Abstract: A cooling system for audio equipment uses a temperature sensor and Peltier effect module in a feedback control loop. The cooling system reads the temperature sensor to obtain the temperature of an audio component of the equipment, and adjusts the drive for the Peltier effect module that cools the audio component, to prevent overheating of the component. The cooling system may include an autonomous power supply that generates electric power from the audio signal driving a loudspeaker of the audio system. In another embodiment, the cooling system cools an audio component installed in a vehicle, even when the vehicle is unattended. To prevent discharge of the vehicle's battery, the cooling system employs a battery supervisor for turning the cooling system off when the battery has discharged down to a predetermined state.

Abstract: The present invention uses electric current to either chill or warm air ambient air. The Portable Thermoelectric Cooling and Heating Device is composed of an array of thermoelectric units, a driving fan, a cold sink, a hot sink, air baffles and a cooling fan. The thermoelectric units are arranged in contact with the cold sink (cold side) and hot sink (hot side). Applying a current causes a temperature difference to develop between each side. The driving fan creates a pressure gradient is to pull air through the center of the cold sink. The cooling fan pulls air through an arrangement of baffles connected to the hot sink to help dissipate heat. The result is chilled or hot air, depending on the direction of the current. The invention allows for several improvements over current heating and air-conditioning systems: a simplified design without moving parts, elimination of the need for FREON, improved versatility and others.

Abstract: Localized temperature control in a thermal cycler is achieved by thermoelectric modules that are protected from exposure to atmospheric moisture by a pair of loop-shaped gaskets that seal off an enclosure formed by the sample block, the heat sink, and a support frame to which the components are secured. The heat sink is a block with a plurality of fins and is secured to the thermoelectric modules by one or more clamping bars that fit between the fins and are arranged to eliminate interference with the fin geometry and with the functional surface area of the fins. Electric leads are embedded in a molded retainer element, each lead being in the shape of a “U” with two exposed legs joined by a bar at one end, one of the leads extending into the region sealed from the atmosphere and the other extending outside the region.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat pump module of the type used in small cooling applications and appliances, such as a thermoelectric picnic cooler. The module comprises an array of thermoelectric elements with cold-side connectors directly bonded to a large, unitary cold sink for support, and hot-side connectors each having an integrated heat exchange fin to form a small, lightweight, but efficient hot sink array directly bonded to the elements without thermal stress. The cold sink is larger than the hot sink array. The cold-side connectors and at least portions of the thermoelectric elements are sealed and supported with a layer of potting material built up from the surface of the cold sink, and optionally insulated with an additional layer of sealed foam, eliminating moisture vapor transmission, condensation, and corrosion in the module.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for selectively actively and passively refrigerating one or more enclosures. The apparatus includes a primary heat sink that defines at least one surface configured to receive thermal energy from a gas in the enclosure so that the enclosure is refrigerated. First and second coolant heat sinks thermally communicate with the primary heat sink to remove thermal energy therefrom. For example, in a passive mode, a coolant is circulated through the first heat sink to cool the primary heat sink. In an active mode, the coolant is circulated through the second coolant heat sink and at least one heat pump is operated to transfer thermal energy from the primary heat sink to the coolant in the second coolant heat sink.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally cycling samples of a biological material including a thermal block assembly including a plurality of sample holders for receiving samples of biological material; a heat sink thermally coupled to the thermal block assembly, the heat sink transferring heat away from the thermal block assembly to ambient air in contact with the heat sink; a first heat source thermally coupled to the thermal block assembly to provide heat to the thermal block assembly; and a second heat source thermally coupled to the first heat source and configured to provide heat to a portion of the first heat source. The arrangement of the heat sink, first heat source and second heat source can provide substantial temperature uniformity among the plurality of sample holders. The invention also includes a method for thermally cycling samples of biological material.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of controlling local environment. In one embodiment, incoming air enters a contactor such the Direct Contact Cooler-Condenser (DCCC) where the air contacts water distributed on the contact media. After passing through the DCCC, the air is saturated at a temperature equal or close to that of the water. Depending on the state of the incoming air, in the DCCC will be humidified or dehumidified to yield saturated air at the desired humidity ratio. In one embodiment, a blower draws air through the DCCC and blows into the heater. The heater heats the air to the desired dry-bulb temperature. Before exiting, the air may pass through a filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casing for receiving at least one energy storage device, whereof the temperature in the casing interior can be regulated to a predetermined temperature level. For this purpose the casing interior is thermally insulated and is in direct heat conducting connection with a heat transfer device, substantially the entire heat flow into and out of the casing interior taking place through the heat transfer device when the casing interior is closed.

