公开(公告)号：US11957053B2

公开(公告)日：2024-04-09

申请号：US17379983

申请日：2021-07-19

Applicant: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

Inventor： Clark D Boyd

IPC: H10N10/01 ,  H01J45/00 ,  H10N10/17

CPC classification number: H10N10/01 ,  H01J45/00 ,  H10N10/17

Abstract: A method for forming a unique, environmentally-friendly micron scale autonomous electrical power source is provided in a configuration that generates renewable energy for use in electronic systems, electronic devices and electronic system components. The configuration includes a first conductor with a facing surface conditioned to have a low work function, a second conductor with a facing surface having a comparatively higher work function, and a dielectric layer, not more than 200 nm thick, sandwiched between the respective facing surfaces of the first conductor and the second conductor. The autonomous electrical power source formed according to the disclosed method is configured to harvest minimal thermal energy from any source in an environment above absolute zero. An autonomous electrical power source component is also provided that includes a plurality of autonomous electrical power source constituent elements electrically connected to one another to increase a power output of the autonomous electrical power source.

公开(公告)号：US20240062921A1

公开(公告)日：2024-02-22

申请号：US18499554

申请日：2023-11-01

Applicant: Austin Lo

Inventor： Austin Lo

IPC: G21C3/40 ,  G21D7/04 ,  H01J45/00

CPC classification number: G21C3/40 ,  G21D7/04 ,  H01J45/00

Abstract: A structured plasma cell includes a first electrode including a first plurality of micro-cavities and a first plasma disposed within one or more micro-cavities of the first plurality of micro-cavities. The structured plasma cell also includes a second electrode including a second plurality of micro-cavities and a second plasma disposed within one or more micro-cavities of the second plurality of micro-cavities. The structured plasma cell also includes an inter-electrode gap disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

公开(公告)号：US11842820B2

公开(公告)日：2023-12-12

申请号：US17870957

申请日：2022-07-22

Applicant: Austin Lo

Inventor： Austin Lo

IPC: G21C3/40 ,  G21D7/04 ,  H01J45/00

CPC classification number: G21C3/40 ,  G21D7/04 ,  H01J45/00

Abstract: A structured plasma cell includes a first electrode including a first plurality of micro-cavities and a first plasma disposed within one or more micro-cavities of the first plurality of micro-cavities. The structured plasma cell also includes a second electrode including a second plurality of micro-cavities and a second plasma disposed within one or more micro-cavities of the second plurality of micro-cavities. The structured plasma cell also includes an inter-electrode gap disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

公开(公告)号：US11791142B2

公开(公告)日：2023-10-17

申请号：US17155638

申请日：2021-01-22

Applicant: Spark Thermionics, Inc. ,  The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania

Inventor： Matthew Campbell ,  Mohsen Azadi ,  Kyana Van Houten ,  Jared William Schwede ,  Samuel M. Nicaise ,  Igor Bargatin

IPC: H01J45/00 ,  H01J9/18 ,  H01L29/66 ,  H10N10/00

CPC classification number: H01J45/00 ,  H01J9/185 ,  H01L29/6653 ,  H01L29/6656 ,  H10N10/00

Abstract: A small-gap device system, preferably including two or more electrodes and one or more spacers maintaining a gap between two or more of the electrodes. A spacer for a small-gap device system, preferably including a plurality of legs defining a mesh structure. A method of spacer and/or small-gap device fabrication, preferably including: defining lateral features, depositing spacer material, selectively removing spacer material, separating the spacer from a fabrication substrate, and/or assembling the small-gap device.

公开(公告)号：US11696502B2

公开(公告)日：2023-07-04

申请号：US16130021

申请日：2018-09-13

Applicant: Neokismet, LLC

Inventor： Jawahar M. Gidwani ,  Anthony C. Zuppero

IPC: H10N10/13 ,  H01L29/872 ,  H01L29/24 ,  H10N10/01 ,  H01J45/00

CPC classification number: H10N10/13 ,  H01L29/24 ,  H01L29/872 ,  H10N10/01 ,  H01J45/00

Abstract: A method and system for using a method of pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction comprises fabricating one or more solid-state electric generators. The solid-state electric generators include one or more of a chemically energized solid-state electric generator and a thermionic solid-state electric generator. A first material having a first charge carrier effective mass is used in a solid-state junction. A second material having a second charge carrier effective mass greater than the first charge carrier effective mass is used in the solid-state junction. A charge carrier effective mass ratio between the second effective mass and the first effective mass is greater than or equal to two.

