Abstract: Described herein is a temperature control system for cooling magnetic elements (14) in MRI apparatus (10). The control system comprises a wax (16) in contact with the elements (14) which is substantially maintained at its phase transition temperature between a solid state and a liquid state, but in a substantially solid state. A sensor (18) is immersed in the wax (16) and operates to provide a signal on the change of state of the wax (16). The sensor (18) is connected to a controller (20) which controls the operation of a heating element (26) also immersed in the wax (16) to control the temperature thereof. When the MRI apparatus is operational, heat is generated by the magnetic elements (14) is used to change the wax (16) to a liquid, this change being detected by the sensor (18) which sends signals to the controller (20) to turn off the heating element (26).

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: An apparatus for cooling selected elements within an integrated circuit, such as active transistors or passive circuit elements used in a radio frequency integrated circuit is provided. In one embodiment, the cooling apparatus includes a cold plate thermally coupled to the region proximate the integrated circuit element, a thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to the cold plate; and a hot plate thermally coupled to the thermoelectric cooler. Heat is removed from the integrated circuit element through the cold plate and transmitted to the hot plate through the thermoelectric cooler. In one form, the hot plate is located or coupled to an exterior surface of an integrated circuit, such that heat transmitted to the ambient from the integrated circuit element is dissipated into the atmosphere surrounding the integrated circuit. In another form, the hot plate is embedded in the integrated circuit substrate to locally cool elements of the integrated circuit while dumping the heat into the substrate.

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: An apparatus and method for actively reducing the temperature gradient of a substrate. The substrate is placed in thermal contact with a heat dissipation structure so as to dissipate heat from the substrate. Current is passed through a thermoelectric device, so as to provide cooling to at least one hot spot on the substrate.

Abstract: A cooling and heating apparatus using a thermoelectric module, in which the thermoelectric module, a heat emitting member and a heat conducting block are integrated into a single unit, to improve the performance and durability of the thermoelectric module. The cooling and heating apparatus includes a thermoelectric module. The heat emitting member is attached to a first surface of the thermoelectric module. The heat conducting block is attached to a second surface of the thermoelectric module. The heat absorbing member is attached to the heat conducting block. A cover integrates the thermoelectric module and the heat conducting block into the single unit by fixedly covering side surfaces of the thermoelectric module and the heat conducting block and a part of an inner surface of the heat emitting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoelectric cooler, and more particularly, to a thermoelectric cooler, in which a thermoelectric module is applied to a blow system of a fan blade set and a motor, for converting a current blow system into a blow system having a cooling function with a low noise. To do this, the present invention provides a thermoelectric cooler including a thermoelectric module having thermoelectric elements each for absorbing or dissipating a heat at a junction of two different metal depending on a direction of a current flowing through the junction, a fan blade set for blowing air cooled at a heat absorption side of the thermoelectric module to a desired place, and a motor for giving a rotating force to the fan blade set.

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: 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: A heat exchanger using thermoelectric structures is provided for cooling a heat generating component of an electronic device. The heat exchanger includes a row of spaced passages, for example, formed by two or more separate tubes or a single coiled tube, for carrying a first cooling fluid. The heat exchanger further includes a thermoelectric structure disposed between adjacent spaced passages and exposed to a second cooling fluid. In one embodiment, the heat exchange also includes fins disposed between the same adjacent spaced passages so that the thermoelectric structure is disposed between the adjacent passages and the fins.

