Having Vehicle Feature; E.g., Cooling Cart, Car, Truck, Boat, Etc. Patents (Class 62/3.61)
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Patent number: 12125727Abstract: A cart for wafer transportation includes a cart body, a separator disposed between first and second wafer holders, an airtight lock configured to seal the cart body. A wafer transfer system includes a cart including a space for holding a wafer holder, a first workstation configured to load the wafer holder into the space and pressurize the space, and a second workstation configured to depressurize the space and unload the wafer holder from the space, wherein the cart is transportable between the first workstation and the second workstation. A method for transporting wafers includes docking a cart in a workstation; loading a wafer holder into a space of the cart; pressurizing the space to cause a pressure of the space to be greater than an atmospheric pressure; maintaining the pressure of the space at the pressure; and moving the cart carrying the wafer holder away from the workstation.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2022Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Ren-Hau Wu, Cheng-Kang Hu, Chieh-Chun Lin, Jia-Hong Liao, Cheng-Yi Liu
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Patent number: 12109930Abstract: A heating and cooling cup holder for vehicles includes a heat insulating cup where a container accommodating part is formed with an upper part opened so that a beverage container can be accommodated, a heat exchange cup installed in the container accommodating part formed in the heat insulating cup, a circulation duct installed so that an air suction port and an air exhaust port are formed in the heat exchange cup, a circulation fan circulates and introduces air into the heat exchange cup through the air suction port and the air exhaust port formed in the circulation duct, a radiation plate heat-exchanging the air introduced into the heat exchange cup by the circulation fan to re-supply to the heat exchange cup through the circulation duct, and a thermoelectric element installed so that the radiation plate can absorb and generate heat.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2020Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: NIFCO KOREA INC.Inventor: Gi Seung Choi
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Patent number: 12025648Abstract: The invention relates to a porous thermoelectric material (5; 5a, 5b): having, at 20° C. and at atmospheric pressure, a thermal conductivity of less than 100 mW/(m·K) and an electrical conductivity of between 20 S/m and 105 S/m, and comprising a matrix of a thermal insulating material which has a porosity of more than 70%, and which may be filled at least locally with an electrically conductive material (5b), the content of the electrically conductive material being comprised between 0% and 90% by weight of the total weight of the thermal insulating material.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2020Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: HUTCHINSONInventors: Fabrice Chopard, Jérémy Guazzagaloppa, Cédric Huillet
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Patent number: 12021212Abstract: A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a casing configured to surround the battery cell stack; and a heat transfer member to cool or heat the battery cells. The heat transfer member is disposed between any two adjacent battery cells of the battery cell stack. The heat transfer member is spaced apart from the battery cells and is configured to move into contact with the battery cells to cool or heat the battery cells.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2020Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: LG Energy Solution, Ltd.Inventors: Gyung-Soo Kang, Jee-Ho Kim, Myung-Hoon Ko, Ki-Youn Kim
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Patent number: 12018865Abstract: An insulation and cooling system for temperature sensitive materials is disclosed. The system removes the risk of heat back-flow from the powered down cooler to the cooled volume, and in doing so increases the potential battery life of the device and removes the risk of the contents rapidly heating when the cooler loses power.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2021Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Inventor: Mason Anthony Lucich
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Patent number: 11993132Abstract: A system for thermally conditioning and moving a fluid includes a thermoelectric device to convert electrical energy into thermal energy and produce a temperature change in response to an electrical current being applied thereto. The thermoelectric device can include a main-side and a waste side. A fluid moving device can produce a fluid flow that is in thermal communication with the thermoelectric device so that the thermal energy generated by the thermoelectric device is transferred to or from the fluid flow. A flow control valve selectively can direct the fluid flow along a main-side fluid flow path and/or a waste side fluid flow path.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Inventors: Chad Vincent Pacilli, Masahiko Inaba, Rodolfo Ernesto Uribe Palafox, Daniel Charles Guerithault, Kenneth Turner, Amey Pise, Scott Wolas
