With Repair, Assembly Or Disassembly Means Patents (Class 62/298)
  • Patent number: 7007499
    Abstract: A condenser assembly for a vehicle air conditioning system is provided. The condenser assembly includes a core including first and second ends and a plurality of tubes extending therebetween, a first header located adjacent to the first end of the core, and a second header located adjacent to the second end of the core. The second header includes a receiver/dryer having a receiver/dryer chamber, a manifold cooperating with the receiver/dryer to define a manifold chamber, and a mounting rib unitarily formed with at least one of the receiver/dryer and the manifold. The mounting rib includes a first portion extending away from the at least one of the receiver/dryer and the manifold in a first direction and a second portion extending away from the first portion in a second direction that is substantially nonparallel with the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramchandra L. Patel
  • Patent number: 7007493
    Abstract: A sub-unit for a vehicle air conditioning system is shipped with a condenser, chiller and fluid lines. Snap together couplings are placed on free ends of the fluid lines whereby the sub-unit can be pre-charged, shipped, installed into the front end of a vehicle engine compartment and connected to an air conditioning compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Prasad S. Kadle, Mahmoud Ghodbane
  • Patent number: 7003973
    Abstract: A refrigerator, including a cabinet having an inner casing to define an inner surface of the refrigerator and an outer casing to define an outer surface of the refrigerator, a machine room defined by the outer casing so as to be provided outside the outer casing, a cooling compartment defined by the inner casing, a compressor installed at a predetermined position of the machine room, a cooling set installed at a predetermined position of the cooling compartment, having an evaporator, and a flexible refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor to the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Dal Lee, Gi Joong Jeong
  • Patent number: 7000422
    Abstract: A refrigeration system including a compressor, condenser, valve, and evaporator in fluid communication; a system controller operable to control one or more aspects of the refrigeration system, and a subsystem controller in communication with the system controller. The subsystem controller is operable to control one of the compressor, condenser, valve, and evaporator. A method of operating the refrigeration system includes communicating a code from the subsystem controller to the system controller, obtaining information at the system controller having a relation to the code; and communicating at least a portion of the obtained information from the system controller to the subsystem controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Norman E. Street, Ted W Sunderland
  • Patent number: 7000421
    Abstract: An improved piping structure of an air conditioner can minimize a vibration by change in a piping shape in looped pipings. In the piping structure, a first directional piping part configured on a same plane is changed to be slanted at a predetermined angle on one end thereof, to be displaced onto a third plane, and to be connected with a second directional piping part configured on a different plane from that of the first directional piping part. Further, the piping structure comprises a vertical piping part wound in an up and down direction and a horizontal piping part connected to the vertical piping part having one end changed at a predetermined slant angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jung Woo Lee, Sim Won Chin, In Hwa Jung
  • Patent number: 6997005
    Abstract: An efficient refrigeration system for mounting on the wall of a food storage structure, includes cooling coils and heat exchange vanes, and a lower inlet and an upper outlet. A centrifugal fan and motor are removably mounted as a sub-unit on mating tracks, on the sub-unit and the housing, and are held in place by quick release arrangements, for ease in repair and/or replacement of the sub-unit. An expansion valve for the refrigeration system is mounted near the inlet. An additional fan for cooling the electric motor forms part of the sub-unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Omniteam Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Haasis
  • Patent number: 6957547
    Abstract: A condensing unit that is adapted to receive compressors and condensers of varying dimensions. A base of the condensing unit supports a compressor having a predefined dimension and a condenser having a predefined dimension. The base includes a plurality of mounting mechanisms. The compressor engages one of the plurality of mounting mechanisms depending on the predefined dimension of the compressor. The base also defines a plurality of inner and outer support channels adjacent one another about a periphery of the base. The condenser is supported by one of the support channels depending on the predefined dimension of the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry C. Goodman
  • Patent number: 6948324
    Abstract: A refrigeration cooler is provided that includes a compartment to house a refrigeration unit. The unit is inserted into the compartment and positioned so as to avoid damaging the compartment or the seal on the top of the unit and to align the evaporation/air flow inlet and outlets located on the unit and in the compartment. This is accomplished by inserting and raising the unit within the compartment. In particular, both the unit and the compartment include incline surfaces that help raise the unit. The inclines raise the unit when the unit is slid into the compartment and the inclines on the back and bottom of the unit engage the bottom of the compartment, and the inclines at the back and bottom of the compartment engage the front of the unit. In this manner, the unit is raised so that the seal engages the upper surface of the compartment securing the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Fortune Resources Enterprise, Inc.
    Inventor: Lai Jin
  • Patent number: 6941765
    Abstract: A food preparation table includes a food storage compartment which preserves foodstuff items; and a cooled air shower device which is disposed above the food storage compartment and supplies cooled air thereinto. The cooled air shower device distributes the cooled air evenly along a substantially entire length of the storage compartment. Further, the refrigerating system is installed in a chamber disposed inside the food preparation table and is extractable therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Ki Rin Sung
  • Patent number: 6925831
    Abstract: Unit type air conditioner including a base plate in a bottom part thereof, a front panel forming a front exterior of the air conditioner, having a discharge opening in an upper part thereof, a discharge frame in the discharge opening for controlling flow of the air discharged into the room, a barrier on a center part of the base plate to divide the base plate into indoor side base and an outdoor side base, an air guide on the indoor side base, having an indoor fan mounted therein, a discharge guide for guiding the air passed through the air guide to the discharge frame, and a control box at a side of the air guide for fitting electric components therein, thereby diversifying air flow directions to a room, simplifying indoor fan and indoor motor assembly structure, and improving a structure of the control box for easy maintenance of the electric components, and preventing fire from spreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jung Mee Park, W o Sung Chang
  • Patent number: 6928389
    Abstract: A system and method for calculating the performance of a compressor wherein the user can select a compressor from a database or retrieve a list of compressors to select from based on application conditions. The system calculates the capacity, power, current, mass flow, EER and isentropic efficiency for each compressor selected. The system has a verification process to assure that the compressor and conditions selected are within a designated operating range, and calculates the performance characteristics of the selected compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Saunders
  • Patent number: 6915841
    Abstract: A room air conditioner is provided which includes a compressor, a condenser coil, an evaporator coil, a wall positioned between the condenser coil and the evaporator coil, a chassis for supporting said compressor, condenser coil and wall, with the evaporator coil being secured to and supported by the wall, and at least a portion of the evaporator coil extending forwardly of a front edge of the chassis. The chassis is preferably formed of metal while the wall is preferably formed at least partially of plastic, in an upper and a lower mating piece. A plastic front panel may be positioned in front of the evaporator coil and secured to the wall. A series of air conditioners can be provided with a single sized chassis, but differing sized evaporator coils, to provide models with different cooling capacities utilizing a single sized chassis, with smaller cooling capacity air conditioners having a smaller size than larger capacity air conditioners of the series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: WhirlPool Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Campbell, Jatin C. Khanpara
  • Patent number: 6886349
    Abstract: An aluminum heat exchanger is provided. In one embodiment, the aluminum heat exchanger comprises a fin having a first aperture therethrough with a flange formed around the first aperture. The fin is made from a first alloy having a first melting point. The heat exchanger includes a refrigerant tube made from a second alloy having a second melting point. The refrigerant tube extends through the first aperture. The heat exchanger also has a tubular coupling made from a third alloy having a third melting point and that is coupled to an end of the refrigerant tube. A fourth alloy having a fourth melting point less than the first, second, and third melting points is interposed the refrigerant tube and the flange, and further interposed the refrigerant tube and the tubular coupling. A method of manufacturing and a refrigeration unit are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Lennox Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Curicuta, Mark W. Olsen, Oved W. Hanson
  • Patent number: 6886754
    Abstract: A thermostat is operable from battery, common-wire (“C-wire”), or furnace relay power. The thermostat includes a power source selector, such as a jumper wire, that is set when the thermostat is installed in a heating system. In a gas millivolt heating system, the thermostat operates off of battery power. In heating systems having a C-wire, a diode bridge converter converts alternating-current voltage to direct-current voltage to provide operating power to the thermostat. In heating systems without a C-wire and having sufficient furnace relay current, a triac converter in series with the furnace relay provides voltage spikes to the diode bridge converter to provide operating power to the thermostat when the furnace is on, and the diode bridge converts AC to DC voltage when the furnace is not on. The thermostat can also be used in cooling systems and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. Thus, the thermostat can be used in a wide variety of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Tim Simon, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaine M. Smith, Timothy M. Simon
  • Publication number: 20040221605
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a main body with storing compartments, and doors to open and close openings of the respective storing compartments in a first side of the main body, has: a box accommodating part concaved from the first side of the main body; and an electric component box, which is drawn in and out of the box accommodating part, and includes electric components. With this configuration, the present invention provides the refrigerator allowing the electric component box to be easily drawn in and out and inspected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-eun Chae, Eun-mog Yang
  • Patent number: 6813891
    Abstract: A pulse tube refrigerator comprises a fixed pressure casing (3) containing cold parts and a removable pressure casing (2) containing serviceable parts. The fixed pressure casing (3) and the removable pressure casing (2) are coupled together via a joining member (1). During cooling operation the joining member (1) is arranged such that refrigerant fluid flows between the fixed and the removable casings. During servicing the joining member is arranged to cut off flow of refrigerant fluid between the fixed and removable casings, such that refrigerant in the fixed casing is trapped and parts in the removable casing are accessible for servicing. After servicing, substantially pure refrigerant fluid is pumped into the removable casing (2), the fixed and removable casings are re-joined and the joining member (1) is arranged such that refrigerant fluid flows between the casings again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Oxford Magnet Technology Limited
    Inventors: Roger Artindale Heron, Peter Derek Daniels, David Michael Crowley
  • Publication number: 20040216471
    Abstract: Refrigerator including a body forming an outer appearance of the refrigerator, a terminal detachably mounted on the body for controlling the refrigerator, a power supply device at one side of the body, for receiving power from an outside of the refrigerator, converting to a predetermined charge power, and supplying to the terminal, and an electric connection part connected between the power supply device and the terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Jung Ho Kim, Ik Kyu Lee, Ki Cheol Woo
  • Publication number: 20040206105
    Abstract: Refrigerator including a machinery chamber in a cabinet of the refrigerator having components provided therein, the components including a valve for connecting to a hose to supply water to the refrigerator, a cover attached to the cabinet to cover the machinery chamber, an opening provided to the cover to opposite to the valve, and a protection cap detachably fastened to the cover to cover the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Chang Lim Lee
  • Publication number: 20040187510
    Abstract: A refrigerator designed to prevent inner surfaces of storage compartments thereof from being damaged during a manufacturing process. The refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an external appearance of the refrigerator having refrigerator and freezer compartments therein, a machine room provided on the top of the cabinet to house components required to constitute a refrigerating cycle, first and second evaporators to cool the refrigerator and freezer compartments, a first connecting pipe extended from the first evaporator and led to the machine room through a top wall of the refrigerator compartment, and a second connecting pipe extended from the second evaporator and led to the machine room through a top wall of the freezer compartment, whereby the first and second connecting pipes are connected to each other by a welding operation in the machine room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Gyu Jung
  • Publication number: 20040183414
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator door having a dispenser. The includes an outer case forming a front appearance of the refrigerator door, an inner case forming a rear appearance of the refrigerator, and an insulation layer formed between the outer case and the inner case. First and second mounting frames are installed at both side ends of the refrigerator door and have first and second mounting slots longitudinally formed in the first and second mounting frames in opposition to each other. The dispenser is detachably coupled to a front surface of the outer case and includes a housing, which forms an external appearance of the dispenser and is formed with a recess section. An external plate section is coupled to the front surface of the outer case except for an area in which the dispenser is installed, in order to form an external appearance of the refrigerator door. Both side end portions of the external plate are inserted into the first and second mounting slots of the first and second mounting frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yong-Chol Kwon
  • Publication number: 20040177637
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a plurality of walls forming a refrigeration compartment, an evaporator is positioned proximate at least one of the walls, a thermal insulator is positioned proximate the evaporator, and an airflow duct is positioned proximate the thermal insulator such that the thermal insulator is between the evaporator and the airflow duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Ziqiang Hu
  • Patent number: 6782708
    Abstract: The air conditioner coil access door kit and method of installation includes a kit having a template, a hinged access door, and double sided adhesive tape, and also includes a procedure for using the kit to install the hinged access door onto an OEM air conditioning coil housing. The template and door are preferably triangular in shape. The template is attached to the coil housing between the air filter and the evaporator coil using the double sided tape, a hole is cut in the housing using the template as a guide, and the hinged door is attached to the template, also by double sided adhesive tape. The door permits insertion of a vacuum cleaner nozzle into the housing for cleaning the evaporator coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: James R. Boer
  • Publication number: 20040159110
    Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus (e.g., that may be used with an existing conduit that is in a flooded state and a heat pump apparatus or other HVAC apparatus of a thermal energy exchange system) includes at least one fluid source conduit configured to replace a section of the existing conduit that is in a flooded state and further configured to permit at least a portion of a fluid that is in the existing conduit to flow therethrough. The heat exchange apparatus further includes at least one heat transfer conduit having an inlet and outlet configured to be coupled to a heat pump apparatus to form a closed loop therewith. Further, the heat transfer conduit is further configured to communicate with the fluid source conduit for providing thermal energy exchange between the fluid flowing through the fluid source conduit and a fluid (e.g., a refrigerant, water or a water and anti-freeze mixture) flowing in the closed loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Terrance E. Janssen
  • Publication number: 20040154326
    Abstract: Front side members as a platform member of a vehicle are provided in a vehicle body on a lower side of an engine compartment to extend in a vehicle front-rear direction. A piping arrangement portion such as a piping recess is provided in an inner wall of the front side member in the vehicle front-rear direction. A liquid tube and a suction tube of a refrigerant piping are provided in the piping arrangement portion along the front side member. The liquid tube is for introducing refrigerant to an evaporator in an air conditioning unit provided in a passenger compartment, and the suction tube is for introducing refrigerant from the evaporator to a compressor provided in the engine compartment. In this structure, the part number of the refrigerant piping can be effectively decreased, and appearance of the engine compartment is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Hiroaki Hosokawa
  • Publication number: 20040144117
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner with an enhance efficiency. The air conditioner An air conditioner includes: an indoor part for inhaling indoor air to exchange heat with an indoor heat exchanger, and again discharging the heat-exchanged air into an indoor space; an outdoor part for inhaling an outdoor air to exchange heat with an outdoor heat exchanger, and again discharging the heat-exchanged air into an outdoor space; a base partitioned into the outdoor part and the indoor part and loaded on the partitioned outdoor part and indoor part; and a cabinet provided to cover both sides and a rear surface of the outdoor part, and having an insertion guide formed at a lower portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Dong Han Kim, Jong Min Ha
  • Publication number: 20040144130
    Abstract: An integrated-type suction pipe module for refrigerators, and a refrigerator having the integrated-type suction pipe module allow a suction pipe to be completely isolated from an interior of the refrigerator and an atmosphere. The integrated-type suction pipe module includes a suction pipe, and a foam body. The suction pipe defines a refrigerant path between an evaporator and a compressor. The suction pipe has an exposed part placed in a machine room which is exposed to an atmosphere, and an embedded part which is placed to be isolated from the atmosphere. The embedded part is disposed in the foam body. The construction enhances work efficiency while producing a refrigerator, and simplifies a design of a machine room to provide a better appearance. Further, the suction pipe is completely isolated from the atmosphere, thus preventing dew from being formed on the suction pipe. A heat exchanging effect between a capillary tube and the suction pipe is maximized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Gyu Jung
  • Publication number: 20040139759
    Abstract: A refrigerator, including a cabinet having an inner casing to define an inner surface of the refrigerator and an outer casing to define an outer surface of the refrigerator, a machine room defined by the outer casing so as to be provided outside the outer casing, a cooling compartment defined by the inner casing, a compressor installed at a predetermined position of the machine room, a cooling set installed at a predetermined position of the cooling compartment, having an evaporator, and a flexible refrigerant pipe connecting the compressor to the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Dal Lee, Gi Joong Jeong
  • Publication number: 20040139760
    Abstract: A refrigeration system module including a frame, a heating plate having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a first heat transfer surface, a cooling plate having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a second heat transfer surface, an expansion device disposed between the heating and cooling plates and in fluid communication with the heating plate fluid outlet and the cooling plate fluid inlet, and a hermetic compressor assembly. The compressor assembly is disposed between the heating and cooling plates and has a discharge outlet in fluid communication with the heating plate inlet, and a suction inlet in fluid communication with the cooling plate fluid outlet. The heating plate, the cooling plate, the expansion device and the compressor are fixed to the frame, and the first and second heat transfer surfaces each at least partially define an exterior surface of the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Dan M. Manole
  • Publication number: 20040134221
    Abstract: A modular refrigeration unit has a condenser assembly, an evaporator assembly, and a bulkhead assembly positioned between the condenser assembly and the evaporator assembly. The refrigeration cabinet includes a condenser chamber adapted for receiving the condenser assembly. The condenser chamber has an insulated wall portion with a mating surface thereon. The refrigeration cabinet also has an insulated main chamber, in which air is cooled by the evaporator assembly. The bulkhead assembly is engageable with the mating surface to form a substantially air-tight seal between the condenser chamber and the main chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Habco Beverage Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Fee, Russell Sherlock, Larikyn Lee, Marinko Tepic, Scott Brown
  • Patent number: 6758059
    Abstract: A dilution refrigerator assembly comprises a first module (1) including a dilution refrigerator (2); and a second module (3) including experimental services for attachment to a sample located in use outside the dilution refrigerator (2). The second module (3) can be attached to and demounted from the first module (1) without compromising the integrity of the dilution refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Oxford Instruments Superconductivity Limited
    Inventors: Paul Kelly, David Massingham, Peter Mile Cetnik, Christopher David Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20040107719
    Abstract: A service device for a refrigerator having a refrigerating chamber, the device having an electric circuit portion and a mechanical portion. The electric circuit portion is connectable to the refrigerator outside the refrigerating chamber, and the mechanical portion is at least partly insertable inside the refrigerating chamber and cooperates with the electric circuit portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: ITW Industrial Components S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alberto Bassi
  • Patent number: 6745589
    Abstract: A single-unit air conditioner has a housing and a cooler/heater unit housed in it. The cooler/heater unit can be put into and taken out of the housing with the housing kept connected to an air conditioning duct. Of the four panels forming the four side faces of the housing, three other than the one facing a wall can be removed individually from the housing. The cooler/heater unit has an indoor heat exchanger unit including an indoor blower, which is housed in a fan casing having an outflow opening that can be widened by removing a member so that the outflow opening can be used as an opening through which to maintain a fan. The indoor heat exchanger unit includes heating means for heating, which can be fitted and removed through either of the left-hand and right-hand side faces of the housing. Inside the housing are provided an indoor air passage and an outdoor air passage, of which at least part is partitioned by a partitioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tosiharu Katatani, Mamoru Morikawa, Yukishige Shiraichi, Masaki Ohtsuka
  • Patent number: 6742343
    Abstract: A removable self-contained refrigeration unit is mounted within a vehicle, and is removable from a vehicle as a unit. The casing mounts both the evaporator and the condenser, and in one embodiment also mounts the compressor. With the embodiment that mounts the compressor, no refrigerant lines need be found anywhere except on the casing. The casing is removable from the vehicle as a one piece unit merely by connecting or disconnecting electrical connections. In a second embodiment the compressor is mounted remotely from the casing but the evaporator and condenser are still changeable as a one piece unit. In this embodiment a refrigerant connection need also be connected or disconnected to change the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Philippe Matonog, Xavier Petit
  • Publication number: 20040099001
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes an outdoor section comprising an outdoor coil, a fan, and a refrigerant compressor housed within a cabinet. The cabinet includes an outer wrapper supported by a plastic base. The base and wrapper include features that facilitate the cabinet's assembly and shipping, enhance its appearance, and ensure its functional and structural integrity. For example, the base includes breakaway shipping tabs, lead-ins that help guide the wrapper and coil into position during assembly, and snaps that help hold the wrapper in place with a minimal number of screws. The wrapper includes watertight screw-receiving dimples for mounting electrical hardware, side panels that interconnect by way of a novel vertically sliding fit, and a spacer for protecting the coil from being crushed by the wrapper. A frame that supports the fan also supports the cabinet's top cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Michael E. Wendt, Benjamin F. Hudgens, Hans J. Jung, Douglas S. Burleson, Billy W. Norrell, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Richard S. Kilgo, Jose L. Balderrama, Jay E. Field, Danny D. Beaver
  • Patent number: 6739145
    Abstract: This invention provides a configurable electronic controller comprising control circuitry and output interface circuitry that is characterized such that the said control circuitry and said output interface circuitry are designed to be configurable for various control functions and various interfaces respectively, by means of configuration data supplied by a configuration memory included with the said electronic controller. The said configurable electronic controller further optionally includes configurable input interface circuitry, configurable user interface circuitry, configurable power supply interface circuitry, and network interface circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Vasu Tech Limited
    Inventor: Rajiv Bhatnagar
  • Publication number: 20040089013
    Abstract: In an apparatus for fixing a printed circuit board of a refrigerator, since a printed circuit board is slid to be coupled with or separated from the inside of a support plate fixed at a lower portion of a refrigerator main body, the printed circuit board can be readily and conveniently replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Jung-Kqu Hwang
  • Patent number: 6732543
    Abstract: An air tunnel diverter for a refrigeration unit includes a plurality of leg members secured to a hub. The hub is generally formed to include a fitting through which cooler air is passed to the leg members and routed into the desired locations within the refrigeration unit. The leg members are placed on the fitting by sliding one end of the leg members onto a leg portion of the fitting. The fitting is then secured to the leg members by an overmolding process in which a soft flexible plastic is cast or otherwise applied around the connection. Installation is further simplified by providing the leg members with a flexible portion. The air tunnel diverter is preferably secured in the refrigeration unit by foam insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Jenkins, Jr., Richard F. Seman, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6725684
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner including a main chassis receiving various components inside, a heat exchanger installed inside the main chassis so as to exchange heat with a room air, a blow fan installed inside the main chassis so as to suck in and blow out the room air, a front panel attached to a front side of the main chassis and having an intake inlet at a front face so as to make an air flow in the heat exchanger, and an intake panel installed at the front face of the front panel to revolve to move so as to close/open the intake inlet selectively, the intake panel installed at the front face of the front panel so as to be detachable. The present invention enables to provide a compact air conditioner having an improved exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hae Rim Lee, Yong Woo Kim, Jae Buem Bae, Yong Min Song, Kam Gyu Lee, Ju Ho Ock, Sung Jin Hwang
  • Publication number: 20040069004
    Abstract: An ice cube-making machine that is characterized by noiseless operation at the location where ice cubes are dispensed and be lightweight packages for ease of installation. The ice cube-making machine has an evaporator package, a separate compressor package and a separate condenser package. Each of these packages has a weight that can generally by handled by one or two installers for ease of installation. The noisy compressor and condenser packages can be located remotely of the evaporator package. The maximum height distance between the evaporator package and the condenser package is greatly enhanced by the three package system. A pressure regulator operates during a harvest cycle to limit flow of refrigerant leaving the evaporator, thereby increasing pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator and assisting in defrost thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicants: MILE HIGH EQUIPMENT CO., SCOTSMAN ICE SYSTEMS
    Inventors: David Brett Gist, Matthew Allison, Daniel Leo Ziolkowski
  • Patent number: 6708506
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display apparatus for a refrigerator. In the present invention, the display apparatus is constructed by using a single-sided board 30 with circuit patterns 32 formed on one side thereof. The single-sided board 30 is formed with through-holes 33 through which jumper wires 34 pass so as to connect circuit patterns spaced far apart from one another among the circuit patterns 32. Remaining portions of the jumper wires 34 except the portions thereof connected to the circuit patterns 32 are disposed on a side of the board with no circuit patterns formed thereon. Light-emitting devices 40 are mounted on the single-sided board 30 so that the circuit patterns 32 and leads 42 of the light-emitting devices are electrically connected with one another. The light-emitting devices 40 receive electrical signals through the circuit patterns 32 by means of the electrical connection of the leads 42 with the circuit patterns 32, and selectively emit light so as to display information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Dae-Gui Lee
  • Patent number: 6705105
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes an outdoor section comprising an outdoor coil, a fan, and a refrigerant compressor housed within a cabinet. The cabinet includes an outer wrapper supported by a plastic base. The base and wrapper include features that facilitate the cabinet's assembly and shipping, enhance its appearance, and ensure its functional and structural integrity. For example, the base includes breakaway shipping tabs, lead-ins that help guide the wrapper and coil into position during assembly, and snaps that help hold the wrapper in place with a minimal number of screws. The wrapper includes watertight screw-receiving dimples for mounting electrical hardware, side panels that interconnect by way of a novel vertically sliding fit, and a spacer for protecting the coil from being crushed by the wrapper. A frame that supports the fan also supports the cabinet's top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Wendt, Benjamin F. Hudgens, Hans J. Jung, Douglas S. Burleson, Billy W. Norrell, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Richard S. Kilgo, Jose L. Balderrama, Jay E. Field, Danny D. Beaver
  • Patent number: 6701739
    Abstract: A modular refrigeration system having an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and expansion device fluidly connected by a plurality of conduits. The modular refrigeration system includes an integral base plate to which the evaporator, condenser, expansion device, and compressor are mounted. A compressor mount is formed in the base plate and includes at least one integrally formed stud extending from the base plate. The compressor has at least one mounting flange in which the stud is received. A fastener is affixed to the stud to secure the compressor to the base plate. A drain pan is formed in the base plate beneath the compressor to collect condensate. A drain basin is located beneath the evaporator and is fluidly connected to the drain pan via a trough. Condensate from the evaporator drains to the drain pan where it is evaporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Robert L. Morse
  • Publication number: 20040035142
    Abstract: A sectional refrigerator which comprises a plurality of cooling cabinets forming storage compartments with openings, and doors covering and uncovering the openings of the cooling cabinets, a cool air generating part generating cool air to refrigerate the storage compartments, and a cool air supplying part supplying the cool air generated in the cool air generating part into the storage compartments, wherein the plurality of cooling cabinets detachably connectable to each other in any orientation, forming a shape corresponding to a seating place of the sectional refrigerator. Thus, the present invention provides a refrigerator capable of change in size according to an area of a place for seating the refrigerator, and the present invention facilitates the utilization of the place the sectional refrigerator is seated on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-jae Yoon, Jae-seung Lee, Gun-ho Hong
  • Patent number: 6691532
    Abstract: Air separation units are designed and constructed by selecting two or more modules from libraries containing different module designs. Each library comprises at least two modules with standardized interface point layouts. The standardization of interface points for each module in a given library allows for module interchangeabilty and flexibility in the design and construction of air separation units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Stringer, Joseph Paul Naumovitz, Alexander Edmiston, Ramachandran Krishnamurthy, Mark J. Andrecovich, Joseph Patriarca
  • Publication number: 20040007010
    Abstract: An evaporator fan assembly includes a shroud have a plurality of irregularly staggered shroud legs radially outwardly spaced from a fan orifice and terminating in a motor mount. A motor is removably secured to the motor mount by a motor clip. The motor clip preferably includes a pair of legs terminating in a catch or hook that may be secured to a cross-member or support bar between the shroud legs. The motor is secured in a centered position to properly align a fan blade in the fan orifice. The fan blade is secured to the drive shaft of the motor which passes through a hole in the motor mount. A shroud cover may be secured to the shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Bruce A. Kopf, Tim L. Coulter, Richard A. Kirchner, Michael A. Bowen, Troy M. Anderson, Eric K. Silbaugh
  • Patent number: 6668575
    Abstract: An ice cube-making machine that is characterized by noiseless operation at the location where ice cubes are dispensed and be lightweight packages for ease of installation. The ice cube-making machine has an evaporator package, a separate compressor package and a separate condenser package. Each of these packages has a weight that can generally by handled by one or two installers for ease of installation. The noisy compressor and condenser packages can be located remotely of the evaporator package. The maximum height distance between the evaporator package and the condenser package is greatly enhanced by the three package system. A pressure regulator operates during a harvest cycle to limit flow of refrigerant leaving the evaporator, thereby increasing pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator and assisting in defrost thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignees: Mile High Equipment Co., Scotsman Ice Systems
    Inventors: Gerald J. Stensrud, Daniel Leo Ziolkowski, Matthew W. Allison, David Brett Gist
  • Patent number: 6662590
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a heating and/or air conditioning unit for commercial vehicles and includes two modules. One of the modules houses a heat exchanger unit and another module houses a blower unit. The air conditioning unit also defines an inlet and an outlet for conveying air through the modules. The individual modules are connected together and are relatively air tight. Each of the modules is assembled from a number of wall sections. Edge strips extend along the edges of the modules connecting the modules. The individual wall sections are inserted into the edge strips, which removably couple adjoining modules and the wall sections of individual modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Thermo King Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus Kamuf
  • Patent number: 6662588
    Abstract: A liquid-cooled or air-cooled air conditioning system for corrosive industrial environments is disclosed. The system includes a corrosion-resistant lower or upper cooling module releasably connected to an external source of cool liquid or air and power, and a corrosion-resistant upper or lower blower module releasably connected to an external power source. The two modules are contained within a single corrosion-resistant enclosure. Each module is mounted on a removable frame for placement into either an upper or lower chamber of the enclosure. The system is designed to allow all major air-conditioning components to be quickly disconnected, and removed from the enclosure for maintenance, repair or replacement, on site with minimal work stoppage. The heavy-duty components used increase system durability, reduce component failure, and increase system life ultimately resulting in low cost of ownership.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Vantage Equipment Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas I. Houk, Carroll O. Wright, III
  • Publication number: 20030217563
    Abstract: An air conditioner includes an outdoor section comprising an outdoor coil, a fan, and a refrigerant compressor housed within a cabinet. The cabinet includes an outer wrapper supported by a plastic base. The base and wrapper include features that facilitate the cabinet's assembly and shipping, enhance its appearance, and ensure its functional and structural integrity. For example, the base includes breakaway shipping tabs, lead-ins that help guide the wrapper and coil into position during assembly, and snaps that help hold the wrapper in place with a minimal number of screws. The wrapper includes watertight screw-receiving dimples for mounting electrical hardware, side panels that interconnect by way of a novel vertically sliding fit, and a spacer for protecting the coil from being crushed by the wrapper. A frame that supports the fan also supports the cabinet's top cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Michael E. Wendt, Benjamin F. Hudgens, Hans J. Jung, Douglas S. Burleson, Billy W. Norrell, Jeffrey L. Stewart, Richard S. Kilgo, Jose L. Balderrama, Jay E. Field, Danny D. Beaver
  • Publication number: 20030192335
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a first pre-charged section of an air conditioning system to refrigerant lines connecting the section to a second section of the system. A service unit is employed to connect each refrigerant line to the pre-charge section which includes a body fabricated from a square or rectangular piece of bar stock. A main channel is formed through the bar stock and one end of the main channels is coupled to a suitable system component in the pre-charged section by a tube. A connector having a penetratable seal is mounted in the opposite end of the channel. The connector has a male fitting that is threaded into a female fitting. One fitting is mounted in the opposite end of the main channel and the other fitting is mounted in the refrigerant line. The seal is ruptured or broken when the male fitting is threaded into the female fitting a sufficient depth to establish a leak proofjoint therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas K. Rembold, Ronald G. McFarland, James K. Beerbower