Abstract: This invention provides microfluidic devices that comprise a fluidics layer having microfluidic channels and one or more regulating layers that regulate the movement of fluid in the channels. The microfluidic devices can be used to mix one or more fluids. At least a portion of the fluidics layer can be isolated from the regulating layer, for example in the form of a shelf. Such isolated portions can be used as areas in which the temperature of liquids is controlled. Also provided are instruments including thermal control devices into which the microfluidic device is engaged so that the thermal control device controls temperature in the isolated portion, and a movable magnetic assembly including magnets with shields so that a focused magnetic field can be applied to or withdrawn from the isolated portion or any other portion of the microfluidic device. Also provided are methods of mixing fluids.

Abstract: A radiation device for computer or electric appliances includes a heat inhalant block under a CPU of a computer, a heat transmission block positioned next to the heat inhalant block, a bridge block, a peltier device and a cooling source block sequentially disposed on the top of the heat transmission block with a bridge block engaged therebetween, a transparent cover covering the top of the cooling source block to form a left and a right flow canals therein, an upper heat radiation module superimposed a lower heat radiation module positioned next to the heat transmission block, a fan on the top of the upper heat radiation module, a set of the heat pipes extended from the heat inhalant block to the lower heat radiation module through the heat transmission block, a pair of lateral pipes connected between the bridge block and the lower heat radiation module and a set of the cold pipes connected between the cooling source block and the upper heat radiation module.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device, in particular for an internal combustion engine, is fitted with a housing including an entrance and an exit. At least one porous substrate is accommodated in the housing and has an exhaust gas flowing through the substrate. The porous substrate is arranged in the flow path from the entrance to the exit. At least one thermoelectric generator is provided on the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus including a socket having a socket body and a cavity within the socket body. The apparatus further including a thermoelectric cooler coupled to an in-substrate voltage regulator positioned within the cavity. A method including coupling a thermoelectric cooler to an in-substrate voltage regulator positioned within a cavity of a socket and electrically coupling the thermoelectric cooler to the socket using a contact of the socket. A system including an electronic appliance having a processor including an in-substrate voltage regulator positioned within a cavity of a socket coupled to the processor. The system further including a thermoelectric cooler positioned within the cavity and coupled to the in-substrate voltage regulator.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler apparatus for a fiber optic system includes a first plate coupled to the fiber optic system and a second plate for coupling to a heat sink. The apparatus includes a first plurality of thermoelectric units and a second plurality of thermoelectric units being sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate for enhancing or retarding a heat transfer between the first plate and the second plate. The first plurality of thermoelectric units is connected to each other electrically in series. The second plurality of thermoelectric units is connected to each other electrically in series but insulated from the first plurality of thermoelectric units. The first plurality of thermoelectric units and the second plurality of thermoelectric units are configured such that a cross-section of the apparatus includes one or more of the second plurality of thermoelectric units being sandwiched by the first plurality of thermoelectric units.

Abstract: A refrigerant system has an electric motor positioned either inside or outside of a hermetically sealed shell containing a compressor pump unit and is mechanically coupled to drive this compressor pump unit. The electric motor has at least one thermoelectric cooler to cool, or assist in cooling, of at least one component of the electric motor.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for selectively cooling heat-generating electronic components in an enclosure. According to one embodiment, an enclosure houses a plurality of heat-generating electronic components. Air enters the enclosure at the front and is exhausted at the rear. After passing through one or more upstream components, air diverges into at least first and second airstreams within the enclosure. The first airstream is re-cooled by a cooling system having a thermoelectric cooling module. The thermoelectric cooling module is configured such that a first side is cooled and a second side is heated in response to an applied voltage. A voltage regulator may govern the voltage in response to one or more temperatures sensed within the rack system.

Abstract: A heat transfer device exploits the properties of photonic crystal solids with resonant defect cavities to execute a thermodynamic cycle to accomplish the conversion between heat flow and useful energy in the form of a heat engine or heat pump. The device comprises a photonic crystal having at least one and preferably several resonant defect cavities that radiate electromagnetic energy in an emission band. In a heat pump or refrigerator configuration, work means perform work on the photonic crystal to cycle the photonic crystal between a first state to permit the crystal to collect thermal energy from a cold region to heat the crystal and a second state to permit the photonic crystal to radiate electromagnetic energy to a hot region to cool the photonic crystal. The efficient collection of heat energy and radiation of electromagnetic energy in the cycle is accomplished by cycling the heat transfer into the photonic crystal and/or the crystal's emission band.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to method and a device to make a single or a multiple serving of a select flavored, carbonated beverage. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing controlled heating, cooling and motion, in a device such as an active robotic automobile seat, are disclosed. A shape memory alloy (SMA) element, which changes shape upon application of a temperature change to the SMA element, is coupled to a thermoelectric device. Heat flows through the TED upon application of an electrical current through the TED. The apparatus is operable in one of a plurality of modes. In a first mode, a current is applied through the TED to cause a temperature change in the SMA element to change the shape of the SMA element. In a second mode, a current is applied to the TED to cause heat flow in a space adjacent to the apparatus. By controlling application of current to the TED, controlled motion, heating and cooling are achieved in the seat.

Abstract: A low power dehumidifier includes a body, a desiccation element, and heat transfer elements. The desiccation element has a dehumidifying region and a recycling region. Each of the heat transfer elements has a cooling end and a heating end configured for high-temperature condensation and high-temperature heating, respectively, thereby effectively recycling waste high heat generated by the dehumidifier and reducing power consumption.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric-based power generation system designed to be clamped onto the outer wall of a steam pipe or other heating pipe. The system can include a number of assemblies mounted on the sides of a pipe. Each assembly can include a hot block, an array of thermoelectric modules, and a cold block system. The hot block can create a thermal channel to the hot plates of the modules. The cold block can include a heat pipe onto which fins are attached.

Abstract: A water production system (1) for making potable water (7) in an environment of humid tropical air (6) and cold deep ocean water (8) comprising a heat exchanger (2), means for controlling (3) the volume of the deep ocean water (2) passing through the heat exchanger (2) based on the amount of heat absorbed by the heat exchanger (2) in the process of condensing water vapor (7a) from the humid air (6), and means for enhancing (4) the rate of at which water vapor (7a) is condensed including a positive air pressure dome (9) system for enhancing the humidity, condensation rate, and water quality, and a continuous coil (2a) disposed in the flow of humid air (6) to condense additional potable water (7), and means for vibrating (38) elements of the system to increase condensation.

Abstract: A refrigerant system incorporates an economizer circuit, and a thermoelectric cooler to provide a performance boost to the conventional economized refrigerant system. A thermoelectric cooler cools the refrigerant either directly in a main refrigerant circuit, or in an economized circuit, or both.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus of supplying driving power to a cooling element from a power supply unit, to drive it, includes a driving power changing part changing a power value of the driving power supplied to said cooling element from the power supply unit, by a predetermined power value at each predetermined time interval.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems for heating and cooling the interior climate of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the system comprises a conduit having a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, a fluid diversion channel configured to divert fluid flow between the first and second channels, and a thermoelectric device operatively connected to the fluid conduit. In certain embodiments, the thermoelectric device comprises a plurality of thermal zones. In some embodiments, the plurality of thermal zones comprises a first thermal zone connected to a first electric circuit switchable between a first polarity and a second polarity and a second thermal zone connected to a second electric circuit switchable between the first polarity and the second polarity independent of the polarity of the first electric circuit.

Abstract: A thermal management system includes a first thermoelectric module, a second thermoelectric module, and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has a pipe having a first section, a second section and an intermediate section arranged between the first section and the second section. The intermediate section maintains the first section and the second section in spaced apart planes and the first thermoelectric module is thermally attached to the first section and the second thermoelectric module is thermally attached to the second section. The first thermoelectric module is spaced apart from the second thermoelectric module to enable fluid to flow between the first thermoelectric module and the second thermoelectric module.