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Patent number: 11981245Abstract: A vehicle includes a trunk defining an enclosure for storing an object, a camera to capture an image of the object prior to being placed into the trunk and a processor to execute a machine-vision module to process image data to identify the object. The processor outputs a thermal control signal to a thermal controller to control a temperature of the trunk compartment by setting a setpoint temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2023Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Inventor: Matthew MacGregor Roy
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Patent number: 11976870Abstract: A modular container such as a mobile refrigerator is configured to attach to a larger in-home refrigerator. The modular container has an attachment feature configured to selectively attach and detach from a first attachment feature of the larger refrigerator to enable the modular container to be selectively attached and detached from the interior compartment of the larger refrigerator. A door of the modular container is configured to selectively enclose an interior of the modular container. The modular container has its own dedicated refrigeration system mounted thereon, enabling the modular container to act as its own refrigerator once removed from the larger refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Seow Yuen Yee, Philip Roan
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Patent number: 11947368Abstract: Integrated environmental infant pram, pet mat, and an integrated environmental infant footmuff are disclosed. System apparatus provides programmable heating/cooling functions, real-time monitoring of the temperature of the pram, mat or footmuff, programmable alarm settings, Bluetooth proximity location, wireless and/or Bluetooth connectivity to separate handheld digital devices, weight sensor inputs, a rechargeable battery power supply with recharging/power connectivity, and microprocessor control of heating/cooling, sensory input/output functions, and communication functions. Embodiments of the infant prams are disclosed as original manufactured equipment or an adaptable retrofit assembly. An artificial intelligence component of the programmable heating/cooling method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2019Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Chill Baby Technologies, LLCInventors: Jason A. Lowe, Taylor A. Catherwood
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Patent number: 11936019Abstract: The invention relates to a loop (14) for heat transfer liquid (48) for a vehicle comprising a first network (70) and a second network (71), a means (42) for circulating the heat transfer liquid (48), a first heat exchanger (100) configured to be thermally coupled to a first element (40) of an electric drivetrain of the vehicle, a means (72) for moving the heat transfer liquid (48), a second heat exchanger (200) configured to be thermally coupled to a second element (49) and a radiator (51) arranged to be traversed by an external air flow (EF), the radiator (51) comprising a first cooling zone (74) and a second cooling zone (75), a first output (54) of the radiator (51) being connected to the first heat exchanger (100) and a second output (53) of the radiator (51) being connected to the second heat exchanger (200). Application to motor vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Valeo Systemes ThermiquesInventor: Mohamed Yahia
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Patent number: 11926424Abstract: Thermoelectric cooling assemblies, and systems and methods employing such assemblies integrated within an aircraft antennae radome, with the cooling assemblies operating exclusively via electrical power provided by scavenging waste heat from an adjoining antennae array provide thermal protection to heat-sensitive structural components adjoining the antennae array.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: Michael Bartolomeo DiVerde
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Patent number: 11906243Abstract: A method of controlling a refrigerator that includes: operating a cool air supply means with a predetermined output; a controller determining the output of the cool air supply means based on a current temperature of a storage compartment sensed by a temperature sensor while the cool air supply means operates with the predetermined output; and the controller operating the cool air supply means with the determined output.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Seunguk Ahn, Kyungseok Kim, Sunam Chae
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Patent number: 11857004Abstract: A heating and cooling device is disclosed comprising at least one integral low voltage heating and cooling source and an efficient flexible heat distribution means having a thermal conductivity of from 375 to 4000 W/mK for distributing the heat and cool across a surface. Further aspects include thermal interface compounds to provide full thermal contact as well as the use of a phase change material to provide a long lasting heating and/or cooling effect without the use of external electrical input. Preferred applications include automotive and furniture seating heating and cooling, along with outdoor garments having distributed heating and cooling effects.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Gentherm IncorporatedInventor: Charles J. Cauchy
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Patent number: 11820206Abstract: A climate control device includes a radiant heater for radiating heat and a porous material attached to the radiant heater. The porous material desorbs a plurality of water molecules, in response to the porous material receiving heat from the radiant heater and raising a temperature of the water molecules in the porous material to a boiling temperature threshold. The porous material adsorbs the water molecules in response to the temperature of the water molecules falling below the boiling temperature threshold.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2021Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, Anne M. Dailly, Kuo-huey Chen, Nathan Thompson
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Patent number: 11654451Abstract: A temperature control device for a chemical liquid used in a semiconductor manufacturing process. The device includes: a first heat sink having a cooling water flow path formed therein; a plurality of thermoelectric modules coming into contact with both side surfaces of the first heat sink, respectively; and a second heat sink coming into contact with the thermoelectric modules. The second heat sink includes first and second heat sink blocks, a chemical liquid inlet tube and a chemical liquid outlet tube connected to the first and second heat sink blocks, and a plurality of chemical liquid flow path tubes inserted into the insides of the first and second heat sink blocks in such a manner as to communicate with one another and with the chemical liquid inlet tube and the chemical liquid outlet tube, respectively, to flow the chemical liquid therealong.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Inventor: Min Cheol Bang
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Patent number: 11640999Abstract: An x-ray detector can be small and have efficient cooling. In one embodiment, the x-ray detector can comprise a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) with upper electrical connections, a support, a cap, and a silicon drift detector (SDD). A planar side of the support can be directly affixed to upper electrical connections of the TEC. The support can have a non-planar side, opposite of the planar side, with a raised structure. A bottom face of the cap can be affixed to the raised structure, forming a cavity between the cap and the non-planar side of the support. The SDD can be affixed to a top face of the cap. In another embodiment, the non-planar side of the support can face the TEC. In another embodiment, a PIN photodiode can be directly affixed to a plate and the plate directly affixed to upper electrical connections of the TEC.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2022Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.Inventors: Jason Maynard, Shawn S. Chin, Jonathan Barron, David S. Hoffman
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Patent number: 11618542Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of refueling an electric watercraft. The method may include detecting, by one or more sensors, an unlock signal as a function of unlocking a first battery pack from a first receiver, receiving, by a computing device, the unlock signal, and disabling, by the computing device, the first battery pack and a second battery pack simultaneously, in response to receiving the unlock signal. Disabling the first battery pack and the second battery pack may further include disabling the first battery pack using a first contactor and the second battery pack using a second contactor. Aspects of the present disclosure may also be direct to a system for refueling an electric watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2022Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: JaccPro, LLCInventor: Jack Patrick Duffy-Protentis
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Patent number: 11587806Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature control device for a chemical liquid used in a semiconductor manufacturing process, which is located on a chemical liquid circulating and supplying tube to control a temperature of the chemical liquid. The device includes: a first heat sink having a cooling water flow path formed therein; a plurality of thermoelectric modules coming into contact with both side surfaces of the first heat sink, respectively; and a second heat sink coming into contact with the thermoelectric modules, while placing the first heat sink between the thermoelectric modules, and having a plurality of chemical liquid flow path tubes adapted to flow the chemical liquid therealong.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Inventor: Min Cheol Bang
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Patent number: 11513573Abstract: A system includes a display panel, a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the display panel, a thermoelectric device coupled to the display panel and configured to transfer heat to or from the display panel, and a controller electrically coupled to the temperature sensor and the thermoelectric device. The controller is configured to receive the measured temperature of the display panel and, based on the measured temperature of the display panel, send a second signal to the thermoelectric device to cause the thermoelectric device to remove a first quantity of heat from the display panel or send a third signal to the thermoelectric device to cause the thermoelectric device to provide a second quantity of heat to the display panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Min Hyuk Choi, Zhiming Zhuang, Kyung Won Park
