Abstract: A cryogenic temperature controller assembly includes a controller and a thermostatic block that has a chamber for receiving a sample holder therein. The thermostatic block has a heat sink with an exposed surface for exposure to a cryogenic fluid. A heater is disposed intermediate the exposed surface and the chamber. The heater is connected to the controller. A temperature probe is disposed in the thermostatic block. The probe is connected to the controller. The controller regulates the heater based on an actual temperature from the probe to maintain a predetermined set point temperature in the thermostatic block.

Abstract: A bottom mount household refrigerator is provided with an apparatus to permit the dispensing of ice. According to one embodiment, a sealed ice making compartment is provided within the fresh food compartment. The sealed ice making compartment may be located at the bottom, at the top, or along a side wall within the fresh food compartment. According to another embodiment, ice is made in the ice compartment, and lifted upward to a dispensing location through the door of the fresh food compartment.

Abstract: A method of controlling a heat exchanger including thermoelectric coolers to maintain set point temperature of a chamber. The method includes receiving temperature data indicative of a temperature of the chamber and selectively controlling two or more subsets of thermoelectric coolers based on the temperature of the chamber. Selectively controlling the two or more subsets includes operating each thermoelectric cooler in a first subset at or near the point where the coefficient of performance is maximized (QCOPmax) by providing a current or voltage with amplitude corresponding to QCOPmax (ICOPmax, VCOPmax) when the temperature of the chamber is within a predefined steady state range including the set point temperature.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes a container configured to contain a coolant within a space. The apparatus further includes a cooling block positioned substantially within the space and having a high heat capacity such that the space not occupied by the cooling block is filled with a coolant to a level at or below the top of the cooling block, and a placement structure having high thermal conductivity positioned on top of the cooling block and outside of the space. A method for cooling an object is also provided, which includes inserting a coolant into a container configured to contain the coolant within a space, and placing the object on a placement structure outside the space. For this method, the placement structure has a high thermal conductivity and is coupled to a cooling block, the cooling block having a high heat capacity and positioned substantially within the space.

Abstract: Disclosed are a heat exchanger and a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may include a plurality of three-step tubes, each having a three-layered section and each having a liquid passage at a middle portion and module insertion spaces at opposite sides of the liquid passage, a plurality of thermoelectric modules inserted into the module insertion spaces, a plurality of cooling fins coupled to an outer surface of each of the three-step tubes, and an upper tank and a lower tank coupled to an upper side and a lower side of the three-step tubes to be fluidically communicated with the liquid passages of the three-step tubes. The three-step tubes and the cooling fins may be stacked laterally with respect to each other. The three-step tubes, the cooling fins, the upper tank, and the lower tank may be brazed by a same filler material comprising a metal.

Abstract: A logistics system for monitoring and signaling the thermal condition of unit loads of PCM panels during a thermal conditioning cycle as between deep frozen, thermally dampened frozen, and thermally spent, and method of managing thermal conditioning of PCM panels utilizing such signals.

Abstract: A refrigerator that has a refrigerating compartment and a freezer compartment. A refrigerating compartment door covers at least a portion of the refrigerating compartment. An ice compartment located in the refrigerating compartment is located on the refrigerating compartment door. An air delivery system is connected to the ice compartment and a source of below 0 decree C air when the refrigerating compartment door is dosed. An ice maker is located in the ice compartment and a dispenser is located on the refrigerating compartment door.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to control a heat flow is provided. The apparatus may include a semiconductor device region formed in a matrix; a heat rectifier region formed adjacent to the semiconductor device region; and a heat flow blocker formed in at least one region contacting the semiconductor device region and the heat rectifier region.

Abstract: A bottom mount refrigerator is provided including a thermal battery or phase change material positioned within the refrigerator or freezer in order to increase energy efficiency and compartment sizes of the refrigerator. The thermal battery can be used with an ice maker to aid in removing heat from the water in the ice maker to produce ice. Furthermore, the phase change material or thermal battery may be used with a thermoelectric cooler to aid in ice production. The phase change material may be tuned to various temperatures according to the desired use of the phase change material, as well as the location of the thermal battery or phase change material. Other embodiments include positioning the phase change material in the liner of the compartments or in thermal storage units in order to further increase the energy efficiency of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A display case door for a product storage device includes a transparent unit through which products within the product storage device are visible. The transparent unit includes a transparent LCD panel configured to present visual media content. The display case door further includes an electrical hinge pin rotatably coupling the display case door to the product storage device and one or more electrical conductors extending through the electrical hinge pin. The electrical conductors deliver the visual media content to the transparent LCD panel from a remote data source.

Abstract: A sample cooling device is provided with, inside a sample storage which stores therein a sample rack, a first heat transfer member arranged at a position in contact with the sample rack, a second heat transfer member which cools the inside of the sample storage, and a condensate discharge mechanism which discharges condensate condensing on the second heat transfer member to the outside of the sample storage. An internal space of the sample storage is not sealed due to the existence of a leak path for air formed between the inside and the outside of the sample storage, the leak path including at least the channel. The sample storage includes an outside air introduction unit which forcibly blows the outside air into the internal space so that the pressure inside the sample storage becomes higher than the outside pressure thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator including a main body provided with a storage chamber; a door to respectively open and close the storage chamber; a control unit installed the door to select an operation; a reception part provided in the door to receive the control unit; and an installation hole provided on a side end of the door to cause the control unit to be inserted into the reception part. The control unit is installed through the side end of the door, which is deviated from a user's line of sight.

Abstract: A thermoelectric refrigeration system including at least one cooling chamber and a thermoelectric heat exchange system. The thermoelectric heat exchange system includes cascaded heat sinks. The cascaded heat sinks include cascaded cold side heat sinks and a hot side heat sink. The cascaded cold side heat sinks include a first cold side heat sink and a second cold side heat sink. The thermoelectric heat exchange system also includes a first plurality of thermoelectric coolers disposed between the first cold side heat sink and the second cold side heat sink and a second plurality of thermoelectric coolers disposed between the second cold side heat sink and the hot side heat sink. Each thermoelectric cooler is a module including multiple thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: A pivotable guard includes a guard surface configured to be mounted to a bin such that the guard surface is pivotable about an axis; and the bin including at least one side wall and a rear wall. The guard surface is configured to pivot between a lowered position relative to the bin and a raised position relative to the bin higher than the lowered position.

Abstract: A thermoelectric refrigeration system includes a heat exchanger that includes a cold side heat sink and a hot side heat sink. The thermoelectric refrigeration system also includes a heat exchange loop coupled to one of the cold side heat sink and the hot side heat sink, the heat exchange loop operating according to thermosiphon principles to provide passive two-phase transport of a working fluid through the heat exchange loop. The thermoelectric refrigeration system also includes thermal insulation that thermally insulates the heat exchanger from a cooling chamber of the thermoelectric refrigeration system or an environment that is external to the thermoelectric refrigeration system.

Abstract: A television may include a main body, an additional electronic unit installed at an outside of the main body, at least one port allowing which is configured to connect a connector of a cable for communication with the an additional external electronic unit to the main body be connected thereto; and at least one heat transfer member to receive which is configured to receive and transfer heat transferred from the at least one port.

Abstract: An improved electronic communications system 100 features a holder assembly 104 such as a mobile computing device dock station 106 and dock heat exchanger providing an external heat sink 162 which when coupled with a user-friendly heat transfer device 164 such as a heat pipe can transfer heat from internal electronic components 146, 148 and 154 and an internal heat sink 157 of an electronic communications device 102, such as a cellular phone or mobile computing device, via a special headset jack-heat pipe interface 167 to help cool the electronic communications device 102. The electronic communications device 102 can also include one or more thermal couplings 158-160 for coupling and providing a thermal pathway(s) from at least one of the internal electronic components 146, 148 and 154 to the internal heat sink 157.

Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency.

Abstract: A refrigerator may include a refrigerator cabinet in at least one enclosure that can be mounted in different locations within the cabinet. The enclosure also can have targeted, independently controlled temperature provided to it. This allows the refrigerator to be highly customizable and reconfigurable according to desire or need. For example, an ice maker ice bin can be mounted in different positions within the cabinet, including door mount, refrigerated food compartment mount or freezer mount. Alternatively, specialized enclosures for such things as can chilling, milk chilling, meat chilling, or even thawing can be placed in multiple locations in the cabinet according to need or desire.

Abstract: A thermoelectric system includes a cooling chamber and a thermoelectric heat exchange system. The thermoelectric heat exchange system includes a hot side heat sink, a cold side heat sink that is physically separated from the hot side heat sink, and a heat conduit that thermally couples the hot side heat sink and the cold side heat sink.

Abstract: A vessel cup assembly 98 for receiving a chemical and/or biological reaction process vessel 200 containing reactants and processing the reaction therein includes a reaction vessel receiving portion 100, a heater portion 101, and a cooling portion 102, wherein the assembly is of integral construction.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for vaccine storage and/or transportation includes an inner chassis. One or more vertical lift carriages are positioned in the inner chassis and can house a plurality of vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and/or other perishable items. Each vertical lift carriage is contained in an isothermal chamber. One or more isothermal chambers surround a phase change reservoir (PCR), which is positioned at a central location of the inner chassis and contains frozen water or another phase change material. A thermal attenuation layer can be disposed between the PCR and each isothermal chamber to moderate energy transfer between the chamber and the PCR, thereby controlling the temperature range in each isothermal chamber. Methods for making and using the refrigeration system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronic component. The apparatus includes a liquid-cooled structure, a thermal conduction path coupling the electronic component and the liquid-cooled structure, a coolant loop in fluid communication with a coolant-carrying channel of the liquid-cooled structure, and an outdoor-air-cooled heat exchange unit coupled to facilitate heat transfer from the liquid-cooled structure via, at least in part, the coolant loop. The thermoelectric array facilitates transfer of heat from the electronic component to the liquid-cooled structure, and the heat exchange unit cools coolant passing through the coolant loop by dissipating heat from the coolant to outdoor ambient air. In one implementation, temperature of coolant entering the liquid-cooled structure is greater than temperature of the outdoor ambient air to which heat is dissipated.

Abstract: A bottom mount refrigerator is provided including a thermal battery or phase change material positioned within the refrigerator or freezer in order to increase energy efficiency and compartment sizes of the refrigerator. The thermal battery can be used with an ice maker to aid in removing heat from the water in the ice maker to produce ice. Furthermore, the phase change material or thermal battery may be used with a thermoelectric cooler to aid in ice production. The phase change material may be tuned to various temperatures according to the desired use of the phase change material, as well as the location of the thermal battery or phase change material. Other embodiments include positioning the phase change material in the liner of the compartments or in thermal storage units in order to further increase the energy efficiency of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A temperature adjustment device includes: at least one first Peltier unit having a heat absorption surface and a heat release surface; at least one second Peltier unit having a heat absorption surface and a heat release surface; a controller which controls the drive currents of the first Peltier unit and the second Peltier unit; a primary circulation mechanism which circulates a primary refrigerant between a first heat release block and a heat absorption block; at least one second heat release block which has a flow path through which a secondary refrigerant flows, receives heat from the heat release surface of the second Peltier unit and transmits the heat to the secondary refrigerant; a heat exchanger which receives the secondary refrigerant discharged from the second heat release block and releases heat; and a secondary circulation mechanism which circulates the secondary refrigerant between the second heat release block and the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heating and cooling cup holder may include a holder body having an opened upper end and a blast hole formed in a side surface of the holder body into which wind is introduced, a heat exchanging body having a front surface coupled to an outer side surface of the holder body to cover the blast hole and having an inlet formed in one side surface of the heat exchanging body to allow the wind introduced through the inlet to be heat-exchanged, a first peltier element having a front surface coupled to a rear surface of the heat exchanging body, a heat dissipating module coupled to a rear surface of the first peltier element, a second peltier element having an upper surface coupled to a lower surface of the holder body, and a heat pipe heat-exchangeably connecting a lower surface of the second peltier element to the heat dissipating module.

Abstract: A space efficient system especially suited for use as an entirely self-contained stand-alone unit usable in any of multiple contexts where heating or cooling of a defined-volume or enclosure is required. Hot or cold sides of the thermoelectric assemblies face toward one another into a central airflow that enters and exits a housing through a top or bottom of the housing that faces into the enclosure, and the opposite sides of the thermoelectric modules face into channels on opposite sides of the central airflow. The channels can be connected to intake and exhaust air through a common end of the housing, or be separated to individually intake and exhaust air at opposing ends of the housing. Fastener-free mounting of components between insulation shells that cooperate with the thermoelectric assemblies to define the channel boundaries results in tool-free configurability of components for servicing, maintaining, reconfiguring, scaling or customizing of the system.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled storage module is disclosed. In one embodiment, a storage module is provided comprising a memory, a temperature sensor, a thermoelectric cooler, and a controller. The controller compares a temperature reading from the temperature sensor to a target temperature. If the temperature reading differs from the target temperature, the controller activates the thermoelectric cooler. For example, if the temperature reading is higher than the target temperature, the thermoelectric cooler can be activated to cool the memory. This allows the memory (e.g., NAND die(s)) to operate in a narrow range of temperatures providing better system tradeoffs on memory (e.g., NAND) characteristics.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an electrostatic atomizing apparatus which is simply structured, is easy to assemble, is low in cost, has clogging resistance against foreign matter, can be used for a long time, and is highly reliable, or a home electrical appliance such as a refrigerator, air conditioner, etc. including the electrostatic atomizing apparatus. A discharge electrode formed of foam metal, whereto water that attaches to a surface is supplied by capillary action, a counter electrode provided so as to be opposed to the discharge electrode, and a water supply that is provided directly above the discharge electrode via a predetermined clearance, supplying water to the discharge electrode or the electrode holding part, are included.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to controlling multiple Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs) to maintain a set point temperature of a chamber. In one embodiment, a controller receives temperature data corresponding to a temperature of the chamber. Based on the temperature data, the controller selectively controls two or more subsets of the TECs to maintain the temperature of the chamber at a desired set point temperature. In this manner, the controller is enabled to control the TECs such that the TECs operate to efficiently maintain the temperature of the chamber at the set point temperature. In another embodiment, the controller selects one or more control schemes enabled by the controller based on temperature data and a desired performance profile. The controller then independently controls one or more subsets of the TECs according to the selected control scheme(s).

Abstract: A method for generating a thermal flow from a thermal module comprising at least two magnetocaloric elements connected, two-by-two, through which a heat transfer fluid flows and is exposed to a magnetic field. The circulation exposes alternating elements of the magnetocaloric elements to an opposite variation in the magnetic field, and causes the transfer fluid to circulate simultaneously and in opposite directions in such a manner that the fluid flowing out of one of the magnetocaloric elements, at the end of a heating phase, is circulated, during the following phase, in the following magnetocaloric elements exposed to heating, while the fluid flowing out of one of the magnetocaloric elements, at the end of a cooling phase, is circulated in the following element exposed to cooling, and conversely. The heat transfer fluid is stored an intermediate receiving area. This invention also relates to a thermal generator implementing the method.

