Thermoelectric; E.g., Peltier Effect Patents (Class 62/3.2)
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Publication number: 20110016887Abstract: A defrosting assembly, a refrigerator having the same, and a method of controlling the same are provided. The refrigerator may include a food defrosting chamber, which may be divided from a food storage chamber that cools or freezes food, a defrosting device, which may be positioned in and may be removable from the food defrosting chamber, and a thermoelectric module, which may be positioned in the food defrosting chamber to heat an inside of the defrosting device and to cool an outside of the defrosting device. In a defrosting mode, frozen food may be rapidly defrosted by using the defrosting device, while in a general or a rapid cooling mode, the defrosting device may be used for food storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Nam Gyo LEE, Kyung Seok Kim
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Publication number: 20110016886Abstract: A method and system for efficiently cooling a fluid is provided. A cooling system includes a first chamber containing a first fluid, and a second chamber connected to the first chamber and containing a second fluid. The cooling system further includes one or more thermoelectric devices for cooling the second fluid in the second chamber, and a first body that acts as a thermal diode. The first body enables unidirectional transfer of heat from the thermoelectric devices to the first fluid. Further, the cooling system can be installed with one or more phase change materials or heat pipes that enhance the cooling efficiency of the cooling system. The thermoelectric devices are switched on for a certain time period, after which they are switched off and on repeatedly in cycles, depending on the temperature of the second fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Uttam Ghoshal, Ayan Guha, James Borak
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Publication number: 20110011098Abstract: A heat recycling system for recycling heat from an electronic device includes a pipe with an inside tube and an outside tube coiled around the inside tube. The inside tube is connected to a first airduct to receive heated air from the electronic device. The outside tube is to receive cooling air from outside. A number of thermoelectric modules are formed in walls of the inside tube. A first end of each thermoelectric module is inserted into the outside tube, and a second end of each thermoelectric module is inserted into the inside tube. Therefore, the number of thermoelectric modules may generate current.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: ZH-WEI JIAN
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Publication number: 20110014367Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an epoxy applicator including an epoxy dispenser and a thermal pump. The epoxy dispenser includes an epoxy holding cavity that is cooled by the thermal pump via a thermal conduction member. A control system can regulate a temperature of the epoxy applicator and thereby regulate a temperature of uncured epoxy in the epoxy holding cavity. The present disclosure also relates to a syringe chiller for chilling a syringe. The syringe chiller includes a thermal conduction block adapted to thermally couple to and hold an exterior of the syringe. The syringe chiller also includes a Peltier effect device with a hot side and a cold side. The cold side of the Peltier effect device is thermally coupled to the thermal conduction block. The syringe chiller can include a control system to regulate a temperature of the syringe.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventor: Dennis Ray Wells
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Patent number: 7870892Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Peter R. Gawthrop
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Patent number: 7870745Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka
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Patent number: 7866163Abstract: A docking station for one or more x-ray detectors is disclosed and designed to secure an x-ray detector when not in use to limit exposure of an x-ray detector to drops, jars, and other potentially damaging incidents. The docking station may be equipped to regulate the temperature of a stored x-ray detector. Thermal regulation can be achieved passively or actively using convection, conduction, radiation, and other thermal transference principles. The docking station may also include an electronic interface that communicates with a stored x-ray detector such that thermal regulation may be achieved dynamically and responsively. The docking station may be free-standing or wall-mounted. The docking station may be remote from or integrated with an x-ray scanner. The docking station may also be equipped to charge/re-charge batteries of a stored x-ray detector.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Jason R. Ertel
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Patent number: 7861538Abstract: A refrigerator apparatus includes a housing with an interior chamber, thermoelectric devices that are thermally coupled to the interior chamber, and dual redundant electronics configured to generate and apply input power to the thermoelectric devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: The Aerospace CorporationInventors: Richard P. Welle, Siegfried W. Janson