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Patent number: 11476400Abstract: A ventilation module can be used with a ventilation seat for a vehicle. A thermoelectric air-conditioning part has a thermoelectric unit performing heat absorption and heat generation by using a Peltier effect when electric power is applied, a cooling unit provided at a first side of the thermoelectric unit, and a heat dissipation unit provided at a second side of the thermoelectric unit. The module is configured so that air that is supplied from a blower is cooled by the thermoelectric air-conditioning part, passes through a cooling fin of the cooling unit, and is discharged to an interior of the vehicle through a seat cushion. The module is configured so that air that is supplied from the blower is heated by the thermoelectric air-conditioning part, passes through a heat dissipating fin of the heat dissipation unit, and is discharged through the heat dissipation path.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Man Ju Oh, Sang Shin Lee, Jae Woo Park, So Yoon Park, Jae Woong Kim, So La Chung
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Patent number: 11448449Abstract: A mobile refreshment cart includes an open refreshment chamber exposed to an environment surrounding the refreshment cart and configured to receive refreshment containers therein. The mobile refreshment cart also includes a thermally conductive plate having a first surface facing the open refreshment chamber, and having a second surface opposite to the first surface. The mobile refreshment cart also includes a thermoelectric cooler coupled to, and directly contacting, the second surface of the thermally conductive plate. The thermoelectric cooler is configured to extract heat from the thermally conductive plate through the second surface of the thermally conductive plate. The refreshment cart also includes a fan configured to urge an air flow over a portion of the thermoelectric cooler and to the environment, such that the air flow extracts the heat from the thermoelectric cooler and expels the heat to the environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Nick Drobnis, Darryl Gibson
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Patent number: 11407278Abstract: A vehicle cabin thermal management system includes a first heat exchange system adapted to operate primarily based upon a convective mode of heat transfer within a vehicle cabin, a second heat exchange system adapted to operate primary based upon a non-convective mode of heat transfer within the vehicle cabin, and a controller in communication with the first heat exchange system and the second heat exchange system, wherein the controller controls a thermal output of the second heat exchange system, and wherein the controller controls the first heat exchange system to reduce the operating level of the first heat exchange system in response to the controller operating the second heat exchange system.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Rupesh S. Kakade, Milan Prakash, Todd M. Tumas
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Patent number: 11378309Abstract: Two-stage vortex tube assemblies including an internal vortex generation chamber for generating a main vortex and a compressed air inlet having a tangential outlet port for creating a pre-vortex in an inflow of compressed air in a direction of flow of the main vortex. The two-stage vortex assemblies may be utilized in low pressure and low flow applications such as seat climatization, local heating or cooling, etc. Further disclosed are seat constructions and seat climatization systems utilizing a two-stage vortex tube as a single source for heating or cooling.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Peter A. Stahl, Christopher Wilson
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Patent number: 11313736Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed of a service cart for an aircraft or other vehicle, which includes a thermoelectric device capable of generating a current as a result of a temperature differential between a cold compartment of the cart and an ambient environment. The current can be either stored in a battery or other storage device, and used to power one or more electronic components associated with the cart.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Safran Passenger Innovations, LLCInventor: Victor Arino Perez
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Patent number: 11220158Abstract: A vehicle a sensor system disposed adjacent to a headrest portion of a seat within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The sensor system includes at least one of an air velocity sensor, an air temperature sensor, a radiant heat flux sensor, a heat flux sensor, or a humidity sensor. The sensor system is positioned near the headrest, facing a forward end of the vehicle, in a position that is not blocked by a head of a passenger seated in the seat. The sensor system provides data related to the air velocity, the air temperature, the radiant heat flux, the heat flux, or the relative humidity, enabling a climate controller to accurately calculate a current Equivalent Homogenous Temperature (EHT) of a passenger seated in the seat. The climate controller may then control a climate system of the vehicle based on the calculated EHT to provide a desired EHT.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2018Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Taeyoung Han, Shailendra Kaushik, Bahram Khalighi, Paul E. Krajewski
