Spaced Elongated Air Inlet And Outlet Type, E.g., Air Curtain Patents (Class 62/256)
  • Patent number: 6775994
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser (12) includes a display case (30) defining a product display region having an open-front isolated from the ambient air of the store by means of a downwardly directed inner air curtain (55) of relatively cold refrigerated air. The amount of airflow forming the air curtain is selectively increased in response to a signal from a controller (80) whenever a sensor (70) detects a disturbance in the integrity of the air curtain or from movement in front of the display case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Math, Dochul Choi
  • Patent number: 6755042
    Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a display case having a viewing area with the first side and a second side. An air outlet on the first side guides air across the viewing area to an air inlet on the second side. A first fan and a second fan communicate with the air inlet. A volume extends between the air inlet and the first and second fans. The partition divides this volume between the first and second fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.
    Inventors: Sue-Li “Kingsley” Chuang, Eugene Duane Daddis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6742344
    Abstract: A shelved cupboard for refrigerated goods comprises an opening (1) for putting in or taking out refrigerated goods (2) and a ducting arrangement (3-10) for circulating of cooled air form a cooling element (11) provided thereto. The ducting arrangement (3-10) enables cooled air to be carried in separate streams, partly in between the refrigerated goods (2) and partly past the opening (1) in order to create a screening layer. The distribution of cooled air between the refrigerated goods (2) takes place via an outlet nozzle (7) at an end of an overlying shelf (12), while the distribution of cooled air to the screening layer takes place via an outlet nozzle (10) near the upper transverse end of the opening (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Svein Henrik Vormedal
  • Patent number: 6722149
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandizer includes a display case defining a product display region having an open-front isolated from the ambient air of the store by means of a downwardly directed inner air curtain of relatively cold refrigerated air and a downwardly directed outer air curtain of relatively warmer air. The outer curtain of relatively warmer air is directed downwardly and outwardly away from the inner air curtain of relatively cold air at a divergent angle with respect to the inner air curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary D. Saroka, Abbas A. Alahyari
  • Publication number: 20040069002
    Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a display case having an exterior and an interior, the interior comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a back area and a front viewing area at least partially defining a display space. A cooling element cools air within the display space. A first air outlet on the display case guides the cool air across the front viewing area along a first path. A second air outlet on the display case guides warm air across the viewing area along a second path wherein the second air outlet comprises an opening from the exterior to the interior of the display case. An air mover communicates with the cooling element directing air to the first air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Sue-Li Kingsley Chuang, Eugene Duane Daddis, Philip Lavrich
  • Publication number: 20040065102
    Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a display case having a viewing area with the first side and a second side. An air outlet on the first side guides air across the viewing area to an air inlet on the second side. A first fan and a second fan communicate with the air inlet. A volume extends between the air inlet and the first and second fans. The partition divides this volume between the first and second fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Sue-Li Kingsley Chuang, Eugene Duane Daddis
  • Patent number: 6701736
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a display case and a cooling module. The display case includes a plurality of walls defining a cavity and a receptacle. A plurality of vertically spaced shelves are disposed in the cavity extending between the side walls. A display zone is defined above the top surface of each shelf for the display of merchandise. A back panel disposed in the cavity adjacent to base back wall defines a duct in a fluid communication with a plurality of elongated openings formed in the back panel. A turbulence generating element is disposed in each display zone adjacent to the elongated opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Gamon Plus, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry Johnson
  • Patent number: 6701735
    Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a display case defining a display space. A cooling element cools the display space. An air mover direct air across the cooling element. At least one air outlet guides cool air into the display space to an air inlet located at the end of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Duane Daddis, Jr., Sue-li “Kingsley” Chuang
  • Publication number: 20040003617
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating a horizontal air curtain for a cooler doorway has at least one air moving device; at least one motor powering the air moving device; a control system including a sensor, the control system providing power to operate the motor when the sensor detects that the door of the cooler is open; and at least one air discharge nozzle mounted adjacent to the air moving device directing air emitted by the air moving device to create a curtain of air that flows generally horizontally across at least a portion of the doorway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Michael S. Chandler, Larry R. Scallion
  • Publication number: 20030217560
    Abstract: In a refrigerating open showcase comprising a showcase body whose top surface is open; an inner plate disposed to form an air passage between the inner plate and the showcase body; and a cooler disposed in the air passage, in which an air curtain is formed on the top surface of the showcase body by causing air having been cooled in the air passage to flow from a discharge port to a suction port, the upper end of the inner plate on the suction port side is bent toward the air passage on the suction side, and the upper face of the bent portion is inclined slightly with respect to the horizontal in the direction that the upper face of said bent portion faces a side wall on the suction port side of the showcase body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: Sanden Corporation
    Inventors: Junichiro Kasuya, Takahiro Takei
  • Patent number: 6647734
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air circulation system of a refrigerator in a side-by-side refrigerator. The air circulation system ejects a cold air into a refrigerator compartment asymmetrically from right and left side walls to form a vortex thereby enhancing the ability of uniform cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seong Ho Cho, In Seop Lee
  • Publication number: 20030172670
    Abstract: A shelved cupboard for refrigerated goods comprises an opening (1) for putting in or taking out refrigerated goods (2) and a ducting arrangement (3-10) for circulating of cooled air form a cooling element (11) provided thereto. The ducting arrangement (3-10) enables cooled air to be carried in separate streams, partly in between the regrigeratede goods (2) and partly past the opening (1) in order to create a screening layer. The distribution of cooled air between the refrigerated goods (2) takes place via an oulet nozzle (7) at an end of an overlying shelf (12), while the distribution of cooled air to the screening lyer takes place via an oulet nozzle (10) near the upper transverse end of the opening (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Svein Henrik Vormedal
  • Patent number: 6619052
    Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a display case having an exterior and an interior. A fan blows or draws air across an evaporator coil to cool the display case. The air is blowing over a viewing area to create an air curtain. At least one sensor obtains environmental data, which is fed to a control unit. The control unit communicates with the fan and adjusts the air curtain based on the sensed environmental data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Tyler Refrigeration Corporation
    Inventor: Robert V. Nash, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6615593
    Abstract: A method of reducing energy costs and reducing maintenance costs for a refrigeration system are provided. More particularly, the method or reducing energy costs preferably includes connecting an evaporator to a top outer surface of a refrigeration container and forming a cool air curtain by removing warm air from an interior upper portion of the refrigeration container and introducing cool air into the interior upper portion of the refrigeration container. The method of reducing maintenance costs preferably includes connecting an evaporator to an outer surface of a refrigeration container and providing ready access to the evaporator so that maintenance can be readily conducted on the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Matt Alvin Thurman
  • Publication number: 20030159451
    Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a display case having an exterior and an interior. A fan blows or draws air across an evaporator coil to cool the display case. The air is blowing over a viewing area to create an air curtain. At least one sensor obtains environmental data, which is fed to a control unit. The control unit communicates with the fan and adjusts the air curtain based on the sensed environmental data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Robert V. Nash
  • Patent number: 6578376
    Abstract: A refrigeration system, refrigeration apparatus, evaporator apparatus, refrigeration apparatus conversion kit, and associated methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Matt Alvin Thurman
  • Patent number: 6564569
    Abstract: A refrigerated food preparation apparatus is made up of a cabinet having storage compartments therein and an upper sloped food handling table with a recessed portion for food container inserts having upwardly open ends to facilitate convenient access to food placed in the inserts, a supply air duct and return air duct extending along opposite sides of the food container inserts, and a refrigeration system for directing air from an evaporator section for discharge simultaneously and in separate layers across the food container inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Brian D. Havens
  • Publication number: 20030084676
    Abstract: A method of reducing energy costs and reducing maintenance costs for a refrigeration system are provided. More particularly, the method or reducing energy costs preferably includes connecting an evaporator to a top outer surface of a refrigeration container and forming a cool air curtain by removing warm air from an interior upper portion of the refrigeration container and introducing cool air into the interior upper portion of the refrigeration container. The method of reducing maintenance costs preferably includes connecting an evaporator to an outer surface of a refrigeration container and providing ready access to the evaporator so that maintenance can be readily conducted on the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Matt Alvin Thurman
  • Patent number: 6539741
    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 the edges of vertical sides of the access opening to reduce the loss of coolant air through the air curtain. Thus, relative flows of coolant air and the air curtain are maintained inside the showcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Ramon Munoz Navarro
  • Patent number: 6532761
    Abstract: The present invention provides low temperature zone forming equipment having a storage function capable of controlling temperature and humidity and a method and equipment for maintaining the quality of hauled fishes in an auction market of marine products such as fishes shellfishes, which constitute a low temperature distribution system closely linked with a purchase and sale system in consideration of the characteristics of the market. The low temperature zone forming equipment used in the low temperature distribution system is composed of a chilled air generator 1 and an enclosure wall 3 of flexible hollow structure, said enclosure wall having openings for entrance and exit of water at an end part thereof and openings for supplying chilled air produced in said chilled air generator and having exhaust openings formed of knitted cloth along the inside of the enclosure wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mayekawa Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Murakami, Yasuhiro Hirao
  • Patent number: 6519962
    Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a display case having a bottom, a top, a first side, a second side, and a viewing area, all of which define a display space. A refrigeration coil cools the display case. At least one fan is adjacent the coil and propels cool air through the display space. A vertical channel communicates with the fan and orifices along the channel distribute air horizontally across the display space. At least one surface extends across the display space and directs air along a different horizontal path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuetter
  • Patent number: 6490878
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cold sales cabinet for conserving foodstuffs. It applies to cabinets having means for circulating a flow of air and associated with an internal or an external refrigeration unit. A cold sales cabinet of the invention is characterized in particular in that it comprises at least one enclosure (12) containing an evaporator (2), said enclosure being provided with microwave energy transmission means (10) and presenting two opposite walls (15, 16) that are proof against microwave radiation and not airtight. The microwave radiation is used to limit quickly and cheaply phenomena of frosting or icing on the evaporator (2) so as to improve refrigeration performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventors: Philippe Luminet, Bernard Teissedre, Michel Corfec, Denis Consigny
  • Publication number: 20020162347
    Abstract: A self-service food display in which a food tray that is supported by a support structure is cooled by an air stream that passes over and under the tray. The tray has opposed end sections and one or more intermediate sections. The air stream is uniformly distributed over the intermediate sections to substantially maintain the same temperature in the vicinity thereof. The air stream is distributed to the opposed end sections in higher volumes to minimize heat transfer with ambient. The air stream also forms an air curtain that extends above three sides of the food tray. Additionally, the air stream is distributed at an angle to an upper surface of the food tray in a manner that provides higher volumes to the opposed end sections to minimize heat transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Darrel Jay Walker, Kenneth James Houtman, Scott Alan McNeal
  • Patent number: 6467294
    Abstract: A self-service food display in which a food tray that is supported by a support structure is cooled by an air stream that passes over and under the tray. The tray has opposed end sections and one or more intermediate sections. The air stream is uniformly distributed over the intermediate sections to substantially maintain the same temperature in the vicinity thereof. The air stream is distributed to the opposed end sections in higher volumes to minimize heat transfer with ambient. The air stream also forms an air curtain that extends above three sides of the food tray. Additionally, the air stream is distributed at an angle to an upper surface of the food tray in a manner that provides higher volumes to the opposed end sections to minimize heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: The Delfield Company
    Inventors: Darrel Jay Walker, Kenneth James Houtman, Scott Alan McNeal
  • Patent number: 6453694
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: True Manufacturing Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Trulaske, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20020066282
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: True Manufactruing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Trulaske
  • Patent number: 6379240
    Abstract: Air circulation system for a refrigerated display case and a method for ventilating a space including a refrigerated display case. The refrigerated display case includes a space inside a frame of the display case, shelves in the space and an inside air circulation system for circulating air from the bottom portion of the display case to the top portion of the display case. Warm air is supplied by a blower arranged in connection with the refrigerated display case and blown to the front side of the refrigerated display case in the vicinity of the floor on which the refrigerated display case is situated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Halton Oy
    Inventors: Andrey Livchak, Jorma Pekkinen, Tuomas Moilanen
  • Patent number: 6367274
    Abstract: Cabinet permits self-service by persons who are going to eat and has a counter or top (2) on which the foodstuffs are situated, having optionally means for conserving the foodstuffs in a hot and/or cold state. Its fundamental innovation lies in that it has means (3, 4 and 5) for applying a continuous air curtain (6) over said foodstuffs without impeding access to the same and for the purpose of preventing the presence of insects on the foodstuffs mentioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Antonio Criado Mellado
  • Publication number: 20010047660
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the reach-in cooler incorporates a roof structure which includes a ceiling and a roof that are spaced from each other to form an air distribution plenum. The air distribution plenum includes an air return inlet and an air distribution outlet, and communicates with air return passage via the air return inlet. Preferably, the air return passage is formed between the back of the cooler and a partition. The refrigerated space of the cooler is disposed below the roof structure and communicates with the air return passage. Additionally, a refrigeration unit, which includes a refrigeration coil and a fan, communicates with the air return passage so that the fan moves air from the refrigerated space, through said air return passage, through the air return inlet and into the air distribution plenum. The air then is directed through the refrigeration coils for delivery through the air distribution outlet and into the refrigerated space for cooling the refrigerated space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: SHELDON F. MASHBURN, PETER C. FLYNN, RICHARD NEIL WALKER
  • Patent number: 6318111
    Abstract: A belt conveyor device for transporting cold foods capable of controlling the quality and sanitation of foods, without requiring the necessity of cooling a whole processing room and without being affected by an environmental temperature, by forming cooling spaces only in the food transporting spaces of a conveyor for processing and transporting cold foods. Wherein cold air outlets and cold air suction ports are provided on the right and left sides of the transporting spaces of the belt conveyor opposedly to each other across the belt conveyor, cooling parts are provided in spaces sandwiched between the upper and lower sides of the running belt, food transporting spaces on the surfaces of the belt conveyor in a working space are formed, by a cool air flow from the cold air outlets to the cold air suction ports, into the cooled spaces having temperatures equivalent to a food refrigerating temperature of approx. 10-C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Low Temp. Food Process Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Murakami, Saburo Aizawa
  • Patent number: 6309034
    Abstract: A cooler with a number of product shelves and an oscillating drive mechanism. The oscillating drive mechanism is connected to the product shelves so as to rotate the product shelves in an oscillating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: William S. Credle, Jr., James R. Bardin
  • Patent number: 6272876
    Abstract: A display freezer including a display case defining an interior space; an evaporator cover assembly located in the interior space and separating the interior space into a display portion and an evaporator portion, a fan plenum having therein an inlet communicating with the display portion of the interior space and an outlet spaced from the inlet and communicating between the evaporator portion and the display portion of the interior space; a fan operable to create a flow of air through the inlet and the outlet; a first baffle located adjacent the inlet and a second baffle and defining a serpentine path extending from the inlet for conducting the flow of air in the evaporator portion and an evaporator coil assembly located in the evaporator portion between the inlet and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Zero Zone, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl C. Roberts, Keith R. Mickelson
  • Patent number: 6240739
    Abstract: A cover for a cooling unit, such as an evaporator assembly, of a display refrigerator. The cover is advantageously made of a single piece of material, preferably an injection molded, filled polypropylene plastic, which is capable of withstanding the harsh conditions found in a display refrigerator. The cover is further advantageously configured to enhance the operation of the evaporator assembly, protect the evaporator assembly, insulate the frozen or refrigerated food and drink items from the heat generated by the evaporator assembly, and decrease the time needed to install the cover into or remove the cover from the display refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Zero Zone, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Michael Hayes
  • Patent number: 6145327
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Ramon M. Navarro
  • Patent number: 6128912
    Abstract: A refrigerated open display case has receptacles or holders for directly receiving wet-pack shipping containers, so that flowers do not need to be repacked into vases. A laminar flow of chilled air over the flowers establishes a laminar flow boundary layer with the warmer ambient air. An array of perforations serve as chilled air supply openings on the vertical riser walls, and chilled air is discharged in a laminar flow. A return air intake grille extends across the cabinet below the front of the lowermost shelf, in an undercut transverse recess. The front part of each shelf member has a chamfer or downward slope. The receptacles for the wet-pack containers can include cutouts that extend onto the chamfered front parts of the shelves. The forward wall of the container is exposed above the chamfer, which facilitates insertion and removal. Inside the cabinet, the coldest air leaving the evaporator coil passes in contact with the underside of the shelf members and with the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Floratech Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Wetzel
  • Patent number: 6128911
    Abstract: A modular refrigerated structure 10 includes a modular perimeter 12 which defines a refrigerated space 30, a plurality of display openings 24 about the perimeter 12 and at least one personnel access opening 32 for personnel ingress and egress to the refrigerated space 30. Shelves 40 are positioned at each display opening 24 for displaying products. A plurality of roof modules 56 are supported over the perimeter 12 and include a refrigeration module 67, an air passage 60 positioned above a centrally located storage area 38, an air distribution plenum 68 and air outlets 80 positioned adjacent the perimeter 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Delaware Captial Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Mathews, James G. Boyko, David G. Tovey, Larry A. Wichroski, Jon Scott Martin, Sheldon F. Mashburn, Brian T. Kerry, Jesse H. Pickrum
  • Patent number: 6112546
    Abstract: An air curtain generator generates an air curtain in a refrigerant compartment of a refrigerator. In the air curtain generator, a sensor senses open and closed states of a refrigerant compartment door. A brushless direct current air curtain fan blows cool air into a refrigerant compartment according to a sensing result of the sensor in order to generate an air curtain in the refrigerant compartment. A direct current power source supplies a direct current driving current to the brushless direct current air curtain fan. A driver drives the brushless direct current air curtain fan. A microcomputer controls an operation of the driver according to the sensing result of the sensor. The air curtain generator maximizes functions of an air curtain generator by applying a brushless direct current air curtain fan having low noise level, low power consumption, and high efficiency thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jee-Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 6105377
    Abstract: A temperature setting part sets a reference temperature of the interior of a refrigerating compartment of a refrigerator. A door opening/closing detection part detects opening and closing of a door of the refrigerating compartment. First and second temperature detecting parts detect the interior and exterior temperatures of the refrigerating compartment respectively. An air curtain fan driving part drives an air curtain fan. A control part performs a normal cooling operation to control the interior temperature of the refrigerating compartment by driving the cooling fan when the interior temperature is under a reference temperature, drives the air curtain fan with each of the numbers of rotations corresponding to each of several temperature ranges, and performs the normal cooling operation by stopping the driving of the air curtain fan if the closing of the door of the refrigerating compartment is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Youk Jeong, Byung-Joon Choi
  • Patent number: 6094931
    Abstract: A refrigerator having dual air velocity generating apparatus for air curtain flow comprises a cool air supply duct through which cool air is supplied to an upper opening of a food storage chamber by operation of a fan, and a dual air velocity generating apparatus provided at an exit of the cool air supply duct for transforming the air curtain flow discharged through the exit with the dual air velocity, thereby decreasing the velocity of the air curtain flow distal to the food storage chamber than that proximal to the food storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Youk Jeong
  • Patent number: 6089036
    Abstract: A refrigerated food preparation table having a food preparation surface, a refrigerated food storage chamber, and a food plenum chamber adjacent to the food preparation surface. An air baffle assembly including a venturi restriction creates a resilient and uniform cool air curtain distributed across the top of food bins disposed within the food plenum chamber. One portion of the returning airflow, which is relatively warmer, having been exposed to higher ambient temperatures, circulates around the food bins and another portion of the returning airflow cools the refrigerated food storage chamber before entering a refrigeration coil/blower chamber to begin the cycle anew. The configuration maintains foodstuffs within the unit between 32.degree. and 40.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Stanley Knight Corporation
    Inventors: Terry Carlson, William J. Knapp, Alois Weisser
  • Patent number: 6058722
    Abstract: A reference temperature of the cooler is set which is required to moderate an interior temperature of the refrigerator. During a defrosting mode, if a door is opened, then a control part switches on an air curtain fan if a temperature of a cooler is lower than the reference temperature, or switches it off if it is not lower. The control part switches off the air curtain fan when the door is closed. Meanwhile, during the defrosting mode, if the door is closed, then the control part switches on the air curtain fan if the temperature of the cooler is lower than the reference temperature in a heating state, or switches it off if it is not lower. The air curtain fan is also switched off if it is not in a heating state. Thus, the air curtain fan is driven depending on interior and exterior conditions during a defrosting operation of the refrigerator. Thereby, refrigerating efficiency as well as defrosting efficiency are increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung-Joon Choi
  • Patent number: 6041616
    Abstract: A cool air circulation apparatus in a refrigerator provides an upper curved lip extended from a front face of a lower shelf in a refrigerating chamber, by which cool air contacting with ambient air is discharged outside of the refrigerator and only the cool air adjacent to the refrigerating chamber flows into the refrigerating chamber. Accordingly, even though a door of the refrigerating chamber is open for a long time or is opened and closed frequently, ambient air does not enter into the refrigerating chamber and thus cooling efficiency of the refrigerator increases. As a result, a constant temperature in the refrigerating chamber is maintained at all times, thereby being capable of maintaining freshness of a stored foods for a long time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Youk Jeong
  • Patent number: 6038880
    Abstract: A refrigerator has a blowing fan being capable of blowing bilaterally in a cool air duct. When a door is opened, the blowing fan blows to discharge cool air from the cool air duct, so the air curtain for shutting off a cooling compartment is generated. When the door is closed, the blowing fan blows to draw cool air in the cooling compartment into the cool air duct, so the circulation of the cool air is actively performed, and the cooling efficiency is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-Jung Oh
  • Patent number: 6032475
    Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus for cold merchandise, e.g., food products or containers holding beverages, particularly soft drinks, comprising a cabinet of a substantially rectangular shape in its horizontal cross section having an evaporator (8) and a fan (7) placed at the top within the cabinet (1), and a compressor (9), condenser (10) and fan (11) disposed at the bottom of the cabinet (1), and where a compartment (2) in the cabinet (1) for the beverage container (20) has a rear wall section (2"), a front wall section (16), a bottom section (2'), a top section (12), and side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Norcool A.S.
    Inventor: Ulf Tolfsen
  • Patent number: 5996366
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerated cabinet for displaying and/or conserving food products or the like, e.g. in a shop. A product display module (3) suitable for being mounted in easily removable manner on an air cooler module (2) includes cool air flow means, and at its bottom portion includes a pallet (4) having air guide means (53). The technical field of the invention is that of making refrigerated cabinets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Andre Renard
  • Patent number: 5964512
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Margaret Platt Borgen
    Inventor: Arden L. Borgen
  • Patent number: 5941087
    Abstract: A refrigerator having an apparatus for preventing an air from flowing into the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 5931013
    Abstract: A refrigerator display cabinet (10) for furnishing refrigerated goods has a vertical duct (20), which is surrounded by a magazine (24, 34) which is filled with the goods from above, and at its lower part is surrounded by a bottom (18), on which the goods rest and which at its periphery has an opening (38) for taking the goods out. A fan (12) is arranged to bring air which is refrigerated by a cooling element (22) to flow upwards through the duct (20) and then between goods located in the upper part of the magazine, from where the air flows downwards between goods located in the lower part of the magazine and out through holes (26) in the bottom and then back to the fan (12). Means (46) are arranged to reverse the circulation direction of the air from time to time so that the air periodically will flow in opposite direction through the display cabinet (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Lars .ANG.ke Wickman
  • Patent number: 5910163
    Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerator with several cooling compartments (1 to 12), each of which can be closed by a flap (1' to 12'). When a door (30) is manipulated into its closed position, the flaps (1' to 12') are moved into their closed state by the door (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Accumulata Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Hans Schlamp
  • Patent number: 5896752
    Abstract: A refrigerator for discharging cool air from a door is disclosed. The refrigerator has an air curtain generating device and a door duct. The door duct is disposed in the door and combined with the device when the door is closed. When the door is closed, the cool air from the device is supplied into the cooling compartment through the door duct. Thus the degree of cooling in the cooling compartment can be maintained uniformly. When the door is opened, the air curtain for shutting off the opening of cooling compartment is generated by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyun-Keun Park