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Patent number: 7856831Abstract: An auxiliary cooling device to be used in another cooling device, which auxiliary cooling device includes a thermoelectric element, such as a Peltier element, provided with a heat source and a heat sink connected in a circuit. The heat sink is used for directly or indirectly cooling an item, for example a bottle of fluid. The heat source, which is thermally isolated with respect to the heat sink, is in close thermal contact with a heat exchange fluid in a container. The heat exchange fluid is used as a thermal buffer for the waste heat generated by the cooling process.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Klaus Flinner, Georg Hausmann, Stefan Holzer, Fritz Haegele, Joerg Stelzer
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Patent number: 7852630Abstract: A heat dissipation device includes a base, a first heat pipe, a first heat sink, a second heat pipe, a thermoelectric cooler and a second heat sink. The first heat pipe includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the first heat pipe is connected to the base. The second end of the first heat pipe is connected to a bottom of the first heat sink. The second heat pipe includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the second heat pipe is connected to the base. The second end of the second heat pipe is connected to a top end of the thermoelectric cooler. The second heat sink is mounted on a bottom of the thermoelectric cooler and located at a side of the first heat sink. The thermoelectric cooler spaces apart from the heat generating member. As such, the water generated by the thermoelectric cooler during a cooling process won't spread to the heat generating member and a short circuit of the heat generating member can be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Cooler Master Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chia-Chun Cheng
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Patent number: 7848103Abstract: A computer enclosure includes an absorber plate, a thermoelectric converter, and a refrigerator. The absorber plate is arranged in the computer enclosure to absorb heat generated in the computer enclosure. The thermoelectric converter is arranged in the computer enclosure to receive heat absorbed by the absorber plate, and then convert the absorbed heat to electrical energy. The refrigerator is arranged in the computer enclosure to receive the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric converter, and then work to generate cold air to dissipating heat in the computer enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Zi-Yu Zhan
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Patent number: 7848106Abstract: A disk drive testing system cooling circuit includes a plurality of test racks. Each of the test racks include a test slot compartment and a test electronics compartment. Each of the test slot compartments includes multiple test slots, and one or more cooling conduits configured to convey a cooling liquid toward the test slots. Each of the test electronics compartments includes test electronics configured to communicate with the test slots for executing a test algorithm, and a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the one or more cooling conduits. The heat exchanger is configured to cool an air flow directed toward the test electronics.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.Inventor: Brian S. Merrow
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Patent number: 7846602Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion apparatus has an evaporator for heating a working medium in liquid-phase to evaporate the working medium, an electric generator for forming a concentration cell for electric power generation when it is supplied with a reactive gas and the working medium evaporated by the evaporator, and a gas-liquid separator for being supplied with a mixed gas of the working medium and a cathode off-gas discharged from the electric generator and separating the mixed gas into the working medium and the reactive gas. The thermoelectric conversion apparatus also has an anode supply passage for supplying the reactive gas separated by the gas-liquid separator to the electric generator, and a cathode supply passage for supplying the working medium separated by the gas-liquid separator through the evaporator to the electric generator.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Kamachi, Shunsuke Itami
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Patent number: 7841188Abstract: A super cooler device including a thermo electric cooler on a digital micro mirror device.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLCInventors: Nigel Evans, Bill Hewlett
