Means Removing Or Preventing Condensate On Transparent Panel Patents (Class 62/248)
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Patent number: 11662134Abstract: Coolers with airflow management systems are disclosed. The coolers include a cabinet that has a door with a transparent section. A refrigeration unit is coupled to the cabinet. The refrigeration unit has an airflow inlet and an airflow outlet. The cross sectional area of the airflow outlet is less than the cross sectional area of the airflow inlet. The refrigeration unit is fluidly coupled to an airflow management system that is in fluid communication with the airflow outlet. The airflow management system includes discharge vents and turbulence reduction vents.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: PepsiCo. Inc.Inventor: Prashant Desphande
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Patent number: 11168935Abstract: A refrigeration cabinet assembly for a refrigeration appliance (1) comprises an insulated cabinet (20) having five closed faces and an open front face providing access to an interior of the cabinet. A torsionally stiff structure fixed to one of the five closed faces (23) or a structure (31) is added to one of the five closed faces (23) so that together with that closed face a torsionally stiff structure results. The torsional stiffness of the assembly is thereby increased beyond that of the cabinet alone so that the insulated cabinet has an improved ability to resist twisting.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Inventors: Richard Wong, Ian Campbell McGill, Kenneth William Foster, Yunchao Hou
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Patent number: 10900010Abstract: An incubator for cell and tissue culture under controlled atmospheric conditions has a primary air flow control device that forms a primary, preferably laminar flow, air veil across an opening that allows access to the cells or tissue cultures disposed within the incubator. Preferably, most if not all of the air in the primary (laminar flow) air veil is recirculated, and a secondary air flow control device is used that forms a secondary, preferably laminar flow, air veil between the primary (laminar flow) air veil and a user of the incubator.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Inventors: Barry E. Rothenberg, Kyong-su Son, Royal Q Le
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Patent number: 10674629Abstract: A water-cooling head includes a casing, an inclined flow-guiding structure and a bottom plate assembly. The casing includes an inlet and an outlet. A liquid is fed into the inlet. The inclined flow-guiding structure is disposed within the casing, and includes plural first openings. A bottom end of the inclined flow-guiding structure is located under the inlet. A top end of the inclined flow-guiding structure is arranged beside the outlet. The top end is located at a level higher than the bottom end. A second opening is formed in the bottom end. The bottom plate assembly is assembled with the casing, and located under the inclined flow-guiding structure. The bottom plate assembly includes a fin group. After the liquid is transferred to the fin group through the second opening or the plural first openings, the liquid is exited from the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: AURAS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Chien-An Chen, Chien-Yu Chen, Wei-Hao Chen
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Patent number: 10638857Abstract: Redemption counter and display case comprising a housing with a number of upright and horizontal walls, the housing being adapted to accommodate a plurality of display shelves; wherein the upright and horizontal walls of the housing comprise at least one translucent panel; and a pattern of multicolor LEDs is provided on the inner side of the housing behind this at least one translucent panel, the multicolor LEDs being connected to a control unit for controlling the color emitted by each multicolor LED, which control unit and at least one translucent panel are adapted to impart a determined impression of color to the at least one panel. The control unit of each redemption counter or display case of the assembly is preferably adapted to be able to impart a determined impression of color at the same moment in time, to the panels of each redemption counter or display case.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Inventor: Steven J Paris
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Patent number: 10327568Abstract: A freezer cabinet in which foods are stored frozen for sale in a shop. The freezer cabinet includes a freezer space surrounded by solid walls at the front, the rear, the sides and at the bottom. The freezer space, at its upper end, is accessible via a housing opening from a user-side front edge, such opening, in the closed state, is covered by a cover unit with a cover part, adjoining the use-side edge and movable in a forwards/backwards direction, and a stationary rear cover part is located away from the user-side edge. In order to open the freezer cabinet, the front cover part is arranged in front of the rear cover part in the closed state or the central cover part can be pushed at least partially over the rear cover part.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: AHT Cooling Systems GmbHInventor: Reinhold Resch
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Patent number: 10285512Abstract: A refrigerated sales cabinet (20a) includes a cabinet body (22a) providing a refrigerated sales space for supporting refrigerated goods to be presented therein; a door frame (21a) having a top post (34a), a bottom post (36a), and at least two upright posts (32a); wherein at least one of the posts (32a, 34a, 36a) comprises an air duct allowing to conduct air through the post (32a, 34a, 36a), and wherein at least one fan (18) is fluidly connected to the air duct in order to convey ambient air through the air duct.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Sophie Mille, ZhenYu Wang
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Patent number: 9677804Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerating shelving unit, particularly a refrigerating shelf (KR1) for cooling and displaying products to be refrigerated in a cooling chamber (KR1M), including an access region via which the products to be refrigerated are accessible, and a refrigerating device (KR1KE) which includes a condenser (VF) and a compressor (KOM). According to the invention, it is provided that the condenser (VF) is arranged at least partially within the refrigerating shelf (KR1) and in the upper region (HR1) thereof and that the compressor (KOM) is arranged within the refrigerating shelf (KRI) in the lower region (VR) thereof. As a result, interfering noise emissions are reduced and, simultaneously, the packaging of the refrigerating shelving unit at the manufacturing site and the transport to the site of use are simplified.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: AHT COOLING SYSTEMS GMBHInventor: Reinhold Resch
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Patent number: 9451837Abstract: A temperature controlled display cabinet (20), in particular a freezer island, for a grocery store includes a frame structure (30) surrounding at least one openable product space (23) for food products, at least one gravitationally closable door (26) that is in inclined position in relation to vertical direction such that from the view of the customer side the main direction of the main surface of the door (26) is backwards and upwards inclined. The door (26) is formed as a door arrangement including the door (26) and an opening and closing mechanism (40).Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: NORPE OYInventors: Kimmo Heinavaara, Mikko Mykkanen
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Patent number: 8881542Abstract: A door for a refrigerated merchandiser that includes a glass panel having a first portion and a second portion spaced from the first portion. The door also includes a first conductive film covering the first portion of the glass panel and a second conductive film spaced apart from the first conductive film and covering the second portion of the glass panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Hussmann CorporationInventors: Scott N. Hixson, Joshua T. Collier
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Patent number: 8695362Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a case that has a product display area for supporting food product, an opening for providing customer access to the product display area, and an air passageway in fluid communication with the product display area to direct an airflow into the product display area. The merchandiser also includes a door coupled to the case over the opening and including a charged glass pane, and a charge device in fluid communication with the air passageway to alter the polarity of the airflow to create a charged airflow. The charged glass pane and the charged airflow have the same polarity such that the glass pane is insulated from the charged airflow.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Hussmann CorporationInventor: Ted W. Sunderland
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Publication number: 20140096545Abstract: A merchandiser system includes a case that has a door and a door heater. The system includes a low temperature refrigeration unit sized to fit within a case compartment and to operably couple to the case to maintain food product within a low temperature range. The system also includes a medium temperature refrigeration unit sized to fit within the compartment and operably couple to the case to maintain food product within a medium temperature range. The system includes a controller in communication with the door heater and is programmed to activate the door heater only in response to the low temperature modular refrigeration unit positioned within the compartment. One of the low temperature refrigeration unit and the medium temperature refrigeration unit is removably coupled to the case within the compartment, and is replaceable by the other refrigeration unit to change the temperature range of the product display area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventors: Jony M. Zangari, Oswaldo Carrillo
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Patent number: 8677773Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator that includes a main body having a cooling chamber. The refrigerator also includes a door coupled to the main body and configured to open and close the cooling chamber. The refrigerator further includes a home bar positioned at a front surface of the door and configured to provide access to contents of the refrigerator without opening the door. In addition, the refrigerator includes a heater positioned at the home bar and configured to adjust an amount of heat based on an ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Youn-Seok Lee, Kyeong-Yun Kim, Su-Nam Chae, Min-Kyu Oh, Jang-Seok Lee
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Patent number: 8590334Abstract: Provided are a refrigerator and a storing device for the refrigerator. The storing device includes a plurality of water collecting recesses that are recessed from a lower surface of a drawer cover and have variable transparency according to collecting of moisture, to show an inner moisture state of a drawer through the drawer cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Eunjeong Kim, Eunyoung Park, Sangho Oh, Jaehyun Soh
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Patent number: 8561419Abstract: An island merchandiser including a first merchandiser module, a second merchandiser module, a third merchandiser module, and a fourth merchandiser module. The first merchandiser module includes a product display area maintained within a temperature range at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The second merchandiser module is positioned next and coupled to the first merchandiser module. The third merchandiser module is positioned next and coupled to the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module. The fourth merchandiser module is positioned next to the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module opposite the third merchandiser module. The island merchandiser also includes a first insulation panel positioned between the first and second merchandiser modules and the third merchandiser module, and a second insulation panel positioned between the first and second merchandiser modules and the fourth merchandiser module.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Hussmann CorporationInventors: Moisses Navarro, Diego Wood, Raymond P. Twohy, Kevin A. Moody, Michael A. Gillett, Anand Ganesh Rajagopalan, Robert Mullen, Al Arrosagaray
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Patent number: 8539783Abstract: An improved refrigerator energy management system removes condensation from glass refrigerator doors in an energy efficient manner by operating refrigerator frame heaters independently of refrigerator door heaters. Sensors for detecting humidity or condensation transmit data to a control unit that controls electrical current supplied to separate door and frame heater wires. Additional sensors for controlling the refrigerator lighting and monitoring the power consumption of refrigerator fans may transmit data to the control unit. A command unit may receive data from multiple control units, compile the data, and make it available over the internet to a shopkeeper monitoring the system from a remote location. The sensors, control unit, and command unit all communicate on a wireless peer-to-peer network using the ZigBee protocol.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Supermarket Energy Technologies, LLCInventor: John Bunch
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Patent number: 8429923Abstract: An object is to provide a low temperature showcase in which waste heat from a condenser and the like can be utilized by a simple constitution to effectively eliminate dew condensation on a middle pillar, particularly on gasket of upper part of a door. The low temperature showcase includes a middle pillar whose front surface abuts on the gasket of the door; a machine chamber disposed outside a main body under a display chamber and including the condenser, a fan for the condenser and the like, and the showcase further includes a middle pillar duct member which is vertically attached to the middle pillar and in which a middle pillar duct is defined, a leading portion which leads air from the machine chamber into the middle pillar duct, and exhaust holes which discharge the air flowing upwards through the duct to the outside of the gasket between the upper part of the door and the main body.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Harunobu Iguchi, Keisuke Yamazawa, Tatsuya Itabashi
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Patent number: 8387403Abstract: A cooling goods presentation refrigerator for presenting refrigerated goods or frozen goods has a vertical access opening to the goods chamber that is subdivided into vertically superposed compartments. The current of cooling air is conducted out of the head part directly into the shelf compartments arranged underneath it, during which the cooling air flows from the top downward through one shelf compartment after the other. From the lowest shelf compartment, the air is trapped in a collection chamber arranged underneath it and subsequently prepared by the cooling unit for the next circulation. The head part of the goods presentation refrigerator includes an air-permeable separating wall against the adjacent shelf compartment. The shelf compartment bottoms are air-permeable, so that the current of cooling air can flow successively downward through the shelf compartments.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: Albert Weiss
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Publication number: 20130019616Abstract: A door for a refrigerated merchandiser including a case that defines a product display area. The door includes a frame and a first glass pane coupled to the frame. The first glass pane has heat-absorbing glass and is configured to be positioned adjacent an ambient environment surrounding the refrigerated merchandiser to absorb radiation from the ambient environment. The door also includes a second glass pane coupled to the frame and configured to be positioned adjacent the product display area. The second glass pane includes a conductive coating. The door further includes a third glass pane positioned between and spaced from the first glass pane and the second glass pane, and has a low emissivity coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: HUSSMANN CORPORATIONInventor: Craig Steven Reichert
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Patent number: 8250873Abstract: System and methods for providing anti-condensation system are disclosed. A relative humidity (RH) sensor signal from a sensor on or near a control surface is received. An AC power input is received. A phase of the AC power input is modulated at least partly in response to the sensor signal in such a manner that a phase-modulated AC power output provided to a heater is a) substantially constant at a first power level (P1st) in a low RH region ranging from 0% RH to a first RH (RH1), b) varying as a function of the sensor signal from P1st to a second power level (P2nd) in an intermediate RH region ranging from RH1 to a second RH (RH2), and c) substantially constant at P2nd in a high RH region beginning at RH2.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Anthony, Inc.Inventors: Doo Eui Yoon, Paul Artwohl
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Patent number: 8141378Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a showcase wherein an insulating wall and a top plate of a machine room covering a lower surface of the insulating wall can be stably held and the strength of the entire showcase can be improved. In the showcase, a display room is provided over the insulating wall; a machine room is provided under the insulating wall; a compressor, a condenser and the like of a cooling unit are disposed in the machine room; a cooling room is provided in the insulating wall; and an evaporator and a cooling fan of the cooling unit are disposed in the cooling room so that cold air heat-exchanged with the evaporator is circulated in the display room by the cooling fan, and the showcase further comprises a top plate of the machine room to cover the lower surface of the insulating wall, and the top plate is mounted on and fixed to a pipe plate of the condenser to hold the insulating wall.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Hayase
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Patent number: 8104302Abstract: There is disclosed a low-temperature showcase in which dew condensation water from outer surfaces of transparent walls is securely treated and in which air can smoothly be blown from a mechanical chamber to the outer surfaces of the transparent walls. The low-temperature showcase includes a showroom having the transparent walls, the mechanical chamber constituted under this showroom, and a cooling unit constituted of a compressor, a condenser, a fan for the condenser and the like arranged in the mechanical chamber. The low-temperature showcase further comprises blow-off portions which are formed at lower portions of the transparent walls and which blow air discharged from the fan for the condenser in the mechanical chamber toward outer surfaces of the transparent walls, and water receiving portions which are defined between the blow-off portions and the outer surfaces of the transparent walls and which allows inflow of dew condensation water flowing down along the outer surfaces of the transparent walls.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Hayase, Kazuo Tetsukawa
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Publication number: 20110314843Abstract: A refrigeration device containing CO2 a refrigerant to be circulated, including a compressor, a heat-rejecting heat exchanger, an expansion, and an evaporator which are connected to one another. The refrigeration device includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a higher temperature relative to the first portion when the refrigeration device is in operation. A heat-reclaim heat exchanger is provided at a given location in the second portion, provided to transfer heat to a fluid for further use as a source of heated fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: Bernd Heinbokel, Siegfried Haaf, Neelkanth S. Gupte, Ulf J. Jonsson, Tobias H. Sienel
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Patent number: 7968823Abstract: A wireless inductive coupling assembly for a heated glass panel assembly is provided that includes a metal oxide coated glass panel with a panel frame, an opening frame that cooperates with the coated glass panel frame to allow the panel to cover a panel opening, a receiving coil that is positioned in the panel frame and that is wired to the panel, and a sending coil that is positioned in the opening frame and that is wired to an electrical power source. When the electrical power source supplies electrical power to the sending coil, the sending coil wirelessly induces an electrical current in the receiving coil, which causes the dielectric panel to provide heat.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Engineered Glass Products, LLCInventor: Peter F. Gerhardinger
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Patent number: 7905101Abstract: A method of operating a refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigerated merchandiser includes a case that defines a product display area, and at least one door that provides access to the product display area. The method includes sensing a parameter of an ambient environment adjacent the case, delivering a signal indicative of the sensed parameter to a controller, and determining a duty cycle using the controller based on the signal indicative of the sensed parameter. The method also includes detecting a change in the sensed parameter using the controller, interrupting the duty cycle by initiating a clearing interval using the controller in response to the controller receiving the signal indicative of the change in the sensed parameter, and clearing condensation from the door during the clearing interval.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Hussmann CorporationInventors: Ted Wayne Sunderland, Craig Steven Reichert, Dennis L. Dickerson
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Patent number: 7886554Abstract: A chest refrigerator and/or freezer with a carcass and a cover movable relative to the carcass, includes a pane, preferably a pane of glass or plastics, or is formed by the pane, with a heating element provided by which the pane can be heated.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Liebherr-Hausgeräte Lienz GmbHInventor: Richard Simoner
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Publication number: 20100212343Abstract: A refrigerated case with reduced frost operation includes a housing having an open front and defining a product storage space therein. A contact cooling device or gravity cooling device is disposed within the space to receive chilled liquid coolant from a coolant system supply header and to return warmed liquid coolant to a coolant system return header. An air flow device in an air flow path directs a flow of air over a dehumidification coil that operates frost-free at a temperature of greater than 32° F. for discharge as a dehumidified air curtain over the open front. A precooling coil is provided in the air flow path upstream of the dehumidification coil, the precooling coil receives warmed liquid coolant from the coolant system return header to precool the flow of air, so that the dehumidified air curtain operates as a humidity tempering boundary to minimize the humidity within the storage space.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Timothy Dean Swofford, Larry C. Howington
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Publication number: 20100180615Abstract: An improved display cooler for storing and displaying refrigerated items for retail purchase. The improved cooler includes an LED lighting system integrated within the periphery of the glass display door of the cooler that is oriented so as to provide substantially greater illumination of the products contained within the cooler. The LED system is further of substantially lower maintenance and space efficiency compared to prior art lighting systems. The improved cooler further includes a base-integrated refrigeration unit that is substantially easier to access than prior art coolers. Such cooling system further includes condenser coils having a fin-free design that substantially reduces servicing and cleaning.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventors: Nathan Linder, Leo Wills
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Publication number: 20100180616Abstract: An improved open lid display refrigerator for use in storing and displaying refrigerated items for retail sale. The exterior of the improved display refrigerator is characterized by a multiplicity of panel portions operative to interchangeably receive and display advertisements, and in particular advertisements for products that can be aligned with a corresponding brand of products stored within the refrigerator. The open lid display further includes a novel lid that is condensation resistant and is further secured by a hinge that minimizes the risk of injury to the arm or hand of a consumer. Still further, the improved display refrigerator includes an easily-accessible refrigeration unit that further may optionally include low maintenance hardware that is exceptionally easy to clean.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventors: NATHAN LINDER, LEO WILLS
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Publication number: 20090282851Abstract: A chest refrigerator and/or freezer with a carcass and a cover movable relative to the carcass, includes a pane, preferably a pane of glass or plastics, or is formed by the pane, with a heating element provided by which the pane can be heated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2006Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventor: Richard Simoner
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Publication number: 20090120108Abstract: A refrigeration device containing CO2 a refrigerant to be circulated, comprising: a compressor (1, 10, 11), a heat-rejecting heat exchanger (3, 30), an expansion device (7a, 7b, 70a, 70b, 71), and an evaporator (8a, 8b, 80a, 80b, 81) which are connected to one another, wherein the refrigeration device comprises a first portion (61, 71, 81, 11, 92, 10) and a second portion (60, 70a, 80a, 90, 10), the second portion having a higher temperature relative to the first portion when the refrigeration device is in operation; and a heat-reclaim heat exchanger (E1, E2, E3, E4) provided at a given location in the second portion, provided to transfer heat to a fluid for further use as a source of heated fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2005Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Bernd Heinbokel, Siegfried Haaf, Neelkanth S. Gupte, Ulf J. Jonsson, Tobias H. Sienel
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Publication number: 20090064687Abstract: A portable cooled merchandising unit including a product container assembly and a thermoelectric assembly. The product container assembly includes an exterior frame and an interior container forming a floor and side panels defining an interior region. Openings to the interior region are defined opposite the floor. Airflow paths are defined at an exterior of the panels and are fluidly connected to the interior region via the opening. The thermoelectric assembly includes a thermoelectric device connected to a heat sink that is fluidly connected to the airflow path away from the opening. A fan is positioned to circulate air from the thermoelectric device and into the interior region via the airflow paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: GENERAL MILLS, INC.Inventors: George A. Tuszkiewicz, Galen Hersey, Thomas Meehan, Mark Bedard
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Publication number: 20090019873Abstract: A showcase where an illumination device is placed outside a receiving chamber to enable effective use of the space in the receiving chamber. The inside of an insulated box body (16) having front glass (18) fitted in a front opening (56) is defined to form a receiving chamber (52). An upper evaporator (34) is placed in an upper insulating layer (54) of the insulated box body (16) so as to be in contact with a cooling plate (62) defining the upper surface of the receiving chamber (52). An opening (64) is formed in that portion of the cooling plate (62) with which the upper evaporator (34) is not in contact, and a receiving space (66) is formed in that portion of the upper insulating layer (54) to which the opening (64) faces. A holder (78) is placed at the receiving space (66), and inside the holder (78) is received and fixed an LED illumination device (70). The opening (64) is closed by a cover (86) with packing (84) in between, and the inside of the holder (78) is maintained in a sealed state.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2006Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventors: Yasuhide Koike, Tatsuo Saeki, Takatoshi Torihata, Tomio Sumiya, Tsuyoshi Shima, Toshiaki Hara, Masaki Okada, Michiya Abe
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Publication number: 20080223061Abstract: A door for a refrigerated merchandiser that includes a glass panel having a first portion and a second portion spaced from the first portion. The door also includes a first conductive film covering the first portion of the glass panel and a second conductive film spaced apart from the first conductive film and covering the second portion of the glass panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: HUSSMANN CORPORATIONInventors: Scott N. Hixson, Joshua T. Collier
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Patent number: 7421847Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for efficient elimination of door and frame condensation at widely utilized commercial freezer/refrigeration display cases. The apparatus includes a local controller unit connected with an array of case sensors including an internal case temperature sensor, an external case frame temperature sensor and a dew point sensor. The case frame temperature sensor and dew point sensor are housed to thermally isolate sensing elements thereof from effects of frame temperature changes and ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a sensing element, and to limit heat transfer by the housing to the sensing elements thereby improving sensing accuracy and apparatus performance.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Inventors: Brent W. Murray, Patrick M. Bertsch, Robert A. Majzner
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Publication number: 20080141689Abstract: A method of operating a refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigerated merchandiser includes a case that defines a product display area, and at least one door that provides access to the product display area. The method includes sensing a parameter of an ambient environment adjacent the case, delivering a signal indicative of the sensed parameter to a controller, and determining a duty cycle using the controller based on the signal indicative of the sensed parameter. The method also includes detecting a change in the sensed parameter using the controller, interrupting the duty cycle by initiating a clearing interval using the controller in response to the controller receiving the signal indicative of the change in the sensed parameter, and clearing condensation from the door during the clearing interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: HUSSMANN CORPORATIONInventors: Ted Wayne Sunderland, Craig Steven Reichert, Dennis L. Dickerson
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Publication number: 20080141694Abstract: Methods of making hydrophilic coatings having anti-fog properties, and hydrophilic articles are provided. In certain example instances, a substrate supports a surfactant and polyethylenimine. The method includes forming a polyethylenimine-solvent mixture; applying a surfactant to a surface of the substrate; and applying the polyethylenimine-solvent mixture to the dried surfactant on the surface of the substrate. After drying or curing, the resulting coating may be hydrophilic thereby allowing water or the like to easily shed therefrom (e.g., providing anti-fog properties).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventor: Pramod K. Sharma
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Publication number: 20080016893Abstract: There is disclosed a low-temperature showcase in which dew condensation water from outer surfaces of transparent walls is securely treated and in which air can smoothly be blown from a mechanical chamber to the outer surfaces of the transparent walls. The low-temperature showcase includes a showroom having the transparent walls, the mechanical chamber constituted under this showroom, and a cooling unit constituted of a compressor, a condenser, a fan for the condenser and the like arranged in the mechanical chamber. The low-temperature showcase further comprises blow-off portions which are formed at lower portions of the transparent walls and which blow air discharged from the fan for the condenser in the mechanical chamber toward outer surfaces of the transparent walls, and water receiving portions which are defined between the blow-off portions and the outer surfaces of the transparent walls and which allows inflow of dew condensation water flowing down along the outer surfaces of the transparent walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Koji Hayase, Kazuo Tetsukawa
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Patent number: 7240501Abstract: The present invention is a device for reducing energy consumption by heaters on refrigerator doors and frames. A control unit is set so that the heater is on prior to the formation of condensation. The preferred embodiment provides for preset heater stop and start times entered by a system user. The heater may also be turned on when condensation is sensed by a sensor, and the sensor reading may be used to override the preset times. A programmer provides individual identification of each connected control unit and is used to read, measure and adjust one or more control units' settings. A communications host is used to enable remote monitoring and control. In addition, a quick-disconnect power connector provides for easily setting the system to a heater-on state.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Door Miser, LLCInventors: John Bunch, Bruce G. Malwitz, Stephen Maxwell Shelby, Matthew Winthur
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Patent number: 7207181Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for efficient elimination of door and frame condensation at widely utilized commercial freezer/refrigeration display cases. The apparatus includes a local controller unit connected with an array of case sensors including an internal case temperature sensor, an external case frame temperature sensor and a dew point sensor. The case frame temperature sensor and dew point sensor are housed to thermally isolate sensing elements thereof from effects of frame temperature changes and ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a sensing element, and to limit heat transfer by the housing to the sensing elements thereby improving sensing accuracy and apparatus performance.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventors: Brent W. Murray, Patrick M. Bertsch, Robert A. Majzner
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Patent number: 7137262Abstract: A method and apparatus that provides supplemental heat from a heat source based upon the operating environment of a refrigeration or freezer. The supplemental heat is automatically controlled to provide heating to a sealing area to prevent condensation from forming.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, LPInventor: David Carter
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Patent number: 6886359Abstract: A showcase includes a showcase body having an upper face whose front end side is provided with a first waste heat air guide plate for guiding condensation prevention air upward that flows forward along an upper face of a top plate. The waste heat air is prevented from flowing into a goods-storing room through a front opening of the showcase body from the front end side of the top plate, thus positively preventing a reduction in cooling efficiency in the goods-storing room, whereby effective cooling in the goods-storing room can be achieved, without the need of providing an air curtain at the front face of the showcase body.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Sanden CorporationInventors: Shouichi Yamazaki, Nobuo Kanbayashi, Hayato Zushida
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Publication number: 20040177634Abstract: A showcase includes a showcase body having an upper face whose front end side is provided with a first waste heat air guide plate for guiding condensation prevention air upward that flows forward along an upper face of a top plate. The waste heat air is prevented from flowing into a goods-storing room through a front opening of the showcase body from the front end side of the top plate, thus positively preventing a reduction in cooling efficiency in the goods-storing room, whereby effective cooling in the goods-storing room can be achieved, without the need of providing an air curtain at the front face of the showcase body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Sanden CorporationInventors: Shouichi Yamazaki, Nobuo Kanbayashi, Hayato Zushida
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Patent number: 6783199Abstract: A thermal barrier for a cabinet having a door storage area comprising a curtain having vertical slits dividing the curtain into flaps; an attachment device for securing the curtain within the cabinet; and a displacement apparatus for displacing at least one of the flaps from contact with adjacent flaps when the cabinet is closed allowing air within the cabinet to circulate to the door storage area.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Inventor: John C. Parrott
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Patent number: 6722142Abstract: A refrigerated enclosure, for example a household refrigerator, having improved appearance and functionality by including a view panel, for example a glass window in a door of the refrigerated enclosure, a door switch, a controller, and an intermittent fan for removing moisture that condenses on the view panel. The refrigerated enclosure may also include interchangeable components, for example exterior panels, for coordinating or matching the appearance of the refrigerated enclosure to the surroundings into which the refrigerated enclosure is placed.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Sub-Zero Freezer Company, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey J. Pagel
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Publication number: 20030209025Abstract: There is provided a dewfall preventing device of a refrigerator for preventing dew from forming on the contact portion of a refrigerator case and a door, the device comprising a heat exchanger for concentrating the waste heat generated from a compressor with contacted to the compressor of the refrigerator and a thermosyphon, its two ends connected to the heat exchanger, and having a working fluid phase-transferred into a gas phase after heat-exchanging with the waste heat from the compressor, move along the hot line, vaporize the dew forming on the contact portion of a refrigerator case and a door by the radiation of the heat, transferred into a liquid phase, fallen down by gravitation, and introduced back into the heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventor: Myung Ryul Lee
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Publication number: 20020152762Abstract: An alternating electric field at an ice interface generates conductivity AC with a frequency greater than 1000 Hz in interfacial ice. Typically, a first electrode and a second electrode define an interelectrode space containing a stack of freezer packages. Each freezer package has an outer dielectric film and a continuous inner conductive layer coating the inside of the dielectric film. An AC power source provides a voltage of about 10 to 500 volts across the electrodes. The first and last freezer packages in the stack are proximate to the first and second electrodes, respectively. The AC voltage generates conductivity AC in the inner conductive layers. An alternating electric field between adjacent conductive layers generates conductivity current in the ice, resulting in Joule heat, which melts the ice.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventor: Victor F. Petrenko
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Patent number: 6427468Abstract: A plurality of frost shields (50) are removably positioned about the upper circumferential expanse of the walls of the liner (20) of a refrigerated cabinet (10). The frost shields (50) are magnetically mountable to the liner (20) to facilitate ease of installation and removal. Each frost shield (50) is a pliable panel fabricated in a layered construction with a relatively thin observe layer (52) of vinyl mounted on nominally thicker back layer of thermoplastic material (54) impregnated with magnetic material (60). Each frost shield (50) may be provided with a pair of handles (70) inserted in their respective slots (58) formed through the frost shield panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Tyler Refrigeration CorporationInventors: Robert T. Topper, Ronald E. Luyet
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Publication number: 20020073725Abstract: 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).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2000Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Thomas W. Rand, Joseph F. Sanders, Robert T. Topper
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Patent number: 6301913Abstract: A refrigerator unit is provided including a casing having a plurality of walls, one of the walls including an opening on one side thereof. A glass door is pivotally attached to the casing for covering the opening. A first warm fluid passage is provided extending along at least a portion of the opening in the casing. A second warm fluid passage extends along a portion of the door along a perimeter thereof where the door engages the casing. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and an evaporator connected in series. The refrigerant condensing section has a liquid cooling system wherein the first fluid passage is the refrigerant and the second fluid passage provides the liquid from the liquid cooling system.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Inventors: Edward R. Schulak, Roland Ares