Matthew R Moran

US Patent:

6975060, Dec 13, 2005

Filed:

Jan 30, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/354943

Inventors:

Donald Styblo - Northfield Center OH, US
Matthew E. Moran - Medina OH, US
Franklyn T. Bradshaw - Shaker Heights OH, US

International Classification:

H02N002/00

US Classification:

310306, 310339

Abstract:

The present invention provides systems and methods for conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy. The devices and methods according to the invention allow for efficient conversion of thermal energy to electrical power in a meso-to-micro scale device. In general, the present invention relates to a device for converting thermal energy to electrical energy comprising a working fluid contained within at least one region. The region is exposed to a thermal gradient and thermal energy is transferred through at least a first thermal energy-accepting layer for transferring thermal energy to the working fluid. At least one diaphragm is acted upon by the working fluid, which thermodynamically expands upon thermal energy being transferred thereto to flex the diaphragm. A mechanism is provided for converting the structural flexure of the diaphragm to electrical energy, along with at least one thermal energy transfer mechanism for transferring thermal energy from the working fluid through the diaphragm to cool the working fluid and cause thermodynamic contraction thereof. The thermodynamic cycle of heating and cooling the working fluid causes expansion and contraction thereof in turn causes cyclic flexure of the diaphragm in response to the device being exposed to thermal energy.

US Patent:

7540656, Jun 2, 2009

Filed:

Jan 26, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/627783

Inventors:

Robert J. Stochl - Middleburg Heights OH, US
Matthew E. Moran - Friendswood TX, US
Alexander J. Yeckley - Castalia OH, US

Assignee:

Sierra Lobo, Inc. - Fremont OH

International Classification:

G01N 25/00
G01K 17/00

US Classification:

374 29, 374 5, 374 31

Abstract:

An apparatus for measuring insulation thermal performance is provided, particularly between ambient and cryogenic temperatures. A warm-temperature boundary has a continuous sample contact surface that is divided into a metered central zone and a boundary guard zone. Each zone is independently heated, and the power necessary to maintain the central zone at constant temperature is directly equated to heat flux through the insulation at the temperature boundary conditions. Methods for measuring insulation thermal performance are also disclosed.

US Patent:

6385973, May 14, 2002

Filed:

Jul 12, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/906012

Inventors:

Matthew E. Moran - Brunswick OH

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Washington DC

International Classification:

F01B 2910

US Classification:

60520, 60526, 60508

Abstract:

A microscalable thermal control module consists of a Stirling cycle cooler that can be manipulated to operate at a selected temperature within the heating and cooling range of the module. The microscalable thermal control module is particularly suited for controlling the temperature of devices that must be maintained at precise temperatures. It is particularly suited for controlling the temperature of devices that need to be alternately heated or cooled. The module contains upper and lower opposing diaphragms, with a regenerator region containing a plurality of regenerators interposed between the diaphragms. Gaps exist on each side of each diaphragm to permit it to oscillate freely. The gap on the interior side one diaphragm is in fluid connection with the gap on the interior side of the other diaphragm through regenerators. As the diaphragms oscillate working gas is forced through the regenerators. The surface area of each regenerator is sufficiently large to effectively transfer thermal energy to and from the working gas as it is passed through them.