Abstract: A refrigeration system, refrigeration apparatus, evaporator apparatus, refrigeration apparatus conversion kit, and associated methods are provided.

Abstract: A refrigeration system, refrigeration apparatus, evaporator apparatus, refrigeration apparatus conversion kit, and associated methods are provided.

Abstract: Techniques are described for improved line and clarity of sight for a freezer bank having multiple individual freezers. By selective angling of walls of the freezers, individual doors and the products behind those doors for two or more freezers can be more clearly seen with reduced glare. With this arrangement, more freezer doors can be as clearly seen as typical for product doors at an end of a row or an end of an aisle thereby improving the overall merchantability of a store's freezer section. Applications to a warehousing store environment are described in detail.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser (100) includes an upright, open-front, insulated cabinet (110) defining a product display area (125) connected in airflow communication with a compartment (120) via an air circulation circuit (122, 114, 116). A high pressure drop evaporator (40) and a plurality of closely spaced fans (70) are disposed within compartment (120). The evaporator (40) is provided with a relatively high fin density heat exchanger coil providing a relatively high air side pressure drop through the evaporator. The increased flow resistance through the evaporator coupled with the plurality of closely spaced fans results in a substantially uniform evaporator outlet temperature profile across the length of the evaporator.

Abstract: A point-of-sale display for selling containers of chilled food items includes a quadrilateral vessel having a bottom and end and side walls, the walls containing thermally insulating material. At least seven removable panels each of which contains a material that is liquid at room temperature and has a freezing point of about 32 degrees Fahrenheit or colder are configured to fit together to form vertical walls about at least one interior chamber in the vessel and sized to be placed into the vessel with two panels on opposed vessel ends, two panels each on opposed vessel sides and one panel extending between the vessel sides spaced from each vessel end, the panel extending between the vessel sides extending fully between the vessel sides and the panels on each vessel side together not extending fully along the side. The panels can be placed in a freezer below the freezing point of the liquid until the liquid freezes and then placed in the vessel to form an interior chamber in the vessel.

Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet (10) includes a cabinet base (20) defining an open top compartment having a refrigerated interior for housing a refrigerated product (50) and a canopy (30) disposed atop the refrigerated compartment. A transparent glass window in the front wall of the canopy (30) is extended downwardly to the product fill line within the refrigerated compartment thereby expanding the customer view area. The rear wall of the canopy (30) includes a transparent service door (40) and a framework (42). The service door (40) may be rotated independently of the framework (42) to an open position providing service access to the refrigerated compartment. The service door (40) the framework (42) may also be rotated together as a unit to a second open position to provide access to the refrigerated compartment for cleaning and sanitizing. A lamp (80) for illuminating the cabinet interior is disposed externally of the canopy (30).

Abstract: An improved point-of-sale product chiller that is modular in design and construction whereby the server may be readily produced in various sizes and capacities for point-of-sale display and sale of chilled products. An insulated enclosure includes a base panel, a pair of sidewall panels, and a plurality of modular end wall panels that form a chilled product cavity. The panels are formed of hollow, blow-molded thermoplastic with foam insulation panels inserted therein. A chiller of a desired size is produced by selecting a base panel of the desired size and assembling to it modular end wall panels and sidewall panels of the desired size. One or more insulated central divider panels may be assembled within the enclosure to form multiple chilled product cavities within the enclosure. Removable, flat cold cell panels having cooperating edges are inserted about the inner periphery of the enclosure to maintain product temperatures inside the cavities.

Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet (10) includes a cabinet base (20) defining an open top compartment having a refrigerated interior for housing a refrigerated product (50) and a canopy (30) disposed atop the refrigerated compartment. A transparent glass window in the front wall of the canopy (30) is extended downwardly to the product fill line within the refrigerated compartment thereby expanding the customer view area. The rear wall of the canopy (30) includes a transparent service door (40) and a framework (42). The service door (40) may be rotated independently of the framework (42) to an open position providing service access to the refrigerated compartment. The service door (40) and the framework (42) may also be rotated together as a unit to a second open position to provide access to the refrigerated compartment for cleaning and sanitizing. A lamp (80) for illuminating the cabinet interior is disposed externally of the canopy (30).

Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet (10) includes a cabinet base (20) defining an open top compartment having a refrigerated interior for housing a refrigerated product (50) and a canopy (30) disposed atop the refrigerated compartment. A transparent glass window in the front wall of the canopy (30) is extended downwardly to the product fill line within the refrigerated compartment thereby expanding the customer view area. The rear wall of the canopy (30) includes a transparent service door (40) and a framework (42). The service door (40) may be rotated independently of the framework (42) to an open position providing service access to the refrigerated compartment. The service door (40) and the framework (42) may also be rotated together as a unit to a second open position to provide access to the refrigerated compartment for cleaning and sanitizing. A lamp (80) for illuminating the cabinet interior is disposed externally of the canopy (30).

Abstract: A refrigerated showcase has a front opening through which a consumer can view and access foodstuffs on display. The foodstuffs are cooled by coolant air introduced through a slanted, perforated, interior panel located near a rear wall of the showcase. An air curtain directed downwardly at the front opening minimizes coolant air loss through the opening. Lips are applied and extended from edges of vertical sides of the access opening to reduce the loss of coolant air through the air curtain. Thus, relative flows of the coolant air and the air curtain are maintained inside the showcase.

Abstract: A refrigerated display apparatus comprising a product display unit and a refrigeration unit, the product display unit including a housing defining a chamber arranged to receive therewithin one or more products, a base adapted to overlie a counter top, and a projecting portion projecting beyond the base, wherein the refrigeration unit depends from the projecting portion, whereby the refrigeration unit is arrangeable below the level of the counter top.

Abstract: A chilled beverage display container has an outer casing that includes a base, a top rim member, a cover hinged to the top rim member so that the cover can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position, and a circular cylindrical peripheral wall member of a transparent material, the peripheral wall member being sealed to the base and to the top rim member so as to prevent substantially any flow of a gas into or out of the outer casing. A tub of a transparent material having an upper rim portion, a peripheral wall, and a bottom wall, is supported within the outer casing solely by attachment of the upper rim portion of the tub to the top rim member of the casing. The peripheral wall of the tub is spaced apart from the peripheral wall of the outer casing and the bottom wall of the tub is spaced apart from the base of the outer casing so as to form a dead air space between the tub and the outer casing.

Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed in this patent is an improved refrigerated speed rail apparatus. The speed rail permits organized storage of beverage containers and provides easy and rapid access to those containers. The included refrigeration system chills beverages stored in the speed rail apparatus thereby enhancing the flavor of those beverages.

Abstract: A refrigerating unit includes a cooling chamber, a storage compartment removably guided within the chamber as far as a closing position, and a disengagement device. The chamber has a parallel-guide disposed on its sides. The guide has a mating toothed configuration, two rollers rigidly coupled, lying opposite each other, and each having an external toothed configuration with a pitch circle diameter to be rollingly coupled to the mating toothed configuration. The guide has an end section reached by the rollers near the closing position. One of the mating toothed configuration and the rollers is positionally fixed. The disengagement device disengages the mating toothed configuration from the external toothed configuration of the rollers and is at the end section and has a disengagement length compensating for oblique positioning of the compartment in and counter to a movement direction arising from an offset of the rollers along the mating toothed configuration.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser (100) includes an upright, open-front, insulated cabinet (110) defining a product display area (125) connected in airflow communication with a compartment (120) via an air circulation circuit (122, 114, 116). An evaporator (40) and a plurality of axially aligned transverse fans (70) are disposed in axially parallel juxtaposition within compartment (120). The use of transverse fans results in a substantially uniform evaporator outlet temperature profile across the length of the evaporator.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser (100) includes an upright, open-front, insulated cabinet (110) defining a product display area (125) connected in airflow communication with a compartment (120) via an air circulation circuit (122, 114, 116). An evaporator (40) and a plurality of spaced fans (70) are disposed in a forced draft arrangement within compartment (120) with flow baffle (150) disposed therebetween to provide increased flow resistance whereby a more uniform velocity profile is provided entering the evaporator.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus, such as a consumer display unit (400), comprises a covered tray (403) or other compartment for accommodating consumer product to be kept cool, and a housing (420) for accommodating a replaceable charge of dry ice out of contact with the product. A tubular element (421) communicates between the covered tray and the housing (420) to allow cold air and carbon dioxide to flow from the dry ice to the product.

Abstract: A food heating and cooling device including a tray, at least one main dish plate in the tray, at least one secondary dish plate in the tray, a cover associated with the tray for maintaining the food hot or cold, an inducer for heating, reheating or maintaining heat and powered by an electronic generator circuit which induces currents in an armature located on or under the plates, a thermoelectric exchanger for maintaining the food cold or cool by extracting residual heat from the plates and compensates for thermal insulation leaks from the tray and cover, and rechargeable batteries connected to the inducer and the thermoelectric exchanger.

Abstract: A freezer chest for storing and displaying frozen foods such as packaged ice cream products for sale to retail customers includes a modular storage bin in which a product stack plate is mounted on a helical support spring. Packaged ice cream products are loaded onto the product stack plate. The product stack plate, urged by the helical spring, advances the stack of frozen products to the top of the storage bin as products are removed by customers. A permanent magnet mounted on the product stack plate generates a magnetic field that couples with position sensors mounted in a vertical array along the storage bin. Each sensor produces an output signal in response to coupling alignment of the magnetic field with the sensor as the stack plate moves through the storage bin. The helical support spring extends the stack plate incrementally in proportion to the weight load removed as each packaged product is unloaded.

Abstract: A transportable cart assembly is described which controls various environmental conditions within an enclosure while transporting items such as semiconductor wafers or flat panel displays. A fan and filter unit is used to control the spread of small particles within the cart and a heating and cooling unit, such as a thermoelectric heater, is used to control the temperature within the enclosure. The fan and filter unit works in conjunction with the heating and cooling unit in a single-pass flow or recirculating cycle to maintain the temperatures within the enclosure at predetermined levels. The cart also has lighting and an ionization unit to control electrostatic discharge. The cart assembly is powered by an external power supply through a retractable power cord or through its on-board power supply.

Abstract: Case includes at least one compartment for product storage, at least one access opening providing entrance to said compartment and at least one shelf within the compartment for holding product. Refrigeration is provided operatively associated with the compartment for maintaining a selected temperature therein including at least one of (1) transparent cooling coils above the shelf with a cooling medium flowing therethrough, and (2) cooling within the shelf with a cooling medium therein, whereby a cooled, temperature controlled environment is provided for the products.

Abstract: A chilled item server is disclosed including an outer barrel formed of thermoplastic material that has a generally cylindrical shape, substantially vertical sides, a generally flat, closed bottom, and an open top having an annular ledge. An inner liner fits within the outer barrel and has a generally elongated truncated pyramidal shape, a generally flat bottom, an open top with an extended rim formed to compliment the generally square opening shape of the outer barrel and to rest on the annular ledge. A chamber is located between the inner liner and the outer barrel and is filled with polystyrene foam. At least one freezer panel is formed of appropriate size and shape to fit within the inner liner. The freezer panel is formed of thermoplastic material and arranged in a syncline. The freezer panels have cavities within each freezer panel that is filled with 2% saline solution. Casters are mounted to the generally flat bottom of the outer barrel.

Abstract: A cooled display case includes a housing enclosing a display compartment and having an opening providing access thereinto. An air stratifier panel divides the display compartment into an upper air well above the stratifier panel and a lower air well below the stratifier panel. The stratifier panel has a plurality of product holders capable of holding the products with the upper ends thereof above the stratifier panel in the upper air well. The stratifier panel also has air vents adjacent its edge for permitting cooled air to flow from the upper to lower air wells. An air recirculation passageway in the housing has an inlet in the lower air well of the display compartment and an outlet in the upper air well. A coil cools air passing through the passageway. A fan circulates the cooled air through the passageway and into the upper air well of the display compartment.

Abstract: A product merchandising display device having variable/selectable product capacity adaptable for use in merchandising both chilled and non-chilled products, the present device including a tub member or receptacle having an internal cavity adapted for receiving and holding a quantity of product, and ice if so desired, and a product support floor member positionable at any one of a plurality of different elevated locations within the tub cavity for varying the product holding capacity thereof. A wide variety of constructions for supporting the product support floor member at the various plurality of different elevations within the tub cavity are disclosed herein, the preferred constructions including at least one shoulder portion located adjacent the tub sidewall at each of the respective elevated locations, the shoulder portions being engageable with at least one peripheral edge portion associated with the product support floor member for supporting the floor member at each of the elevated locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using certain hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) as low temperature heat transfer media in secondary loop refrigeration systems. These materials exhibit a low, somewhat linear Temperature Difference Factor over the temperature range of -15.degree. C. to -65.degree. C., making them ideal for use as low temperature heat transfer media. The HFEs of the present invention are nonflammable, nontoxic, environmentally benign, and have a high heat transfer capacity and low viscosity over the required operating temperatures. Furthermore, since these materials have high boiling points and low freezing points, they are not prone to phase changes over the required operating temperatures, and do not require pressurized systems.

Abstract: A food display and preservation case comprising at least one support member provided with wheels and brakes. The support member houses heating and refrigeration equipment and control elements. The support member supports a center body or table which includes compartments which may be heated or cooled, as well as a slab which may be cooled and a plate which may be heated. At least one column is disposed on the center body or table and supports a shield screen and light. The case may be used for self-service or buffet-style presentation.

Abstract: A vending machine with an improved sealing holding bin drawer for removing dispensed products. Products are dispensed from a housing chamber which is maintained at a temperature colder than the environment in which the vending machine operates into a holding bin. The holding bin has a first opening allowing the products from the housing chamber to enter. The holding bin has a second opening covered by a door allowing the user to remove dispensed products from the holding bin. A sealing hood selectively covers and seals the first opening between the holding bin and housing chamber. The door and the sealing hood are operably connected such that the sealing hood covers the first hole when the door is opened. The connection is accomplished utilizing a pin and cam slot arrangement. The holding bin can also have an attached storage bin and can be placed on rollers such that it slides out of the vending machine like a drawer.

Abstract: A modular refrigeration apparatus containing a cabinet with a front opening and divided into lower and upper portions, for separately receiving a plurality of removable modular units, said removable modular units including one of a selected plurality of interchangeable storage units and a universal refrigeration unit. A selected one of the plurality of interchangeable storage units is positioned within the upper portion of the cabinet for storing a plurality of containers. The refrigeration unit is positioned within the lower portion of the cabinet and in communication with the upper portion for cooling the entire interior of the cabinet. The cabinet is designed so that the interchangeable storage units and refrigeration unit can be respectfully removed or inserted from the cabinet without affecting the other units.

Abstract: A counter for displaying chilled foods such as raw fish on a bed of ice contained in a waterproof tray portion having a drain conduit and heating means for melting the ice in the tray and draining the melted ice with scraps of fish and other debris from the tray through a garbage disposal unit for discharge into a waste water drain, control means being provided for automaticalaly turning on and off the garbage disposal unit and the heating means at preselected times for periods of predetermined duration, the counter further being provided with a source of water under pressure for further washing of the fish scraps and debris from the tray, and wherein an ice making machine is mounted above the tray for replenishing the bed of ice as required, and a refrigerated storage compartment is provided in a base enclosure supporting the tray for containing the fish or other chilled foods while the scraps of fish and debris and used ice are being drained from the tray portion and the bed of ice is being replenished.

Abstract: A refrigerator-freezer unit including a machine room, a cold room, pillars for the machine room, pillars for the cold room, and a frame disposed between both rooms and having fittings which can connect the top portion of each machine room pillar and the bottom portion of each cold room pillar. Since the rigidity of the cold room pillars can be increased by connecting the pillars to the fittings of the rigid frame, the torsion and deflection of the pillars can be prevented even when external forces operate on the cold room. Moreover, since the parallelism of the cold room pillars can be maintained by the increase of the rigidity, a simple structure for the attachment of a guide plate, using only engagement mechanism without screws, can be easily employed, thereby making the attachment and removal of the guide plate easy and quick.

Abstract: A compact retail display refrigerator for displaying refrigerated food packages maintained at super chilled temperature comprises a small cabinet with a refrigerated upper compartment containing a row array of package guideways formed of a plurality of vertically extending guide pins upstanding from a perforated base support plate. Self acting spring loaded lift devices mounted within the guideways support stacks of food packages therein and urge them upwardly step-by-step to automatically locate the existing topmost package in each stack at a predetermined selection level.

Abstract: A refrigerated container is provided made from fibrous mat reinforced thermosetting resin. In one embodiment, a condiment holder is provided with a top plate which includes a plurality of openings extending along the plate for supporting individual condiment containers within the holder, the plate having formed thereon a layer of frost thereby giving the appearance of the condiments resting in ice. The condiment holder comprises a conventional refrigeration unit which passes refrigerant through refrigerant lines encased in the top plate adjacent each and every one of the plate openings thereby producing the frost or ice layer along the top surface of the plate and providing a refrigerated storage area below the top plate within the condiment holder to maintain the individual condiments refrigerated. In another embodiment, a chill tank, freezer tank or the like for use in the boating industry is provided having refrigerant lines encased in the fibrous mat reinforced thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A hot and cold frostop for a food and salad bar in which the unit may be utilized to maintain food products at a predetermined serving temperature regardless of whether the food products are those which are desired to be heated or those which are desired to be cooled. The hot mode is used independently of the cold mode and the unit includes removable components and a selectively operable heating unit and refrigeration unit. The heating unit is operative by heating water that is in heat exchange relation to food pans mounted removably on the unit and the refrigeration unit is provided with heat exchange tubes associated with the upper end of the unit for cooling containers having food products therein by utilizing the natural tendency of cold air to migrate downwardly around the periphery of the containers for keep them cold.

Abstract: A frosted condiment holder provided with a frosted plate having a plurality of openings for supporting individual condiment containers with the plate having a layer of frost formed thereon due to refrigerant lines positioned thereunder in heat exchange relating thereto and in adjacent relation to the openings. The portion of the plate receiving the condiment containers is recessed downwardly in relation to the periphery of the plate in order to maintain the product in the upper portion of the condiment containers in a desired low temperature condition. The present invention further includes a heating wire at the periphery of the frosted plate to prevent the frost from travelling over the edge of the frosted plate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a refrigerated display cabinet having a refrigerating chamber and a mechanical chamber, and an access opening into the refrigerating chamber that is adapted to be opened and closed by a transparent cover panel sliding longitudinally of the access opening. The cover panel is mounted on guide rail mechanisms each of which comprise a frame with wheels and rail elements. Each frame is provided with two sealing flanges which extend vertically and horizontally from one edge of the frame into sealing engagement with the rail element when the transparent cover panel is closed thereby closing or sealing the gap between the frame and the rail elements to prevent leakage of cooled air from the refrigerating chamber.

Abstract: A refrigerated container for the storage of lipsticks. The device is sized to fit on one's bureau at home and the device includes various compartments to segregate individual lipsticks for storage as well as a section specifically for cooling the individual lipsticks prior to storage, after use.

Abstract: An island-type chest freezer for the display of food products to the public. The chest includes a base and a rectangular container provided with an evaporator for receiving the products as well as cover panels. The chest freezer includes a beam disposed longitudinally in the container in a median position and at a level close to an upper edge of the cover panels. The beam acts as a support for the evaporator and for one side of the cover panel. The chest freezer allows the use of a single evaporator which, being centrally located, ensures uniform refrigeration within the container.

Abstract: A self-serve type of salad bar for supermarkets and restaurants. The salad bar comprises a base which supports a table. The table supports a container for fruits and vegetables and for ice. A cover member is supported above the container by posts which are movable to an upper position to position the cover in an upper position to provide access to the container and the contents thereof. In its upper position, the cover serves as a shield to prevent contamination of the contents of the container. The posts and the cover are movable to a lower position in which the cover closely encloses the container and prevents access to the container. Readily adjustable support members support the posts in the upper position thereof and prevent accidental lowering of the posts and the cover.

Abstract: A condiment holder is provided with a top plate which includes a plurality of openings extending along the plate for supporting individual condiment containers within the holder, the plate having formed thereon a layer of frost thereby giving the appearance of the condiments resting in ice. The condiment holder comprises a conventional refrigeration unit which passes refrigerant through refrigerant lines placed underneath and in contact with the top plate adjacent each and every one of the plate openings thereby producing the frost or ice layer along the top surface of the plate and providing a refrigerated storage area below the top plate within the condiment holder to maintain the individual condiments refrigerated. The condiment holder is further provided with a water flush system which comprises a self-draining base placed along the bottom of the holder and a pair of water jets located on one end of the base which flush the base with water or other cleaning fluid which is then drained from the base.

Abstract: A refrigerated display case having a mechanism for impeding the formation of condensation around the frame of the opening of the display case or at the junction of a door and a case frame of the display case. In one preferred embodiment, the ballast used in connection with the lights on commercial refrigerators and freezers are secured to the base in a manner which allows the heat generated by the ballast to be used to raise the temperature of the case frame. In another preferred embodiment the return conduit of the refrigeration system is employed adjacent the case frame for transferring heat from the refrigerant in the conduit to raise the temperature of the case frame as well as to increase the efficiency of the refrigeration system. In both of these embodiments, electrical resistance wires are included to supplement the heating provided by the ballast and the refrigeration system to ensure that condensation is prevented from forming on a frame or other desired portions of the case.

Abstract: A removable insulating cover for a display type refrigerating cabinet is formed of spaced sheets of flexible plastic secured along their edges and along spaced seam lines extending parallel to the length of the cover to form narrow contiguous panels. Relatively thick layers of loosely packed glass fibers fill the panels. The cover is adapted to be suspended across the opening of the cabinet to prevent a transfer of heat through the opening and into the interior of the cabinet during certain periods of time.

Abstract: An improved device and method for displaying and suspending packaged articles is provided. The device includes at least one arm from which articles may be hung, preferably within a display case. The method includes contacting such suspended articles with a conditioned environment. In one embodiment, particularly well suited for use within a conditioned-environment display case, pairs of arms are staggered and lie along planes perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using certain hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) as low temperature heat transfer media in secondary loop refrigeration systems. These materials exhibit a low, somewhat linear Temperature Difference Factor over the temperature range of −15° C. to −65° C., making them ideal for use as low temperature heat transfer media. The HFEs of the present invention are nonflammable, nontoxic, environmentally benign, and have a high heat transfer capacity and low viscosity over the required operating temperatures. Furthermore, since these materials have high boiling points and low freezing points, they are not prone to phase changes over the required operating temperatures, and do not require pressurized systems.