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Publication number: 20100293966Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes a first heat exchanger, wherein air around the first heat exchanger is supplied into a vehicle compartment, a heat storage unit, an in-vehicle circuit that connects between the first heat exchanger and the heat storage unit, a second heat exchanger, wherein air around the second heat exchanger is sent outside a vehicle, a vehicle system, wherein the vehicle system generates exhaust heat, an out-vehicle circuit, a connection circuit that connects between the in-vehicle and the out-vehicle circuits, a plurality of valves operating so that the in-vehicle circuit and the out-vehicle circuit are connected or disconnected from each other through the connection circuit and a control device for controlling states of the valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventors: Naoya YOKOMACHI, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Hidehito Kubo, Hirohisa Kato, Hirokuni Akiyama, Naoto Morisaku, Junya Suzuki, Noritaka Nishimori
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Patent number: 7836704Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal exchange device using heat pipes to effectively discharge heat from inside of an open-air communication system. The present invention provides a plurality of heat pipes directly inserted between the plates of the thermo-electric cooling unit for accommodating a plurality of fins thereon. According to the structure suggested by the invention, since the heat pipes can be placed laterally with the thermo-electric cooling unit, the size of the overall communication system can be reduced with the same discharge capability.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Inventor: Dong Gyu Lee
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Patent number: 7838760Abstract: A thermoelectric device having at least one unipolar couple element (22) including two legs (22a) of a same electrical conductivity type. A first-temperature stage (24) is connected to one of the two legs. A second-temperature stage (28) is connected across the legs of the at least one unipolar couple element. A third-temperature stage (30) is connected to the other of the two legs. Methods for cooling an object and for thermoelectric power conversion utilize the at least one unipolar couple element to respectively cool an object and produce electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Nextreme Thermal Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Rama Venkatasubramanian, Kip D. Coonley, Edward P. Siivola, Michael Puchan, Randall G. Alley, Pratima Addepalli, Brooks C. O'Quinn, Thomas Colpitts, Mary Napier
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Patent number: 7836705Abstract: A device for ventilating and cooling the interior of a vehicle with at least one air guide channel (7) having air inlet openings (8) located in the rear of a solar cell equipped vehicle roof (5a, 5b), the air guide channel (7) being restricted to the rear area (3) of the vehicle roof (5a, 5b) and having at least one fan (15) for taking in outside air (10) and at least one cooling element (14) for cooling the air taken in. The bottom of the air guide channel (7) is formed by a first section (12) of a roof portion (5b) which extends from the vehicle rear toward the vehicle front (3, 1) and the top of the air guide channel (7) is formed by a second section (13) of a roof portion (5a) which extends from the vehicle front toward the vehicle rear (1, 3).Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Webasto AGInventors: Helmut Teschner, Michael Koelbl, Martin Pollak, Sven Vilsmayer, Rupert Kogler, Werner Paetz, Alfred Renner, Gerit Erbeck, Hubert Boehm, Steffen Lorenz
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Patent number: 7832215Abstract: A heat sink may be clamped to a thermoelectric cooler and vapor chamber using a U-shaped retention band. The band may attach underneath the vapor chamber, extending around the thermoelectric cooler, and over a heat sink. The heat sink may include a plate to distribute the force of the band across the heat sink. Bolts may be utilized to transfer the force from the free ends of the U-shaped retention band to a vapor chamber support frame. Thus, in some embodiments of the present invention, a thermoelectric cooler may be clamped to a heat sink without wasting heat transfer area through the use of bolts, without unnecessary bending, and without requiring a relatively thick base on the heat sink.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2004Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Robert R. Atkinson
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Patent number: 7832214Abstract: An air-conditioning device includes a pump for sending a thermal medium, a thermoelectric conversion unit for absorbing heat from the thermal medium, a target setting unit for setting a target cooling value, and a controlling unit. The controlling unit increases a flow amount of the thermal medium to be larger than a predetermined amount and stops the thermoelectric conversion unit from absorbing heat, when the target cooling value is smaller than a predetermined value. The controlling unit increases a heat-absorbing amount of the element and keeps the flow amount of the thermal medium to be larger than the predetermined amount, when the target cooling value is equal to or larger than the predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yuji Ito, Shinji Aoki, Takuhiko Sawai
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Publication number: 20100281882Abstract: A Refrigerating system (2) comprises a refrigerating circuit (4) having, in flowing direction, a compressor (8), a gas cooler (10), a first expansion device (12), an intermediate pressure container (14), a second expansion device (16), an evaporator (18) and refrigerant conduits (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) circulating a refrigerant therethrough. The first expansion device (12) expands the refrigerant to an intermediate pressure level. A first refrigerant conduit (22) of the refrigerant conduits (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) connects the compressor (8) and the gas cooler (10), and a second refrigerant conduit (24) of the refrigerant conduits (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32) connects the gas cooler (10) and the first expansion device (12), the first refrigerant conduit (22), the gas cooler (10), and the second refrigerant conduit (24) forming a transcritical portion of the refrigerating circuit (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2007Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Bernd Heinbokel, Siegfried Haaf
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Patent number: 7823393Abstract: New Peltier semiconductor heat transfer systems are presented herein. In particular, Peltier heat transfer systems of Peltier semiconductor elements of highly unique shapes are arranged to bias the cooling side with respect to its size and consequently performance. In effect, a Peltier heat transfer system is created whereby the Peltier called side is greatly reduced in size and the Peltier hot side is greatly expanded in size. Such ‘high aspect ratio’ Peltier systems promote ‘focused’ cooling effect, which is particularly useful in conjunction with high-performance electronic devices having a small footprint. The entire cooling fact of the Peltier device is brought to the small space approximated by a point. Thus a ‘point’ heat source such as a semiconductor laser are high-performance light emitting diode is more effectively cooled by these systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Light Engines CorporationInventors: Vladimir Semenovich Abramov, Alexander Valerievich Shishov, Nikolay Valentinovich Scherbakov, Valeriy Petrovich Sushkov, Alexey Alexovich Ivanov
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Publication number: 20100274396Abstract: Thermoelectric modules are disposed to be connected to a vehicle coolant system and to an air handling system to provide localized climate control and passenger compartment climate control. Vehicle coolant acts as a heat sink in cooling mode and a heat source in heating mode in embodiments. A system controller in embodiments is disposed to monitor an input for a signal that a monitored climate characteristic has departed from a predefined range of values.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jihui Yang, Gregory A. Major
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Patent number: 7820015Abstract: A device for recording the boiling curve of liquids, in particular petroleum products, made of a distillation apparatus which includes a distillation column and a condenser, a sample dish connected to the distillation apparatus and a pump connected to the sample dish to fill the sample dish, wherein the filling means and the condenser are made of well heat-conducting material and the filling means and the condenser are connected to a temperature controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Grabner Instruments Messtechnik Nfg. Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KG.Inventors: Matthias Burian, Roland Aschauer
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Publication number: 20100257870Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes a heat storage unit having a heat storage medium, a first heat exchanger for heat exchange with air that is sent out of the vehicle, a second heat exchanger for heat exchange with air that is sent to the vehicle compartment, and a peltier device. The heat storage unit has a first inlet port and a first outlet port through which heat exchange medium flows in and out of the heat storage unit where heat is exchanged between the heat storage medium and the heat exchange medium. The peltier device is operable to provide one of positive heat and negative heat to the heat exchange medium flowing through the heat storage unit and also to provide the other of the positive heat and the negative heat directly or indirectly to the first heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventors: Junya SUZUKI, Naoya Yokomachi, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Noritaka Nishimori, Naoto Morisaku, Hirokuni Akiyama
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Patent number: 7805950Abstract: A thermal transfer device having a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer and first and second electrodes disposed between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer. The thermal transfer device also includes a release layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and an actuator disposed adjacent the first and second electrodes. The actuator is adapted to separate the first and second electrodes from the release layer to open a thermotunneling gap between the first and second electrodes, and wherein the actuator is adapted to actively control the thermotunneling gap.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Stanton Earl Weaver, Jr.
