Abstract: A storage insert for a top opening storage unit, such as a freezer, comprises an outer frame shaped to fit within the top-opening unit, and an inner frame movably mounted to the outer frame for up and down movement relative to the outer frame. Horizontal shelves are mounted on the inner frame, and a lifting assembly is operatively connected between the inner and outer frames to selectively raise and lower the inner frame relative to the outer frame.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar water cooler, which includes a water tank, a condensing panel, and an auxiliary refrigerating devices, wherein the water tank has an insulating panel transversely embedded into the water tank for separating the water tank into an upper cooling chamber and a lower chilling chamber, a pair of inner conduits for respectively communicating the cooling chamber to the chilling chamber, each of the cooling chamber and the chilling chamber has a water inlet port and a water outlet port, a plurality of conduits for respectively communicating the water tank to the condensing panel and the auxiliary refrigerating devices, wherein the auxiliary refrigerating device electrically powered by solar cells and by thermocells.

Abstract: A wine storage system is formed by a modular frame defined by upright members and cross members arranged to form a three dimensional array of compartments in rows and columns where the upright members and cross members have interconnections therebetween allowing addition of further members to form frames of different sizes in a modular construction. Each compartment is arranged to receive an independent wine cell having an insulated rectangular housing with a door and a semi-conductor or other based cooling element inside the housing for cooling the wine bottles. A modular electrical supply arrangement provides a single connection for the modular frame and a connector on each compartment for the housing as it slides into the compartment. Some of the housings can be replaced by less expensive knock down or collapsible non-cooling racks for temporary storage.

Abstract: A personal air conditioning system that may be used, for example, to cool a tent. The personal air conditioning system includes a cooling lid that fits over a typical insulated cooler. The cooling lid includes a heat transfer tower that is configured to transfer heat from a cold medium, such as ice, that is located within the cooler to an area within the cooling lid. A heat sink is provided at the top of the heat transfer tower and at least partially within the cooling lid. A fan is configured to draw air into the cooling lid, across the heat sink, and out of the cooling lid. The cooled air may then be used for cooling of a tent or other compartment, for example, or may be directed to blow on an individual.

Abstract: A number of compact, high-efficiency thermoelectric system utilizing the advantages of thermal isolation in the direction of a working medium flow or movement, in manufacturable systems, are described. Such configurations exhibit high system efficiency and power density. Several different embodiments and applications are disclosed utilizing a plurality of thermoelectric modules or thermoelectric elements sandwiched between heat exchangers.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler for maintaining intravenous (IV) solution within a temperature range of 1° C. to 4° C. for inducing rapid, emergency, point-of-injury, mild-to-moderate hypothermia. The thermoelectric cooler includes a substantially rectangular insulated container with a door extending in a vertical plane on the forward facing container wall and pivoting on a horizontal hinge located on the bottom edge of the door. The container is cooled by a thermoelectric module mounted between two heat exchangers and electrically powered fan assemblies. An electronic control unit controls the thermoelectric cooling module to maintain the interior of the insulated container and the IV solution within the set temperature range. The thermoelectric cooler has an exterior display panel with warning lights to visually communicate to the user if the interior temperature is in or out of range.

Abstract: In an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for providing chilling in a localized area comprises a chiller compartment and an independent cooling source thermally coupled to the chiller compartment by a thermally conductive interface. The cooling source provides a separate controllable temperature to the chiller compartment, which is adapted to be removably positioned in a selected temperature controlled environment. In another aspect a refrigerator comprises a freezer unit, a fresh food unit and a chiller compartment adapted to be removably positioned in either the freezer unit or the fresh food unit as a secondary chilling compartment. In another aspect a method of chilling comprises cooling a modular chiller compartment using an independent cooling source, chiller compartment being removably positioned within a temperature controlled environment and the cooling source and the chiller compartment being thermally coupled.