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Patent number: 11136125Abstract: A solid state liquid-chilled bar unit for an aircraft galley includes a multilevel frame dimensioned to fit the galley and including stacked slots, each slot configured to fit a compartment. Warmer compartments include a liquid thermoelectric device (LTD) with “cold” and “hot” sides and a liquid heat exchanger (LHE) connected to the cold side. Scroll fans circulate air over a finned heat exchanger (on the LTD's hot side) to heat the compartment. Chiller compartments include LTDs with an LHE connected to the “hot” side, and may be bottle coolers or chiller drawers. Bottle coolers chill bottles or other containers via conductive contact with the LTD “cold” side, while chiller drawers chill air by circulating it over a finned heat exchanger on the “cold” side. Unchilled drawers store food, drink, or supplies at or near the ambient cabin temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Hsin-I Tsai, Peter John Leslie Burd, Richard Henry Jolley
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Patent number: 11026834Abstract: The present invention is directed to a body temperature controlling system comprising at least one member receiving a flow of gas from at least one blower in communication with said at least one member, said at least one member directing said flow of gas onto a wearer thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Cesaroni Aerospace IncorporatedInventor: Anthony J. Cesaroni
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Patent number: 10955188Abstract: A mobile storage apparatus includes a cabinet having an insulated, closable storage chamber adapted to accommodate one or more objects in a temperature controlled environment. The cabinet also has or associated with a system for changing a temperature level of the storage chamber when the system is powered by a power supply. A storage chamber liner is provided and preferably formed from thin, sheet-form material arranged within the chamber adjacent one or more sides of the chamber, but spaced from one or more sides such that the liner divides a volume of the storage chamber into a main central volume for accommodating one or more objects in a temperature controlled environment and a minor peripheral volume for receiving one or more thermally conductive passive temperature control devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Fridge-To-Go LimitedInventor: Chik Sum Chan
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Patent number: 10925181Abstract: A converter comprises: a housing; a plurality of heat generating elements arranged at one surface of the housing; and a fluid channel arranged at the other surface of the housing, wherein the fluid channel includes an inlet and an outlet which connect and pass through an outside and an inside of the housing, is formed by a single line from the inlet to the outlet, has a constant cross-sectional area, and is arranged at a position where the fluid channel overlaps the plurality of heat generating elements in a vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Geun Ho Kim, Ji Hyeon Baik, Jae Hoo Jung
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Patent number: 10913413Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to automatically adjusting a climate of a vehicle based on detecting the type of clothing a vehicle occupant is wearing. In one embodiment, the method includes, in response to acquiring an identifier from a reader, where the identifier being associated with a tag affixed to a wearable article in proximity of the reader, determining a type of the wearable article based on the identifier. The method includes controlling a climate control system based at least in part on the type of the wearable article.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Michael Paul Rowe
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Patent number: 10913535Abstract: A cushion assembly such as an aircraft passenger seat cushion assembly including a solid foam component and an elastomeric lattice insert disposed in a void in the solid foam component, the elastomeric lattice insert having a compression profile that mimics a predetermined compression profile of a solid foam. The elastomeric lattice insert including repeating like cuboid structures such as interconnected repeating face-centered cube structures, interconnected repeating body-centered cube structures, or interconnected repeating kagome structures. The elastomeric lattice insert may be in thermal communication with an air conditioning system for delivering conditioned air through the elastomeric lattice insert.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventors: Daniel I. Udriste, Stephen A. Puglisi
