Fluid handling – Processes – Affecting flow by the addition of material or energy
Reexamination Certificate
2006-10-31
2006-10-31
Chambers, A. Michael (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Processes
Affecting flow by the addition of material or energy
C137S341000, C137S828000, C251S251000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07128081
ABSTRACT:
A freeze-thaw valve is provided using a Peltier heat pump where the thermal short-circuit path between a cooled thermal mass and a heated thermal mass is reduced or absent and the valve state transition time is minimized. The freeze-thaw valve comprises a Peltier heat pump mounted to a heat exchange surface that comprises a cross-drilled copper water jacket or manifold. The Peltier heat pump is operated to maintain a cooled thermal mass at a substantially constant low temperature. A resistance heating element is used to produce a heated thermal mass. The freeze-thaw segment of a fluid conduit is commutated to contact either the heated or the cooled thermal mass to thaw and therefore open the valve or cool and thus close the valve. The operation of the Peltier heat pump at a constant temperature avoids problems inherent in the use of a Peltier heat pump to both heat and cool a freeze thaw segment.
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Chambers A. Michael
Janiuk Anthony J.
Michaelis Brian
Waters Investments Limited
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