Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110295384 | CONTROLLING POWER IN A PROSTHESIS OR ORTHOSIS BASED ON PREDICTED WALKING SPEED OR SURROGATE FOR SAME - In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle. In some embodiments, a series elastic element is connected in series with a motor that can drive the ankle, and at least one sensor is provided with an output from which a deflection of the series elastic element can be determined. A controller determines a desired torque based on the output, and controls the motor's torque based on the determined desired torque. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295385 | CONTROLLING TORQUE IN A PROSTHESIS OR ORTHOSIS BASED ON A DEFLECTION OF SERIES ELASTIC ELEMENT - In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle. In some embodiments, a series elastic element is connected in series with a motor that can drive the ankle, and at least one sensor is provided with an output from which a deflection of the series elastic element can be determined. A controller determines a desired torque based on the output, and controls the motor's torque based on the determined desired torque. | 12-01-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120259429 | POWERED JOINT ORTHOSIS - A powered device augments a joint function of a human during a gait cycle using a powered actuator that supplies an augmentation torque, an impedance, or both to a joint, and a controller that modulates the augmentation torque, the impedance, and a joint equilibrium according to a phase of the gait cycle to provide at least a biomimetic response. Accordingly, the device is capable of normalizing or augmenting human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain. | 10-11-2012 |
20120259430 | CONTROLLING POWERED HUMAN AUGMENTATION DEVICES - In a communication system for controlling a powered human augmentation device, a parameter of the powered device is adjusted within a gait cycle by wirelessly transmitting a control signal thereto, whereby the adjusted parameter falls within a target range corresponding to that parameter. The target range is selected and the device parameters are controlled such that the powered device can normalize or augment human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain and, in effect, provides at least a biomimetic response to the wearer of the powered device. | 10-11-2012 |
20120259431 | TERRAIN ADAPTIVE POWERED JOINT ORTHOSIS - A powered device augments a joint function of a human during a gait cycle using a powered actuator that supplies an augmentation torque, an impedance, or both to a joint. A controller estimates terrain slope and modulates the augmentation torque and the impedance according to a phase of the gait cycle and the estimated terrain slope to provide at least a biomimetic response. The controller may also modulate a joint equilibrium. Accordingly, the device is capable of normalizing or augmenting human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain, and can be used, for example, as a knee orthosis, prosthesis, or exoskeleton. | 10-11-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100114329 | HYBRID TERRAIN-ADAPTIVE LOWER-EXTREMITY SYSTEMS - Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive. | 05-06-2010 |
20100179668 | Hybrid Terrain-Adaptive Lower-Extremity Systems - Hybrid terrain-adaptive lower-extremity apparatus and methods that perform in a variety of different situations by detecting the terrain that is being traversed, and adapting to the detected terrain. In some embodiments, the ability to control the apparatus for each of these situations builds upon five basic capabilities: (1) determining the activity being performed; (2) dynamically controlling the characteristics of the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (3) dynamically driving the apparatus based on the activity that is being performed; (4) determining terrain texture irregularities (e.g., how sticky is the terrain, how slippery is the terrain, is the terrain coarse or smooth, does the terrain have any obstructions, such as rocks) and (5) a mechanical design of the apparatus that can respond to the dynamic control and dynamic drive. | 07-15-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140088727 | CONTROLLING POWERED HUMAN AUGMENTATION DEVICES - In a communication system for controlling a powered human augmentation device, a parameter of the powered device is adjusted within a gait cycle by wirelessly transmitting a control signal thereto, whereby the adjusted parameter falls within a target range corresponding to that parameter. The target range is selected and the device parameters are controlled such that the powered device can normalize or augment human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain and, in effect, provides at least a biomimetic response to the wearer of the powered device. | 03-27-2014 |
20140114437 | CONTROLLING POWER IN A PROSTHESIS OR ORTHOSIS BASED ON PREDICTED WALKING SPEED OR SURROGATE FOR SAME - In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle. In some embodiments, a series elastic element is connected in series with a motor that can drive the ankle, and at least one sensor is provided with an output from which a deflection of the series elastic element can be determined. A controller determines a desired torque based on the output, and controls the motor's torque based on the determined desired torque. | 04-24-2014 |
