Interior Of Enclosure Cooled; E.g., Refrigerator Patents (Class 62/3.6)
  • Publication number: 20140174100
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance comprises a freezer compartment in which air cooled by an evaporator is circulated by a fan and a thermoelectric device having a hot side in heat exchange relationship with the evaporator or with the freezer compartment and a cold side in heat exchange relationship with air within at least a portion of the freezer compartment in order to reduce temperature oscillations in the freezer compartment or in said portion thereof during evaporator defrost cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: CAROLINA BIOTTI, RAMEET SINGH GREWAL, MATTEO LUCIANO VANELLI
  • Patent number: 8756940
    Abstract: A temperature and humidity controlled housing for storing and preserving wine bottles. The housing defines a storage compartment having front and rear temperature control chambers and wherein the rear chamber is also humidity controlled. A division wall having passages provided with a flexible sealing component receives bottles on supports associated with each of the passages and a cubic chamber structure in the rear chamber. The bottle necks engage the seals which, together with the division wall, substantially seal the front chamber from the rear chamber while the spout end portion of the wine bottles is supported in the rear humidified chamber. The housing may be used in a modular assembly. The method of use is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Intelligent Cellars Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Doucet, Laurent Senee
  • Publication number: 20140165608
    Abstract: A device for supporting a person may include a thermoelectric generator configured to receive heat provided from the person. The device may further include a first heat conductor overlapping the first thermoelectric generator and configured to conduct the heat to the thermoelectric generator. The device may further include a second heat conductor overlapping the first heat conductor and configured to conduct the heat to the first heat conductor. The first heat conductor may be disposed between the first thermoelectric generator and the second heat conductor. The second heat conductor may be softer than the first heat conductor. The device may further include a heat sink thermally connected to the first thermoelectric generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: YI-MING TSENG
  • Publication number: 20140150461
    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, heat-exchangers thermally coupled to the U-shaped compartment. Refrigeration is provided by either a conventional reversed-Brayton cycle, one or more Peltier devices or a chilled, re-circulating liquid that does not change phase as it circulates but which is chilled by another refrigeration system, such as a conventional refrigeration system. An optional cover helps prevent food flavor transfers between compartments. Semiconductor temperature sensors and a computer effectuate temperature control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Loren Veltrop
  • Publication number: 20140150462
    Abstract: A refrigerator that has a fresh food compartment, a freezer compartment, and a door that provides access to the fresh food compartment is disclosed. An icemaker is mounted remotely from the freezer compartment. The icemaker includes an ice mold with an icemaking cycle having a liquid to ice phase change. A thermoelectric device has a cold side and a warm side. A controller is in operable communication with an input to the thermoelectric device. A sensor is in operable communication with the input to the thermoelectric device and the controller. A feedback response from the input to the thermoelectric device monitors the liquid to ice phase change of the icemaking cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: PATRICK J. BOARMAN, GREGORY G. HORTIN
  • Publication number: 20140150472
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: PATRICK J. BOARMAN
  • Publication number: 20140130526
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container device (1) for transport of a good to be cooled, such as a medicine, comprising a closable holding space (2) for the good to be cooled, a heat conductor (3), adjacent to the holding space, a heat buffer (5), thermally isolated from an environment of the container device and a heat pump, in thermal contact with the heat conductor, and the heat buffer, and configured for detracting heat from the holding space and transferring the heat to the heat buffer. The invention further relates to a method for transporting a good to be cooled, such as a medicine, comprising placing a good in a holding space of a above described device, distracting heat from the holding space with the heat pump via the heat conductor and delivering the distracted heat by the heat pump to the heat buffer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: PHARMA COOLING B.V.