Abstract: A wine cooler is provided which may also function as a humidor. The wine cooler is embodied in a cabinet preferably made from wood. The cabinet includes a base and a lid. The wine cooler further includes a bottle tray positioned within an upper area of the base. The bottle tray includes a plurality of semicircular recesses formed in the tray, each of which are adapted to receive a wine bottle. A plurality of circulation slots are disposed through the bottle tray for assisting with air circulation within the wine cooler. The wine cooler further includes a thermoelectric cooling system comprising at least one thermoelectric couple, each thermoelectric couple having a cold and hot junction, wherein the cold junction is attached to the lower surface of the bottle tray and a first heat sink is attached to the hot junction, and wherein the at least one thermoelectric couple is adapted to be powered by a 12VDC source.

Abstract: An integrated liquid cooling device for electronic components addresses the need for efficient cooling created by ever increasing power densities of electronic components. The integrated liquid cooling device has a housing thermally connected to the electronic component, cooling liquid contained in the housing, a motor immersed in the cooling liquid and mounted to the housing, an impeller driven by the motor, and cooling surfaces on the exterior of the housing. The motor driven impeller creates a turbulent flow in the cooling liquid, which rapidly transfers heat from the electronic component and distributes it throughout the interior of the housing. The cooling surfaces on the exterior of the housing dissipate this heat, either by free or forced convection, into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A refrigerating appliance having a refrigerant circulation device arranged in the housing of the appliance and including a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser having an inner circuit and an outer circuit. The inner circuit is in communication with a region to be cooled, preferably the inner region of a control box, by a lateral wall of the appliance housing, an air inlet and an air outlet, the evaporator being associated with the inner circuit and the condenser of the refrigerant circulation device being associated with the outer circuit. According to this invention, all of the lateral walls, except the lateral wall comprising the air inlet and the air outlet of the appliance housing, are fully closed, and the condenser is formed as a base plate with integrated refrigerant lines. The base plate forms at least part of a lateral wall of the appliance housing. Refrigerating ribs protrude on the outer side thereof.

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.

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

Abstract: A device for storage of an opened food container such as a wine container. The device includes a housing for receiving the opened food container in a substantially vertical orientation. A poppet valve assembly is provided for insertion in an opening in the opened food container and biased to enable it to accommodate opened food containers of varying sizes. The device includes a pressurized source of heaver-than-air inert gas located within the housing, a regulator for reducing the pressure of the inert gas from a first pressure at the pressurized source of the heavier-than-air inert gas to second pressure at the poppet valve assembly. The poppet valve assembly also includes a spring-loaded check ball, low-pass port, shuttle and orifice to control pressure and flow path of the heavier-than-air inert gas and to direct the heavier-than-air inert gas to the opened food container thus displacing any air that may have been present therein through an exhaust port.

Abstract: Structural support apparatus with active or passive heat transfer system with a flexible insulated container, a rigid heat-conductive metallic element, a heat exchange system, where the metallic element structurally supports the container. The metallic element and container form a waterproof bond, and the metallic element and heat exchange system form a thermal bond. A preferred embodiment includes a flexible insulated container forming a closed volume with a plurality of flexible walls.

Abstract: A portable refrigeration apparatus includes a base defining an open interior cavity. An electric refrigeration unit is operably disposed in the base for cooling the contents of the interior cavity. A food container is configured to be removably disposed within the interior cavity of the base such that the cooled air is prevented from entering the food container and instead is trapped and circulated within the interior cavity surrounding the food container. A lid is positionable over the food container and configured to be removably placed onto an upper edge of the base or onto the food container to form a generally air-tight seal therebetween.

