Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a method for operating said refrigerator with a cooling chamber (2) for accommodating the objects to be cooled and a first cooling means (3) in form of an absorption cooling means whose evaporator (5) for cooling said cooling chamber is arranged in or on said cooling chamber (2), wherein on or in said cooling chamber (2) a second cooling means (4) operable independently from in particular said first cooling means (3), which alternatively and/or additionally cools said cooling chamber (2).

Abstract: Portable refrigeration devices (1) including methods for preparing evaporator chambers (10) for use in such devices, and the evaporator chambers (10) prepared in this way. The methods relate to the dispersion of refrigerant for the maximization of efficiency of vaporization of refrigerant vapor from the evaporator chamber (10) of such refrigeration devices (1).

Abstract: A system for conditioning air. The system may include a turbine for generating waste heat and a desiccant system for removing humidity from the air. The desiccant system may be in communication with the turbine so as to use the waste heat for regeneration. The system also may include a cooling system so as to cool the air after the air passes through the desiccant system.

Abstract: There is provided a system for pumping thermal energy. The system includes (a) a membrane permeator for removing vapor from a process gas and for providing a vapor-depleted process gas, and (b) a gas-liquid contactor for adding vapor from a liquid to a vapor-depleted gas to produce a vapor-added process gas. The system transfers a quantity of thermal energy from the liquid to the vapor-added process gas, and is also capable of upgrading the thermal energy to a higher temperature. The system may be used for various heat pump applications including chilling and waste heat or low level heat recovery.

Abstract: A sorber heat exchanger is provided with a substrate material incorporating a sorbent for reacting with a polar gas refrigerant or hydrogen. A preferred sorbent is a metal salt capable of reacting with the polar gas refrigerant to form a complex compound. The sorbent incorporating substrate is loaded into the reactor space between the heat transfer surfaces. Incorporating the sorbent into the substrate reduces sorbent migration thereby improving performance and life expectancy of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An adsorption refrigeration system and method are provided, the system comprising an adsorption pump which, in use, is arranged in communication with a chamber containing liquid and gaseous coolant. The associated method comprises expanding the gaseous coolant into an auxiliary volume member so as to cause the removal of part of the gaseous coolant from the chamber. This causes a reduction in the temperature and pressure of the gaseous coolant in the chamber. The adsorption pump is then operated so as to further cool the chamber by causing the evaporation of the coolant liquid within the chamber.

Abstract: Adsorption cooling apparatus with an intermittently heated adsorbent container (12) containing an adsorbent (19) that exothermically adsorbs a working medium during an adsorption phase and again desorbs at higher temperatures while heat is added during a subsequent desorption phase, and with a condenser (4) that leads condensed working medium through a connection line (10) into the evaporator (4) which is in turn connected with the adsorbent through a working medium vapor line (9), wherein the condenser (4) is coupled to a buffer reservoir (14) that buffers at least a part of the condensation heat of the working medium vapor and that also can again dissipate the stored heat into the surroundings even during the adsorption phase.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the hydrogen storage capabilities of hydrogen storage material to dehumidify and cool air flowing into an enclosed area, such as a residential home. The invention provides an apparatus and method that incorporates a hydrogen storage module having a low pressure, the heat retriever module, and a hydrogen storage module having a high pressure, the cooling module, wherein the modules are connected by a pipe or tube that guides the flow of hydrogen gas back and forth between the modules. The heat retriever module is heated to increase the temperature of the heat retriever module and hydrogen gas is desorbed from the hydrogen storage material contained therein, then a valve in the tube or pipe is opened and the hydrogen gas flows to the cooling module. The valve is closed, after the hydrogen gas is absorbed by the hydrogen storage material of the cooling module. The absorption of hydrogen gas causes an increase in temperature of the cooling module.