    Inventor: Rene Kerkmans
  • Publication number: 20140123683
    Abstract: A thermoelectric cooling device comprises a liquid heat exchanger, at least two air heat exchangers, and at least two thermoelectric modules. The liquid heat exchanger includes a liquid circulation path through which liquid coolant flows to exchange heat with the liquid heat exchanger. Air flows over each of the air heat exchangers to exchange heat with the respective air heat exchanger. A first thermoelectric module is thermally coupled on a first side with a first side of the liquid heat exchanger and on a second side with a first air heat exchanger to transfer heat between the air heat exchanger and the liquid heat exchanger. A second thermoelectric module is thermally coupled on a first side with a second side of the liquid heat exchanger and on a second side with the second air heat exchanger to transfer heat between the air heat exchanger and the liquid heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Kai S. Hou, Qiao Lu, Edward M. Stoebner, Patricia Gary, William Godecker, Eric Mickelson
  • Patent number: 8695353
    Abstract: Techniques are generally described for devices for cooling using electrocaloric material as refrigerant and methods for cooling using electrocaloric material. An example cooling system may comprise a refrigerant unit having an electrocaloric membrane disposed between a heat sink and a cooling load. The electrocaloric membrane may alternate between thermal contact with the heat sink and cooling load. The electrocaloric membrane may also be subjected to alternating electric fields for polarizing and depolarizing the electrocaloric membrane in a manner that promotes heat transfer from the cooling load to the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Vincenzo Casasanta
  • Patent number: 8677767
    Abstract: This invention relates to providing energy efficient thermo-electric heat pump systems for iso-thermal transport and storage, of perishable goods, such as vaccines, chemicals, biologicals, and other temperature sensitive goods. Also this invention relates to providing energy efficient iso-thermal transport and storage systems, of perishable goods, which are compact, light weight. This invention further relates to providing on-board energy storage for sustaining, for multiple days, the ability of such iso-thermal transport and storage systems to maintain temperature sensitive goods at a constant-temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Tayfun Ilercil, Alp Ilercil
  • Publication number: 20140075963
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: PATRICK J. BOARMAN
  • Patent number: 8671697
    Abstract: Techniques herein describe a pumping system, adapted to reduce or eliminate fluid cavitation. Optionally, the pumping system is adapted for application to a passive fluid recovery system. In one example, the pumping system includes a pump and a thermal sub-cooling device. The thermal sub-cooling device may sub-cool fluid input to a pump and heat fluid output from the pump, particularly under start-up conditions. In a further example, a controller manages power supplied to both the pump and the thermal sub-cooling device, to transition from an ambient temperature start-up condition to an elevated temperature operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Sammy Lee Zimmerman, Charles L Tilton
  • Patent number: 8656725
    Abstract: A thermal generator (1) comprises at least one thermal flow generation unit (2) that is provided with at least one thermal module (3) each containing a magnetocaloric member (4) through which a coolant flows. A magnetic arrangement (9) is actuated for alternatively subjecting each magnetocaloric member (4) to a variation in magnetic field, the alternating movement of the coolant is synchronized with the magnetic field variation, the magnetocaloric member (4) is integrated into a closed flow circuit (6) that connects the two opposite ends (7) of the magnetocaloric member (4), and the closed circuit includes a single element (5) for moving the coolant through the magnetocaloric member (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cooltech Applications Société par actions simplifiée
    Inventors: Christian Muller, Jean-Claude Heitzler
  • Patent number: 8646282
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventors: Alp Ilercil, Tayfun Ilercil
  • Publication number: 20130340969
    Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is an article, the article comprising: a material, which adjusts at least one surface property in response to a climate condition to affect energy exchange between the exterior and the interior of the article. Another embodiment provides a structure, comprising: a building facade envelope, comprising a material: wherein the envelope adjusts at least one surface property in response to a climate condition, to affect energy exchange between the exterior and the interior of the envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Jason Vollen, Kelly Winn, Anna Dyson, Ted Ngai
  • Patent number: 8613200
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include systems for heating and cooling the interior climate of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the system comprises a conduit having a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, a fluid diversion channel configured to divert fluid flow between the first and second channels, and a thermoelectric device operatively connected to the fluid conduit. In certain embodiments, the thermoelectric device comprises a plurality of thermal zones. In some embodiments, the plurality of thermal zones comprises a first thermal zone connected to a first electric circuit switchable between a first polarity and a second polarity and a second thermal zone connected to a second electric circuit switchable between the first polarity and the second polarity independent of the polarity of the first electric circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: BSST LLC
    Inventors: John LaGrandeur, Lon E. Bell
  • Publication number: 20130327064
    Abstract: An end table with a concealed built-in refrigerator unit for use next to a chair, sofa, or bed with a front door that opens down like a dishwasher door for easy access to the interior compartment of the refrigerator unit to retrieve canned and bottled beverages or food, while in a seated position. The built-in refrigerator of the end table has a thermoelectric Danby Diplomat type cooling system for maximum efficiency in cooling and whisper soft operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas C. Stein
  • Publication number: 20130319015
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for thermal management of a precursor for use in substrate processing are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for thermal management of a precursor for use in substrate processing may include a body having an opening sized to receive a storage container having a liquid or solid precursor disposed therein, the body fabricated from thermally conductive material; one or more thermoelectric devices coupled to the body proximate the opening; a heat sink coupled to the one or more thermoelectric devices; and a fan disposed proximate to a back side of the heat sink to provide a flow of air to the heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: DAVID K. CARLSON, ERROL ANTONIO C. SANCHEZ, KENRIC CHOI, MARCEL E. JOSEPHSON, DENNIS DEMARS, EMRE CUVALCI, MEHMET TUGRUL SAMIR
  • Publication number: 20130291561
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Phononic Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse W. Edwards, M. Sean June, Robert Joseph Therrien, Abhishek Yadav
  • Publication number: 20130291564
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a thermoelectric cooling system with improved performance. The thermoelectric cooling system comprises a thermoelectric cooling unit. The thermoelectric cooling unit comprises a thermoelectric device, heat pipes, condenser fins, a cold sink and a cold fan. The thermoelectric cooling unit can be easily assembled with a chamber which contains a fluid to be cooled. The thermoelectric cooling system comprises screws to attach the thermoelectric cooling unit to the chamber, and sealant rings to prevent heat leakage in the thermoelectric cooling system. Further, the present disclosure provides a thermoelectric cooling system with a freezer part and a refrigerator part. The freezer part encloses the cold sink and the cold fan. The freezer part is cooled by the thermoelectric device, and the refrigerator part is cooled by walls of the freezer part. Further, the present disclosure provides a thermoelectric cooling system for use as a wine cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Sheetak, Inc.
    Inventors: Uttam Ghoshal, Ayan Guha, Himanshu Pockhama
  • Publication number: 20130276465
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. In the refrigerator, cool air within the heat exchange chamber is supplied into a drawer assembly disposed inside a storage space, and also the inside of the drawer assembly is cooled using a thermoelectric module to quickly cooling the inside of the drawer assembly. Thus, food storage performance may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jaehoon Shin, Yanggyu Kim, Yongjoo Park
  • Patent number: 8561416
    Abstract: A method for managing thermal energy in an internal combustion engine including an exhaust gas recirculation system and an engine cooling system includes recirculating a portion of an exhaust gas through the exhaust gas recirculation system that is in thermal communication with a first side of a thermoelectric device, flowing an engine coolant into thermal communication with a second side of a thermoelectric device, and controlling electric current between an electrical energy storage device and the thermoelectric device to transfer thermal energy between the recirculated exhaust gas and the engine coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xin He, Alexander Knafl, Russell P. Durrett
  • Publication number: 20130269368
    Abstract: A thermal plate for a substrate support assembly in a semiconductor plasma processing apparatus, includes multiple independently controllable planar thermal zones arranged in a scalable multiplexing layout, and electronics to independently control and power the planar heater zones. Each planar thermal zone uses at least one Peltier device as a thermoelectric element. A substrate support assembly in which the thermal plate is incorporated has an electrostatic clamping electrode layer and a temperature controlled base plate. Methods for manufacturing the thermal plate include bonding together ceramic or polymer sheets having planar thermal zones, positive, negative and common lines and vias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Keith William GAFF, Keith Comendant, Anthony Ricci
  • Patent number: 8555656
    Abstract: A thermally conductive cup and holder for maintaining a temperature of a cold or hot beverage in the cup includes a thermally conductive cup or mug having an open or closed top, a closed bottom and an upper and lower portion between the top and bottom. The lower portion and bottom of the cup are made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum while the upper portion includes a ceramic layer or coating. The cup holder includes a heat conductive liner engaging the bottom and lower portion of the cup and an on/off switch and a polarity switch to select heat or refrigeration. A thermal electric device maintains a hot or cold beverage at a pre-selected temperature and is connected to a computer or other source of electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Qasem A. Al-Qaffas
  • Patent number: 8555657
    Abstract: An environment control apparatus for cultivating plants includes a casing having a bottom with first and second holes. A thermoelectric cooling module is mounted in the first hole and includes first and second sides. The first side faces the casing. A temperature control pipe includes two ends connected to a heat reservoir. The temperature control pipe includes a heat exchanging section in contact with the second side of the thermoelectric cooling module. A first power device is mounted on the temperature control pipe. An auxiliary heat pipe includes two ends connected to the heat reservoir. The auxiliary heat pipe includes a heat dissipating section located in the second hole. A processor is coupled to the thermoelectric cooling module and the first power device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: National Pingtung University of Science and Technology
    Inventor: Chung-Liang Chang
  • Publication number: 20130247590
    Abstract: A dynamic chilled mini-bar includes: a cover; a movable compartment translatable to expose an interior thereof from behind the cover; and a cooling device operable to cool the interior of the movable compartment. A piece of integrated entertainment equipment in a vehicle includes: a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on the integrated entertainment equipment; and an actuator coupled with at least one of a side of the integrated entertainment equipment and the movable compartment, the actuator being operable to translate the movable compartment. A method of operating a dynamic chilled mini-bar includes: receiving an input signal to translate a movable compartment of the dynamic chilled mini-bar from a first position to a second position with respect to a cover of the dynamic chilled mini-bar; and linearly translating the movable compartment to the second position according to the input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Qiao Lu, William Godecker, Javier Valdes De La Garza
  • Patent number: 8516832
    Abstract: A controller for a thermoelectric cooling system comprises a sensor input that receives input from a sensor that measures a performance parameter of a thermoelectric cooling system. The thermoelectric cooling system comprises a plurality of thermoelectric devices electrically coupled in a combination of in series and in parallel with one another and electrically driven by a common driver. The controller also comprises a voltage control signal output, a processor, and a non-transitory memory having stored thereon a program executable by the processor to perform a method of controlling the thermoelectric cooling system. The method comprises receiving sensor data from the sensor input, determining a parameter of the voltage control signal based on the input sensor data, and transmitting a voltage control signal having the parameter to the driver to control heat transfer by the plurality of thermoelectric devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Vishal Bhavsar, Qiao Lu, William Godecker
  • Patent number: 8468837
    Abstract: A high efficiency thermoelectric cooling system and method is described. The cooling system has a thermoelectric module having a semi-conductor body sandwiched in contact between a pair of thermally conductive plates. A smooth continuous variable output direct current source supplies the semi-conductor body to attenuate thermal stress in the conductive plates due to temperature differential fluctuation across the plates. Current flow in the semi-conductor body transfers heat from one plate to the other plate. A cold heat sink absorbs heat from the cold plate. A heat convection assembly, including a hot heat sink, evacuates heat from the hot plate. The thermoelectric cooling device is secured to a wall of an insulated enclosure. An air convection housing may b provided to evacuate heat from the hot heat sink using an outside air supply or ambient air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Claude Pinet
  • Publication number: 20130133339
