Thermoelectric; E.g., Peltier Effect Patents (Class 62/3.2)
  • Patent number: 8499575
    Abstract: The air conditioning device for electronic components features three channels (6, 7, 8) for two flowing fluids that are in heat exchange with one another. In the first operating mode these two fluids are guided by means of switchable flaps into two selected channels (7, 8) where they are in heat exchange with one another at a partition (12) that is equipped with heat exchange elements (12, 13). In a second operating mode the flaps are switched in such a manner that the two fluids are in heat exchange with one another at a Peltier element (9) that is equipped on both sides with heat exchange elements (9, 11). In a third operating mode the Peltier element is switched as a heating element. In the first operating mode on the other hand the Peltier element is deactivated and consumes no electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: NFT Nanofiltertechnik Gesselschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Walter Nicolai, Simon Jocham, Wilfried Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20130192270
    Abstract: Arrangements for heat transfer subsystem interconnection for use in information technology and other heat-producing equipment are disclosed. The arrangements provide for plurality of individual subsystems, each having a thermal interface. These are configured so that two or more of the subsystems can be thermally interconnected by connecting their thermal interfaces. Each subsystem may comprise at least one thermoelectric device capable of acting as a thermoelectric cooler and as a thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric device can incorporate quantum-process and quantum-well materials for higher heat transfer and thermoelectric generation efficiencies. In some implementations, the thermoelectric device is comprised by the thermal interface. In some implementations, a control system and electronics are used to selectively configure the thermoelectric device in either a thermoelectric cooler operating mode or in a thermoelectric generation operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8495884
    Abstract: A thermoelectric system includes a first thermoelectric element including a first plurality of segments in electrical communication with one another. The thermoelectric system further includes a second thermoelectric element including a second plurality of segments in electrical communication with one another. The thermoelectric system further includes a heat transfer device including at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is sandwiched between the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element. The second portion projects away from the first portion and configured to be in thermal communication with a working medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: BSST, LLC
    Inventors: Lon E. Bell, Douglas Todd Crane
  • Publication number: 20130180264
    Abstract: The present inventive disclosure is directed generally to an improved automobile air- conditioning system that can be operated while the automobile's engine is not running. In variations, a typical vapor-compression-cycle air-conditioning system is modified to allow the refrigerant compressor to be driven from either of two power sources: (1) from a traditional engine-mounted pulley system, or (2) from a DC-motor powered by an electrical source independent from the engine. In another variation, the air-conditioning system is driven by one or more thermal-electric-cooling (TEC) modules, wherein the TEC-based system is powered by an auxiliary DC-power source that in some variations is powered by, or at least supplemented by, a solar-energy grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Jerome Daniels
  • Publication number: 20130174577
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention support the changing of a serving surface temperature in order to cool or heat the serving surface. Heat is transferred to or from the serving surface through at least one Peltier device, a heat pipe, and a heat sink. The mode of operation is determined by changing the electrical power polarity to the at least one Peltier device. A control device may activate the at least one Peltier device from a measured temperature and a temperature setting with a hysteresis. A plurality of Peltier devices may be partitioned into different subsets so that the control device may activate a selected subset during different time intervals. When the measured temperature is outside a temperature range, all of the Peltier devices may be activated, while only a selected subset may be activated when the measured temperature is within the temperature range and until a hysteresis temperature is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Spring (U.S.A.) Corporation
    Inventors: Francis Thomas Brija, Ping Wu
  • Patent number: 8481843
    Abstract: A thermoelectric composition comprises a material represented by the general formula (AgaX1?a)1±x(SnbPb1?b)mM?1?yQ2+m wherein X is Na, K, or a combination of Na and K in any proportion; M? is a trivalent element selected from the group consisting of Sb, Bi, lanthanide elements, and combinations thereof; Q is a chalcogenide element selected from the group consisting of S, Te, Se, and combinations thereof; a and b are independently >0 and ?1; x and y are independently >0 and <1; and 2?m?30. The compositions exhibit a figure of merit ZT of up to about 1.4 or higher, and are useful as p-type semiconductors in thermoelectric devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Trustees Operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Mercouri G. Kanatzidis, Kuei-Fang Hsu
