Patent ID: 6403876
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A thermoelectric device, comprising:a first thermoelement constructed from a first thermoelectric material; a second thermoelement, constructed from a second thermoelectric material, electrically coupled to the first thermoelement; an array of first tips proximate to the first thermoelement at a first set of discrete points such that electrical conduction between the array of first tips and the first thermoelement is facilitated but thermal conduction between the array of first tips and the first thermoelement is retarded; and an array of second tips proximate to the second thermoelement at a second set of discrete points such that electrical conduction between the array of second tips and the second thermoelement is facilitated while thermal conduction between the array of second tips and the second thermoelement is retarded; wherein the first and second tips are constructed from metal.