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Patent number: 7797949Abstract: A device for molding foodstuff masses comprises: one or more molds (14) provided with sockets (16) which define pouring cavities; inserts (22) made of thermally conductive material associated, in a relationship of heat exchange, with the pouring cavities (16); and thermal-conditioning units (24), such as Peltier cells, associated to the inserts made of thermally conductive material (2). There is present a control unit (34) for generating signals for control of the thermal-conditioning units (24) so as to provide cycles of thermal treatment of the material undergoing selectively pre-determined pouring. A preferential application is in the sector of the confectionery industry.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Soremartec S.A.Inventor: Sergio Mansuino
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Patent number: 7797960Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for controlling the temperature of at least a temperature controlled portion of a microchip is provided. The temperature control apparatus includes a heat sink, a temperature control unit, and a surrounding unit. The temperature control unit is disposed adjacent to the heat sink. The temperature control unit includes at least one Peltier-type temperature control device that is configured to control the temperature of at least a temperature controlled portion of a microchip. The surrounding unit is disposed on the heat sink. The surrounding unit is configured to surround the at least one Peltier-type temperature control device. The surrounding unit is configured to define a closed-space together with the heat sink and the microchip. The closed-space contains the at least one Peltier-type temperature control device.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Yamaha CorporationInventor: Katsuhiko Onoue
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Patent number: 7798975Abstract: The sensor device has a housing. The housing is made of a material having a first high heat-conductivity index. A holder is attached to the housing and made of a material with a second low heat-conductivity index that is substantially lower than the first high heat conductivity index. The holder holds a peltier element and is connected to a power source so that the element has a cooled layer and a heated layer. A rotatable roller is in operative engagement with the layer so that the layer cools the roller. The roller may be rolled on the skin of the patient to determine the scope and effect of anesthetic treatment.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventors: Rune Adolfsson, Lennart Eliasson
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Publication number: 20100233763Abstract: A device, system, and method are provided for thermally treating a fluid processing device. According to various embodiments, a system is provided that can include a thermal device and a fluid processing device holder. The thermal device can include a first block having a thermal conductivity greater than 0.5 Watt per centimeter Kelvin (W/cm·K), a second block having a thermal conductivity greater than 0.5 W/cm·K, and a heat-pump device disposed between the first block and the second block. The heat-pump device can transfer thermal energy from at least one of the first block and the second block to the other of the first block and the second block. The fluid processing device holder can hold a fluid processing device in a heat-transfer position with respect to the first block and the second block. The fluid processing device can be a microfluidic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: Applied Biosystems, LLCInventors: John S. SHIGEURA, Janice G. SHIGEURA, Sean M. DESMOND, David M. COX
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Publication number: 20100212088Abstract: A method and apparatus for alleviating insect infestation, such as bed bugs, dust mites and the like, in bedding is described. A cooling member in the form of a flexible tubing array (12) located in a gel (34) is located below two layers of bedding e.g. a mattress and a sheet (36, 38). Coolant is pumped through the tubing to bring the temperature of the mattress down to between 0- to 9-C and thereby kill the insects in the mattress. The apparatus can be set to pump coolant through the mattress for a fixed time period each day when the bed is unoccupied.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2008Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventor: Lawrence Deighan
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Publication number: 20100212328Abstract: A thermoelectric converter made of a thermoelectric conversion material is provided in which metal or alloy particles having an average particle size of 1 to 100 nm are dispersed, wherein at least a part of the metal or alloy particles are dispersed at a distance not more than the mean free path of the phonon of the thermoelectric conversion material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2008Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Junya Murai, Takuji Kita
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Patent number: 7779639Abstract: A heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed, the HVAC system including at least one thermoelectric device for providing supplemental heating and cooling for air supplied to a passenger compartment of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the HVAC system has at least a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit can be configured to remove heat from an electric side of a hybrid vehicle. The second circuit can be configured to remove heat from a fuel-fed side of a hybrid vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: BSST LLCInventor: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka
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Patent number: 7779638Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods and systems to provide localized cooling to a microelectronic device are generally described. In this regard, according to one example embodiment, a microelectronic cooling apparatus comprising a microelectronic device thermally coupled to one or more thermally conductive pin(s) provides cooling to one or more hot spot(s) of the microelectronic device.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Ioan Sauciuc, Gregory M. Chrysler