Abstract: The invention discloses a temperature variation apparatus for varying the temperature of a liquid. The temperature variation apparatus includes a metal tube, a power supply, a heat conductor, and a thermo-electric cooler (TEC). The liquid is poured into the metal tube. The power supply has an anode and a cathode respectively connected to two ends of the metal tube, so that the metal tube can be electrified to generate heat. The heat conductor encircles and contacts with the metal tube, and the thermo-electric cooler contacts with the heat conductor.

Abstract: An environmental control system, or data pack, is provided in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The system allows for audio and video recording on hard drive media in situations where temperature, vibration and humidity would otherwise have prevented the use of such technology. The system can be used in conjunction with an event recorder for use in motor vehicles, trains and the like. The environmental control system includes a thermoelectric module connected to the hard drive and to a housing. The thermoelectric module is for transferring heat between the hard drive and the housing in response to an applied voltage in order to maintain a hard drive temperature within a hard drive operable temperature range. The vehicle operating temperature range includes temperatures outside the hard drive operable temperature range.

Abstract: A chilled probe for quickly and conveniently cooling a liquid is positioned to permit a user to insert the probe into the liquid to be cooled. Feedback, in the form of an indication of a representative liquid temperature, is also provided to increase the value of the method and apparatus. Individual sleeves are conveniently provided on a roll to keep the chilled probe from coming into direct contact with the liquid, thereby avoiding contamination between liquid samples being cooled.

Abstract: A well block for use with a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Cycler may include a body for holding a plurality of specimen vials, a base for attaching the well block to a temperature control device, and a temperature plate coupled to the base. Further, the temperature plate may include an anisotropic material for transferring thermal energy between the body and the temperature control device.

Abstract: An ultra low temperature refrigeration system and technique, includes a cabinet with a storage chamber maintained at a certain temperature range, a door providing a seal with the cabinet when engaged with the cabinet, and a dehumidifying unit connected to the cabinet for dehumidifying the storage chamber within the cabinet.

Abstract: An electronic device having a heat-dissipating module includes a housing and an electronic component (e.g., a central processing unit) disposed within the housing. The heat-dissipating module is used for dissipating heat of the electronic component, and includes a two-phase flow heat-dissipating loop and a thermoelectric cooling component. The two-phase flow heat-dissipating loop can be a loop heat pipe (LHP) or a capillary pumped loop (CPL). The thermoelectric cooling component includes a cooling portion and a heat-generating portion respectively to cool or heat necessary portions of the two-phase flow heat-dissipating loop, or directly cool the electronic component through the cooling portion, thereby increasing the heat-dissipation effect of the two-phase flow heat-dissipating loop.

Abstract: An exemplary refrigeration system for cooling food or beverages may use a liquid cooling system of a vehicle. The refrigeration system may include a compartment in which the food or beverages may be placed and removed, a chilled liquid coolant system having a connection through which liquid coolant is received from the liquid cooling system of the vehicle, and a heat exchanger operationally coupled with the chilled liquid coolant system and the compartment to transfer heat from the compartment into the liquid coolant. The refrigeration system may also include a second chilled coolant system through which a second coolant flows and a second heat exchanger operationally coupled with the second chilled coolant system and the compartment to transfer heat from the compartment. The chilled liquid coolant system and the second chilled coolant system may operate together as a cascade cooling system.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a light and compact cooling device which is possible to use an alternating magnetic field generated in an electromagnetic induction type cooking heater which is usually used as a heater, as an energy source of the cooling device.

