U.S. patent application number 10/887184 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-12 for countertop thermoelectric assembly.
Invention is credited to Keith Ruckstuhl.
Application Number | 20060005548 10/887184 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35539875 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060005548 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ruckstuhl; Keith |
January 12, 2006 |
Countertop thermoelectric assembly
Abstract
A countertop thermoelectric assembly includes a countertop
forming a food preparation surface at an upper side thereof, at
least one Peltier effect device located below the countertop, a
thermal transfer plate located between the countertop and the
thermoelectric device, a heat sink in thermal communication with
the thermoelectric unit, and a controller to selectively operate
the thermoelectric unit to cool and/or warm the food preparation
surface formed by the countertop. A first temperature sensor
located to provide signals representative of a temperature of the
countertop. A second temperature sensor located to provide signals
representative of a temperature of the heat sink. A condensation
shield is located below the heat sink. A moisture sensor is located
to provide signals representative of moisture at the condensation
shield. At least one fan is located below the countertop to direct
air over the heat sink and/or the condensation shield.
Inventors: |
Ruckstuhl; Keith; (Portage,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP;ATTN: Intellectual Property Department
28th Floor
41 South High Street
Columbus
OH
43215-6194
US
|
Family ID: |
35539875 |
Appl. No.: |
10/887184 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/3.2 ; 62/258;
62/3.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 31/005 20130101;
F25B 2700/02 20130101; F25B 2321/021 20130101; F25B 21/04 20130101;
A47B 77/08 20130101; F25B 2321/0251 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/003.2 ;
062/003.3; 062/258 |
International
Class: |
F25B 21/02 20060101
F25B021/02; F25D 23/12 20060101 F25D023/12 |
Claims
1. A thermoelectric assembly comprising, in combination: a built-in
kitchen cabinet having a hinged door to selectively provide access
to an interior storage space of the kitchen cabinet; wherein the
kitchen cabinet has an open top; a kitchen countertop supported on
a top of the kitchen cabinet and closing the open top of the
kitchen cabinet; wherein at least a portion of the countertop forms
a food preparation surface at an upper side thereof; at least one
thermoelectric unit located below the countertop within the kitchen
cabinet and in thermal communication with the countertop; a heat
sink in thermal communication with the thermoelectric unit; and a
controller in electrical communication with the thermoelectric unit
to selectively operate the thermoelectric unit to change a
temperature of the food preparation surface without substantially
changing a temperature of the interior storage space.
2. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
thermoelectric unit is a Peltier effect device.
3. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
countertop comprises at least one material selected from the group
of natural stone, stainless steel and concrete.
4. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
kitchen cabinet includes a storage drawer located between the open
top and the interior storage space and the thermoelectric device is
located above the drawer and does not substantially change an
interior temperature of the storage drawer.
5. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 1, further
comprising a thermal transfer plate located between the countertop
and the thermoelectric device.
6. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 5, wherein the
thermal transfer plate comprises a material having a relatively
high thermal conductivity.
7. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 5, wherein the
thermal transfer plate extends beyond the thermoelectric unit and
at least a portion of a lower side of the thermal transfer plate is
provided with insulation.
8. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 1, further
comprising a temperature sensor in electrical communication with
the controller and located to provide signals representative of a
temperature of the preparation surface.
9. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 8, further
comprising at least one fan located below the countertop and within
the kitchen cabinet to direct air over the heat sink, and wherein
the controller operates the fan after the controller stops
operation of the thermoelectric until signals from the temperature
sensor indicate that a thermal load of the thermoelectric unit is
above or below a predetermined level.
10. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 1, further
comprising a temperature sensor in electrical communication with
the controller and located to provide signals representative of a
temperature of the heat sink.
11. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 10, further
comprising at least one fan located below the countertop and within
the kitchen cabinet to direct air over the heat sink, and wherein
the controller operates the fan after the controller stops
operation of the thermoelectric until signals from the temperature
sensor indicate that a thermal load of the thermoelectric unit is
above or below a predetermined level.
12. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 1, further
comprising at least one fan located below the countertop and within
the kitchen cabinet to direct air over the heat sink.
13. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 12, further
comprising an enclosure about the heat sink and the fan and having
an air outlet.
14. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 13, wherein the
air inlet and the air outlet are each in communication with an
external environment about the kitchen cabinet through vents in a
front wall of the kitchen cabinet.
15. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 1, further
comprising a condensation shield located below the heat sink.
16. A thermoelectric assembly comprising, in combination: a panel
forming a preparation surface at an upper side thereof; at least
one thermoelectric unit located below the panel and in thermal
communication with the panel; a heat sink in thermal communication
with the thermoelectric unit; a controller in electrical
communication with the thermoelectric unit to selectively operate
the thermoelectric unit to change a temperature of the preparation
surface; a condensation shield located below the heat sink; and a
moisture sensor in electrical communication with the controller and
located to provide signals representative of moisture at the
condensation shield.
17. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 16, further
comprising at least one fan located below the panel to direct air
over the condensation shield, and wherein the controller operates
the fan after the controller has stopped operation of the
thermoelectric unit when signals from the moisture sensor indicate
moisture is not present at the condensation shield.
18. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 16, further
comprising at least one fan located below the panel to direct air
over the condensation shield, and wherein the controller operates
the fan when signals from the moisture sensor indicate moisture is
present at the condensation shield.
19. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 1, wherein the
controller is in electrical communication with the thermoelectric
unit to operate the thermoelectric unit to selectively cool and
warm the preparation surface.
20. A countertop thermoelectric assembly comprising, in
combination: a built-in kitchen cabinet having a hinged door to
selectively Provide access to an interior storage space of the
kitchen cabinet; wherein the kitchen cabinet has an open top; a
kitchen countertop supporting the kitchen cabinet and closing the
open top of the kitchen cabinet; wherein at least a portion of a
the countertop forms a food preparation surface at an upper side
thereof; at least one thermoelectric unit located below the
countertop within the kitchen cabinet and in thermal communication
with the countertop through the open top of the kitchen cabinet;
wherein the thermoelectric unit is a Peltier effect device; a
thermal transfer plate located between the countertop and the
thermoelectric device; a heat sink in thermal communication with
the thermoelectric unit; a controller in electrical communication
with the thermoelectric unit to selectively operate the
thermoelectric unit to change a temperature of the food preparation
surface formed by the countertop without substantially changing a
temperature of the interior storage space; a first temperature
sensor in electrical communication with the controller and located
to provide signals representative of a temperature of the
countertop; and a second temperature sensor in electrical
communication with the controller and located to provide signals
representative of a temperature of the heat sink.
21. The countertop thermoelectric assembly according to claim 20,
further comprising at least one fan located below the countertop to
direct air over the heat sink.
22. The countertop thermoelectric assembly according to claim 21,
further comprising an enclosure about the heat sink and the fan and
having an air outlet.
23. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 20, wherein the
controller is in electrical communication with the thermoelectric
unit to operate the thermoelectric unit to selectively cool and
warm the preparation surface.
24. A countertop thermoelectric assembly comprising, in
combination: a portion of a countertop forming a food preparation
surface at an upper side thereof; at least one thermoelectric unit
located below the countertop and in thermal communication with the
countertop; wherein the thermoelectric unit is a Peltier effect
device; a thermal transfer plate located between the countertop and
the thermoelectric device; a heat sink in thermal communication
with the thermoelectric unit; a controller in electrical
communication with the thermoelectric unit to operate the
thermoelectric unit to selectively cool and warm the food
preparation surface formed by the countertop; a first temperature
sensor in electrical communication with the controller and located
to provide signals representative of a temperature of the
countertop; a second temperature sensor in electrical communication
with the controller and located to provide signals representative
of a temperature of the heat sink; a condensation shield located
below the heat sink; and a moisture sensor in electrical
communication with the controller and located to provide signals
representative of moisture at the condensation shield.
25. The countertop thermoelectric assembly according to claim 24,
further comprising at least one fan located below the countertop to
direct air over the heat sink.
26. The countertop thermoelectric assembly according to claim 25,
further comprising an enclosure about the heat sink and the fan and
having an air outlet.
27. The countertop thermoelectric assembly according to claim 24,
further comprising at least one fan located below the countertop to
direct air over the condensation shield.
28. The countertop thermoelectric assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the countertop includes an insert panel having a planar top
surface forming the food preparation surface and flush with a
planar top surface of a portion of the countertop surrounding the
insert panel.
29. The thermoelectric assembly according to claim 4, wherein the
thermoelectric unit has a low profile so that the thermoelectric
unit is located entirely above the effective storage space of the
drawer.