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is hot/cold test equipment for a Nand Flash Memory. The test equipment includes a mounting unit that contains the Nand Flash Memory together with a socket to test whether the memory is defective or not, a chamber provided above the mounting unit and moving up and down to come into contact with the socket and thereby provide a target temperature, and a temperature display displaying the target temperature. The chamber includes a block inserted into the socket, a thermoelectric element seated on an upper portion of the block, a water jacket seated on an upper portion of the thermoelectric element and circulating cooling water therein, and a cooling fan provided in the water jacket to blow air downwards, with a discharge hole being formed on a lower surface of the block to discharge nitrogen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: ENC TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: DOO-HAN KIM
  • Publication number: 20130133441
    Abstract: A thermophoretic sampler includes a sample assembly into which a removable sample cartridge can be inserted. The sample cartridge holds a substrate that, upon insertion, is exposed to a sample chamber. Thermophoresis is induced in the sample chamber, causing nanoparticles to be deposited on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicants: RJ LEE GROUP, COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: John Volckens, Gary Casuccio, Henry P. Lentz, Anthony Marchese, John T. Mastovich, Daniel David Miller-Lionberg, Judith Chun-Hsu Yang
  • Patent number: 8438862
    Abstract: A thermal-protection apparatus disposed in a vehicle cabin or storage compartment includes a housing enveloping a chamber in which a thermally-sensitive consumer electronic device is received, a thermoelectric module mounted in a wall of the housing, and a remote electronic controller and power source coupled to the housing via an electrical cable for activating the thermoelectric module, and optionally the consumer electronic device, in a manner to prevent the temperature in the chamber from exceeding a prescribed maximum operating temperature of the consumer electronic device or falling below a prescribed minimum operating temperature of the consumer electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Oman, Craig A. Tieman, Michel F. Sultan, Dale L. Partin, Bruce A. Myers
  • Patent number: 8429920
    Abstract: A magnetic refrigeration device for cooling a thermal load including a magnetic screening cage containing means for generating at least one magnetic field, first and second elements made from magnetocaloric material placed fixedly in said magnetic field, thermal conductors connecting one of said elements made from magnetocaloric material to a cold source, and means for suspending elements made from magnetocaloric material. The second element made from magnetocaloric material is housed in a cavity delineated internally by the first element made from magnetocaloric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Duval
  • Patent number: 8424316
    Abstract: A portable cooled merchandizing unit including a product container assembly and a thermoelectric assembly. The product container assembly includes an exterior frame and an interior container forming a floor and side panels defining an interior region. Openings to the interior region are defined opposite the floor. Airflow paths are defined at an exterior of the panels and are fluidly connected to the interior region via the opening. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device connected to a heat sink that is fluidly connected to the airflow path away from the opening. A fan is positioned to circulate air from the thermoelectric device and into the interior region via the airflow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Tuszkiewicz, Galen Hersey, Thomas P. Meehan, Mark Bedard
  • Patent number: 8418477
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Quixotic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Klein, Bhagavathi P. Natarajan
  • Publication number: 20130086923
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a thermoelectric system comprises a thermoelectric device having a first surface and a second surface and a power source configured to deliver a voltage across the thermoelectric device to selectively activate or deactivate the thermoelectric device, wherein the first surface is configured to heat and the second surface is configured to cool when the thermoelectric device is activated. The system further comprises a processor configured to determine a potential between the first surface and the second surface when the thermoelectric device is deactivated, correlate the potential to a temperature of the first surface and adjust the correlated temperature of the first surface based on an ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventor: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
  • Patent number: 8408013