Abstract: A backup cooling storage system comprising at least one cooling and storage unit configured to cool a liquid supply using a quantity of cooled material when a main chiller of the liquid supply is not operational, and at least one chilling element configured to generate the quantity of cooled material for the at least one cooling and storage unit when the main chiller of the liquid supply is operational. Additional embodiments and methods are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible liquid cooling loop for providing a thermal path between a heat source and a heat sink. The cooling loop includes a plurality of mechanically rigid tubing sections configured for being in thermal contact with the heat source and the heat sink. The cooling loop further includes a plurality of mechanically flexible tubing sections configured for connecting the mechanically rigid sections to form the loop. The loop is configured for containing a liquid. The liquid is configured for being circulated within the loop for promoting transfer of thermal energy from the heat source to the heat sink via the loop.

Abstract: An electronic device can be provided with a heat-generating component, a heat-dissipating component, and a thermoelectric cooling component. The thermoelectric cooling component may be configured to create a temperature difference between the heat-generating component and the heat-dissipating component. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling component is configured to use the Peltier effect to create the temperature difference. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric cooling component may be positioned proximate to a hotspot of the heat-generating component.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and systems are directed to controlling the amount and polarity of current to multiple loads with switches, where the loads share switching components. The loads may be thermoelectric elements, which heat or cool based on the state of the switches. The switches may be run in a single mode during a duty cycle, or multiple successive modes during the duty cycle to achieve full control of the loads.

Abstract: A temperature calibration device uses Peltier cells for heating and cooling. The Peltier cells are driven by a power controller that gradually changes the power applied to the Peltier cells from a starting power to a target power. However, during this transition, the power controller holds the power applied to the Peltier cells constant for a period to minimize the stress on the Peltier cells. This period of constant period may last until the temperature of an object reaches a predetermined temperature, or it may have a fixed or variable duration, which may be based on the difference between the starting power and the target power. By changing the power applied to the Peltier cells in this manner, the useful life of the Peltier cells is preserved.

Abstract: A system for cooling fluid to cool and condition a race cart driver's suit, helmet or seat. The system includes Peltier effect thermoelectric coolers sandwiched to form water and air passages to cool liquid in use in a suit, helmet or seat and to expel waste heat. A thermoelectric cooler for cooling a driver worn device including a thermoelectric cooler having a first heat exchanger, an inlet for supplying one side of the first heat exchanger, and an inlet for air supplying an opposing side of the first heat exchanger. A pump for moving liquid from a reservoir on the TE cooler with a first heat exchanger to a second heat exchanger worn by a driver. A quick release device to detach the TE cooler from the second heat exchanger with a single motion depressing a single bar releases two quick connects.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooling a die downhole are disclosed. The apparatus includes a semiconductor die. A thin film thermoelectric cooling layer is coupled to the semiconductor die, and a heat spreader is coupled to the thin film thermoelectric cooling layer. A method includes conveying a semiconductor die on a carrier to a downhole location and activating a thin film thermoelectric cooling layer coupled to the semiconductor die. The method further includes pumping heat from the thin film thermoelectric cooling layer using a heat spreader coupled to the thin film thermoelectric cooling layer.

Abstract: A high-temperature thermoelectric module. The module includes a two part molded egg-crate for holding in place and providing insulation and electrical connections for a number of thermoelectric n-legs and p-legs. A first part of the egg-crate is comprised of a ceramic material capable of operation at temperatures in excess of 600° C. and a second part comprised of a thermoplastic material having very low thermal conductivity. In preferred embodiments the high temperature ceramic is zirconia and the thermoplastic material is DuPont Zenite. The thermoelectric legs are also comprised of high-temperature and low-temperature material. In preferred embodiments the high temperature thermoelectric material is lead telluride and the low temperature material is bismuth telluride. In preferred embodiments metal felt spacers are provided in each leg to maintain proper electrical contacts notwithstanding substantial temperature variations. Preferably the module is sealed in an inert gas filled insulating capsule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dehumidification and humidification apparatus for vehicles using an adsorbent which is capable of feeding a dehumidified air for preventing fogging of window glass and a humidified air for improvement in comfortableness, and is simplified in construction thereof and reduced in size thereof. The dehumidification and humidification apparatus for vehicles according to the present invention comprises a casing (1), and a blower (2), an adsorbent module (3) and an air passage switching device (4) which are accommodated in the casing.

Abstract: An exhaust gas manifold having thermoelectric devices in the exhaust manifold of a stirling engine is disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat transfer system is provided. The thermoelectric heat transfer system comprises a coolant circuit with a pump circulating coolant through the circuit. A first heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the coolant circuit to remove heat from the coolant. At the same time, a second heat exchanger is in fluid communication with the coolant circuit. Thermoelectric modules (TEMs) are integrated into the second heat exchanger to create a temperature differential between fins and conduits of the second heat exchanger. The coolant flows through the conduits to draw heat from the TEMs, while a fan assembly conveys air through the fins into a climate-controlled area to cool the climate-controlled area to a desired temperature. In other embodiments, a sleeve acts as the second heat exchanger. The sleeve is adapted to receive and cool beverage containers and like items.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling the interior of an aviation crash helmet without incorporation of any mechanically moving components or fluids. The said system can cool or warm the head of the user through the use of thermoelectric cooling elements, solid state fans or electro-aerodynamic pumps, heat exchangers, and a customized ventilation system. None of the components in the present invention contain mechanically moving parts, fluids, or chemicals. The preferred embodiment was designed for aircraft crash helmets, but this invention can be incorporated into any existing crash helmet which can accommodate incorporating thermoelectric pumping modules and provide a steady power supply to the said components. This present invention can be incorporated into any existing crash helmet through customization of helmet inserts. It can also be incorporated into the design of new crash helmets which would facilitate the maximization of the efficiency of the said cooling system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infrared detection countermeasure system for enabling concealment of objects from identification by thermal imaging night vision systems and/or for deception of heat seeking missiles. The system comprises a screen formed of at least one thermoelectric module, couplable to a target object, a controller for controlling the thermoelectric module, at least two temperature sensors for measuring ambient temperature and temperature of one side of the thermoelectric module and providing an indication of the temperature to the controller, and a power source coupled to the thermoelectric module. The controller is coupled to the power source for causing the power source to provide a level of power, selected in accordance with the temperature indications, to the thermoelectric module so as to generate a selected temperature in at least part of said screen.

Abstract: A climate control device comprises a housing, the housing having a first intake port, a first exhaust port, and a second exhaust port, wherein the first exhaust port opens in a different direction than the second exhaust port. A fan is disposed within the housing and is configured to draw air through the first intake port and expel air towards the first exhaust port and the second exhaust port. a separate insert piece configured to be inserted within the housing and adapted to direct substantially all the expelled air through one of the first or second exhaust ports.

Abstract: A self-cooled electronic component comprising a vertical monolithic circuit, in which the vertical monolithic circuit is electrically connected in series with a Peltier cooler so that the D.C. current flowing through the circuit supplies the cooler and in which the circuit and the cooler are placed against each other so that the cold surface of the cooler is in thermal contact with the circuit.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that cools an integrated circuit (IC) chip within a computer system. During operation, the system converts heat generated by a heat-generating device within the computer system during operation of the computer system into thermoelectric power. Next, the system supplies the thermoelectric power to drive a fluid pump. Finally, the system uses the fluid pump to conduct heat away from the IC chip.

Abstract: The invention discloses an encapsulation comprising a metal substrate, a PCB on the metal substrate, a thermo-electric element in and/or on the PCB, and an LED on the thermo-electric element. Encapsulating methods are also provided by the invention.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module device absorbs heat from the hot side, and transfers the heat to the cold side; the thermoelectric module device is constituted by a heat sink on the hot side, another heat sink on the cold side and a series of Peltier elements, and the series of Peltier elements is formed from pairs of semiconductor elements of different conductivity types, endoergic metal electrodes and exoergic metal electrodes; since the entire major surfaces of heat sinks are not available for the endoergic metal electrodes and exoergic metal electrodes due to fitting holes and vapor-proof sealing walls, the ratio of area occupied with the metal electrodes to available area and the ratio of area not available for the metal electrodes to entire major surface are not less than 50% and not greater than 20%.

Abstract: An energy recovery system for hybrid automobile. The energy recovery system generates electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between a high temperature thermal medium and a low temperature thermal medium. As the high temperature thermal medium, engine coolant for cooling an engine is used. As the low temperature thermal medium, pump refrigerant for cooling by a heat pump is used. The heat pump maintains the pump refrigerant at a low temperature by using heat from the engine coolant. Therefore, while electricity is reliably generated at a thermoelectric converter, energy is efficiently used for cooling the pump refrigerant.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a thermoelectric heat pump includes a heat transfer region having an array of thermoelectric modules, a waste channel in substantial thermal communication with a high temperature portion of the heat transfer region, and a main channel in substantial thermal communication with a low temperature portion of the heat transfer region. An enclosure wall provides a barrier between fluid in the waste channel and fluid in the main channel throughout the interior of the thermoelectric heat pump. In some embodiments, the waste fluid channel and the main fluid channel are positioned and shaped such that differences in temperature between fluids disposed near opposite sides of the enclosure wall are substantially decreased or minimized at corresponding positions along the channels.

Abstract: A method for selectively cooling one or more heat-generating electronic components in an enclosure. Air is passed through an enclosure that houses one or more heat-generating components. Heated air is separated into at least first and second parallel airstreams within the enclosure. The first airstream is passed through a first heat exchanger in thermal contact with a first side of a thermoelectric cooling module. The second airstream is passed through a second heat exchanger in thermal contact with a second side of the thermoelectric cooling module. A voltage is applied to the thermoelectric cooling module to cool the first side and heat the second side of the thermoelectric cooling module. A temperature at a location in the enclosure in sensed and the voltage applied to the thermoelectric cooling module is varied in response to the sensed temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling at least two functions selected from the group consisting of ventilation, air cleaning, seat temperature and inside temperature of a vehicle when the vehicle engine is turned off, the system comprising: (a) a solar cell module providing driving power from solar heat; and (b) a controller operating the solar cell module by stepwise magnitudes of a current input from the solar cell module. A method for controlling the system is also provided.

Abstract: A life-saving child car seat/carrier safety system that protects a child from injury or death due to passenger compartment temperature extremes is described herein. Each year, children and infants die tragically as a result of overheating in automobile passenger compartments when they are mistakenly left unattended by their caregivers. The present invention provides a system and method for child safety comprising an automatically closing child car seat compartment that detects dangerous temperatures; notifies caregivers via an auto-dialing cell phone; alerts passersby via emergency lighting, audible alarms, vocal alerts, and electronic messaging; contacts emergency services with GPS location information; provides breathable air; and provides temperature regulation as needed to cool or warm a child.

Abstract: beverage dispensing apparatus for enclosing and cooling a keg (1) containing a beverage, comprising means for guiding the beverage from the keg (1) to a dispending tap for controlling the beverage output from the dispensing apparatus. The apparatus comprises a cooling system provided with heat transfer means (4) being in direct thermal contact with the keg (1). The cooling system is provided with an adsorbent cooling device (3) comprising a liquid chamber (5) for containing and vaporizing a liquid working substance (8), and an adsorbent chamber (6) containing an adsorbent (9) for adsorbing the vaporized working substance. The liquid chamber (5) is connected through a control valve (12) with the adsorbent chamber (6).

Abstract: A subcooler (15) for a vapor compression cycle having a refrigerant. The subcooler (15) including a conduit (45) and one or more thermoelectric modules (17). The conduit (45) being in fluid communication with the vapor compression cycle for flow of the refrigerant therethrough. Each of the one or more thermoelectric modules (17) has a cold side in thermal communication with an inner volume of the conduit (45) for subcooling the refrigerant.