30. The countertop thermoelectric assembly according to claim 20,
wherein the kitchen cabinet includes a storage drawer located
between the open top and the interior storage space and the
thermoelectric device is located above the drawer and does not
substantially change an interior temperature of the storage
drawer.
31. The countertop thermoelectric assembly according to claim 30,
wherein the thermoelectric unit has a low profile so that the
thermoelectric unit is located entirely above the effective storage
space of the drawer.
32. The countertop thermoelectric assembly according to claim 20,
wherein the countertop includes an insert panel having a planar top
surface forming the food preparation surface and flush with a
planar top surface of a portion of the countertop surrounding the
insert panel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention generally relates to a device for
cooling and/or heating a food preparation surface such as a kitchen
countertop and, more particularly, to an assembly having a
thermoelectric or "Peltier effect" unit for cooling and/or heating
a food preparation surface such as a kitchen countertop.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is sometimes desirable to have a cool working or
preparation surface when preparing certain foodstuffs such as, for
example, confectioneries like fudge. Such food preparation surfaces
are often made from natural stone such as, for example, granite.
The natural stone has thermal properties such that it tends to
remain relatively cool in most kitchen environments, particularly
when the stone has a relatively large thickness. Granite also has
other properties such as hardness, scratch resistance, ease of
cleaning which make it a desirable material for food preparation
surfaces. In commercial kitchens, granite food preparation surfaces
and other thermally conductive food preparation surfaces such as,
for example, stainless steel are sometimes provided with
refrigeration systems to insure a desirable temperature of the
preparation surface. An additional benefit of using a granite or
other cold preparation surface is that it somewhat cools the
ambient temperature of an otherwise warm kitchen environment.
[0006] Granite, stainless steel, and the like are also popular
materials for countertops in residential kitchens because of their
natural beauty as well as the above-identified properties suitable
for food preparation surfaces. However, because of the relatively
thin material thickness of residential countertops, the food
preparation surface is typically not as naturally cool as desired
for preparing some foodstuffs such as, for example, confectionaries
like fudge. Additionally, the refrigeration systems used in
commercial kitchens are cost and space prohibitive for most
residential kitchens.
[0007] It is also sometimes desirable to have a warm working or
preparation surface when preparing certain foodstuffs such as, for
example, baked goods like bread. In commercial kitchens, food
preparation surfaces are sometimes provided with heater systems to
insure a desirable temperature at the preparation surface.
Residential cooking stoves or ranges sometimes have smooth top
cooking surfaces but these cooking surfaces provide temperatures
which are too high to operate as a food preparation surface for
some operations where cooking is not desired such as, for example,
a warm surface for rising bread. Additionally, the heater systems
used in commercial kitchens are cost and space prohibitive for most
residential kitchens.
[0008] Therefore, most "home chefs" must make do with less than
ideal conditions and commercial chefs must purchase multiple
systems which are relatively expensive and space consuming.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved device for
cooling and/or heating food preparation surfaces such as a
countertop or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a countertop thermoelectric
assembly which overcomes at least some of the above-noted problems
of the related art. According to the present invention, a
thermoelectric assembly comprises, in combination, a panel forming
a preparation surface at an upper side thereof, at least one
thermoelectric unit located below the panel and in thermal
communication with the panel, a heat sink in thermal communication
with the thermoelectric unit, and a controller in electrical
communication with the thermoelectric unit to selectively operate
the thermoelectric unit to change a temperature of the preparation
surface.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
countertop thermoelectric assembly comprises, in combination, a
portion of a countertop forming a food preparation surface at an
upper side thereof and at least one thermoelectric unit located
below the countertop and in thermal communication with the
countertop. The thermoelectric unit is a Peltier effect device. A
thermal transfer plate is located between the countertop and the
thermoelectric device. A heat sink is in thermal communication with
the thermoelectric unit. A controller is in electrical
communication with the thermoelectric unit to selectively operate
the thermoelectric unit to change a temperature of the food
preparation surface formed by the countertop. A first temperature
sensor is in electrical communication with the controller and
located to provide signals representative of a temperature of the
countertop. A second temperature sensor is in electrical
communication with the controller and located to provide signals
representative of a temperature of the heat sink.
[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a
countertop thermoelectric assembly comprises, in combination, a
portion of a countertop forming a food preparation surface at an
upper side thereof and at least one thermoelectric unit located
below the countertop and in thermal communication with the
countertop. The thermoelectric unit is a Peltier effect device. A
thermal transfer plate is located between the countertop and the
thermoelectric device. A heat sink is in thermal communication with
the thermoelectric unit. A controller is in electrical
communication with the thermoelectric unit to operate the
thermoelectric unit to selectively cool and warm the food
preparation surface formed by the countertop. A first temperature
sensor is in electrical communication with the controller and
located to provide signals representative of a temperature of the
countertop. A second temperature sensor is in electrical
communication with the controller and located to provide signals
representative of a temperature of the heat sink. A condensation
shield is located below the heat sink and a moisture sensor in
electrical communication with the controller and located to provide
signals representative of moisture at the condensation shield.
[0012] From the foregoing disclosure and the following more
detailed description of various preferred embodiments it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention
provides a significant advance in the technology and art of thermal
control units for food preparation surfaces. Particularly
significant in this regard is the potential the invention affords
for providing a high quality, reliable, low cost assembly.
Additional features and advantages of various preferred embodiments
will be better understood in view of the detailed description
provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These and further features of the present invention will be
apparent with reference to the following description and drawing,
wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a countertop thermoelectric
assembly according to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the countertop
thermoelectric assembly of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the thermoelectric
assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the thermoelectric assembly
of FIGS. 1 to 3;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of an alternative
thermoelectric assembly according to the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the thermoelectric assembly
of FIG. 5 showing inlet and outlet vents.
[0020] It should be understood that the appended drawings are not
necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified
representation of various preferred features illustrative of the
basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of
a countertop thermoelectric assembly as disclosed herein,
including, for example, specific components, shapes and dimensions
will be determined in part by the particular intended application
and use environment. Certain features of the illustrated
embodiments have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to
facilitate visualization and clear understanding. In particular,
thin features may be thickened, for example, for clarity or
illustration. All references to direction and position, unless
otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the countertop
thermoelectric assembly illustrated in the drawings. In general, up
or upward refers to an upward direction within the plane of the
paper in FIGS. 2 and 3 and down or downward refers to a downward
direction within the plane of the paper in FIGS. 2 and 3. Also in
general, fore or forward refers to a direction toward the front of
the countertop and/or kitchen cabinet, that is, a rightward
direction within the plane of the paper in FIG. 3 and aft or
rearward refers to a direction toward the rear of the countertop
and/or kitchen cabinet, that is, a leftward direction within the
plane of the paper in FIG. 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, to
those who have knowledge or experience in this area of technology,
that many uses and design variations are possible for the improved
countertop thermoelectric assemblies disclosed herein. The
following detailed discussion of various alternative and preferred
embodiments will illustrate the general principles of the invention
with reference to countertop thermoelectric assemblies for use in
cooling and/or heating residential or home food preparation
surfaces such as kitchen countertops. Other embodiments suitable
for other applications such as, for example, commercial food
preparation surfaces or the like will be apparent to those skilled
in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.
[0022] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 4 show a
countertop thermoelectric assembly 10 installed on a residential
kitchen countertop according to the present invention. The
thermoelectric assembly 10 includes a panel such as a countertop 12
forming a food preparation surface 14, at least one thermoelectric
device or unit 16 located below the countertop 12 and in thermal
communication with the countertop 12, a thermal transfer plate or
cold sink 18 located between the countertop 12 and the
thermoelectric unit 16, a thermal transfer body or heat sink 20 in
thermal communication with the thermoelectric unit 16, and a
controller or control unit 22 in electrical communication with the
thermoelectric unit 16 to selectively operate the thermoelectric
unit 16 to cool and/or warm the preparation surface 14.
[0023] The illustrated thermoelectric assembly 10 is installed on a
standard kitchen cabinet 24 supporting the countertop or panel 12.
