Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
310306000 | Thermal or pyromagnetic | 83 |
20080197747 | Integrated Thermoelectric/ Thermionic Energy Converter - A device for converting heat into electrical energy that is an integrated combination of thermionic and thermoelectric energy converters in a single device, or “TITE”. The electron output of thermionic portion of the TITE is the input of the thermoelectric portion of the device. The electron collector is covered by a thin layer of doped or undoped semiconductor material or a combination of doped and undoped semiconductor materials with appropriate doping and thickness to achieve increased operational temperature ranges and efficiency. | 08-21-2008 |
20080203849 | Energy Converting Apparatus, Generator and Heat Pump Provided Therewith and Method of Production Thereof - A high-efficiency thermionic energy converter comprises a multilayer vacuum diode, the layers of which are very thin and the intermediate spaces between the layers are several nanometres thick. The layers are held at a distance from each other by arranging insulator elements embedded in the layers. One of the intermediate spaces is provided with a thin, open conductive elastic foam plate which fills the spaces possibly occurring due to deformation of an upper electrode. On the cold side the distance between the layers must be so small that here the thermionically generated current is increased by tunneling of electrons from layer to layer. The partial efficiency per layer is as optimal as possible by means of the choice of the geometry and the material. For the purpose of pumping heat from for instance the thick electrode to the other thick electrode of the converter, or vice versa, in accordance with the Peltier effect, a current is conducted through the converter which is increased by tunneling of electrons. Cooling or heating takes place subject to the current direction. | 08-28-2008 |
20080258577 | Microsystem and Method for Positioning a Second Element with Respect to a First Element in a Microsystem - A microsystem, comprising a first static element ( | 10-23-2008 |
20080303375 | Device and Method for Converting Thermal Energy into Electrical Energy - A device and method for using a field-responsive material that changes temperature when subjected to a respective field in combination with a thermal to electrical energy converter to accomplish the generation of electrical energy. The field-responsive material, such as an electrocaloric or magnetocaloric material, changes temperature when subjected to a change in a respective electric or magnetic field. The changing field applied to the field-responsive material causes a temperature change in the field-responsive material to heat or cool the field-responsive material. A thermal to electrical energy converter is in thermal contact with the field-responsive material, such that temperature changes in the field-responsive material in turn changes the temperature of the thermal to electrical energy converter, which the converter then converts into electrical energy. In this manner, the application of an appropriate electric or magnetic field can be utilized to generate thermal energy changes that can be converted into electrical energy. | 12-11-2008 |
20090009026 | LOCKING DEVICE FOR PREVENTING A ROTATION AND/OR AN AXIAL MOVEMENT OF A PIN, INCLUDING SHAPE MEMORY RELEASING MEANS - A locking device for preventing the rotation and/or the axial movement of a pin includes a coil spring wound around at least a portion of the pin and having one end rigidly connected to a support structure. In its undeformed condition, the spring has an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of the pin, whereby in its resting condition the spring is tightened around the pin to prevent a rotation thereof at least in a direction or an axial movement in any direction. The device includes shape memory means for causing the unwinding of the turns of the spring for the purpose of temporarily releasing the pin. | 01-08-2009 |
20090058222 | Contoured Thermomechanical Actuators and Pulsing for Enhanced Dynamic Performance - A thermomechanical actuation system and method includes an elongated thermomechanical actuator (TMA), which is contoured so that electrical resistance at a mid-portion of the TMA is less than at end portions thereof. A pulse generator is electrically coupled to the TMA, and is configured to supply excitation pulses to the TMA. The excitation pulses are transient, so that each pulse is terminated prior to reaching a steady state amplitude, while having sufficient energy to heat the TMA to its predetermined operational temperature range. | 03-05-2009 |
20090079297 | Monolithic thermionic converter - A thermionic converter is disclosed comprising a single or multiple hot (emitter) and cold (collector) electrodes mounted side-by-side on a single substrate and a static electromagnetic for guiding electrodes from the emitter to the collector. The thermal path between emitter and collector electrodes is interrupted by cuts or trenches, and electrical connections to the electrodes are routed over a meander-like, high thermal resistance pathway cut into the substrate to further reduce thermal loss. In one embodiment, an Avto metal surface texture of nanoscale indents is provided on one or more of the electrodes to lower a work function. A method for fabricating said monolithic thermionic converter is further disclosed. | 03-26-2009 |
20090085426 | CARBON NANOTUBE MEMS ASSEMBLY - A carbon nanotube MEMS assembly comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes oriented into a patterned frame, the patterned frame defining at least two components of a MEMS device. An interstitial material at least partially binds adjacent carbon nanotubes one to another. At least one component of the frame is fixed and at least one component of the frame is movable relative to the fixed component. | 04-02-2009 |
20090167108 | Actuation device having shape memory alloy component - The present invention provides an actuation device having a shape memory alloy component that comprises: a base having a bottom portion, at least one first magnetic component disposed under said bottom portion of base, a carrier having a top portion, at least one second magnetic component which is disposed on said top portion of carrier and which corresponds in location to said first magnetic component, and a shape memory alloy component which is disposed between said base and said carrier. Said shape memory alloy component has at least one deformable supporting component, which is disposed at a position corresponding to both positions of said first magnetic component and of said second magnetic component, for supporting said carrier. Said supporting component is in a horizontal form between said base and said carrier since there is a magnetic force between said first magnetic component and said second magnetic component. As the driving force resulting from a martensitic phase transformation in said shape memory alloy component becomes greater than the magnetic force between said first magnetic component and said second magnetic component, said supporting component is deformed and pushes said carrier upwardly. Thus, said carrier is actuated in an upward direction. | 07-02-2009 |
