With Adjustable Gas Flow Controller Patents (Class 62/408)
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Publication number: 20080302125Abstract: The invention concerns a storage unit that is adapted to be located in a refrigeration appliance. The storage unit includes a holding compartment for holding articles the temperature of which is to be controlled. The holding compartment is adapted to be placed in air flow communication with a source of cold air whereby the cold air may be delivered to the holding compartment. An air-flow passageway for recirculating air discharged from the holding compartment back to the holding compartment is provided along with a mixing area where the cold air and the recirculated air may be mixed in selected quantities. A user interface providing for the selection of a temperature-control procedure from a group of available temperature-control procedures for application to the interior of the holding compartment is included. The storage unit can include a controller for controlling the implementation of the temperature-control procedure selected by the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Robert L. Cushman, David L. Hall, Edmund Scott Richardson
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Publication number: 20080256964Abstract: A refrigerator having a controller and a method substantially allowing an independent cooling operation of a first compartment, e.g., cooling compartment and a second compartment, e.g., storing compartment. The storing compartment may be maintained at a cooling or preservation temperature which may be lower than a cooling or preservation temperature of the cooling compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Soo Kwan Lee, Jun Ho Bae, Chang Joon Kim
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Publication number: 20080196441Abstract: An air blowing arrangement for a combined refrigerator of the forced ventilation type and that comprises: a cabinet formed by an outer case and by two inner cases spaced from each other by a thermal insulating filler and defining a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment; and an air diffusing element defining at least one air distributing duct, having an air inlet in communication with the interior of the inner case of the freezing compartment and a plurality of air outlets opened to the interior of the refrigerating compartment. The air diffusing element is disposed in the interior of the thermal insulating filler and seated against the rear wall of the inner case of the refrigerating compartment, said rear wall being provided with a plurality of windows aligned with respective air inlet openings of the air distributing duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2006Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventors: Luiz Afranio Alves Ferreira, Moacyr Marangone Mezavila, Adriano Cargnin, Lauro Fernando Souza Ignacio Jr
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Publication number: 20080156029Abstract: A storage assembly for a refrigerator having a freezer storage compartment includes a second storage compartment positioned within the freezer storage compartment, and a cooling plate positioned within the second storage compartment. The cooling plate is configured to support a food item and transfer thermal energy between the food item and the cooling plate through conduction. The storage assembly also includes a fan positioned at a first end of the second storage compartment. The fan is configured to draw cool air into the second storage compartment and direct the cool air across the food item.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Sheena Leigh Ritchie, Mark W. Wilson, Arunkumar Pappusamy
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Publication number: 20080156009Abstract: A refrigeration appliance system for a residential kitchen having multiple separate refrigerating modules and a single, continuously operating variable capacity central cooling unit with a variable speed compressor for chilling a cooling medium. A cooling medium circuit supplies cooling medium to the plurality of refrigerating modules from the central cooling unit. Flow control devices control flow of cooling medium to the refrigerating modules. A control circuit controls the central cooling unit and the temperature in the refrigerating modules. The refrigerating modules can be refrigerator, freezer or refrigerator freezer modules. The cooling medium can be air, cooling liquid or refrigerant. A below freezing freezer module having an insulated freezer cabinet, a freezer compressor, a freezer condenser and a freezer evaporator can be combined with the refrigeration appliance system for providing 0° F. freezer storage without requiring the central cooling unit to provide 0° F. cooling medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Nihat O. Cur, Steven John Kuehl
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Patent number: 7377124Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator with a freezing chamber and a cooling chamber, in which an evaporating unit is provided in a means for partitioning between the freezing chamber and the cooling chamber. The refrigerator comprises of freezing and cooling chambers, each of the freezing and cooling chambers being provided with at least one received space; an evaporator; and a means for transmitting and controlling a cooling air heat-exchanged with the evaporator toward at least one place in the freezing and cooling chambers, wherein a means for partitioning the freezing and cooling chambers from each other has a predetermined space therein, the predetermined space is provided with the evaporator and at least one means for transmitting and controlling the cooling air.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Moo Youl Kim, Sang Ho Seo, Dong Hoon Lee, Young Hoon Yun
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Patent number: 7363773Abstract: A vegetable room for a refrigerator includes: a vegetable box (20) disposed inside a refrigerator in which cooling air is supplied and circulated and which a shelf (10) for receiving food item is provided, having a receptacle space (5) for receiving food items formed to be opened upwardly; a box cover (30) for covering an opening side of the vegetable box (20) to close the receptacle space (5) of the vegetable box (20) and having a cooling air ventilating hole (31) formed at one side thereof to allow cooling air to be introduced into the receptacle space (5); and a cooling air opening and closing unit (24) for selectively opening and closing the cooling air ventilating hole (31) of the box cover (30). A preservation condition of food items stored in a vegetable room can be optimized regardless of an environment outside a refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sang-Ik Lee, Eun-Jeong Kim, Yeon-Yi Hwang
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Patent number: 7331193Abstract: A refrigerator including a refrigerating compartment evaporator cover to partition a storage space of a refrigerating compartment and a refrigerating compartment evaporator accommodator, a ventilator which is provided in a lower part of the refrigerating compartment evaporator cover, a damper which is provided in an upper part of the refrigerating compartment evaporator cover to control entrance and exit of cooling air to the ventilator, and a refrigerating compartment evaporator and a freezing compartment evaporator which are connected in serial. The refrigerator allows cooling air to flow smoothly and prevents cooling air continuously generated from a refrigerating compartment evaporator from being rapidly discharged to a refrigerating compartment when a refrigerating compartment stops operating.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: In-Bo Shim
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Publication number: 20080016889Abstract: A refrigerator having a cold air circulating apparatus includes: a main body, which is provided with a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment for preserving food items, and a temperature controlled compartment for preserving food items, separately from the freezer and the refrigerator compartments; a first cooling unit formed at the rear side of the freezer compartment for supplying cold air into the freezer compartment; a second cooling unit formed at the rear side of the refrigerator compartment for providing cold air into the refrigerator compartment; a cold air circulating device for circulating air inside the temperature controlled compartment by using the first cooling unit or the second cooling unit; and a control unit for controlling operations of the cold air circulating device to thereby regulate temperature inside the temperature controlled compartment, based on a user-set temperature for the temperature controlled compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: DAEWOO ELECTRONICS CorporationInventor: Hak Jae Jung
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Publication number: 20080011013Abstract: A refrigeration appliance has a cabinet having a first compartment, a second separate compartment and a refrigeration system including a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser. The evaporator is associated with the first compartment to lower a temperature of the first compartment air. A heat exchanger is exposed to the temperature of the first compartment and has a surface area exposed to second compartment air. An air moving device is associated with the second compartment to direct a flow of second compartment air over the heat exchanger surface area and circulate the second compartment air within the second compartment. The cabinet, compartments and heat exchanger are configured such that first compartment air is completely isolated from second compartment air.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2006Publication date: January 17, 2008Inventor: Brent A. Junge
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Publication number: 20080000257Abstract: A refrigerator having a main body includes a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber provided for storing foods. A cool air-generating device provided in the body generates cool air and a cool air-supplying device including at least one opening for discharging the cool air, is used to circulate the cool air through the freezing chamber, the refrigerating chamber, and the cool air-generating device. A separator provided adjacent to the opening acts to uniformly diffuse the cool air in the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber. The separator acts to separate two flows that are then brought back together. The collision and mixing of the two flows create a turbulent flow of air that is directed into the refrigerating and freezing chambers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2004Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Bong Jun Choi, Jong Min Sin, Jae Seong Sim, Young Jeong, Young Hwan Ko, Jun Hyun Hwang
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Patent number: 7310969Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the environment of cargo through lateral ventilation. The method provides for a controlled fluid to be supplied into a cargo compartment having a lateral portion, the fluid being supplied through a vent in a supply-conduit adjacent the lateral portion. In practice, this result can be achieved by building a structure that encloses a cargo compartment having a lateral portion, running a supply-conduit adjacent the lateral portion, connecting the supply-conduit to receive a controlled fluid from outside the cargo compartment, and conducting the fluid into the cargo compartment through a vent in the supply-conduit. On mixing with the environment within the cargo compartment, the fluid will influence components of the environment, for example the humidity and the temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Coldwall, Inc.Inventor: Robert Dale
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Publication number: 20070256445Abstract: A device for moving a shutter for blocking and diverting an air stream, in climate control apparatuses, comprising a rotating element actuated by an electric motor and pivoted to a containment frame for at least part of the machine body of a climate control apparatus, a first end of a traction and pusher cable being rigidly coupled to the rotating element, its opposite end being rigidly coupled to the louver of a shutter of the louver type to be moved. The cable is arranged slidable within a sheath fixed to the frame by means of two brackets, a first one proximate to the rotating element and a second one at the opening which can be closed by the louver.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2007Publication date: November 8, 2007Inventors: Giuliano Grigoletto, Stefano Michieli
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Patent number: 7275388Abstract: Indoor unit of air conditioner of the present invention includes air discharge units at left, right, and bottom of an outer case of the indoor unit oriented to blow air in forward outer sides, to prevent air blow to a suction side, thereby making air circulation smooth and fast air conditioning, and preventing infiltration of foreign matter in ordinary times to keep a tidy outer appearance because air suction, and the discharge units are only opened during operation of the air conditioner.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Chang-Hwoi Joo, Seong-Min Kang
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Patent number: 7263856Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed, by which a specific part of a freezer room and/or a specific part of a cold storage room can be adjusted. The refrigerator includes a body having a cold storage room and a freezer room, an evaporator provided to the body to generate cold air, a plurality of racks partitioning each of the cold storage and freezer rooms into a plurality of chambers, and at least one adjustment device provided to each rear portion of the racks, the at least one adjustment device configured to adjust a quantity of the cold air supplied to each of the chambers.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Bong Jun Choi, Sang Ik Lee, Jae Seong Sim, Young Jeong
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Publication number: 20070180848Abstract: A free cooling conditioning device for climate controlling of an enclosed space comprising, inside a box-like containment body, a first main fan for aspirating air from the enclosed/outside space, an evaporator, to which the first fan sends aspirated air to introduce it in the enclosed space, a condenser associated with the evaporator, a second fan for air flow over the condenser, a compressor, associated with the condenser and the evaporator to form a refrigeration circuit for aspirated air cooling, a first shutter, upstream of the first fan, for selecting the air stream aspirated by the first fan, from either ambient air, for a direct-cooling conditioning, or external air for free cooling conditioning, and a second shutter for redirecting the air stream in output from the enclosed space either toward the second fan, in the second free cooling mode, or toward the first shutter, at least partly open toward the first fan, for aspiration of ambient air, in the cooling mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: August 9, 2007Inventors: Moreno Lazzarato, Maristella Bregantin, Marco Lazzarato
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Publication number: 20070163291Abstract: A refrigerator having a main body including a refrigerating compartment, a cool air duct supplying cool air to the refrigerating compartment, and a sub storage compartment provided in the main body independently maintaining a temperature thereof with respect to the refrigerating compartment and being indirectly cooled or indirectly heated by radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2007Publication date: July 19, 2007Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoon-young Kim, Dong-nyeol Ryu
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Patent number: 7237403Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet includes a fan assisted refrigeration unit and a duct in communication with the fan, for distributing cold air from the fan throughout the cabinet; the duct is substantially the full width and the full length of the product storage of the cabinet and at least a major portion of the duct has a substantially constant width; one end of the duct is in communication with a fan and the opposite end of the duct provides an end outlet; intermediate outlets are formed through the duct between the ends, to supply air from the duct to the product storage portion of the cabinet; the size of the end outlet is substantially smaller than the size of the intermediate outlets, so that in use the duct is pressurized compared to the remainder of the cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Skope Industries LimitedInventor: Richard George Phillip Salt
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Patent number: 7234318Abstract: A multiple stage, single pass and non-recirculating refrigeration system is provided for either outdoor use or for use with temporary structures such as emergency firefighter tents. The refrigeration system utilizes, for example, three evaporative coils in series to achieve a 48° F. reduction of temperature and 70% reduction of humidity in a single pass, i.e., the output airstream from the refrigeration system is not recirculated to the blower as it is in the case of conventional air conditioning systems. The large amounts of super cool air provided by the invention can be used to cool athletes on the sidelines of a football field or firefighters who need to cool off to prevent heat stroke.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Inventor: John K. Grisler
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Patent number: 7231780Abstract: A damper device for a refrigerator has a step motor used as the power source for rotating a baffle to open/close the cold air passage of the refrigerator in a more secured manner. The damper device for a refrigerator includes a frame installed in the cold air passage of the refrigerator and provided with an opening at the center thereof, a baffle rotatably installed on the frame to open/close the opening, a gear-equipped step motor installed on a surface of the frame and having a reduction gear and a motor integrally formed therein to transmit a rotation force necessary for opening/closing operation of the baffle, and a stopper adapted to mechanically limit the baffle in such a manner that it can be positioned in the desired opening position.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Moatech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jung-Bum Park
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Patent number: 7228704Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: U-Line CorporationInventors: Thomas W. Rand, Andrew J. Doberstein, Joseph E. Braun
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Patent number: 7213408Abstract: The present invention discloses a multifunctional constant temperature refrigerator comprising a compressor (1), an evaporator (16), a condenser (23), a cabinet (37), and freezing compartments (9), wherein the refrigerator further includes a closed cold air flow duct (15) and a negative thermal carrier assembly. The freezing compartments (9) are disposed in the cabinet (37). The closed cold air flow duct (15) is located at a back portion of the cabinet (37). The evaporator (16) is placed in the closed cold air flow duct (15). The negative thermal carrier assembly comprises a negative thermal carrier case (10) filled with negative thermal carriers and a heat pipe (12). The negative thermal carrier case (10) is disposed in each of the freezing compartments (9). A vaporization zone of the heat pipe (12) is extended into the negative thermal carrier case (10), and a condensation zone of the heat pipe (12) is extended into the closed cold air flow duct (15).Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Inventor: Ziquan Zhao
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Patent number: 7213409Abstract: A reconfigurable system is provided for effecting temperature changes. A first thermally-conductive container stores a metal hydride while a second thermally-conductive container stores a metal alloy that is capable of absorbing hydrogen atoms at a pressure that is less than the storage pressure of the metal hydride. A valved conduit links the metal hydride and the metal alloy. A thermal insulator is disposed about one of the containers depending on whether the system is to be used for cooling or heating. A circulating fluid is placed in thermal communication with the insulated container and with an environment requiring temperature changes. When the conduit's valve is opened, hydrogen atoms desorbed from the metal hydride are transported through the conduit and are absorbed by the metal alloy. Desorption of the hydrogen generates a cooling effect while absorption of the hydrogen generates heat.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Marshall L. Nuckols
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Patent number: 7204095Abstract: A refrigerator which includes a main body having a freezing compartment and a refrigerating compartment, an evaporating unit provided in the main body, and a first duct and a second duct in communication with the evaporating unit to guide cooling air generated from the evaporating unit to the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment of the main body, respectively, wherein the second duct is provided around a edge of a rear of the refrigerating compartment of the main body and having a cooling air supply hole to supply the cooling air to the refrigerating compartment. Thus, according to the present invention, the cooling air is supplied from the edge of the rear of the refrigerating compartment, thereby providing the duct of a simple structure and facilitating a refrigerating efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bu-kil Jeong, Eui-young Chang
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Patent number: 7188481Abstract: An actuator for controlling the position of a damper. It is an adjustable damper actuator that can actuate a damper to have positions that are other than fully open and fully closed. The actuator has adjustable stops for attaining a partially closed or partially open damper as the operator wants. This actuator is useful for zone heating and air-conditioning as well as for providing a continuous supply of make-up air at low flow rates.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Donald A. DeYoe, Richard C. Tsou
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Patent number: 7159409Abstract: A method of operating a vapor compression system, the vapor compression system defining a closed fluid circuit in which a refrigerant is circulated and having operably disposed therein, in serial order, a compressor, a high pressure heat exchanger, an expansion device and a low pressure heat exchanger. The method includes applying a variable thermal load on a first one of the heat exchangers, monitoring the thermal load placed on the first heat exchanger and controlling the operation of the system to limit the thermal load placed on the first heat exchanger when the thermal load exceeds a predetermined value. A heat exchange subsystem employed to limit the thermal load may include reducing the flow of a heat exchange medium over the heat exchanger or to recirculate the heat exchange medium in a manner which reduces the thermal load on the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Tecumseh Products CompanyInventor: Dan M Manole
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Patent number: 7131282Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for defrosting an absorption refrigerator comprising the steps of determining a defrost start time for defrosting of the low temperature compartment and higher temperature compartment, starting the absorption refrigerating system at the defrost start time independent of other control parameters determining start and stop of the absorption refrigerating system, detecting stop of the absorption refrigerating system, applying heat to the first tube section using the first heater, detecting end of low temperature compartment defrosting, starting the absorption refrigerating system after end of low temperature compartment defrosting, and applying heat to the second tube section using the second heater.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Dometic Sweden ABInventors: Arne Karlsson, Ingemar Hallin, Carl Lindhagen, Fredrik Reithe, Anton Lundqvist
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Patent number: 7107775Abstract: The invention consists of a unit 10 including a two-piece, snap together housing made of elements 40 and 50 which forms the orifice seat and the transitions which direct moisture away from the seat area and prevents the accumulation of moisture in the seat area. Left-Hand (LH) housing 50 contains a blind journal and right-hand (RH) housing portion 40 contains a through journal for support and location of the gate 60. Also integral to the RH housing portion 40 are bosses for attaching the snap action switches 80, which determine gate orientation and mounting a gear motor 90, and can generally be referenced as “gate position sensors”. Such switches could also be replaced with other gate position sensors such as know in the art such as hall effect switches, magnetic switches, optical devices, etc. The gear motor provides the driving torque to the gate 60 through a cam-coupling 70, which has four switch detents 71, oriented to an internal shaft indexing means.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Mid-South Products Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Larry Eugene Unger, Mike Nick Glavaris, Jr.
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Patent number: 7059142Abstract: A refrigerator having a temperature controlled chamber partitioned from a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. Air is circulated between the freezer compartment and the temperature controlled chamber through air inlet and outlet ports, thus cooling the temperature controlled chamber. An intake damper is installed in the air inlet port, and a fan is mounted at a rear portion of the temperature controlled chamber. The intake damper has a thin plate, thus opening the air inlet port in response to the air flowing into the temperature controlled chamber when the cooling fan is operated, and closing the air inlet port in response to a stoppage of flow of the air when the cooling fan stops. Further, a temperature sensor is mounted in the temperature controlled chamber to control operation of the fan, thus allowing an interior of the temperature controlled chamber to be maintained at a predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Gi Joong Jeong, Jong Dal Lee
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Patent number: 7051549Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which includes a variable temperature storage formed in the chilling chamber; a heating room formed on a side of the variable temperature storage; a heating device installed in the heating room and configured to generate heat; a first local circulating path in which cool air in the freezing chamber flows into a rear path through the variable temperature storage; an adjusting device configured to adjust a quantity of cool air flowing into/out of the variable temperature storage through the first local circulating path; a second local circulating path in which heated air in the heating room passes the variable temperature storage and flows into the heating room again; and a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature in the variable temperature storage. Because various ranges of temperature can be maintained in the refrigerator, it is possible to perform optimum-temperature storing according to various kinds of foods.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sang-Bae Kim, Sang-Ho Park, Byeong-Gyu Kang, Youn-Chul Choi
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Patent number: 7048036Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicle is provided. An internal air passage in a case of the air conditioner includes a first passage which guides a portion of the air from a blower unit to flow through an auxiliary cooling portion of the evaporator, a second passage, which guides the remaining portion of the air from the blower unit to bypass the auxiliary cooling portion of the evaporator, an air mixing portion in which the air passed through the first passage and the air passed through the second passage flow together, and a third passage, which is connected to the air mixing portion and guides the air passed through the air mixing portion to flow through a main cooling portion of the evaporator. In the air conditioner a portion of the air that flows in is cooled twice while passing through the auxiliary cooling portion and the main cooling portion of the evaporator, so that a higher cooling efficiency requirement, especially regarding the early stage cooling performance, is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Halla Climate Control CorporationInventor: Seong Seck Han
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Patent number: 7036334Abstract: A refrigerator having a temperature-controlled chamber, which stores food to be readily cooked without a thawing process. A cool air inlet port introduces cool air from the freezer compartment into the temperature-controlled chamber. The cool air inlet port is opened or closed by an intake damper. A cooling fan and a temperature sensor are installed in the temperature-controlled chamber. A cool air discharging duct is provided to guide the cool air from the temperature-controlled chamber into the freezer compartment. An inlet of the cool air discharging duct is connected to a portion of the temperature-controlled chamber. A heater is mounted to an outer surface of the outlet of the cool air discharging duct to perform a defrosting operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung Bok Ko, Myung Wouk Kim, Hak Gyun Bae, Yoon Young Kim
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Patent number: 7033160Abstract: A convection cooling technique for selective deposition modeling utilizing a venturi duct to establish a low-pressure port for drawing a second flow of air into the duct. The second flow of air is drawn across a heat generating component in the selective deposition modeling apparatus. A low-pressure zone is established at the low-pressure port sufficient to meet the head loss that results when drawing the second flow across the heat generating component and into the venturi duct. A desired flow rate is achieved at a pressure drop that is greater than that possible by the direct use of a fan. The cooling system is well suited for use in providing steady state cooling of radiation exposure systems used in selective deposition modeling to initiate curing of the layers of dispensed material.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventor: Jon Jody Fong
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Patent number: 7032407Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a refrigeration compartment, a freezer compartment, and a third compartment controllable in both a refrigeration mode and a freezer mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Gary Lester Chastine
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Patent number: 6968712Abstract: A flash freezer and process is described in which a freezer cabinet is configured to be positioned within the refrigerated air compartment of a primary freezer. An internal flash freeze compartment is located within the cabinet next to a plenum which is separated from the flash freeze compartment by a bulkhead. A plurality of first air passage apertures is formed through the bulkhead to permit passage of air between the flash freeze compartment and the plenum. A plurality of second air passage apertures is formed through a cabinet wall opposite to the bulkhead. The air passage apertures are arranged to control passage of refrigerated air under pressure from the refrigerated air compartment to direct a uniform pressurized airflow through the flash freeze compartment and over the articles placed therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Inventor: Ken Wilkinson
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Patent number: 6968708Abstract: A transcritical refrigeration system includes a compressor, a gas cooler, an expansion device, and an evaporator. Refrigerant is circulated though the closed circuit system. Preferably, carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant. A fan moves outdoor air that exchanges heat with the refrigerant across the evaporator. The speed of the fan is regulated to regulate the evaporator pressure and to adapt the evaporator to different environmental conditions to achieve the optimal coefficient of performance. During high ambient conditions, the fan speed is decreased, decreasing the refrigerant mass flowrate in the system. The energy exchange per unit mass of the refrigerant in the gas cooler increases and the work of the fan decreases, increasing the coefficient of performance of the system. During low ambient conditions, the mass flowrate of the system is low and there is more heat transfer thermal resistance on the refrigerant side at the evaporator. The speed of the fan is lowered to decrease the work of the fan.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan, Yu Chen, Tobias Sienel, Lili Zhang
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Patent number: 6959559Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature control method for a refrigerator which can minimize a deviation in refrigerant compartment temperature while minimizing the power consumption of the refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Young Sok Nam, Seong Ho Cho, Yun Chul Jung, Jay Ho Choi
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Patent number: 6960129Abstract: A conditioned vestibule for a cold storage doorway is disclosed. The vestibule includes a frame that supports inner and outer moveable door-forming members. The vestibule also includes a heater that circulates air between the inner and outer door-forming members and a variable-speed fan that varies flow of the air between the inner and outer door-forming members. In one embodiment, the airflow from the fan increases upon the opening of the door-forming members and decreases upon the closing of the door-forming members.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2004Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: HCR IncorporatedInventors: Paul Ashley, Colin D. Johnstone, Peter R. Smith
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Patent number: 6957549Abstract: A cool air supplying apparatus of a refrigerator comprises a guide passage formed at a rear wall of a refrigerating chamber and provided with a plurality of discharge ports towards the refrigerating chamber for guiding cool air to a rear side of the refrigerating chamber, and a direction control unit installed at the guide passage for selectively opening and closing the discharge ports in order to control a discharge direction of cool air discharged into the refrigerating chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sang-Bae Kim, Sang-Ho Park, Byeong-Gyu Kang, Youn-Chul Choi
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Patent number: 6921329Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-distribution cap which is to be fitted on top of a heating or air-conditioning unit with natural or forced convection and the function of which is to regulate both the flow-rate and the direction of the air output by the convector. In particular, the present invention relates to a cap (1) for distributing the air output by a heating or air-conditioning unit with forced convection or with natural convection, characterized in that it comprises a deflector (3, 103) having one or more vanes (13, 113), each vane being orientable so as to adopt a position in which it is inclined to the vertical so that its outer end faces towards the wall against which the unit is fitted.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Aermec S.p.A.Inventor: Valerio Giordano Riello
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Patent number: 6901768Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for maintaining perishable produce in a controlled environment has a novel air vent and damper system to provide optimal airflow within the apparatus to maintain and ripen perishable produce. An arrangement of seals within insulated compartments cooperate with the physical dimensions of palletized produce inserted therein to direct air flow therethrough to achieve optimal air flow characteristics. The air vent and damper system of the invention allows the apparatus to operate at peak efficiency regardless of the number of pallets present in the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a horizontal push back cart system which does not interfere with the seal arrangement by using an elastic biasing means instead of prior art gravity feed methods. The self-contained apparatus can be used as a modular unit, and encompasses all the equipment necessary for installation while offering temperature stability, simplified maintenance requirements, and ultimately, precise control of ripening.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2004Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Inventor: Robert J. Windecker
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Patent number: 6893338Abstract: An air-conditioning register includes: a register panel exhibited in a compartment and having an opening for flowing out conditioned air; a retainer provided so as to cave in the register panel and having an air passage communicating with the opening; a vertical fin unit including vertical fins received in the retainer and capable of adjusting a wind direction of the conditioned air horizontally; a horizontal fin unit including horizontal fins received in the retainer and capable of adjusting a wind direction of the conditioned air vertically; and an open/close damper received in the retainer and capable of opening/closing the air passage. The air-conditioning register further includes a common operation portion capable of operating the vertical fin unit, the horizontal fin unit and the open/close damper.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiro Katagiri, Shigeru Yabuya, Minoru Shibata, Masanobu Muto
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Patent number: 6880359Abstract: A flow-through rotary damper assembly providing highly efficient, essentially laminar fluid flow therethrough is provided. The rotary damper assembly includes a cylindrical outer body and a cylindrical inner body that are rotatable in relation to one another. The outer body defines apertures in relation to one another to allow fluid flow without requiring fluid direction change. The inner body defines a flow passage having inlet and outlet apertures that may be aligned with the apertures of the outer body to allow fluid flow therethrough, or may be rotated out of alignment to block fluid flow. The outer body includes an aperture on one end to allow fluid flow to a third compartment. The inner body also includes an end aperture that may be aligned therewith. The damper provides selectable fluid flow between each of the compartments depending on the relative position of the cylindrical inner body member.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventors: James E. Pearson, Thomas J. Davern, Paul H. Tuma
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Patent number: 6874331Abstract: An apparatus for creating a horizontal air curtain for a cooler doorway has at least one air moving device; at least one motor powering the air moving device; a control system including a sensor, the control system providing power to operate the motor when the sensor detects that the door of the cooler is open; and at least one air discharge nozzle mounted adjacent to the air moving device directing air emitted by the air moving device to create a curtain of air that flows generally horizontally across at least a portion of the doorway.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Chandler, Larry R. Scallion
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Patent number: 6863258Abstract: A motorized damper door assembly for use in freezing temperature applications includes a damper frame, a damper door having, a mounting portion rotatably mounted to the frame, and a seal member having a vertically extending moisture barrier adjacent the mounting portion. The door mounting portion and the moisture barrier together form a reservoir inside the door mounting portion to prevent moisture from seeping directly into the motor housing below the door mounting portion. Consequently, as moisture accumulation in the motor housing is avoided, associated damper jamming and impaired performance issues are also avoided.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Jeffery Allen Tupis
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Patent number: 6848264Abstract: An apparatus controls cool air for directedly cooling a section which is weakly cooled or which stores new loads. The apparatus discharges the cool air by rotating a drive body in accordance with a variation of visual images taken by visual image generator before and after the load is stored. The cool air can also be discharged into a specific storage space by rotating cool air injection nozzles based upon the temperature variation of door baskets detected by temperature sensors. Therefore, a uniform temperature distribution can be maintained in the cooling device to substantially reduce an amount of power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: In Won Lee, Jay Ho Choi, Seong Ho Cho, Young Sok Nam, In Seop Lee, Jae Yong Sung
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Patent number: 6837067Abstract: This invention is to increase a floor area ratio of a freezing chamber and a utilization rate of heat transfer. A refrigerator is disclosed, which includes a cabinet having a storage space, a mullion provided in the cabinet to divide the storage space into a freezing chamber and a refrigerator chamber, the mullion having a cold airflow passage provided therein that is communicated with the freezing chamber and the refrigerator chamber, a double suction centrifugal blower provided in a middle space of the mullion and sucking air from the freezing chamber and the refrigerator chamber and exhausting to the cold airflow passage, an evaporator provided in the cold airflow passage for exchanging heat with the air exhausted from the double suction centrifugal blower, a top outlet and a bottom outlet exhausting air being passed through the evaporator to the freezing chamber and the refrigerator chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Sang Wook Lee
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Patent number: 6837066Abstract: A concentrated cooling apparatus of a refrigerator is capable of improving the reliability of an infrared sensor by preventing moisture from being condensed onto the surface of the infrared sensor. The concentrated cooling apparatus includes a nozzle rotationally supported by a cold air guide path, the nozzle intensively jetting cold air to a high-temperature load region when a high-temperature load is placed inside a chilling chamber of the refrigerator. An infrared sensor is installed at the front of the nozzle, and the infrared sensor senses the high-temperature load region while being rotated together with the nozzle. A moisture removing device is formed at a side of the nozzle, the moisture removing device jetting cold air on the surface of the infrared sensor to remove moisture condensed on the surface of the infrared sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seong-Ho Cho, In-Seop Lee, In-Won Lee, Jae-Yong Sung, Jay-Ho Choi, Kwang-Hyup An, Jeong-Ho Lee, Young-Sok Nam
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Publication number: 20040261444Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a refrigeration compartment, a freezer compartment, and a third compartment controllable in both a refrigeration mode and a freezer mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Gary Lester Chastine
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Publication number: 20040255607Abstract: A refrigerating appliance includes a heat insulating housing and an inner chamber that is cooled by the circulation of cooling air. A hollow body extends in the inner chamber, defining a flow channel for the cooling air. Carriers for goods to be cooled are disposed in the inner chamber and are supported on the hollow body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Dieter-Jochen Barmann, Hans-Kersten Hrubesch, Ernst Stickel