Abstract: The present invention is a device for reducing energy consumption by heaters on refrigerator doors and frames. A control unit is set so that the heater is on prior to the formation of condensation. The preferred embodiment provides for preset heater stop and start times entered by a system user. The heater may also be turned on when condensation is sensed by a sensor, and the sensor reading may be used to override the preset times. A programmer provides individual identification of each connected control unit and is used to read, measure and adjust one or more control units' settings. A communications host is used to enable remote monitoring and control. In addition, a quick-disconnect power connector provides for easily setting the system to a heater-on state.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 11, 2004
Date of Patent:
July 10, 2007
Assignee:
Door Miser, LLC
Inventors:
John Bunch, Bruce G. Malwitz, Stephen Maxwell Shelby, Matthew Winthur