The panel 12 covers the open top of the cabinet 24 and has a planar
top surface which forms the food preparation surface 14 and a
planar bottom surface 26 facing the interior space of the cabinet
24. The panel 12 preferably comprises a solid surface counter
material such as, for example, natural stone like granite or
marble, stainless steel, poured concrete or man-made solid surface
counter materials but any other suitable material can alternatively
be utilized. The illustrated countertop 12 includes an insert panel
28 held in an opening in the panel 12 by a support bracket 30. The
illustrated support bracket 30 is generally Z-shaped in
cross-section but another other suitable bracket or support means
can alternatively be utilized. The illustrated insert panel 28 has
a planar top surface 2 which forms the food preparation surface and
a planar bottom surface facing the interior space of the cabinet
24. The insert panel 28 is positioned so that the upper surfaces of
the panel 12 and the insert panel 28 form the substantially
continuous food preparation surface 14. The insert panel 28
preferably comprises solid surface counter material such as, for
example, a natural stone material like granite or marble, or
man-made solid surface counter materials but any other material
suitable for cooling and/or warming by the thermoelectric unit 16
can alternatively be utilized. It noted that the insert panel 28
can alternatively be eliminated so that the thermoelectric unit 16
directly cools and/or warms the panel 12 without the opening or the
insert panel 28. It is further noted that the insert panel 28 is
preferably eliminated when the panel 12 comprises a suitable
material for cooling and/or warming by the thermoelectric unit 16
such as, for example, a natural stone material (best shown in FIG.
4) but the insert panel 28 is preferably utilized when the panel 12
comprises a material not suitable for cooling and/or warming by the
thermoelectric unit 16 such as, for example, a laminate material
(best shown in FIGS. 1 to 3).
[0024] The illustrated cabinet 24 has a drawer 32 located near the
top of the cabinet 24 which opens in a forward. Mounted in this
manner, the open top of the drawer 32 faces the bottom surface 26
of the countertop 12 when the drawer 32 is closed. Below the drawer
32 is a hinged door 34 which selectively provides access to a
storage space 36 located below the drawer 32. It is noted that the
cabinet 24 can alternatively have any suitable, size, shape, and
form such as, for example, the drawer 32 and/or hinged door 34
could be altered and/or eliminated.
[0025] As best shown in FIG. 4, the illustrated thermoelectric unit
16 is located below the panel 12 and in thermal communication with
the panel 12 so that operation of the thermoelectric unit 16 cools
and/or heats the panel 12 so that the food preparation surface 14
is at a desired temperature. The thermoelectric unit 16 is
preferably a Peltier effect device, that is a device sometimes
referred to as a "semiconductor refrigerator" that works according
to the Peltier effect and either cools or warms an object depending
on the direction of current flow therethrough. Such a
thermoelectric device 16 typically includes an array of
semiconductor couples electrically connected in series and
thermally connected in parallel. The semiconductor couples are
typically sandwiched between metalized ceramic substrates. When DC
electric current is applied in series to the thermoelectric device
16, it acts as a heat pump with heat being absorbed on the cold
side, thereby cooling it, while heat is dissipated at the other
side. Reversing the current causes the direction of heat flow to be
reversed. Attaching a heat sink 20 and a cold sink 18 to the
respective hot and cold sides enhances the efficiency of the
thermoelectric device 16.
[0026] It is noted that more than one thermal electric unit 16 can
be stacked together to produce a sharper thermal gradient and
decrease the cooling or warming time for the area of the food
preparation surface 14 to be cooled or warmed. It is also noted
that more than one thermal electric unit 16 or more than one stack
of thermoelectric units 16 can be utilized to increase the overall
area of the food preparation surface 14 to be cooled or warmed or,
if adequately spaced, to provide more than one distinctly different
area of the food preparation surface 14 to be independently cooled
or warmed. The thermoelectric assembly 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3, utilizes
four of the thermoelectric units 16 to create a relatively large
area of the food preparation surface 14 which is cooled and
warmed.
[0027] As best shown in FIG. 4, the thermal transfer plate 18 is a
substantially planar member located between the thermoelectric unit
16 and the bottom surface 26 of the panel 12. The thermal transfer
plate 18 preferably is sized substantially equal to area of the
food preparation surface 14 which is desired to be cooled and/or
warmed. The thermal transfer plate 18 provides a larger footprint
than the thermoelectric unit 16 to aid in the transfer of heat over
a larger area. The thermal transfer plate 18 preferably comprises a
material having a relatively high coefficient of thermal
conductivity such as, for example, copper, aluminum, and/or the
like. The thermal transfer plate 18 is preferably provided with a
suitable thermal transfer medium 38 such as, for example, thermal
transfer grease or tape at its interfaces with the panel 12 and the
thermoelectric unit 16 to improve heat transfer therebetween.
