Abstract: A thermoelectric module (10) which is adapted to selectively heat or cool the inside of a container includes an exterior heat exchanger (51) having a plurality of spaced and generally parallel undulating fins (52). An exterior fan (31) is positioned adjacent to the exterior heat exchanger (51) and is adapted to move air from the outside of the container through the spaces between the fins (52) of the exterior heat exchanger (51). An interior heat exchanger (54) has a plurality of spaced and generally parallel undulating fins (55). An interior fan (42) is positioned adjacent to the interior heat exchanger (54) and is adapted to move air from the inside of the container through the spaces between the fins (55) of the interior heat exchanger (54). A motor (28) drives the fans (31, 42) and is cooled by air drawn in through apertures (34) in the hub (32) of the exterior fan (31).

Abstract: A container (20) includes a base surface (25) having walls (21, 22, 23 and 24) extending therefrom which together form an opening for the container (20). A door (26) is attached to one wall (24) by a hinge (27) to close the opening. A thermoelectric power module (43) is removably mounted in a recess (66) formed in one wall (21) and selectively heats and cools the interior of the container (20). The container (20) may thus be selectively positioned on either the base surface (25) or on one of two walls (22, 23). A power cord (57) is attached to the module (43) and carries a plug (58) so that the module (43) may be connected to a source of electric power. A switch (61) on the plug (58) directs the module (43) to selectively cool or heat the interior of the container (20). The cord (57) may be routed in channels (70, 72, 73, 74) formed in the base surface (25) from module (43) to any of the walls (22, 23, 24) and may be stored in a recess (77) formed in the base surface (25) and wall (24).

Abstract: The present invention is a closed-loop cooling system in combination with a thermoelectric heat exchanger whereby heat exchange liquid provides quick and efficient heat exchange with a thermoelectric device and is heated or cooled by passing the heat exchange liquid through an air core heat exchanger by energy efficient pump means. In a cooling system, heated water from the heat exchanger is pumped through an air core heat exchanger and then recirculated through a labyrinthine cooling block in thermal communication with the thermoelectric device. The labyrinth within the cooling block is of low back pressure to minimize the amount of energy required to pump the liquid. The liquid-driven rapid heat exchange and the pumping assures circulation and the closed system assures that the liquid is not wasted or lost. The process is carried out without phase change.

Abstract: A water purification or filtration system supplies purified or filtered water into an unpressurized, heavily insulated reservoir. A thermoelectric module thermally coupled to the reservoir pumps heat into or out of the reservoir, heating or cooling the purified water. A flow director thermally coupled to the thermoelectric module "shapes" room temperature water, which may be brine wastewater produced by the purification system or tap water diverted from the main water line by an in-line flow restrictor into a thin sheet flowing through a thin passage in the flow directors. Pumped heat from the thermoelectric module thereby is efficiently absorbed by the thin sheets of water, which may be discharged into a drain. A sealed electric pump delivers purified or filtered cooled (or heated) water to a spigot in response to actuating of a control switch.

Abstract: Purified water is fed into an elevated sealed first tank by means of a float valve assembly. The first tank is vented by a bacteria microscreen which is located above the level of a three-way spigot manifold. A second insulated, sealed hot water tank and a third insulated, sealed cold water tank, both positioned below and fed by the first tank, are vented into the first tank. The second tank is heated by a controlled heat strip or thermoelectric module. The second tank is positioned above and feeds into the third tank, which is cooled by a thermoelectric module. Each of the three tanks is connected by a respective tube into a three-way spigot manifold. An ergonomically designed cabinet in which the three tanks are housed includes a three button spigot control assembly located in a recess approximately 36 inches above the floor. The spigot manifold is positioned in a front panel recess beneath the button recess adjacent to a paper cup dispenser.

Abstract: A water purification or filtration system supplies purified or filtered water into an unpressurized, heavily insulated reservoir. A thermoelectric module thermally coupled to the reservoir pumps heat into or out of the reservoir, heating or cooling the purified water. A flow director thermally coupled to the thermoelectric module "shapes" room temperature water, which may be brine wastewater produced by the purification system or tap water diverted from the main water line by an in-line flow restrictor into a thin sheet flowing through a thin passage in the flow directors. Pumped heat from the thermoelectric module thereby is efficiently absorbed by the thin sheets of water, which may be discharged into a drain. A sealed electric pump delivers purified or filtered cooled (or heated) water to a spigot in response to actuating of a control switch.