Patent ID: 6698233
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: F04B,F25B,F25D

Abstract:
A thermal storage device for maintaining the temperature of an article at a desired temperature for a length of time, the thermal storage device comprising:a compartment within which the article may be positioned; an evaporator which is disposed in heat exchange relation with respect to the compartment; a receiver which is fluidly connected to the evaporator; a sorber which is fluidly connected between the evaporator and the receiver and which includes a sorbent that is capable of adsorbing a refrigerant; means for desorbing the refrigerant from the sorbent; means for releasably connecting an external power supply to the desorbing means; wherein when the desorbing means is connected to the external power supply, the refrigerant is desorbed from the sorbent and communicated to the receiver; wherein after the desorbing means is disconnected from the external power supply, the refrigerant within the receiver is evaporated in the evaporator and adsorbed onto the sorbent to thereby produce a cooling effect in the compartment; and wherein the sorber comprises first and second spaced apart electrical conductors between which the sorbent is disposed, and the desorbing means comprises the first and second conductors.