Abstract: A molecular sieve apparatus and magnetic/adsorbent material composition facilitate molecular adsorption and separation using a magnetic field to hold, move, cool, and/or heat an adsorbent 1 that is bonded to magnetic materials 3 that are moveable by a magnetic field. An adsorbent 1 is bonded to a soft magnetic material 3 with a binder 2 into a powder composite material adsorbent attractable by a magnetic field (magnetoadsorbent 4). Magnetoadsorbent 4 functions to adsorb and desorb working substances, causing a molecular separation; thereby increasing the efficiency of the adsorption cycle by moving the adsorbent 1 to a location that optimally processes the adsorbent 1. Magnetic field manipulation of adsorbents 1 enables delivery of molecules to locations within systems. Magnetoadsorbents 4 of the present invention further increase the efficiency of the adsorption cycle by combining materials with functions including: catalyst, buoyancy, suspension, magnetic heating, and sinking in liquid.

Abstract: Novel sorption cooling devices capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time are disclosed. The sorption cooling devices are particularly useful for temperature-controlled shipping containers that are required to maintain a temperature below ambient for a time sufficient to complete delivery of the container and its contents. The shipping containers can be utilized to cost-effectively transport temperature-sensitive products.

Abstract: A thermal storage device for maintaining the temperature of an article at a desired temperature for a length of time comprises a compartment within which the article may be positioned, an evaporator which is disposed in heat exchange relation with respect to the compartment, a receiver which is fluidly connected to the evaporator, a sorber which is fluidly connected between the evaporator and the receiver and which includes a sorbent that is capable of adsorbing a refrigerant, a desorbing device for desorbing the refrigerant from the sorbent, and a power connection device for releasably connecting an external power supply to the desorbing device. When the desorbing device is connected to the external power supply, the refrigerant is desorbed from the sorbent and communicated to the receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adsorption refrigeration device comprising an evaporator (2) containing a refrigerant liquid (L) that evaporates under the effect of a depression and an adsorbent (205) capable of fixing the vapors (V) of the refrigerant liquid (L), characterized in that the adsorbent (205) is in contact with a heat exchanger (220) containing a cooling liquid (L′) that evaporates when the adsorbent (205) is heated, said heat exchanger (220) comprising at least one aperture (275) to the outside atmosphere constituted by at least one hole that limits the flow rate (V′) of the vapor of the cooling liquid (L′).

Abstract: A composition for effecting heat transfer to or from a fluid, the composition comprising a primary adsorbent material, such as activated carbon, for adsorption of a gas, such as carbon dioxide, and a graphite material in an amount of 0.01 to 80% by weight of the total composition. A binder may also be included in the composition to aid heat transfer. The composition may be incorporated into an apparatus (12) that includes sealing means (14) for retaining the gas on the surface of the material and a release mechanism (16) for breakage of the seal, said apparatus being provided with a vessel (6) for holding fluid.

Abstract: A sorption cooling device capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time. The sorption cooling device is particularly useful in a temperature-controlled shipping container that is required to maintain a temperature below ambient for an extended period of time. In one embodiment, the cooling device includes a means for restricting the flow of refrigerant liquid to control the degree of cooling over an extended period of time.

