5015results about "Generators/motors" patented technology

An implantable, rechargeable assembly comprised of an implantable device disposed within a living organism, an electrical storage device connected to the implantable device, and a thermoelectric charging assembly operatively connected to the electrical storage device. The thermoelectric charging assembly has devices for transferring thermal energy between the living organism and a thermoelectric module, for generating an electrical current from the thermal energy, for charging the electrical storage device with the electrical current, for determining the extent to which the electrical storage device is being charged with the electrical current, and for generating a signal whenever the extent to which the electrical storage device is being charged with the electrical current falls below a specified value.

An implantable, rechargeable assembly comprised of an implantable device disposed within a living organism, an electrical storage device connected to the implantable device, and a thermoelectric charging assembly operatively connected to the electrical storage device. The thermoelectric charging assembly has devices for transferring thermal energy between the living organism and a thermoelectric module, for generating an electrical current from the thermal energy, for charging the electrical storage device with the electrical current, for determining the extent to which the electrical storage device is being charged with the electrical current, and for generating a signal whenever the extent to which the electrical storage device is being charged with the electrical current falls below a specified value.

A power generation circuit using an electromagnetic wave which does not require any additional energy is provided. Power generation is performed by utilizing the electromagnetic wave existing in a space for living.

A thermoelectric semiconductor module (10) includes a plurality of semiconductor pellets (14, 18) having Peltier characteristics are mechanically interconnected and arranged in an electrical series circuit with heat transferring means (12, 16, 20) with all interconnections being directly made. The means (12, 16, 20) can be of platelike construction with an L-shaped cross-section or, alternatively, with a U-shaped cross-section. A large number of modules (10) can be arranged in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional stack (30) with adjacent lines or planes of modules electrically interrelated by end segment connectors (32). In a further version, one side of a modular plane has heat exchanger fins (44-50) while the other side is electrically connected by ceramic segments (58) with deposited conductors (56). In yet another version, the modules are mounted onto rotating discs (94, 96) so as to act as a fluid impeller moving therepast enhancing thermal efficiency.

Methods are provided for production of pre-collapsed capacitive micro-machined ultrasonic transducers (cMUTs). Methods disclosed generally include the steps of obtaining a nearly completed traditional cMUT structure prior to etching and sealing the membrane, defining holes through the membrane of the cMUT structure for each electrode ring fixed relative to the top face of the membrane, applying a bias voltage across the membrane and substrate of the cMUT structure so as to collapse the areas of the membrane proximate to the holes to or toward the substrate, fixing and sealing the collapsed areas of the membrane to the substrate by applying an encasing layer, and discontinuing or reducing the bias voltage. CMUT assemblies are provided, including packaged assemblies, integrated assemblies with an integrated circuit / chip (e.g., a beam-steering chip) and a cMUT / lens assembly. Advantageous cMUT-based applications utilizing the disclosed pre-collapsed cMUTs are also provided, e.g., ultrasound transducer-based applications, catheter-based applications, needle-based applications and flowmeter applications.

This invention provides a system and method for cogeneration of building heat and electric power and that efficiently interfaces a warm air heating system with a liquid-cooled electric power generator. The system and method utilizes an electric generator that is rated at near the time-averaged electric power consumption for the building. This generator is operated as the priority source of heat for the building, but normally only when there is a demand for heat in building. In this manner, the generator can run to generate a significant part of the building's electric power but in a manner that is typically supplemented in variable quantities by power from a public power grid. The heat output is directed via a liquid coolant circuit on the generator, as needed, to the warm air heating unit for the building. The warm air heating unit blows return air through a cabinet and out to the supply duct(s). The warm liquid coolant is directed through a primary heat exchanger in the cabinet. The air is passed over this primary heat exchanger to provide heat to the building. When heat from primary heat exchanger is insufficient to heat the building fully, an auxiliary heater, operated typically by burning fuel, supplements the heat through one or more auxiliary heat exchangers arranged in line along the airflow path with the primary heat exchanger. The blower that directs the airflow is controlled variably in speed to create the most efficient use of electric power by the blower and a desirable heated air delivery temperature.