Modular thermoelectric assembly
First Claim
1. Apparatus for controlling the temperature within an enclosed structure comprising:
- a thermoelectric device with a first heat sink disposed on one side of the device and a second heat sink disposed on the other side of the device;
a layer of insulating material disposed between the first heat sink and the second heat sink with the thermoelectric device contained within the insulating material;
an electrical motor carried by the first heat sink;
a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the first heat sink, the electrical motor, the insulating material and the second heat sink; and
a propeller attached to each end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the first heat sink and the second heat sink respectively.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Reexamination
Accused Products
Abstract
A modular thermoelectric assembly is provided to maintain the temperature within a container or enclosed structure at a desired level. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device with a hot sink and a cold sink. A layer of insulating material is disposed between the hot sink and the cold sink. The hot sink and the insulating material are used to install the thermoelectric assembly into an appropriately sized opening extending through the exterior of the container or enclosed structure. A thermoelectric device, contained within the layer of insulating material, functions as a heat pump to transfer heat between the cold sink and the hot sink. An electrical motor, rotating shaft and propellers are carried by the assembly to assist in the circulation of air to improve the efficiency of the cold sink and the hot sink.
-
Citations
21 Claims
-
1. Apparatus for controlling the temperature within an enclosed structure comprising:
-
a thermoelectric device with a first heat sink disposed on one side of the device and a second heat sink disposed on the other side of the device; a layer of insulating material disposed between the first heat sink and the second heat sink with the thermoelectric device contained within the insulating material; an electrical motor carried by the first heat sink; a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the first heat sink, the electrical motor, the insulating material and the second heat sink; and a propeller attached to each end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the first heat sink and the second heat sink respectively. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A modular thermoelectric assembly for installation into a container comprising:
-
a thermoelectric device for controlling the temperature within the container; the thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side; a first heat sink and a second heat sink attached to the hot side and the cold side respectively; a layer of insulating material disposed between the first heat sink and the second heat sink with the thermoelectric device contained within the insulating material; the layer of insulating material and the first heat sink sized to engage an opening in the container and couple the modulas thermoelectric assembly to the container for installation of the modular thermoelectric assembly as a complete unit; an electrical motor attached to one of the heat sinks with a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the electrical motor and both heat sinks;
a propeller attached to each end of the rotating shaft; and
the propellers disposed adjacent to the respective heat sinks. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A modular thermoelectric assembly for installation into a container comprising:
-
a thermoelectric device for controlling the temperature within the container; the thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side; a first heat sink and a second heat sink attached to the hot side and the cold side respectively; a layer of insulating material disposed between the first heat sink and the second heat sink with the thermoelectric device contained within the insulating material; the layer of insulating material and the first heat sink sized to engage an opening in the container for installation of the thermoelectric assembly; and an air circulation device for circulating air with respect to the heat sinks comprising a shaft extending through an electrical motor with a propeller on each and thereof. - View Dependent Claims (17)
-
-
18. A thermoelectric assembly comprising:
-
a thermoelectric device for controlling temperature; the thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side heat transfer surfaces; a first heat sink with a first heat transfer surface attached to the hot side and a second heat sink with a second heat transfer surface attached to the cold side; a layer of insulating material disposed between the first heat sink and the second heat sink with the thermoelectric device contained within the insulating material; and an air circulation device simultaneously directing air to circulate in a first flow path directly impinging upon the first heat transfer surface and a second flow path directly impinging upon the second heat transfer surface. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
-
Specification