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Patent number: 7777126Abstract: A thermoelectric device at least includes a ring-shaped insulated substrate and plural sets of thermoelectric thin film material pair (TEP) disposed thereon. The ring-shaped insulated substrate has an inner rim, an outer rim and a first surface. The sets of TEP electrically connected to each other are disposed on the first surface of the ring-shaped insulated substrate. Each set of TEP includes a P-type and an N-type thermoelectric thin film elements (TEE) electrically connected to each other. Also, the N-type TEE of each set is electrically connected to the P-type TEE of the adjacent set of TEP. When a current flows through the sets of TEP along a direction parallel to the surfaces of P-type and N-type thermoelectric thin film elements, a temperature difference is generated between the inner rim and the outer rim of the ring-shaped insulated substrate.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventor: Hsu-Shen Chu
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Patent number: 7770402Abstract: A system and method of cooling a CCD camera may employ a composite material housing design that allows the cold side of a TEC to be mounted relatively close to the CCD and the hot side of the TEC to be isolated from the housing cavity in which the CCD resides. An efficient heat transfer path may facilitate cooling the CCD to a predetermined or selected operating temperature and isolate the CCD from the heat loads generated by operation the TEC.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Applied Precision, Inc.Inventor: Steven C. Quarre
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Publication number: 20100192596Abstract: A system and method of providing a temperature controlled gaseous medium for dermatological applications is described. The gaseous medium may be cooled and applied to an area such as a skin area to provide an analgesic effect thereon. The system and method also include an automated defrost cycle for minimizing the effects of decreased hydraulic diameter due to freezing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2008Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Tony Quisenberry, Niran Balachandran, Sam K. McSpadden, Christopher Alan Polser
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Patent number: 7765811Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an assembly includes one or more thermoelectric modules, a compliant thermal interface, and a heat spreader. The compliant thermal interface is configured such that it may substantially conform against and intimately thermally contact an outer surface of a fluid conduit. The heat spreader is disposed generally between and thermally coupled to the compliant thermal interface and the one or more thermoelectric modules. The heat spreader may have greater flexibility than the one or more thermoelectric modules. The heat spreader may also have a thermal conductivity greater than the compliant thermal interface. The assembly may have sufficient flexibility to be circumferentially wrapped at least partially around a portion of the fluid conduit's outer surface, with the compliant thermal interface in substantial conformance against and in intimate thermal contact with the fluid conduit's outer surface portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Laird Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Gerard Hershberger, Richard F. Hill, Richard I. Roser
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Publication number: 20100186942Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cooling a reticle are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for providing top side cooling to a reticle includes a heat exchanger arrangement and an actuator. The heat exchanger arrangement includes a first surface arranged to facilitate heat transfer between the reticle and the heat exchanger arrangement. The heat transfer provides cooling to at least some portions of the reticle. The actuator positions the first surface of the heat exchanger arrangement at a distance over the reticle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventors: Alton H. Phillips, Douglas C. Watson, Hiromitsu Yoshimoto, Noriya Kato, Yusaku Uehara, Leonard Wai Fung Kho
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Publication number: 20100187105Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake
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Publication number: 20100185332Abstract: A system and method for climate control of an enclosure that includes two climate control systems configured to operate in conjunction to cool the enclosure. One climate control system may be configured to control the operation of the other climate control system. The climate control systems operate depending on the temperature of certain areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2010Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: DANTHERM AIR HANDLING, INC.Inventors: Charles R. Schmidt, Kristian Askegaard
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Patent number: 7757496Abstract: The invention includes a thermoelectric device, preferably including an electrical contact pair providing enabling power for a first heat transfer from an internal heat transfer interface to the exterior heat transfer interface, and a second heat transfer from the exterior heat transfer interface to the internal heat transfer interface. The device preferably includes a means for enabling the power from the electrical contact pair for the first and second heat transfers. The thermoelectric device may include a thermal controller and/or a thermal transfer element. The thermoelectric device may include a fan motor driving a fan moving air across a heat sink included in the thermal transfer element. An external cover may include the thermoelectric device. The hard disk drive including the thermoelectric device. A system including the hard disk drive. Manufacturing these apparatus and these apparatus as products of these manufacturing processes.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michael Sullivan, George Tyndall