Abstract: A method which extends the useful life of a lead-acid type battery by applying conductive cooling or heating directly to the bottom surface of the battery to maintain the battery at a constant temperature of about 25° C. regardless of the ambient temperature surrounding the battery. The method for thermally managing the battery comprises the steps of providing an equipment cabinet having an equipment chamber, providing the cabinet with a battery compartment exposed to ambient temperature changes, providing the battery, placing the battery in the battery compartment, providing a cold plate having a surface substantially coextensive with the surface of the battery, placing the surface of the cold plate in direct contact with the surface of the battery, providing a heating pad, placing the heating pad in direct contact with the cold plate, providing an insulation pad, and placing the insulation pad between the heating pad and a mounting for the cabinet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulated container, particularly a cooler bag, for the refrigerated transportation of foods, substances and/or articles, having a jacket surrounding a transportation space or area and a closable opening is provided in the jacket for accessing the transportation space. According to the invention the insulated container is characterized in that in the transportation space is received an active cooling device with a heat exchange device, that in the jacket there is at least one recess and that the recess is constructed for receiving and passing to the outside the heat exchange device.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a housing that defines an enclosable storage space. The refrigerator includes a closed manifold which defines a chamber to contain refrigerant. The chamber is made up of three parts, a cooling pipe, a head pipe, and one or more heat pipes to communicate fluid between the cooling and head pipes. The heat pipes are flat, elongated, and are divided internally to form capillary channels to permit flow of refrigerant between the cooling and head pipes. An array of thermoelectric modules contacts a surface of the manifold to chill refrigerant within the manifold. A pump or compressor is not required to circulate the refrigerant within the system. A blower forces an air stream to cool the heating faces of the thermoelectric modules. A control unit may be used to maintain the operating temperature of the refrigerator. A refrigerator may be portable, with a portable power source or adapters. The manifold design is useful for modular refrigerator appliance designs.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooler and a system and method for fabricating the thermoelectric cooler are provided. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric cooler includes a first magnetic element, a second magnetic element composed of magnetic or magnetically susceptible material, a first thermoelectric sub-component, and a second thermoelectric sub-component. The first thermoelectric sub-component and the second thermoelectric sub-component are situated between the first and second magnetic elements. The first and second magnetic elements are selected such that a compressive force is exerted on the first and second thermoelectric elements. The magnetic elements are selected and adjusted in magnetic attraction such that the force exerted on the first and second thermoelectric elements establishes and maintains a contact of selected pressure between the first and second thermoelectric sub-components.

Abstract: A temperature controlled drawer assembly incorporates a thermoelectric device and a control system to selectively heat or cool the contents of a drawer which is selectively movable into and out of a cabinet designed to be part of an end table, such as a nightstand, or other cabinet remote from a household kitchen. In a cooling mode of operation, a fan, disposed in the cabinet, draws air from inside the drawer and blows the air over a cold side of a heat sink to cool the air. The treated air is blown through plenums, back into the drawer. At the same time, heat is drawn away from the cold side and directed out of the cabinet. The current through the heat sink may be reversed to flip the cold and hot sides of the heat sink to enable the contents of the drawer to be heated.

Abstract: In an apparatus for conducting thermal energy, a thermoelectric unit in thermal communication with a thermal conductor is electrically operable so as to operate in a heat-absorbing mode, where the thermoelectric unit absorbs heat from the thermal conductor to reduce temperature of the thermal conductor, and a heat-radiating mode, where the thermoelectric unit radiates heat to the thermal conductor. A processor is operable so as to enable a power control circuit to control supply of electric power to the thermoelectric unit according to temperature of the thermal conductor and the thermoelectric unit sensed by a temperature sensor when the thermoelectric unit is operated in a selected one of the heat-absorbing mode and the heat-radiating mode.

Abstract: A temperature controlled drawer assembly incorporates a thermoelectric device and a control system to selectively heat or cool the contents of a drawer which is selectively movable into and out of a cabinet designed to be part of an end table, such as a nightstand, or other cabinet remote from a household kitchen. In a cooling mode of operation, a fan, disposed in the cabinet, draws air from inside the drawer and blows the air over a cold side of a heat sink to cool the air. The treated air is blown through plenums, back into the drawer. At the same time, heat is drawn away from the cold side and directed out of the cabinet. The current through the heat sink may be reversed to flip the cold and hot sides of the heat sink to enable the contents of the drawer to be heated.

Abstract: A modular thermoelectric cooling/heating unit is installed through an opening in a wall separating first and second temperature zones. This modular thermoelectric cooling/heating unit comprises a thermoelectric device including a cold surface, a hot surface, and a cooling/heating member between an electrical power supply and the cold and hot surfaces. A heat conducting block has a proximal end for thermally contacting with a first one of the cold and hot surfaces, and a distal end. A first heatsink thermally contacts with a second one of the cold and hot surfaces, a second heatsink thermally contacts with the distal end of the heat conducting block, and a thermally insulated housing covers at least a portion of the heat conducting block between the proximal and distal ends of this block.

