Power plants – Motive fluid energized by externally applied heat – Process of power production or system operation
Reexamination Certificate
2006-12-12
2006-12-12
Richter, Sheldon J (Department: 3748)
Power plants
Motive fluid energized by externally applied heat
Process of power production or system operation
C060S530000, C060S531000, C060S671000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07146814
ABSTRACT:
A rotatable micro-machine is comprised of a solvent reservoir, a porous evaporation region and a channel connecting the solvent reservoir to the evaporation region. The evaporation region may be constructed of capillary paths that enable a capillary action which pulls solvent from the channel so as to enable a flow of solvent from the reservoir to the evaporation region through the channel. A rotatable member has portions in communication with the channel so as to be rotated by the flow. In one embodiment, the rotatable member may be a component of a micro-turbine generator. A system may be comprised of the rotatable micro-machine in combination with at least one electrical circuit. The porous region may be positioned to receive heat from the circuit. That may be accomplished in several ways; the evaporation region may be formed adjacent to the circuit, the evaporation region may be fabricated on the side of a die that is opposite of the side of the die carrying the circuit, or the reservoir, micro-turbine generator, evaporation region, and channel may be fabricated on one die and the circuit fabricated on another die. The two dies may then be connected to one another by a heat transferring adhesive with the evaporation region proximate to the circuit. Methods of operating a rotatable micro-machine are also disclosed. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used in construing the claims.
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Pencoske Edward L.
Richter Sheldon J
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