Abstract: A liquid cooling system (10) includes a container (12) for storing a liquid (13) and a cooling element (14) disposed within the container (12) for cooling the liquid (13). The system (10) also includes a heat exchanging system (16) for cooling the cooling element (14) and a control device (38) disposed proximate the cooling element(14) for controlling solidification of the liquid (13) within the container (12). The control device (38) includes a first insulating region disposed between a portion of the cooling element (14) and a portion of the liquid (13). The first insulating region is formed from at least one thermally insulating material.

Abstract: A module for controlling the temperature within an enclosed structure is provided. The module comprises a thermoelectric assembly, a platform, and a panel. The thermoelectric assembly comprises a thermoelectric device with a first heat sink disposed on one side of the device and a second heat sink disposed on the other side of the device. The thermoelectric assembly further comprises an electric motor attached to one of the heat sinks with a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the electrical motor and both heat sinks. A propeller may be attached to each end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the first heat sink and the second heat sink respectively. The platform may be removably engaged with the enclosed structure. A first fastener may be used to attach the thermoelectric assembly to the platform. A first opening may be provided in the platform adjacent to one of the propellers.

Abstract: A modular thermoelectric assembly is provided to maintain the temperature within a container or enclosed structure holding water or other liquids at a desired value. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device with a hot sink and a cold sink. A layer of insulating material is disposed between the hot sink and the cold sink. The hot sink and the insulating material are used to install the thermoelectric assembly into an appropriately sized opening extending through the exterior of the container or enclosed structure. A thermoelectric device, contained within the layer of insulating material, functions as a heat pump to transfer heat between the cold sink and the hot sink. An electrical motor, rotating shaft and propeller are carried by the assembly to assist in the circulation of air to improve the efficiency of the cold sink and the hot sink. Another propeller and/or impeller may be carried by the rotating shaft to assist with circulation of liquids in the container or enclosed structure.

Abstract: A modular thermoelectric assembly is provided to maintain the temperature within a container or enclosed structure at a desired level. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device with a hot sink and a cold sink. A layer of insulating material is disposed between the hot sink and the cold sink. The hot sink and the insulating material are used to install the thermoelectric assembly into an appropriately sized opening extending through the exterior of the container or enclosed structure. A thermoelectric device, contained within the layer of insulating material, functions as a heat pump to transfer heat between the cold sink and the hot sink. An electrical motor, rotating shaft and propellers are carried by the assembly to assist in the circulation of air to improve the efficiency of the cold sink and the hot sink.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device has hot and cold sides. The hot and cold sides include a plate of insulation material having "peanut" or rectangularly shaped tabs forming hot and cold side tab patterns. The tabs have circular or polygonal shaped pockets adjacent opposing ends of the tabs. Legs of p-type and n-type semiconductor material are attached in opposing end pockets of the tabs. Spade connectors are attached to end tabs of the cold side plate for connection to a dc source of power. The legs are vibrated into the pockets of one side (either the hot or cold side) and the tabs of the other side are positioned to opposing ends of the tabs of the other side (either the cold or hot side).

Abstract: An improved thermoelectric device and fabrication process wherein in a first embodiment strips of conductive material are attached to corresponding strips of adhesive material and first and second patterned arrays of tabs are struck from the strips onto the adhesive strips. In a second embodiment strips of conductive material are blanked to form the first and second patterned arrays of tabs and substantially simultaneously therewith the arrays of tabs are partially returned to their strips which now serve as support frames for the tab arrays. The array of tabs have either flat rectangular surfaces or flat peanut shaped surfaces with or without round shaped pockets adjacent to each end. Round pockets are used to receive legs of thermoelectric material of any shape without orientation. The first and second patterned tab arrays are attached to plates of insulation material and the adhesive strips or the strip frames removed, as applicable, to form first and second side plates.