20090206697 | METHOD FOR GENERATING, TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING POWER - A system and method for generating, transmitting and receiving power includes providing a source of non-optical power, such as thermal energy, which is converted into electricity. The non-optical power is converted into an optical power beam which is directed into a hollow pipe and transmitted along a length thereof. The hollow pipe may have an inner reflective surface, or lenses or collimators to direct the light therethrough. Upon exiting the hollow pipe, the optical power beam is converted into electricity. | 08-20-2009 |
20090212658 | MICRO--ELECTROMECHANICAL ACTUATOR WITH SPACER SEPARATED LAYERS - A micro-electromechanical actuator comprising a pair of elongate layers of identical material heated by an electrical current; a pair of spacers separating the elongate layers at two opposite ends, the spacers fast with the layers; and an air gap provided between the pair of elongate layers. Each spacer is composed of a thermally non-conductive material. | 08-27-2009 |
20090236931 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATOR - A shape memory alloy actuator includes a wire material of a shape memory alloy of which, one end is fixed, a mobile object which is mechanically coupled with the other end of the wire material, a bias applying member which applies an external force on the mobile object, in a direction in which the wire material of the shape memory alloy elongates by cooling, and an attraction force generating mechanism which is disposed at a position facing the bias applying member via the mobile object, and which generates an attraction force acting in a direction same as a direction of the external force applied by the bias applying member to the mobile object. A position of the mobile object is changed by changing a length of the wire material of the shape memory alloy by changing a temperature of the wire material by supplying an electric power to the wire material. | 09-24-2009 |
20090302708 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTUATOR - An actuator has a shape memory alloy wire that contracts when heated by electric power supply and expands when cooled, whereby its length changes, a first hollow member through which the shape memory alloy wire is inserted, a movable element having an end mechanically connected to the shape memory alloy wire and movable relative to the first hollow member along a direction along which the length of the shape memory wire changes, an elastic member that is arranged between the movable element and the first hollow member and by which an external force is exerted on the movable element in a direction in which the shape memory alloy wire expands. In addition, an insulation member is joined to the movable element, apart of the insulation member is inserted in the first hollow member in a movable manner, and the shape memory alloy wire is connected to the end of the inserted part. Thus, the shape memory alloy wire is prevented from being in electrical contact with the elastic member. | 12-10-2009 |
20100019618 | TRANSVERSAL QUANTUM HEAT CONVERTER - A semiconductor device is disclosed for environment heat conversion in coherent electromagnetic energy by a super radiant quantum decay and a thermal excitation of a system of electrons in a super lattice of n-i-p-n transistors with quantum dots on the two sides of the i-layer, and potential barriers for separating the quantum transition n-i-p regions from the adjacent conduction n and p regions. When an electron current is injected in a perpendicular direction on the transistor arrays, a super radiant field is generated in the plane of these arrays, with a power mainly obtained by a heat absorption that is much larger than the absorbed electric power. The device also includes an input heat absorber, and an output Fabry-Perot resonator with total transmission for the electromagnetic energy extraction from the device active region. | 01-28-2010 |
20100019619 | Connected Energy Converter, Generator Provided Therewith and Method for the Manufacture Thereof - A high-output energy converter of an output-improving thermionic generator, thermally connected to other generators without moving parts that utilise the residual energy from the thermionic generator. The thermionic generator comprises a rαultilayered vacuum diode, the layers of which are very thin and the gaps between the layers are also thin and kept at a distance from one another by selectively flexible spacer elements. Piezo elements or heating elements can precisely adjust the height of the gaps. | 01-28-2010 |
20100109473 | Dynamic capacitor energy system - An energy conversion and storage system uses pre-charge-enabled energy-converting variable capacitors that can be buried in asphalt roads and streets. Radiant solar energy does work on temperature-sensitive capacitors. It modifies the capacitance of the previously cold and pre-charged capacitor, thereby converting solar energy into increased electrical energy available for practical commercial or residential use. | 05-06-2010 |
20100109474 | THERMOMAGNETIC GENERATOR DEVICE AND ENERGY CONVERTING METHOD - A generator device for converting thermal energy to electric energy. A magnetic circuit includes at least a portion made of a magnetic material. A temperature-varying device varies the temperature in the portion made of the magnetic material alternately above and below a phase transition temperature of the magnetic material to thereby vary the reluctance of the magnetic circuit. A coil is arranged around the magnetic circuit, in which electric energy is induced in response to a varying magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. A magnetic flux generator generates magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. A controllable electric circuit device is connected to the coil and a control device controls the controllable electric circuit device. | 05-06-2010 |
20100117482 | VALVE APPARATUS - A rotating valve apparatus including a cylindrical casing, a shaft arranged symmetrically in the casing, a member fixedly attached to the shaft and in close fit with the cylindrical casing, defining separated chambers within the casing, at least one outlet fixedly arranged along the circumference of the casing and a plurality of axially arranged inlets, each of which is constantly in fluid communication with a respective one of the separated chambers. The axially arranged inlets are alternately in fluid connection with the outlet fixedly arranged along the circumference of the casing in response to rotation of the shaft and the member with respect to the casing. The member has an elliptically shaped cross section. | 05-13-2010 |
20100253181 | Special Thermo Magnetic Motor Device - A special thermo magnetic motor which is an electromagnetic heat engine used for directly converting power between heat and electrical forms using magnetism. It is comprised of a unique combination of a base support, a heating system to heat the magnetic wafers to the Curie temperature; a magnet system with a base and shorting bar; a rotatable disk assembly with the magnetic wafers and a support shaft/transfer means; and an output to an output means to the using device. It provides significant benefits compared to prior art devices and is used for driving various other devices. | 10-07-2010 |
20100289377 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FERROELECTRIC CONVERSION OF HEAT TO ELECTRICAL ENERGY - The present invention relates to a new method and apparatus for converting heat to electric energy. The invention exploits the rapid changes in spontaneous polarization that occur in ferroelectric materials during phase change. The invention permits robust and economical generation of electric energy from thermal energy, and it can be used in many different applications. In one aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for converting heat to electric energy comprising a pair of electrodes; a ferroelectric layer formed there between with a ferroelectric material characterized with a Curie temperature, T | 11-18-2010 |
20100295417 | Multi-Segmented Spine with Integrated Actuation - A multi-segmented spine includes a plurality of rigid segments joined with a flexible coupling and governed by a plurality of integrated actuators. Motion is generated in the multi-segmented spine via an intelligent activation sequence for the actuators, which can be in the form of shape memory alloys activated via resistance heating from electric current. | 11-25-2010 |
20110001389 | Device and Method for Converting Thermal Energy into Electrical Energy - A device and method for using a field-responsive material that changes temperature when subjected to a respective field in combination with a thermal to electrical energy converter to accomplish the generation of electrical energy. The field-responsive material, such as an electrocaloric or magnetocaloric material, changes temperature when subjected to a change in a respective electric or magnetic field. The changing field applied to the field-responsive material causes a temperature change in the field-responsive material to heat or cool the field-responsive material. A thermal to electrical energy converter is in thermal contact with the field-responsive material, such that temperature changes in the field-responsive material in turn changes the temperature of the thermal to electrical energy converter, which the converter then converts into electrical energy. In this manner, the application of an appropriate electric or magnetic field can be utilized to generate thermal energy changes that can be converted into electrical energy. | 01-06-2011 |
20110001390 | Apparatus and Method for Ferroelectric Conversion of Heat to Electrical Energy - The present invention relates to a new method and apparatus for converting heat to electric energy. The invention exploits the rapid changes in spontaneous polarization that occur in ferroelectric materials during phase change. The invention permits robust and economical generation of electric energy from thermal energy, and it can be used in many different applications. In one aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for converting heat to electric energy comprising a pair of electrodes; a ferroelectric layer formed there between with a ferroelectric material characterized with a Curie temperature, T | 01-06-2011 |
20110037342 | THERMOMAGNETIC GENERATOR - A thermomagnetic generator which converts thermal energy to electrical energy without intermediate conversion to mechanical work and which works at temperatures in the range from −20° C. to 200° C. comprises a thermomagnetic material selected from, for example,
| 02-17-2011 |
20110062821 | HEAT-POWER CONVERSION MAGNETISM DEVICES - The invention discloses a heat-power conversion magnetism device. The heat-power conversion magnetism device includes a magneto caloric effect material so that the magnetic field thereof can be changed according to the temperature difference. The heat-power conversion magnetism device rotates by changing the magnetic field of the magneto caloric effect material. | 03-17-2011 |
20110089784 | HEAT EXCHANGER DEVICE - A heat exchanger device includes a body and at least one channel located in the body, through which a heat exchange fluid is adapted to be guided, thereby providing heat transfer per unit area between the heat exchange fluid and the material of the body, wherein the body has a material composition and/or dimensions such that the amount of heat transfer per unit area between the heat exchange fluid and the material of the body is essentially constant along the direction of the channel. | 04-21-2011 |
20110095646 | DEVICE FOR CONVERTING THERMAL POWER INTO ELECTRICITY - A device for converting thermal power into electric power including a plurality of bimetallic strips disposed between a rigid support and a plate of a resilient plastic material; and on the side of the plate of a resilient plastic material opposite to the strips, a layer of a piezoelectric material connected to output terminals, wherein the rigid support is capable of being in contact with a hot source, and the plate of a resilient plastic material is capable of transmitting to the piezoelectric layer the mechanical stress due to the deformations of the bimetallic strips. | 04-28-2011 |
20110095647 | Valve Apparatus - A rotating valve apparatus includes a cylindrical casing; a shaft arranged symmetrically in the casing; a member fixedly attached to the shaft and in close fit with the cylindrical casing, defining separated chambers within the casing; at least one outlet fixedly arranged along the circumference of the casing; and a plurality of axially arranged inlets, each of which being constantly in fluid communication with a respective one of the separated chambers, wherein the axially arranged inlets are alternately in fluid connection with the outlet fixedly arranged along the circumference of the casing in response to rotation of the shaft and the member with respect to the casing. The outlet(s) has/have a fluid path length that varies along the circumference of the casing depending on the rotational speed of the shaft such that the interfaces between fluids originating from different ones of the axially arranged inlets will be essentially vertical to the flow direction of the fluids. | 04-28-2011 |
20110148248 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY - A device and method for directly converting thermal energy to electricity are disclosed. The device comprises a first surface and second surface preferably of different materials, and a gas medium having gas molecules in thermal motion between the surfaces. The first surface is operative to transfer charge to gas molecules interacting with the first surface, and the second surface is operative to receive the charge from gas molecules interacting with the second surface. | 06-23-2011 |
20110204746 | DRIVING MODULE, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - Disclosed are a driving module and an electronic apparatus including the same, which are capable of performing satisfactory driving even under high-temperature environment and of being miniaturized. The driving module ( | 08-25-2011 |
20110215673 | ULTRASONIC WAVE GENERATOR - An ultrasonic wave generator includes an ultrasound generating assembly, a power supply and a controller. The ultrasound generating assembly includes a thermoacoustic film comprising a carbon nanotube film, a first electrode and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are connected to opposite ends of the thermoacoustic film. The power supply is configured for powering the ultrasound generating assembly. The controller electrically is coupled to the power supply and configured for alternately powering on and off the ultrasound generating assembly at a frequency of at least 20 kHz. | 09-08-2011 |
20110241478 | VORTEX FLUX GENERATOR - A method and apparatus for generating electricity by electromagnetic induction, using a magnetic field modulated by the formation, dissipation, and movement of vortices produced by a vortex material such as a type II superconductor. Magnetic field modulation occurs at the microscopic level, facilitating the production of high frequency electric power. Generator inductors are manufactured using microelectronic fabrication, in at least one dimension corresponding to the spacing of vortices. The vortex material fabrication method establishes the alignment of vortices and generator coils, permitting the electromagnetic induction of energy from many vortices into many coils simultaneously as a cumulative output of electricity. A thermoelectric cycle is used to convert heat energy into electricity. | 10-06-2011 |
20110298333 | DIRECT CONVERSION OF NANOSCALE THERMAL RADIATION TO ELECTRICAL ENERGY USING PYROELECTRIC MATERIALS - The embodiment provided herein are directed to a pyroelectric (PE) energy converter which is capable of combining nanoscale thermal radiation and pyroelectric energy conversion for harvesting low grade waste heat. The converter advantageously makes use of the enhanced radiative heat transfer across a nanosize gap to achieve high operating frequencies or large temperature oscillations in a composite PE plate. The PE energy converter generally comprises a hot source, a cold source, and a PE plate, wherein the PE plate oscillates between the hot and cold source and the PE plate can be subjected to a power cycle in the displacement-electric field diagram. The hot and cold sources of the converter can be coated with SiO | 12-08-2011 |
20110316385 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION OF HEAT TO ELECTRICAL ENERGY USING A NEW THERMODYNAMIC CYCLE - A method for converting heat to electricity is described. The method can be used to efficiently and economically generate electricity from thermal energy directly through ferroelectric or other polarizable materials without the need for first converting thermal energy to mechanical energy or to any other form of energy or work. The method can involve subjecting a polarizable material to a thermodynamic cycle having two isothermal steps and two steps that occur at constant polarization. In an ideal implementation, this thermodynamic cycle allows the conversion of heat to electricity at the ultimate Carnot limit. The ferroelectric material can be continuously cycled in and out of its ferroelectric phase while heat is continuously converted to electricity at high voltage. The electrical energy so generated can be used in a virtually unlimited range of different applications or be stored for later use. An apparatus for converting heat to electricity is also described. | 12-29-2011 |
20120013219 | POWER GENERATION DEVICE - A power generation device is disclosed, which includes a plurality of thermomagnetic generator and a flow controller. The thermomagnetic generators can acquire first fluids respectively. The flow controller can control flow rates of the second fluids flowing into the thermomagnetic generators respectively, wherein a fluid temperature of the first fluid is different from a fluid temperature of the second fluid. | 01-19-2012 |
20120019098 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY BY THERMALLY CYCLING AN ELECTRICALLY POLARIZABLE MATERIAL USING HEAT FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND A VEHICLE COMPRISING THE APPARATUS - A method for converting heat to electric energy is described which involves thermally cycling an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes. The material is heated using thermal energy obtained from: a combustion reaction; solar energy; a nuclear reaction; ocean water; geothermal energy; or thermal energy recovered from an industrial process. An apparatus is also described which includes an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes and a heat exchanger for heating the material. The heat source used to heat the material can be: a combustion apparatus; a solar thermal collector; or a component of a furnace exhaust device. Alternatively, the heat exchanger can be a device for extracting thermal energy from the earth, the sun, ocean water, an industrial process, a combustion reaction or a nuclear reaction. A vehicle is also described which comprises an apparatus for converting heat to electrical energy connected to an electric motor. | 01-26-2012 |
20120056504 | MEMS BASED PYROELECTRIC THERMAL ENERGY HARVESTER - A pyroelectric thermal energy harvesting apparatus for generating an electric current includes a cantilevered layered pyroelectric capacitor extending between a first surface and a second surface, where the first surface includes a temperature difference from the second surface. The layered pyroelectric capacitor includes a conductive, bimetal top electrode layer, an intermediate pyroelectric dielectric layer and a conductive bottom electrode layer. In addition, a pair of proof masses is affixed at a distal end of the layered pyroelectric capacitor to face the first surface and the second surface, wherein the proof masses oscillate between the first surface and the second surface such that a pyroelectric current is generated in the pyroelectric capacitor due to temperature cycling when the proof masses alternately contact the first surface and the second surface. | 03-08-2012 |
20120146455 | CLOSELY SPACED ELECTRODES WITH A UNIFORM GAP - A device has a pair of facing electrodes or electrode assemblies wherein an attracting force distribution within the electrodes or electrode assemblies and an equal but opposite repelling force distributions act simultaneously to establish a stable equilibrium separation of the two electrodes across all or part of their facing surfaces. At least one of the electrode faces has a curved shape. The curved shape is selected to achieve a small contact area at a center point and a larger area surrounding the center point for electron tunneling or photon tunneling or phonon blocking or any combination of these. | 06-14-2012 |
20120228992 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - A thermoelectric generator including a sheet of a deformable material containing closed cavities, each of which contains a drop of a vaporizable liquid, and a mechanism for transforming into electricity the power resulting from the deformation of the sheet linked to the evaporation/condensation of the liquid. | 09-13-2012 |
20120262027 | NANOSCALE THERMOELECTRIC WAVE GENERATORS - In one aspect, the present invention provides nanosized systems for generating electrical energy based on the use of a chemically reactive composition to generate a thermoelectric wave. For example, the system can include at least one nanostructure (e.g., a carbon nanotube) extending along an axial direction between a proximal end and a distal end. A chemically reactive composition is dispersed along at least a portion of the nanostructure, e.g., along its axial direction, so as to provide thermal coupling with the nanostructure. The chemical composition can undergo an exothermic chemical reaction to generate heat. The system can further include an ignition mechanism adapted to activate the chemical composition so as to generate a thermal wave that propagates along the axial direction of the nanostructure, where the thermal wave is accompanied by an electrical energy wave propagating along the axial direction. | 10-18-2012 |
20120299438 | THERMIONIC GENERATOR - A thermionic generator for converting thermal energy to electric energy includes: an emitter electrode for emitting thermal electrons from a thermal electron emitting surface when heat is applied to the emitter electrode; a collector electrode facing the emitter electrode spaced apart from the emitter electrode by a predetermined distance, and receiving the thermal electrons from the emitter electrode via a facing surface of the collector electrode; and a substrate having one surface. The emitter electrode and the collector electrode are disposed on the one surface of the substrate, and are electrically insulated from each other. The thermal electron emitting surface and the facing surface are perpendicular to the one surface. | 11-29-2012 |
20130002091 | POWER-GENERATING SYSTEM - A power-generating system includes a heat source having a temperature that goes up and down over time; a first device that undergoes electric polarization due to a temperature change of the heat source; and a second device that takes out an electric power from the first device. | 01-03-2013 |
20130057111 | ENERGY HARVESTER - An energy harvester ( | 03-07-2013 |
20130140945 | Method and Apparatus for Electricity Generation Using Electromagnetic Induction Including Thermal Transfer Between Vortex Flux Generator and Refrigerator Compartment - System and method for generating and storing electricity by electromagnetic induction using a magnetic field modulated by the formation, dissipation, and movement of vortices produced by a vortex material such as a type II superconductor and further including a vortex flux generator in cryostat and a refrigerant compartment having bi-directionally thermal transfer to the vortex flux generator. Magnetic field modulation occurs at the microscopic level, facilitating the production of high frequency electric power. Generator inductors are manufactured using microelectronic fabrication, in at least one dimension corresponding to the spacing of vortices. The vortex material fabrication method establishes the alignment of vortices and generator coils, permitting the electromagnetic induction of energy from many vortices into many coils simultaneously as a cumulative output of electricity. A thermoelectric cycle is used to convert heat energy into electricity. | 06-06-2013 |
20130147314 | NON-DECAYING ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION FROM PYROELECTRIC MATERIALS - A method, an apparatus and/or a system of non-decaying electric power generation from pyroelectric materials is disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes generating a substantially continuous electric energy from an at least one layer of pyroelectric material when the at least one layer of pyroelectric material is subjected to a temporal temperature gradient, a varying electric field and/or a mechanical oscillation. The method also includes creating the temporal temperature gradient, the varying electric field and/or the mechanical oscillation through coupling the at least one layer of pyroelectric material in between a first layer of a first material and a second layer of a second material that harnesses a heat energy and/or an electric field energy to produce the temporal temperature gradient and/or the mechanical oscillation to which the at least one layer of pyroelectric material is subjected | 06-13-2013 |
20130169108 | ANODE WITH SUPPRESSOR GRID - A suppressor grid is configured proximate to an anode to produce a suppressor electric field selected to provide a force on an electron in a direction pointing away from the anode, wherein the suppressor electric field is further selected to pass electrons from the suppressor grid to the anode. | 07-04-2013 |