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

Abstract: Apparatus providing at least one thermoelectric device for pressurizing a liquefied gas container and methods employing same are disclosed. A thermoelectric device including a heating surface and a cooling surface is used for pressurizing a container by vaporizing liquefied gas within the container by transferring heat energy from a portion of the liquefied gas in contact with the cooling surface to another portion of the liquefied gas in contact with the heating surface of the thermoelectric device to convert some of the liquefied gas to a vapor state. Liquefied gas vapor and/or liquid phase may be supplied by disclosed apparatus and methods. The apparatus may also be used as a vapor pump or a liquid pump, or fluid pump. Methods of operation are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A system and apparatus for charging an electronic device using solar energy are disclosed. In one form, a portable storage apparatus operable to charge a battery associated with an electronic device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first material configured to provide a storage space for storing articles. The storage space includes an interior portion and an exterior portion. The apparatus further includes a first flexible solar panel coupled to an exterior portion of the portable storage apparatus and integrated as a part of the first material. A second positional solar panel is also provided and coupled to an interior portion of the portable storage apparatus. The apparatus further includes a universal 12-volt charge port coupled to the first and second solar panels and operable to receive a charge conductor for charging the electronic device.

Abstract: An automated storage library including: an enclosure having a cartridge storage area in an interior of the enclosure; a plurality of media cartridges disposed in the cartridge storage area; and a cooling unit operatively connected to the enclosure for cooling at least the cartridge storage area of the enclosure. Preferably, the enclosure has an exterior wall and the cooling unit is at least partially disposed in the exterior wall. More preferably, the cooling unit is a thermoelectric cooler having a hot side disposed on an exterior of the enclosure and a cold side disposed in the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus for use in measuring a rheological property of a test sample includes a receptacle for receiving the test sample and a heat conveying member in heat transfer relation to the receptacle. The heat conveying member has internal passages extending substantially equidistantly from one another through at least a portion of the heat conveying member to provide for counter-flow circulation of a fluid. The heat transfer apparatus may include heat exchanging elements in heat transfer relation to the receptacle responsive to electric current to transfer heat to or from the receptacle.

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

Abstract: A container (1) including a payload volume that, in use, is to maintain at least one environmental condition within the payload volume within a predetermined range of values, a sensor (13) for measuring the environmental condition within the payload volume, and a telecommunications device (19) adapted to transmit data relating to the environmental condition measured by the sensor (13) to a computerised monitoring system via a telecommunications network.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes at least one storage chamber for accommodating cosmetics. The refrigerator further includes electrical parts for maintaining cosmetics accommodated in the storage chamber at appropriate temperature, a control means for controlling operations of checking and displaying failures of the electrical parts, and a display unit for displaying the results of the checking of the failures.

Abstract: A food chiller including an enclosed container supported on a base receives a flow of cooling air from a Peltier effect thermoelectric module in the base through cool air inlet openings into the container. Air is returned from the container to the base by a fan mounted in the air duct system in communication with the cold sink of the thermoelectric device. In each of the disclosed embodiments, duct length is minimized and air flow into the container is optimized by air hole placement and orientation.

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

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

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

Abstract: A compact refrigeration unit attachable to furniture, medicine cabinets, backpacks or other pre-existing objects. The compact refrigeration unit includes racks or shelves specifically designed to hold cosmetics or medicines includes a security mechanism to prevent un-authorized access an information input assembly, and a display assembly to input and display information such as dosage, frequency, expiration date, interactions, etc. about the cosmetics or medicines stored in the compact refrigeration unit.

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

Abstract: A 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.

Abstract: An indirect thermoelectric cooling device comprises a thermoelectric cooling plate, in the indirect thermoelectric cooling device, a heat dispersing member is connected to the hot end of the thermoelectric cooling plate, and a cooling transmitting member is connected to the cold end of the thermoelectric cooling plate, characterized in that an inside mid-frame is provided between the heat dispersing member and cooling transmitting member, an outside mid-frame which is of a shape of sleeve is provided to surround the inside mid-frame, and the thermoelectric cooling plate is sandwiched between the inside mid-frame and the outside mid-frame. According to the present invention, there exist less connecting portions in the route of the cold or hot gas transferring, thus decreasing the heat resistant, and increasing the cooling or heating transmit efficiency, so that the heat dispersing and the cooling transmitting can be both realized in the same device.