20140121782 | CONTROLLING TORQUE IN A PROSTHESIS OR ORTHOSIS BASED ON A DEFLECTION OF SERIES ELASTIC ELEMENT - In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle. In some embodiments, a series elastic element is connected in series with a motor that can drive the ankle, and at least one sensor is provided with an output from which a deflection of the series elastic element can be determined. A controller determines a desired torque based on the output, and controls the motor's torque based on the determined desired torque. | 05-01-2014 |
20140296997 | BIOMIMETIC TRANSFEMORAL PROSTHESIS - In an artificial limb system having an actuator coupled to a joint for applying a torque characteristic thereto, a control bandwidth of a motor controller for a motor included in the actuator can be increased by augmenting a current feedback loop in the motor controller with a feed forward of estimated back electromotive force (emf) voltage associated with, the motor. Alternatively, the current loop is eliminated and replaced with a voltage loop related to joint torque. The voltage loop may also be augmented with the feed forward of estimated back emf, to improve the robustness of the motor controller. | 10-02-2014 |
20150127118 | PROSTHETIC, ORTHOTIC OR EXOSKELETON DEVICE - A time-dependent decay behavior is incorporated into one or more joint actuator control parameters during operation of a lower-extremity, prosthetic, orthotic or exoskeleton device. These parameters may include joint equilibrium joint impedance (e.g., stiffness, damping) and/or joint torque components (e.g., gain, exponent). The decay behavior may be exponential, linear, piecewise, or may conform to any other suitable function. Embodiments presented herein are used in a control system that emulates biological muscle-tendon reflex response providing for a natural walking experience. Further, joint impedance may depend on an angular rate of the joint. Such a relationship between angular rate and joint impedance may assist a wearer in carrying out certain activities, such as standing up and ascending a ladder. | 05-07-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130248196 | HIGH-CAPACITY SINGLE-TRIP LOCKDOWN BUSHING AND A METHOD TO OPERATE THE SAME - A high capacity single trip lockdown bushing and a method to operate the same is disclosed. The lockdown bushing includes a tubular body that carries a locking ring and an energizing ring about an upper portion of the tubular body. The energizing ring includes a cam portion interposed between the locking ring and the tubular body so that the cam portion and the locking ring overlap along mating cam surfaces in an unset position. A running tool carries the lockdown bushing to land on a casing hanger. The running tool is actuated to drive the energizing ring downward so that the mating cam surfaces interact to move the locking ring radially outward into engagement with wickers formed in a wellhead. | 09-26-2013 |
20130248199 | WELLHEAD ASSEMBLY HAVING A SINUSOIDAL SEALING PROFILE AND A METHOD TO ASSEMBLE THE SAME - An outer tubular wellhead member having wickers formed in a bore of the outer tubular wellhead member that vary in axial position and methods to assemble a subsea wellhead including the same is disclosed. The plurality of circumferentially extending wickers are formed in sealing profiles of the wellhead member. Each wicker varies axially in position around the circumference of the bore so that when a seal member engages each wicker, the wicker deforms the surface of the annular seal to form circumferential sealing bands at each wicker from an upper end of the sealing profile to a lower end of the sealing profile, upper portions of each wicker deforming the surface of the annular seal before lower portions of the same wicker so that fluid between adjacent wickers flows from the higher axial location of the wicker to the lower axial location of the wicker to limit hydraulic lock. | 09-26-2013 |
20140069632 | Load Enhanced Locking Arrangement - In a wellhead near the top of an oil and gas well, a locking profile configured for locking engagement with an inner well member and including a locking ridge having a rib and a locking shoulder. The locking ridge extends radially inward from an inner surface of the wellhead into a well bore. The rib is located on an end of the ridge distal from the wellhead and protrudes into the inner well member. The locking shoulder is located on an end of the ridge distal from the wellhead and adjacent a lower end of the rib, so that as the inner well member exerts an upward force on the rib, the upward force creates a moment in the locking ridge that pushes the locking shoulder into tighter engagement with the inner well member. | 03-13-2014 |
20140076573 | Casing Debris Cleaner - A downhole tool cleans debris from a subsea well with nozzle assemblies that selectively deploy from the tool. The nozzle assemblies are in fluid communication with an annulus of a drill pipe on which the downhole tool is mounted, so that fluid pumped into the drill pipe discharges from nozzles provided with the nozzle assemblies. The nozzle assemblies are strategically situated so that when deployed, a stream discharged from nozzles on the assemblies clears debris from a surface between a casing hanger and wellhead housing. The nozzle assemblies are coupled to an annular piston coaxially set on the tool; and sliding the piston axially along the tool deploys the nozzle assemblies. Axially spaced apart ports extend radially through the tool to opposing faces on a head of the piston. Blocking one of the ports with a ball dropped down the drill pipe moves the piston and deploys the assemblies. | 03-20-2014 |