20130257219 | ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE - An energy harvester including first and second sheets; and a plurality of walls, each wall being sandwiched between the first and second sheets and surrounding a cavity, wherein each cavity houses at least one curved plate adapted to change from a first shape to a second shape when its temperature reaches a first threshold and to return to the first shape when its temperature falls to a second threshold lower than said first threshold. | 10-03-2013 |
20130320804 | ANNULAR THERMOACOUSTIC ENERGY CONVERTER - A thermoacoustic energy converter for converting heat energy to electricity includes an annular resonator with a regenerator disposed therein. An electro-mechanical transducer is coupled to the annular resonator and in fluid communication with the working fluid. When heat is applied to one end of the annular resonator, a traveling acoustic wave is generated in the annular resonator causing vibrations in the working fluid that actuate the electro-mechanical transducer to generate electricity. | 12-05-2013 |
20140049135 | MEMS-Based Integrated Inverter for Wafer-Scale Thermionic Energy Converter - A thermionic energy converter is provided that includes an anode, a cathode, where the anode is disposed opposite the cathode, and a suspension, where a first end of the suspension is connected to the cathode and a second end of the suspension is connected to the anode, where the suspension moveably supports the cathode above the anode to form a variable gap between the anode and the cathode, where the variable gap is capable of enabling a variable thermionic current between the anode and the cathode, where the thermionic converter is capable of an AC power output. | 02-20-2014 |
20140175940 | PULSED PLASMA ENGINE AND METHOD - Pulsed plasma engine and method in which a noncombustible gas is introduced into an explosion chamber, the gas is ionized to form a plasma within the chamber, an electrical pulse is applied to the plasma to heat the plasma, the pulse is turned off to produce an explosive pressure pulse in the plasma, and the plasma is confined in the chamber by a magnetic field that directs the pressure pulse toward an output member which is driven by the pressure pulse. | 06-26-2014 |
20140191614 | FERROELECTRIC ENERGY CONVERSION USING PHASE CHANGING FLUIDS - The invention provides apparatus and methods for heating and cooling ferroelectric materials during a conversion between thermal and electrical energy. One method comprises the use of a fluid that performs repeated heating and cooling cycles, e.g., ‘thermal cycling’, of ferroelectric materials during the evaporation and condensation of a phase changing fluid. The systems, devices, and methods eliminate the need for external inputs such electrical or mechanical power, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the energy conversion. One apparatus comprises liquid-retaining wicks that helps fluid distribution and expands the range of operational environment for the energy system. Ultimately, the uniformity and speed of various embodiments of the thermal cycler apparatus and method provide improvements in conversion efficiency and reductions in parasitic loss over current thermal cyclers. | 07-10-2014 |
20140217852 | POWER-GENERATING SYSTEM - A power-generating system includes a heat source which is able to produce temporal temperature variation; a first device which is able to produce temporal temperature variation so as to include at least partially a temperature range of −20° C. relative to the Curie temperature to +10° C. relative to the Curie temperature based on the temperature change of the heat source, and in which polarization occurs; and a second device for taking out a net generating power from the first device. | 08-07-2014 |
20140285061 | THERMOMECHANICAL CYCLE FOR THERMAL AND/OR MECHANICAL ENERGY CONVERSION USING PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIALS - A system for generating electrical energy includes a thermal source, an electric field source, a stress source, a piezoelectric component, and a cycle controller coupled to the thermal source, the electric field source, and the stress source. The cycle controller provides control signals to the thermal source, the electric field source, and the stress source to repeatedly cycle the piezoelectric component through the sequence: (a) application of: a first temperature, a first electric field, and a first stress; (b) application of: the first temperature, a second electric field greater than the first electric field, and the first stress; (c) application of: a second temperature, the second electric field, and a second stress greater than the first stress; and (d) application of: the second temperature, the first electric field, and the second stress. | 09-25-2014 |
20140292139 | ACTUATOR DEVICE - A device is described wherein a pair of thermal or electrothermal actuators ( | 10-02-2014 |
20140306575 | ENHANCED THERMIONIC ENERGY CONVERTER AND APPLICATIONS OF SAME - In one aspect of the invention, a thermionic energy converter comprises an anode, a cathode spaced from the anode to define a gap therebetween, and molecular hydrogen incorporated into the gap. | 10-16-2014 |
20140327338 | OCEAN WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER AND METHOD OF ENERGY STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL UTILIZING A PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL - A float operated lever device for wave energy conversion comprising at least one force amplifying lever, a pivot secured on a secured platform, a buoyant float attached to said lever and a latch means secured in position for obstructing the motion of said force amplifying lever for a fraction of half wave's period, when said float is nearly at its highest and lowest positions whereby said force amplifying lever travels downward or upward respectively, at a greater velocity and for a greater distance than in the case of free floating thus producing an amplified output force, pivoting speed and angular displacement. | 11-06-2014 |
20150015112 | THERMO-MECHANO-ELECTRICAL CONVERTER - A thermo-mechano-electric converter including a plurality of shape memory bistable elements embedded in a resilient material intimately associated with a piezoelectric material. | 01-15-2015 |
20150061456 | Methods and Systems for Micro Machines - A micro machine may be in or less than the micrometer domain. The micro machine may include a micro actuator and a micro shaft coupled to the micro actuator. The micro shaft is operable to be driven by the micro actuator. A tool is coupled to the micro shaft and is operable to perform work in response to at least motion of the micro shaft. | 03-05-2015 |
20150102702 | THERMAL POWER CELL AND APPARATUS BASED THEREON - Apparatus ( | 04-16-2015 |
20150145373 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING A THERMOELECTRIC COMPONENT, THERMOELECTRIC COMPONENT AND MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for producing a thermoelectric component includes coating at least one fiber with thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric component has an annular configuration and the coated fiber extends in a circumferential direction over an angular range of at least 120°. A thermoelectric component and a motor vehicle having a thermoelectric component are also provided. | 05-28-2015 |
20150303834 | ENERGY HARVESTER - An energy harvester includes a circuit for collecting an excess of electrical charges on a first connection terminal, wherein the circuit is equipped with a first controllable mechanical switch, and a control device for the first switch. There is a transducer suitable for directly transforming, without consuming the excess of electrical charges present on the first connection terminal, the variation of the energy to be harvested into a mechanical deformation which displaces the first switch from its open position to its closed position. | 10-22-2015 |
20150325419 | Low Work-function, Mechanically and Thermally Robust Emitter for Thermionic Energy Converters - Improved thermionic energy converters are provided by electrodes that include a silicon carbide support structure, a tungsten adhesion layer disposed on the silicon carbide support structure, and an activation layer disposed on the tungsten adhesion layer. The activation layer is a material that lowers the electrode work function, such as BaO, SrO and/or CaO. | 11-12-2015 |
20150333662 | DEVICE FOR GENERATING A MOVEMENT, MOTOR COMPRISING SAID DEVICE AND USE OF THE LATTER - The invention provides a device for generating a movement, preferably a circular movement. The device comprises at least one magnet, a material which is arranged in the proximity of the magnet or in the magnet, on which material the magnet exerts an attractive force and in which the attractive force of the magnet is weakened by thermal action on at least one region of the material. The material is preferably not in superconductive state during the thermal action and preferably has paramagnetic properties prior to the thermal action and diamagnetic properties after the thermal action. | 11-19-2015 |
20150372621 | System for Converting Electromagnetic Radiation to Electrical Energy Using Metamaterials - Spectral tuning of heat source to emit radiation at a desired frequency or frequency band is accomplished using metamaterials. The metamaterials include a structured geometry having holes with dimensions and spacing chosen such that the resulting surface will emit radiation in the desired spectrum. A collector can be made of a similar metamaterial or antenna array to detect the emitted radiation and transfer it to a converter device that converts the detected radiation to electricity. Embodiments also provide efficient coupling to the converter device for energy harvesting. Cooling of the converter devices can be accomplished using a cooling sink or deep space. | 12-24-2015 |
20160006373 | Thermoelectric Generator - A thermoelectric generator includes a shape memory material configured to change shape due to a change in temperature, the shape memory material being further configured to cyclically receive heat from a heat source. The thermoelectric generator further includes a piezoelectric material coupled to the shape memory material, the piezoelectric material configured to produce electricity in response to the changed shape of the shape memory material. | 01-07-2016 |
20160094159 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES - This patent discloses methods for increasing the power output from earlier disclosures regarding a heat engine based on temporary electrical and magnetic remanence by R. O. Cornwall, for example WO00/0064038 entitled “Thermodynamic Cycles and Method for Generating Electricity” and filed Apr. 19, 2000. Presented is a means of cancelling the power limitation caused by re-magnetisation field and methods for varying the turns-ratio of the output coils as the flux decays. | 03-31-2016 |
20160102656 | DRIVE UNIT AND MOUNTING STRUCTURE THEREOF - A drive unit includes a base member having an operation base having operation recesses in a front surface, a movable member that is disposed to be opposite to the base member and has operation projections to be inserted into the operation recesses in an opposed surface, and a shape memory alloy member that is disposed between the base member and the movable member and shrinks by heat generated by passing an electric current. In conjunction with the shrinkage of the shape memory alloy member by the passage of the electric current, the movable member is moved in a direction away from the base member. The base member has a fixed portion in its middle in a core axial direction of the shape memory alloy member, to fix the middle on a support member. | 04-14-2016 |
20160156285 | TURBO ENGINE WITH AN ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE, ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR ENERGY HARVESTING | 06-02-2016 |
20160173003 | DEVICE FOR CONVERTING THERMAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY | 06-16-2016 |
20170236990 | ENERGY HARVESTER | 08-17-2017 |
310307000 | With heat actuated bimetal element | 13 |
20080278029 | ELECTROLESS PLATING PRODUCTION OF NICKEL AND COLBALT STRUCTURES - A method comprising forming a structural element | 11-13-2008 |
20080278030 | DRIVE UNIT AND DRIVE MODULE - A drive unit and drive module which use a shape memory alloy as a drive source to move a driven member, and which can drive at a high speed, independently of the ambient temperature and the position of the driven member. The timing of moving the driven member is controlled based on the position to which the driven member is moved, and based on the settling time for the driven member moved to that position to settle at that position, thus, the driven section can be moved in the minimum drive time, and this arrangement provides the drive unit and drive module that can drive at a high speed, independently of the ambient temperature and the position of the driven member. | 11-13-2008 |
