Having Vehicle Feature; E.g., Cooling Cart, Car, Truck, Boat, Etc. Patents (Class 62/3.61)
  • Patent number: 7832214
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Ito, Shinji Aoki, Takuhiko Sawai
  • Patent number: 7827805
    Abstract: A method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly includes activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly beneath a seat covering. A fluid module that includes a fluid supply device and a thermoelectric element is activated to direct heated air from the fluid module to a space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution system formed at least partially in the seat cushion. After a period of time, the heating element is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Amerigon Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Comiskey, John Terech
  • Patent number: 7779639
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: BSST LLC
    Inventor: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka
  • Publication number: 20100180606
    Abstract: A partially refrigerated pet supply storage device comprising inter alia a refrigerated thermally insulated box, a non-refrigerated interior compartment, and a non-refrigerated storage cart removably engaged to the non-refrigerated interior compartment. The storage cart can be removably engaged with the base structure of the storage device so that the user can have easy access to the storage cart and ultimately remove the storage cart from the non-refrigerated portion of the device, and when the storage cart is engaged with the base structure of the storage device, the storage cart serves a load bearing function. Once the base structure is engaged with the storage cart the overall stability of the storage device is bolstered thereby reducing the load borne by other load bearing members of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Moshe Gur
  • Patent number: 7731279
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing controlled heating, cooling and motion, in a device such as an active robotic automobile seat, are disclosed. A shape memory alloy (SMA) element, which changes shape upon application of a temperature change to the SMA element, is coupled to a thermoelectric device. Heat flows through the TED upon application of an electrical current through the TED. The apparatus is operable in one of a plurality of modes. In a first mode, a current is applied through the TED to cause a temperature change in the SMA element to change the shape of the SMA element. In a second mode, a current is applied to the TED to cause heat flow in a space adjacent to the apparatus. By controlling application of current to the TED, controlled motion, heating and cooling are achieved in the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Kolon Glotech, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Harry Asada, Manas C. Menon
  • Patent number: 7712318
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus of supplying driving power to a cooling element from a power supply unit, to drive it, includes a driving power changing part changing a power value of the driving power supplied to said cooling element from the power supply unit, by a predetermined power value at each predetermined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20100071386
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling device (20) for installation in an aircraft, in particular a passenger aircraft. The cooling device (20) comprises a heat exchanger (26) configured for flow-through of a liquid coolant for pre-cooling a cooling chamber (34) of the cooling device (20) to a temperature of the liquid coolant, the heat exchanger (26) being coupled in a heat-transferring manner to a refrigerant (28) which is in thermal contact with the cooling chamber (34) of the cooling device (20) for cooling the cooling chamber (34) to a temperature which is below the temperature of the liquid coolant, wherein the heat exchanger (26) and the refrigerant (28) are disposed inside the cooling chamber (34) of the cooling device (20), and wherein the heat exchanger (26) is configured for connection to a liquid coolant supply system installed on board the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Reiss, Wolfgang Ebigt, Andreas Grey
  • Publication number: 20100050659
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for conditioning air inside an enclosure. The systems and methods may comprise: (1) a plurality of flow tunnels for passage of a heat-transfer fluid; (2) a thermoelectric cooler in thermal communication with the flow tunnels for thermally conditioning the heat-transfer fluid in the flow tunnels; (3) an air inlet for receiving unconditioned air; (4) a thermal exchange assembly for facilitating thermal exchange between the thermally conditioned heat-transfer fluid and the unconditioned air to result in conditioning of the air; and (5) an air outlet for outputting the conditioned air into the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Tony Quisenberry, Sam K. McSpadden, Christopher Alan Polser, Niran Balachandran
  • Patent number: 7647780
    Abstract: An automotive seat air-conditioning system includes a vehicle seat 1 having a seat portion 1b used by an occupant and a seatback 1a against which the occupant rests his/her back, and a blower 22 for sucking in the air-conditioning air 8 flowing in the compartments. Further, the air-conditioning air 8 is sucked in by the blower 22 from the air inlet 6 formed on the surface of the seatback 1a. At the same time, the air-conditioning air 8 is blown out from a surface portion of the vehicle seat 1 other than the air inlet 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Aoki, Keizou Nimura
  • Patent number: 7640754
    Abstract: A climate control device comprises a housing, the housing having a first intake port, a first exhaust port, and a second exhaust port, wherein the first exhaust port opens in a different direction than the second exhaust port. A fan is disposed within the housing and is configured to draw air through the first intake port and expel air towards the first exhaust port and the second exhaust port. a separate insert piece configured to be inserted within the housing and adapted to direct substantially all the expelled air through one of the first or second exhaust ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Amerigon Incorporated
    Inventor: Scott R. Wolas
  • Patent number: 7640753