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.

Abstract: A cooling device for cooling a microelectronic complex including a plurality of discrete functional modules. The cooling device includes a plurality of independent cooling modules, each cooling module in a thermal exchange relationship with a respective one of the plurality of discrete functional modules. During operation of the microelectronic complex, a cooling requirement of each discrete functional module is dynamically assessed, and the amount of cooling provided by each cooling module is adjusted on the basis of the assessed cooling requirements. Thus, the discrete functional modules are cooled independently from one another.

Abstract: A compressor having a housing with a compression mechanism mounted therein. A suction fluid passageway is located in the housing through which the compression mechanism receives refrigerant fluid. A thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with refrigerant fluid substantially at suction pressure in the suction fluid passageway. The thermoelectric device receives thermal energy from the suction fluid passageway and refrigerant fluid therein with the thermal energy being transferred from the compressor assembly.

Abstract: An air feeding apparatus includes an air supplying chamber disposed in a housing, and cold producing plates in the chamber, which are connected to a switching circuit controllable for changing a working mode of the plates from a cold producing one to a heat producing one. A conduit is connected to an outlet of the air supplying chamber, and sticks outside the housing. Air is forced to travel through the air supplying chamber by means of an air pump, and is guided to outside by means of the conduit; thus, the air traveling through the chamber can have temperature changed by the cold producing plates, and can be conveyed to desired locations or into other objects for use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fully adjustable personal cooling and heating system specifically designed to provide several hours of high efficiency cooling or heating when worn and operated by a user. This combination personal cooling and heating system invention is capable of delivering several hours of high efficiency personal cooling or heating without the use of caustic or toxic chemicals with virtually no risk of injury associated with its use. This personal cooling and heating system invention is lightweight and durable in construction and specifically designed for use in harsh climatic conditions where access to refrigeration and heating are limited or unavailable.

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.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hollow casing, an insulation layer securely attached to an inner side thereof, a freezer area defined in the casing and in communication with the opening of the casing, a refrigeration area defined in the casing and separated from the freezer area by a baffle. The refrigeration area is in communication with the opening. A first conductor and a second conductor are sandwiched between the baffle and the insulation layer. A thermoelectric cooling chip is selectively actuated for reducing and increasing air temperature. A first heat dissipation device is provided to dissipate heat from the thermoelectric cooling chip, such that heat conduction between the first conductor and the second conductor is able to conduct cold air from the thermoelectric cooling chip to the refrigeration area and the freezer area.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of distillation uses a high temperature thermoelectric device to heat a liquid, such as water to vapor (steam) and cool the vapor to a purified, distilled liquid. Distillation system has no moving parts, thereby increasing reliability while reducing noise and maintenance. Liquid in a container has a heating section on the container extending into it to boil it into a vapor that is fed to a condenser section disposed on the container adjacent to the heating section. A thermoelectric section provided with a Peltier effect device is interposed between the heating section and condenser section. The Peltier effect device has one side in contiguous contact with the condenser to transfer heat from it and another side is in contiguous contact with the heating section to transfer heat to it to boil the liquid into the vapor and feed the vapor through the condenser that condenses it into distilled liquid.

Abstract: A workpiece chuck and method for supporting a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer are described. The workpiece chuck includes an upper surface for supporting the wafer and a temperature control assembly in thermal communication with the upper surface to control temperature in the wafer. The temperature control assembly includes one or more thermoelectric modules between an upper and lower layers. One or more spacers between the upper and lower layers provide a space between the upper and lower layers such that the one or more thermoelectric modules vertically float in the space. That is, the upper and lower layers of the temperature control modules do not mechanically constrain the thermoelectric modules in the vertical direction. As a result, mechanical stresses on the thermoelectric modules due to temperature effects are substantially reduced or eliminated, resulting in much higher reliability of the chuck and the thermoelectric modules over temperature.

Abstract: A compressor having a housing with a compression mechanism mounted therein. A suction fluid passageway is located in the housing through which the compression mechanism receives refrigerant fluid. A thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with refrigerant fluid substantially at suction pressure in the suction fluid passageway. The thermoelectric device receives thermal energy from the suction fluid passageway and refrigerant fluid therein with the thermal energy being transferred from the compressor assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for personal heat control are provided. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a self-contained, portable heat control device includes a flexible enclosure, a cooling surface, a heating surface, and a heat transfer unit, such as a Peltier-effect unit. The flexible enclosure, made of one or more bonded layers of polyester (polyether) foam or a similar soft-faced material, is configured to accommodate an internal DC power supply. The heating surface is thermally insulated from the cooling surface. The heat transfer unit is accommodated in or on the flexible enclosure and is configured and disposed to cool the cooling surface and heat the heating surface.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus (10, 10, 10b) for selectively heating and/or cooling a process fluid (38). A process fluid tubing 14 is wrapped around a primary thermally conductive cylinder (12) having a spiral groove (24) therein adapted for closely accepting the process fluid tubing (14) and increasing the area in thermal contact therebetween. The process fluid tubing (14) is a generally chemically inert tubing. The spiral groove (24) supports the process fluid tubing (14) such that the process fluid tubing (14) can be bent in a radius smaller than the natural minimum bend radius of the process fluid tubing (14). Various embodiments have a cooling apparatus (26, 26a) for cooling the process fluid (38). The cooling apparatus (26, 26a) has a outer thermally conductive cylinder (16) or an outer thermal reservoir (50) cooled alternatively by coolant fluid (44) passing through cooling fluid tubing (18), by a plurality of thermoelectric modules (54), or by a combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container warmer that utilizes the same compartment for heating and cooling. In optional embodiments, the unit may include a programmable timer operably connected to the heating and cooling units such that the timer may regulate activity of the units. In other embodiments, the invention may include a baby bottle warmer in which the baby bottle is placed in a water bath in a compartment, the water bath being heated or cooled by heating or cooling units, and optionally operably connected to a programmable timer.

Abstract: An air feeding apparatus includes an air supplying chamber disposed in a housing, and cold producing plates in the chamber, which are connected to a switching circuit controllable for changing a working mode of the plates from a cold producing one to a heat producing one. A conduit is connected to an outlet of the air supplying chamber, and sticks outside the housing. Air is forced to travel through the air supplying chamber by means of an air pump, and is guided to outside by means of the conduit; thus, the air traveling through the chamber can have temperature changed by the cold producing plates, and can be conveyed to desired locations or into other objects for use.

Abstract: An air temperature exchanger installed in pipeline of cooling coil and heat dissipation coil, comprised of a cold/hot exchange baseboard with both sides respectively adapted to cooling liquid containing cold conductor and hot conductor creating a temperature difference on both sides of the base board; within, by means of a pipeline, the cold conductor, the cooling coil, the hot conductor and heat dissipation coil respectively form a closed cooling circulation pipeline and heat dissipation circulation pipeline driven by a water pump; cooling liquid in the heat dissipation pipeline flowing through the hot air conductor to dissipate heat by heat exchange on hot contact surface of the cold/hot exchange base board; consequently, a better cooling function is created on the other cold contact surface to reduce the temperature of the cooling liquid flowing through the cold conductor; and the cooling liquid in reduced temperature passes through the cooling coil to exchange temperature with and reduce the ambient tempe

Abstract: Cooling device, comprising a housing with at least one cooling channel for a cooling liquid, and with at least one thermoelectric cooling element comprising a layer of semiconductor material that is sandwiched between two plates. At least one of the plates presents an electrically insulation contact surface that, in use, is in direct contact with the cooling liquid. The at least one cooling element is along its outer perimeter flexibly and sealingly framed in a carrier such that the contact surface remains free to contact the cooling liquid. The carrier and the contact surface define a wall portion of the cooling channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fully adjustable personal back rest and seat cooling and heating system specifically designed to provide several hours of high efficiency cooling or heating when used by a user as either a seat cushion and back or a mattress or sleeping surface. This combination personal back rest and seat cooling and heating system invention is capable of delivering several hours of high efficiency personal cooling or heating without the use of caustic or toxic chemicals with virtually no risk of injury associated with its use. This personal back rest and seat cooling and heating system invention is portable, battery powered, lightweight and durable in construction and specifically designed for use in harsh climatic conditions where access to refrigeration and heating are limited or unavailable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fully adjustable personal cooling and heating system specifically designed to provide several hours of high efficiency cooling or heating when worn and operated by a user. This combination personal cooling and heating system invention is capable of delivering several hours of high efficiency personal cooling or heating without the use of caustic or toxic chemicals with virtually no risk of injury associated with its use. This personal cooling and heating system invention is lightweight and durable in construction and specifically designed for use in harsh climatic conditions where access to refrigeration and heating are limited or unavailable.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module which includes case 1, heat-radiation side insulating substrate 4a, heat-absorption side insulating substrate 4b, first soldering layer 5a formed of a first soldering agent to connect the heat-radiation side insulating substrate 4a and the case 1, a plurality of P-type and N-type semiconductor chips interposed between the heat-radiation side insulating substrate 4a and the heat-absorption side insulating substrate 4b, the plurality of P-type and N-type semiconductor chips being arranged alternately, and a second soldering layer 15a (15b) formed of a second soldering agent to connect the heat-radiation side insulating substrate 4a and one end of each of the plural P-type and N-type semiconductor chips (the heat-absorption side insulating substrate 4b and the other end of each of the plural P-type and N-type semiconductor chips), the first soldering agent and the second soldering agent being identical in raw material.

Abstract: A device for chilling and warming a baby bottle in a single chamber is described including a method of operating the device. The device typically utilizes a thermoelectric module to chill the chamber. The thermoelectric module can also be used to warm the chamber or a separate resistive heater may be provided. A clock circuit is utilized in certain embodiments that can be set to an activation or target time to automatically cause the device to switch from a chilling mode to a warming mode at the activation time.

Abstract: An improved torus multi-element semiconductor thermoelectric heater and chiller utilizes torus thermoelectric generator to provide high current to force heat flow. Overall efficiency of heat conversion is improved by coupling a thermoelectric generator directly to a torus heater and chiller. A thermoelectric generator exhaust heat drives a second thermoelectric generator connected to a thermoelectric heater and chiller to produce heat flow in the heater and chiller using air, gas, or liquid to convey heat into and away from the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A thermoelectric microactuator on a substrate includes a first temperature control element having a first surface bonded to the substrate and having a second surface. A first electrically nonconductive layer has a first surface bonded to the second surface of the first temperature control element and has a second surface. An actuator arm includes a first region bonded to the second surface of the first nonconductive layer and includes a flexure contiguously extending from the first region to an end cantilevered beyond the first nonconductive layer and forming an axis at the junction of the flexure and the first region. The first temperature control element controls the temperature of the actuator arm to thereby deflect the flexure about the axis.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for temperature regulation of physiological fluids is disclosed. In an exemplary system for use in cardiopulmonary procedures, blood is entered into a proportionally long, narrow disposable container, is heated or cooled to a desired temperature, and exits from an opposite end. The disposable container includes a pair of long, flat surfaces facing each other in relatively, close proximity. The blood is transitioned from transport tubing into a thin laminar flow layer and back into tubing, inside the container. This container is placed in a heat exchange device having thermoelectric modules that contact the majority of surface area, opposite the blood side in the container. The thermoelectric modules act as fully reversible heat pumps and move heat from one side of the module to the other, dependant on the direction of the current supplied to the modules. Feedback from sensors in the fluid path independently control each thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A workpiece chuck and method for supporting a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer are described. The workpiece chuck includes an upper surface for supporting the wafer and a temperature control assembly in thermal communication with the upper surface to control temperature in the wafer. The temperature control assembly includes one or more thermoelectric modules between an upper and lower layers. One or more spacers between the upper and lower layers provide a space between the upper and lower layers such that the one or more thermoelectric modules vertically float in the space. That is, the upper and lower layers of the temperature control modules do not mechanically constrain the thermoelectric modules in the vertical direction. As a result, mechanical stresses on the thermoelectric modules due to temperature effects are substantially reduced or eliminated, resulting in much higher reliability of the chuck and the thermoelectric modules over temperature.

Abstract: A microcomputer heat dissipation system comprising heat-absorbing units, wherein said heat-absorbing units can be bonded to heat-generating electrical components inside the microcomputer and are in communication with a fluid circulating unit, and, to said fluid-circulating unit, there can be serially connected at least a heat-radiating pipe bondable to a heat-radiating plate, with said heat-radiating plate disposed on the outer wall surface of the chassis. In this manner, most of the heat generated by the microcomputer is dissipated to the space outside of the microcomputer, and, at the same time, the elimination of the internal fans of the microcomputer permits a considerable reduction in the acoustic noise level during operation of the microcomputer.