20090195121 | Electronic Latch Actuator - A linear motion actuator is disclosed in which an actuator shaft is held in a ready position by a latching ring. A spring is attached to the actuator shaft to exert a biasing force on the actuator shaft biasing it toward its actuated position. The latching ring receives one end of the actuator shaft and has locking elements that hold the actuator shaft in the ready position. A latching ring is rotated to selectively release the locking element. A shape memory alloy link extends partially around the latching ring and is secured to the latching ring. The link is shortened when current is applied to the link causing the link to rotate and release the locking element. | 08-06-2009 |
20090261688 | MICROACTUATOR HAVING MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM - A MEMS vertical displacement device for vertically displacing and tilting a vertically displaceable platform. The vertically displaceable platform may be displaced using a plurality of recurve actuators configured to provide vertical displacement without horizontal movement. The vertically displaceable platform may be tilted about two axes to yield tilting that is advantageous in numerous applications. The recurve actuators may be thermal, piezoelectric or formed from other appropriate materials. | 10-22-2009 |
20100213790 | ELECTROSTRICTIVE COMPOSITE, METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME AND ELECTROTHERMIC TYPE ACTUATOR - An electrostrictive composite includes a first material layer and a second material layer. The first material layer and the second material layer are stacked to each other. The thermal expansion coefficients of the first material layer and the second material layer are different. The first material layer includes a polymer matrix and a plurality of carbon nanotubes dispersed therein. Also an electrothermic type actuator using the electrostrictive composite is provided. | 08-26-2010 |
20110169372 | ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE USING PYROELECTRIC MATERIAL - Provided is an energy harvesting device using pyroelectric materials. The energy harvesting device includes a first heat source; a second heat source having a temperature higher than a temperature of the first heat source; and a cantilever which is interposed between the first heat source and the second heat source, the cantilever including a first film formed of a pyroelectric material and a second film, where the first film is disposed on the second film and a thermal expansion coefficient of the second film is different from that of the pyroelectric material of the first film. Electric energy is generated by periodically changing a temperature within the first film. | 07-14-2011 |
20120133245 | RADIANT ENERGY IMAGER USING NULL SWITCHING - In some aspects, the present invention embodies both the method and apparatus for converting a pattern of irradiation to a visible image. An embodiment of the present invention provides an array of micro-electro-mechanical sensors with each sensor includes a deflectable micro-cantilever, responsive to absorbed incident radiation and to an applied repulsive electrostatic field. In an aspect, the sensor device also includes a null-sensing circuit coupled to a switch contact on or near the substrate, which senses when the micro-cantilever reaches its null location, by electrical connection with an upper switch contact on the micro-cantilever. Other embodiments are also described. | 05-31-2012 |
20120176000 | TEMPERATURE-ACTIVATED VOLTAGE GENERATOR - An illustrative embodiment of a temperature-activated voltage generator includes a generator housing having a housing interior; a flexible, temperature-sensitive bimetallic element disposed in the housing interior; and a piezoelectric element carried by the generator housing. The bimetallic element is positional between a first position wherein the bimetallic element disengages the piezoelectric element and a second position wherein the bimetallic element engages the piezoelectric element. Electrical voltage output leads are electrically connected to the piezoelectric element. A voltage-generating method is also disclosed. | 07-12-2012 |
20150022054 | THERMAL ENERGY HARVESTING OPTIMISATION WITH BISTABLE ELEMENTS AND COLLABORATIVE BEHAVIOR - System for converting thermal energy into electrical energy (S | 01-22-2015 |
20150042205 | DEVICE FOR CONVERTING THERMAL POWER INTO ELECTRIC POWER - A device for converting thermal power into electric power includes many conversion cells arranged inside and on top of a substrate. Each conversion cell includes a curved bimetal strip and first and second diodes coupled to the bimetal strip. The diodes are arranged in a semiconductor region of the substrate. | 02-12-2015 |
20150115769 | SYSTEM FOR CONVERSING THERMAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY - An assembly converting thermal energy into electrical energy including: at least one temperature sensitive bimetallic strip arranged in a space delimited by a hot source and a cold source facing each other, the bimetallic strip extending along a longitudinal axis; at least one suspended element fixed in movement to the sensitive element and extending laterally from the sensitive element and including a free end; and at least one piezoelectric element suspended from a part fixed relative to the sensitive element and vibrated by the suspended element such that it is vibrated when the bimetallic strip changes configuration and the suspended element comes into contact with the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element being located outside the space defined between the bimetallic strip and the hot source and outside the space between the bimetallic strip and the cold source. | 04-30-2015 |
20150300328 | THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR COMPRISING A DEFORMABLE BY-LAYER MEMBRANE EXHIBITING MAGNETIC PROPERTIES - An electrical generator is composed of a bi-layer membrane enabling the conversion of a thermal energy into electrical energy. The bi-layer membrane is deformable and includes at least two layers having different thermal expansion coefficients. The membrane moves between positions in a reversible fashion in response to heat dissipation and as a function of two flexing temperatures. A magnetic structure associated with the membrane functions to set the flexing temperatures as a function of ambient temperature. | 10-22-2015 |
20160025078 | ELECTROTHERMAL ACTUATORS - An electrothermal actuator includes at least one connecting portion; at least two operating portions; and at least two electrodes. Each of the at least one connecting portion and the at least two operating portions includes a flexible polymer layer and a carbon nanotube paper. A thickness ratio of the carbon nanotube paper and the flexible polymer layer ranges from 1:7 to 1:10. A density of the carbon nanotube paper is greater than 0.5 g/cm | 01-28-2016 |