Patent ID: 8594803
Filing Date: 2013-11-26
Classification: A61N,H01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. An improved biothermal power generating assembly adapted for implantation in a living organism comprising: a. a thermionic or thermotunneling vacuum diode device designed to generate with improved efficiency from a temperature gradient within a living organism a substantially continuous supply of electric energy from said temperature gradient, wherein said thermionic or thermotunneling vacuum diode device comprises two spaced silicon electrodes with matching facing surfaces facing one another and maintained at a desired spaced distance from one another by spacer elements comprising a respective spacer or plurality of spacers disposed between said electrode facing surfaces to maintain the desired spaced distance between said electrode facing surfaces and positioned to maintain said desired spaced distance, and wherein each of said electrodes is adapted to be in direct thermal contact with a part of said organism having a different temperature to produce a temperature differential between said electrodes and efficiently generate said substantially continuous supply of electric energy; b. an implantable device in direct electric communication with said thermionic or thermotunneling vacuum diode device and adapted to be operated efficiently by said substantially continuous supply of electric energy; c. electric power storage means in electric communication with said vacuum diode device and said implantable device for storing electric energy generated by said vacuum diode device and providing electric energy to said implantable device means when said vacuum diode device electrodes do not maintain a temperature differential capable of generating sufficient electric energy to operate said implantable device; and d. an implantable assembly housing designed adapted to be implanted in a living organism so that said electrodes are in direct thermal contact with parts of said organism having different temperatures.