[0028] The heat sink 20 is located below the thermoelectric unit 16
and in thermal communication therewith. The heat sink 20 can be
unitary with the thermoelectric unit 16 or suitably connected
thereto. The heat sink 20 is preferably provided with a suitable
thermal transfer medium 40 such as, for example, thermal transfer
grease or tape at its interface with the thermoelectric unit 16 to
improve heat transfer therebetween. The heat sink 20 is sized and
shaped to provide a suitable surface area for the transfer of heat.
The heat sink 20 is preferably provided with fins 42 to increase
its exterior surface area. The heat sink 20 preferably comprises a
material having a relatively high coefficient of thermal
conductivity such as, for example, copper, aluminum, and/or the
like.
[0029] A layer of thermally insulating material 44 is preferably
provided at the lower side of the thermal transfer plate 18 to
ensure that the thermal gradient does not "self cancel." The layer
44 preferably cover substantially all of the lower surface of the
thermal transfer plate 18 which is not covered by the
thermoelectric unit or units 16. The layer 44 can comprise any
suitable thermally insulating material.
[0030] The controller or control unit 22 is adapted to control
operation of the thermoelectric assembly 10 so that the
thermoelectric unit 16 selectively cools and/or warms the panel 12.
The control unit 22 is in electrical communication with the
thermoelectric unit 16 and a suitable power supply 46. The electric
communication can be provided by hard wiring, wireless technology,
or a combination. The wireless technology utilized can be, for
example, X-10, Bluetooth, or other communication protocols. The
illustrated control unit 22 is located above the countertop 12 but
can alternatively be located at any other desired location. The
control unit 22 preferably includes user input means for initiating
cooling and/or warming of the panel 12 by the thermoelectric unit
16, selecting one of multiple temperature settings such as, for
example high and low settings (the control unit 22 can
alternatively permit the input of a desired temperature), selecting
a duration of time for operation of the thermoelectric unit 16
until operation of the unit automatically shuts off such as, for
example, duration of between thirty minutes and two hours (the
control unit 22 can alternatively operate the thermoelectric unit
16 for a predetermined non-user adjusted period of time),and
selecting between more than one temperature controlled zone when
applicable. It is noted that the thermoelectric assembly 10
operates within a temperature range which warms the panel 12 to aid
in food preparation but does not heat the panel 12 to a temperature
which cooks food.
[0031] The illustrated thermoelectric assembly 10 also includes
first and second temperature sensors 48, 50 which are in electrical
communication with the control unit 22. The first temperature
sensor 48 is located at the bottom surface 26 of the countertop 12
to provide a signal representative of the temperature at the
countertop 12. The control unit 22 can use this signal to stop
operation of the thermoelectric unit 16 or activate a fan (as
described in more detail hereinafter) when the countertop
temperature reaches a predetermined cutoff temperature or when a
predetermined temperature gradient is present across the
thermoelectric unit 16. The second temperature sensor 50 is located
at the heat sink 20 to provide a signal representative of the
temperature of the heat sink 20. The control unit 22 preferably
uses this signal to stop operation of the thermoelectric unit 16 or
activate a fan (as described in more detail hereinafter) when the
heat sink 20 temperature reaches a predetermined cutoff temperature
or when a predetermined temperature gradient is present across the
thermoelectric unit 16. The temperature sensors 48, 50 can be any
suitable type of device which provides a signal representative the
temperature of a desired location.
[0032] The illustrated thermoelectric assembly 10 of FIGS. 1 to 3,
includes a condensation guard 52 in the form of a tray or container
for catching and holding condensation which drips from the heat
sink 20. The illustrated condensation guard 52 sits in the drawer
32 of the cabinet 24 below the heat sink 20 when the drawer 32 is
closed. It is noted that the condensation guard 52 can take other
shapes, sizes and locations.
[0033] As best shown in FIG. 4, the various components of the
thermoelectric assembly 10 are preferably sized and shaped so that
the thermoelectric assembly 10 has a height small enough that the
thermoelectric assembly 10 is located entirely above the top of the
drawer 32. The components of the thermoelectric assembly 10
preferably extend below bottom surface 26 of the panel 12 no more
than about 1.5 to about 2 inches. Sized in this manner, the drawer
32 can be opening and closed in a normal manner without damage to
the thermoelectric assembly 10 and/or drawer 32 or alteration to
the cabinet 24 or the drawer 32. If the thermoelectric assembly 10
extends below the top of the drawer 32, the drawer 32 is preferably
provided with a notch or openings 54, so that the drawer 32 can be
opened and closed without contacting the thermoelectric assembly
10.