20140238699 | WELLHEAD ANNULUS SEAL HAVING A WICKERED SURFACE - An annular seal for use in a wellhead assembly has inner and outer legs that each extend in a direction that is generally parallel with an axis of the seal to define an annular space therebetween. Wickers are provided on an outer surface of the seal, so that when the seal is energized and the legs are urged radially apart from one another, the wickers engage with a mating surface of a downhole tubular. Embedding the wickers into the tubular creates a flow barrier across the interface between the seal and the tubular. The wickers deform the surface of the tubular, which creates a lock down force that opposes relative axial movement of the tubular. | 08-28-2014 |
20160040498 | RATCHETED E-RING RETENTION DEVICE - A wellhead assembly includes as outer tubular wellhead member and an inner tubular wellhead member with a seal pocket between them. A seal ring is located in the seal pocket An annular energizing ring urges the seal ring into sealing engagement with the outer tubular wellhead member and the inner tubular wellhead member. A recess is located on an outer diameter of the annular energizing ring or a radially inner diameter of the seal ring, and a ratcheted retainer is on the other. A ratchet clip with a clip profile is located within the recess. The recess and the ratchet slip extend leas than a full circumferential distance around the outer diameter of the annular energizing ring or the radially inner diameter of the seal ring. A retainer profile on the ratcheted retainer selectively engages with the clip profile of the ratchet clip. | 02-11-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100051585 | Welding head rail squaring process - An improved method for executing a flash butt weld to join first and second rail segments includes applying a voltage to the first rail segment and the second rail segment to establish a voltage difference between the first and second rail segments. The rail end faces are brought into contact, resulting in an electrical current between the first rail end face and the second rail end face, resistively heating material at the interface. As material burns off at the interface, the power consumed at the rail end interface as a function of rail displacement is periodically sampled. If the comparison indicates that the power per unit of rail displacement is not increasing from sample to sample, the burn-off process is terminated. In a further aspect, if the power per unit of rail displacement exceeds a predetermined threshold, the burn-off process is terminated. | 03-04-2010 |
20100155372 | Welding process with jerk compensation - An improved welding head for creating an in-track weld between a first rail segment and a second rail segment includes a controller having computer-readable instructions read by the controller. The computer-readable instructions include instructions for compensating for rail jerk during in-track welding. The welding head includes a closing force actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, for moving the rail segments toward one another. A pressure transducer is monitored during welding to determine a closing force. An impending jerk of the rail movement is detected if an abnormal closing force change is observed, and in response the flow of hydraulic fluid into or out of the hydraulic cylinder is restricted to prevent or minimize the jerk. In addition, when an impending jerk is detected the weld current may be temporarily increased to burn or prevent the formation of short circuit paths between the rails. | 06-24-2010 |
20130284705 | WELDING HEAD RAIL SQUARING PROCESS - An improved method for executing a flash butt weld to join first and second rail segments includes applying a voltage to the first rail segment and the second rail segment to establish a voltage difference between the first and second rail segments. The rail end faces are brought into contact, resulting in an electrical current between the first rail end face and the second rail end face, resistively heating material at the interface. As material burns off at the interface, the power consumed at the rail end interface as a function of rail displacement is periodically sampled. If the comparison indicates that the power per unit of rail displacement is not increasing from sample to sample, the burn-off process is terminated. In a further aspect, if the power per unit of rail displacement exceeds a predetermined threshold, the burn-off process is terminated. | 10-31-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110201036 | ENDOMETRIOSIS MARKERS - The present invention relates to methods for determining a risk or identifying a condition associated with the presence of endometriosis in a subject as well as testing a candidate compound for a therapeutic activity for the treatment of endometriosis and sorting patients based on the risk of having endometriosis. Specifically, the methods utilize novel markers for assessing the risk of the patient having endometriosis. | 08-18-2011 |
