Patents Examined by William E. Tapolcai
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Patent number: 7353663Abstract: A refrigerator includes an evaporator assembly. The evaporator assembly includes an evaporator fan located in a refrigeration compartment of the refrigerator. The refrigerator evaporator assembly includes a fan cover at least partially enclosing the evaporator fan, the fan cover including a first side, a second side, a front, a back, and an air inlet. The refrigerator evaporator assembly also includes a light arranged in proximity to the air inlet such that air entering the evaporator fan is warmed by the light.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alexander P. Rafalovich, Sathi Bandaru, Yefim Tsozik
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Patent number: 7353658Abstract: A system for freezing, thawing, transporting, and storing a biopharmaceutical material, which includes a container, a supporting structure, a temperature control unit, and a transportation cart. The container is adapted to receive the biopharmaceutical material therein for freezing, thawing, storing, and transporting, with the container also being receivable in the supporting structure. The temperature control unit has a cavity for receiving the supporting structure, when the supporting structure supports the container, and the transportation cart has a channel for receiving the supporting structure, when the supporting structure supports the container.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Sartorius Stedim Freeze Thaw, Inc.Inventors: Nicolas Voute, Eric K. Lee, James Edward DeBeers, Brian J. Woodard, Ngee Jenn Lee
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Patent number: 7350368Abstract: The invention pertains to a stationary vehicle air conditioning system with a refrigerant circuit, in which at least one compressor circulates the refrigerant to at least two condensers. The at least one compressor may be powered by the vehicle's mechanical power, by an electrical source, or by a combination of these driving forces. Depending on desired operating characteristics, the condensers may be arranged in a series or parallel configuration. A second compressor also may be added, which second compressor may be powered by a source other than the mechanical energy of the vehicle's engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Arthur Heberle, Marcus Weinbrenner
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Patent number: 7350369Abstract: An ice maker for a refrigerator/freezer having a control module for more reliably driving a rotatable ice ejector for removing ice bodies from a mold of the ice maker and for refilling mold cavities with water. The control module has an ice ejector drive with a drive coupling that includes a gear wheel and an ejector shaft section, both made of hard plastic material, preferably a polymide resin, for transmitting higher torque to the rotary ice ejector without failure of the plastic drive components. In one embodiment, a drive sleeve on the gear wheel and a drive shaft section have a spline coupling for more effectively distributing driving forces in the drive coupling. In another embodiment, a metallic collar is tightly positioned over the gear wheel sleeve for enhancing torque transmission in the drive coupling.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Molex IncorporatedInventors: Joseph D. Comerci, Timothy R. Gregori, Kirk R. Stevens
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Patent number: 7350374Abstract: A proposed refrigerator embodiment comprises a body enclosing a lower fresh-food compartment at above-freezing temperatures; a freezer disposed above the lower compartment, an intermediate-temperature compartment disposed above the freezer both operating at below-freezing temperatures. The freezer is separated from the intermediate-temperature compartment by its top wall, from the lower compartment by its bottom wall, and from the body's walls by its sidewalls and rear wall with a gap therebetween. The freezer's walls have predetermined thickness and heat conductivity, for passing certain cold flows through, thereby arranging predetermined temperatures in the compartments. The gap around the freezer's top wall is filled by sealing means, preventing warmer airflows from the lower container into the intermediate-temperature compartment. A rigid net, rested on supporting means fixed to the body, supports the freezer.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Inventor: Marlen Tashlitsky
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Patent number: 7350365Abstract: A method for controlling a cogeneration system is disclosed. The control method determines whether or not the operation load or power load of an air conditioner corresponds to a load requiring driving of a generator, controls the generator to operate when it is determined that the operation load of the air conditioner corresponds to the generator driving load, controls the air conditioner to operate using electric power generated from the generator when the generator operates normally, and controls the air conditioner to operate using commercial electric power when the operation load of the air conditioner is not the generator driving load or when the generator operates abnormally. Accordingly, there are advantages in terms of economy and safety.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Cheol Min Kim, Cheol Soo Ko, Sim Bok Ha, Baik Young Chung
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Patent number: 7350370Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner is provided. The indoor unit includes a main chassis, a front frame, a heat exchanger and a fan, a front panel, a filter, and a filter frame. The main chassis constitutes a rear appearance. The front frame is formed on the front of the main chassis to constitute a front appearance. The heat exchanger and the fan are disposed in the inside of the main chassis. The front panel shields the front side of the front frame. The filter is formed at the back of the front panel to filter foreign substance. The filter frame is integrally formed with the front frame to fix the filter.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sung Kwan Park, Jeong Weon Ju, Won Jun Choi, Kyo Ha Keum
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Patent number: 7350373Abstract: A surgical drape according to the present invention includes a disk member for removable attachment to a thermal treatment system dislodgment mechanism. The mechanism manipulates the drape to dislodge congealed sterile liquid adhered to the sides of a container formed by the drape within a thermal treatment system basin. The disk member includes a base and a cover, where the cover is disposed on the top portion or sterile surface of the drape. The drape sterile surface may further include other disk member components (e.g., base, etc.). In addition, the drape may further include one or more sensors to detect conditions within the drape container.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: O.R. Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, David Hendrix