  • Patent number: 8464781
    Abstract: A system for cooling a heat source includes a fluid heat exchanger, a pump, a thermoelectric device and a heat rejector. The thermoelectric device includes a cooling portion and a heating portion. The heat rejector is configured to be in thermal contact with at least a portion of the heating portion of the thermoelectric device. The pump is coupled with the fluid heat exchanger and configured to pass a fluid therethrough. The thermoelectric device is configured along with the heat exchanger in the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Cooligy Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Kenny, Mark Munch, Peng Zhou, James Gill Shook, Kenneth Goodson, Dave Corbin, Mark McMaster, James Lovette
  • Patent number: 8464547
    Abstract: A cooling rack structure includes a cooling plate (1), a temperature conductor (2), a centrifugal fan (3), a cooling body (4) and a thermoelectric cooling component (5). A temperature-super-conducting component (13) is disposed on an inner surface (11) of the cooling plate (1). The temperature conductor (2) is arranged on the temperature-super-conducting component (13). In addition, a heat-exhausting hole (120) is arranged on an upper side of the cooling plate (1). The centrifugal fan (3) is disposed between the temperature conductor (2) and the heat-exhausting hole (120) while the cooling body (4) is disposed between the fan (3) and the heat-exhausting hole (120). A hot side face (501) of the thermoelectric cooling component (5) closely contacts the cooling body (4) while a cold side face (500) is arranged on the temperature-super-conducting component (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignees: Golden Sun News Techniques Co., Ltd., CPUMate Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Hsu, Chih-Hung Cheng, Chen-Hsiang Lin, Kuo-Len Lin
  • Publication number: 20130145988
    Abstract: Embodiments provided herein describe bubbler assemblies for substrate processing systems. The substrate processing bubbler assemblies include an inner shell, an outer shell, and a thermoelectric device. The inner shell is configured to hold a liquid. The outer shell at least partially surrounds the inner shell. The inner shell and the outer shell are sized and shaped such that a gap is formed between the inner shell and the outer shell. The thermoelectric device interconnects the inner shell and the outer shell. The thermoelectric device has a first side adjacent to the inner shell and a second side adjacent to the outer shell and is configured to transfer heat between the first side and the second side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay DeDontney
  • Publication number: 20130141872
    Abstract: A device has a passive cooling device having a surface, at least one active cooling device on the surface of the passive cooling device, and a thermal switch coupled to the passive cooling device, the switch having a first position that connects the active cooling device to a path of high thermal conductivity and a second position that connects the passive cooling device to the path of high thermal conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventor: David Eric Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8453467
    Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler assembly comprises a cold plate, a first thermoelectric cooler, and a second thermoelectric cooler. The cold plate has a first side and a second side. The first thermoelectric cooler is in thermal communication with the first side of the cold plate, and the second thermoelectric cooler is in thermal communication with the second side of the cold plate. A heat exchanger assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP
    Inventors: Charles D. Hood, III, Ioan Sauciuc, Mohammed Tantoush
  • Publication number: 20130133710
    Abstract: Arrangements for communications among subsystems within adaptive cooling and energy harvesting arrangements for use in information technology and other heat-producing equipment are disclosed. The arrangements provide for cooling and energy harvesting subsystems, each of which can operate in isolation and can be interconnected with additional subsystems in peer and hierarchical relationships. Each subsystem comprises at least one thermoelectric device capable of acting as a thermoelectric cooler and as a thermoelectric generator, a control system, and electronics controlled to selectively configure the thermoelectric device in at least in a thermoelectric cooler operating mode and in a thermoelectric generation operating mode. The thermoelectric device can incorporate quantum-process and quantum-well materials for higher heat transfer and thermoelectric generation efficiencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20130128915
