Abstract: Packages for containing and dispensing consumer products comprise a push-pull closure connected to a bottle and having a dispensing opening covered by a slit valve. The combination of a push-pull closure and a slit valve results in a package that easily dispenses a liquid consumer product, while guarding against leakage of the consumer product from the package, especially during transportation and storage of the product, particularly when the package is a tottle package. The push-pull closure of the present package is simple to open and can also be easily closed with the use of only one hand, especially by pressing the closure against a flat surface, such as a shower wall or shelf.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser, such as a tap for a liquid container particularly a wine box, includes an outer tube (2) with a discharge opening (14) formed in its side wall and an inner tube (4), which is at least partially accommodated within the outer tube (2) and defines with it an annular space, which accommodates an annular sealing member (20), which forms a seal with the outer tube. One end of the inner tube (4) is closed and one end of the outer tube (2) is integrally connected to the inner tube (4) by a flexible, integral annular web (10), whose width in the radial direction is greater than that of the annular space. The other end of the outer tube (2) is adapted for connection to the liquid container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1) for containing a substance. The container comprises a preformed deformable body defining a filling cavity. The body has an opening (6) and an integral planar circumferential rim (5) surrounding said opening. The opening is closed by a cover sheet (7) which is sealed to the circumferential rim by means of a circumferential sealing seam (10). The circumferential rim has a flat dispensing part which is covered by the cover sheet, which cover sheet is sealed to the dispensing part by at least two outwardly directed sealing seams (11) joining the circumferential sealing seam and extending at a distance from one another from the circumferential sealing seam to the edge of the dispensing part. A weakened seal (14) with a pointed region (15) extends between the outwardly directed sealing seams.

Abstract: A package for dispensing a pourable product has a first hollow body member, a second hollow body member, and a pouring spout. The first hollow body member has a first exterior surface and opposite therefrom a first interior surface which defines a first internal volume. The second hollow body member has a second exterior surface, a second interior surface, a flow-regulating passage, and a dispensing passage separate from the flow-regulating passage. The second exterior surface defines a second external volume smaller than the first internal volume. Opposite the second exterior surface, the second hollow interior surface defines a second internal volume. A fastener is formed on the second interior surface. The pouring spout is operatively connected to the dispensing passage.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vessel for holding fluid. The vessel has at least one wall defining a mouth, the mouth having an inner surface, an outer surface, an end surface and one or more spouts located at the junction of the inner and end surfaces. At least one of the one or more spouts comprises a recess in the inner surface and an outlet at the end surface, the recess being shaped to transition smoothly from the inner surface to the outlet. The disclosure also relates to a vessel and lid assembly and a pouring attachment for a bottle having the mouth as described above.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a device for collecting, transferring and pouring molten metal into a pouring channel of a die-casting machine or the like starting from a crucible under controlled atmosphere, covered by a hood. The device comprises a support standard (17) positioned externally on one side of the crucible, a slide (18), which can move vertically along said standard and a control group (22) supported by the slide and made to turn a crankshaft (24), which extends part ways into the crucible through a wall in said hood and which holds a ladle (25) at one of its free ends a ladle (25) which is subjected to transitory-rotary movements to dip into and collect molten metal from the crucible and carry and pour the collected metal into the pouring channel of the die-casting machine in reaction to the vertical movements of said slide and rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: An item such as a hanger for apparels made from corrugated boards is described. The item is made from one, two or more sheets of stacked corrugated boards. An adhesive material is applied to adhere the sheets together. The corrugations in the board(s) in the peripheral areas of the item are crushed to reduce the air gap in the corrugations. Also described are manufacturing methods for making such an item.

Abstract: A vehicle tire cover for covering a spare tire is disclosed. The tire cover is physically adapted to display an image and is further adapted to enable a vehicle owner to routinely and rapidly change the image. In some embodiments, the cover includes a pouch having a transparent window for displaying the image. The pouch includes a closure mechanism that provides access to the interior of a pouch without removing the tire cover from a spare tire.

Abstract: A boot holder assembly for a truck includes a mounting plate to be positioned on an outer surface of a mounting area of the truck, with the mounting plate including openings extending therethrough. A reinforcement plate is to be positioned on an inner surface of the mounting area of the truck, and includes openings therein. Fasteners secure the mounting plate and the reinforcement plate to the mounting area of the truck via the respective openings, with each fastener including a shoulder extending outwardly from the mounting plate. A removable rack includes a base plate with slotted openings extending therethrough. The base plate is to be slideably positioned adjacent the mounting plate so that the slotted openings rest on the shoulders of the fasteners.

Abstract: A waist belt for a single-shoulder bag comprises a first waistband and a second waistband. The first waistband has a fixed end connected to a first connected portion between the single-shoulder bag and a shoulder strap. The second waistband has a fixed end connected to a second connected portion between the single-shoulder bag and the shoulder strap. The first waistband has a first coupling device on a detachable end. The second waistband has a second coupling device on a detachable end. The first coupling device and the second coupling device are detachably attachable to each other for binding the waist of the human body. The waist belt can effectively, uniformly distribute the weight of the carry bag over the human body for reducing the human body's load by transforming the single-point support into the multi-point support.

Abstract: A bicycle rack a frame and two side rods pivotably connected to two sides of the frame and two wheel securing devices are connected to the two side rods respectively. Each wheel securing device includes a wheel retaining units which has a U-shaped member with which the front wheel or the rear wheel is retained. A post is pivotably connected to a top of the frame and a frame securing unit is connected to the post so as to position the bicycle frame.

Abstract: An apparatus is described having a wide piece of stretchy fabric or other material worn around a person's waist, hips, arm, or thigh, that is adapted to hold balls snuggly against the person while performing an activity, such as playing tennis. Balls may be placed in the front, side or back of the person. Tension from the belt's elasticity, and friction from the fabric contacting the surface of the ball, for example the nap of the tennis ball, prevents the ball from slipping or rolling down the body. Balls may be accessed easily by reaching under the band of fabric from either the top or bottom of the band and pulling the ball out, or applying pressure to the top of the ball through the band and pushing the ball out. The device may be worn independently or may be integrated as an outer layer to a garment. The number of balls the person may carry is determined by the size person, width and circumference of the band, and comfort during activity.

Abstract: A tilt anvil assembly is disclosed which includes a center rod and a head assembly pivotally mounted to the center rod. The head assembly includes a housing, a post, an anvil plate and a backup member. The backup member is movable about the post from a first position preventing pivotal movement of the head assembly to a second position accommodating pivotal movement of the head assembly. A pivotal latch assembly is also provided to prevent movement of the backup member from its second position to its first position.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device including an independently rotatable tool assembly is disclosed. The tool assembly includes an anvil and a cartridge assembly which are movable in relation to each other between spaced and approximated positions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments including a staple anvil formed in a distal end of the surgical stapler and a staple cartridge selectively receivable in a distal end of the surgical stapler and in juxtaposition relative to the staple anvil, the staple cartridge including one or more laterally spaced apart rows of staple slots formed in an upper surface thereof, a plurality of surgical staples disposed, one each, within the staple slots, and a staple line reinforcing system configured and adapted to augment the strength of the staple line formed by the firing of the surgical staples into body tissue, wherein the surgical stapler concomitantly drives the plurality of surgical staples through the adjacent layers of body tissue to mechanically secure the body tissue and activates the reinforcing system to non-mechanically secure the adjacent layers of body tissue to one another.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a workpiece is provided. The method generally includes friction stir welding at least one structural member, selectively removing material from the surfaces of the workpiece at the location of a friction stir weld joint, and thereafter subjecting the workpiece to a solution treat, quench, and age treatment. By selectively removing regions from the surfaces of the workpiece that are defined by nonuniform material properties adapted to nucleate nonuniform grain growth during the solution treat, quench, and age treatment, a subsequent grain growth during the thermal treatment can be at least partially prevented.

Abstract: A different materials bonded member includes a ceramic base material and a metallic member which are bonded together through an Au solder material. The solder material is disposed on a bonding surface of the ceramic base through a given active metal layer or a given metalized layer and the solder material is heated and melted to form a pre-coat layer adhering to the bonding surface, the metallic member is disposed on a surface of the pre-coat layer through a barrier layer having a given function. A bonded part is formed by solidifying the pre-coat layer after it has been heated and melted under given temperature conditions to bond the ceramic base and the metallic member to one another.

Abstract: A method of efficiently manufacturing electric resistance welding pipes having excellent characterization of welded seams is provided, by which each lateral edge of a rounded strip immediately before electric resistance welding is securely shaped with desired tapering flexibly in response to change in strip thickness, so that welding quality may be kept to be excellent. A method of manufacturing electric resistance welding pipes, in which a strip is subjected to forming, then edges thereof are formed to substantially face each other, and then the edges are subjected to electric resistance welding to form a pipe, wherein an edge and an edge opposed thereto at one of an upper-surface side and a lower-surface side of the strip are shaped with tapering before the forming by means of cutting or shaving, or finpass forming.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing electrical connections in wafer is provided. A plurality of openings is formed on the upper surface of a wafer by dry etching or laser drilling and then solder paste is applied to the openings. Next, the wafer is positioned in a vacuum environment and is heated to soften the solder paste. Subsequently, the vacuum is suddenly broken to have the pressure upon the upper surface of the wafer greater than that in the openings thereby pressing the molten solder paste into the openings.

Abstract: A hemming working is performed by a positioning step of positioning a first panel formed with a projected portion for welding on a second panel formed with a flange portion; a first bending step of bending the flange portion; and a second bending step of pressing the flange portion on an outer side of the projected portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a component with a substrate by means of diffusion soldering in a closed evacuated chamber is disclosed. The component and the substrate to be connected are displaceable separate from one another in the chamber, and the chamber comprises a combined transfer and pressing unit being displaceable between the current position of the component and the current position of the substrate, for placing and pressing the component on the substrate. The combined transfer and pressing unit comprises a rotatable element, which, in response to the placing and pressing of the component on the substrate, assumes an angle between the normal of the lower side of the component to be connected and the pressing direction of the component, the angle corresponding to the angle between the normal of the substrate surface area to be connected and the pressing direction of the component.

Abstract: A method for producing a bonded body of different materials of the present invention is a method for producing a bonded body of different materials (1), where two plate members (2 and 3) are bonded to each other, the method including: laminating two plate members (2 and 3) consisting of different materials to obtain a plate-member-laminated-body (4), and heating the plate-member-laminated-body (4). The method includes a step of heating the plate-member-laminated-body (4) while it is sandwiched between a pair of pressing dies (5). The pressing die (5) is made of a material having a heat transfer coefficient 1.5 times or more higher than that of at least one of the plate members (2 and 3) constituting the plate-member-laminated-body (4) and has a tapered part (6) between holding surface (15) which hold the plate-member-laminated-body (4) and a fixing end (16) for securing the pressing die (5). The outer diameter of the tapered part is reduced from the holding surface (15) toward the fixing end (16).

Abstract: A device and method are provided for reflow soldering workpieces wherein a plasma device for an atmospheric plasma treatment of the workpiece is upstream of a solder application and/or upstream of a soldering zone, and wherein the method subjects the workpiece to an atmospheric plasma treatment with the aid of a plasma device prior to the application of the solder and/or prior to the soldering process.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a flexible insert and a sealable wrapper. The flexible insert includes: a body having a first face and a second face opposite the first face; a first flap at a first edge of the body; and a second flap at a second edge of the body, the second edge located opposite the first edge. The sealable wrapper includes: a first panel; and a second panel. The sealable wrapper is sized to enclose the flexible insert. The first face of the body of the flexible insert is configured to engage the first panel of the sealable wrapper upon insertion of the flexible insert to the sealable wrapper. The first and second flaps are configured to, upon the insertion, swing from the body of the flexible insert to engage the second panel of the sealable wrapper such that a thickness of the packaging apparatus becomes substantially uniform.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed timing module integrated with an equine training whip, normally carried by the equestrian, especially for those needing to improve riding skills in point-to-point timed events such as cross country, stadium jumping, racing, barrel racing, etc is disclosed. This combination provides for safe operation and convenient viewing while in the saddle.

Abstract: Methods, systems and program products for securely voting by providing a secure voting module in communication with a voting device. A voter signs onto the voting device using a unique voter identification, and the voter's voting selections are written to the voting device. A scrambled voter identification is generated using the unique voter identification and a unique encryption value of the secure voting module, whereby the voting selections and the scrambled voter identification are stored in the secure voting module. Once voting has ended, first and second fuses are blown within the secure voting module for destroying the unique encryption value and for permanently storing the voting selections and scrambled voter identification in a read only secure voting module that maintains voter anonymity while preventing any further physically writing thereto. The voting results may then be counted, re-counted or validated.

Abstract: A system and method for loading, processing and classifying media used in an automated system is disclosed. A robotic arm, or similar device, is used to pick a piece of media from a set of unprocessed discs in a first location and place that medium into a suitable media reader, such as a CDROM reader or DVD reader. A computing system, in communication with the media reader, determines whether the media was properly processed. If so, it is placed in a second location. If it is not properly processed, the robotic arm places the media in a third location, where it can be manually inspected and analyzed at a later time. In another embodiment, the computing system discriminates between various reasons for the inability to process the media and places the offending media in a location designated specifically for that failure type. At a convenient time, manual inspection and intervention can be used to correct the failed media.

Abstract: A system for purchasing a product that does not need to be physically present at a point-of-sale includes a point-of-sale device, a product-selection device, a data-analyzing device, an inventory-managing device, and a dispensing machine. The point-of-sale device includes apparatus for scanning or otherwise inputting a first product that is physically present at the point-of-sale. The product-selection device includes apparatus for selecting a second product that does not need to be physically present at the point-of-sale by a characteristic other than by a standardized product identification number corresponding to the second product, controller and memory apparatus for retrieving a standardized product identification number corresponding to the second product, and communication apparatus for sending the standardized product identification number of the selected second product to the point-of-sale device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic money charger in which an inserted currency returned when an anomaly has occurred in an electronic money deposit process is not carried away. An electronic money charger of the present invention is provided with a banknote receiving unit which receives an inserted banknote, a human sensor which detects a user who has inserted the banknote, and a control unit which controls to prepare for returning the inserted currency when the anomaly has occurred in the electronic money deposit process and also to store the inserted banknote in the banknote receiving unit if the user has not been detected by the human sensor in a state prepared for returning the inserted banknote.

Abstract: A sensor panel having a matrix of independently decoded sensors, arranged in a two-dimensional pattern allows a consumer identification unit (CIDU) to detect a user-specific gesture made with a gesturing instrument such as an RF ID device. The CIDU monitors on a timed basis which of the sensors in the panel are receiving a signal from an RF ID device which has entered the proximity of one or more of the sensors. The user moves the sensor in a two-dimensional pattern to perform a “gesture signature” in free space near the panel, and the CIDU records the sequence of receiving sensors. This sequence can then be quickly and efficiently handled as a number to be looked up to identify and authenticate the user. Preferably, the user is allowed to define multiple signature gestures, each having the possibility of being associated with a transaction or authorization level.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transaction processing server (300), comprising: means (304) for receiving a request (224) to initiate a transaction, the request including user identification data (220) and monetary value authorisation data; validating means (302) for validating the monetary value authorisation data; processing means (302) for processing the monetary value authorisation data to select monetary value data (210) corresponding to the monetary value authorisation data; storing means (306) for storing data representing an association between the user identification data (220) and the monetary value data (210); and output means (302) for outputting a monetary value identifier (228) associated with the monetary value data (210). The invention finds particular application in the field of transferring monetary value from a sender to a recipient.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for conducting a purchase transaction include receiving account information from a payment card device for a purchase transaction, wherein an unrestricted funds account and a restricted funds account is associated with the payment card device; receiving account type data representative of one of the unrestricted funds account and the restricted funds account to associate with the purchase transaction by a transaction terminal; transmitting payment transaction data, including the account type data, from the transaction terminal to a payment network; routing the payment transaction data to one of a first network and a second network based on the account type data associated with the payment transaction data; determining whether the routing is successful; and re-routing, in an instance the routing is not successful, the payment transaction to the first network or the second network not selected in the routing of the payment transaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive system capable of charging up electronic money cards by using a credit card. A credit card 8 is an IC card, and a PIN is authenticated between a card terminal 3 and the credit card 8. The card terminal 3 transmits to a credit company server 4 an authentication result, amount information indicating an amount with which to charge up, and a credit card number of the credit card 8. After billing, the credit company server 4 transmits the amount information and the credit card number to an electronic money server 5. The electronic money server 5 identifies an electronic money card 9 based on the credit card number. The electronic money server 5 generates amount change information for adding the amount with which to charge up to “VALUE”, and transmits it to the card terminal 3. Based on the amount change information, the electronic money card 9 updates the amount of “VALUE” stored therein to an amount specified by the amount change information.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as an identity authentication system or method. A system according to the invention may have a biometric sensor capable of providing static biometric indications, an adhesive capable of positioning the sensor on an organism, and a computer in communication with the sensor. The computer may have software running on the computer in order to (a) cause the computer to determine whether there is a match between a subsequent static biometric indication and an initial static biometric indication, and (b) cause the computer to send a signal indicating whether a match was determined in order to authenticate the identity of the organism.

