Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that include providing a cooler with a supply duct, a plurality of shelf plenums connected in fluid communication with the supply duct, and a return duct to implement precise temperature control over an internal cooling space of the cooler. Each of the shelf plenums may include openings disposed in a top surface of each shelf plenum. A supply airflow generated by a fan of a refrigeration system may pass the supply airflow through the supply duct to each of the plurality of shelf plenums, where the supply airflow may exit the shelf plenums through the openings in each shelf plenum to directly contact beverages and/or food products disposed on the top surface of the shelf plenums. The cooler may be further operated to supercool liquid beverages below a freezing point of the beverages without causing solidification and/or crystallization of the beverages.

Abstract: A dual temperature refrigerated display case including a low temperature refrigerated display case defining a low temperature product display area and including a low temperature air curtain configured to flow across an access opening of the low temperature case. The dual temperature refrigerated display case also includes a medium temperature refrigerated display case disposed above the low temperature case. The medium temperature case defines a medium temperature product display area and includes a medium temperature air curtain configured to flow across an access opening of the medium temperature case. The dual temperature refrigerated display case includes a duct disposed between the medium temperature refrigerated display case and the low temperature refrigerated display case. The duct receives spillover air from the medium temperature air curtain and redirects the spillover air away from the low temperature air curtain.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled display case is convertible between a full-service mode and a self-service mode and defines a temperature-controlled space therein. A base has a back side and a front side, and supports temperature-controlled food products within the temperature-controlled space. A pedestal is disposed beneath the base and includes a pocket. A back frame is coupled adjacent to the back side of the base and has openings to provide back side access to the food products during the full-service mode. A top frame is supported by the back frame. A front panel has an upper portion and a lower portion, and is movable between a deployed position for the full-service mode with the upper portion of the front panel adjacent to the top frame, and a stowed position for the self-service mode with the front panel disposed within the pocket to provide front side access to the food products.

Abstract: The present application and the resultant patent provide a chest cooler for dispensing a number of products. The chest cooler may include an outer frame, a number of product compartments within the outer frame, an upper door, and a front door. The front door may include a transparent panel. Some or all of the products are accessible via either the upper door or the front door and visible through the transparent panel.

Abstract: A covering for use with an outdoor located unit defining an opening which exhibits a plurality of cold temperature sensitive components such as heat dissipating coils or cooling tower coils. A plurality of fasteners are secured to a face of the unit at locations proximate to at least one surrounding side of the opening. The fasteners secure to perimeter extending locations associated with an impermeable layer of material arranged over the opening in order to prevent air movement, ice, and snow through said opening in contact with the coils.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a refrigeration system, a first sensor in communication with the refrigerated airflow in a discharge passageway to sense a discharge airflow temperature, and a second sensor is in communication with the refrigerated airflow in the return passageway to sense a return airflow temperature. A controller is in electrical communication with the first sensor and the second sensor and controls a temperature of the product within a predetermined temperature range that is between about 22 degrees Fahrenheit and 23 degrees Fahrenheit based on at least one of the discharge airflow temperature and the return airflow temperature. The controller is further programmed to operate the refrigeration system such that the discharge airflow temperature is maintained above a temperature between about 10 degrees Fahrenheit and 30 degrees Fahrenheit to regulate an evaporation temperature of the evaporator to avoid freezing the product.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An air conditioner performs a refrigerant quantity judging operation to judge the refrigerant quantity in a refrigerant circuit, and includes a heat source unit, utilization units, expansion mechanisms, a first refrigerant gas pipe, a second refrigerant gas pipe, a refrigerant liquid pipe, switching mechanisms, a temperature detector, and a controller. The heat source unit includes a compressor and a heat source side heat exchanger. The first refrigerant gas pipe is connected to the discharge side of the compressor. The switching mechanism can switch between a first state and a second state. The temperature detector is mounted on the first refrigerant gas pipe, and configured to detect a refrigerant temperature on the first refrigerant gas pipe side and output a refrigerant temperature detection value. The controller corrects the refrigerant quantity judged by a refrigerant quantity judging operation based on the refrigerant temperature detection value.

Abstract: The present application and the resultant patent provide a chest cooler for dispensing a number of products. The chest cooler may include an outer frame, a number of product compartments within the outer frame, an upper door, and a front door. The front door may include a transparent panel. Some or all of the products are accessible via either the upper door or the front door and visible through the transparent panel.

Abstract: A refrigerated display case (10) is provided with an open face (25) and an air flow (30) across the open face (25), which is cooled by a primary refrigeration system (20) and a thermoelectric heat pump (60).

Abstract: Refrigerator ice cream showcase with reduced energetic consumption and with increased protection of the contained products, is provided with two thermo-insulating transparent panels (7) and (8) placed above basins (4) and (5), to which may be extended in order to cover the whole refrigerated place or superimposed towards the external edge to free the basins internal row and in this position, if required, can be raised by rotation, to keep accessible all the basins. The movements can be manually impressed or by motor means or actuators means.

Abstract: A compact, countertop cooler for use in dispensing cold, energy-shot beverages at point-of-purchase retail locations. The cooler comprises a housing operative to store and selectively dispense individual containers of beverages through a gravity feed system. Preferably, the cooler will include an outwardly-facing window to facilitate the consumer's ability to see the contents and further, will preferably include a ratchet-type dispensing system to selectively dispense each beverage container individually so as to serve as an anti-theft mechanism, and further dispense at least one and preferably two containers of dissimilar size. The housing will further include a cooling system to provide cooling for the beverages and further, may be provided with decorative indicia to facilitate advertising and the display of product information.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling a lamp of a refrigerator. The apparatus may include a dispenser provided on a refrigerator door and a lamp installed within the dispenser for illuminating the dispenser. The dispenser may include a rotary member that rotates as an operation lever provided in the dispenser is operated and a duct door for selectively opening and closing an ice duct. The rotary member may include a rotary shaft supported by side walls of the dispenser and a connector part that extends from the rotary shaft. The duct door may be coupled to the connection part.

Abstract: An acoustic chamber as part of adapter or appliance for an appliance. The acoustic chamber is substantially enclosed except at the exterior surface, and is configured to interchangeably receive a plurality of different consumer electronic devices.

Abstract: A display unit may be a cooler merchandiser for displaying products, such as food and beverages. The cooler merchandiser may have a housing that contains a display portion for displaying one or more products and a cooling portion that may be configured to cool the products in the display portion. A frame may be attached to the housing and may extend along at least a portion of the perimeter of a surface of the housing. A removable insert may slide into the frame so that it is positioned adjacent to a surface of the housing. The removable insert may include a cardboard material and the housing may include a rigid styrene material. The removable insert may display a graphics that may be customized. An opening may be provided in the housing to provide access to the display portion and a thermo-protective barrier may be provided to cover the opening.

Abstract: An external decorating member installed on the surface of a refrigerator is disclosed, in which the external decorating member 20 comprises a glass member 22, a first paint layer 24 formed on top of the glass member 22 and having reflecting materials for reflecting light which passed through the glass member, and a second paint layer 26 formed on top of the first paint layer 24 and having a certain color.

Abstract: Disclosed is commercial refrigerator display that allows for the automatic illumination of the refrigerator contents in the presence of a consumer. Illumination is provided by a series of light emitting diodes (LEDs) which are positioned on an internal surface of one of the mullions that make up the compartment frame. These LEDs are interconnected to both a power source and one or more sensors. The sensors are preferably motion sensors that can detect the presence of an individual near the refrigerator housing. Thus, when an individual is detected, the sensor supplies power to the LEDs to thereby illuminate the interior of the refrigerated compartment. The present invention also relates to the bracket assembly that is used in mounting the sensor to the frame.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser that includes a case, a refrigeration system, at least one sensor, a controller, and a display. The refrigeration system is in communication with a product storage area of the case, and discharges a refrigerated airflow into the product storage area to refrigerate product. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator coupled in series. The sensor is in communication with the refrigerated airflow to sense an airflow temperature and to generate a signal indicative of the airflow temperature. The controller is in electrical communication with the sensor to receive the signal indicative of the airflow temperature, and includes an algorithm that calculates a temperature of the product based on the signal indicative of the airflow temperature. The display is coupled to the case and is visible from outside the case, and is in electrical communication with the controller to show the calculated product temperature.

Abstract: A device for use with a refrigeration case (104) having a defrost cycle comprising at least one intake (154. 156, 158) for receiving a cleaning agent (155), a rising agent, and a sanitizing agent (159), at least one fluid outlet (140) disposable I the refrigeration case and being in fluid communication with the at least one intake, and wherein transfer of the agents from the at least one intake to the at least one fluid outlet is dependent on the defrost cycle of the refrigeration case and the order of the release of the agents is the cleaning agent, the rinsing agent, and the sanitizing agent.

Abstract: A method and system for an improved display case, comprising a display case having air flow paths for circulating air around one or more objects displayable in a display area in the display case, and one or more ultraviolet radiation elements suitably positioned within the air paths for sanitizing the circulating air to reduce the amount of airborne contaminants therein. The display case may comprise a produce display case, meats display case, vegetables display case, floral display case, dairy display case, a frozen foods display case, or a similar type case.

Abstract: A refrigerated display case including a case that defines a product display area adapted to support and display food product to be visible from the front of the case. The case includes a canopy positioned above the product display area with at least one display panel. A refrigeration system supplies refrigerated air to the product display area and is adapted to maintain the food product at a desired temperature. A light source supported by the case projects light along a first path of illumination directed toward the product display area adapted to brighten the food product and projects light along a second path of illumination directed toward the display panel. At least a portion of the light along the second path of illumination passes through the display panel to be visible from the front of the display panel.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser adapted to display refrigerated products includes a case defining a product display area, a bottom shelf adapted to support the refrigerated products within the product display area, and a container removably coupled with the case at a location below the bottom shelf and adapted to collect debris falling below the bottom shelf. The container is removable from the case for cleaning without removing the refrigerated products from the bottom shelf.

Abstract: A device for use with a refrigeration case (104) having a defrost cycle comprising at least one intake (154, 156, 158) for receiving a cleaning agent (155), a rising agent, and a sanitizing agent (159), at least one fluid outlet (140) disposable in the refrigeration case and being in fluid communication with the at least one intake, and wherein transfer of the agents from the at least one intake to the at least one fluid outlet is dependent on the defrost cycle of the refrigeration case and the order of the release of the agents is the cleaning agent, the rinsing agent, and the sanitizing agent.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser shroud that can be packaged and transported unassembled and then assembled without tools is disclosed. The unassembled shroud can be readily transported and is resistant to damage during shipping. The refrigerated merchandiser shroud includes a plurality of corner bracket assemblies, a front panel, and two side panels. The corner bracket assemblies include two grooved lip holders and the panels include connecting lips at each side end thereof. The lip holders of the corner bracket assemblies receive the connecting lips of the panels. Each corner bracket assembly is installed along a vertically extending corner of a refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigerated merchandiser shroud is assembled by sliding the connecting lips of each panel into the lip holders of the corner bracket assemblies.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser adapted to display refrigerated products includes a case defining a product display area, a bottom shelf adapted to support the refrigerated products within the product display area, and a container removably coupled with the case at a location below the bottom shelf and adapted to collect debris falling below the bottom shelf. The container is removable from the case for cleaning without removing the refrigerated products from the bottom shelf.

Abstract: An ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation device includes at least one first ultraviolet light source and at least one second ultraviolet light source. The ultraviolet light sources are all switched off when a fan for the HVAC system is switched off. In another feature of the present invention, while the evaporator coil is on, all of the ultraviolet light sources are turned on. Because the ultraviolet light sources are more effective when the evaporator coil is off, some of the ultraviolet light sources are turned off while the evaporator coil is off. While the evaporator coil is off, the ultraviolet light sources may be switched on alternately, such that they are on each on a substantially equal portion of the time that the evaporator coil is off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the appearance of an existing product display unit including providing a panel member having a shape and appearance different from the shape and appearance of at least one side portion of the product display unit, and attaching the panel member to at least a portion of the product display unit such that, when so attached, the panel member interacts with the product merchandising unit to transform the overall appearance of the product display unit.

Abstract: An ice cream machine, at least including an assembly of an ice cream preparation unit and an ice cream display cabinet, in which the ice cream preparation unit includes an ingredient inlet, ice cream preparation unit and an ice cream outlet, and the ice cream display cabinet includes refrigeration unit and is designed for refrigerating ice cream in one or more ice cream containers. The space above the ice cream containers in the ice cream display cabinet can also be refrigerated, while the ice cream outlet of the ice cream preparation unit opens directly into the ice cream display cabinet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a property box of a cabinet/wall-hanging type requiring low temperature. The property box of a cabinet/wall-hanging type requiring low temperature according to the present invention provides advantages of being attachable to a wall surface or a corner of living space such as a bedroom of a married couple, a dress room or a bathroom in a newly-built or an existing apartment, an ordinary house or in lodging so as to store and make easily available of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, films, beverage, beer or wine requiring low temperature whenever necessary. When protection of a privacy is required, unlike the conventional refrigerator shared by others in a shared living space, the property box according to the present invention can be installed at a desired position, thereby achieving the protection of privacy and resolving the problem of narrowing the living space subsequent to installation of the property box.

Abstract: This merchandiser (10) with horizontal air curtain includes an insulated product compartment (11) having an open access top (20); an evaporator compartment (22) for cooling air supplied from a fan compartment (26) and an air circulation system (25) having an upper outlet (40) at one side of the product compartment (11), an upper inlet at the other side of the product compartment disposed across from the outlet (40) and air circulation passages (30) and (32) communicating between the inlet (42) and the fan compartment (26). The outlet (40) discharges air from the evaporator compartment (22) into the return air inlet (42) and the inlet (42) returns air to the fan compartment (26) to provide a continuous air curtain for protecting the product compartment (11) from the incursion of ambient air so that the product (B) is maintained in a cool condition. The product compartment (11) includes a holding rack (48) adapted to hold single depth rows of partitioned vertical columns of bottles (B).

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: 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 beverage merchandiser is provided which has a display case for the placement and viewing of product housed within the merchandiser. The display case provides for a plurality of individual hangers which position the merchandise for viewing through a transparent window defined by the display case.

Abstract: A refrigerated case cover and method of use. The refrigerated case cover comprises a cover sheet made of insulating material having air cells sandwiched between an outer cover sheet and an inner cover sheet. Eyelets are disposed along the top and bottom edges of the cover. A cord is woven through the lower eyelets. At least one male tab is disposed on each cover sheet side. The cover is attached to a refrigerated case by attaching the upper eyelets to an upper case front lip by means of S hooks, attaching the cord to grille spokes disposed along a lower case front upper edge with S hooks, and attaching each cover sheet side to a respective case side with hook and loop material. An alternate embodiment refrigerated case cover has weights disposed along the cover sheet lower edge, to keep the refrigerated case cover sealed against a refrigerated case lower front, and to expedite installation and removal of the refrigerated case cover.

Abstract: A merchandiser that is capable of holding and displaying both cold foods and warm foods includes a cold pan which has walls that are recessed into the top of a counter to provide a cold compartment that opens out of the counter top. The cold foods occupy the cold compartment. In addition, the merchandiser has a closure assembly which rises upwardly form the cold pan and includes side walls that support a shelf above the cold pan and also housing above the shelf. Front and rear doors are attached to the side walls to close the space between the shelf and housing at the front and rear, respectively, of the closure assembly, so that the doors, the side walls, the shelf and the housing enclose a warm compartment that holds and displays warm foods. Both doors pivot about horizontal axes to provide access to the warm compartment. The housing contains a fan and heating element for circulating heated air through the warm compartment.

Abstract: A cooling and refrigeration apparatus cools one or more surfaces of one or more food handling devices, such as meat cutting machines, scales, and food preparation areas, so as to inhibit bacterial and other microbial growth thereon. The apparatus includes one or more coolers to lower the temperature of the food contact surfaces to a predetermined temperature which inhibits bacteria and other microbial growth thereon, by providing one or more surfaces at the predetermined temperature adjacent to or at the one or more food handling surfaces. The cooler includes a distributor system of conduit passageways and other distribution devices to distribute one or more cooling media to conductive surfaces of the one or more food handling devices.

Abstract: A wine bottle refrigerator has a pivotal front access door for a cooling chamber enclosing racks supporting bottles of wine, and an upper portion of the chamber encloses a wood cigar humidor supported by a drawer for movement between a retracted storage position within the chamber and an extended access position after the door is open. The humidor encloses a humidifier to maintain the cigars at generally a predetermined relative humidity, and the wine bottle refrigerator maintains the temperature of the bottles of wine and the humidor at a dependable and substantially constant predetermined temperature and relative humidity. In one embodiment, a removable humidor is supported by an extendable drawer, and in another embodiment, the extendable drawer forms part of the humidor.

Abstract: A cooling and refrigeration apparatus cools surfaces of meat cutting machines, scales, and food preparation areas so as to inhibit bacterial and other microbial growth. The apparatus includes a cooler to lower the temperature of the food contact surfaces to a predetermined temperature which inhibits bacteria and other microbial growth by providing a surface at the predetermined temperature adjacent to or at the food handling surfaces. The cooler is either a thermoelectric module or an accessory source of cooled air.

Abstract: A low-temperature showcase comprises an upper case including at least two doors, an intermediate plate provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, a bottom plate having an opening, an air duct defined by the intermediate plate and the bottom plate, a lower case including a cavity in which an evaporator and a fan are installed, and a thrust ball bearing. The evaporator and the fan generate a cold air flow which is circulated along the air duct and into an interior of the upper case. The thrust ball bearing includes a ring-shaped upper member provided With an annular groove, a ring-shaped lower member provided with a plurality of recesses formed along an arbitrary circle corresponding to the annular groove and a plurality of balls fitted into both the recesses and the groove.

Abstract: A method of processing the carcasses of animals which die during the course of a grow-out operation. The inventive method comprises the steps of: (a) collecting and freezing the carcasses in a freezing apparatus and (b) transporting the frozen carcasses to a processing facility. It is preferred that (1) the processing facility referred to in step (b) is a rendering facility and (2) the inventive method further comprises the step of (c) rendering the carcasses.

Abstract: An improved lighting apparatus is disclosed for illuminating the interior of a refrigerated display case which uses in combination a unique configuration of a main lighting unit behind the cornice as well as an illumination device under the front edge of each shelf wherein each shelf includes a lightrace extending longitudinally adjacent the front edge thereof for retaining the power supply wires therein and wherein the electrical power is supplied to the lighting means through a one-piece end plug electrical coupling designed to seal the end of the lightrace while simultaneously providing electrical connection to a mounting fixture for a fluorescent lamp. The mounting fixture preferably includes a means for mounting of the lamp therein as well as a coupling adapted to engage the electrical coupling of the one-piece end plug electrical coupling in the end of the lightrace for facilitating powering of the shelf illumination lights.

Abstract: An arrangement pertaining to refrigerator and freezer gondolas of the kind used to exhibit merchandise in self-service retail stores and being upwardly open in order to expose refrigerated and frozen merchandise. The invention has an upper glass plate located above the opening of the gondola. The size and positioning of the glass plate is such as to generally cover the gondola opening, seen in vertical projection. The surface of the glass plate facing towards the gondola opening is provided with an infrared reflecting layer having an emissivity number below 0.2, preferably below 0.1.

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 refrigerator for food service. The refrigerator has a housing with two openings for one insert each, preferably a basket for holding several flats of eggs in one and a well for holding batter in the other. The opening for the basket is preferably oriented at an angle for easier access to its interior. The housing has an air conditioning unit located below it or located remotely but in fluid communication with the interior of the housing. A fan on the interior circulates the chilled air throughout the housing. The lid for the egg basket has one closed position and two opened positions. To open the basket lid, it can be either rotated on two pins up and back or raised to the horizontal and pushed back into a hollow area at the top of the housing, its two pins sliding in channels formed in the housing.

Abstract: A combined refrigerated merchandiser comprises a pair of upright support panels, a merchandising refrigerator spanning between the upright support panels for refrigerating and displaying soft drinks and the like, and non-refrigerated shelves spanning between the upright support panels for merchandising and displaying non-refrigerated snack items and the like. In one embodiment, the refrigerator is located in a lowermost position and is of the chest-type, while the shelves are located in an uppermost position and comprise a plurality of display rack shelves. In another embodiment, the refrigerator is located in an uppermost position and is of the gravity feed dispenser type, while the shelves are located in a lowermost position.

Abstract: In an ice storage type food service counter with an ice storage tank, an ice supply device is provided to automatically produce chips of ice and supply the same into the ice storage tank, and an agitating device is provided to agitate and level the chips of ice stored in the ice storage tank. Under the ice storage tank, a water supply tank is arranged to store an amount of ice making water, and a discharge tank is arranged to store the water of melted ice discharged from the ice storage tank through a drain hole. Within the ice storage tank, there is provided an overlfow pipe having an upper end opening into the interior of the ice storage tank and extending downward to discharge therethrough the pieces of ice located above the upper end thereof into either one of the water supply tank or the discharge tank.

Abstract: This refrigerator unit (10) for storing and serving salads and sandwiches includes an insulated cabinet (12) having a top wall (26) with a front portion (28) providing a cutting board (30) and a rear portion (32) carrying multiple rows of removable food product pans (36) extending into the cabinet. The unit includes a cover assembly (16) providing a fixed, foam-insulated hood (38) and a foam-insulated cover (40) pivoted to the hood for movement from a position enclosing the pan area to a position affording access to the pan area. The inside of the cabinet is provided with a forced air refrigeration system (70) which includes a fan (78) delivering air into a passage (94) which houses an evaporator coil (82) and has an upper end opening (98) for delivering cooled air onto and between the pans.

Abstract: A merchandiser that is capable of holding and displaying both cold foods and warm foods includes a cold pan which has walls that are recessed into the top of a counter to provide a cold compartment that opens out of the counter top. The cold foods occupy the cold compartment. In addition, the merchandiser has a closure assembly which rises upwardly form the cold pan and includes side walls that support a shelf above the cold pan and also housing above the shelf. Front and rear doors are attached to the side walls to close the space between the shelf and housing at the front and rear, respectively, of the closure assembly, so that the doors, the side walls, and shelf and the housing enclose a warm compartment that holds and displays warm foods. Both doors pivot about horizontal axes to provide access to the warm compartment. The housing contains a fan and heating element for circulating heated air through the warm compartment.