    Abstract: Conditioned air discharged from a vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is further conditioned by a thermoelectric (TE) air conditioning unit and then directed to air passages in a vehicle seat. Activation of the TE air conditioning unit is based on climate control parameters utilized by the HVAC unit, including a set temperature, radiant heating effects, and cabin air temperature. The climate control parameters are utilized to establish a target seat temperature that optimizes occupant comfort and the transient response of the seat cooling effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Prasad Shripad Kadle, Edward Wolfe, IV, Xiaoxia Mu, Lin-Jie Huang
  • Patent number: 7629530
    Abstract: An energy recovery system for hybrid automobile. The energy recovery system generates electricity by utilizing the temperature difference between a high temperature thermal medium and a low temperature thermal medium. As the high temperature thermal medium, engine coolant for cooling an engine is used. As the low temperature thermal medium, pump refrigerant for cooling by a heat pump is used. The heat pump maintains the pump refrigerant at a low temperature by using heat from the engine coolant. Therefore, while electricity is reliably generated at a thermoelectric converter, energy is efficiently used for cooling the pump refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroya Inaoka
  • Patent number: 7610767
    Abstract: A thermo-electric device has a seat side and a cabin side for delivering heating and cooling air from a HVAC module to seat passages of a vehicle seat assembly. A selector is included for setting a desired or control temperature Tcontrol of the seat assembly. A comparator is included for determining the temperature difference ?T between the actual temperature of the seat assembly Tseat and the desired or selected temperature Tcontrol. A controller simultaneously adjusts a proportioning valve and adjusts the electrical current to the thermoelectric device in relationship to one another in response to the temperature difference ?T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Prasad Shripad Kadle, Edward Wolfe, IV, Joseph Pierre Heremans, Donald T. Morelli
  • Patent number: 7587901
    Abstract: A climate control device includes a first and a second thermal module. The first module is configured to provide climate conditioned air to a first portion of a seat. The second module is configured to provide climate conditioned air to a second portion of the seat. A control system is provided for controlling the climate control device. The control system includes an input device for providing a set point for the system. A first control unit of the control system is provided for the first thermal module and a second control unit is provided for the second thermal module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Amerigon Incorporated
    Inventor: Dusko Petrovski
  • Publication number: 20090199572
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing air-conditioning to a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a solar photovoltaic panel positioned in a window or windshield to provide direct current to power a thermoelectric assembly to pump excess heat out of the interior of the car. The car is air-conditioned in a parked state and pre-air-conditioned before use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Richard Klein, Bhagavathi P. Natarajan
  • Publication number: 20090193814
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate controlled seating assembly includes a thermal module. The thermal module comprises at least one inlet channel, at least one outlet channel and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) positioned upstream of the outlet channel. In one embodiment, the seating assembly includes a sensor positioned within an interior of the thermal module and configured to detect the presence of a liquid, such as water, condensation or other fluids, on or near said sensor. In certain arrangements, the sensor is configured to detect the presence of a liquid by measuring an electrical resistance or capacitance across a portion of the sensor. A climate control system can include a separator gasket located within a housing of a fluid module and at least partially between the cold passage and the hot passage. In some embodiments, the separator gasket comprises one or more wicking materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Amerigon Incorporated
    Inventor: John Lofy
  • Patent number: 7533535
    Abstract: A thermo-electric device is disposed in series with the HVAC module for heating and cooling air Ta from the HVAC module for delivery to seat passages of a seat assembly and/or to a thermal container. The thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger having cold and hot sides, ductwork, a divider that sends variable air flow to the cold or hot sides of the thermoelectric module, and thermal insulation between the cold and hot sides downstream of the heat exchanger. The fan of the HVAC module is the sole motivation for moving the conditioned air Ta originating from the central HVAC module through the thermoelectric device and to the seat assembly and/or to a thermal container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Prasad Shripad Kadle, Edward Wolfe, IV, Joseph Pierre Heremans, Donald T. Morelli
  • Publication number: 20090071170
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cooling and maintaining the water temperature in the live wells of fishing vessels. This twelve volt singular device is applied through the live well wall, and through use of thermoelectric technology the ambient water temperature within the live well is decreased. The importance of cooler water is that holds more oxygen and lowers metabolism in fish, which in turn increases the survival rate of captive fish. This invention is targeted for use by sports fisherman for use in tournaments to avoid penalties for dead fish and to promote the conservation of fish for ecological purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Travis Totman
  • Publication number: 20090000311
    Abstract: A climate control system includes the interim heating/cooling component that operates in the interim duration prior to the heating and cooling systems reaching a desired state of readiness. The interim heating/cooling device uses the Peltier effect to transfer heat between first and second sides depending on a polarity of current. Controlling which of the two sides is heated provides the desired heating or cooling of the air. Once the heating or cooling system reaches the desired state of readiness, the interim heating/cooling device is turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Kmetz, Jean-Christophe Deniau
  • Patent number: 7467520
    Abstract: A cooling unit (1) for a service trolley for use in an aircraft or train. The cooling unit (1) includes a drawer. The drawer contains a layer of heat-insulating material (29) and one or more Peltier elements (42) located in the layer (29) with a warm side (43) facing the one side of the heat-insulating layer (29) and a cold side (44) facing the other side of the heat-insulating layer (29). First fans (32) are provided on the cold side (44) of the heat-insulating layer (29) and second fans (33) are provided on the warm side (43) of the heat-insulating layer (29). The invention furthermore relates to a service trolley provided with a cooling unit (1) according to the invention as well as to a rack (60) for a multiplicity of cooling units (1) according to the invention. Finally, the invention relates to an aircraft or train containing a cooling unit or service trolley according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Driessen Aerospace Group N.V.
    Inventors: Laurentius Petrus Joseph Van Loon, Joost Cornelis Geluk
  • Publication number: 20080264070
    Abstract: 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 coolng 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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Webasto AG
    Inventors: Helmut Teschner, Michael Kolbl, Martin Pollak, Sven Vilsmayer, Rupert Kogler
  • Patent number: 7430875
    Abstract: The exhaust heat recovery system of the invention includes: a thermoelectric conversion element that generates electric energy by thermoelectric conversion using heat of exhaust gas discharged from an engine; and a heat pump including a heat recovery unit that absorbs the heat contained in the exhaust gas through an endothermic reaction using a heating medium, and a heat generation unit which generates heat through an exothermic reaction of the heating medium and which supplies the heat to the thermoelectric conversion element. With this configuration, the thermoelectric conversion element and the heat generation unit are movably attached to each other such that they can be placed in contact with and separated from each other, and the heat recovery unit is positioned in an exhaust gas passage in an exhaust gas downstream flow direction from the heat generation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshitake Sasaki, Kiyohito Murata, Yuji Itoh
  • Publication number: 20080209912
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Shashank Upadhye, Shilpa M. Upadhy, Adam S. Thomas, James A. Weir
  • Publication number: 20080209913
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes a thermoelectric device, and a first line with a first fluid therein. The first line is configured such that the first fluid can exchange heat with a first surface of the thermoelectric device, and configured to discharge the fluid to a space. A second line has a second fluid therein. The second line is configured such that the second fluid can exchange heat with a second surface of the thermoelectric device, and pass through a heat sink to further exchange heat. A control unit supplies electricity to the thermoelectric device such that the first surface absorbs heat in a cooling mode and the second surface absorbs heat in a heating mode. The control unit also controls a flow rate of the second fluid, such that the flow rate is higher in the cooling mode than in the heating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp., Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventor: Nak Sup Sung
  • Patent number: 7380586
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: BSST LLC
    Inventor: Peter R. Gawthrop
  • Patent number: 7363766
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and a thermoelectric device. The compressor is configured to receive a refrigerant and compress the refrigerant to a compressed state. The condenser is in fluid communication with the compressor to receive the refrigerant in the compressed state via a high pressure tube. The evaporator is in fluid communication between the condenser and the compressor to receive the refrigerant from the condenser and convey the refrigerant to the compressor via a low pressure tube. The thermoelectric device is operatively arranged relative to at least a portion of the high pressure tube to remove heat from the high pressure tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Eisenhour
  • Publication number: 20080047277
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling at least two functions selected from the group consisting of ventilation, air cleaning, seat temperature and inside temperature of a vehicle when the vehicle engine is turned off, the system comprising: (a) a solar cell module providing driving power from solar heat; and (b) a controller operating the solar cell module by stepwise magnitudes of a current input from the solar cell module. A method for controlling the system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yong Chul Kim
  • Publication number: 20080028768
    Abstract: 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 to maximize an efficiency of operation of the hybrid vehicle during operation of the HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Lakhi Nandlal Goenka
  • Patent number: 7320223
    Abstract: A system is provided to control the environment experienced by a child in a child safety seat. Each of a plurality of thermoelectric elements is individually controllable to be one of heated and cooled relative to an ambient temperature. A first portion of the thermoelectric elements are positioned on the child safety seat such that a child sitting therein is positioned thereover. A ventilator coupled to the child safety seat moves air past a second portion of the thermoelectric elements and filters the air moved therepast. One or more jets coupled to the ventilator receive the filtered air. Each jet is coupled to the child safety seat and can be positioned to direct the heated/cooled filtered air to the vicinity of the head of the child sitting in the child safety seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Richard W. Dabney, Susan V. Elrod
  • Patent number: 7305833
    Abstract: A cooling and warming apparatus includes a housing having a top side with a number of open receptacles for receiving perishable items. Thermally-conductive bases are attached to the bottom of the receptacles. Thermoelectric elements are provided in thermal communication with the thermally-conductive bases. A heat sink having heat-dissipating fins is provided in thermal communication with at least one of the thermoelectric elements. A fan draws air into the housing, through the heat-dissipating fins of the heat sink, and out of the housing. A temperature controller controls the operation of one of the plurality of thermoelectric elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Electrolux Professional S.p.A.
