Storage cabinet with active dehumidifier

• US 5,444,984 A
• Filed: 05/10/1994
• Issued: 08/29/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Steven D. Carson
• Original Assignee: Steven D. Carson
• Inventors: Carson, Steven D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tapolcai, William E.
• Application Number:
  US08/241,301
• Time in Patent Office: 476 Days
• Field of Search: 62/3.4, 62/3.6, 62/3.2
• US Class Current: 62/3.4
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 81/00 Cabinets or racks specially adapted for other particular purposes, e.g. for storing guns or skis
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 3/14 by humidification; by dehumidification
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 5/0042 characterised by the application of thermo-electric units or the Peltier effect
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 21/02 using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 21/04 Preventing the formation of frost or condensate
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2317/0411 by dehumidification

Abstract

A storage cabinet utilizing an active, solid state dehumidifier to protect items stored therein. A thermoelectric device is sandwiched between a heat exchanger and a heat sink and is secured to the inside panel of the safe door. A control means monitors and regulates the temperature of the heat exchanger to promote condensation of moisture on the heat exchanger while also preventing the moisture from freezing. An air circulation fan cools the heat sink, which also results in a slight increase in the internal temperture of the cabinet, further inhibiting condensation of moisture on the items stored therein.

Claims

1. A thermoelectrically dehumidified storage cabinet, comprising:

(a) a cabinet having a top and bottom, opposing sides, a back and a hollow door, said hollow door having a front panel and a rear panel;

(b) a solid state dehumidifier having a power supply, a thermoelectric device sandwiched between a heat exchanger and a heat sink, and an air circulation fan;

said heat exchanger, thermoelectric device and heat sink affixed to a first aperture in said rear panel of said door, said heat exchanger extending to within said cabinet and said heat sink extending to within said hollow door;

said air circulation fan affixed to a second aperture in said rear panel whereby air is forced through said hollow door to cool said heat sink.

2. The invention as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for controlling the temperature of said heat exchanger.

3. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature control means comprises a temperature sensor and means for adjusting the current to said thermoelectric device in response to said temperature sensor.

4. The invention as recited in claim 2 wherein said temperature control means comprises a temperature sensor and means for controlling the flow of air across said heat exchanger.

5. The invention as recited in claim 4 wherein said air flow control means comprises an auxiliary fan.