Abstract: A media enhanced shopping cart system comprises a shopping cart comprising a frame, a basket, a handle, a base tray, a plurality of wheels, a read component for performing a proximity scan of the shopping cart, a locationing component for determining a location of the shopping cart within a store based on the scan, and a display component for displaying at least one advertisement for a product based on the location of the shopping cart within the store, wherein the locationing component is further operable to determine a location of the product within the store relative to the shopping cart based on the scan, and wherein the display component is further operable to display an indication of the location of the advertised product relative to the location of the shopping cart.

Abstract: A system for optimizing on-premises advertising, for example, at retail food and/or beverage establishments, such as bars, restaurants, night clubs, sports stadiums and other on-premise retail sites. The optimization is based upon on-premise sales data which includes point-of-sale (POS) data and may also take into account waste, spoilage, theft etc (“collectively “native sales data”). In one embodiment of the invention, the system is able to optimize which products are advertised based upon native sales data. In other embodiments of the invention, the system is able to determine the effectiveness of impulse advertisements for the selected products as well as the timing of the impulse advertisements in order to increase sales of selected products and increase the profitability of the retail establishment and improve the return on impulse ad costs.

Abstract: A process for maintaining data integrity of a sample. The process includes scanning a substrate barcode, scanning a sample barcode, placing the sample into a rack at a position that is identified, depositing the sample onto the substrate at a trackable well location, re-scanning the substrate barcode, analyzing the substrate to collect data representative of the deposited sample, and displaying the representative data. The substrate barcode and the sample barcode can be configured to relay information to a software program, which is also configured to identify and store information related to the trackable well location where the sample is placed on the substrate. The substrate barcode can also be configured to indicate a characteristic of the deposited sample and relay it to the software program.

Abstract: A security monitoring system provides for the secure transport of a bulk foodstuff container. The system includes an electromechanical locking mechanism allowing access by only authorized persons, a positional locator for determining the geographical position of the bulk foodstuff transport container, and a controller associated with the transport container. The controller controls operation of the electromechanical locking mechanism, stores data received from the electromechanical locking mechanism and the positional locator, and communicates with a remote data processor in near real time. A handheld user interface device is configured to control operation of the controller, to process and store data received from the controller, and to communicate with the remote data processor.

Abstract: An indicia reader system comprising: an indicia reader for reading symbol indicia and producing a symbol signal representative of the symbol indicia, the indicia reader capable of transferring and receiving data formatted in a plurality of protocols; a controller capable of transferring and receiving data formatted in a plurality of protocols; and, a translation interface for translating data from the controller which is in a first protocol to a second protocol for receipt by the indicia reader.

Abstract: A method for detecting installed or associated components that are each identified by at least one unique identifier is provided. The identifiers may be read out by at least one reader device. The identifiers, for detecting the respective components, are read out automatically by the reader device. All the serialized components of the system are identified and detected.

Abstract: A method is provided for facilitating communications between a computer device and a smart card reader having an associated smart card. The computer device includes a smart card resource manager and a smart card reader service, the smart card reader service acting as a relay for commands between the smart card resource manager and the smart card reader.

Abstract: A mechanism for ensuring the authenticity of written and printed documents. With the mechanism of the present invention, electronic ink is deposited onto a document, wherein the electronic ink deposited comprises at least one mark visible to a user. Current is applied to the electronic ink while the electronic ink is wet. The current is applied to the electronic ink in order to imprint a pattern in the ink. The electronic ink deposited on the document is then allowed to dry. The pattern in the electronic ink may then be examined to verify the authenticity of the document.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a scanning platform coupled to a fixed platform by flexible members. The scanning platform, fixed platform, and flexible members are made of a polymer such as is commonly used for printed circuit boards. The scanning platform has a laser light source, focusing lens, variable focus mechanism, photodetector, and light collection optic mounted thereto. The variable focus mechanism can sweep the outgoing laser light focus to determine the reflection distance. A scan angle may be modified in response. 3D imaging may also be performed.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a contactless card that enables a reader/writer to identify which card such reader/writer is communicating with in a set of card identification processes and that improves the possibility of protecting the cardholder's privacy. Contactless card (200) includes: power detection unit (203); random number ID generation unit (210) that determines an identifier that identifies card (200), every time power detection unit (203) detects that electric power has been supplied; ID storage unit (2081) that holds the determined identifier; sending/receiving circuit (204) that receives a command requesting that the identifier that identifies card (200) should be sent to reader/writer (100), and sending/receiving circuit (204) sends, to reader/writer (100), the determined identifier in the case where the received command is a first-received command, and the held identifier in the case where the received command is a second- or later-received command.

Abstract: A portable communication device for at least mono-directional communication with a terminal is disclosed. The portable communication device includes a micro-module including a chip that has an antenna allowing the micro-module to communicate with the terminal when the antenna is placed in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. The portable device further includes a reader receiving the removable micro-module, and the antenna is held by the reader such that the micro-module is removable relative to the antenna.

Abstract: The credit card security enhancement is a combination credit and security card that has the same size dimensions as a credit card and can be used in conventional credit card swiping terminals, ATMs, and so on. It contains an enhanced, digital, liquid crystal display (LCD) screen that displays a distinct identification number, generated randomly every 60 seconds by an embedded microprocessor, which is used as a security pin or password. A powerful identification authenticator generates a new identification code every minute by combining the use of a distinct symmetric key and powerful algorithm. The continually changing identification code allows a merchant to authorize one distinct transaction or event. An enhanced, lithium polymer battery powers the dynamic, digital authentication code.

Abstract: User contact information may be stored in a memory of a near-field communication integrated circuit (IC) card. Upon detecting electromagnetic energy emitted by a reader/writer device, the IC card may power on and automatically transmit the stored contact information. In one embodiment, this transmission may be preceded by an authentication operation, and the contact information may be digitally signed so that the accuracy of the contact information may be verified by its recipient. In another embodiment, the contact information may be stored in one or more of a plurality of memory sections of the IC card. Upon the IC card being activated, the contact information may be transmitted from one such memory section based on a user memory section selection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manipulating images is disclosed. In one embodiment according to the invention, a method for manipulating images comprises: displaying for manipulation at a browser-based user interface a graphical representation of at least a portion of an image held at a remote image store; providing an internet communications link coupling the user interface to a remote image processor; transferring information about manipulations applied to the graphical representation between the user interface and the remote image processor; and causing the remote image processor to access the remote image store and apply, to at least a portion of the image held in the store, manipulations emulating those applied to the graphical representation. In another embodiment according to the invention, there is disclosed a method for applying a personalized image to a financial account access means corresponding to a financial account of a customer.

Abstract: The safety and control device for a domestic electrical appliance according to the present invention comprises an electronic card (2) which comprises an insulating plate (4) comprising a printed circuit (15) supplying an electronic control system (5) for driving a domestic electrical appliance and an electromechanical safety device (3) connected to the printed circuit (15) and comprising an insulating body (8) joined to a capillary or to a safety bimetallic disk (9).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling the climate of a hybrid vehicle. The system includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger, a pump, and a valve. The thermoelectric module includes thermoelectric elements powered by electric energy. The thermoelectric elements emit or absorb heat energy based on the polarity of the electrical energy provided. A tube containing coolant runs proximate the thermoelectric elements. To aid in the transfer of heat energy, a blower is provided to generate an air flow across the thermoelectric elements and the tube. The coolant is provided from the thermoelectric module to a heat exchanger that heats or cools the air flow provided to the cabin of the vehicle. The pump and valve are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and thermoelectric module. The pump pressurizes the coolant flow through the tube and coolant lines. In a cooling mode, the valve is configured to selectively bypass the engine coolant system of the vehicle.