초록 ▼

A refrigeration apparatus for cooling containers in the microgravity conditions of outer space comprising a cooler compartment having a cold plate therein which is contoured to the shape of sidewall portions of the cans to be cooled. The cold plate is coated with a complient heat transfer medium suc

A refrigeration apparatus for cooling containers in the microgravity conditions of outer space comprising a cooler compartment having a cold plate therein which is contoured to the shape of sidewall portions of the cans to be cooled. The cold plate is coated with a complient heat transfer medium such as metal-filled silicone rubber. When the lid of the cooler is closed, the containers are firmly engaged by the complient material, forming a good conductive heat transfer relationship. A thermoelectric generator is disposed in a separate cabinet connected to one end of the cooler and includes thermoelectric elements and a heat sink operatively associated with the cold plate within the cooler. A fan is provided in combination with the thermoelectric generator for drawing air over the heat sink thereof to dissipate heat to the surrounding environment. Suitable temperature controls are provided for turning the fan and thermoelectric elements of the generator on and off, and a safety circuit is provided to protect the device against overcurrent and excessively high temperatures in the heat sink.

대표청구항 ▼

A refrigeration apparatus for cooling containers in the microgravity conditions of outer space comprising: (a) a housing defining a refrigeration compartment for supporting said containers, said housing having an access opening therein for introducing and removing containers from said compartment an

A refrigeration apparatus for cooling containers in the microgravity conditions of outer space comprising: (a) a housing defining a refrigeration compartment for supporting said containers, said housing having an access opening therein for introducing and removing containers from said compartment and a removable lid for opening and closing said access opening; (b) cold plate means within said refrigeration compartment for cooling said containers by conduction, said cold plate means including a metal plate conformally shaped to exterior sidewall portions of said containers, said metal plate having a layer of complient heat transfer material thereon for firmly engaging said sidewall portions; and (c) refrigeration means for maintaining said cold plate at a temperature which cools said containers.