US5367879A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular thermoelectric assembly
Assignee: Marlow Industries Inc
•
Filing: 1993-11-01
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Granted: 1994-11-29
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Expires: 2013-11-01
Abstract
Abstract A modular thermoelectric assembly is provided to maintain the temperature within a container or enclosed structure holding water or other liquids at a desired value. 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 propeller are carried by the assembly to assist in the circulation of air to improve the efficiency of the cold sink and the hot sink. Another propeller and/or impeller may be carried by the rotating shaft to assist with circulation of liquids in the container or enclosed structure.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Doke
- 👤 Richard A. Howarth
- 👤 Leonard J. Recine, Sr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 19:48
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25B; F25B21/00; F25B21/02; F25D; F25D11/00; F25D11/003; H; H10; H10N; H10N10/00; H10N10/10; H10N10/13; F25B2321/00; F25B2321/02; F25B2321/025; F25B2321/0251; F25D17/00; F25D17/04; F25D17/06; F25D2317/00; F25D2317/06; F25D2317/068; F25D2317/0681; F25D2400/00; F25D2400/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
118 words
Apparatus for controlling the temperature of a liquid 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 an the second heat sink with the thermoelectric device contained within the insulating material; a portion of the second heat sink disposed within the liquid; an electrical motor carried by the first heat sink; a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the first heat sink and the electrical motor; and a propeller attached to a first end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the first heat sink.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
118 words
Apparatus for controlling the temperature of a liquid 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 an the second heat sink with the thermoelectric device contained within the insulating material; a portion of the second heat sink disposed within the liquid; an electrical motor carried by the first heat sink; a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the first heat sink and the electrical motor; and a propeller attached to a first end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the first heat sink.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the first heat sink having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the second heat sink; and the first heat sink and the insulating material cooperating with each other to provide means for installing the apparatus as a complete unit into the enclosed structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side; and the first heat sink attached to the hot side and the second heat sink attached to the cold side.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for circulating the liquid with respect to the second heat sink.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
83 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the liquid circulating means and the air circulating means together comprise: an electrical motor carried by the first heat sink; a rotating shaft, having a first end adjacent to the first heat sink and a second end adjacent to the second heat sink, the shaft extending longitudinally through the first heat sink, the motor, the insulating material and the second heat sink; a propeller attached to the first end; and an impeller attached to the second end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the insulating material is selected from the group comprising neoprene foam, polystyrene, polyurethane or cork.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side; and the first heat sink attached to the cold side and the second heat sink attached to the hot side.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a cover disposed over the first heat sink to guide the circulation of air with respect to the first heat sink.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
169 words
A modular thermoelectric assembly for installation into a container and for cooling a liquid within the container, the assembly comprising: a thermoelectric device for controlling the temperature within the container; the thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side; a hot sink attached to the hot side and a cold sink attached to the cold side, a portion of the cold sink disposed within the liquid; a layer of insulating material disposed between the hot sink an the cold sink with the thermoelectric device contained within the insulating material; the layer of insulating material and the hot sink sized to engage an opening in the container and to couple the modular thermoelectric assembly to the container for installation of the 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 the hot sink; and a propeller attached to a first end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the hot sink.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
169 words
A modular thermoelectric assembly for installation into a container and for cooling a liquid within the container, the assembly comprising: a thermoelectric device for controlling the temperature within the container; the thermoelectric device having a hot side and a cold side; a hot sink attached to the hot side and a cold sink attached to the cold side, a portion of the cold sink disposed within the liquid; a layer of insulating material disposed between the hot sink an the cold sink with the thermoelectric device contained within the insulating material; the layer of insulating material and the hot sink sized to engage an opening in the container and to couple the modular thermoelectric assembly to the container for installation of the 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 the hot sink; and a propeller attached to a first end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the hot sink.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
63 words
The modular thermoelectric assembly of claim 9 further comprising: an electrical motor attached to the hot sink with a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the motor, the hot sink and the cold sink; a propeller attached to a first end of the shaft adjacent to the hot sink; an impeller attached to a second end of the shaft adjacent to the cold sink.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
69 words
The modular thermoelectric assembly of claim 10 further comprising: a cover disposed over the hot sink; a plurality of holes extending through a center portion of the cover; a plurality of longitudinal slots adjacent to the ends of the cover on opposite sides of the holes; and the cover associated with the hot sink and the propeller for establishing a preferred air circulation flow path for the hot sink.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The modular thermoelectric assembly of claim 9 further comprising the insulating material selected from the group consisting of neoprene foam, polystyrene, polyurethane, or cork.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The modular thermoelectric assembly of claim 9 further comprising means for circulating the liquid with respect to the cold sink.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
77 words
The modular thermoelectric assembly of claim 13 wherein the air circulating means and the liquid circulating means together comprise: an electrical motor disposed within the hot sink; a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the hot sink, the electrical motor, the insulating material and the cold sink; a propeller attached to a first end of the shaft adjacent to the hot sink; and an impeller attached to a second end of the shaft adjacent to the cold sink.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
The modular thermoelectric assembly of claim 13 wherein said means for circulating the liquid comprises means for forming a frozen layer of the liquid on the portion of the cold sink.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
