Thermoelectric conversion component
Patent 6084172 Issued on July 4, 2000. Estimated Expiration Date: 
March 25, 2018. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
March 25, 2018. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 5522225 Thermoelectric couple device Patent #: 5594609 InventorsApplicationNo. 047860 filed on 03/25/1998US Classes:136/200, THERMOELECTRIC62/3.2, Thermoelectric; e.g., peltier effect136/203, Peltier effect device136/205, Electric power generator136/242AdjunctsExaminersPrimary: Gorgos, KathrynAssistant: Parsons, Thomas H. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassH01L 035/00Foreign Application Priority Data1997-03-27 JPAbstractA π-type thermoelectric conversion component detects and controls temperature and at the same time exhibits a cooling performance inherently possessed by the thermoelectric conversion component without the need for mounting a discrete temperature detecting unit. To achieve this, a temperature detecting unit, such as a thin film thermistor or doped semiconductor region, is directly integrated on a surface of a substrate forming the thermoelectric component. In one embodiment, a monocrystalline silicon wafer is used as at least one of the opposing substrates of the thermoelectric conversion component, a temperature detecting unit having a diffused resistor is formed therein. An electrode of the temperature detecting unit is connected to an electrode formed on the opposing substrate to reduce the thermal load. There is thus no need for mounting a discrete temperature detecting unit, which places a thermal load on the thermoelectric conversion component, and it is thus possible to perform temperature detection from the same substrate to which a power supply of the thermoelectric conversion component is applied. It is also possible to obtain a cooling performance inherently possessed by the thermoelectric conversion component without the need to increase the performance criteria of the device to incorporate a temperature detecting unit.Field of SearchPeltier effect deviceElectric power generator Adjuncts Thermoelectric; e.g., peltier effect Heat pump, selective heating and cooling Including dehumidifying and condensate handling Made with flexible heat exchanger material; e.g., blanket, wearing apparel, etc. Interior of enclosure cooled; e.g., refrigerator Including specific circuitry or heat exchanger material By thermoelectric potential generator (e.g., thermocouple) Reference junction temperature control Multiple distinct sensing elements | |
