Thermoelectric container cooler

Abstract

A thermoelectric display case ( 10 ) is provided with at least one cooling tube ( 30 ) having at least one thermoelectric module ( 40 ) that cools containers ( 20 ) stored in the cooling tube ( 30 ).

1 . A refrigeration system for a display case that dispenses containers, the system comprising:
 at least one cooling tube having an inner volume sized for storing and dispensing the containers; and   one or more thermoelectric modules connected to said at least one cooling tube, wherein each of said one or more thermoelectric modules has a cold side in thermal communication with said inner volume for cooling the containers, wherein said one or more thermoelectric modules is a plurality of thermoelectric modules along a length of said at least one cooling tube, and wherein each of said plurality of thermoelectric modules has a cooling capacity that is not uniform along said length.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of said one or more thermoelectric modules has a warm side in thermal isolation from said inner volume of said at least one cooling tube. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a fan that provides air-flow in thermal communication with said warm side of said one or more thermoelectric modules. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of said one or more thermoelectric modules is spaced along a length of said at least one cooling tube to correspond to one of the containers stored therein. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one cooling tube is thermally insulated. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of said at least one cooling tube is thermally conductive. 
   
   
       7 . (canceled) 
   
   
       8 . A refrigeration system for a display case that dispenses containers, the system comprising:
 at least one cooling tube having an inner volume sized for storing and dispensing the containers; and   one or more thermoelectric modules connected to said at least one cooling tube, wherein each of said one or more thermoelectric modules has a cold side in thermal communication with said inner volume for cooling the containers, wherein said one or more thermoelectric modules is a plurality of thermoelectric modules along a length of said at least one cooling tube, wherein each of said plurality of thermoelectric modules has a cooling capacity that is not uniform along said length, wherein said one or more thermoelectric modules is a plurality of thermoelectric modules along a length of said at least one cooling tube, and wherein each of said plurality of thermoelectric modules has a sensor for detecting one of the containers in proximity thereto and shutting off energy thereto.   
   
   
       9 . A refrigeration system for a display case that dispenses containers, the system comprising:
 at least one cooling tube having an inner volume sized for storing and dispensing the containers; and one or more thermoelectric modules connected to said at least one cooling tube, wherein each of said one or more thermoelectric modules has a cold side in thermal communication with said inner volume for cooling the containers, wherein said one or more thermoelectric modules is a plurality of thermoelectric modules along a length of said at least one cooling tube, wherein each of said plurality of thermoelectric modules has a cooling capacity that is not uniform along said length, wherein said at least one cooling tube is a plurality of cooling tubes, and wherein at least a portion of said plurality of cooling tubes is transparent.   
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one cooling tube has a non-circular cross-section. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a support structure. 
   
   
       12 . (canceled) 
   
   
       13 . The display case of  claim 11 , further comprising a fan that provides air flow in thermal communication with said warm side of said one or more thermoelectric modules. 
   
   
       14 . The display case of  claim 11 , wherein each of said one or more thermoelectric modules is spaced along a length of said at least one cooling tube to correspond to one of the containers stored therein. 
   
   
       15 . The display case of  claim 11 , wherein said at least one cooling tube is thermally insulated, and wherein an inner surface of said at least one cooling tube is thermally conductive. 
   
   
       16 - 20 . (canceled)