suzumura, Yumi Saiki, Ryoji Asahi, Masato Matsubara
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Patent number: 10130413Abstract: An end-effector assembly includes opposing jaw members movably mounted with respect to one another. At least one of the jaw members includes a temperature-sensing electrically-conductive tissue-contacting plate having a tissue-contacting surface and a bottom surface. A first layer is disposed on one or more portions of the bottom surface of the temperature-sensing electrically-conductive tissue-contacting plate. The first layer includes an electrically-insulative material. One or more openings are formed in the first layer. One or more electrically-conductive traces are formed over the electrically-insulative material and associated with the one or more openings. One or more temperature sensors are coupled to the bottom surface of the temperature-sensing electrically-conductive tissue-contacting plate and associated with the one or more openings. The one or more openings are each configured to receive at least a portion of the one or more temperature sensors therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: COVIDIEN LPInventors: Kim V. Brandt, Allan G. Aquino
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Patent number: 10100437Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing N-type semiconductor element for cooling or heating device, the N-type semiconductor element is made of tellurium, bismuth and selenium material, firstly, smashing and grinding the tellurium, bismuth and selenium material to be 2000 meshes or more; and then, according to the proportion of each material in parts by weight, proportioning the materials to obtain a mixture, the proportion thereof is: 40 to 44 parts of tellurium, 53 to 57 parts of bismuth and 28 to 32 parts of selenium. During operation, the temperature difference between the two ends thereof is larger, and through a test, the temperature difference between the cold end and the hot end reaches about 73° C. to 78° C. Therefore, the N-type semiconductor element has the advantages of high operation efficiency and lower energy consumption. The N-type semiconductor element is particularly suitable for manufacturing a semiconductor cooling or heating device.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignees: Suzhou Weiyuan New Material Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhiming Chen, Wei Gu
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Patent number: 10094464Abstract: A vehicle, system, and method of warming the transmission fluid with a thermoelectric generator is also provided. Disclosed is vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a transmission containing a transmission fluid, a coolant circuit configured to remove heat from the engine, and a thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator is in non-contact thermal communication with the hot exhaust gas produced by the engine and the relatively cooler coolant circulating through the coolant circuit. The thermoelectric generator produces a current from the temperature gradient between the exhaust gas relative and coolant and transfers heat from the exhaust gas to the coolant. The heat coolant is conveyed to a transmission heat exchanger to heat the transmission fluid. A heating element is disposed in thermal contact with the transmission fluid and the heating element is powered by the electric current produced by the thermoelectric generator.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Douglas Dickson, Lawrence P. Ziehr, James R. Salvador, Daniel J. Shepard
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Patent number: 10088439Abstract: Thermophysical property measurement apparatus and method that can obtain accurate absolute thermoelectric power and thermal conductivity are provided easily and conveniently. A thermophysical property measurement apparatus 50 is provided which includes a DC-AC voltage generator 100 which selectively applies AC or DC voltages of different polarities to a metal sample 4 to which temperature gradient is provided by connecting the metal sample 4 between metal blocks of temperatures T1 and T2; a thermocouple 5 which measures a temperature change at the center of the metal sample 4 when the AC voltage is applied thereto by the DC-AC voltage generator 100 and a temperature change at the center of the metal sample 4 when the DC voltages of the different polarities are applied; and an operation device 54 which calculates absolute thermoelectric power and thermal conductivity of the metal sample 4 using the two temperature changes measured by the thermocouple 5.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2014Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Yasutaka Amagai, Hiroyuki Fujiki, Nobuhisa Kaneko, Atsushi Yamamoto, Megumi Akoshima
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Patent number: 10062824Abstract: A thermoelectric material having a composition of formula (TI)x(Bi0.5 Sb1.5-xTe3-y)1-x, where 0<x?0.4 and 0<y?0.5.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignees: LG ELECTRONICS INC., UNIVERSITY-INDUSTRY COOPERATION GROUP OF KYUNGHEE UNIVERSITYInventors: Jongsoo Rhyee, Yoojang Song
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Patent number: 10038132Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoelectric material with excellent thermoelectric performance. The thermoelectric material is expressed by Chemical Formula 1 below: CuxSe1-yQy??<Chemical Formula 1> where Q is at least one element selected from the group consisting of S and Te, 2<x?2.6 and 0<y<1.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2014Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Kyung-Moon Ko, Tae-Hoon Kim, Cheol-Hee Park
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Patent number: 10008711Abstract: An article having a continuous network of zinc and a continuous network of void space interpenetrating the zinc network. The zinc network is a fused, monolithic structure. A method of: providing an emulsion having a zinc powder and a liquid phase; drying the emulsion to form a sponge; sintering the sponge to form a sintered sponge; heating the sintered sponge in an oxidizing atmosphere to form an oxidized sponge having zinc oxide on the surface of the oxidized sponge; and electrochemically reducing the zinc oxide to form a zinc metal sponge.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Debra R Rolison, Joseph F. Parker, Jeffrey W Long
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Patent number: 9997694Abstract: Provided is a thermoelectric generating system which may be easily installed in a heat source of a vehicle and which is easy to assemble and disassemble overall by eliminating the necessity to be assembled with a cooling module. The thermoelectric generating system includes a first substrate, a second substrate configured to be slidably engageable in contiguity with a heat source of a vehicle, and a thermoelectric module disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Su Jung Noh, Jin Woo Kwak, In Woong Lyo, Han Saem Lee