초록 ▼

A device is provided for modifying the temperature of a breathing or other as supplied through a conduit. A heat exchanger is mounted in-line with the conduit. A thermoelectric device has first and second thermally conductive plates separated by at least one thermoelectric couple. The first thermall

A device is provided for modifying the temperature of a breathing or other as supplied through a conduit. A heat exchanger is mounted in-line with the conduit. A thermoelectric device has first and second thermally conductive plates separated by at least one thermoelectric couple. The first thermally conductive plate is in thermal contact with the heat exchanger. A phase change material is in thermal contact with the second thermally conductive plate. A voltage is applied to the thermoelectric couple(s) to maintain the first and second thermally conductive plates at different temperatures. The phase change material changes from a first phase to a second phase at a phase change temperature that is selected to be between the different temperatures of the first and second thermally conductive plates.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the united states is:] [1.] A device for modifying the temperature of gas supplied through a conduit, comprising:a heat exchanger mounted in-line with the conduit such that the gas passes through said heat exchanger;a thermoelec

[ What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the united states is:] [1.] A device for modifying the temperature of gas supplied through a conduit, comprising:a heat exchanger mounted in-line with the conduit such that the gas passes through said heat exchanger;a thermoelectric device having first and second thermally conductive plates separated by at least one thermoelectric couple, said first thermally conductive plate in thermal contact with said heat exchanger, wherein voltage applied to said at least one thermoelectric couple maintains said first and second thermally conductive plates at different temperatures;a phase change material, in thermal contact with said second thermally conductive plate, for changing from a first phase to a second phase at a phase change temperature between said different temperatures as heat is transferred between said heat exchanger and said phase change material via said thermoelectric device;a second heat exchanger thermally coupled to said phase change material for transferring heat between the ambient environment and said phase chance material to aid in the restoration of said phase chance material in said second phase to said first phase; andmeans for thermally isolating said second heat exchanger from the ambient environment until the temperature of the ambient environment is suitable to begin restoring said phase change material in said second phase to said first phase.