[0034] It is noted that solid surface countertops do not allow any
direct means of attachment thereto. Therefore, when a solid surface
countertop is present, a mounting bracket assembly is used to
secure the thermoelectric assembly 10 to the cabinet 24 and support
the thermoelectric assembly 10 in the desired position in contact
with the bottom surface 26 of the panel 12. It is believed that a
mounting bracket similar to a cabinet drawer runner can be affixed
horizontally in the cabinet 24 with a spring member and/or
adjusting member which provides upward pressure to keep the
assembly pressed against the bottom surface 26 of the panel 12.
When an insert panel 28 is used in conjunction with a non-solid
surface countertop, a mounting bracket can secure the
thermoelectric assembly 10 as described above, directly to the
countertop 12, or to the support bracket 30 of the insert pane
28.
[0035] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a countertop thermoelectric assembly 60
according to a second embodiment of the invention which is
substantially the same as the thermoelectric assembly 10 of FIGS. 1
to 4 and common reference numbers are utilized throughout. The
thermoelectric assembly 60 additionally includes at least one
electric fan 62 which is located to direct air over the heat sink
20 to aid in the dissipation of heat therefrom. Additional fans 62
can be provided for this and/or other purposes such as for example,
ventilation, backup in case of failure of the first fan 62, to dry
the condensation guard 52. The illustrated embodiment positions a
single fan 62 for directing air over both the heat sink 20 and the
condensation guard 52.
[0036] The illustrated thermoelectric assembly 60 also is provided
with a housing or enclosure 64 which encloses the thermoelectric
unit 16 and the heat sink 20. The enclosure 64 is provided with an
air inlet 66 and an air outlet 68. The illustrated air inlet 66 and
air outlet 68 are connected to inlet and outlet vents 70, 72 in the
front of the cabinet 24 by inlet and outlet ducts or conduits 74,
76. The ducts 74, 76 are preferably flexible tubes but can
alternatively can any suitable form. Fresh air from the room enters
the first vent 70 and travels through the first duct 74 to the air
inlet 66, through the air inlet 66 into the enclosure 64, through
the enclosure 64 over the heat sink 20 and condensation guard 52,
out of the enclosure 64 through the air outlet 68, through the
second duct 76 to the second vent 72 and back into the room.
Circulation continues as long as the fan 62 operates. It is noted
that alternatively, the inlet vent 70 and inlet duct 74 can be
eliminated so that are is drawn from the interior space 36 of the
cabinet 24 when there is adequate air mass available within the
cabinet. The fan 62 can operate whenever the thermoelectric unit 16
is operating and/or can be activated when certain predetermined
conditions are present. The illustrated condensation guard 52 is in
the form of a tray at the bottom of the enclosure 64. The
illustrated condensation guard 52 forms the lower portion of the
enclosure 64 and provides protection against condensation dripping
into the drawer 32 from the heat sink 20.
[0037] The illustrated thermoelectric assembly 60 also is provided
with a water or moisture sensor 78 in electrical communication with
the with the control unit 22. The moisture sensor 78 is located to
provide a signal representative of the moisture at the condensation
guard 52 and/or within the enclosure 64. The control unit 22
preferably uses this signal to continue operation of the fan 62 or
activate the fan 62 until all water in the condensation guard 52
and/or enclosure 64 is evaporated. The moisture sensor 78 can be
any suitable type of device which provides a signal representing
the presence of moisture or water at a desired location.
[0038] From the above description, it should be appreciated that
the present invention provides a countertop thermoelectric assembly
10 and method for warming and cooling a countertop which is
relatively simple and inexpensive to produce and operate.
[0039] From the foregoing disclosure and detailed description of
certain preferred embodiments, it will be apparent that various
modifications, additions and other alternative embodiments are
possible without departing from the true scope and spirit of the
present invention. The embodiments discussed were chosen and
described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the
present invention and its practical application to thereby enable
one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in
various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to
the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and
variations are within the scope of the present invention as
determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance
with the benefit to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably
entitled.
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