Abstract: A thermoelectric unit including thermoelectric modules, cold side fins, a heat sink, a hot side heat absorption element, and an electronic controller. The heat absorption element includes a metal heat transfer structure, phase change material (PCM) and heat exchange medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid temperature controlling system and, more particularly, to a modular liquid temperature controlling system that is structured and/or configured to cool a volume of liquid stored in a container through direct contact with a portion of the system which utilizes at least one thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A heat dissipation device is mounted in a chassis of an information handling apparatus. The heat dissipation device includes a box and a cooling member, a first heat sink, a second heat sink, and a fan received in the box. A partitioning plate mounted inside the box. The box includes defines two air passage arranged at opposite sides of the partitioning plate. The cooling member is fixed to the partitioning plate. The first and second heat sinks are respectively received in the first and second air passages, and respectively abut cold and hot sides of the cooling member. The fan drives air to flow into the box through the first air passage to be cooled by the first heat sink. At the same time, the fan drives air to flow into the box through the second air passage to absorb heat from the second heat sink.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quickly drying porous materials. A sealable chamber is connected to a cold trap which is connected to a vacuum pump. A sample is placed inside the sealable chamber. The vacuum pump is turned on and air is evacuated through the cold trap to the vacuum pump. An infrared lamp may be used to heat the chamber and sample therein directly or heated air may be allowed to enter the sealable chamber. Air may be drawn directly from the sealable chamber to the vacuum pump bypassing the cold trap. Various parameters may be used to determine if the drying process is complete, including the degree of vacuum achieved in the chamber.

Abstract: Regulated cooling devices are described herein that are sized, shaped and calibrated for use with a substantially thermally sealed storage container. In some embodiments, the regulated cooling devices include a cooling region, an adiabatic region, a lid region, and an electronics unit attached to the lid region.

Abstract: An optical module to enhance the heat dissipating function is disclosed. The optical module includes an optical assembly, a heat spreader, and a holder. The optical assembly emits light and dissipates heat in directions opposite to each other. The heat spreader is attached to the bottom of the optical assembly to conduct heat from the optical assembly effective to the outside. The holder securely holds the intermediate assembly of the optical assembly and the heat spreader.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, thermally-conditioned device comprises a receptacle configured to receive an item, the receptacle comprising a wall, the wall comprising an exterior surface, wherein the receptacle comprises at least one thermally conductive material. The thermally-conditioned device further comprises a thermoelectric device secured to the exterior surface of the wall of the receptacle, and a liquid-loop heat exchange system comprising a cold plate adjacent the thermoelectric device, wherein the thermoelectric device is positioned between the wall of the receptacle and the cold plate, wherein the thermoelectric device is thermally conductive with both the receptacle and the cold plate.

Abstract: A thermal management system for a natural gas tank includes a container, and a cooling mechanism operatively positioned to selectively cool the container. A method for minimizing a loss of natural gas storage during refueling is also disclosed herein. In an example of the method, a cooling mechanism, which is operatively positioned to selectively cool a container of a natural gas storage tank, is initiated prior to a refueling event. This cools the container to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooling system includes a thermoelectric device that transfers heat from a cold side to a hot side via a Peltier effect, an air heat exchanger that transfers heat from air to the cold side, and a heat sink that transfers heat from the hot side to a fluid coolant. The system also includes a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of air, and a controller that controls a flow of electrical power to the thermoelectric device according to a temperature measurement. The system also transfers heat from the air heat exchanger to the heat sink via the thermoelectric device according to a heat conduction effect due to a temperature difference between the air heat exchanger and the fluid coolant. The controller may reduce an effective voltage across the thermoelectric device to reduce power consumption of the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: Attacks from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are one of the major causes of soldiers being killed in action (KIA) and wounded in action (WIA). Such improvised explosive devices can cause considerable damage, disability and death from a device as small as a cellular telephone, to several thousand pounds of explosive material, and linked military artillery munitions, capable of cutting armored vehicles in half, to completely destroying the vehicle and killing all occupants within. A wide range of protective wear/gear or garments, have been designed to shield against a percentage of explosive blast effects of smaller less lethal improvised explosive devices and munitions, in an effort to reduce human casualties associated with explosive ordnance disposal. However, such protective wear/gear or garments have failed to keep pace with the evolution of improvised explosive devices, their destructive capabilities, and the technical sophistication of those responsible for their creation and fabrication.

Abstract: An appliance that includes a vacuum insulated cabinet structure having an exterior wall and an interior wall with a vacuum therebetween that forms at least the back wall, bottom, right side, left side, and top of the appliance; and a dual cooling system that includes at least one vapor compression system portion configured to operate during a pull down mode and a thermoelectric portion configured to operate in a steady-state mode without the vapor compression system operating while providing sufficient cooling to offset the steady-state heat load of the appliance.

Abstract: A thermal control unit (TCU) for controlling temperature of a device under test (DUT) includes a sealed evaporation chamber disposed therein, the evaporation chamber configured with a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet; and at least one surface for thermal engagement of the device under test and configured to conduct heat to the evaporation chamber. A test system and a computer program product are disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoelectric wine pouch cooler/dispenser apparatus powered by household current has a thermally insulated cabinet that sits on a countertop or other flat surface and has a thermoelectric cooling system. The cabinet has at least one thermally insulated compartment that receives a removable bag support housing containing a collapsible flexible wine-filled bag from a “bag-in-box” wine container and its dispensing valve. The bag support housing includes a spring biased plate to facilitate emptying of the contents of the bag. The temperature of each compartment is individually controlled by a digital temperature controller and a thermoelectric cooling assembly which includes a fan and a cold plate engaged on a thermally conductive heat transfer block at the top of each compartment which engages the bag support housing.

Abstract: A refrigerator-oven combination for an aircraft galley food service system includes a housing with a thermally insulated compartment, a heating device for heating the compartment in a heating mode, and a refrigeration device for cooling the compartment in a refrigeration mode.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which is designed to separate water, hydrocarbons and gases, based on the electric characteristics of the materials; the device utilizes the different capacitance of water and hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A cold box having a cooling receptacle filled with a dry protective gas in which is accommodated a rack loaded with tube-shaped vessels. The cooling receptacle is covered by a displaceable lid which is associated with a lid part and which is preferably formed by an outer lid and a rotatable inner lid integrated in the outer lid so that the cooling receptacle is completely covered in every position of the lid. At least one of the through-holes provided in the inner lid can be arranged over a respective tube-shaped vessel by a coordinated displacement of the outer lid and rotation of the inner lid so that the tube-shaped vessel located under the through-hole in alignment therewith can be filled with a sample through the through-hole by means of a commercially available pipette tip/dispensing needle of an automated pipetting device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an energy efficient thermoelectric heat pump assembly. The thermoelectric heat pump assembly preferably comprises two to nine thermoelectric unit layers capable of active use of the Peltier effect; and at least one capacitance spacer block suitable for storing heat and providing a delayed thermal reaction time of the assembly. The capacitance spacer block is thermally connected between the thermoelectric unit layers. The present invention further relates to a thermoelectric transport and storage devices for transporting or storing temperature sensitive goods, for example, vaccines, chemicals, biologicals, and other temperature sensitive goods. Preferably the transport or storage devices are configured and provide on-board energy storage for sustaining, for multiple days, at a constant-temperature, with an acceptable temperature variation band.

Abstract: A refrigerated point-of-use food holding cabinet keeps food products cold in compartments having cross sections that are substantially U-shaped. Food products are kept refrigerated using heat-absorbing, Peltier devices thermally coupled to the U-shaped compartment. An optional cover helps prevent food flavor transfers between compartments. Semiconductor temperature sensors and a computer effectuate temperature control.

Abstract: In one aspect, an icemaker for making ice in a fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator comprises a freezer compartment comprising a freezer door, and a fresh food compartment located over the freezer compartment and comprising a fresh food door. The fresh food door comprises an ice dispenser. An ice maker is located in the fresh food compartment, and the ice maker comprises an ice mold, and a thermoelectric device for moving heat from the ice mold. The mold is positioned so that ice from the mold can be dispensed by the ice dispenser in the fresh food door.