Abstract: A refrigerator for cosmetics that has a storage chamber and a cooling unit to cool the storage chamber. The refrigerator includes an input unit, a storage unit, a temperature detecting unit and a control unit. The input unit receives one or more storage conditions from a user. The storage unit stores storage temperatures predetermined to correspond to possible storage conditions. The temperature detects unit detects a temperature of the storage chamber. The control unit controls an operation of the cooling unit on the basis of the storage conditions inputted through the input unit, a corresponding storage temperature stored in the storage unit and the temperature of the storage chamber detected by the temperature detecting unit.

Abstract: Transmission systems, components, and assemblies including a thermo-electric device which may include a variable duty cycle power supply and/or a variable hysteresis comparator in the form of a discrete component or embodied in digital or integrated form, such as in a processor. The systems, components, and assemblies may also include sensors that measure both chamber temperature and ambient temperature for thermo-stabilizing a device.

Abstract: A sectional refrigerator which comprises a plurality of cooling cabinets forming storage compartments with openings, and doors covering and uncovering the openings of the cooling cabinets, a cool air generating part generating cool air to refrigerate the storage compartments, and a cool air supplying part supplying the cool air generated in the cool air generating part into the storage compartments, wherein the plurality of cooling cabinets detachably connectable to each other in any orientation, forming a shape corresponding to a seating place of the sectional refrigerator. Thus, the present invention provides a refrigerator capable of change in size according to an area of a place for seating the refrigerator, and the present invention facilitates the utilization of the place the sectional refrigerator is seated on.

Abstract: A temperature controlled apparatus comprises a reversible solid state device having a first section and a second section; portions of the first and the second sections are disposed in intimate contact. The first section is disposed adjacent to a portion of an external wall surface of a compartment and the second section is disposed adjacent to a portion of an internal wall surface of the compartment. A compartment fan is disposed within the compartment. The reversible solid state device and the compartment fan are coupled to a controller. The controller is configured to modify a compartment air temperature inside the compartment by controlling the reversible solid state device and the compartment fan to flow a compartment air across the second section. The controller is configured to control the reversible solid state device and the compartment fan in at least one temperature operational mode.

Abstract: A food chiller including an enclosed container supported on a base receives a flow of cooling air from a Peltier effect thermoelectric module in the base through cool air inlet openings into the container. Air is returned from the container to the base by a fan mounted in the air duct system in communication with the cold sink of the thermoelectric device. In each of the disclosed embodiments, duct length is minimized and air flow into the container is optimized by air hole placement and orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to transmission systems, components, and assemblies including a thermoelectric assembly. The thermo-electric assembly may include a chamber and a thermo-electric device in thermal communication with the chamber, wherein the thermo-electric device forms part of a static H-bridge configuration. The assembly may also include a first temperature sensor in thermal communication with the chamber and a second temperature sensor in thermal communication with an ambient environment. A variable power supply having a power output connected to the thermo-electric device and having a control input is included, in addition to a linear driver having an output connected to the thermo-electric device.

Abstract: A thermally insulated container includes a payload volume (36) that, in use, is to be maintained within a predetermined temperature range, at least one heat reservoir (44, 54), and a control device (48, 58) for controlling the flow of heat between the payload volume (36) and the heat reservoir (44, 54) so as to maintain the temperature in the payload volume (36) within the predetermined range.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes at least one storage chamber for accommodating cosmetics. The refrigerator further includes electrical parts for maintaining cosmetics accommodated in the storage chamber at appropriate temperature, a control means for controlling operations of checking and displaying failures of the electrical parts, and a display unit for displaying the results of the checking of the failures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling system for cooling at least one wine or champagne container in a wine or champagne preservation and dispensing apparatus. The cooling system includes a housing; a container support mounted in the housing; a cool air generating unit mounted in the housing; and a circulator mounted in the housing. In one embodiment, the cool air generating unit generates cooled air. The cooled air is circulated in the housing by the circulator to cool the wine or champagne container on the container support. In another embodiment, the container support includes a removable divider which separates the container support into two areas where at least one wine or champagne container is included in each of the areas and at least one of the areas is adjacent to the circulator. The divider includes at least one air baffle to control the amount of generated cooled air circulated in each of the areas by the circulator.