Abstract: A workpiece chuck and method for supporting a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer are described. The workpiece chuck includes an upper surface for supporting the wafer and a temperature control assembly in thermal communication with the upper surface to control temperature in the wafer. The temperature control assembly includes one or more thermoelectric modules between an upper and lower layers. One or more spacers between the upper and lower layers provide a space between the upper and lower layers such that the one or more thermoelectric modules vertically float in the space. That is, the upper and lower layers of the temperature control modules do not mechanically constrain the thermoelectric modules in the vertical direction. As a result, mechanical stresses on the thermoelectric modules due to temperature effects are substantially reduced or eliminated, resulting in much higher reliability of the chuck and the thermoelectric modules over temperature.

Abstract: A heating and cooling apparatus to be applied to an object to control the temperature of the object. A number of thermoelectric modules are adapted to be positioned in contact with the object in a pattern. A voltage source is adapted to apply a voltage to the thermoelectric modules to cause a temperature change in each thermoelectric module so as to control the temperature of the object in accordance with the pattern and with the voltage applied to thermoelectric modules.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for holding food in ready-to-serve state, comprising one or several heat-conducting plates (6) on which the food can be placed, either directly or in dishes, in ready-to-serve fashion; one or several Peltier elements or similar devices and one or several heating elements, each of which is or can be thermally coupled to the plate(s) (6) and/or to the dishes; one or several selector switches (22) as operating controls or the radio-signal receivers of such selector switches by means of which it is possible to select temperatures and/or temperature cycles and/or warming or cooling modes of the plate(s) (6), a control unit by means of which, in response to the selection made via the selector switches (22), the Peltier element(s) can be enabled to cool the plate(s) and/or the Peltier element(s) and/or the heating element(s) can be energized to heat the plate(s).

Abstract: A compact and portable heating and cooling device having particular utility in handling formula containing bottles for infants. The device comprises a pair of elongated, generally circular cavities or receptacles for receiving the bottle(s), formed of a thermal conductive material. The respective cavities are heated and cooled by a shared solid state, ceramic, thermoelectric module disposed between and in contact with the respective cavities. Supporting components include a heat sink and fan for the hot side, and optionally a pair of thermostats for controlling operation of the thermoelectric module and fan.

Abstract: A temperature conditioned insulated container in a vehicle selectively heats or cools items stored therein. A thermoelectric energy module is coupled to a heat exchanger plate disposed in a compartment of the container. A power control circuit controls power to the thermoelectric energy module and a cooling fan motor. The drive circuit drives the thermoelectric energy module with a decaying drive signal for a predetermined time after the vehicle is shut down to prevent damage to the thermoelectric energy module. In a defrost operation, the drive circuit provides a decaying drive signal to the thermoelectric module during the beginning of a defrost cycle. After providing no cooling for a predetermined time, the drive signal is increased until the refrigerator operating system returns to full operation. By slowly varying the drive power in these situations, thermal stresses within the thermoelectric energy module are reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric conversion apparatus having a thermoelectric conversion module and a temperature restoration module. The thermoelectric conversion module comprises hydrogen storage and release devices provided with circulating heating medium changeover valves and containers in which are formed inside a plate cassette laminate or a pipe aggregate provided with a hydrogen storage alloy in the form of a thin film on the outer surfaces of the plate cassettes or pipes, a pump device for an working liquid provided with a liquid piston, an electronic control device that controls the changeover valves, and an electric power generation device that converts the flowing force of the actuator liquid into electricity.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for temperature regulation of physiological fluids is disclosed. In an exemplary system for use in cardiopulmonary procedures, blood is entered into a proportionally long, narrow disposable container, is heated or cooled to a desired temperature, and exits from an opposite end. The disposable container includes a pair of long, flat surfaces facing each other in relatively, close proximity. The blood is transitioned from transport tubing into a thin laminar flow layer and back into tubing, inside the container. This container is placed in a heat exchange device having thermoelectric modules that contact the majority of surface area, opposite the blood side in the container. The thermoelectric modules act as fully reversible heat pumps and move heat from one side of the module to the other, dependant on the direction of the current supplied to the modules. Feedback from sensors in the fluid path independently control each thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module includes a case, a insulating base plate for a exoergic side, a insulating base plate for endoergic side, a first soldering layer which joins the insulating base plate for the exoergic side to the case via a first soldering material, and a second soldering layer which joins P-type and N-type semiconductor tips to the insulating base plate for an exoenergic side and a insulating base plate for an endoergic side, using second soldering material. The melting point temperature of the first soldering material for the first soldering layer is higher than the melting point temperature of the second material for the second soldering layer.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use with an electronic heat pump including a plurality of narrow channels defined between adjacent walls. The channel heights are between 0 mm and 10 m to ensure thermal resistance is below 0.1° C./W for a 40 mm heat exchange width. The acceptable geometry for the channels is described by one or more variables, including the minimum number of channels and the minimum wall thickness for a given channel width. These variables control the surface area of the boundary of the channels in direct contact with the fluid and the cross-sectional area available for transmission of heat by conduction up the walls of the channels.

Abstract: Diode devices are disclosed in which the separation of the electrodes is set and controlled using piezo-electric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuators. This avoids problems associated with electrode spacing changing or distorting as a result of heat stress. In addition it allows the operation of these devices at electrode separations which permit quantum electron tunneling between them. Pairs of electrodes whose surfaces replicate each other are also disclosed. These may be used in constructing devices with very close electrode spacings.

Abstract: A climate control system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle is provided that includes a ventilation fan for facilitating movement of air out of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The fan is selectively controlled by an electronic control unit, which receives a signal from a temperature sensor indicating that operation of the fan is needed. A plurality of thermoelectric devices are used to control the temperature of the ambient air in the passenger compartment. In addition, the vehicle seats are each equipped with at least one thermoelectric device to heat and cool each seat individually. A retractable window cover may optionally be provided to reduce transmission of infrared light into the vehicle interior. The combination of the ventilation fan, the thermoelectric devices for each seat and for the ambient air, and the optional retractable window cover allows for the elimination of the vehicle's central air conditioning system.

Abstract: The present invention is a heat-exchanging apparatus that also serves as a handler-transporter of media-containing vessels. The heat-exchanging apparatus is composed of a flexible, holow tube that is generally in the shape of a coil, which allows for the flow of liquid therein. There is an insulated gripping means for covering the handle of the flexible, hollow tube's first end and second end to prevent contact with hot or cold temperatures when the present invention is handled or transported. In addition, the flexible, hollow tube is connected to two flexible, heat-insulated tubes. The flexible, heat-insulating tubes are connected to a fluid dispenser and a reservoir to provide a channel for in-coming fluid and out-going fluid. Also, to allow for secure and safe handling/transporting of media-containing vessel, the first and second ends of the flexible, hollow tubes are held together by a locking means.

Abstract: A liquid container comprising a base having openings that communicate from the front surface to the back surface, and first and second sealing plates that seal the openings from both sides of the base to form internal spaces, wherein the sealing plates comprise a first heat exchanging member for heating or cooling the internal space from the front surface of the base and a second heat exchanging member for heating or cooling the internal space from the back surface of the base.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler utilizing superlattice and quantum-well materials may be deposited directly onto a die using thin-film deposition techniques. The materials may have a figure-of-merit of greater than one.

Abstract: A double pass heat exchanger comprising: a first bank of thermoelectric devices that includes at least one thermoelectric device, the thermoelectric devices having cooling surfaces capable of absorbing thermal energy and opposed heating surfaces capable of dissipating thermal energy; a second bank of thermoelectric devices that includes at least one thermoelectric device, the thermoelectric devices having cooling surfaces capable of absorbing thermal energy and opposed heating surfaces capable of dissipating thermal energy; a first block of heat transfer material in concurrent thermal communication with a first fluid conduit and the heating surfaces of the first bank of thermoelectric devices and the heating surfaces of the second bank of thermoelectric devices; and, a second block of heat transfer material in concurrent thermal communication with a second fluid conduit and the cooling surfaces of the first bank of thermoelectric devices and the second bank of thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: A temperature controlled storage container integrated into the trim member of a vehicle comprising a storage container integrated into said trim member. A thermoelectric heat pump is employed to provide temperature control to the storage container and to selectively heat or cool the container. Optionally, a duct is added that is in communication with the thermoelectric heat pump wherein the duct is also in communication with air intake resulting from motion of the vehicle and wherein the duct is also capable of venting outside of said vehicle.

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.