Abstract: In a cooling system for cooling first and second heat-generating members, the first heat-generating member is cooled by a refrigerator, and cold produced by the refrigerator is stored in a cold storage unit, so that both the first and second heat-generating members can be continuously cooled by only using a single adsorption unit. Therefore, production cost of the cooling system can be reduced. Further, because the second heat-generating member is cooled through the cold storage unit, a temperature change in the adsorption unit immediately after a switching between an adsorbing mode and a desorbing mode can be absorbed in the cold storage unit. Accordingly, the heat-generating members can be stably cooled while the component number of the cooling system can be decreased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high power density sorption heat store, preferably for storing low-temperature heat, and is characterized in that a tube jacket 2 is provided with tube bottoms 3, 3′, and with heat exchange tubes 4, which penetrate the sorption layer 5 between the carrier floors 6, 6′; the mat layers 9, 9′ are in each case located in between; the tube jacket 2 essentially is enclosed by a working fluid tank 10 comprising the working fluid lines 11, 11′ including the valves 12, 12′, which in turn are in connection with the mat layers 9, 9′; and the dip tank 13, in the bottom area, comprises the passage 16; and heat exchange tubes 4 are proportionally equipped with ribs 27, and are loosely guided through openings 29 of the carrier floor 6′ and through the mat layer 9′ but are fixedly connected with the tube bottoms 3, 3′; and the ribs 27 are enclosed by a finely perforated network 28.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage device for avoiding powder dispersion, having a magnetic hydrogen-absorbing material, prevents powder, generated as the hydrogen-absorbing material releases and absorbs hydrogen, from clogging pipelines, a design that can increase the gas flux and work efficiency, thus extending the device lifetime; a magnetic component having a strong magnetic field is further included to keep the magnetic property of the hydrogen-absorbing material, thus the magnetic strength of the hydrogen-absorbing material will not reduce due to the repeated residual stress actions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high power density sorption heat store, preferably for storing low-temperature heat, and is characterized in that a tube jacket 2 is provided with tube bottoms 3, 3′, and with heat exchange tubes 4, which penetrate the sorption layer 5 between the carrier floors 6, 6′; the mat layers 9, ′ are in each case located in between; the tube jacket 2 essentially is enclosed by a working fluid tank 10 comprising the working fluid lines 11, 11′ including the valves 12, 12′, which in turn are in connection with the mat layers 9, 9′; and the dip tank 13, in the bottom area, comprises the passage 16; and heat exchange tubes 4 are proportionally equipped with ribs 27, and are loosely guided through openings 29 of the carrier floor 6′ and through the mat layer 9′ but are fixedly connected with the tube bottoms 3, 3′; and the ribs 27 are enclosed by a finely perforated network 28.

Abstract: A electro-desorption compression system according to the present invention comprises an enclosure which includes first and second spaced-apart electrical conductors, a sorbent which is positioned in the enclosure between the first and second conductors, a sorbate which is capable of combining with the sorbent in an adsorption reaction to form a sorbate/sorbent compound, a power supply which is connected to the first and second conductors and which generates an electrical current that is conducted through the sorbate/sorbent compound to desorb the sorbate from the sorbent in a desorption reaction, a controller which selectively activates the power supply to initiate and terminate each desorption reaction, and a transducer which is connected to the controller and which generates a signal indicative of the end of each desorption reaction.

Abstract: A method is provided, in which directly generated and/or indirectly formed and storable heat energy is stored in a mobile container-like latent-heat storage unit capable of being warehoused and of being delivered, the latent-heat storage unit being transported by means of a transport unit to at least one heat-energy reception unit and being arranged there in suitable form on or in the heat-energy reception unit. The possibility is thus afforded, for the first time, of transporting and utilizing heat energy over relatively long distances flexibly and on demand, but also extremely profitably.

Abstract: In a chemical heat pump a substance is used which within the temperature range for which the heat pump is intended has a transition between a solid phase and a solution phase. The substance can for a solar driven chemical heat pump comprise magnesium chloride hexahdrate. In an accumulator part of the heat pump a heat exchanger (21) is provided enclosed by a net (23). The solid phase is primary located inside the net in contact with the heat exchanger while the solution phase flow out of the net and is collected in space (24′) below the heat exchanger. From this space the solution phase is pumped and sprayed over the heat exchanger from a spray bar (25). Thereby, all the time equilibrium is maintained. The advantage including the constant temperature step and the relatively large energy content of solid substance is thereby combined with the high power of liquid substances.

Abstract: The thermal regenerative compressive device 20 has a plurality of sorbent vessels 10 arranged circumferentially about a rotational axis X partly within a toroidal conduit 21. A heat carrier fluid flows from an inlet 22 of the conduit to the outlet 23 in counterflow with respect to the rotational movement of the sorbent vessels 10. Separate fluid channels 29, 30 encase the evaporation/condensation zones 15 of the vessels 10 to enable transfer of heat between the vessels 10 and the fluid flowing in channels 29 and 30. With the compressive device 20 heat is regenerated in a particularly simple and convenient manner. As a result the compressive device is capable of achieving greater efficiencies than existing adsorption devices.