20120214685 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF ECTOPIC PREGNANCY - Methods and compositions are provided for diagnosing ectopic pregnancy in a mammalian subject by detecting changes in expression of ISM2, ADAM12, PST1, PSG7, PST11, PSG9, PSG2 and other genes identified therein, including combinations thereof. A selected gene, gene transcript or protein/peptide expression product, or profiles or signatures formed by combinations of same, detected in a biological fluid of a subject, enables comparison of the corresponding genes, proteins or profiles from that of a reference or control having a normal intrauterine pregnancy. Detection of characteristic changes in the gene profile or protein expression signature of the subject is correlated with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Various compositions for use in such diagnosis include PCR primer-probe sets or ligands, labeled or immobilized, which are capable of detecting the changes in expression or translation of these targets. | 08-23-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090277463 | Deployment Actuation System for Intrafallopian Contraception - Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device. | 11-12-2009 |
20110226257 | DEPLOYMENT ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR INTRAFALLOPIAN CONTRACEPTION - Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device. | 09-22-2011 |
20120078230 | DEPLOYMENT ACTUATION SYSTEM - Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device. | 03-29-2012 |
20120145163 | DEPLOYMENT ACTUATION SYSTEM - Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device. | 06-14-2012 |
20120222683 | DEPLOYMENT ACTUATION SYSTEM - Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device. | 09-06-2012 |
20140216465 | DEPLOYMENT ACTUATION SYSTEM - Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device. | 08-07-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090209443 | ANTIMICROBIAL HAND WASH - An antimicrobial hand wash includes a soap, an antimicrobial agent, and an amine salt. The amine salt is found to increase the antimicrobial efficacy of the hand wash. The amine salt produced through the reaction of monoethanolamine and lactic acid is of particular interest as a soap addition. In processes of this invention, it is possible to create the desired amine salt in the soap in situ. | 08-20-2009 |
20100261630 | ANTIMICROBIAL HAND WASH FORMULATIONS - An antimicrobial hand wash comprises an active ingredient and an amphoteric surfactant that is a derivative compound of a fatty amine with a nitrogen atom bound to at least one, but not greater than two, propionic acids. These specific amphoteric surfactants have unexpectedly been found to be compatible with active ingredients such that the antimicrobial efficacy is maintained, while foam quality is improved when the hand wash is dispensed as foam. Other antimicrobial hand washes include polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol derivatives that dissolve at least a portion of the active ingredient, thus reducing the amount of solids in the formulation, and making a cold manufacturing process possible. | 10-14-2010 |
20110263471 | ANTIMICROBIAL HAND WASH - An antimicrobial hand wash includes a soap, an antimicrobial agent, and an amine salt. The amine salt is found to increase the antimicrobial efficacy of the hand wash. The amine salt produced through the reaction of monoethanolamine and lactic acid is of particular interest as a soap addition. In processes of this invention, it is possible to create the desired amine salt in the soap in situ. | 10-27-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080299005 | DISINTEGRATABLE FILMS FOR DIAGNOSTIC DEVICES - The invention provides disintegratable film compositions for diagnostic test devices. The films are prepared with a combination of components that yield films of sufficient film strength and desired disintegration profiles. A disintegratable film according to the present invention contains a water soluble high molecular weight component, a water soluble low molecular weight component, and one or more reagents for use in a diagnostic device. Optionally, the films further contain a starch component, a glucose component, a plasticizer and/or a humectant, and/or a filler. The invention further provides a diagnostic testing device, which includes a film according to an embodiment of the invention, and methods of using such devices. | 12-04-2008 |
20090142850 | Disintegratable Films for Diagnostic Devices - The invention provides disintegratable film compositions for diagnostic test devices. The films are prepared with a combination of components that yield films of sufficient film strength and desired disintegration profiles. A disintegratable film according to the present invention contains a water soluble high molecular weight component, a water soluble low molecular weight component, and one or more reagents for use in a diagnostic device. Optionally, the films further contain a starch component, a glucose component, a plasticizer and/or a humectant, and/or a filler. The invention further provides a diagnostic testing device, which includes a film according to an embodiment of the invention, and methods of using such devices. | 06-04-2009 |