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Patent number: 10807439Abstract: A climate control system for a vehicle includes an infrared sensor disposed within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The infrared sensor is configured to receive infrared radiation from a skin surface of a vehicle occupant. The climate control system further includes a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a detected temperature detected at the skin surface. In response to the detected temperature deviating from a baseline temperature, the controller is configured to automatically control an HVAC system to add conditioned air into the passenger compartment and to control a thermoelectric device configured to adjust a seat surface temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Francesco Migneco, David Gallagher, Arjun Yetukuri, Vyachislav Ivanov
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Patent number: 10757841Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) dedicated to heat treatment of an electric member (1) fitted to a motor vehicle, the device (2) comprising a Peltier-effect thermoelectric module (4) connected to one of the large faces (9, 10) of a casing (6) housing a circuit (5) for heat transfer fluid F, characterised in that, in the direction S of circulation of the heat transfer fluid F through the circuit (5), the circuit (5) comprises at least two successive fluid paths respectively arranged in distinct zones of the casing (6), including at least one upstream fluid path (5a) arranged inside a first zone Z1 and at least one downstream fluid path (5b) arranged inside a second zone, the casing (6) being delimited by a first large face (9) thermally connected to the thermoelectric module (4) and by a second large face (10) arranged to be thermally connected to the electric member (1).Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Valeo Systemes ThermiquesInventors: Lionel Robillon, Mohamed Ibrahimi, Jean Damien Muller
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Patent number: 10688896Abstract: A bidirectional blower may include a blower body having a scroll rib making a length of an entire perimeter scroll guiding air flow in an internal space to an outlet end portion where air discharge is performed, and a fan in which a blade having an inlet angle of an acute angle and an outlet angle of an obtuse angle draws external air into the internal air, thereby realizing the characteristics of lowering an operating noise by preventing a generation of vortex while enhancing air volume performance suitable for a ventilation seat.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2019Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, KBAUTOTECH CO., LTDInventors: Mu-Young Kim, Sang-Ho Kim, Chan-Ho Jung, Jun-Young Yun, Min-Seok Kim, Seon-Chae Na, Young-Bok Sung, Hee-Dong Kong
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Patent number: 10605497Abstract: A device for regulating a temperature of at least one object. The device includes a thermoelectric element for release of heating and/or cooling energy to the object. The device includes a processor unit, which is coupled for regulation to the thermoelectric element. The device includes a sensor device, Which has at least one sensor for detecting a de facto temperature trending in an area of the thermoelectric element; and at least one additional sensor configured as a component of the processor unit for detecting a de facto temperature trending in an area of the processor unit. The processor unit is connected with the sensor device, and is configured for comparison of the detected de facto temperatures, and while allowing for the comparison, the processor unit can derive an assessment of a functional capability of the sensor device.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: GENTHERM GMBHInventor: Alexander Rappl
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Patent number: 10336223Abstract: A ventilation seat for a vehicle is provided. The ventilation seat is configured such that a through channel to directly discharge air is formed in a seat pad so that air supplied from an air supply unit is discharged over the seat pad through the through channel, whereby the through channel or the like can be prevented from becoming narrow or being blocked due to the weight of an occupant, resulting in increased or maximize air discharge rate.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Mu Young Kim, Sang Ho Kim, Chan Ho Jung, Jong Moon Yoo, Bong Ku Kim, Seon Chae Na, Soo Hyun Moon, Joo Hwan Son, Jun Yeol Heo, Young Bok Sung, Tae Hyung Kim
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Patent number: 10196079Abstract: A temperature control device for temperature control of a steering device, characterized in that the temperature control device has at least one heat-conducting device, at least one thermoelectric device, and at least one fluid transport apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: GENTHERM GMBHInventors: John David Lofy, Michael Weiß, Denise Philipp, Martin Adldinger
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Patent number: 10106188Abstract: Disclosed is a steering wheel having cooling system inside. A steering wheel includes a hub connected to a steering column, a rim provided with a hollow formed therein and spokes configured to connect the hub and the rim. Cooling units located at the hub or the spokes of the steering wheel is provided to supply cooling air. Heat pipes thermally connect the cooling units and the rim of the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Sang Shin Lee, Jae Woo Park, So Yoon Park, Man Ju Oh, Jae Woong Kim, So La Chung