    Abstract: A temperature control element for a measuring device for controlling the temperature of a measurement sample, comprising first and second heating elements delivering thermal energy to the measurement sample, and control means for controlling the heating of the measurement sample, wherein the first and second heating elements heat the measurement sample until a limit temperature has been reached, and wherein thermal resistivity between the first and second heating elements is increased starting at the limit temperature, and the control means disconnects the contact between the first and second heating elements when the limit temperature is reached. A cooling element withdraws thermal energy, and the control means controls cooling of the measurement sample, wherein thermal energy is withdrawn from measurement sample by bringing the cooling element closer to the shut-off of the first heating element, and interrupting the contact between the cooling element and the shut-off of the first heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Roland Aschauer, Ernst Hamann, Philipp Jordan, Andreas Schwarzmann
  • Patent number: 8443613
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for conditioning air inside an enclosure. The systems and methods may comprise: (1) a plurality of flow tunnels for passage of a heat-transfer fluid; (2) a thermoelectric cooler in thermal communication with the flow tunnels for thermally conditioning the heat-transfer fluid in the flow tunnels; (3) an air inlet for receiving unconditioned air; (4) a thermal exchange assembly for facilitating thermal exchange between the thermally conditioned heat-transfer fluid and the unconditioned air to result in conditioning of the air; and (5) an air outlet for outputting the conditioned air into the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: ThermoTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Quisenberry, Sam K. McSpadden, Christopher Alan Polser, Niran Balachandran
  • Patent number: 8438860
    Abstract: A heating apparatus including at least two thermoelectric modules connected in series, and at least one switching arrangement connected in parallel with one of the at least two thermoelectric modules such that electrical current flows via the at least one switching arrangement in an event of a failure of the one of the at least two thermoelectric modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Hasan Gökcer Albayrak, Klaus Grunert, Reinhardt Ruhm, Edmund Seiffert, Günter Steffens, Andreas Stolze
  • Patent number: 8438861
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for heating and cooling an object in a controlled manner permitting a good thermal contact between the thermal block, the element for heating and cooling and the heat sink without the need for using a thermal interface material, an instrument comprising such a device and a method for conducting a thermal profile using the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Herbert Harttig
  • Patent number: 8438862
    Abstract: A thermal-protection apparatus disposed in a vehicle cabin or storage compartment includes a housing enveloping a chamber in which a thermally-sensitive consumer electronic device is received, a thermoelectric module mounted in a wall of the housing, and a remote electronic controller and power source coupled to the housing via an electrical cable for activating the thermoelectric module, and optionally the consumer electronic device, in a manner to prevent the temperature in the chamber from exceeding a prescribed maximum operating temperature of the consumer electronic device or falling below a prescribed minimum operating temperature of the consumer electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Oman, Craig A. Tieman, Michel F. Sultan, Dale L. Partin, Bruce A. Myers
  • Publication number: 20130104569
    Abstract: Disrupting an ability to regulate core body temperature of a human includes a cooling device having various components, and the cooling device is controlled in various manners to remove heat from an anatomical region (e.g., distal extremity). The cooling device might be programmed to maintain a range of temperatures designed to affect an ability to regulate body temperature. In addition, the cooling device might be programmed to operate in cycles. By disrupting core-body-temperature regulation, biological rhythms (e.g., Circadian) can also be disrupted and sleep induction may be countered. Countering sleep incidents in an automobile driver might make it more difficult for the driver to fall asleep or become drowsy while driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: DOUGLAS P. BALLNIK
  • Publication number: 20130098068
    Abstract: A temperature control device includes: a top plate; a heat exchanger plate; a thermoelectric module including a temperature-control-side electrode disposed near the top plate, a heat-exchanger-side electrode disposed near the heat exchanger plate and a thermoelectric element of which one side is connected with the temperature-control-side electrode and the other side is connected with the heat-exchanger-side electrode; and a polyimide film provided on the thermoelectric module near the top plate. The thermoelectric module is spaced apart from and surrounded by a seal wall having a ceramic outer circumference and disposed between the polyimide film and the heat exchanger plate. An adhesion sheet or an adhesive is interposed between the seal wall and the polyimide film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: KELK LTD.
    Inventor: KELK LTD.