Abstract: A climate control device has constituent walls of sandwich type construction with insulating element inside. As an option for a refrigeration element, a Peltier cell is place inside. On the rear wall of the inside is a part which is subdivided into different individual parts between which are slots to allow circulation of air. The parts are provided with a set of orifices, preferably arranged in quincunxes and adapted so that the necks of bottles may be loosely inserted in them. The device is particularly suited for containing wines and sparkling wines at a stable temperature.

Abstract: A compact refrigerator has an insulated enclosure for the cooling and temporary storage of items, a content storage drawer that is fully exposed by pulling open the drawer from the insulated enclosure, the drawer is supported on the bottom side by at least one rolling element, and a latched handle for opening the drawer that is placed near the top of the drawer. Access to the entire content space by first pulling the ergonomically designed handle. The user then pulls open the drawer, which slidably moves away from the main housing to expose all of the content space for viewing. The content space, and the contents, move with the door, to be fully exposed when the door is in the open position. Items to be placed inside for cooling are placed into easily viewed open spaces within the contents space.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling selected elements within an integrated circuit, such as active transistors or passive circuit elements used in a radio frequency integrated circuit is provided. In one embodiment, the cooling apparatus includes a cold plate thermally coupled to the region proximate the integrated circuit element, a thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to the cold plate; and a hot plate thermally coupled to the thermoelectric cooler. Heat is removed from the integrated circuit element through the cold plate and transmitted to the hot plate through the thermoelectric cooler. In one form, the hot plate is located or coupled to an exterior surface of an integrated circuit, such that heat transmitted to the ambient from the integrated circuit element is dissipated into the atmosphere surrounding the integrated circuit. In another form, the hot plate is embedded in the integrated circuit substrate to locally cool elements of the integrated circuit while dumping the heat into the substrate.

Abstract: A temperature controlled compartment apparatus in the form of a kitchen drawer mounted in an interior compartment that is cooled by one or more thermoelectric heat pump modules in the rear portion of a housing surrounding the drawer. A fan circulates air from the drawer past each thermoelectric heat pump module for cooling the air for the drawer and another fan or fans circulates external air past each thermoelectric heat pump module for removing heat from each module by that external air.

Abstract: A compact cooler/ice maker is taught which is capable of maintaining a uniform cooling or freezing temperature using a heat conductive liner continuous over a bottom liner wall and front, rear and side linear walls. Also taught is a means to provide a small forward voltage when the thermoelectric module is turned off, to prevent back flow through the heat sink. Also taught is a cooler with a beverage dispensing door located proximal to the bottom of said front and with inside walls adapted to form a beverage stack.

Abstract: A miniature thermoelectric cooling device for storing small amounts of thermally unstable substances, like drug vials with insulin for diabetic patients or protein based drugs for thrombolytic therapy, is disclosed. A solar energy collector coupled with a rechargeable battery is provided as the energy source. The miniature cooler is small enough to be belt-carried at all time by a person, whose life or health depends on the drugs. When switched to a heating mode, the thermoelectric device can temporarily elevate the temperature of the drug to a body temperature thus providing comfortable conditions for the injection. A combined solar-and-battery power supply allows keeping an article in the cooler at low temperatures around o'clock at all times during substantially long travels in hot or tropical conditions where even short term exposure to surrounding temperatures can destroy the potency of the drug.

Abstract: The invention relates to refrigerating installations of which the operation is based on the combination of Peltier effect producer elements and thermosyphons with liquid-vapor phase change. Basically it is comprised of: 1) Refrigeration container, 2) Heat dissipator, 3) Closed and fluid-tight circuit containing a fluid which boils or evaporates in the hot focal point situated in the low zone and condenses in the high zone, and then returns due to the gravity action (evaporative thermosyphon); 4) Peltier effect elements (first step); 5) Thermosyphon which transports the heat to the cold faces of the Peltier effect pastilles of the first step; 6) Thermosyphon which exchanges the heat with the prior thermosyphon and transports said heat from the hot faces to the Peltier pastilles of the second step; 7) Peltier effect elements (second step). 8) Thermosyphon which transports the heat from the container at low temperature or at frozen good temperature to the cold faces of the Peltier plates of the second step.

Abstract: A storage box with a thermoelement is disclosed. This storage box is operable in a frozen-storage mode operation, in addition to a cool-storage mode and a hot-storage mode. During a cool-storage mode operation of the storage box, the main compartment (14) is primarily cooled by a main thermoelement (20) to be kept at a low temperature. The temperature difference between the areas around the two junctions (61, 62) of the sub-thermoelement (60) of a sub-storage unit (50) installed within the main compartment (14) is sufficiently smaller than that between the areas around the two junctions of the main thermoelement irrespective of a consideration of an addition of heat produced from heat exchanging units provided at the two junctions of each thermoelement. The sub-thermoelement (60) is thus significantly improved in its cooling capacity. The temperature of the sub-compartment (52) of the sub-storage unit (50) is thus reduced lower than 0° C., and so the sub-compartment is kept in a frozen-storage mode.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device containing at least one thermoelement formed by powder metallurgical techniques including, but not limited to: hot pressing, hot isostatic pressing, press and sinter and mechanical alloying.

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooling system includes a control assembly and a direct current (“d.c.”) power source providing direct current to an interface that creates a thermal flow across a thermoelectric module having at least one heat sink and at least one heat source. The d.c. power source, the interface, the control assembly, and the thermoelectric module are connected to each other in series. The control assembly optionally includes a relay and a voltage generating thermocouple. When voltage from the thermocouple reaches a predetermined threshold, the relay trips and supplies sufficient voltage to the interface to prevent thermal reversal of the heat source and heat sink. To control moisture, a metal strap may be used to restrict heat flow. Alternatively or additionally, a moisture control pad may be used to absorb and re-evaporate moisture to substantially maintain a desired humidity range. In an optional embodiment, the load to be cooled may be placed below the heat source and cooled by convection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatuses for modifying the air of a localized zone to suit personal comfort. This invention includes the heating or cooling of the air in the localized zone with a novel apparatus and inhibiting the concurrent release of byproduct air at undesirable temperatures while using a heat pump. The apparatus includes a thermal storage mass that provides a reservoir for the undesirable heating or cooling effects for later restoration. This restoration would occur at a predetermined time in predetermined amounts, typically when the localized zone is unoccupied.

Abstract: A temperature controlled compartment apparatus in the form of a kitchen drawer mounted in an interior compartment that is heated or cooled by one or more thermoelectric heat pump modules in a housing surrounding the drawer. A fan circulates air from the drawer past each thermoelectric heat pump module for either heating or cooling the air for the drawer and another fan or fans circulates external air past each thermoelectric heat pump module for cooling or heating, respectively, that external air. Heating or cooling is selected by selecting the polarity of the DC electric source provided to each thermoelectric heat pump module.

Abstract: A manifold having such a built-in and round thermoelectric module that is capable of coming into an efficient contact with heat exchanging media, to afford an improved efficiency of heat exchange. The module easy to manufacture has a structure facilitating the multiplication of its thermoelectric elements. The manifold (1) generally consisting of a heating side section (2) and a cooling side section (3) has a cooling side agitator (5), a heating side agitator (6), the module (7) and a motor assembly (8), all incorporated in or attached to the manifold. The module has heat transfer upright faces (50,51) so that any bubbles coming into cavities (52,55) are allowed to ascend along the faces and then leave the manifold (1) through outlets (22,43) protruding from an upper portion of the manifold. Permanent magnets (33) accompanying the agitators (5,6) act to transmit torque from one of them (6) to the other (5).

Abstract: A thermoelectric cooling system having an electric circuit including a direct current (“d.c.”) power source providing direct current through the electric circuit, a thermoelectric module having at least one heat sink and at least one heat source capable of being cooled to a predetermined temperature range, and a control assembly. The d.c. power source, the control assembly, and the thermoelectric module being connected to each other in series. The control assembly comprising a thermostat control switch mechanism and a resistive element connected to each other in parallel. The thermostat control switch having a sensor generally coupled to the heat source of the thermoelectric module, the thermostat control switch mechanism being open in the predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A thermal barrier enclosure system, comprising one or more thermal barriers, providing active temperature control without an active heat pump, and enabling rapid recharge and thermal isolation of the onboard thermal storage material or payload. The thermal barrier enclosure system is used to control the temperature in a shipping container or a refrigerator. Thermal control is achieved with one or more thermal control barriers comprised of an insulation barrier, a temperature sensitive device, and a thermal conduit through which energy flows. The combination of the temperature sensitive device and thermal conduit forms a thermal regulator that varies the thermal energy flow as the regulator is operated from its open to its closed position, and vise versa. By positioning one or more thermal control barriers in a thermal enclosure, tight-tolerance temperature control can be achieved even when the external temperature may vary above or below the control volume temperature.

Abstract: A chiller for fresh fruit and other perishable food products is cooled with a thermoelectric device and includes a cool air recirculating system that minimizes air flow path lengths and provides uniform cool air distribution throughout a fruit container removably supported above the thermoelectric module. The cooling air flow duct system is formed in part by the bottom wall of the container, thereby enhancing direct cooling air flow contact in minimizing the lengths of the flow paths.

Abstract: Air traps 37a, 37b are disposed on one side adjacent at least one of suction and discharge ports of circulating pumps 14a, 14b forming a heat radiating or heat absorbing cycle. Also, the circulating pumps 14a, 14b are disposed at a level higher than heat-radiating and cooling heat exchangers 10, 20 and first and second heat exchanging portions 26a, 26b to recover air bubbles mixed therein so that the air bubbles circulated can be reduced to improve the heat efficiency.

Abstract: A temperature controlled mobile vehicle compartment for providing a convenient article storage having a heat exchanger thermally connected to a thermoelectric device controlling thermal energy flow to and from the compartment. An air duct assembly cooperates with the thermoelectric device to vent the heat from the device outside the compartment and segregates the inflow air from the outflow air which received the thermal energy.

Abstract: A portable container (10) for receiving contents for transport while regulating the temperature of the contents includes a combined heater and/or cooler in the form of a Peltier effect device (50), a removable inner receptacle (70) for receiving the contents, an air gap around the outside of the inner receptacle, and a control unit (62) for controlling the Peltier effect device so as to regulate the temperature of the air around the outside of the inner receptacle and thereby regulate the temperature of the contents of the inner receptacle. The control unit can have a temperature logging system for recording the temperature history of the contents of the container.

Abstract: A cooling and refrigeration apparatus cools one or more surfaces of one or more food handling or food storage devices, such as meat cutting machines, scales, and food preparation areas, so as to inhibit bacterial and other microbial growth thereon. The apparatus includes one or more coolers to lower the temperature of the food contact surfaces to a predetermined temperature which inhibits bacteria and other microbial growth thereon, by providing one or more surfaces at the predetermined temperature adjacent to or at the one or more food handling or storage surfaces. The cooler includes a temperature reducing module, such as a thermoelectric module, enclosed within a movable drawer insert, which is slid or dropped into a drawer housing engagable or in a cooled cavity or sleeve in which the drawer or other container device resides, within a food accommodating device, such as a mobile food court, cabinet, display tray, etc. In addition, the drawer can have an optional lid.

Abstract: A sample cooler has a thermostatic chamber containing a heat-conducting block on which vessels containing liquid samples are set. A control unit activates a cooling mechanism of the air cooling type to cool the air inside the thermostatic chamber. Thereafter, when the temperature or humidity inside the thermostatic chamber is detected to have reached a specified level, when condensation of dew is detected inside the thermostatic chamber, or when a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit starts to operate another cooling mechanism of the direct cooling type to cool the heat-conducting block, such that the samples can be cooled directly and quickly under a dehumidified condition without causing dew condensation.