20130095156 | RAPIDLY DISINTEGRATING FILMS FOR DELIVERY OF PHARMACEUTICAL OR COSMETIC AGENTS - The invention provides disintegratable films containing a mixture of high molecular weight and low molecular weight water soluble components; and a pharmaceutically or cosmetically active ingredient. Optionally, the films contain a starch component, a glucose component, a filler, a plasticizer and/or humectant. The films are preferably in the form of a mucoadhesive monolayer having a thickness sufficient to rapidly disintegrate in the oral environment and release the active ingredient without undue discomfort to the oral mucosa. The monolayer can be cut to any desired size or shape to provide conveniently useable unit dosage forms for administration to oral or other mucosal surfaces for human pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or veterinary applications. The invention further provides methods of administering the film compositions by placing the composition into, for example, the oral cavity for a sufficient period of time to permit the film to disintegrate and release the active ingredient. | 04-18-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120195955 | SUBLINGUAL FILMS - The invention features sublingual film formulations of dopamine agonists and methods of treating Parkinson's disease, tremors, restless leg syndrome, sexual dysfunction, and depressive disorders therewith. | 08-02-2012 |
20130225626 | SUBLINGUAL FILMS - The invention features sublingual film formulations of dopamine agonists and methods of treating Parkinson's disease, tremors, restless leg syndrome, sexual dysfunction, and depressive disorders therewith. | 08-29-2013 |
20140377329 | SUBLINGUAL FILMS - The invention features sublingual film formulations of dopamine agonists and methods of treating Parkinson's disease, tremors, restless leg syndrome, sexual dysfunction, and depressive disorders therewith. | 12-25-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130192271 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS WITH THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES - Temperature control systems and methods can be designed for controlling the interior climate of a vehicle or other the climate of another desired region. The temperature control system for a vehicle can have a thermoelectric system providing heating and/or cooling, including supplemental heating and/or cooling. The thermoelectric system can transfer thermal energy between a working fluid, such as liquid coolant, and comfort air upon application of electric current of a selected polarity. The thermoelectric system can supplement or replace the heat provided from an internal combustion engine or other primary heat source. The thermoelectric system can also supplement or replace cold energy provided from a compressor-based refrigeration system or other primary cold energy source. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192272 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS WITH THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES - Temperature control systems and methods can be designed for controlling the interior climate of a vehicle or other the climate of another desired region. The temperature control system for a vehicle can have a thermoelectric system providing heating and/or cooling, including supplemental heating and/or cooling. The thermoelectric system can transfer thermal energy between a working fluid, such as liquid coolant, and comfort air upon application of electric current of a selected polarity. The thermoelectric system can supplement or replace the heat provided from an internal combustion engine or other primary heat source. The thermoelectric system can also supplement or replace cold energy provided from a compressor-based refrigeration system or other primary cold energy source. | 08-01-2013 |
20140060086 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS WITH THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES - Temperature control systems and methods can be designed for controlling the interior climate of a vehicle or other the climate of another desired region. The temperature control system for a vehicle can have a thermoelectric system providing heating and/or cooling, including supplemental heating and/or cooling. The thermoelectric system can transfer thermal energy between a working fluid, such as liquid coolant, and comfort air upon application of electric current of a selected polarity. The thermoelectric system can supplement or replace the heat provided from an internal combustion engine or other primary heat source. The thermoelectric system can also supplement or replace cold energy provided from a compressor-based refrigeration system or other primary cold energy source. | 03-06-2014 |
20150357692 | THERMOELECTRIC-BASED THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Disclosed embodiments include thermoelectric-based thermal management systems and methods configured to heat and/or cool an electrical device. Thermal management systems can include at least one electrical conductor in electrical and thermal communication with a temperature-sensitive region of the electrical device and at least one thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the at least one electrical conductor. Electric power can be directed to the thermoelectric device by the same electrical conductor or an external power supply, causing the thermoelectric device to provide controlled heating and/or cooling to the electrical device via the at least one electrical conductor. The thermoelectric management system can be integrated with the management system of the electrical device on a printed circuit substrate. | 12-10-2015 |