  • Patent number: 8424315
    Abstract: A cooling system is disclosed including a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a means for regulating a flow of a fluid, and a thermoelectric device for cooling a fluid, wherein a difference in temperature between a hot side and a cold side of the thermoelectric device is minimized and an efficiency of the thermoelectric device is maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: BSST LLC
    Inventor: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka
  • Publication number: 20130091867
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronic component. The apparatus includes a vapor-compression refrigeration system, which includes an expansion component, an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser coupled in fluid communication. The evaporator is coupled to and cools the electronic component. The apparatus further includes a contaminant separator coupled in fluid communication with the refrigerant flow path. The separator includes a refrigerant cold filter and a thermoelectric array. At least a portion of refrigerant passing through the refrigerant flow path passes through the cold filter, and the thermoelectric array provides cooling to the cold filter to cool refrigerant passing through the filter. By cooling refrigerant passing through the filter, contaminants solidify from the refrigerant, and are deposited in the cold filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Richard C. CHU, Evan G. COLGAN, Milnes P. DAVID, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, JR., Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Robert E. SIMONS
  • Publication number: 20130091866
    Abstract: Cooling apparatuses and methods are provided for immersion-cooling one or more electronic components. The cooling apparatus includes a housing at least partially surrounding and forming a fluid-tight compartment about the electronic component(s) and a dielectric fluid disposed within the fluid-tight compartment, with the electronic component(s) immersed within the dielectric fluid. A vapor-condenser, heat sink, and thermal conductive path are also provided. The vapor-condenser includes a plurality of thermally conductive condenser fins extending within the fluid-tight compartment, and the heat sink includes a first region and a second region, with the first region of the heat sink being in thermal contact with the vapor-condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Levi A. CAMPBELL, Richard C. CHU, Milnes P. DAVID, Michael J. ELLSWORTH, JR., Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Robert E. SIMONS
  • Publication number: 20130091868
    Abstract: Cooling methods are provided for immersion-cooling one or more electronic components. The cooling method includes: providing a housing at least partially surrounding and forming a fluid-tight compartment about the electronic component(s) and a dielectric fluid disposed within the fluid-tight compartment, with the electronic component(s) immersed within the dielectric fluid; and providing a vapor-condenser, heat sink, and thermal conductive path. The vapor-condenser includes a plurality of thermally conductive condenser fins extending within the fluid-tight compartment, and the heat sink includes a first region and a second region, with the first region of the heat sink being in thermal contact with the vapor-condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP
  • Patent number: 8418477
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing air-conditioning to a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a solar photovoltaic panel positioned in a window or windshield to provide direct current to power a thermoelectric assembly to pump excess heat out of the interior of the car. The car is air-conditioned in a parked state and pre-air-conditioned before use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Quixotic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Klein, Bhagavathi P. Natarajan
  • Publication number: 20130086923
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a thermoelectric system comprises a thermoelectric device having a first surface and a second surface and a power source configured to deliver a voltage across the thermoelectric device to selectively activate or deactivate the thermoelectric device, wherein the first surface is configured to heat and the second surface is configured to cool when the thermoelectric device is activated. The system further comprises a processor configured to determine a potential between the first surface and the second surface when the thermoelectric device is deactivated, correlate the potential to a temperature of the first surface and adjust the correlated temperature of the first surface based on an ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventor: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
  • Patent number: 8408013
    Abstract: A portable moisture trap for use with a vacuum pump includes: a housing; a cooling chamber positioned at least partially within the housing including a first inlet port and a second outlet port; a lid that sealably attaches to a top portion of the cooling chamber to seal the cooling chamber; a heat sink residing under the cooling chamber; a thermoelectric device having an upper cooling side and a lower heat generating side residing between the cooling chamber and the heat sink; a fan oriented to blow air upwardly toward the heat sink; and a baffle extending downwardly in the cooling chamber from a location proximate the lid to a location proximate an inner bottom surface of the cooling chamber, with the baffle configured to define a physical barrier to urge air received through the first port to flow down toward the inner bottom surface of the cooling chamber before exiting through the second port, to thereby remove moisture from air traveling through the cooling chamber in response to a vacuum pump in fluid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Instrotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Muse, Johnny Gordon Williams, Jr., Ali Regimand, Lawrence H. James
  • Publication number: 20130074520
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a cooling structure that includes a first plate, a second plate separated from the first plate, and an inlet adapted to receive a cooling fluid. The apparatus also comprises a first cooling portion coupled to the first plate and adapted to maintain a first temperature. The apparatus also includes a second cooling portion coupled to the second plate and adapted to maintain a second temperature, different from the first temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: William G. Wyatt, James A. Pruett, Byron E. Short, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130067935
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described herein for electrocaloric effect heat transfer devices, methods, and systems that may be effective to efficiently transfer and distribute thermal energy from a heat source utilizing coordinated application of out of phase electric signals to adjacent heat transfer stacks coupled with a thermal distribution layer. Some electrocaloric effect heat transfer stacks may include alternating layers of electrocaloric effect material and thermal rectifier material. The out of phase electric signals produce electric fields that bias the electrocaloric effect material of one heat transfer stack to a hot phase, emitting thermal energy, while biasing the electrocaloric effect material of an adjacent heat transfer stack to a cold phase, absorbing thermal energy. The thermal distribution layer allows for thermal energy from the material in the hot phase to be distributed to the material of the adjacent stack in the cold phase rather than back to the heat source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Ezekiel Kruglick
  • Publication number: 20130061603
    Abstract: A temperature control device for a climate control loop comprising at least one handle piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventor: William Wei Li
  • Publication number: 20130061605
    Abstract: A thermoelectric module and methods for making and applying same provide an integrated, layered structure comprising first and second, thermally conductive, surface volumes, each in thermal communication with a separate respective first and second electrically conductive patterned trace layers, and an array of n-type and p-type semiconducting elements embedded in amorphous silica dielectric and electrically connected between the first and second patterned trace layers forming a thermoelectric circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: L. Pierre de Rochemont
  • Publication number: 20130042633
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature control apparatus for thermoregulation of a human body, comprising at least one radiation absorption panel with at least one surface capable of absorbing thermal radiation, and a cooling device provided to cool said panel. A sleeping accommodation for a human being comprises a lying area and such a temperature control apparatus, wherein the radiation absorption panel is disposed adjacent to the lying are or above the lying area. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for thermoregulation of the human body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Dmitri Chestakov
  • Patent number: 8375728
    Abstract: An improved efficiency thermoelectric system is disclosed wherein convection is actively facilitated through a thermoelectric array. Thermoelectrics are commonly used for cooling and heating applications. Thermal power is convected through a thermoelectric array toward at least one side of the thermoelectric array, which leads to increased efficiency. Several different configurations are disclosed to provide convective thermal power transport, using a convective medium. In addition, a control system is disclosed which responds to one or more inputs to make adjustments to the thermoelectric system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: BSST, LLC
    Inventor: Lon E. Bell
  • Publication number: 20130033203
    Abstract: Thermal management of various components such as electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, super- or ultracapacitors), power converters and/or control circuits, in electrically powered vehicles may employ active temperature adjustment devices (e.g., Peltier devices), which may advantageously be powered using electrical energy generated by the traction electric motor during regenerative braking operation. Temperature adjustment may include cooling or heating one or more components. The adjustment may be based on a variety of factors or conditions, for instance sensed temperature, sensed current draw, sensed voltage, sensed rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: GOGORO, INC.
    Inventors: Hok-Sum Horace Luke, Matthew Whiting Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130033822
    Abstract: An image acquisition apparatus includes an imaging optical system configured to form an image of a subject, an imaging unit including an image sensor configured to capture the image of the subject formed by the imaging optical system, a cooler thermally connected to the image sensor, and a heat-transfer reduction unit with an opaque portion located between the imaging optical system and the imaging unit, wherein the opaque portion includes an aperture through which incident light to the image sensor passes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomofumi Nishikawara, Yukio Tokuda, Hisashi Namba
  • Patent number: 8365539
    Abstract: A system for using a thermal cycle for healing or cooling. The system comprises a thermoelectric module flowing a gas; and an internal heat exchanger flowing the gas and exchanging heat between the gas and another fluid; the gas flow from at least one of the thermoelectric module and the internal heat exchanger flowing for heating or cooling. The system may be for using a closed cycle to remove a liquid from at least one object comprising moisture, the system comprising an enclosure containing the at least one object and arranged to receive a hot and dry gas for flow over the at least one object and thereby to produce a flow of moist gas at an intermediate temperature. The internal heat exchanger is arranged to exchange heat between the flow of the moist gas at the intermediate temperature and a flow of cold dry gas, thereby producing cooled moist gas and pre-warmed dry gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Gang Chen, Christine Susanne Junior, Juergen Koehler
  • Patent number: 8359871
    Abstract: A temperature control device includes a thermoelectric device and a first sink. The thermoelectric device includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements electrically interconnected with one another by a plurality of electrical interconnects which are coupled between an interior surface of a first plate and an interior surface of a second plate. The first sink has a flat bottom and a plurality of generally parallel fins extending out of the flat bottom. Also, the flat bottom is coupled to an exterior surface of the first plate by a coupling media that includes a resilient and thermally-conductive pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Marlow Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Woods, Leonard J. Recine, James L. Bierschenk, Overton L. Parish
  • Publication number: 20130019503
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for cooling (or heating) feet by use of air movers and/or thermoelectric heat exchangers within footwear. The invention employs heat exchangers with no moving parts and a flat form factor, such as Peltier heat exchangers, directly within the sole and/or heel of the footwear. Alternately or additionally, the inventive footwear may employ air movers with no moving parts and a flat, flexible form factor, such as ionic air movers, disposed directly within the sole and/or heel in fluid communication with the interior of the footwear. The sole and/or heel of the footwear may include air channels in communication with the environment outside of the shoe via air inlet and/or outlet openings in the heel and/or sole. The invention may further include electronics and wireless technology for monitoring the climate within the footwear and issue alerts to the wearer or others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Brian James Vogt
  • Patent number: 8341965
    Abstract: A method for cooling a structure includes flowing a saturated refrigerant through one or more passageways in the structure while maintaining the refrigerant at a substantially constant pressure. The method also includes evaporating at least a portion of the refrigerant at a substantially constant temperature throughout the passageways in the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Donald C. Price, William Gerald Wyatt, Gary J. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20120324909
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between two media in a vehicle is provided. The heat exchanger includes at least one tube, especially a double-walled tube for carrying a first medium of a first temperature, a thermoelectric material being disposed on an inner wall of the tube, and at least one guide sheet, connected to the at least one tube, for carrying a second medium of a second temperature. The at least one guide sheet is designed to carry the second medium to the outer wall of the at least one tube to allow the exchange of heat between the first and the second medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Holger BREHM, Thomas Heckenberger, Thomas Himmer, Stéphanie Larpent, Julie Paterson, Rudolf Riedel
  • Publication number: 20120319439
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate controlled seating assembly includes a thermal module. The thermal module comprises at least one inlet channel, at least one outlet channel and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) positioned upstream of the outlet channel. In one embodiment, the seating assembly includes a sensor positioned within an interior of the thermal module and configured to detect the presence of a liquid, such as water, relative humidity, condensation or other fluids, on or near said sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventor: John Lofy
  • Publication number: 20120317993
    Abstract: An atmospheric controlled chamber includes a support assembly capable of holding a workpiece over a specific surface of the support assembly, a heat-transfer assembly located close to the support assembly and capable of transferring heat to and from the exterior of the chamber, and at least one thermopile device disposed in the support assembly. The thermopile device(s) is configured to transfer heat between the specific surface (or viewed as the held workpiece) and the heat-transfer assembly. A gas assembly is optionally surrounded by the chamber wall and capable of ensuring the existence and controlling the pressure of an essentially static gas between the held workpiece and the specific surface, wherein the gas is used as a thermal medium for conducting heat. The thermopile device acts as an efficient heat pump, so as to provide extra lower/higher workpiece temperature, a greater cooling/heating rates, and more flexible rate control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ADVANCED ION BEAM TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: RICHARD F. MCRAY
  • Publication number: 20120312030
    Abstract: A thermoelectric cooling system includes a thermoelectric device that transfers heat from a cold side to a hot side via a Peltier effect, an air heat exchanger that transfers heat from air to the cold side, and a heat sink that transfers heat from the hot side to a fluid coolant. The system also includes a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of air, and a controller that controls a flow of electrical power to the thermoelectric device according to a temperature measurement. The system also transfers heat from the air heat exchanger to the heat sink via the thermoelectric device according to a heat conduction effect due to a temperature difference between the air heat exchanger and the fluid coolant. The controller may reduce an effective voltage across the thermoelectric device to reduce power consumption of the thermoelectric device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventor: Qiao Lu
  • Publication number: 20120295341