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Patent number: 9829219Abstract: A thermoelectric arrangement for use in a cooling system (4, 6) of a motor vehicle has a thermocouple (8) with a first, heat-outputting thermal element (10), a second, heat-absorbing thermal element (12) and a conductor element (14) through which current flows. At least two cooling circuits (16, 18, 20) are provided. The first thermal element (10) is arranged in at least one cooling circuit (16, 18, 20), and the second thermal element (12) is arranged in at least one heating circuit (48). The first thermal element (10) is arranged in a first connecting line (22) that is connected fluidically to the respective cooling circuits (16, 18, 20) via valve arrangements (24, 26; 28, 30; 32, 34) on the input and output sides of the first thermal element (10). A cooling system having such a thermoelectric arrangement also is described.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c.f. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, MAHLE BEHR GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Bastian Freese, Reyk Bienert, Robert Fleischhacker, Maik-Uwe Zillich, Martin Knorr, Markus Roesler, Christian Heneka, Dirk Neumeister
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Patent number: 9791184Abstract: A portable medical refrigerator is provided that includes a cooling chamber having a housing, insulation and a cavity, where the insulation dissipates heat from the cooling chamber and insulates the cooling chamber, where the insulation includes a material and thickness disposed to hold the cooling chamber at a desired temperature, where the thickness of the insulation is according to an amount of heat entering the cooling chamber from the ambient surroundings, a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) device having a heat sink fan, and a planar heat pipe, where a first end of the planar heat pipe is connected to the cooling chamber and a second end of the planar heat pipe is connected to the TEC, where the TEC is disposed away from the cooling chamber, where the first end of the planar heat pipe is disposed to draw heat from the insulation to enable attainment of the desired temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Santa Clara UniversityInventors: Paul Novisoff, Ryne Sitar, Arturo Nunez Perez, Hohyun Lee, Brandon Ohara, Joseph Soares
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Patent number: 9701215Abstract: A method of controlling temperature of a battery module in a battery cooling system for a vehicle may include driving the vehicle, setting an electrical equipment cooling start temperature A?, a coolant cooling start temperature B? of the battery module, and a refrigerant cooling start temperature B? of the battery module, detecting an electrical equipment temperature A and a battery module temperature B, determining whether the temperature B? is higher than the temperature B and is lower than the temperature B? and whether the temperature A is lower than the temperature A?, and closing when the temperature B? is higher than the temperature B and is lower than the temperature B? and the temperature A is lower than the temperature A?, each port of first and second valves, turning off operation of a second expansion valve, and terminating the control to prevent coolant from circulating to a cooler and the battery module.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jae Yeon Kim
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Patent number: 9630543Abstract: A cup holder for a vehicle may include a holder body having a thermoelectric element to perform cooling and/or heating of a cup stored in the holder body and having a blower to circulate air in the holder body to enhance heat convention, a heat exchanging part provided on a heat radiating surface of the thermoelectric element to perform heat exchange, and a moisture absorption part having one end portion disposed at a lower portion of the blower of the holder body to absorb moisture and the other end portion disposed at a side of the heat exchanging part to vaporize the moisture.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Man Ju Oh, Jae Woong Kim, Jae Woo Park
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Patent number: 9251697Abstract: A refrigerated container system is described that includes a wireless personal area network (WPAN) including a plurality of wireless sensor nodes and a coordinator node through which the sensors provide sensor data to a controller for the refrigerated container system. The wireless sensors and the coordinator incorporate a variety of features that ensure efficient utilization of battery life by preventing unintended pairing of sensors with other WPANs and excessive sensor signal processing arising from door chatter. Finally, pairing is performed without pressing a button on the wireless door sensor. Instead, the sensor's magnetic reed switch is enlisted to detect swiping of a magnet by a user to enter a pairing mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark Alan Johnson, Stephen Michael Pasek, Kimble Allyn Vitkus, Russell Lee Sanders, Mark Daniel Leasure
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Patent number: 9234483Abstract: This invention relates to an engine cooling system in which the supply of fuel is cooled to prevent fuel vapors by cooling the fuel pump. The cooling system uses a thermoelectric material that, either entirely or partially, surrounds the fuel pump, is the housing of the fuel pump and/or is internal to the fuel pump.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Carter Fuel Systems, LLCInventors: Kyle Dean Achor, Michael Shawn Richards