Abstract: In an adsorption-type refrigerating apparatus, an adsorber includes therein an adsorbent having a temperature-dependent characteristic in which an amount adsorbed in an adsorption step is larger than an amount adsorbed in a desorption step, even when a vapor pressure rate in the adsorption step is equal to or lower than a vapor pressure rate in the desorption step. Therefore, even when the cooling temperature of outside air for cooling the adsorbent increases, a sufficient cooling capacity can be obtained. In addition, a difference between the amount adsorbed in the adsorption step and the amount adsorbed in the desorption step can be made larger.

Abstract: In a heat storage system for a vehicle, when a temperature of cooling water from a vehicle engine is high, adsorbents are heated by the cooling water, so that moisture is desorbed from the adsorbents in order to store heat. When the temperature of cooling water is low, the moisture is adsorbed in the adsorbents to heat the cooling water, while refrigerant in a vapor compression refrigerator is cooled by evaporating water. Thus, adsorption heat is generated from the adsorbents, and the cooling water is heated by using the adsorption heat. Accordingly, warm-up operation of the vehicle engine is facilitated, while motive power consumed by the vapor compression refrigerator can be reduced.

Abstract: Heat is absorbed from a first heat emitter and a second heat emitter is cooled by an adsorption type refrigerator operating by that absorbed heat. When the amount of emission of heat of the first heat emitter exceeds a predetermined amount of heat, the heat absorbed in the heat medium by a first heat collector is discharged to the outside air by an outdoor unit without being supplied to the adsorbent of the refrigerator. On the other hand, when the amount of emission of heat of the first heat emitter falls below a predetermined amount, the heat medium which had been supplied to a first heat exchanger for heating the adsorbent is switched to return to the first heat collector without flowing to the outdoor unit.

Abstract: An adsorption refrigeration device comprising an evaporator chamber containing a refrigerant liquid that evaporates under the effect of a depression, a connecting device and an adsorption chamber containing an adsorbent capable of fixing the vapors of the refrigerant liquid, wherein the adsorbent is constituted by one or more rigid blocks comprising a plurality of cavities, at least one part of said cavities being feeder cavities capable of diffusing vapors of refrigerant liquid on the adsorbent.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for low temperature processing and high temperature sterilization comprising a halogenated heat-transfer fluid. The apparatus comprises an expansion device which may optionally comprise a membrane. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method therefor.

Abstract: A sorption cooling device adapted to cool a gas or liquid flowing through a conduit. The cooling device has a high cooling density and a user can independently control the cooling rate. The cooling device can be incorporated in a number of apparatus and in one embodiment is incorporated in a personnel cooling apparatus, such as a closed-loop breathing apparatus or a body cooler.

Abstract: A computer system is described having a refrigeration cycle for a logic processor each utilizes first and second refrigeration cycles, each including a respective adsorber/desorber. Each adsorber/desorber is alternatingly cooled and heated. A liquid is adsorbed into the adsorber/desorber when being cooled and desorbed when the adsorber/desorber is heated. When the liquid is desorbed from the adsorber/desorber, and a checkvalve is closed, a pressure of the liquid increases. The adsorber/desorber together with the checkvalve act as a compressor in the respective refrigeration cycle. Heating and cooling is alternated so that one adsorber/desorber always adsorbs liquid while the other adsorber/desorber desorbes liquid. Thermal swings of the logic processor are thereby avoided.

Abstract: A sorption cooling device adapted to cool a gas or liquid flowing through a conduit. The cooling device has a high cooling density and a user can independently control the cooling rate. The cooling device can be incorporated in a number of apparatus and in one embodiment is incorporated in a personnel cooling apparatus, such as a closed-loop breathing apparatus or a body cooler.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid refrigerant reservoir and a cooling device comprised of at least one sorbent section, at least one liquid passageway section, at least one wicking material, at least one thermal spacer, a vapor-permeable membrane, a heat-removing material, at least one liquid barrier, a liquid refrigerant reservoir, and a valve. The sorbent section contains a sorbent for a liquid refrigerant. The liquid passageway section is adjacent the sorbent section and defines a liquid passageway through a portion of the evacuated sorbent assembly and cooling device to the sorbent section. The wicking material is disposed in the liquid passageway section. The thermal spacer is in contact with the sorbent section. The vapor-permeable membrane is interposed between the liquid passageway section and the thermal spacer. The heat-removing material is in thermal contact with the sorbent. The liquid barrier is interposed between the heat-removing material and the sorbent.

Abstract: A cooling method using an adsorption agent is carried out in an apparatus including at least one reactor/adsorber embodied as a vessel for receiving the adsorption agent such as zeolite, at least one evaporator vessel receiving an evaporation agent such as water, and at least one line which connects the two vessels and which can be shut off with at least one shut-off member. The reactor/adsorber and the evaporator each have at least one orifice and are selectively connectable to a vacuum generator and to at least one condenser. The selective separation and connection of individual components and/or of component groups for carrying out regeneration and adsorption cycles take place in each case in a pressure-tight or vacuum-tight manner and with air being shut off.

Abstract: In a cooling apparatus, air within a room is first introduced into a radiator-type adsorber 1, where moisture contained in the air is adsorbed by A-type silica gel. The resulting low-humidity air is subsequently introduced into a desorption cooler 5, where moisture is desorbed from B-type silica gel, thereby humidifying and cooling the air. The resulting low-temperature air is then used for cooling. When a cooling capacity of the cooling apparatus is lowered, air from a heat source is introduced into the radiator-type adsorber 1, where the moisture is desorbed from the A-type silica gel, thereby recovering the adsorbability thereof. The high-humidity air resulting from the desorption of the moisture is subsequently introduced into the desorption cooler 5, where the moisture contained in the air is adsorbed by the B-type silica gel, thereby recovering the desorption cooling capacity thereof.

Abstract: A sorption cooling device adapted to cool a gas or liquid flowing through a conduit. The cooling device has a high cooling density and a user can independently control the cooling rate. The cooling device can be incorporated in a number of apparatus and in one embodiment is incorporated in a personnel cooling apparatus, such as a closed-loop breathing apparatus or a body cooler.

Abstract: A waste-heat gas driven cogeneration having a micro gas turbine, driving portions including high-temperature-side hydrogen storage alloy containers respectively and operated by heat exchange between waste-heat gas generated from the turbine and a cooling heat medium, and cold-heat generating portions including low-temperature-side hydrogen storage alloy containers respectively to absorb and release hydrogen into/from the containers to generate cold heat and supply the cold heat.

Abstract: High-temperature-side hydrogen storage alloy containers each containing a hydrogen storage alloy are disposed as a heat exchanging portion in high-temperature-side heat exchangers. Low-temperature waste-heat gas generated in a micro gas turbine is imported into the heat exchangers so that direct heat exchange is performed between the waste-heat gas and each of the alloy containers. On the other hand, low-temperature-side hydrogen storage alloy containers each containing a hydrogen storage alloy are disposed as a heat exchanging portion in low-temperature-side heat exchangers. The high-temperature-side alloy containers and the low-temperature-side alloy containers are connected to each other by hydrogen-travelling pipes. Cold heat generated in the low-temperature-side heat exchangers is supplied to a refrigeration output portion.

Abstract: A electro-desorption compression system according to the present invention comprises an enclosure which includes first and second spaced-apart electrical conductors, a sorbent which is positioned in the enclosure between the first and second conductors, a sorbate which is capable of combining with the sorbent in an adsorption reaction to form a sorbate/sorbent compound, a power supply which is connected to the first and second conductors and which generates an electrical current that is conducted through the sorbate/sorbent compound to desorb the sorbate from the sorbent in a desorption reaction, a controller which selectively activates the power supply to initiate and terminate each desorption reaction, and a transducer which is connected to the controller and which generates a signal indicative of the end of each desorption reaction.

Abstract: Novel sorption cooling devices capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time are disclosed. The sorption cooling devices are particularly useful for temperature-controlled shipping containers that are required to maintain a temperature below ambient for a time sufficient to complete delivery of the container and its contents. The shipping containers can be utilized to cost-effectively transport temperature-sensitive products.

Abstract: Novel sorption cooling devices capable of providing cooling over an extended period of time are disclosed. The sorption cooling devices are particularly useful for temperature-controlled shipping containers that are required to maintain a temperature below ambient for a time sufficient to complete delivery of the container and its contents. The shipping containers can be utilized to cost-effectively transport temperature-sensitive products.

Abstract: In an adsorption-type refrigerating apparatus, an adsorber includes therein an adsorbent having a temperature-dependent characteristic in which an amount adsorbed in an adsorption step is larger than an amount adsorbed in a desorption step, even when a vapor pressure rate in the adsorption step is equal to or lower than a vapor pressure rate in the desorption step. Therefore, even when the cooling temperature of outside air for cooling the adsorbent increases, a sufficient cooling capacity can be obtained. In addition, a difference between the amount adsorbed in the adsorption step and the amount adsorbed in the desorption step can be made larger.

Abstract: A electro-desorption compression system according to the present invention comprises an enclosure which includes first and second spaced-apart electrical conductors, a sorbent which is positioned in the enclosure between the first and second conductors, a sorbate which is capable of combining with the sorbent in an adsorption reaction to form a sorbate/sorbent compound, a power supply which is connected to the first and second conductors and which generates an electrical current that is conducted through the sorbate/sorbent compound to desorb the sorbate from the sorbent in a desorption reaction, and a pressure chamber which is connected to the enclosure and which receives the sorbate from the enclosure during the desorption reaction and releases the sorbate into the enclosure during the adsorption reaction.

Abstract: A computer system is described having a refrigeration cycle for a logic processor each utilizes first and second refrigeration cycles, each including a respective adsorber/desorber. Each adsorber/desorber is alternatingly cooled and heated. A liquid is adsorbed into the adsorber/desorber when being cooled and desorbed when the adsorber/desorber is heated. When the liquid is desorbed from the adsorber/desorber, and a checkvalve is closed, a pressure of the liquid increases. The adsorber/desorber together with the checkvalve act as a compressor in the respective refrigeration cycle. Heating and cooling is alternated so that one adsorber/desorber always adsorbs liquid while the other adsorber/desorber desorbes liquid.

Abstract: A thermal storage device for maintaining the temperature of an article at a desired temperature for a length of time comprises a compartment within which the article may be positioned, an evaporator which is disposed in heat exchange relation with respect to the compartment, a receiver which is fluidly connected to the evaporator, a sorber which is fluidly connected between the evaporator and the receiver and which includes a sorbent that is capable of adsorbing a refrigerant, a desorbing device for desorbing the refrigerant from the sorbent, and a power connection device for releasably connecting an external power supply to the desorbing device. When the desorbing device is connected to the external power supply, the refrigerant is desorbed from the sorbent and communicated to the receiver.

