US4246754A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solid state thermal engine
Assignee: University of Illinois Foundation
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Filing: 1979-03-12
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Granted: 1981-01-27
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Expires: 1999-03-12
Abstract
Abstract An improved solid state thermal engine utilizes as a drive member a braided belt fabricated from a memory alloy such as nickel-titanium and nickel-titanium ternary alloys, copper-zinc and copper-zinc ternary alloys, and the like. The braided belt is mounted on a set of pulleys to provide passage through a hot zone where the belt contracts and develops tension, and through a cold zone where it relaxes and stretches. Since more energy is delivered by contraction than is required for relaxation, positive work output results with an efficiency of between one-fifth and one-third of the Carnot cycle.
Inventors
- 👤 Clarence M. Wayman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 07:15
CPC Classifications
F; F03; F03G; F03G7/00; F03G7/06; F03G7/061; F03G7/0614; F03G7/06143; F03G7/062; F03G7/063; F03G7/0633; F03G7/0636; F03G7/064; F03G7/0641
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
63 words
A solid state thermal engine comprising: (a) an endless braided belt fabricated from a marmem alloy; (b) means for guiding the belt along a closed path; (c) cooling means and heating means in said closed path; (d) means for applying tension to the belt; and (e) means for utilizing the energy output of the engine in relation to the motion of the belt.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
63 words
A solid state thermal engine comprising: (a) an endless braided belt fabricated from a marmem alloy; (b) means for guiding the belt along a closed path; (c) cooling means and heating means in said closed path; (d) means for applying tension to the belt; and (e) means for utilizing the energy output of the engine in relation to the motion of the belt.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
the engine of claim 1 wherein the braided belt contains at least three strands of marmem alloy, the marmem alloy being selected from the group consisting of nickel-titanium, nickel-titanium ternary alloys, copper-zinc, and copper-zinc ternary alloys.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The engine of claim 1 wherein the cooling means is a body of cold fluid and the heating means is a body of hot fluid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The engine of claim 1 wherein the braided belt is fabricated from at least three strands of Nitinol alloy, the cooling means is a body of cold water, the heating means is a body of warm water, and the tension ranges up to about 30,000 psi.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A pre-stressed braided belt drive member for a solid state thermal engine comprising a plurality of strands of marmem alloy, the pre-stressing being an elongation of up to 7% of the length of the belt.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A pre-stressed braided belt drive member for a solid state thermal engine comprising a plurality of strands of marmem alloy, the pre-stressing being an elongation of up to 7% of the length of the belt.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The pre-stressed belt of claim 5 wherein the pre-stressing is effected by passing the belt in a closed path successively through cooling means and heating means, and under sufficient tension to provide the elongation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The pre-stressed belt of claim 5 wherein the belt contains at least three strands of marmem alloy, the marmem alloy being selected from the group consisting of nickel-titanium, nickel-titanium ternary alloys, copper-zinc, and copper-zinc ternary alloys.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The pre-stressed belt of claim 6 wherein the cooling means is a body of cold fluid and the heating means is a body of hot fluid.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
The pre-stressed belt of claim 6 wherein the braided belt is fabricated from at least three strands of Nitinol alloy, the cooling means is a body of cold water, the heating means is a body of warm water, and the tension is sufficient to provide an elongation of about 4-7% of the length of the belt.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-01-27 | 1984-07-28 | 1985-01-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-01-27 | 1988-07-28 | 1989-01-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-01-27 | 1992-07-28 | 1993-01-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |