Thermoelectric device for defogging and defrosting applications

Abstract

A controlled surface having a direct contact with a flow of cold air circulating within a climate-controlled space is provided. A thermoelectric device is associated with the controlled surface and has a hot junction positioned upstream in the path of the air stream moving over the controlled surface and a cold junction positioned downstream in the path of the air stream. This arrangement provides defogging, defrosting or condensate evaporation for the controlled surface, while the temperature in the climate-controlled space is not appreciably altered, and at least some amount of moisture is removed from the air stream by the thermoelectric device.

1 . A thermoelectric device and controlled surface combination wherein:
 said thermoelectric device provides one of or a combination of defogging, defrosting or condensate evaporation for the controlled surface.   
   
   
       2 . The combination as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said thermoelectric device and said controlled surface are positioned within a climate-controlled environment. 
   
   
       3 . The combination as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein a hot junction of said thermoelectric device is positioned in an air stream prior to the air stream having contact with said controlled surface. 
   
   
       4 . The combination as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein a cold junction of said thermoelectric device is also positioned in the air stream but downstream along the controlled surface. 
   
   
       5 . The combination as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the air stream is an air curtain. 
   
   
       6 . The combination as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said climate-controlled environment is one of a refrigerated enclosure and an air conditioned space. 
   
   
       7 . The combination as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said climate-controlled environment is one of a stationary type and a mobile type. 
   
   
       8 . The combination as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said controlled surface is one of a glass door, a window and a mirror. 
   
   
       9 . The combination as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said thermoelectric device is an add-on device. 
   
   
       10 . The combination as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said thermoelectric device is incorporated into a controlled surface structure. 
   
   
       11 . The combination as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said thermoelectric device is actuated on demand. 
   
   
       12 . The combination as set forth in  claim 11 , wherein said thermoelectric device is actuated based on at least one of a timer and a humidity sensor feedback. 
   
   
       13 . The combination as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein a power supply for said thermoelectric device is an adjustable power supply allowing for variable amounts of heating and cooling respectively provided at a hot junction and at a cold junction of the thermoelectric device. 
   
   
       14 . The combination as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the polarity of said thermoelectric device is reversed to selectively assist in cooling. 
   
   
       15 . A method of operating a thermoelectric device and controlled surface combination including the steps of:
 (a) providing one of or a combination of defogging, defrosting or condensate evaporation for the controlled surface by positioning a hot junction of the thermoelectric device at desired locations.   
   
   
       16 .- 25 . (canceled)