With Illuminating Or Radiant Energy Means Patents (Class 62/264)
  • Publication number: 20100218525
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a refrigerator which can precisely adjust and display not only an ice making and storing amount but also an ice dispensing amount. As an ice level sensing unit provided at an ice storage unit for storing ice senses the ice storage amount by light, it is possible to adjust and display the ice storage amount. Moreover, as an ice sensing unit provided at an ice guide unit for dispensing ice senses the ice dispensing amount by light, it is possible to adjust and display the ice dispensing amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Ki-Cheol Woo
  • Publication number: 20100212335
    Abstract: An atmospheric dehumidifier air handling unit producing condensation water from moisture in the atmospheric suitable for water generator and drinking purposes. A method and apparatus to produce pure condensation water from moisture in the atmosphere using energy saving and environmentally friendly atmospheric dehumidifier of a condensing unit. In warm climates, filtered and sterilized fresh atmospheric air is passed through several evaporator cooling coils to condense the moisture in the atmospheric air. The condensed water is then collected on a drip pan and into a discharge line cooler. In cool climates, filtered and sterilized cold fresh atmospheric air is passed to a condenser of the condensing unit of the air handling unit. The fresh heated air is then passed to several evaporator cooling coils to condense the moisture in the atmospheric air. The condensed water is then collected on a drip pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: ETERNAIR WATER PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Arda Rahardja Lukitobudi
  • Publication number: 20100212344
    Abstract: The present invention is a lighted portable device for storing foods and other items at a cool temperature, such as a cooler device, and a means for providing a raised surface that may be lighted. The light source of the cooler device may be operable to provide either or both external illumination and internal illumination. The light source of the cooler device may be powered by several sources, including a solar means, whereby the light source will function even in remote areas devoid of a reliable source of electricity. The cooler device may be waterproof and weather durable. It may have one or more table portions or tabletop surfaces which may be locked into place to create a table that incorporates the cooler device. Adjustable legs may extend from the base of the cooler device to raise the cooler device off the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Mattucci
  • Patent number: 7775674
    Abstract: A light emitting system to illuminate ice and a method for illuminating ice are disclosed herein. The system includes multiple light emitting modules that each includes a light source having at least one light emitting element and a cover having a base. The base substantially surrounds the light source. The light emitting modules may then be electrically connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Barco, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew E. Ward
  • Patent number: 7766497
    Abstract: A lamp that can be used in a refrigerated or cold environment where an overall light output measured on a target plane is not significantly reduced due to condensation or fog includes a housing including a translucent cover, an LED disposed in the housing, and an anti-fog film. The LED is disposed in the housing with relation to the translucent cover such that light from the LED passes through the cover. The anti-fog film is disposed on at least one of the surfaces of the translucent cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Lumination LLC
    Inventors: Mathew Sommers, William David Sekela, Gerald P. O'Hara, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100175405
    Abstract: An air conditioner and a method for controlling an air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner includes an air-conditioning device that air-conditions an indoor space, a lighting device that illuminates the indoor space, an input device that receives signals to operate the air-conditioning device and for selecting a sleep mode, and a controller that controls the lighting device and the air-conditioning device. When the input device receives the signal for selecting the sleep mode, the lighting device is controlled to sequentially perform a sleep entry operation in which the indoor space is illuminated to have a predetermined luminance and color temperature for a predetermined time, a sleep operation in which the indoor space is illuminated to have a predetermined luminance and color temperature until a wakeup time, and a wakeup operation in which the indoor space is illuminated to have a predetermined luminance and color temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Ju Youn LEE, Baik Young Chung, Jae Dong Jang
  • Publication number: 20100175404
    Abstract: Provided is a door basket of a refrigerator including a lighting device capable of emitting light. According to above-described configuration, illumination can be improved at the door basket, and an outer appearance thereof can be elegant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Seong Wook KIM
  • Publication number: 20100170278
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator which can store foodstuffs like vegetables in a fresh state, restrain reduction of nutritive elements contained in foodstuffs, and prevent damage of irradiation device. The refrigerator includes a main body, a storage chamber which is provided in the main body to store foodstuffs, and an irradiation device which irradiates light within a visible light region into the storage chamber. The refrigerator farther includes a reflection member which is mounted to the storage chamber to reflect the light emitted from the irradiation device, and a transforming member which transforms the light emitted from the irradiation device into a side light type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Deul Re Min, Eun Jeong Kim, Jong Min Shin, Seok Min Lim, Yeon Yi Hwang
  • Publication number: 20100170279
    Abstract: The refrigerator includes the following parts. A heat-insulating main body has openings in a front side. A divider creates a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment, by dividing inside of said heat-insulating main body into the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment arranged side by side. A lighting unit, located close to at least one of the openings of the first and second storage compartments, respectively, each of which has a light-emitting diode as a light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Aoki
  • Publication number: 20100154452
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides a portable electric cooler for meat storage, tenderizing, and aging in a temperature and humidity controlled environment. The portable electric cooler includes a first and second sets of low pressure coils coupled to a compressor and three-way solenoid valves in order to alternate in a timed pattern the refrigerant flow in order to allow one set of low pressure coils to defrost while the other set circulates the refrigerant. The cooler includes a temperature sensor. The cooler includes a humidity system having a sensor, a controller, a water reservoir, at least one air duct coupled to the water reservoir to channel humidified air drawn from the water reservoir through the refrigeration chamber, and a solenoid configured to direct the fresh outside air being pumped in, to only travel through a set of coils that currently is in the rest mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin McCann
  • Patent number: 7726147
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storing unit for storing vegetables; a light emitting unit for irradiating light onto the vegetables stored in the storing unit to promote photosynthesis of the vegetables; an input unit for receiving an operation instruction on whether the light emitting unit is to be turned on or off; a timer for detecting a current time to output current time information; and a control unit for controlling the light emitting unit in response to the operation instruction. If the operation instruction requests that the light emitting unit be off, the control unit controls the light emitting unit to be off; and if otherwise, the control unit controls the light emitting unit to be on or off depending on the current time information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kee Chul Lee
  • Publication number: 20100126943
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power-saving type safe drinking water discharge device to treat cold water from a cooling reservoir (110), in which water is temporarily stored and cooled, prior to discharging the water to the outside through a tap valve (120). A connecting tube (10), provided around an outer circumference thereof with a coolant tube (40), is provided between the cooling reservoir and the tap valve, such that the water, which is primarily cooled to a predetermined temperature in the cooling reservoir, is secondarily cooled while passing through the connecting tube, prior to being discharged through the tap valve. The discharge device is used to sterilize and cool water in a public or domestic drinking water appliance, thereby minimizing contamination of water and allowing a user to always drink cold water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Banpo Distribution Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yoen Seok Lee
  • Publication number: 20100126196
    Abstract: A multi-function cooler apparatus and system integrated with one or more of the following elements: clock/time piece, flashlight, compass, CD/DVD player, IPOD®, speakers, lantern, computer and the like. The clock may be mounted in several different ways (Velcro®, snaps, threads) and may take on various appearances (round or square). The flashlight may be detachably mounted into the handle using snaps or Velcro®. The compass may be mounted in a similar fashion as the timepiece. Similarly, the cooler and the lid may take on a variety of configurations in support of the on-board features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick McCance
  • Publication number: 20100126194
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, at least one compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, a door for providing access to one or more of the at least one compartment, an ice container at the door, an LED housing proximate the ice container, and at least one LED disposed within the LED housing for providing illumination of the ice container. In addition to providing lighting, the at least one LED may used to indicate status information associated with the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: LAURA ESTHER FLORES, BRUCE A. KOPF
  • Publication number: 20100117848
    Abstract: A merchandiser communication system including a first plurality of merchandisers arranged in a first row and a second plurality of merchandisers arranged in a second row. Each of the merchandisers includes a light assembly coupled to a case to illuminate a product display area, a light sensor coupled to the case to detect light pulses, and a microcontroller. The light sensor is in visual proximity with one or more of the adjacent merchandisers located across the aisle. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the light assembly and the light sensor to operate the light assembly to encode the signal in light pulses of the light assembly that are not detectable by a human eye. The communication system also includes a visible light-based communication network in communication with the merchandisers and is operable to communicate the encoded light pulses among the merchandisers via the light assemblies and the light sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Ted Wayne Sunderland, Dennis L. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20100107663
    Abstract: An automatic control system for a combustion gas refrigerator comprising a control module, a temperature sensing device and a thermoelectric couple, the thermoelectric couple is connected with the temperature sensing device and the thermoelectric couple, if the temperature inside the gas refrigerator does not reach a set temperature value, the combustion gas from a combustion unit is automatically ignited to generate heat to drive a cooling unit of the gas refrigerator that can thus keep its low temperature, and the combustion gas can be blocked automatically when in accident flame extinguishing of the combustion unit and in inability of keeping on igniting. One needs not to observe the burning state of the combustion unit when the refrigerator is in use; the present invention can automatically control the combustion unit without a manual adjustment, it is convenient and highly safe for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Kao Hsung Tsung
  • Publication number: 20100101254
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment and one or more power consuming features/functions including a refrigeration system for cooling the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of current state of an associated energy supplying utility. The controller operates the refrigerator in one of plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode, in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively schedule, delay, adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the refrigerator in the energy savings mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: John K. Besore, Richard DeVos, Jeff Donald Drake, Michael F. Finch, Ronald Gary Foster, Darin Franks, William Newton, Steven Keith Root, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Eric K. Watson, Timothy Dale Worthington
  • Publication number: 20100071397
    Abstract: An ion generating device generates O2?(H2O)n (where n is a natural number) as negative ions and H+(H2O)m (where m is a natural number) as positive ions, and discharges those ions into the air so that airborne germs are killed through an oxidation reaction by hydrogen peroxide H2O2 or radical hydroxyl OH generated through as an active species a chemical reaction between the negative and positive ions. Satisfactory sterilization is achieved when the negative and positive ions are generated in such a way that the concentrations of the negative and positive ions are both 10,000 ion/cc at a distance of 10 cm from the point at which they are generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Yasukata Takeda, Yoshinori Sekoguchi, Takeshi Furukawa, Mamoru Morikawa, Toshiaki Takano, Katsutoshi Noguchi, Hideo Nojima, Kazuo Nishikawa, Akio Miyata
  • Patent number: 7677053
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance has an access door in which is located a recess containing a dispensing unit. The recess can include an upper surface, a rear surface and opposed side surfaces. The dispensing unit includes at least one of a dispensing outlet for dispensing a fluid such as water and a dispensing outlet for dispensing ice. The dispensing unit also includes at least one emitting source for emitting a beam of light and a respective receiver for receiving the beam of light from each of the at least one emitting source. Each of the at least one emitting source and the respective receiver comprise a light couple. The emitting source and receiver of each light couple are arranged so that the light passing between the emitting source and the receiver passes substantially vertically beneath at least one of the at least one of a dispensing outlet for dispensing a fluid and a dispensing outlet for dispensing ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Karl M. Truitt
  • Publication number: 20100058792
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a main body having storage spaces and doors to selectively close the storage spaces, and a control panel with a display configured to input/output control information on the main body and a plurality of buttons, the refrigerator comprising: a brightness adjusting unit configured to adjust a brightness of the display to avoid a unnecessary power consumption occurred by the main body; and a power amount display unit configured to display an amount of power supplied to the main body and electric charges therefor on the display. By providing the display on the control panel to display an amount of power consumed and electric charges therefor, a user can easily recognize the amount of power consumed and the electric charges therefor due to the use of the refrigerator. Also, the brightness of the display can be adjusted by the user's selection, so as to enable the reduction of the amount of power consumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sang-Wook Seo, Seung-Jin Oh
  • Publication number: 20100058776
    Abstract: A bottle display stand with an active cooling function. The display stand includes a housing having an opening into which a beverage bottle may be inserted. A reservoir for containing a cooling medium is disposed inside the hollow housing. A pump, in fluid communication with the reservoir, recirculates the cooling medium from the reservoir through a fluid passageway and out of a spray jet. The spray jet is aimed at an upper region of the bottle, preferably the shoulder. Cooling medium travels down the body of the bottle substantially in a thin film that does not obscure the bottle or its label and creates a waterfall- or fountain-type effect that is extremely aesthetically pleasing without splashing, dripping, or a similar mess. Simultaneously, the thin film of cooling medium chills the beverage and keeps it cold. A cooling unit may optionally remove heat from the cooling medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
    Inventors: Gregory H. Loibl, George Sidebotham, Michael B. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7673467
    Abstract: A refrigerated display merchandiser in which is stored food products and which is ordinarily exposed to prevailing ambient light is provided with transparent sheets which function as filter media to prevent harmful light from reaching the foods stuffs. The filtering media comprises a transparent sheet affixed to the display merchandiser as well as about any fluorescent lighting disposed within the merchandiser. The transparent sheet is either clear (untinted), or tinted, and passes either red or blue light or alternatively, absorbs ultraviolet light including both UV-A light and UV-B light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Leo D. LaRose, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100050677
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes an ice maker arranged in an interior compartment, and an illuminant integrated into a housing of the ice maker that illuminates a part of the interior compartment above the ice maker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Songtao Lu, Matthew Ricket, Alexander Rupp, Zhong Yang, Lisheng Zhang
  • Patent number: 7670018
    Abstract: An illumination device for a refrigerator and a method of controlling the same are provided. The illumination device includes a lamp assembly that irradiates light to an inside of a storage chamber of the refrigerator, a base plate mounted on a side within the storage chamber, wherein the lamp assembly is provided on a side of the base plate, a watertight cover formed to enclose the lamp assembly blocking direct penetration of water into the lamp assembly, and at least one fastening device formed on a side of the base plate. The at least one fastening device surrounds an outer surface and an inner surface of entire lower edge of the watertight cover along a side of the watertight cover forming a recess-prominence engagement with the watertight cover. Lamps provided in the lamp assembly are individually controlled through a manipulation panel mounted on the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Beom Kim, Dae Kil Kang, Sang Hyun Cheon, Sung Tae No, Sun Kook Ji
  • Publication number: 20100046793
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a sensing system for detecting quality of ice cubes in an ice cube storage bin. The system includes a digital image capture device coupled to a digital image analyzing system which captures digital images of the ice cube storage bin intermittently. The digital images are processed to determine a centroid of the ice mass within the bin, and the centroid is analyzed to determine whether it is located outside a predetermined acceptable boundary. A centroid outside of the acceptable range indicates an ice clumping situation. Additionally, the digital images are analyzed to determine whether ice cubes are smaller than a predetermined minimal acceptable size in order to detect stale ice. The level of ice in the bin can also be determined from the images. Notifications for clumping, stale and/or low level ice are sent to a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: FARHAD ASHRAFZADEH, KEVIN M. CHASE, BRIAN P. JANKE, SHREECHARAN KANCHANAVALLY
  • Patent number: 7654102
    Abstract: A refrigerated appliance is disclosed. The refrigerated appliance comprises an enclosure defining a cooled space and having an outer wall and an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall to define an air duct. The refrigerated appliance further includes an evaporator disposed at least partially in the air duct and configured to cool air in the air duct, and the evaporator fan is configured to move air from the air duct into the cooled space, and an air treatment system at least partially located in the air duct. A portion of the air passing through the air duct passes through the air treatment system. The air treatment system comprises a filter cartridge or module, a base with a receptacle configured to receive the filter cartridge, and a mounting or coupling mechanism configured to move the filter cartridge into and out of engagement with the base. The mechanism has a release handle such that both the release handle and the cartridge are accessible from the cooled compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Sub-Zero, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy W. Hurlebaus, Curtis J. Scadden, Curtis Leroy Cruver, IV
  • Publication number: 20100018232
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a case that defines a product display area adapted to support product. The case includes a frame that has at least one mullion assembly defining an opening into the product display area, and a door that is positioned over the opening. The mullion assembly includes a mullion, a light assembly that is coupled to the mullion and that has a light source for illuminating at least a portion of the product display area, and a reflective surface that is coupled to at least one side of the mullion assembly and that extends along a length of the mullion. The reflective surface is visible from outside the case to increase visibility of product within the product display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: HUSSMANN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gregory Scott Bratton
  • Publication number: 20090320509
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a body unit and a pair of doors which are attached on opposite sides of the body unit and which jointly delimit a first internal space, wherein a first door of said pair supports a bar that extends into the internal space when the first door is in a closed position, said bar having a locating face, against which a rear side of the second door fits closely when both doors are in a closed position, and containing an electrical heating device, the refrigerator including a control circuit for the electrical heating device including at least one electric contact through which a current supply circuit of the electrical heating device is routed, the at least one electrical contact being attached to the body unit and conductively connected to a complementary contact disposed on the first door when the first door is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Görz, Karl-Friedrich Laible, Hans-Philipp Reitz, Helmut Steichele
  • Publication number: 20090320508
    Abstract: A dual compressor beverage cooler having a central beverage storage area and at least one external beverage dispensing unit. A first compressor maintains the central beverage storage area at typical refrigeration temperatures and a second compressor maintains the external beverage dispensing units at below freezing temperatures. The central beverage storage area may house “energy” drinks and the external beverage dispensing units may house alcoholic drinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Nathan Linder
  • Publication number: 20090308094
    Abstract: A refrigerating device is subdivided, by means of a thermally insulating intermediate base, into two areas wherein the temperature can be controlled independently from each other. The intermediate base comprises a plate which is bordered on the front and rear edges thereof by extrusion profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Görz, Cemalettin Hastürk
  • Publication number: 20090301124
    Abstract: Energy optimized reach in refrigerator overhead illumination system, for decreasing heat transfer from the environment to a reach in refrigerator, the reach in refrigerator having an opening facing upward, the illumination system including at least one refrigerator illuminator for illuminating at least one respective region of the opening, a curved opaque thermo reflective extension surrounding the at least one refrigerator illuminator, the opaque thermo reflective extension being located at a distance above the opening, the inner portion of the opaque thermo reflective extension, which points toward the opening, being made of a substantially low emissivity thermo reflective material, the inner portion reflecting infrared radiation which arrives external to the reach in refrigerator, to a region external to the reach in refrigerator, and an opaque thermo reflective extension fixation mechanism for fixing the at least one refrigerator illuminator, and the opaque thermo reflective extension above the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Rami Abraham Kalfon
  • Publication number: 20090284157
    Abstract: A door mounted dispenser for a refrigerator includes rear and opposing side walls that collectively define a cavity, a release mechanism for dispensing ice and/or water and a light for illuminating the cavity. The cavity light can be operated in one of three distinct modes, i.e., in a first mode wherein the cavity light is continuously illuminated, in a second mode wherein the cavity light is illuminated only through activation of the release mechanism, and in a third mode wherein the cavity light is illuminated based upon a sensed level of ambient light present at or near the refrigerator. In the third mode, the cavity light is illuminated at a first level based upon ambient light and a second, higher level when the release mechanism is operated. The level of ambient light necessary to activate the cavity light can be set by a consumer through control panel inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: ROBERT L. WETEKAMP
  • Patent number: 7617698
    Abstract: The present invention is a refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser with a lighted dispenser target ring. The dispenser has a lighted target ring to facilitate positioning of a container for receipt of ice and water. An additional benefit is that the lighted target ring reduces ice and water spray outside of the container being filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Bowen, Lawrence J. Ertz, Bruce A. Kopf, Dean A. Martin, Scott W. Leimkuehler, Chad J. Rotter
  • Publication number: 20090277190
    Abstract: A life-saving child car seat/carrier safety system that protects a child from injury or death due to passenger compartment temperature extremes is described herein. Each year, children and infants die tragically as a result of overheating in automobile passenger compartments when they are mistakenly left unattended by their caregivers. The present invention provides a system and method for child safety comprising an automatically closing child car seat compartment that detects dangerous temperatures; notifies caregivers via an auto-dialing cell phone; alerts passersby via emergency lighting, audible alarms, vocal alerts, and electronic messaging; contacts emergency services with GPS location information; provides breathable air; and provides temperature regulation as needed to cool or warm a child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Michael Piette
  • Publication number: 20090272136
    Abstract: A domestic appliance includes an interior that can be illuminated by a light source and is surrounded by walls and a door, wherein the interior is illuminated by the light source from the direction of the door, in particular wherein the door has at least one glass area, light from the light source is coupled into the glass area from the direction of an edge, with the result that the light is at least partially guided in the glass area, and the glass area has elements through which some of the light which is guided in the glass area is conducted into the interior. This manner of illumination prevents articles in the interior from having a silhouetted appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch and Siemens Hausgeräte Gmbh
    Inventors: Sebastian Knöll, Gerhard Nüssler
  • Publication number: 20090272130
    Abstract: An ice detecting apparatus for a refrigerator comprising and ice maker, a storage container to collect ice from the ice maker, and an ice detecting sensor provided at the ice maker including a transmitting unit to transmit one or more pulses, and a receiving unit to detect the pulses transmitted from the transmitting unit. A controller to determine whether the storage container is full or nearly full based on the pulses detected by the receiving unit among one or more pulses transmitted by the transmitting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Yong-Su KIM, Dong-Hoon LEE, Kyung-Han JEONG, Kwang-Ha SUH
  • Publication number: 20090241572
    Abstract: An air-conditioning system including a water inlet, a processing module having a particle filter (20) for trapping particles larger than about 4.5 ?m, an anti-colloid filter for trapping colloid substances larger than about 1.2 ?m, an ultra-filtration filter for trapping micro-organisms larger than 0.1 ?m and an UVC lamp for destroying micro-organisms smaller than 0.1 ?m, and at least one air-conditioning apparatus (14, 16, 18) for receiving water filtered by the processing module, where the air-conditioning apparatus includes an electrovalve (38), a high-pressure pump (40), at least one misting rail (42), a fan (44) for a misting operation in a room during pump operation, and a control housing (46) for opening the electrovalve and for switching on the pump and the fan for predetermined operation time intervals separated by predetermined temporization periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Lionel Nicolai, Alain Nicolai, Robert Castro, Marc Lassus
  • Publication number: 20090229293
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cooler of table-type, which can be easily kept in custody and reduce power consumption, and which can increase a cooling efficiency and provide a visual satisfaction to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2005
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Byung-Chul Kim
  • Publication number: 20090217690
    Abstract: An auxiliary device is tended and adapted to be accommodated in an air conduit forming part of an air conditioning device, to which air conduit first flow components, such as a fan, are connected for the purpose of bringing about a main airflow through the air conduit such that the whole main airflow flows through the auxiliary device. The auxiliary device has an arrangement of a number of air conditioning modules which in an active state of the relevant air conditioning module, each allow passage of a partial flow of the airflow and together allow passage of the whole main flow. Control components adjust each of the air conditioning modules between an active state, in which passage of the relevant partial flow is allowed, and a passive state in which a partial flow substantially amounts to zero or flows in opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Hermannus Gerhardus Maria Silderhuis
  • Publication number: 20090193815
    Abstract: A cryogenic storage device includes a main body and a door. The main body defines an opening and a compartment. The door is rotatably connected to an edge of the opening. An evaporator is positioned in the compartment and configured to produce cold air. A fan is positioned in the compartment and configured to drive the cold air to flow in the compartment. An illumination component is positioned in the compartment and includes several of light emitting diodes. A door switch is positioned on an edge of the opening and configured to detect if the door is opened or closed to turn on and off the light emitting diodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: FOXSEMICON INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: HUNG-KUANG HSU, CHUN-WEI WANG
  • Publication number: 20090183523
    Abstract: An ice maker contamination control system is disclosed for decontaminating components of an ice maker, and in particular, components of an ice formation housing. The ice maker contamination control system may be configured to kill fungi, bacteria, viruses, yeast and mold. The ice maker contamination control system may include at least one ultraviolet light source adapted to be positioned in an ice formation housing of an ice maker for emitting ultraviolet light in the ice formation housing. A reflective covering adapted to be attached to at least a portion of internal surfaces exposed to the at least one ultraviolet light sources. A combined ultraviolet light mounting bracket and reflector may be included for supporting the at least one ultraviolet source in the ice formation housing of the ice maker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: CHRISTOPHER C. WILLETTE
  • Publication number: 20090183516
    Abstract: A manifold gauge set has at least one sight glass window for viewing contents of a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system being serviced. The window may be non-planar to achieve an appearance that varies with the presence or absence of liquid. Such a non-planar window may be in the form of a dome, prism or a fresnel lens. The gauge set may have a second light transmissive window to allow light to illuminate system contents being viewed. A light source may be provided to illuminate system contents being viewed. The light source may provide light through the same window that is used for viewing contents. A diffuser may be provided with a second window to achieve an illuminated background for viewing system contents. Similar configurations may be used in standalone sight glasses, vacuum pumps, and recovery machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: BRASSCORP LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul C. Appler, Jack Brass, Steven M. Knowles, Donald L. Klipstein
  • Publication number: 20090173101
    Abstract: A wine storage cabinet maintains wine bottles in two separate compartments at different temperatures and humidities. Temperature controls for each compartment are installed on the exterior of the cabinet. An interchangeable rack system allows some bottles in a vertical position in one compartment, while other bottles are maintained in a horizontal position in the other compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: VINOTEMP INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: India Hynes
  • Publication number: 20090142458
    Abstract: The technology described herein provides a device and methods for meat storage, tenderizing, and aging in a temperature and humidity controlled environment. A portable electric cooler is disclosed having first and second sets of low pressure coils coupled to a compressor and three-way solenoid valves in order to alternate in a timed pattern the refrigerant flow in order to allow one set of low pressure coils to defrost while the other set circulates the refrigerant. The cooler includes a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and humidity controller to monitor and control temperature and humidity levels within the refrigeration chamber. The cooler also includes a pressurized water canister, a spray nozzle, and a pulse solenoid valve. The pulse solenoid valve is configured to discharge a mist through the spray nozzle into the refrigeration chamber as required to maintain a desired humidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin McCann
  • Patent number: 7540162
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Mark T Nordstrom
  • Publication number: 20090133432
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment, and a switching compartment to store food items. Various elements are provided to maintain the three compartments at selected target temperatures. A heater and/or a light source may be provided to rapidly heat the switching compartment when the switching compartment is being changed from a freezing operation to a refrigerating operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Dong Soo Lee, Ki Chul Woo, Na Eun Kim, Dong Won Kim, Sung Min Kim, Sung Ryong Kim
  • Publication number: 20090133433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit having at least one refrigeration space and/or freezing space as well as having at least one drawer arranged in the refrigeration space and/or freezing space, with a space being located beneath the drawer in the refrigeration space and/or freezing space, with one or more components of the unit being arranged in the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Viktor Laube, Matthias Wiest, Klaus Oelmaier
  • Publication number: 20090133425
    Abstract: A refrigeration device, in particular a no-frost device, refrigerator and/or freezer, comprising a thermally insulating housing containing at least one product storage compartment that can be supplied with cold air by a fan and an evaporator chamber that holds an evaporator. According to the invention, the evaporator chamber is thermally separated from the storage compartment by a partition. The device also comprises an electronic control system for controlling the refrigeration device and at least one light source for illuminating the storage compartment. The evaporator, the partition and the electronic control system and/or the evaporator, the partition and the light source are provided in the form of modules. The refrigeration device is characterised in that it is particularly reliable, works efficiently, can be cost-effectively produced and is easy to service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Goerz, Renate Pradel, Ralf Spiller
  • Publication number: 20090126382
    Abstract: An air conditioning system to improve indoor air quality (“IAQ”) comprises an air conditioner to receive indoor air from an indoor space and to heat or cool the air, the air conditioner to then return conditioned air to the indoor space. An IAQ option board (“IOB”), electrically coupled to the air conditioner control board, is configured to accept electrical inputs from at least one IAQ sensor. A fresh air damper is electrically connected to the IOB, the IOB controlling the position of the fresh air damper valve. An air purifier is situated such that air from the indoor space passes through the purifier. The operation of state of operation of the purifier is based at least in part on the input from at least one IAQ sensor to improve the IAQ of the indoor space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ruello Rubino, Andrea Spinaci, Olivier Josserand, Eric Royet, Mark Carnes
  • Publication number: 20090120119
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling surface arrangement, which provides cooling in places where food should be cooled and kept cold by means of cooling pipes (5) connected to the cooling surface in which cooling liquid passes where there is at least one bottom glass (3) connected to the cooling pipes (5), at least one upper glass (1) to be used as a service surface and glue (2) to fix these upper and bottom glasses under high pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Evinoks Servis Ekipmanlari Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi
    Inventors: Nuri Coskun Irfan, Baris Koyas