    Abstract: A portable moisture trap for use with a vacuum pump includes: a housing; a cooling chamber positioned at least partially within the housing including a first inlet port and a second outlet port; a lid that sealably attaches to a top portion of the cooling chamber to seal the cooling chamber; a heat sink residing under the cooling chamber; a thermoelectric device having an upper cooling side and a lower heat generating side residing between the cooling chamber and the heat sink; a fan oriented to blow air upwardly toward the heat sink; and a baffle extending downwardly in the cooling chamber from a location proximate the lid to a location proximate an inner bottom surface of the cooling chamber, with the baffle configured to define a physical barrier to urge air received through the first port to flow down toward the inner bottom surface of the cooling chamber before exiting through the second port, to thereby remove moisture from air traveling through the cooling chamber in response to a vacuum pump in fluid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Instrotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Muse, Johnny Gordon Williams, Jr., Ali Regimand, Lawrence H. James
  • Publication number: 20130047630
    Abstract: A vapor cycle refrigeration system includes a thermoelectric device (TED) as a sub-cooler to sub-cool liquid refrigerant exiting a condenser to increase cooling capacity of an evaporator and pull down temperature within a refrigerated compartment quickly. The TED sub-cooler is turned off after initial temperature pull down and is not operated during steady state operation for maintenance of the compartment temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Qiao Lu
  • Publication number: 20130025295
    Abstract: A temperature control element for a vehicle is provided that includes a first Peltier element layer, a second Peltier element layer, a first electrically conductive heat conductor layer for conducting a first heat transfer fluid and a second electrically conductive heat conductor layer for conducting a second heat transfer fluid, wherein the first Peltier element layer, the second Peltier element layer, the first heat conductor layer, and the second heat conductor layer are disposed in the form of a stack, so that the first heat conductor layer and/or the second heat conductor layer is disposed between the first Peltier element layer and the second Peltier element layer, and wherein an electrical current conducted through the stack brings about a temperature control of the first heat conductor layer and the second heat conductor layer due to a Peltier effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: BEHR GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Behr GmbH & Co. KG
  • Publication number: 20130008182
    Abstract: A self-contained temperature controlled system and apparatus is disclosed. Example embodiments of the invention provide a system for operating a self-contained temperature controlled apparatus comprising at least one compartment, a predetermined temperature condition for the compartment, a sensor for detecting the temperature of the compartment, and at least one device for controlling the temperature of the compartment so that the predetermined temperature condition is met, wherein the system optionally comprises an on-board electrical power source. In some embodiments, the device for controlling the temperature of the compartment comprises an on-board refrigerant source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Hrudka
  • Publication number: 20130008181
    Abstract: A thermoelectric device comprising an elongated panel, formed of a thermally insulating material, and having a plurality of thermoelectric elements comprising compacted conductors inside the insulating material and expanded conductors outside the insulating material wherein the thermoelectric elements run substantially parallel to or at an acute angle relative to the long dimension of the panel. The thermoelectric device may be integrated into a variety of surfaces or enclosures needing heating or cooling with controls and configurations to optimize the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Tarek Makansi, Michael J. Berman, John Latimer Franklin, Mark Nelsen Evers, Steven Wood
  • Patent number: 8347781
    Abstract: A food cooling device includes a cover, an electric motor powering a fan, and an automatic switch. The cover defines air intake openings beneath a motor housing, a bottom orifice, and vents between the air intake openings and the orifice. The bottom opening rests on a table, covering a plate containing hot food. A fan blade directs air toward the food, the air cools the food, and the heated air escapes through the vents. The cooling device is portable, light in weight, and easy to operate, making it suitable for use by small children as well as handicapped persons of all ages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: William Joseph Stack
  • Patent number: 8341967
    Abstract: A heat-dissipating device (1) includes a casing (10) and a thermal insulation plate (20) provided within the casing (10). The thermal insulating plate (20) divides the interior of the casing (10) into a first accommodating space (101) and a second accommodating space (102). A hot air outlet (121) and a first air inlet (122) of the casing (10) are in communication with the first accommodating space (101). A cold air outlet (110) and a second air inlet (123) of the casing (10) are in communication with the second accommodating space (102). A thermoelectric cooling chip (30) is disposed in a through-hole (200) of the thermal insulation plate (20) and has a hot-end surface (31) facing the first accommodating space (101) and a cold-end surface (32) facing the second accommodating space (102). A heat-dissipating module (40) is received in the first accommodating space (101). A cold-airflow supplying module (50) is received in the second accommodating space (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Golden Sun News Techniques Co., Ltd., Cpumate Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Hung Cheng, Ken Hsu, Chen-Hsiang Lin, Kuo-Len Lin
  • Publication number: 20120312030
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventor: Qiao Lu
  • Publication number: 20120304667
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body in which a first storage compartment is defined, and a heat exchange chamber defined in the main body. An evaporator received in the heat exchange chamber. A second storage compartment is provided in the first storage compartment and a quick cooling module to cool an inside of the second storage compartment is provided, where the quick cooling module heat-exchanges with a refrigerant pipe of the evaporator. The quick cooling module includes a thermal conductive unit in thermal conduction with the refrigerant pipe, and a thermoelectric device having a first surface in thermal conduction with the thermal conductive unit to heat-exchange with the thermal conductive unit when current is supplied and a second surface facing the second storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Jaehoon Shin, Yanggyu Kim, Heayoun Sul, Yongjoo Park
  • Publication number: 20120297795
    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, heat-exchangers thermally coupled to the U-shaped compartment. Refrigeration is provided by either a conventional reversed-Brayton cycle, one or more Peltier devices or a chilled, re-circulating liquid that does not change phase as it circulates but which is chilled by another refrigeration system, such as a conventional refrigeration system. An optional cover helps prevent food flavor transfers between compartments. Semiconductor temperature sensors and a computer effectuate temperature control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: PRINCE CASTLE, INC.
    Inventor: Loren Veltrop
  • Publication number: 20120297794
    Abstract: Kits for constructing a modular merchandizing unit include panels, frame members, joint pieces, and a cooling device. The frame members have a lengthwise shape defining outer and inner panel mounting assemblies and a joint capture region. The mounting assemblies include opposing legs extending from a base web to define a panel engagement region. The joint pieces each include a block core and orthogonally arranged plug assemblies projecting from faces of the core. The plug assemblies mate with the joint capture region. Construction of a unit from the kit includes the frame members retaining selected panels as paired inner and outer panels within corresponding engagement regions. The joint pieces interconnect the frame members and paired panels to form a cabinet. The cooling device is mounted the cabinet. A door assembly can also be mounted to the cabinet. Optionally, foam insulation is dispensed between the paired panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL MILLS, INC.
    Inventors: George A. Tuszkiewicz, Mark Bedard
  • Publication number: 20120285942
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: BE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventors: William Godecker, Farzin Kohanloo
  • Publication number: 20120285872
    Abstract: A sample manager of a liquid chromatography system implements a thermal system that uses a dual-loop feedback control system to control temperature within a thermal chamber. The sample manager includes an external heatsink disposed externally to the thermal chamber, an internal heatsink disposed within the thermal chamber, and one or more thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to the external and internal heatsinks to transfer heat therebetween in response to a pulse-width modulated power signal. A first temperature sensor disposed within the thermal chamber continuously measures a chamber temperature. A second temperature sensor coupled to the internal heatsink within the thermal chamber continuously measures temperature at the internal heatsink. A feedback control system controls a duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated power signal in response to a target chamber temperature and real-time temperature measurements produced by the first and second temperature sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua A. Shreve, Steven J. Ciavarini
  • Publication number: 20120279233
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy J. CHAINER, David P. GRAYBILL, Madhusudan K. IYENGAR, Vinod KAMATH, Bejoy J. KOCHUPARAMBIL, Roger R. SCHMIDT, Mark E. STEINKE
  • Publication number: 20120260672
    Abstract: A refrigeration device for compostable materials, comprising, a recycling bin adapted to receive compostable materials, a liner element adapted to receive the recycling bin; and refrigeration means adapted for cooling the liner element wherein when compostable materials are positioned within the recycling bin and the recycling bin is positioned within the liner element, the refrigeration means cools the liner element, the recycling bin and the compostable materials positioned therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Jason Goodwin, Reginald Joseph Leblanc