US4220692A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Internal geometry of alkali metal thermoelectric generator devices
Assignee: Environmental Research Institute of Michigan
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Filing: 1979-02-28
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Granted: 1980-09-02
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Expires: 1999-02-28
Abstract
Abstract Electrolyte geometry in alkali metal thermoelectric generator devices that alters the view thereof seen by cooler condenser regions provides an increase in power generating area without undesirably concomitant increase in radiation heat transfer area.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas K. Hunt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 13:47
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01G; H01G9/00; H01G9/21
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
In an alkali metal thermoelectric generator device that converts heat energy directly to electrical energy by electrochemical expansion of alkali metal across an electrolyte membrane having a porous electrode thereon that serves to transport electrons for recombination with alkali metal cations passing through the electrolyte, the improvement which comprises a porous electrode on textured electrolyte that during operation of the thermoelectric generator device causes at least a portion of energy radiating from a portion of the porous electrode to impinge directly upon another portion of the electrode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
In an alkali metal thermoelectric generator device that converts heat energy directly to electrical energy by electrochemical expansion of alkali metal across an electrolyte membrane having a porous electrode thereon that serves to transport electrons for recombination with alkali metal cations passing through the electrolyte, the improvement which comprises a porous electrode on textured electrolyte that during operation of the thermoelectric generator device causes at least a portion of energy radiating from a portion of the porous electrode to impinge directly upon another portion of the electrode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The alkali metal thermoelectric generator in accordance with claim 1, wherein the textured electrolyte has the porous electrode thereon in distributed contact with electron transport means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4170694A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-09-02 | 1984-03-03 | 1984-09-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-09-02 | 1988-03-03 | 1988-09-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-09-02 | 1992-03-03 | 1992-09-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |