Plural Cooled Compartments Patents (Class 62/441)
  • Publication number: 20110072843
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a first inner case defining a freezing compartment and a second inner case defining a refrigerating compartment. The first inner case and the second inner case are formed with rupture portions upon injection molding of the first and second inner cases. The rupture portions may be cut away to communicate the first inner case and the second inner case with each other, enabling use of the inner cases having a common configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young Jin Cho, Sang Geun Choi, Jae Seung Lee
  • Patent number: 7913515
    Abstract: Refrigerating appliance comprises at least one first, second and third refrigerating area for a low, medium or high storage temperature, whereby each refrigerating area has an evaporator. The refrigerating appliance also comprises a compressor, a refrigerant circuit for supplying compressed refrigerant to the evaporators and for returning expanded refrigerant to the compressor, and comprises at least one switching element for directing, as desired, the refrigerant through one of two branches of the refrigerant circuit. In the first branch, the evaporators of the first and the third refrigerating areas are connected in series. In the second branch, the evaporators of all three refrigerating areas are connected in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Nuiding
  • Patent number: 7913514
    Abstract: A refrigerator freezer having an ice maker positioned on a refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment door. The ice maker is arranged to prevent or manage spills from the ice maker in the event the door on which the ice maker is mounted is opened or closed when unfrozen water is present in the ice maker. Spill management embodiments for a number of fixed and movable tray ice makers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry M. Visin, Guolian Wu, Marcus R. Fischer, Michele E. Wilcox, Martin D. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20110067430
    Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent with a damper in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency, including movement of the damper between open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: DEAN A. MARTIN, CHAD J. ROTTER
  • Patent number: 7908882
    Abstract: A refrigerator door is provided. The refrigerator door has an outer case forming a shape of the refrigerator door, an inner case provided within the outer case to configure a backside of the refrigerator door wherein a space between the inner case and the outer case is charged with a foaming liquid, an ice making unit provided to one side of the inner case to make ice, a fixing unit provided to the space charged with the foaming liquid between the inner case and the outer case and fixing the ice making unit to the refrigerator door, and a dispenser provided to one side of the outer case to discharge the ice supplied by the ice making unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Bok Dong Lee, Seung Mok Lee, Sam Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 7908883
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for a refrigerator includes a dividing wall that bifurcates the heat exchanger into first and second airflow passages. The fins include apertures therein, allowing for both horizontal and vertical movement of air through the heat exchanger. The dividing wall extends through the heat exchanger at an angle, which decreases the cross-sectional diameter of both the first and second airflow passages and results in accelerated air flow through the air passages. In use, air from the refrigerator is directed into the first airflow passage of the heat exchanger for heat exchange, and is then directed by curved baffles into the second airflow passage for further heat exchange. Air exiting the second airflow passage is then directed into a compartment of the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Guolian Wu, Steven J. Kuehl
  • Publication number: 20110056229
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a subassembly element for a refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit, wherein the subassembly element has a front side, a rear side and two side regions, at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, and wherein at least one air guidance means is provided in the subassembly element by means of which air can be guided from the air inlet to the air outlet in the subassembly element. The invention furthermore relates to a refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Liebherr-Hausgerate Ochsenhausen GmbH
    Inventor: Anton Rothmund
  • Publication number: 20110056222
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a water supply device integrally formed with a rear surface of a storage chamber thereof. The refrigerator includes a storage chamber door to open and close a storage chamber, a dispenser mounted to the storage chamber door, and a water supply device separably connected to a rear surface of the storage chamber door adjacent to the dispenser, so as to supply water to the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Hoon Lee, Han Wook Cho, Jee Yong Kim, Kyoung Mi Yoon
  • Publication number: 20110048045
    Abstract: An ice maker comprises a tray accommodating water to make ice, a first control box (200) installed at a side of the tray, the first control box (200) accommodating a predetermined part of a mechanism unit driving the ice maker; and a second control box (300) accommodating the other part of the mechanism unit which is electrically connected with the part of the mechanism unit accommodated in the first control part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Si Yeon An, Seong Jae Kim, Dong Hoon Lee, Il Wook Joung
  • Patent number: 7895858
    Abstract: A modular refrigerating appliance comprising a first planar heat-insulating element and additional planar heat-insulating elements, which are joined to one another whereby being able to be detached from one another and which, when joined, form a housing of the refrigerating appliance. The modular refrigerating appliance also has a cooling circuit, which comprises an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor, and which is mounted on the first planar heat-insulating element. At least the condenser is, at least in part, mechanically protected on its surface facing away from the first heat-insulating element solely by the construction of the first planar heat-insulating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Hell, Michael Neumann
  • Publication number: 20110041538
    Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerator including an outer casing, an inner casing mounted inside the outer casing to define a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, an evaporator installed between the outer casing and the inner casing to supply cool air, a separate room positioned in any one of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber, and a passage for gliding the cool air generated by the evaporator directly to the separate room. In this configuration, the cooling efficiency of the separate room can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Chan-Mun Yoon
  • Patent number: 7886559
    Abstract: A modular refrigerator, having a first planar thermally-insulated element, a second planar thermally-insulated element and further planar thermally-insulated elements, connected together and which can be subsequently detached, forming a housing of the refrigerator when assembled, a refrigerant circuit, with an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor, a first electrical line, arranged in the first planar element, a second electrical line, arranged in the second planar thermally-insulated element and an electrical contact/counter-contact device, by means of which both electrical lines may be electrically connected. The contact device is integrated in the first planar thermally-insulated element and the counter-contact device is integrated in the second planar thermally-insulated element such that contact device is automatically electrically connected to the electrical counter-contact during the mechanical connection of the first and second planar element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Hell, Michael Neumann, Jan-Grigor Schubert
  • Publication number: 20110030415
    Abstract: A soft thermally insulated padded shell housing a rigid infrastructure with a series of horizontal shelves forming compartments which are vertically aligned, and includes a pair of opposing vertical and vented walls with shelve support brackets. The pair of vertical and vented walls has a paired series of mating horizontal tracks to receive horizontal slide-in shelves in a spaced vertical array. Each of the pair of tracks are horizontally aligned to form complementary ledges that receive and support the outer edges of the slide-in shelves. The shelves may be releasably attached within tracks of the side walls of the compartment, having snapping receptacles to ensure a snug fit. When the shelves are not in use as being placed within the receiving tracks, the space within the infrastructure is substantially unobstructed and can be used to store various items. Also, the infrastructure and insertable shelves are easily and conveniently removable so that the bag may be folded for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: 6 Pack Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Breyburg, Mark Samuel, Alexander Plotitsa
  • Publication number: 20110023528
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet configured to define an exterior boundary of the refrigerator with at least one opening therein. The refrigerator also includes a first storage chamber defined by interior walls of the cabinet and configured to store food stuffs and a first door configured to open and close the first storage chamber by rotating about a rotational axis. The refrigerator further includes a second storage chamber that is smaller than the first storage chamber defined at a side of the first door, and that is configured to enable access to food stuffs while the first door remains closed and a second door, located in a predetermined portion of the first door, configured to open and close the second storage chamber by rotating the rotational axis, wherein a rotation direction of the second door is identical to the rotation direction of the first door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hong Sik KWON, Yong Hun CHANG, Jung Yeon HWANG, Seon Il YU
  • Publication number: 20110023527
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet configured to define an exterior boundary of the refrigerator. The refrigerator also includes a first storage configured to store food stuffs and a first door configured to open and close the first storage chamber. The refrigerator further includes a second storage chamber defined at a side of the first door, and configured to enable access to food stuffs while the first door remains and a second door located in a predetermined portion of the first door, and configured to open and close the second storage chamber, wherein a rotation direction of the second door is identical to a rotation direction of the first door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hong Sik KWON, Yong Hun CHANG, Jung Yeon HWANG, Seon Il YU
  • Publication number: 20110023529
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed, comprising, a partition member configured to partition a front opening of a cooling chamber into a plurality of small openings, and an assembly guide formed between the partition member and a refrigerator main body and configured to guide the coupling of the partition member, whereby the partition member can fast easily be coupled to an accurate position and a malfunction and a leakage of cold air can be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Do-Hyung Kim
  • Patent number: 7881910
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining data center cooling and power requirements and for monitoring performance of cooling and power systems in data centers. At least one aspect provides a system and method that enables a data center operator to determine available power and cooling at specific areas and enclosures in a data center to assist in locating new equipment in the data center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, James W. VanGilder, Mikkel Dalgas, Stephen Berard, Henrik Jensen, Henrik Daae, Sandi Schoellhammer
  • Patent number: 7874176
    Abstract: A drawer refrigerator has a partitioned cabinet with one or more pull-out drawers. The pull-out drawer(s) can have an adjustable divider fence for dividing the storage space of the drawer. The divider fence can have two dividers each defined by two spaced apart elongated rods that are coupled together at a hub and have end pieces with flat surfaces that abut inside surfaces of the drawer walls. A hand operated screw knob mounted to the hub can be used to lock the position of the divider fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: U-Line Corporation
    Inventors: Philip J. Uihlein, Jennifer U. Straszewski, William A. Reed, Thomas W. Rand, Joseph E. Braun, Jack L. Vaughn, Andrew J. Doberstein, Ami M. Verhalen, Daniel R. Bullis, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110011121
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a partition member, including a refrigerator main body having a cooling chamber therein; a partition member disposed at a front surface of the cooling chamber so as to divide an opening of the cooling chamber into a plurality of smaller openings; and a plurality of doors for opening and closing the plurality of smaller openings, whereby the opening of the cooling chamber is divided into a plurality of smaller openings and each smaller opening is selectively open and closed, thereby facilitating opening and closing operations and preventing a leakage of cooling air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Do-Hyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20110011109
    Abstract: An appliance includes a compression stage, a condensation stage, and an evaporation stage. The evaporation stage includes a first evaporator for a first refrigerated enclosure and a second evaporator for a second refrigerated enclosure. A first valve in a condensation stage bypass line is openable to allow a supply of refrigerant to bypass the condensation stage during a defrost mode, where a condensation stage bypass line is positioned between an output of the compression stage and the second evaporator. A second valve is positioned in a line from the second evaporator to the input to the compression stage and is closeable to block a supply of refrigerant from the second evaporator to the compression stage during the defrost mode. An additional line positioned between the second evaporator and the first evaporator carries the supply of refrigerant from the second evaporator to the first evaporator in the defrost mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Alexander Rafalovich, Timothy Allen Hamel
  • Publication number: 20110011106
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a refrigerator body including a first cooling chamber and a second cooling chamber, a barrier wall located between the first cooling chamber and the second cooling chamber, an evaporator configured to provide cooling air, a first cooling fan configured to provide cooling air of the evaporator to the first cooling chamber, and a second cooling fan configured to provide cooling air of the evaporator to the second cooling chamber is provided. A method of providing cooling air flow in a refrigerator is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Kwang-Woon AHN, Young-Jin Kim, Yeon-Woo Cho, Gye-Young Song
  • Publication number: 20110011885
    Abstract: A water cooler includes a reservoir with an inlet and an outlet. The water cooler is separated into two compartments by a wall containing at least one opening allowing fluid communication between the compartments. A cooling element extends from a bottom surface of the reservoir through the bottom compartment and through the wall and into the top compartment. Water enters the top compartment through an inlet where it is cooled before flowing into the bottom compartment through any openings in the wall. Water exits the bottom compartment through an outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: MARWAN ABI AAD
  • Publication number: 20110011119
    Abstract: A thermal storage container is coupled to a pump for circulating cooled liquid from the thermal storage container in at least one of two circuits. One circuit includes a heat exchanger coupled to the fresh food evaporator for assisting in cooling the fresh food section of the refrigerator or for chilling the liquid. Another circuit includes a sub-cooler between the compressor and condenser for cooling the hot gas output from the compressor before entering the condenser, thereby increasing the efficiency of the system. A three-way valve is coupled from the output pump to couple the stored coolant selectively to one or the other or both of the coolant circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: STEVEN J. KUEHL, GUOLIAN WU
  • Patent number: 7870754
    Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent with a damper in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency, including movement of the damper between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Dean A. Martin, Chad J. Rotter
  • Patent number: 7870756
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes an evaporator zone and a cooling zone separated from each other in a refrigerator housing. A fan drives a cold air flow from the evaporator zone into the cooling zone via a central inlet port that is arranged next to a heat-insulating partition located between the evaporator zone and the cooling zone. A distributing device that diverts a partial air flow into a distributor pipe that extends along a wall of the cooling zone is mounted upstream of the central inlet port in the direction of flow of the cold air. The distributor pipe is provided with holes that are distributed along the height of the wall and extend into the cooling zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Görz, Hans Ihle, Ralf Spiller
  • Publication number: 20110005241
    Abstract: A cooler including a compartment, a conduit including a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, food product at a first product temperature entering the first end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with and for supplying fluid through the fluid discharge, the fluid being at a first fluid temperature less than the first product temperature, the pressurized fluid source being operable to propel the fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion and to cool the food product to a temperature below the first product temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin, Scott K. Weisman, Steve J. Schultz, Jeffrey Scott Zittel
  • Publication number: 20110000237
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATION
    Inventors: ROBERT L. WETEKAMP, KYLE B. VAN METER, ALAN G. TARRANT, RYAN D. SCHUCHART, MAURO M. OLIVEIRA, ALVIN V. MILLER, BRENT A. KOPPENHAVER, CARL J. FRANKEN, NELSON J. FERRAGUT, II, TIM L. COULTER, GREG BERARDI, THOMAS CARL ANELL
  • Publication number: 20110000238
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATION
    Inventors: ROBERT L. WETEKAMP, KYLE B. VAN METER, ALAN G. TARRANT, RYAN D. SCHUCHART, MAURO M. OLIVEIRA, ALVIN V. MILLER, BRENT A. KOPPENHAVER, CARL J. FRANKEN, NELSON J. FERRAGUT, II, TIM L. COULTER, GREG BERARDI, THOMAS CARL ANELL
  • Publication number: 20100326112
    Abstract: An in-door fluid drainage system for a refrigerator is disclosed. The drain fluid transfer system is described as extending from the door of a refrigerator to the lower compartment for transfer of drain fluid from the door to a drain fluid removal system. Also described is a drain fluid transfer system which comprises one or both of a transfer tube at least partially enclosed in a hinge assembly, and a valve assembly positioned at the lower portion of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Ragavendra PRABHAKAR, Mahesh Natarajan, Pranav Mittal, Martin Zentner, Matthew William Davis
  • Publication number: 20100326102
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATION
    Inventors: ROBERT L. WETEKAMP, KYLE B. VAN METER, ALAN G. TARRANT, RYAN D. SCHUCHART, MAURO M. OLIVEIRA, ALVIN V. MILLER, BRENT A. KOPPENHAVER, CARL J. FRANKEN, NELSON J. FERRAGUT, II, TIM L. COULTER, GREG BERARDI, THOMAS CARL ANELL
  • Publication number: 20100326093
    Abstract: A method of controlling temperature for forming ice within an icemaker compartment of a refrigerator is disclosed. The method includes the steps of activating at least one of the compressor and the coolant pump during an icemaking cycle to provide cooling to the icemaker compartment sufficient to make ice at a first rate, and increasing operation of at least one of the compressor and the coolant pump to provide cooling to the icemaker compartment sufficient to make ice at a second rate, which is faster than the first rate. A related refrigerator is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Eric K. Watson, Matthew William Davis, Omar Haidar, Ronald Scott Tarr, Joseph Waugh
  • Patent number: 7856844
    Abstract: A cooling air supply apparatus of a refrigerator that is capable of uniformly supplying cooling air to all food received in a receiving box is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment for storing food at low temperature, a barrier for partitioning the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment from each other, and a receiving box mounted in the refrigerating compartment for receiving food. The cooling air supply apparatus includes a communication port formed through the barrier for guiding cooling air from the freezing compartment into the refrigerating compartment, and a hollow box-shaped cover mounted at the top part of the receiving box. The cover is provided at one side thereof with an introduction port, which communicates with the communication port. The cover is provided at the lower part thereof with at least one cooling air supplying hole, which communicates with the interior of the receiving box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Bae Kim, Tae Ho Park, Jeong Youl Lee, Deok Eun Kang
  • Publication number: 20100319390
    Abstract: A refrigerator with a plurality of control panels comprises a refrigerator body having a plurality of cooling chambers, a first control panel configured to set temperature conditions of some of the cooling chambers, and a second control panel configured to set temperature conditions of others of the cooling chamber. The refrigerator enhances a user's convenience through simple and precise manipulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Seung-Mok Lee
  • Publication number: 20100319367
    Abstract: An ice maker, a refrigerator including the ice maker, and an ice making method are provided. The ice maker includes a tray having a predetermined length and to which water is supplied to make ice. The ice maker is configured to mechanically separate the ice from the tray by using pistons which are driven by being pressed by structures. This allows the ice maker to have a reduced size, and a small occupation area, thereby implementing a slim configuration of a refrigerator. Furthermore, since an installation height of the ice maker is lowered, a path for supplying cool air may be shortened. This may prevent loss of cool air being supplied to the ice making chamber. Since the ice maker has a simplified configuration and precise operation controls, the fabrication costs may be reduced, and inferiority of the ice maker due to malfunctions may be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Seong-Jae KIM, Bong-Jin Kim, Young-Hoon Yun
  • Publication number: 20100319391
    Abstract: A refrigerator including an extractable container, and a conveying unit formed in an inner space of a vertical wall of the extractable container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon LIM, Jong Eun Chae, Sun Keun Lee, Gi Joong Jeong, Yun Ho Yang, Sang Woon Jeon, Jae Moon Lee
  • Publication number: 20100319366
    Abstract: An ice maker, a refrigerator including the ice maker, and an ice making method are provided. The ice maker includes a tray having a predetermined length into which water is supplied to make ice. The ice maker is configured to mechanically separate the ice from the tray by using pistons which are driven by a motor. This permits the ice maker to have a reduced size, and occupy a small area, thereby implementing a slim configuration of a refrigerator. Furthermore, since an installation height of the ice maker is lowered, a path for supplying cool air may be shortened. This arrangement prevent loss of cool air being supplied to the ice making chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Seong-Jae KIM, Bong-Jin Kim, Young-Hoon Yun
  • Publication number: 20100307186
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cold air generator configured to generate cold air. The refrigerator also includes a storage chamber configured to receive the cold air generated by the cold air generator, and store at least one food and ice stuffs. Further, the refrigerator includes a storage chamber door configured to open and close an access point to the storage chamber. In addition, the refrigerator includes an inner frame coupled to the storage chamber and configured to move at least a part of the storage chamber in forward and backward directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hong Sik KWON, Yong Hun CHANG, Jung Yeon HWANG, Seon Il YU
  • Publication number: 20100307188
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet configured to define an exterior boundary of the refrigerator. The refrigerator also includes a first storage chamber defined by interior walls of the cabinet and configured to store food stuffs. The refrigerator further includes a first door configured to open and close the first storage chamber by rotating about a rotational axis. In addition, the refrigerator includes a second storage chamber that is smaller than the first storage chamber defined at a side of the first door, and that is configured to enable access to food stuffs while the first door remains closed and a second door, located in a predetermined portion of the first door, configured to open and close the second storage chamber by rotating the rotational axis, wherein a rotation direction of the second door is identical to the rotation direction of the first door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hong Sik KWON, Yong Hun CHANG, Jung Yeon HWANG, Seon IL YU
  • Publication number: 20100307187
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cold air generator configured to generate cold air. The refrigerator also includes a first storage chamber configured to receive the cold air generated by the cold air generator. The refrigerator further includes a first storage chamber door configured to open and close an access point to the first storage chamber and configured to store at least one of food and ice stuffs. In addition, the refrigerator includes a second storage chamber, having a container and positioned on the first storage chamber, wherein the second storage chamber is configured to be movable in front and rear directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hong Sik KWON, Yong Hun CHANG, Jung Yeon HWANG, Seon Il YU
  • Patent number: 7845181
    Abstract: An active moisture control barrier is provided which comprises a layer of shape memory polymer and a heating arrangement associated with the layer of shape memory polymer. The barrier may be used to provide an active humidity controlled space having an enclosure with walls to separate an interior of the enclosure from an environment surrounding the enclosure. An opening in one of the walls allows communication between the interior of the enclosure with the environment. A layer of shape memory polymer is provided at the opening to isolate the interior of the enclosure from the environment. A control may be provided for the heating arrangement to allow for a heating of the layer to a level as controlled or set by a user. An air passage conduit may extend from the interior of the enclosure through a zone of relatively higher water vapor pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip C. Evans, David L. Benefiel
  • Patent number: 7841191
    Abstract: A refrigerator freezer having an ice maker positioned on a refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment door. The ice maker is arranged to prevent or manage spills from the ice maker in the event the door on which the ice maker is mounted is opened or closed when unfrozen water is present in the ice maker. Spill management embodiments for a number of fixed and movable tray ice makers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry M. Visin, Guolian Wu, Marcus R. Fischer, Michele E. Wilcox, Martin D. Lewis, Kevin M. Chase
  • Publication number: 20100293984
    Abstract: A bottom mount household refrigerator is provided with an apparatus to permit the dispensing of ice. According to one embodiment, a sealed ice making compartment is provided within the fresh food compartment. The sealed ice making compartment may be located at the bottom, at the top, or along a side wall within the fresh food compartment. According to another embodiment, ice is made in the ice compartment, and lifted upward to a dispensing location through the door of the fresh food compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: JOSEPH R. ADAMSKI, JASON COLSCH, TIM L. COULTER, GLENN E. GOETZ, STEVEN G. HERNDON, TODD E. KNIFFEN, BILL J. KOONS, LOU MONTUORO, JOHN H. TENHUNDFELD, DAVID THALACKER, BRETT VLADIKA
  • Publication number: 20100287961
    Abstract: A refrigerator and a control method of the same are disclosed. A refrigerator includes a plurality of evaporators and a refrigerant path conversion device connected with the plurality of the evaporates, the refrigerant path conversion device controlling a path of refrigerant to perform defrosting operations for predetermined evaporators and cooling operations for the other evaporators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Gye Young Song, Kwang Woon Ahn
  • Publication number: 20100287959
    Abstract: An ice maker, a refrigerator including the ice maker, and an ice making method are provided. The ice maker includes a tray having a predetermined depth into which water is supplied to make ice. The ice maker includes an elevating unit to elevate a portion of the ice, and a cutting unit to cut off the elevated portion of the ice to be dispensed as ice pieces to a user. The ice maker has a slim configuration, and a compact size. The ice maker may be provided in the door of the refrigerator at a height approximately the same as the height of the dispenser located at the front side of the door. This arrangement permits a path for supplying cool air from a freezing compartment to the ice maker to be decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Seong-Jae Kim, Bong-Jin Kim, Young-Hoon Yun
  • Patent number: 7827811
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet within which is defined a fresh food compartment and/or a freezer compartment. The refrigerator further includes a control panel or user interface that enables a consumer to input desired operating parameters. The interface is also provided with a plurality of temperature control elements and at least one auxiliary control element. The temperature control elements enable a consumer to set compartment temperatures in a first or basic mode. The auxiliary control element, in addition to serving a function in the basic mode, provides access to a hidden or advanced features menu. Once the hidden menu is accessed, the temperature control elements enable a consumer to select and adjust advanced operating parameters, such as enabling a Sabbath mode, setting a temperature display, altering an intensity of ambient light required to activate a dispenser light, activating an audible warm alarm and initiating a super cool feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Nelson J. Ferragut, II, Robert L. Wetekamp
  • Publication number: 20100275639
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit having at least a first zone and a second zone in the inner space of the refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit, with a plurality of air circulation means being provided, with at least one air circulation means being associated with a zone in each case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: LIEBHERR-HAUSGERATE OCHSENHAUSEN GMBH
    Inventor: Holger Jendrusch
  • Publication number: 20100257877
    Abstract: A refrigerator and its operation method are disclosed. Cool air ducts guide cool air from a freezing compartment to an ice compartment that is positioned at a refrigerating compartment door. At least a portion of the cool air ducts are located at a barrier that separates the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Young-Hoon YUN, Bong-Jin KIM, Sang-Heon LEE, Seong-Jae KIM
  • Publication number: 20100257889
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body that includes a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, a door that selectively shields the refrigerating chamber, and an ice making unit that produces ice. An ice storage unit is provided at the door and stores ice produced in the ice making unit. The ice storage unit includes a housing, a storage basket that is removably coupled to the housing and that stores ice removed from the ice making unit to the ice storage unit, and a sensing apparatus that is provided at the housing and senses attachment or detachment of the storage basket. A controller controls transfer of ice produced by the ice making unit to the storage basket based on output from the sensing apparatus that indicates attachment or detachment of the storage basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Wook Yong LEE
  • Publication number: 20100251733
    Abstract: An ice making device, a refrigerator having the ice making device, and a method for making ice are disclosed. Water is supplied to an ice making structure of an ice making device and frozen into ice. The ice is at least partially released from the ice making structure by supplying liquid water to the ice making structure to apply force to the ice in the ice making structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seong-Jae KIM, Nam-Gi LEE
  • Publication number: 20100251744
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator main body including a cooling chamber, a door for opening or closing the cooling chamber, an ice making chamber located at the door, a sub-chamber located at the door and spaced from the ice making chamber, the sub-chamber being configured to receive cool air from the cooling chamber, and a cold energy transfer unit configured to transfer energy of cool air of the sub-chamber to the ice making chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Young-Hoon YUN, Bong-jin KIM, Seong-Jae KIM