Abstract: A refrigerator having a shutting device for preventing flow of air between an evaporator and a fresh food compartment is disclosed. The shutting device has a shutting member for shutting a space that the evaporator is installed against a cooling compartment, and a motor for driving the shutting member. During a defrosting operation and when the door is open, cool air discharge ports are closed by the shutting member. Thus, the temperature rise of the fresh food compartment due to the heat from a defrosting heater, and the loss of cool air and the generation of frost on the evaporator due to the opening of the door are prevented.

Abstract: An air conditioning system for vehicles includes a sensor for detecting opening and closing of a vehicle portal, such as a door or a window, and a control device for selectively opening ports through which temperature controlled air flows into an interior of a vehicle, in response to a signal generated by the opening and closing detecting sensor and a target air temperature. In the system, even if a door or a window of a cabin is opened, ports are opened according to a most suitable port mode depending on the target air temperature at a present time. Therefore, an improved air conditioning state for an operator, and an improved driving condition with reduced waste power and reduced loads to the respective equipment, may be achieved.

Abstract: An automatic beverage dispenser shut off system for a beverage dispenser includes a housing for a closed loop refrigeration system. A retaining tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a mixing cylinder having a rotatable beater bar mounted therein. The beater bar is coupled to a motor. The retaining tank cover is in actuating contact with a shut off switch in the power circuit of the beverage dispenser. Removal of the retaining tank cover automatically actuates the shut off switch and cuts off all power to the beverage dispenser.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle interior temperature control system and control method wherein control system outlet air temperature can be controlled automatically using a processor with stored control algorithms that rely upon data including virtual ambient air temperature and virtual sun load heat flux.

Abstract: A refrigerator which has a device for opening/closing cool air discharge ports is disclosed. The device includes plates for opening/closing the ports, and an operation member having racks for driving the plates, and a motor for driving the operation member. The heat exchange between an evaporator and the outside warm air is prevented during the defrosting operation and when a door is open. Hence the cooling efficiency is enhanced and the frost caused by the outside warm air is not generated on the evaporated.

Abstract: A refrigerator which has a device for opening/closing cool air discharge ports is disclosed. The device includes plates for opening/closing the ports, and a driving device for driving the plates. The heat exchange between an evaporator and the outside warm air is prevented during the defrosting operation when a door is open. Hence the cooling efficiency is enhanced and the frost caused by the outside warm air is not generated on the evaporater.

Abstract: An improved defrost controller is provided for a space cooling system of the type having an evaporator in heat exchange relationship with a space to be cooled, a condenser external to the space, a compressor for circulating heat transfer fluid between the evaporator and condenser, an expansion valve located between an outlet from the condenser and an inlet to the evaporator, and a defroster operatively associated with the evaporator. The expansion valve is positionable in a plurality of positions between a fully open position and a fully closed position to maintain a desired level of superheat across the evaporator. The defrost controller monitors the expansion valve position and activates the defroster in response to the expansion valve being in a more closed position than a predetermined defrost target position.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled electronic thermostat system and method that detects the status of a thermostat output relay to determine if the relay has been set to a state as requested by the microprocessor and, if not, providing a boosted or increased voltage to the output relay in an attempt to correct the relay setting. Preferably, the system determines if the output relay is correctly turned off as requested by the microprocessor, and, if it is not, a first boosted voltage value is provided to the output relay in an attempt to turn the relay off. If this fails, a second higher boosted voltage value is provided to turn the output relay off. This continues periodically until an off condition is detected.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a climate control system having an automatic climate control system and a manual climate control system for an automobile having a convertible top. The method includes the step of detecting whether the convertible top is retracted. A signal indicating whether the convertible top is open is delivered to a climate control unit which includes an algorithm which assists in controlling the mode selection logic based on the results of the detection. The climate control unit creates a mode selection signal based on the results of the algorithm, and sends the mode selection signal to the mode selection logic, the mode selection signal being such that the mode selection actuator actuates the automatic climate control mode when the convertible top is up and the mode selection actuator actuates the manual climate control system when the convertible top is retracted.

Abstract: A method for reducing operating noise of a refrigerator comprises of steps of detecting an exterior temperature of the refrigerator, comparing the detected the exterior temperature with a reference temperature, if the detected exterior temperature is less than or equal to the reference temperature, periodically detecting exterior light levels, determining whether or not an absolute value of the difference between two successive exterior light levels is more than or equal to a reference light level for measuring a variation of the exterior light levels with time, if the absolute value is more than or equal to the first reference light level, deciding whether or not the former is more than the latter, wherein, if the former is less than or equal to the latter, operating the refrigerator in a normal operation mode, and if the former is more than the latter, increasing by a predetermined temperature a first driving reference temperature for driving a first fan for a refrigerator compartment and a second driving r

Abstract: An air outlet of an air conditioner is opened and closed by a door. A D.C. motor is operably connected to the door for opening and closing the door. The D.C. motor is supplied with D.C. power in response to the operation or stopping of the air conditioner.

Abstract: An air curtain fan driving controlling method and apparatus control a driving of an air curtain based on the temperature inside a refrigerating compartment of a refrigerator and the temperature outside a refrigerating compartment thereof. In the method, a reference temperature for controlling a temperature inside a refrigerating compartment is set. The normal cool operation for the refrigerating compartment is executed. It is judged whether an open door for the refrigerating compartment is detected during the normal cooling operating. In the previous step, when the door-close is detected, the temperature inside the refrigerating compartment and the temperature outside the refrigerating compartment is detected. An absolute value between a difference of the temperature inside a refrigerating compartment and the temperature outside the refrigerating compartment is compared with the set reference temperature to control a driving of the air curtain fan.

Abstract: A room air conditioner includes an air inlet, an air outlet, a heat exchanger disposed between the inlet and outlet, and an air circulation fan. The inlet is opened and closed by motor-driven inlet vanes. The outlet is opened and closed by a vertically slidable motor-driven door. Air direction control vanes extend across the outlet for varying the direction of discharged air. Before the door is either opened or closed, the air control vanes are automatically swung upwardly to a clearance position to avoid interfering with movement of the door. When the inlet and outlet are to be closed, the inlet vane motor is actuated prior the door motor to ensure that the inlet and outlet are fully closed simultaneously, even though it takes longer for the inlet vanes to travel to their fully closed state. A sensor determines when the door reaches an almost-closed state, and the door motor continues to operate for a set period thereafter to ensure that the door becomes fully closed.

Abstract: A refrigerator door alarm system that includes a message circuit having a playback function that is triggered by a trigger circuit that detects movement of the magnetic gasket of the refrigerator door. The refrigerator door alarm system includes an alarm housing and an alarm circuit including a trigger circuit, a timer circuit responsive to the trigger circuit, a message circuit responsive to the trigger circuit, and a buzzer responsive to the timer circuit. The alarm housing includes an outwardly extended magnetic attachment side strip secured to an attachment strip support, a speaker grate, a buzzer grate, a message record button opening, a message play button opening, a battery compartment, and a magnetically actuated reed switch assembly member; the trigger circuit including a magnetically actuated reed switch that is activatable by the magnetic field oat a magnetic refrigerator door gasket.

Abstract: This invention involves an air conditioner and method of its operation capable of preventing undesirable power consumption, prolonging the useful life of its parts, and improving operational efficiency through prevention of its malfunction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a suction inlet/discharge outlet opening or closing apparatus for an air conditioner having a function to close a suction inlet and a discharge outlet at the time of recovery of electric power, with reference to a time duration retrieved from an appropriate storage containing the time duration counted during a closing/opening of the suction inlet and discharge outlet, and a method therefor.

Abstract: In a refrigerator having a fluorescent lamp for illuminating a fresh food compartment in which the fluorescent lamp is installed in the fresh food compartment, and is turned on and off according to the opening and closing of a door for opening and closing the fresh food compartment, the refrigerator includes a heater which is installed adjacent to the fluorescent lamp to heat the peripheral portion of the fluorescent lamp. The refrigerator maintains a peripheral temperature of a fluorescent lamp at an appropriate temperature for lighting up the fluorescent lamp, to thereby prevent failure in the light-up of the fluorescent lamp and the reduction of illumination after lighting up the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system which operates in response to the manipulation of momentary switches is provided with discriminating means for discriminating whether any momentary switch is on at the time of system power-up. When the discriminating means finds that one or more momentary switches are on, the vehicle air-conditioning system is set to a predefined initial control state independent of contact information from such momentary switch or switches. As a result, at least the minimum temperature control required for occupant comfort can be secured when shorted contact sticking occurs in a momentary switch provided on an operation panel.

Abstract: A refrigerator has separate refrigerating and freezing compartments, an evaporator and fan for each compartment, and a compressor connected to the evaporators. A controller determines whether the refrigerator is in a normal mode or an overload mode, depending upon (i) the ambient temperature in the room where the refrigerator is disposed, (ii) the number of times the refrigerator door is opened per unit time, and (iii) the total time period in which the door is in an open state per unit time. In a normal mode, the compressor and both fans are operated simultaneously under the control of the temperature in the freezing compartment. In an overload mode, the two fans are operated independently, under the control of the respective temperatures in the freezing and refrigerating compartments.

Abstract: Compressor discharge temperature, ambient outdoor air temperature and thermal load are used as control parameters for controlling the expansion valve setting and indoor fan speed. Diagnostics monitor a feedback signal from the fan motor to detect fan over-speed and increased speed due to decreased air flow caused by a dirty indoor air filter. Discharge pressure of the compressor is monitored to detect a blocked outdoor fan. The difference between actual and optimum compressor discharge temperatures and suction pressure of the compressor are monitored to detect a stuck-closed expansion valve or low refrigerant charge. Compressor "short-cycling" is limited to prevent reduced reliability of the compressor. The difference between compressor discharge temperature and outdoor coil temperature is measured before and after startup to detect compressor failure.

Abstract: A bearing structure for an auger-type ice making machine 10 includes an auger 17 having a helical blade 17a which rotates within a cylindrical refrigeration casing 11 so as to scrape off ice generated on the inner surface of the refrigeration casing 11 and push it up and out of the casing. A slide bearing 27 for supports an upper shaft section 17b of the auger 17 and a press head 25 is provided inside the upper end portion of the refrigeration casing 11 and which supports the slide bearing 27. Even if the upper shaft section 17b of the auger 17 and the press head 25 axially relatively move as a result of the scraping oil and feeding-out of the ice, substantially closed first and second foreign matter trapp spaces A and B are formed in close proximity to the lower and upper ends of the slide bearing. Further, a high-hardness metal layer 17f having a thickness, for example, of approximately 0.5 mm is formed on the surface of the upper shaft section 17b of the auger 17.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and protecting a transport refrigeration unit and a load in a load space to be conditioned by circulating air between the load space and the transport refrigeration unit. The transport refrigeration unit maintains a selected set point temperature SP in the load space by electrical control which selects cooling and hot gas heating conditioning modes initiated by switching a three-way valve between first and second positions. The method includes the step of detecting a reverse operating mode, wherein the actual conditioning mode is the opposite of the conditioning mode requested by the control means, and the step of pulsing the three-way valve in an attempt to cause the three-way valve, when stuck, to switch to the required position.

Abstract: A method for controlling the rotation speed of a compressor for a refrigerator according to the frequency of use of the refrigerator. According to the control method, when the number of times or the cumulative time that the refrigerator doors are opened during a first predetermined time interval exceeds a respective reference value, the rotation speed of the compressor is increased. When the doors remain closed for a second predetermined time period, the rotation speed of the compressor is decreased.

Abstract: A power separating apparatus in an automobile comprises first detecting means for generating a first electric signal having a predetermined voltage level when an engine is actuated, second detecting means for generating a second electric signal having a predetermined voltage level when a rotated device is not actuated, determining means for generating a failure signal indicating a failure of the rotated device depending upon a condition of logical product of the first electric signal and the second electric signal when the rotated device should be actuated, and means for controlling an electromagnetic clutch to separate the rotated device from the driving belt on the basis of the failure signal.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for regulating or controlling the temperature of an interior, especially for a motor vehicle. An interior temperature regulation mode is provided if an interior temperature sensor and a blowing-out temperature sensor have been connected such that they can operate. A blowing-out temperature regulation mode is provided if only the blowing-out temperature sensor has been connected such that it can operate. Or, a reversionary control mode is provided if no temperature sensor which can operate is present, for which purpose a control and regulating device is correspondingly configured. The control and regulating device can be used for various types of vehicles. A blowing-out temperature regulation mode is also implemented if an open roof is identified in the case of a convertible vehicle.

Abstract: A fan control system for the evaporator of refrigerating appliances, of the type in which the internal air is forced to circulate, by action of a fan (20), through the evaporator (30) of a refrigerating circuit, fed by a compressor (40), the system comprising: a first temperature sensing means (S1), detecting the temperature of the circulating air at the air inlet of the evaporator (30); a second temperature sensing means (S2), detecting the temperature of the evaporator (30); and a control circuit (50), producing: a fan stop control signal, when the difference between the values of the temperatures detected by the first and second sensors (S1, S2) reaches a stop value, below which the heat transfer from the forced circulating air to the evaporator is lower than the heat transfer from the fan (20) to the air; and a fan start control signal, when the difference of temperatures reaches a certain start value corresponding to a temperature of the evaporator (30) substantially lower than the temperature of the air

Abstract: A completely self-contained and portable alarm system that senses a condition in which a refrigerator or freezer door is not fully closed using a plurality of spring-tempered metallic sensor switches and which provides an audible tone from a piezoelectric transducer. By means of a selector switch, the alarm can occur either immediately upon opening the appliance door, after a predetermined delay has expired, or the alarm can be disabled by removing power from the electronic circuit. Compared to other refrigeration alarm systems this invention is not integral to the appliance itself; it senses only door-ajar conditions; is powered by common direct current means; and its mounting location is highly flexible. It can be easily installed by magnetic means on either side, or top of the appliance near the door by simply placing it where desired, accommodating a large number of new as well as older appliance models.

Abstract: An automatic mechanism for opening the outlet of an air conditioner enables the outlet to be open to an extent creating a selected velocity of discharge air. The movement of the door is monitored and is terminated when the door reaches a position for establishing the selected velocity or when the door fails to reach that position within a predetermined position. A support member is provided on which are mounted a door-moving motor and air-directing vanes. The support member includes guides for guiding vertical movement of the door.

Abstract: An air-conditioning device capable of obtaining a suitable blow-out temperature through one passage from the initial period of change even when the air-conditioning operation in which either a first passage or a second passage is closed is changed into an operation condition in which it is opened. A feet mode in which the hot air is blown to the feet of a passenger from a second passage 7, is changed to a bilevel mode in which a first passage 6 that communicates with the upper half body of the passenger is switched from the closed state to the open state. During a predetermined period of time in the initial period following the change, the temperature blown from the first passage 6 is determined based upon a blow-out temperature of the second passage 7 and a desired blow-out temperature TAOV of the first passage 6.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a refrigeration control mechanism including a base mounted in the food storage compartment. The base includes a support plate extending generally horizontally side-to-side in the compartment. A pair of thermostats are mounted under opposite end portions of the plate and a lamp is mounted between the thermostats. Each thermostat has an operating handle extending forward of the plate. A bezel is removably mounted to the base and extends along the front of the plate aligned with the thermostats and lamp. The bezel includes two slots which receive the handles and permit sliding movement of the handles to adjust the thermostats. The slots and handles are sized to permit removal of the bezel without removing the handles. A light shield, removably mounted to the base, includes a bottom wall extending under the plate, aligned with the thermostats and lamp, and a frame encompassing the periphery of the bezel. The upper edge of the frame overlaps the upper edge of the bezel.

Abstract: A defrost cycle controller for a refrigerator or freezer having a compressor and a defrost heater, comprising a relay operatively connected to the compressor and the defrost heater via contacts to couple one or the other to a power supply, the relay having a normally closed contact to which said compressor is connected and a normally open contact to which said defrost heater is connected; and a control circuit operatively connected to the compressor, defrost heater and relay and configured to implement the following algorithm: (a) first, energize the relay; (b) second, monitor the relay contacts; (c) third, if the contacts do not change states, de-energize the relay; and (d) fourth, rest for a predetermined period, and then commence the algorithm.

Abstract: An air conditioning system suitable for use in an electric vehicle for air-conditioning the driver and passenger room of the vehicle. The system basically comprises environment sensors, a warning device and a control device. The environment sensors detect the state of the environment in the vehicle room. In the control device, an air-conditioning switch is activated so that the output of the environment sensor is read. When the environment sensors produce an output indicative of an improper state of environment in the vehicle room, such an open window, an open door or an unmanned state of the vehicle room, the warning device is operated for a predetermined time period. Further, the air conditioner is deactivated when the output of any one of the environment sensors continues to indicate an improper environment condition after the predetermined period has elapsed.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device for a vehicle samples air from an interior passenger compartment to determine passenger compartment temperature by purging air in a region surrounding a temperature sensor, in favor of passenger compartment air. A sensor triggered by door operation allows the purging process to begin before a passenger enters the vehicle and the vehicle's automatic temperature control system is activated. A method of accurately measuring the temperature of air in the passenger compartment of the vehicle involves the steps of sensing that the passenger is about to enter the vehicle purging the air in the region surrounding the sensor and drawing in air from the passenger compartment, and measuring the air at the sensor after the purging step.

Abstract: A temperature control method for use in a refrigerator comprises a normal operation step for controlling a compressor and a fan to maintain a temperature inside a refrigerating compartment between a positive limit temperature and a negative limit temperature, both derived from a set temperature input by a user; a door-open control step for stopping the fan when a door-open is detected; a reset temperature setting step for setting a reset temperature based on said door-opening time; and a reset temperature operation step for executing a cooling operating by driving a compressor and a fan until the temperature inside the refrigerating compartment decreases to the reset temperature, lower than the set temperature, if it is detected during the normal operating that the reset temperature has been reset.

Abstract: Low refrigerant charge is detected in a refrigeration system under thermal expansion valve control with a valve stem stroke measurement switch. The switch includes a first contact mounted on the valve stem of the thermal expansion valve and a second contact mounted on the valve casing. The two contacts are aligned in the direction of valve stem motion and are relatively positioned so as to be normally closed but to open when the valve stem reaches its full stroke position. At least one of the contacts is mounted to its respective structure by a flexible member to accommodate the motion of the valve stem. The switch is connected to the compressor clutch to deactivate the compressor when opened. A timer can be provided to delay deactivation of the compressor in instances where the valve stem is just momentarily at full stroke.

Abstract: An automatic operation control method automatically controls the temperature setting of a chamber, the defrost cycling and the operation of a compressor and a fan motor according to the door open/close frequency and open time. The defrost cycling is operated during a predetermined time period or an auxiliary time period according to the usage frequency of a refrigerator and the door open time before entering into the defrost cycle while being started after dropping the chamber temperature according to the current state of a temperature adjuster and the average value of the chamber temperature. The operation of a compressor and a fan motor is retarded to prevent the chamber temperature from increasing after the completion of the defrost cycling, thereby minimizing the temperature change of the chamber to protect the stored food.

Abstract: A control apparatus for maximizing an inner space of a freezing chamber of a refrigerator and for providing ready access to a temperature control portion even when the inner space is filled with foodstuffs. The apparatus includes an upper cover recessed into an upper wall of the freezer chamber to contain the temperature control portion and a lamp, a case having a temperature adjustment lever an illumination cover protecting lamp, in which the temperature adjustment lever is engaged with a follower gear of the temperature control portion to control the temperature of the freezing chamber.

Abstract: Pre-trip operational methods and procedures for automatically checking predetermined functions and the operating performance of a transport refrigeration unit which includes a refrigerant compressor, and a prime mover for the refrigerant compressor which includes an internal combustion engine. The methods include the steps of measuring the current draw of predetermined electrical components with the prime mover stationary, starting the engine when the current draw is normal, determining if the speed of the engine is in an allowable range, commanding the unit to operate in a cooling mode, checking for adequate cooling capacity as a dynamic function of the temperatures of the return air, discharge air, and ambient air, commanding the unit to operate in a heating mode, determining if the unit is actually operating in the heating mode, and preparing an indication of a fault condition descriptive of any detected malfunction and/or marginal operating performance.

Abstract: A compartmentalized transport refrigeration system having refrigeration control, and interconnected host and remote refrigeration units for respectively conditioning the air in front and rear compartments of a trailer. The trailer has front and rear doors for access to the front and rear compartments, respectively, and a door switch connected to the refrigeration control which modifies the operation of the refrigeration system when the front access door is opened. When the front access door is opened, the host refrigeration unit is operated in null and the remote refrigeration unit is cycled between heating and cooling modes. A door switch may also be provided for the second access door which modifies the operation of the transport refrigeration system by effectively turning the remote refrigeration unit off.

Abstract: Temperatures in the inside heat exchanger or both the inside and outside heat exchangers of a reversible vapor compression refrigeration system are sensed before and after a system startup or mode change. If the reversing valve is positioned properly, the temperature should change in a certain way because of the operating change, e.g., on a startup in cooling mode, the inside heat exchanger temperature should decrease. If the temperatures actually sensed do not change in the predicted way, it is an indication that the reversing valve is incorrectly positioned for the operating mode selected. If the temperature changes indicate that the reversing valve is out of position, the variable speed compressor is operated at its maximum speed for a short time. If the temperature change is now as expected, the valve has changed to the proper position. If the temperatures still have not changed in the way predicted, the reversing valve is still improperly positioned.

Abstract: A modular self-contained mechanical refrigeration unit adapted to form one wall of a refrigeration appliance is relatively thin and includes all of the electrical, mechanical and control components of the sealed refrigeration system.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system controls the temperature of the air flow such that a deviation of an interior temperature of the passenger compartment of the vehicle determined by an interior temperature sensor from a givable desired temperature becomes minimal (interior temperature control). In the case of vehicles with closable vehicle body openings, such as a convertible, a switching device is provided which detects the condition of the vehicle body opening and, when the vehicle is open, causes a switching-over of the air-conditioning system from interior temperature control mode to a blow-out temperature control mode.

Abstract: A retractable temperature control for refrigeration units includes a control panel pivoted for movement between an extended, accessible position and a retracted position in which it is enclosed within one of the insulated walls of the unit. Mounted on the panel are two operators, one of which controls the temperature of a thermostat and the other of which controls the position of a damper. Adjustment of the operator associated with the thermostat controls the temperature of one compartment in the refrigeration unit and adjustment of the other operator controls the position of a damper, and in turn controls the differential temperature between the two compartments provided by the refrigeration unit. The thermostat and the damper control are structured so that movement of the control panel between the retracted and extended positions does not affect the adjustment thereof.

Abstract: An aural or visual alarm is arranged to be actuated upon leaving a door to an appliance open longer than a preselected period of time. An automatically resettable disarming device may be included to permit leaving the door open intentionally for an extended time to permit appliance cleaning or the like.

Abstract: A door status detection system is provided for use in a refrigerator having a cabinet defining first and second food storage compartments and corresponding first and second doors hingely mounted to the cabinet for selectively closing the compartments. The doors each include a magnetic sealing strip secured thereto for sealing the doors to the cabinet and for maintaining the doors in closed position. First and second switch arrays are installed into the cabinet generally adjacent a section of the magnetic sealing strips of the first and second doors, respectively, when the doors are in closed position for signaling the opened/closed status of the doors. The first and second switch arrays are electrically connected in series and operated by the magnetic sealing strips of the doors. Circuitry is connected to the first and second switch arrays for signaling a user of the refrigerator if either of the doors remains in an opened position for a defined period of time.

Abstract: A liquid level control in a refrigeration system operates a solenoid valve to maintain the level of liquid refrigerant in a vessel within a range defined by predetermined lower and upper liquid levels, sounds an alarm if the upper level is exceeded and stops a pump if the lower level is violated. The control comprises a float assembly and a switching assembly. The float assembly comprises a float chamber connected to the vessel, a float ball therein, a vertically extending float rod connected to the float ball and movable along a vertical path, and a pair of spaced apart stop members on the float rod disposed within the switching assembly. The switching assembly comprises a switch actuator permanent magnet, having magnet poles at opposite ends, slidably mounted on the float rod between the stop members and movable thereby along the said path.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a damper controlling inflow of cold air into a compartment thereof, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature within the compartment, a damper drive device for driving the damper in accordance with the detected temperature in the compartment, a damper position detection device for detecting the open state and the closed state of the damper, a heater for defrosting the damper, an abnormality detection device, and a malfunction detection device. The abnormality detection device monitors the time that the damper drive device drives the damper, and when the driven time reaches a predetermined value, energizes the heater to defrost the damper. The malfunction detection device monitors the time that the heater is energized, and when the energization time of the heater reaches a predetermined value, deenergizes the heater.

Abstract: A message-generating apparatus for discouraging access to a compartment during predesignated time intervals. The apparatus includes a detector to determine when the compartment door is open and to produce a signal when this event occurs. If the event occurs within a predesignated alarm time interval, a microprocessor produces a reminder signal which activates a speech synthesizer to produce a voice-like audible message. Also disclosed is a display to aid in designating time-of-day, messages, and alarm time intervals.

Abstract: Movement in a pressurized environment is transmitted to a non-pressurized environment by means of a strong magnetic coupling whereby linear movement of a magnet in a pressurized environment causes linear movement of a surrounding magnet which is in a non-pressurized environment. Because of the strong magnetic coupling, the surrounding magnet is used to drive a linear to rotary motion converter. In the preferred embodiment, the pressurized environment is within a screw compressor.

Abstract: A door status detection system is provided for use in a refrigerator having a cabinet defining first and second food storage compartments and corresponding first and second doors hingely mounted to the cabinet for selectively closing the compartments. The doors each include a magnetic sealing strip secured thereto for sealing the doors to the cabinet and for maintaining the doors in closed position. First and second switch arrays are installed into the cabinet generally adjacent a section of the magnetic sealing strips of the first and second doors, respectively, when the doors are in closed position for signaling the opened/closed status of the doors. The first and second switch arrays are electrically connected in series and operated by the magnetic sealing strips of the doors. Circuitry is connected to the first and second switch arrays for signaling a user of the refrigerator if either of the doors remains in an opened position for a defined period of time.