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Patent number: 9224287Abstract: A refrigerated container system is described that includes a wireless personal area network (WPAN) including a plurality of wireless sensor nodes and a coordinator node through which the sensors provide sensor data to a controller for the refrigerated container system. The wireless sensors and the coordinator incorporate a variety of features that ensure efficient utilization of battery life by preventing unintended pairing of sensors with other WPANs and excessive sensor signal processing arising from door chatter. Finally, pairing is performed without pressing a button on the wireless door sensor. Instead, the sensor's magnetic reed switch is enlisted to detect swiping of a magnet by a user to enter a pairing mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kimble Allyn Vitkus, Stephen Michael Pasek, Mark Alan Johnson, Russell Lee Sanders, Mark Daniel Leasure
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Patent number: 9147917Abstract: A battery system is disclosed, including: an airtight housing; a plurality of blowers disposed on a side end of an interior of the housing configured to suction air toward a middle of the airtight housing and discharge the suctioned air to the side of the airtight housing; a battery pack unit disposed inside the airtight housing to form a plurality of rows wherein an air passageway traverses through a front portion and a rear portion of each row and is disposed at a middle of each blower to form a suction flow path and a discharging flow path; and a heat exchange device disposed on the discharging flow path in the airtight housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Man Ju Oh, Jae Woong Kim, Jae Woo Park
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Patent number: 9139067Abstract: An air conditioner of an electric vehicle includes a blower. A Peltier unit is connected to the blower unit to receive air blown therefrom, and includes Peltier devices mounted on opposite side sections. One surface of each Peltier device is oriented inward and the other surface of each Peltier device is oriented outward in order to eject cooled or heated air to respective regions. A partition is mounted between the opposite side sections of the Peltier unit to divide a space inside the Peltier unit into first and second spaces, the Peltier device mounted on one side section is contained in the first space, and the Peltier device mounted on the other side section is contained in the second space. A guide case contains the Peltier unit therein and introduces outside air. Heat exchange occurs when the air sequentially passes through the first and second spaces of the Peltier unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Man Ju Oh
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Patent number: 9103573Abstract: A heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a 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 to maximize an efficiency of operation of the vehicle during operation of the HVAC system.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Gentherm IncorporatedInventors: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka, Lon Edward Bell
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Patent number: 9082296Abstract: A refrigerated container system is described that includes a wireless personal area network (WPAN) including a plurality of wireless sensor nodes and a coordinator node through which the sensors provide sensor data to a controller for the refrigerated container system. The wireless sensors and the coordinator incorporate a variety of features that ensure efficient utilization of battery life by preventing unintended pairing of sensors with other WPANs and excessive sensor signal processing arising from door chatter. Finally, pairing is performed without pressing a button on the wireless door sensor. Instead, the sensor's magnetic reed switch is enlisted to detect swiping of a magnet by a user to enter a pairing mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark Alan Johnson, Stephen Michael Pasek, Kimble Allyn Vitkus, Russell Lee Sanders, Mark Daniel Leasure
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Patent number: 9038400Abstract: Certain disclosed embodiments pertain to controlling temperature in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. For example, a temperature control system (TCS) can include an air channel configured to deliver airflow to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The TCS can include a one thermal energy source and a heat transfer device connected to the air channel. A first fluid circuit can circulate coolant to the thermal energy source and a thermoelectric device (TED). A second fluid circuit can circulate coolant to the TED and the heat transfer device. A bypass circuit can connect the thermal energy source to the heat transfer device. An actuator can cause coolant to circulate selectively in either the bypass circuit or the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit. A control device can operate the actuator when it is determined that the thermal energy source is ready to provide heat to the airflow.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Gentherm IncorporatedInventor: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka