Importance

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Abstract

An improved implantable thermoelectric energy converter for converting thermal energy generated by an implant wearer into electrical power for supplying electric power to an at least partially implanted active device, the implantable thermoelectric energy converter including a hot pole, a cold pole, and a plurality of individual modules electrically coupled to one another disposed between the hot pole and the cold pole. In particular, the hot pole thermally couples one end of the plurality of individual modules to an implantation site having a temperature substantially that of a core body temperature and the cold pole thermally couples another end of the plurality of individual modules to an implantation site closer to an outer skin surface of the implant wearer. In another embodiment, the implantable thermoelectric energy converter may also include an implantable energy storage for collecting and temporarily storing the electric power generated. In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, the cold pole of the implantable thermoelectric energy converter may form a cooling body having an enlarged surface area which is adapted to be positioned directly under a skin surface of the implant wearer. In yet another embodiment, the implantable thermoelectric energy converter may be implanted in the skull or neck area of the implant wearer's body.

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First Claim