公开(公告)号：US11688593B2

公开(公告)日：2023-06-27

申请号：US17866381

申请日：2022-07-15

Applicant: Spark Thermionics, Inc.

Inventor： Felix Schmitt ,  Jared William Schwede ,  Adam Lorimer

IPC: H01J45/00

CPC classification number: H01J45/00

Abstract: A system for thermionic energy generation, preferably including one or more thermionic energy converters, and optionally including one or more power inputs, airflow modules, and/or electrical loads. A thermionic energy converter, preferably including an emitter module, a collector module, and/or a seal, and optionally including a spacer. The thermionic energy converter preferably defines a chamber and/or a heating cavity. A method for thermionic energy generation, preferably including receiving power, emitting electrons, and/or receiving the emitted electrons, and optionally including convectively transferring heat.

公开(公告)号：US20230130711A1

公开(公告)日：2023-04-27

申请号：US17866381

申请日：2022-07-15

Applicant: Spark Thermionics, Inc.

Inventor： Felix Schmitt ,  Jared William Schwede ,  Adam Lorimer

IPC: H01J45/00

Abstract: A system for thermionic energy generation, preferably including one or more thermionic energy converters, and optionally including one or more power inputs, airflow modules, and/or electrical loads. A thermionic energy converter, preferably including an emitter module, a collector module, and/or a seal, and optionally including a spacer. The thermionic energy converter preferably defines a chamber and/or a heating cavity. A method for thermionic energy generation, preferably including receiving power, emitting electrons, and/or receiving the emitted electrons, and optionally including convectively transferring heat.

公开(公告)号：US20230088541A1

公开(公告)日：2023-03-23

申请号：US17839211

申请日：2022-06-13

Applicant: Space Charge, LLC

Inventor： John B. Read ,  Daniel C. Sweeney

IPC: H01J45/00 ,  H03K3/08 ,  H03K3/78

Abstract: Thermionic generators are described herein that include a variety of features that allow the devices to efficiently and effectively convert large amounts of thermal energy directly to electrical energy, such as in the form of currents and/or voltages. For example, the thermionic generators can be used to generate an electron beam from a thermionic emission device, and focus or shape the electron beam in such a way that allows the energy of electrons in the electron beam to be captured and converted to electrical energy.

公开(公告)号：US20230066425A1

公开(公告)日：2023-03-02

申请号：US17651932

申请日：2022-02-22

Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA ,  TOSHIBA ENERGY SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS CORPORATION

Inventor： Shigeya KIMURA ,  Masaya YAMAMITSU ,  Hisao MIYAZAKI ,  Hisashi YOSHIDA ,  Hiroshi TOMITA ,  Souichi UENO ,  Takeshi HOSHI ,  Tomoya TAKEDA

IPC: H01J45/00

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a thermionic power generation element includes a cathode, an anode, and an insulating member. The cathode includes an electrically-conductive material. The anode includes an electrically-conductive material. The insulating member is located between the cathode and the anode. The cathode and the anode have a gap between the cathode and the anode. A first through-hole is provided in the anode. The first through-hole extends through the anode in a first direction and communicates with the gap. The first direction is from the cathode toward the anode.

公开(公告)号：US20220115159A1

公开(公告)日：2022-04-14

申请号：US17555907

申请日：2021-12-20

Applicant: Spark Thermionics, Inc.

Inventor： Kyana Van Houten ,  Lucas Heinrich Hess ,  Jared William Schwede ,  Felix Schmitt

IPC: G21H1/10 ,  H01J45/00

Abstract: A thermionic energy conversion system, preferably including one or more electron collectors, interfacial layers, encapsulation, and/or electron emitters. A method for manufacturing the thermionic energy conversion system. A method of operation for a thermionic energy conversion system, preferably including receiving power, emitting electrons, and receiving the emitted electrons, and optionally including convectively transferring heat.