초록

Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided within a relatively horizontal cold plate (12). A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10).

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Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided within a relatively horizontal cold plate (12). A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10). a chamber contained within the hollow vapor cha

Methods and apparatus for cold carbonation are provided in which a carbonator (13) having one or more segments is provided within a relatively horizontal cold plate (12). A sensor (14) is provided that can be accessed from a side of a dispenser (10). a chamber contained within the hollow vapor chamber base, the chamber adapted to house the electricity-generating device. 19. The electrical energy-generating system of claim 18 wherein the electricity generating device is comprised of a compressor and a plurality of turbine generators, further wherein the chamber is substantially triangular. 20. The electrical energy-generating system of claim 19 wherein the hollow vapor chamber base houses a plurality of substantially triangular chambers, each sequential chamber oriented in an opposing direction. 21. The electrical energy-generating system of claim 20 wherein electricity generated by the electricity generating device is routed to a rechargeable energy storage device. 22. The electrical energy-generating system of claim 21 wherein the rechargeable energy storage device is a battery. 23. The electrical energy-generating system of claim 1 wherein the vapor-pressurizing device and electricity generating device are micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) devices. 24. An electrical energy-generating heat sink system comprising: a vapor chamber heat sink containing a working fluid; a compressor fluidly coupled to the vapor chamber heat sink; and a MEMS turbine generator thermally coupled to the compressor and configured to provide electrical energy to a rechargeable battery in an electronic device. 25. The electrical energy-generating heat sink system of claim 24 wherein the electronic device is a notebook computer. 26. The electrical energy-generating heat sink system of claim 25 wherein run-time of the rechargeable battery in the notebook computer is increased by at least ten percent. 27. An integrated circuit package comprising: a heat transfer device having an integrated circuit mating surface; a compressor coupled to the heat transfer device; and an electricity generating device coupled to the compressor. 28. The integrated circuit package of claim 27 further comprising a cooling device coupled to the electricity generating device and to the heat transfer device, the cooling device configured to cool excess vapor from the electricity generating device for use again in the heat transfer device. 29. The integrated circuit package of claim 28 wherein the cooling device is a thermoelectric cooler or a condenser. 30. The integrated circuit package of claim 29 wherein the condenser is integral with the heat generating device, further wherein the heat generating device is a vapor chamber heat sink. 31. The integrated circuit package of claim 30 further comprising a fan thermally coupled to the vapor chamber heat sink. 32. The integrated circuit package of claim 27 further comprising an integrated circuit die thermally coupled to the integrated circuit mating surface of the heat transfer device. 33. A notebook computer comprising: a rechargeable battery; and an electrical energy-producing heat sink system coupled to the rechargeable battery. 34. The notebook computer of claim 33 further wherein the electrical energy producing heat sink system includes a generator electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery. 35. The notebook computer of claim 34 wherein the run-time for the notebook computer is increased by at least ten percent. 36. A battery charger comprising: means for transferring vapor from a microprocessor to a pressurizing device; means for converting pressurized vapor from the pressurizing device to mechanical energy; means for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy; and means for supplying current to a rechargeable battery having terminals with the electrical energy. 37. The battery charger of claim 36 wherein the means for transferring vapor is a heat pipe or thermosyphon. 38. The battery charger of claim 37 wherein the means for converting pressurized vapor is a turbine. 39. The battery charger of claim 38 wherein the means for converting mechanical energy is a generator. 40. The battery charger of claim 39 wherein the means