    Abstract: A thermal treatment apparatus includes a fluidic device including at least one channel, a first temperature-changing unit that changes the temperature of a fluid in part of the channel, and a second temperature-changing unit that changes the temperature of the fluid in another part of the channel. The temperature changes by the first and second temperature-changing units cause at least any one of the expansion and contraction of the fluid in the respective parts of the channel, and the at least any one of the expansion and contraction of the fluid due to the first temperature-changing unit is offset by the at least any one of the expansion and contraction of the fluid due to the second temperature-changing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Eishi Igata
  • Patent number: 8307663
    Abstract: A fluid compression circuit may include a compression mechanism, a volume, a heat exchanger, a fluid conduit, a thermoelectric device, and a heat-transfer device. The compression mechanism includes first and second members cooperating to form a fluid pocket. The volume receives discharge fluid from the fluid pocket. The heat exchanger is in communication with the volume. The fluid conduit is connected to at least one of the volume and the heat exchanger. The thermoelectric device may include a first side in heat-transfer relation with a member at least partially defining the volume and a second side in heat-transfer relation with ambient air and cooperating with the first side to define a temperature gradient generating electrical current in the thermoelectric device. The heat-transfer device may receive electrical current generated by the thermoelectric device and may be in heat-transfer relation with at least one of the heat exchanger and the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Masao Akei, Kirill Ignatiev, Nagaraj Jayanth, Hung M. Pham, Jean-Luc M. Caillat
  • Patent number: 8309838
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure is provided that can be used for cooling, heating, and power generation. A first region of the semiconductor structure has a first length and comprises a first semiconductor material doped at a first concentration with a first dopant. A second region is disposed adjacent to the first region so as to define a first interface, has a second length which is longer than the first length, and comprises a second semiconductor material doped at a second concentration with a second dopant. At least one of the first material, second material, first concentration, second concentration, first length, second length, first dopant, and second dopant is selected to create, at the first interface, a forward electrical potential step having a barrier height dependent at least in part on an average temperature (T) of the semiconductor structure, e.g., a range of approximately 3-10 ?BT, where ?B is the Boltzmann constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Gang Chen
  • Publication number: 20120266608
    Abstract: A thermoelectric heat exchanger and a thermoelectric heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) configured to provide a cooled fluid or air stream and a heated fluid or air stream. The thermoelectric heat exchanger may include a plurality thermoelectric devices (TEDs), also known as thermoelectric coolers (TECs) or Peltier coolers, in thermal communication. The thermoelectric devices may be arranged in a three dimensional array to provide compact packaging for the thermoelectric heat exchanger assembly. The thermoelectric heat exchanger may be configured to transfer thermal energy between a first thermoelectric device and a second thermoelectric device via evaporation and condensation of a working fluid or refrigerant contained within the thermoelectric heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: PRASAD SHRIPAD KADLE, MINGYU WANG, EDWARD WOLFE, IV
  • Publication number: 20120253735
    Abstract: A system and method can include a motor subject to a change in efficiency as a function of temperature and a motor cooling system. The motor cooling system can be driven to minimize the sum of energy consumed by the motor and the cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SEARETE LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Thomas A. Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120240882
    Abstract: Cooling systems and methods of use are disclosed. A particular method includes routing at least a first portion of a coolant stream from a first heat exchanger to a second heat exchanger to receive heat from a hot side of a thermoelectric cooling device. The method also includes cooling one or more electronic devices using a cold side of the thermoelectric cooling device. The method also includes routing at least a second portion of the coolant stream to an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lijun Gao, Chin-Hsi Chien, Shengyi Liu
  • Publication number: 20120240596
    Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion unit includes first and second cases including first and second recesses that define first and second flow passages and have openings, first and second substrates, a plurality of thermoelectric devices in contact with the inner surfaces of the first and second substrates, a connector for joining the first and second cases, first and second fins protruding from the first and second substrates in the first and second flow passages. The first and second cases include first and second opposed portions opposed to the first and second substrates outside the first and second recess, respectively. A spacer for setting distance between the first opposed portion and the second opposed portion is provided. The spacer sets the distance between the first and second opposed portions to be longer than distance between the outer surface of the first substrate and the outer surface of the second substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Motoaki Okuda, Naoya Yokomachi, Hiromi Ueda, Junki Nakamura
  • Patent number: RE44272
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid. The system includes a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a thermoelectric device configured to pump heat. Heat exchangers are provided for transferring heat to and from the thermoelectric device and for generating a fluid flow across the thermoelectric device. The conditioned fluid may be placed in thermal communication with a variety of objects, such as a vehicle seat, or anywhere localized heating and cooling are desired. Thermal isolation may also be provided in the direction of flow to enhance efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventor: Lon E. Bell