Abstract: A portable thermoelectric cooling and heating appliance device and associated method of using the device are disclosed. The device comprises: a generally rectangular box, a hinge, a generally rectangular lid, a locking means, and a power cord. The box has a divider wall which defines a partition between a left and a right chamber within the box. The box further includes: an outer shell; an insulation layer; a inner shell; a power input plug; a first heat transfer unit; a first network of cooling/heating coils; a first control knob having a first voltage regulator and a first thermostat operationally connected to each other; a first spigot having a first button and a first drain; a second heat transfer unit; a second network of cooling/heating coils; a second control knob having a second voltage regulator and a second thermostat operationally connected to each other; and a second spigot having a second button and a second drain. The hinge is attached to the outer shell of the box.

Abstract: A fruit chiller includes a bowl-like fruit container and a removable cover, each of which has a two layer wall defining therebetween annular cooling air flow passages. Cool air is delivered from a lower base and, when the cover is on the container, cool air flows upwardly through the interconnected annular passages and into the container at the top of the cover. The air flows downwardly and exits the container at the bottom, thereby maximizing the distance between the cool air inlet and outlet to maximize the time the cool air remains within the container.

Abstract: A food chiller includes a container into which cool air is moved over the cold sink of a Peltier effect thermoelectric device and directly into the container. Return air from the container exits the bottom of the container directly into the fan for recirculation. Elimination of a long air duct system simplifies the construction and reduces heat loss.

Abstract: A spaced saving fruit chiller is adapted to be mounted under a covered or horizontal surface or placed in a corner on a counter. The interior of the container is cooled by a forced air flow utilizing a Peltier thermoelectric device, one wall of the container forming a wall of the air flow duct system and containing both the air inlet holes to the container and the air outlet holes from the container into the duct system.

Abstract: A fruit chiller has a semispherical bowl-like container for holding fruit or other food products with the bowl forming with the supporting base a cooling air supply passage. Cooling air flows into the bowl over the upper edge and variations in the cross section of the cooling air supply passage induces a turbulence in the cooling air that enhances air distribution and cooling efficiency.

Abstract: A food storage system mounted in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator includes an enclosure, as well as a food receptacle slidably positioned in the enclosure. A thermoelectric (TE) device is employed to establish a flow of temperature controlled air for establishing a desired temperature in the food receptacle. In accordance with one embodiment, the thermoelectric device is positioned in a chamber defined behind the food receptacle. In another embodiment, the thermoelectric device comprises a module located atop the enclosure.

Abstract: In a method of conducting thermal energy, a hollow member is formed from a heat-conducting material and has inner and outer walls that confine an enclosed chamber therebetween. The chamber is filled with a superconductor material. The hollow member is subjected to a thermal energy source. A thermal conductor formed according to the aforesaid method can be incorporated in a cooking utensil, or in an electrical appliance, to permit quick and efficient conduction of thermal energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling system for cooling at least one wine or champagne container in a wine or champagne preservation and dispensing apparatus. The cooling system includes a housing; a container support mounted in the housing; a cool air generating unit mounted in the housing; and a circulator mounted in the housing. In one embodiment, the cool air generating unit generates cooled air. The cooled air is circulated in the housing by the circulator to cool the wine or champagne container on the container support. In another embodiment, the container support includes a removable divider which separates the container support into two areas where at least one wine or champagne container is included in each of the areas and at least one of the areas is adjacent to the circulator. The divider includes at least one air baffle to control the amount of generated cooled air circulated in each of the areas by the circulator.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooling system integrating quantum cold point connections with lateral thermoelectric element formation. A preferred system has an n-type and p-type thermoelectric element, each connected to a common conducting section. The thermoelectric elements are each tapered at the end where they contact the common conducting section. The thermoelectric elements preferably all occupy substantially the same plane as each other and as the common conducting section.