Abstract: A regenerative adsorption process and a multi-reactor regenerative adsorption chiller assembly including a condenser adapted to receive a coolant from a source; an evaporator connected to the condenser to provide a refrigerant circuit; a plurality of reactors, each being able to operate in adsorption and desorption modes and having a coolant inlet to directly or indirectly receive coolant when operating in adsorption mode before, after or simultaneous with the condenser, and a waste heat inlet for directly or indirectly receiving waste heat from a waste heat source when operating in desorption mode; and control means for controlling said plurality of reactors such that each reactor alternately operates in adsorption and desorption modes for substantially identical time intervals, and such that each reactor has an equal chance of being the first reactor to receive the coolant when operating in adsorption mode, and the waste heat from the waste heat source when operating in desorption mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid refrigerant reservoir and a cooling device comprised of at least one sorbent section, at least one liquid passageway section, at least one wicking material, at least one thermal spacer, a vapor-permeable membrane, a heat-removing material, at least one liquid barrier, a liquid refrigerant reservoir, and a valve. The sorbent section contains a sorbent for a liquid refrigerant. The liquid passageway section is adjacent the sorbent section and defines a liquid passageway through a portion of the evacuated sorbent assembly and cooling device to the sorbent section. The wicking material is disposed in the liquid passageway section. The thermal spacer is in contact with the sorbent section. The vapor-permeable membrane is interposed between the liquid passageway section and the thermal spacer. The heat-removing material is in thermal contact with the sorbent. The liquid barrier is interposed between the heat-removing material and the sorbent.

Abstract: A method of carrying out recuperation between alternately absorbing and desorbing reactors in which in a first reaction cycle in a desorbing reactor a gaseous reactant is desorbed from a solid sorbent and concurrently in an absorbing-reactor the gaseous reactant is absorbed on a solid sorbent, and in a second reaction cycle, absorption and desorption are reversed in said reactors, respectively, comprising communicating the reaction chambers of the desorbing reactor with the reaction chamber of the absorbing reactor and directing a portion of gaseous reactant desorbed from the sorbent composition in the desorbing reactor near the completion of a desorbing cycle to the absorbing reactor for less than about 10 minutes prior to reversing the cycles.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved internal heat exchange element arranged so as to traverse the inside diameter of a container vessel such that it makes good mechanical contact with the interior wall of that vessel. The mechanical element is fabricated from a material having a coefficient of thermal conductivity above about 0.8 W cm−1° K−1 and is designed to function as a simple spring member when that member has been cooled to reduce its diameter to just below that of a cylindrical container or vessel into which it is placed and then allowed to warm to room temperature. A particularly important application of this invention is directed to a providing a simple compartmented storage container for accommodating a hydrogen absorbing alloy.

Abstract: An evacuated sorbent driven cooling device which may be added to a beverage or food container and which may also be affixed to, or integrated within, a panel of a beverage container.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adsorption-type cooling apparatus comprising first, second, third, and fourth adsorption devices filled with a coolant and contain adsorbents which adsorb evaporated coolant and desorb the adsorbed coolant during heating. Adsorption cores provide heat exchange between the adsorbents and a heat medium, and evaporation and condensation cores provide heat exchange between heating medium and the coolant. A cooling device in which heating medium cooled in the evaporation and condensation cores circulates and cools the object of cooling. A heating means supplies a high-temperature heat medium to the first-fourth adsorption devices. A cooling means supplies a low-temperature heat medium which has a temperature lower than that of the high-temperature heat medium to the first-fourth adsorption devices. Also, a switching control means is provided which switches between multiple states.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evacuated sorbent assembly for coupling to a liquid refrigerant reservoir and a cooling device comprised of at least one sorbent section, at least one liquid passageway section, at least one wicking material, at least one thermal spacer, a vapor-permeable membrane, a heat-removing material, at least one liquid barrier, a liquid refrigerant reservoir, and a valve. The sorbent section contains a sorbent for a liquid refrigerant. The liquid passageway section is adjacent the sorbent section and defines a liquid passageway through a portion of the evacuated sorbent assembly and cooling device to the sorbent section. The wicking material is disposed in the liquid passageway section. The thermal spacer is in contact with the sorbent section. The vapor-permeable membrane is interposed between the liquid passageway section and the thermal spacer. The heat-removing material is in thermal contact with the sorbent. The liquid barrier is interposed between the heat-removing material and the sorbent.