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Publication number: 20100176149Abstract: An assembly for dispensing a beverage includes a collapsible beverage container having an outlet with a connecting element; a pressure chamber configured to accommodate the beverage container and including a lid; a heat transfer system operable on the pressure chamber; a pressure source operable to provide a predetermined pressure to the interior of the pressure chamber; and a dispensing line connectable with the outlet of the beverage container so as to extend from the outlet through an opening in the lid to a dispensing tap. The beverage is dispensed by providing the predetermined pressure to the interior of the pressure chamber and the beverage container therein. As the dispensing line is opened at the dispensing tap, the beverage container collapses in response to the applied pressure, forcing the beverage into the dispensing line and out the tap without being supplied with or being in contact with any gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2006Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventor: Jan N. Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20100175392Abstract: Provided are electrocaloric devices, pyroelectric devices and methods of forming them. A device which can be a pyroelectric energy generator or an electrocaloric cooling device, can include a first single-layer heat engine having a first side configured to be in contact with a first reservoir and a second side configured to be in contact with a second reservoir, wherein the first reservoir comprises a fluid. The device can also include a second single-layer heat engine having a first side in contact with the first reservoir and a second side in contact with a third reservoir and a channel disposed between the first single-layer heat engine and the second single-layer heat engine, the channel configured to transport the fluid from a first end to a second end. The device can further include one or more power supplies configured to apply voltages to the first and the second single-layer heat engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventors: Kevin J. Malloy, Richard I. Epstein
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Publication number: 20100173400Abstract: An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover, and an internal computer, is provided. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices, and a heat sink, clamped together. A control algorithm manipulates the current supplied to thermoelectric coolers such that the dynamic thermal performance of a block can be controlled so that pre-defined thermal profiles of sample temperature can be executed. The sample temperature is calculated instead of measured using a design specific model and equations. The control software includes calibration diagnostics which permit variation in the performance of thermoelectric coolers from instrument to instrument to be compensated for such that all instruments perform identically. The block/heat sink assembly can be changed to another of the same or different design.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: John G. Atwood, Adrian Fawcett, Keith S. Ferrara, Paul M. Hetherington, Richard W. Noreiks, Douglas E. Olsen, John R. Widomski, Charles M. Wittmer
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Publication number: 20100170560Abstract: A solar concentrator, which is modular, durable, lightweight, and cost-efficient is described. The solar concentrator is constructed from a plurality of interconnected reflector panels that are secured to a contoured support frame assembly by means of an adjustable fastening mechanism. The reflector panels are preferably fabricated from a low-cost composite material and have an optically flat front surface. A specularly reflective front surface is formed on the reflector panel by deposition of a plurality of thin films which are highly reflective. Individual reflector panels can be interconnected and arranged into a two-dimensional grid having a predetermined degree of curvature by means of the contoured support frame assembly. Electromagnetic radiation incident upon the reflector panel arrangement is reflected to and concentrated upon a collector plate or receiving surface or receiver where it may be converted into a usable form of energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: Richard Sabino Sapienza, Robert Bagno
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Patent number: 7748223Abstract: A constant temperature liquid bath using a thermo-module in which even if an article whose temperature is to be controlled exists in the bath, the temperature of the liquid is efficiently adjusted to a constant value. The liquid bath includes an outer bath storing the liquid, an inner bath disposed in the outer bath through a gap, and including holes in its sidewall through which the liquid flows into the inner bath from the outer bath and an opening at a central portion of its bottom, and an agitator that causes the liquid to flow upward from the opening of the bottom of the inner bath between sidewalls of the inner and outer baths by a rotor blade disposed on a central portion of a bottom between the outer bath and the inner bath. The thermo-module is mounted on an outer surface of the sidewall of the outer bath.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: SMC CorporationInventor: Atsushi Minoura
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Patent number: 7751191Abstract: A cooling system that promotes cooling of a device including a heat source therein is provided, the cooling system includes: a cooling unit that absorbs, upstream from the heat source, heat from intake air that the device takes in from an outside to cool the heat source and dissipates the heat to an outside of a flow path of the intake air; and a fluid control unit that lets fluid flow toward the cooling unit so as to discharge the heat absorbed by the cooling unit from the intake air to an outside of the cooling unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kohichi Kakikawa, Yohichi Matsui, Hiroyuki Takenoshita
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Publication number: 20100165784Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Microchip Biotechnologies, Inc., a California CorporationInventors: Stevan B. JOVANOVICH, William D. Nielsen, Michael Recknor, Mary Trounstine
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Patent number: 7746641Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Inventor: Yuan-Hsin Sun