125 words
A thermoelectric water cooler comprising: a modular thermoelectric assembly comprising: a thermoelectric device having a hot and a cold side, a hot sink attached to the hot side, a cold sink attached to the cold side, a first insulation layer disposed between the hot sink and the cold sink with the thermoelectric device disposed within the insulation layer; an electrical motor attached to one of the heat sinks with a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the electrical motor and the hot sink; and a propeller attached to a first end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the hot sink; and a tank for holding cooled water having an opening for receiving the modular assembly with a portion of the cold sink disposed within the water.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
125 words
A thermoelectric water cooler comprising: a modular thermoelectric assembly comprising: a thermoelectric device having a hot and a cold side, a hot sink attached to the hot side, a cold sink attached to the cold side, a first insulation layer disposed between the hot sink and the cold sink with the thermoelectric device disposed within the insulation layer; an electrical motor attached to one of the heat sinks with a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the electrical motor and the hot sink; and a propeller attached to a first end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the hot sink; and a tank for holding cooled water having an opening for receiving the modular assembly with a portion of the cold sink disposed within the water.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The water cooler of claim 16 wherein the tank further comprises a plurality of hollow walls with each wall having a second insulation layer disposed therein.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
The water cooler of claim 17 wherein the first and second insulation layers are selected from the group comprising neoprene foam, polystyrene, polyurethane or cork.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The water cooler of claim 16 wherein the modular assembly further comprises means for circulating water with respect to the cold sink.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
The water cooler of claim 16 wherein the tank further comprises: an inlet through which water enters the tank; and an outlet through which the cooled water exits the tank.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
70 words
The water cooler of claim 16 wherein the water circulating means and the air circulating means together comprise: an electrical motor attached to the hot sink with a rotating extending longitudinally through the motor, cold sink and hot sink; a propeller attached to a first end of the shaft adjacent to the hot sink; and an impeller attached to a second end of the shaft adjacent to the cold sink.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The water cooler of claim 19 wherein said means for circulating the cooled water comprises means for forming a layer of ice on the cold sink.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
142 words
Apparatus for controlling the temperature of a liquid within an enclosed structure comprising: a thermoelectric device with a first heat sink disposed on one side of the thermoelectric device and a second heat sink disposed on the other side of the thermoelectric 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 attached to one of the heat sinks with a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the electrical motor and the first heat sink; a propeller attached to a first end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the first heat sink; a source for supplying electrical power to the thermoelectric device and the electrical motor; and a temperature sensor controlling the supply of electrical power to the thermoelectric device and the electrical motor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
142 words
Apparatus for controlling the temperature of a liquid within an enclosed structure comprising: a thermoelectric device with a first heat sink disposed on one side of the thermoelectric device and a second heat sink disposed on the other side of the thermoelectric 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 attached to one of the heat sinks with a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the electrical motor and the first heat sink; a propeller attached to a first end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the first heat sink; a source for supplying electrical power to the thermoelectric device and the electrical motor; and a temperature sensor controlling the supply of electrical power to the thermoelectric device and the electrical motor.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising: the temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the first heat sink; and the temperature sensor electrically connected between the source of electrical power and the thermoelectric device an the electrical motor whereby the temperature sensor may block electrical power to the thermoelectric device and the electrical motor.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising: the temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the second heat sink; and the temperature sensor electrically connected between the source of electrical power and the thermoelectric device and the electrical motor whereby the temperature sensor may block electrical power to the thermoelectric device and the electrical motor.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
75 words
The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising: two temperature sensors for controlling the supply of electrical power; one temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the first heat sink and the other temperature sensor disposed adjacent to the second heat sink; and the temperature sensors electrically connected between the source of electrical power and the thermoelectric device and the electrical motor whereby either temperature sensor may block electrical power to the thermoelectric device and the electrical motor.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the temperature sensor controls the supply of electrical power to the thermoelectric device and electrical motor responsive to temperature inputs.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
167 words
A modular thermoelectric assembly for installation into a container and for cooling a liquid within the container, the assembly 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; an electrical motor carried by the first heat sink; a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the first heat sink, the electrical motor, and the insulating material; a propeller attached to a first end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the first heat sink; and the layer of insulating material and the first heat sink sized to engage an opening in the container and couple the modular thermoelectric assembly to the container for installation of the modular thermoelectric assembly as a complete unit.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
167 words
A modular thermoelectric assembly for installation into a container and for cooling a liquid within the container, the assembly 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; an electrical motor carried by the first heat sink; a rotating shaft extending longitudinally through the first heat sink, the electrical motor, and the insulating material; a propeller attached to a first end of the rotating shaft adjacent to the first heat sink; and the layer of insulating material and the first heat sink sized to engage an opening in the container and couple the modular thermoelectric assembly to the container for installation of the modular thermoelectric assembly as a complete unit.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-11-28 | 1998-05-30 | 1998-11-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-11-28 | 2002-05-30 | 2002-11-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-11-28 | 2006-05-30 | 2006-11-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |