Drawer, Tray Or Track-guided Type; Horizontally Movable Patents (Class 62/382)
  • Patent number: 8002368
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a housing having a cooled interior space. At least one drawer is disposed in the interior space for storing bottles in an inclined or horizontal position. The drawer has a frame with two opposite sides. The drawer also has a plurality of rods to be releasably mounted parallel to and spaced apart from one another between the two opposite sides of the frame at selectable distances from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Benitsch, Rainer Brachert, Hans Haas, Christian Mayershofer
  • Patent number: 7950754
    Abstract: A pull-out drawer assembly for a refrigerator bottom freezer. The assembly includes upper and lower baskets slidably mounted one above the other. The bottom basket has a drawer face mounted to its front edge. The upper basket has a magnet which cooperates with an engagement device that is mounted on the lower basket and is attractable to the magnet so that, when the drawer is pulled out of the freezer compartment, both drawers travel as a unit. The upper drawer can then be pushed back to disengage the engagement device from the magnet and provide access to the lower basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Brown, Michael Bayne
  • Patent number: 7793690
    Abstract: A water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing position and extended to support a container under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Voglewede, Kevin J. Gilboe
  • Patent number: 7765829
    Abstract: The apparatus for receiving, preserving and supplying bags of blood comprises a cabinet for containing all the components of the apparatus; a refrigerated space for containing the bags; a magazine comprising a plurality of cells, each capable of containing a single bag, the magazine being housed inside the refrigerated space, each of the cells being identified by a cell code; at least one door for allowing access by an operator to the cells; a movement system housed inside the cabinet and capable of moving, preferably rotating, the cells; a cooling system housed inside the cabinet and capable of cooling the refrigerated space; a data processing system housed inside the cabinet, capable of controlling the movement system and the cooling system, and capable of controlling the receiving, preservation and supply of the bags; a keyboard and a screen, both connected to the processing system, and both placed at the walls of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Angelantoni Industrie SpA
    Inventor: Mauro Zenobi
  • Patent number: 7757732
    Abstract: A water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing position and extended to support a container under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Voglewede, Kevin J. Gilboe, Patrick J. Boarman, Daryl L. Harmon, Gary W. Wilson, Sr., Jerry M. Visin
  • Patent number: 7748228
    Abstract: A storage system that has variable temperature includes one or more drawers. The one or more drawers are independently operable of one another. A heating and cooling system is in thermal communication with the one or more drawers. The heating and cooling system generates even air-flow around all sides of the one or more drawers for heating and/or cooling thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: The Delfield Company, LLC
    Inventors: Darrel Jay Walker, William E. Smith, Harry Edward Wing
  • Patent number: 7659111
    Abstract: A method and a device for improved freezing of biological containing living cells is disclosed. Directional cooling coupled with agitation, preferably rotation, of the vessel containing the biological sample allows for the freezing of large volume samples at much greater rates than before. Whether a sample is large or not, the greater thermal homogeneity during the freezing process as well as the resulting crystal morphology yield a frozen sample which is exceptionally suited for lyophilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Core Dynamics Limited
    Inventors: Uri Meir, Yoram Amsalem, Yehudit Natan, Amir Arav
  • Patent number: 7513127
    Abstract: A system 10 for storing and processing a plurality of biological or chemical samples at ultra-low temperatures is provided. The system 10 comprises a plurality of ultra-low temperature storage locations 30; an enclosed pathway 35 adjacent the storage locations 30; and a manipulator module 60 disposed within the pathway 35 for conveying vessels 33 along the pathway 35 between the storage locations 30 in the system 10. Each of the storage locations being accessed through an insulated access panel 36 on the side of the storage location 30, the panel 36 being configured to close the storage location 30 from the pathway 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: The Automation Partnership
    Inventors: Stephen Owen, Justin Michael Owen
  • Patent number: 7475562
    Abstract: A bottom-mount refrigerator provides additional storage capacity by mounting a refrigeration component, for example a compressor, behind a full-width freezer drawer arranged between an upper fresh food compartment and a lower freezer compartment. In this manner, the freezer compartment is not required to be shortened or otherwise re-shaped to accommodate the refrigeration component. The refrigerator also includes an automatic ice maker mounted above the freezer drawer. The ice maker is positioned above the freezer drawer at a rearward position that accommodates structure present in the fresh food compartment. Specifically, a bi-level bin is slidably mounted in the fresh food compartment. The bin includes a deep portion that joins a shallow portion through a step section. The ice maker is mounted rearward of the step section to allow the bin to be removed from the fresh food compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Gary B. Jackovin
  • Patent number: 7467834
    Abstract: A door apparatus for a drawer for a drawer type refrigerator where the drawer is slidably coupled to a main body of the refrigerator is provided. The door apparatus includes a door with a thermally isolating layer, and a frame that moves simultaneously with the door and which provides a storage space for accommodating stored goods. The door is rotatably coupled to a front end of the frame, thus allowing the door to rotate through a predetermined angle with respect to the frame. An amount of rotation of the door with respect to the frame may be selectively limited to utilize a tilting function of the door and to provide access to goods in the storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Young-Nam Kim, Jee-Suck Lee, Ju-Hwan Kim, Seon-Il Yu, Seon-Kyu Kim, Kun-Jun Seok
  • Patent number: 7455085
    Abstract: A water dispenser mounted on a door of a refrigerator freezer that is provided with a spigot that is movable between inner and outer dispensing positions. The dispenser includes a dispenser housing having a dispensing cavity and the spigot is movably mounted in the top of the dispensing cavity. When the spigot is in the inner dispensing position water can be dispensed into a container positioned in the dispensing cavity. In the outer dispensing position the spigot can dispense water into a container positioned outside the dispensing cavity. The dispenser housing can be provided with a movable tray in the bottom of the dispensing cavity. The movable tray can be withdrawn to support a container under the spigot in the inner dispensing position and extended to support a container under the spigot in the outer dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Voglewede, Kevin J. Gilboe, Patrick J. Boarman, Daryl L. Harmon, Gary W. Wilson, Sr., Jerry M. Visin
  • Publication number: 20080245078
    Abstract: A high capacity, continuous production blast freezer includes an insulated enclosure, a refrigeration system supplying cold air to the enclosure and a plurality of trays containing comestibles to be frozen. A tray advancement or pusher mechanism advances a first tray into the enclosure and then advances a second tray into the enclosure, pushing the first tray further into the enclosure. Gradually a first level of the enclosure is filled with trays. An elevator mechanism at both ends of the enclosure allows the trays reaching the end of the enclosure to advance to a second level, and the tray advancement mechanism advances the tray out of the elevator onto the second level. Eventually, as additional trays are pushed into the enclosure, the second level and then optionally further levels of the enclosure are filled with trays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Integrated Marine Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Burn
  • Publication number: 20080202146
    Abstract: A refrigerator which provides an improved installation structure of a receiving device disposed in a storage chamber such that the receiving device can be stably supported in the storage chamber and easily mounted on and separated from the storage chamber. The refrigerator includes a shelf fixing structure which fixes a shelf to the storage chamber. The shelf fixing structure includes an engaging protrusion formed on a lower surface of the shelf at one side of the shelf, a stepped surface formed at the other side of the shelf, a restriction groove formed at a position corresponding to the engaging protrusion to restrict the engaging protrusion, and a restriction portion formed at a position corresponding to the stepped surface to restrict the stepped surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Lim, Dae Yeop Park, Myung Ju Sim
  • Publication number: 20080202145
    Abstract: A refrigerator which provides an improved structure of a receiving device to prevent a receiving container cover from being deformed or damaged. The refrigerator includes a receiving container, and a receiving container cover which covers an upper portion of the receiving container. The receiving container cover includes a front frame portion which forms a front structure, a guide rail extended from a rear portion of the receiving container cover toward a lower portion of the front frame portion, and a reinforcing member extended transversely in the lower portion of the front frame portion to reinforce the strength of the receiving container cover. The guide rail includes a through hole such that the reinforcing member passes through the through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon Lim, Dae Yeop Park, Sung Il Park
  • Publication number: 20080196439
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator main body having a storage space; a door installed at the refrigerator main body to open and close the storage space; and a receiving device including a storage basket which is accommodated in the storage space and has a storage chamber to store a product and an auxiliary basket which is installed to be spaced from a bottom of the storage basket and has an insertion groove to receive a thin product such that the thin product is stored in the storage chamber in a standing state. According to the refrigerator, since a product having a large width and a small thickness can be stored in a standing state, it is possible to conveniently store a product such as a pizza box and efficiently use a storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Myung Han, Jae Hoon Lim
  • Patent number: 7406833
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprising a fresh food compartment, a freezer compartment, a lower freezer drawer and an upper freezer bin. A primary set of glides allow the freezer drawer and the upper bin to be pulled out of the freezer compartment. A secondary set of glides mounts the upper bin onto the lower drawer for movement along the drawer, and back into the freezer compartment to allow access to the contents of the lower drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Ertz, Chad J. Rotter
  • Publication number: 20080134712
    Abstract: A device for controlling the refrigeration and humidity inside a drawer movable within a compartment of a refrigerator, the drawer being insertable into the forced-air compartment provided in a cabinet of the refrigerator, the compartment receiving cold air forced through a feed conduit provided in the cabinet. The conduit is divided into a plurality of channels, one opening into a side wall of the compartment, and at least one other opening at an upper wall of the compartment above the drawer, in the channels an interceptor member is provided to allow control of the air flow passing through it and directed to the compartment for the drawer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: CLAUDIO CIVANELLI
  • Patent number: 7380410
    Abstract: A wine cooler unit has a refrigerated cabinet housing two pull-out assemblies, each having a door panel and one or more wine racks. One rack can be mounted to the door panel, and one or more follower racks can be extended and retracted by movement of the door panel mounted rack, or by independent manual movement thereof. Two or more racks can be pulled out from the cabinet in a staggered or cascading fashion in which an upper rack extends from the cabinet to a lesser extent than a next lower rack to provide access to the bottles on each rack. The door panels can be made of a glass thermopane allowing visual inspection of the contents inside the cabinet. The cabinet can be cooled by a refrigeration system having two evaporators, which provide two independent cooling zones, one for each pull-out assembly. A capacitance-operated control can be provided under the glass front of one door panel for controlling the temperature zones inside the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: U-Line Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Rand, Lawrence D. Moye, Andrew J. Doberstein, Jack L. Vaughn
  • Publication number: 20080078199
    Abstract: A refrigerated container and an associated method for closing or opening a removal cross-section of a refrigerated container by at least one laterally guided and displaceable cover element are known. The closing and/or opening procedure is initiated automatically using a closing and/or opening device after a specific time span and either automatically ended by reaching the closed position or the open position or automatically interrupted by a force component of an interfering force which counteracts the particular lateral movement and exceeds a threshold value. It is disclosed here that a frictional connection and/or form fit between the cover element and/or the refrigerated container and/or the closing and/or opening device is advantageously neutralized outside the time of the automatic closing and/or opening procedure, to thus allow manual displacement of the cover element without having to apply an additional manual force corresponding to the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Mehmet Atas, Michael Cron
  • Patent number: 7228704
    Abstract: A drawer refrigeration unit provides two distinct zones of cooling in a single cabinet for two pull-out drawers. The refrigeration system includes an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser. The single evaporator system is aided by a damperless air circulation system to maintain the temperature zones at a temperature differential that is at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The present invention can thus be used as a combination refrigerator and freezer drawer unit using only one evaporator in a cross-ventilated cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: U-Line Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Rand, Andrew J. Doberstein, Joseph E. Braun
  • Patent number: 7204570
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a housing having a cooled interior space. At least one drawer is disposed in the interior space for storing bottles in an inclined or horizontal position. The drawer has a frame with two opposite sides. The drawer also has a plurality of rods to be releasably mounted parallel to and spaced apart from one another between the two opposite sides of the frame at selectable distances from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Benitsch, Rainer Brachert, Hans Haas, Christian Mayershofer
  • Patent number: 7197888
    Abstract: A modular cabinet for a family of drawer appliances including an insulated liner defining a drawer space, a machine compartment, a wiring harness leading from the machine compartment to the drawer space, a passage leading from the machine compartment to the drawer space and an air passage leading from the machine compartment to the front of the cabinet and a drain leading from the liner space to the machine compartment. The family of drawer appliances can include refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, wine and warming drawers. A drawer can have two compartments and can be maintained at two temperatures. The drawers include an insulated front and a bin and can be slidably carried in the drawer space. The modular cabinet and control can be used for each member of the family of drawer appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. LeClear, Paul B. Allard, Karen J. Querfurth, Andrew M. Tenbarge, Michele W. Wilcox, Chad E. Lange
  • Patent number: 7165415
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising: a main body having a storage compartment to store a container; a lift provided on a lower part of the storage compartment; a rotator of a pipe shape and having a pair of threaded parts with opposite threads facing to each other along a longitudinal direction; a driver to rotate the rotator; and a pair of rotation links that has a first end formed with a female screw engaged with each of the threaded parts, approaches to or separates from each other according to a rotation of the rotator, and comprises hinge connectors hingedly connected to the lifting part to be separately rotated. Thus, the present invention provides the refrigerator in which the container may be lifted as the necessary of the user with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-man Nam, Byoung-mok Kim
  • Patent number: 7131284
    Abstract: A damper apparatus for controlling airflow between compartments in a two compartment refrigerator having a door includes a controller for controlling opening and closing of a damper; and a door sensor connected to the controller for detecting when the door is open. If the controller determines that the door has remained closed for a set period, the controller maintains the damper in the closed position. A method for cleaning a damper in a refrigerator includes a steps of defrosting a refrigeration apparatus of the refrigerator, at least partially opening the damper, followed by waiting for a set period and then at least partially closing the damper. The steps of at least partially opening and waiting are repeated a set number of times and then a cooling operation of the refrigeration apparatus is commenced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Cushman, Stephen Ruedger
  • Patent number: 7093457
    Abstract: A pallet construction for an annular cooler forms a gas permeable surface for supporting and transporting material during processing thereof. The pallet construction includes a pallet deck having a series of substantially parallel rows of spaced apart elongated slots. Each of the rows of slots are staggered with respect to the slots in an adjacent row in the series. The slots define apertures through the pallet construction. The pallet construction also includes a support frame supporting the pallet deck and having at least one angular brace oriented at an acute angle with respect to the series of rows of slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Metso Minerals Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Foresman
  • Patent number: 6751977
    Abstract: A freezer component stores and removes frozen food in response to a signal. The freezer component includes a rotatable portion, a loading side and a feeding side. Two raiseable platforms are located in each of the loading side and the feeding side. Food is loaded into the freezer component by placing food onto the platforms positioned in the loading side. The rotatable portion then rotates 180° to position the food-loaded platforms in the feeding side. The empty platforms now located in the loading side are loaded with additional food. When a signal is received, food in the feeding side is removed from the freezer component by alternately raising the two platforms holding the food. When the feeding side is empty and contains no more food, the rotatable portion rotates 180° in the reverse direction. The food loaded platforms are now located in the feeding side. The empty platforms are located in the loading side and ready for loading of additional food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Sands, James D. Conlin
  • Publication number: 20040035129
    Abstract: A refrigerating unit includes a cooling chamber, a storage compartment removably guided within the chamber as far as a closing position, and a disengagement device. The chamber has a parallel-guide disposed on its sides. The guide has a mating toothed configuration, two rollers rigidly coupled, lying opposite each other, and each having an external toothed configuration with a pitch circle diameter to be rollingly coupled to the mating toothed configuration. The guide has an end section reached by the rollers near the closing position. One of the mating toothed configuration and the rollers is positionally fixed. The disengagement device disengages the mating toothed configuration from the external toothed configuration of the rollers and is at the end section and has a disengagement length compensating for oblique positioning of the compartment in and counter to a movement direction arising from an offset of the rollers along the mating toothed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Mario Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6694767
    Abstract: A work enclosure, and in particular a system for low temperature storage that includes a chest provided with a refrigerator unit. The chest has a top plate provided with a plurality of openings each suitable for allowing a support for at least one container of an article for storage to be passed therethrough, the support presenting a working storage height no greater than the height of the chest, and the top of the support is provided with an element of shape matching the shape of the opening so as to close it once the support has been fully inserted through the opening. In some embodiments, automation elements are provided above the top plate of the chest for moving the supports at least in vertical translation so as to enable supports to be inserted and withdrawn via the openings of the chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Jouan
    Inventors: Serge Junca, Bertrand Michea
  • Patent number: 6679573
    Abstract: A shelf includes a one-piece open frame made of molded synthetic material and a piece of glass closing an opening of the frame. Each of opposite side frame portions are defined by an upper wall, a side wall and at least one finger with the opposing fingers being spaced from each other and each defining with an associated upper wall a glass piece side edge-receiving channel. The glass piece is snapped into the glass piece side edge-receiving channels. The fingers slide upon the ledges whereby product loading upon the glass piece which might cause the fingers to inadvertently deform and release the glass piece side edges is effectively resisted to preclude inadvertent glass piece/frame disassembly under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Gemtron Corporation
    Inventor: Craig Bienick
  • Publication number: 20030233842
    Abstract: The invention relates to a work enclosure, and in particular to a system for low temperature storage comprising a chest provided with a refrigerator unit. The device of the invention is particularly remarkable in that the chest has a top plate provided with a plurality of openings each suitable for allowing a support for at least one container of an article for storage to be passed therethrough, the support presenting a working storage height no greater than the height of said chest, and the top of said support is provided with an element of shape matching the shape of the opening so as to close it once the support has been fully inserted through said opening. In some embodiments, automatic means are provided above the top plate of the chest for moving the supports at least in vertical translation so as to enable supports to be inserted and withdrawn via the openings of the chest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Serge Junca, Bertrand Michea
  • Patent number: 6640573
    Abstract: Disclosed is combination structure of a guide rail member for a kimchi storage device which includes guide grooves for guiding guide rail members formed at both lower sides of a drawer-type inner case for storage of vegetables, a hooking protrusion elongated from one side of the guide groove, and a fixing member for screwing an upper end of the hooking protrusion to maintain a certain space between a lower end of the hooking protrusion and the guide groove, in which one side of a lower end of the fixing member is integrated to one side of the guide rail member so that the inner case integrated to the guide rail member may be smoothly opened and closed though the inner case is partially deformed due to the pressure of insulating materials put outside the inner case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mando Climate Control Corporation
    Inventor: Young-Gil Lee
  • Publication number: 20030074912
    Abstract: A freezer (106) is provided with a connector (120) and connected to a semiconductor equipment (10). The connector (120) may include a connector for power supply (120a), a connector for data communication (120b) and a connector for analog signal (120c). Therefore, the semiconductor equipment (10) can transmit data and signal to the outside while being cooled in the freezer (106). With this constitution, a semiconductor equipment housed in a cooling system for high-speed operation and a refrigerator for cooling the semiconductor equipment are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shigenobu Maeda
  • Patent number: 6502408
    Abstract: A cooler cabinet having an opening defining an access to the interior of the cabinet, the rear of the cabinet being the coldest part of the cabinet, the cabinet comprising at least one shelf with spaced apart vertical walls which together define a flow path having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet being at the front of the cabinet so that food containers to be cooled can be retrieved in succession, the flow path being arranged so that containers pass through the rear of the cabinet before they reach the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Gt. B Components Limited
    Inventor: Terence Corcoran
  • Patent number: 6484512
    Abstract: A temperature controlled drawer assembly incorporates a thermoelectric device and a control system to selectively heat or cool the contents of a drawer which is selectively movable into and out of a cabinet designed to be part of an end table, such as a nightstand, or other cabinet remote from a household kitchen. In a cooling mode of operation, a fan, disposed in the cabinet, draws air from inside the drawer and blows the air over a cold side of a heat sink to cool the air. The treated air is blown through plenums, back into the drawer. At the same time, heat is drawn away from the cold side and directed out of the cabinet. The current through the heat sink may be reversed to flip the cold and hot sides of the heat sink to enable the contents of the drawer to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald K. Anderson, Sheldon W. Mandel, Robert C. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20020148245
    Abstract: A horizontal freezer with drawer(s) therein, comprising a housing including an upper freezing chamber and at least one lower freezing chamber, the upper freezing chamber and lower freezing chamber being separated by a plate, the upper freezing chamber having a top entrance and the lower freezing chamber having a side entrance a; an cover connected to the top of the housing for closing the top entrance of the upper freezing chamber; at least one drawer, said drawer being mounted in the lower freezing chamber by means of a sliding support assembly; an evaporator, at least part of which is embedded in said housing, the housing includes an upper front panel preformed separately, a back panel and two opposite side panels, with the upper front panel connected to the two opposite side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Yongsen Chai, Jian Ma, Biao Li, Kegang Huang
  • Patent number: 6463752
    Abstract: A food storage system mounted in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator includes an enclosure defined by inner and outer housings, as well as a food receptacle slidably positioned in the inner housing. The inner and outer housings are spaced so as to define a zone therebetween within which air is forced to flow in order to cool the contents of the receptacle. Inlet vents are provided in the inner housing to permit a portion of the cooling air to flow directly into the food receptacle, while the remainder of the air flow is directed about the inner housing for indirect cooling of the contents in the food receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Sheldon Wayne Mandel, Robert Stephen Mercille, William J. Vestal
  • Patent number: 6449976
    Abstract: A horizontal freezer comprising a housing including an upper freezing chamber and a freezing chamber, the upper freezing chamber and lower freezing chamber being separated by a plate, the upper freezing chamber having a top entrance and the lower freezing chamber having a side entrance; a cover connected to the top of the housing for closing the top entrance of the upper freezing chamber; a drawer being mounted in the lower freezing chamber by means of a sliding support assembly; an evaporator, at least part of which is embedded in said housing, the housing includes an upper front panel, back panel and two opposite side panels, with the upper front panel connected to the two opposite side panels. The sliding support assembly includes an inner sliding support and an outer sliding support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignees: Haier Group Corporation, Qingdai Haier Icebox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongsen Chai, Jian Ma, Biao Li, Kegang Huang
  • Patent number: 6446459
    Abstract: A compact refrigerator has an insulated enclosure for the cooling and temporary storage of items, a content storage drawer that is fully exposed by pulling open the drawer from the insulated enclosure, the drawer is supported on the bottom side by at least one rolling element, and a latched handle for opening the drawer that is placed near the top of the drawer. Access to the entire content space by first pulling the ergonomically designed handle. The user then pulls open the drawer, which slidably moves away from the main housing to expose all of the content space for viewing. The content space, and the contents, move with the door, to be fully exposed when the door is in the open position. Items to be placed inside for cooling are placed into easily viewed open spaces within the contents space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: Ravi K. Sawhney, Lance G. Hussey, Craig R. Steele, Val Kalyuzhny
  • Patent number: 6405547
    Abstract: A temperature controller is in a position at a height of 130 cm or more from a base surface settling, of which the refrigerator is settled, on a door of the refrigerator, which position is on an upper side of a handle for opening and closing the door. Further, a minute control depending on a preserving condition of foods, the seasons, a quantity of the foods, and so on is made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshie Hiraoka, Keiji Ohya
  • Patent number: 6401481
    Abstract: A temperature controller is in a position at a height of 130 cm or more from a base surface settling, of which the refrigerator is settled, on a door of the refrigerator, which position is on an upper side of a handle for opening and closing the door. Further, a minute control depending on a preserving condition of foods, the seasons, a quantity of the foods, and so on is made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshie Hiraoka, Keiji Ohya
  • Patent number: 6370882
    Abstract: A temperature controlled compartment apparatus in the form of a kitchen drawer mounted in an interior compartment that is heated or cooled by one or more thermoelectric heat pump modules in a housing surrounding the drawer. A fan circulates air from the drawer past each thermoelectric heat pump module for either heating or cooling the air for the drawer and another fan or fans circulates external air past each thermoelectric heat pump module for cooling or heating, respectively, that external air. Heating or cooling is selected by selecting the polarity of the DC electric source provided to each thermoelectric heat pump module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Distinctive Appliances, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Adamski, Zhihui Jin
  • Patent number: 6343477
    Abstract: A food storage system mounted in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator includes an enclosure defined by inner and outer housings, as well as a food receptacle slidably positioned in the inner housing. The inner and outer housings are spaced so as to define a zone therebetween within which air is forced to flow in order to cool the contents of the receptacle. A temperature sensor is mounted within the inner housing, with signals from the sensor being sent to a control unit used to regulate the operation of a damper for controlling the flow of cooling air into the food storage system and a fan for distributing the cooling air within the food storage system. The control system also operates the damper and fan based on signals indicative of the opening and closing of the receptacle, the opening and closing of a door associated with the fresh food compartment and also the overall operation of the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Sheldon W. Mandel, Robert Stephen Mercille, William J. Vestal, II, Robert L. Wetekamp
  • Patent number: 6170276
    Abstract: A refrigerator crisper system includes an enclosure defined by inner and outer housings, as well as a food receptacle slidably positioned in the inner housing. The inner and outer housings are spaced so as to define a zone therebetween within which air, generated by a fan mounted entirely within the enclosure, is forced to flow in order to cool the contents of the receptacle. The enclosure is formed with various vanes that direct the cooling air flow above, adjacent the sides and below the receptacle. In the most preferred form of the invention, a temperature sensor and a moisture permeable film are provided to further regulate the food storage environment established in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Sheldon Wayne Mandel, Robert Stephen Mercille, William J. Vestal
  • Patent number: 6059196
    Abstract: A storage system with ambience conditioning facilities includes a desiccator for removing moisture from air and promoting convection, thereby maintaining articles stored therein in an optimum state for a long period of time. The environment maintained has stable humidity, is free of contaminants and suppresses aging of articles by humidity and microbes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Kongo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Miyazaki, Tomoyuki Kawano, Ichiro Ikenaga
  • Patent number: 5971213
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water dispenser having a water supplying means provided in the outer of the door of the refrigerator for refilling the water tank when it is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 5927471
    Abstract: The apparatus is an improvement for commercial ice cream freezing machines. Low friction glides are used to replace wheels provided to move heavily loaded, multiple level transports through the freezing machine. The glides are constructed of high density, self lubricating thermoplastic, and each glide spans the distance between and replaces two wheels. The glides are used with a groove along the bottom to match the inverted angle track of some machines and with a flat bottom for machines which use a channel track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventors: Samuel J. Heffner, Terry L. Lindner
  • Patent number: 5918480
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved refrigerator incorporating a vegetable-storage chamber in which, using moisture-permeable films capable of automatically varying humid-permeability, humidity inside of a vegetable-storage container is automatically and securely controllable to prevent dewing symptom from being generated therein while always preserving high humidity suited for vegetables and other produce to make it possible to store.The inventive refrigerator incorporates a vegetable storage container 18 having open top-surface and provides a lid member 19 in close contact with and by way of covering the open top surface of the vegetable storage container 18. The lid member 19 is provided with moisture-permeable films 20 comprising a humid-vapor-permeable basic cloth 21 made from nylon or polyester resin and a hydrophilic shape-memory resin film 22 made from polyurethane resin or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Refrigeration Company
    Inventors: Kohji Nagata, Masatoshi Inatani, Noriko Shinohara
  • Patent number: 5761913
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved control of ice-crystal formation in solid and semi-solid organic materials during freezing in a bath containing a cruciferous-oil slush is disclosed. Ribbon racks are used both to separate the items being frozen from each other and to efficiently distribute the items across the bath. This separation and distribution of the items in a ribbon improves control of the rate of freezing by preventing brine shock when the items are immersed in the brine and preventing cumulative localized thermal exhaustion during the freezing process. The ribbon rack freezing apparatus is adjustable to accommodate the variations in dwell times and flow rates required by different materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Winterlab Limited
    Inventors: Barnet L. Liberman, Kevin C. Vandervoort, Peter H. Glidden, Robert J. Peacock, II
  • Patent number: 5657639
    Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigeration process and apparatus which includes refrigeration means detachably connected by conduits, preferably insulated, to a series of individually refrigerated compartments, preferably drawer units, having evacuation conduits also detachably connected to the drawer units to direct circulating cold air flow through each individual drawer without a vast unrestricted flow of cold air throughout a refrigerator housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Ulf Lidbeck
  • Patent number: 5558419
    Abstract: A sliding platform for a cabinet for refrigerator and/or freezer having a stationary base secured to a floor of the cabinet and a sliding platform guided and facilitated for sliding by a plurality of loosely captured rollers between the platform and the base and prevented from tipping by anti-tip tabs. Both the platform and base have air entry air holes for delivering return air to an air passage beneath a top surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Dasher, Michael A. Fiori