    Inventors: Dietmar Pieronczyk, Frederico Verardo, Joseph Teuber
  • Patent number: 7272936
    Abstract: A heat pump for use in a variable temperature cushion includes a housing with an inlet and a blower motor to draw in outside air to a two stage Peltier effect module that forms a sealed wall between a sub-cool side and a warm side of the housing. At the bottom of the housing are a pair of outlets and a condensate trap spanning across that facilitates condensate transfer from the cool side to the warm side for evaporation out of the warm side outlet. The heat pump also preferably includes a heat pipe from the warm side to the cool side to transfer heat and reheat the air (at a lower relative humidity) exiting through the cool outlet. Applications of the heat pump include a variable temperature cushion such as a seat and backrest, or bedding such as a pillow. An air conditioned pillowcase includes a pair of air impervious layers connected together forming a plenum with tubular spacer material inside and having a plurality of outlet vents around the perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Steve Feher
  • Publication number: 20070209369
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Yuji Ito, Shinji Aoki, Takuhiko Sawai
  • Patent number: 7254953
    Abstract: A thermoelectric heat exchange module includes a first substrate including a heat receptive side and a heat donative side and a series of undulatory pleats. The module may also include a thermoelectric material layer having a ZT value of 1.0 or more disposed on at least one of the heat receptive side and the heat donative side, and an electrical contact may be in electrical communication with the thermoelectric material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: James J. Callas, Mahmoud A. Taher
  • Publication number: 20070157631
    Abstract: Conditioned air discharged from a vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is further conditioned by a thermoelectric (TE) air temperature control module and then directed to air passages in a vehicle seat. Activation of the TE air temperature control module is based on climate control parameters utilized by the HVAC unit, including the set temperature and the cabin air temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Lin Jie Huang, Edward I. Wolfe, Prasad S. Kadle, Xiaoxia Mu
  • Patent number: 7096925
    Abstract: Components for HVAC systems used in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles are mounted in modular configuration on a frame with air conditioning components connected to one another by metal pipes welded to the components. An alternating current motor, integral with a compressor, is driven by 310 volt alternating current from an inverter, which inverter converts 310 volt direct current that is used to power the vehicle. PTC heaters in fluid communication with an evaporator employed by the air condition system are directly energized by the 310 volt direct current. The modular system is mounted directly on the chassis of the vehicle, facilitative assembly of the vehicle, and is readily removable as a unit from the chassis for repair or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Christopher Bracciano
  • Patent number: 7082773
    Abstract: A temperature-controlled storage system has a compartment with a front wall containing a first heat exchanger, a heat pump for transferring heat to or removing heat from the first heat exchanger and a removable, portable container nested in the compartment such that a second heat exchanger provided in a front wall of the container is in thermal communication with the first heat exchanger. By controlling the operation of the heat pump, the insides of the container can be cooled or heated as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Tellurex Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Cauchy
  • Patent number: 7073338
    Abstract: A thermally controlled storage space system (10), such as for the dashboard (40) of a vehicle (12). The system (10) has a housing (22), which is configured to couple a portion of the vehicles air control system (48), such as a heating system, a ventilation system, or an air-conditioning system. A heat exchanger (26) is coupled to the housing (22) and to a thermoelectric device (28). A temperature sensor (62) generates a temperature signal indicative of the temperature within the housing (22). A controller (18), which is coupled to the thermoelectric device (28), adjusts the temperature within the housing (22) in response to the temperature signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Jody K. Harwood, Joseph J. Davis, Jr., James D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7059137
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: William H. Childress
  • Patent number: 7013653
    Abstract: A seat air conditioner for a vehicle seat includes a seat air passage that is provided in at least one of a seat back and a seat cushion having a seat surface and a pad covered by the seat surface. The seat air conditioner further includes a blower unit disposed at a back side of the pad. The seat air passage has an air distribution passage embedded within the pad and a connection hole passage extending from a predetermined portion in the air distribution passage to the blower unit. The air distribution passage extends in a surface direction in a pipe shape to have a predetermined pattern. Since the air distribution passage is provided inside the pad, seat surfaces of the seat cushion and the seat back can be made smooth, and comfortable seating feeling can be given to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Toshifumi Kamiya, Shinji Aoki
  • Patent number: 6918257
    Abstract: A beverage container holder that is adjustable to accommodate various sizes of beverage containers, including containers of different heights and diameters for both tapered-wall containers and straight-wall containers. The beverage container includes a convection air flow generator for supplying conditioned air around the beverage containers to control the temperature of the beverage within the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Carolyn L. Slone, Steven J. Kuehl, Marcus Fischer, Tyree Sampson
  • Patent number: 6840050
    Abstract: A thermal jacket adapted to accommodate and cool a storage battery placed in the engine compartment of an automobile and exposed to heat at elevated temperatures emanating from the engine. The walls of the rectangular jacket are formed of rigid, foam-plastic material which thermally isolate the battery from the engine. Embedded in a wall of the jacket is a heat exchanger in which there is circulated a refrigerant fluid derived from the air conditioner installed in the vehicle. The heat exchanger acts to cool the battery to maintain the temperature of the electrolyte therein at a level at which the battery operates at optimal efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Polyrit
    Inventor: Jacob Pode
  • Publication number: 20040237541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-mechanical blower for use in heating the interior of a motor vehicle, and more particularly, to the use of thermoelectric devices used in tandem to replace conventional electromechanical blower devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: James J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6763666
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Textron Automotive Company Inc.
    Inventor: Ching Fong
  • Patent number: 6732533
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: John P. Giles
  • Patent number: 6732534
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Tellurex Corporation
    Inventor: Michael B. Spry
  • Publication number: 20040068992
    Abstract: A temperature-controlled storage system has a compartment with a front wall containing a first heat exchanger, a heat pump for transferring heat to or removing heat from the first heat exchanger and a removable, portable container nested in the compartment such that a second heat exchanger provided in a front wall of the container is in thermal communication with the first heat exchanger. By controlling the operation of the heat pump, the insides of the container can be cooled or heated as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Charles J. Cauchy
  • Publication number: 20040035119
    Abstract: A beverage container holder that is adjustable to accommodate various sizes of beverage containers, including containers of different heights and diameters for both tapered-wall containers and straight-wall containers. The beverage container includes a convection air flow generator for supplying conditioned air around the beverage containers to control the temperature of the beverage within the beverage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Carolyn L. Slone, Steven J. Kuehl, Marcus Fischer, Tyree Sampson
  • Publication number: 20040025516
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: John Van Winkle
  • Patent number: RE39287
    Abstract: A temperature controlled cabinet system and method enables medical items associated with particular temperature ranges to be stored and maintained within the associated temperature ranges in cabinets disposed within ambulances and other medical vehicles. The system includes a temperature sensor for measuring the cabinet interior temperature, a controller assembly for controlling system operation and two head pumps disposed in the cabinet walls to heat or cool the cabinet interior. Alternatively, a single head pump may be utilized to heat or cool the cabinet interior. The controller assembly includes a control console for displaying the actual cabinet temperature and entering a desired temperature range into the system. The heat pumps include a pair of heat sinks disposed about a thermoelectric device (e.g., a Peltier chip) that heats one heat sink, while cooling the other heat sink based on voltage polarity or current flow direction applied to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Bishop, II
  • Patent number: RE41295
    Abstract: A temperature controlled mobile vehicle compartment for providing a convenient article storage having a heat exchanger thermally connected to a thermoelectric device controlling thermal energy flow to and from the compartment. An air duct assembly cooperates with the thermoelectric device to vent the heat from the device outside the compartment and segregates the inflow air from the outflow air which received the thermal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Tellurex Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Cauchy