US5448109A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Thermoelectric module
Assignee: Tellurex Corp
•
Filing: 1994-03-08
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Granted: 1995-09-05
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Expires: 2014-03-08
Abstract
Abstract A thermoelectric device using a pressed and sintered P-type semiconductor material connected to a crystalline N-type semiconductor material exhibits an unexpectedly high figure-of-merit, Z, and improved mechanical strength.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles J. Cauchy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 08:47
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10N; H10N10/00; H10N10/80; H10N10/85; H10N10/851; H10N10/852; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S257/00; Y10S257/93
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
18 words
A thermoelectric element comprising a pressed and sintered P-type semiconductor material connected to a crystalline N-type semiconductor material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
18 words
A thermoelectric element comprising a pressed and sintered P-type semiconductor material connected to a crystalline N-type semiconductor material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The thermoelectric element of claim 1, wherein said P-type semiconductor material is a Bi-Sb-Te composition.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The thermoelectric element of claim 1, wherein said N-type semiconductor material is a Bi-Sb-Te-Se composition doped with I compounded with Bi.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The thermoelectric element of claim 1, wherein said N-type semiconductor material is a Bi-Sb-Te-Se composition doped with I compounded with Sb.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The thermoelectric element of claim 2, wherein said P-type semiconductor material has the formula Bi a Sb b Te c , wherein 10≦a≦15, 20≦b≦25 and 60≦c≦65 in atomic percents.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The thermoelectric element of claim 3, wherein said Bi-Sb-Te-Se composition has the formula (Bi 2 Te 3 ) 90 (Sb 2 Te 3 ) 5 (Sb 2 Se 3 ) 5 .
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The thermoelectric element of claim 4, wherein said Bi-Sb-Te-Se composition has the formula (Bi 2 Te 3 ) 90 (Sb 2 Te 3 ) 5 (Sb 2 Se 3 ) 5 .
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A heat pump comprising a thermoelectric element having a pressed and sintered P-type semiconductor material connected to a crystalline N-type semiconductor material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A heat pump comprising a thermoelectric element having a pressed and sintered P-type semiconductor material connected to a crystalline N-type semiconductor material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The heat pump of claim 8, wherein said crystalline N-type semiconductor and pressed and sintered P-type semiconductor material is contained between metallized substrates.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-09-04 | 1999-03-06 | 1999-09-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-09-04 | 2003-03-06 | 2003-09-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-09-04 | 2007-03-06 | 2007-09-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |