Since 1997, USTC solutions have been integrated into microprocessor tests, validation processes, and design debugging, and have been deployed to all major development centers in the United States and abroad, including to China, the United Kingdom, Israel, India, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Jim Kerner organized USTC with a vision to build a world-class team of experts to deal with Moore’s Law: as processor speed increases, power and heat will also increase, and at a certain point, processors cannot continue to operate with increased speeds unless thermals are managed. A unique team of scientists and engineers are organized to focus on research and design, as well as the application of new technologies in thermal management.
USTC has received over 30 U.S.- and foreign-issued patents and pending patent applications on new methods and devices.
Leadership
USTC has a mission to develop, design and manufacture thermal management and control systems in a wide spectrum of applications based on research and development of next generation micro-parts including heat sinks, radiators, fans, compressors and insulations.
Integrating Science with Application
Jim Kerner has integrated creative thinking with practical product solutions in a wide range of applications with interdisciplinary technologies. With specialization in Product Design, Stanford University , 1974, Kerner has since incorporated a variety of ingredients for successful USTC product cycles from concept to fruition. To attain a leadership position in the science of thermal management, Kerner has recruited a global team engaged in significant technological advances in heat and mass transfer and fluid dynamics.
One of the main directions in USTC is focused on cooling systems for dissipating high power energy including thermal management of rack systems and their configurations. The USTC team is augmented by a distinguished group of research specialists with contributions in both academic and commercial enterprise.
The Diverse Experience Range of USTC Team Member Projects
- A unique, rocket fuel analyzer integrating a thermoelectric hydrocarbon precipitator system for NASA Lewis Research Center.
- Biological, precision temperature chambers for the US/Soviet COSMOS project and NASA shuttle programs: Columbia & Discovery.
- Thermal management, test and validation solutions for leaders in microprocessor products.
- Thermoelectric egg incubator for propagation of endangered species of crocodiles for the Smithsonian Institute.
- Thermoelectric food system to extend optimal culinary properties by precision control of temperature and humidity for PepsiCo.
Strategic Milestones
- 1983 Developed the first, comprehensive consumer market for a thermoelectric refrigerator/warmer using the Brinsdon™ brand.
- 1987 Introduced the first temperature controlled, high purity, drinking water system for commercial applications.
- 1989 “Approved Design” conferred by Batelle Memorial Institute for two drinking water system designs.
- 1992 Introduced a slide-in, solid-state, heating/cooling system for a portable thermoelectric refrigerator/warmer.
- 1993 Completed the installation and began manufacturing with the first hybrid robotic manufacturing cell for a thermoelectric power system.
- 1995 Introduced the first known, active cooling, solid-state thermal management solution for a micro-processor.
- 1997 Designed and built the integrated thermal management system for an ISSCC showcase demonstration of a processor running at a clock speed of 400-MHz.
- 2000 Introduced advanced thermal management solutions using liquid loop systems.
- 2004 Introduced miniature thermal management.
- Patents Issued, over 30 US and Foreign.
- Pending Applications, seven US and Foreign Patent Applications pending in fields of semiconductors to telecommunications.
- NASA Spin-off Annual, 1988 featured product innovations.
- AUTOMATION FORUM, 1993 Renewal Award.
- 1st Place for Engineering Excellence and Contribution to California Economy, California Governor’s New Product Award, 1988 for a Water Delivery System, 1993 for Thermoelectric Heating/Cooling Module used as a Power System.
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