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Patent number: 7343749Abstract: A method of operating an auger ice-making machine having a refrigeration casing, an auger screw rotatably disposed inside the casing and feeding, while scraping, the ice frozen on an inner wall surface of the casing, a stocker for storing/retaining the ice fed, the stocker being formed with an ice discharge port of the stocker in order to discharge the ice to an exterior of the machine by being opened, and a stored-ice detector for detecting a high level, and a low level, of a quantity of ice stored within the stocker, wherein: when the stored-ice detector detects the high level, a controller is activated to stop ice-making operation, and when the quantity of ice stored decreases below the low level by a required quantity, the controller restarts the ice-making operation; and when the controller judges, during a stopped state of the ice-making operation, that a block of ice has occurred in the stocker, the controller restarts the ice-making operation, provided that the stored-ice detector has detected the lowType: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Tsuchikawa, Takashi Hibino, Hideyuki Ikari
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Patent number: 7344088Abstract: A dual-function valve with pressure adjustment and temperature control functions comprises a valve body having a first cool water inlet, a first hot water inlet, two first mixing water outlets, a first chamber and a second chamber; the first chamber and second chamber being communicated by a second cool water channel and a second hot water channel; the second chamber being communicated to the first mixing water outlets through a water outlet channel; a pressure balance device for adjusting the water pressures of hot water and cool water; the pressure balance device being installed in the first chamber; and a temperature control device installed in the second chamber; the temperature control device adjusting the amount of water flowing into the second chamber by expansion and contraction of the mixing water of hot water and cold water; and the temperature control device being connected to the first chamber in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Tzai-Jen Yang
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Patent number: 7343757Abstract: A refrigeration appliance is provided which includes a cabinet with a first openable door providing access to a first refrigeration compartment and a second openable door providing access to a second refrigeration compartment. The second openable door has a portion thereof positioned below a portion of the first openable door. A rail separates the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment. A water dispenser is contained in the rail, as well as electronic controls for the refrigeration appliance. The dispenser is arranged to be stationary relative to the refrigeration appliance while the doors are open or closed. The rail may be removed and replaced, and with the water and electronic controls located in the rail, repairs are performed more efficiently and flexibility in manufacturing is enhanced. A drip tray is formed in an exterior side of the second openable door below the dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Martin Shawn Egan, Bobbie J. Gilman
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Patent number: 7343962Abstract: A heat sink for dissipating heat from an electronic component comprises a heat spreader and a plurality of first fins and second fins provided thereon. The first and second fins are parallel to each other and arranged in alternating order so as to define a plurality of air passages. The first and second fins are so arranged that thinner air passages and denser fin distribution in the middle along the extension direction of the air passages and wider air passages and lower fin distribution density at two ends are provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wan-Lin Xia, Tao Li, Min-Qi Xiao, Yong Zhong
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Patent number: 7340913Abstract: An ice machine has an ice-making assembly that includes a water distributor in which one or more structural elements form a first chamber. The first chamber is configured to receive an inflow of water, distribute the water laterally, and to controllably release the water. A mating member cooperates with the one or more structural elements to form a second chamber. The second chamber is configured to receive water from the first chamber and to controllably release the water onto a receiving surface. The mating member is configured to be detached from the one or more structural elements in a direction perpendicular to the direction of lateral water distribution.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.Inventors: Richard T. Miller, Marty J. Lafond, Howard G. Funk
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Patent number: 7340905Abstract: A refrigerator and a method of making shaved ice by controlling a period during which ice is fed into an ice-shaving compartment, thereby preventing ice from overflowing the ice-shaving compartment and preventing the ice-shaving compartment from being broken due to an excessive amount of ice. The method of making shaved ice comprises feeding cubed ice stored in an ice-storing unit mounted in a freezing compartment to a shaved ice-making unit mounted at a discharge port side of the ice-storing unit though an ice-feeding unit to make shaved ice, setting a driving time for the shaved ice-making unit, and setting a driving time for the ice-feeding unit. The driving time for the shaved ice-making unit is longer than the driving time for the ice-feeding unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jae Koog An
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Patent number: 7340912Abstract: A primary air flow path has a pre-cooler and an evaporator. A secondary air flow path includes portions of an air conditioner assembly including a compressor and an condenser. The air conditioner assembly also has lines connecting the compressor and the condenser the evaporator. A cooling tower has a coolant fluid input and output with a heat exchanger section. The heat exchanger section conveys coolant fluid. A pump causes cooling flow of water over the section. The coolant fluid output is adapted to feed a coolant fluid in two coolant fluid paths. The first fluid path is in heat exchanging relationship with the air conditioner assembly. The second fluid pat is coupled to the pre-cooler.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Inventors: Robert W. Yoho, Sr., Ronald James Weber
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Patent number: 7340914Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser that extends forwardly from the refrigerator door. The dispenser includes a retractable ledge to support a container, a sloped back wall to provide increased storage space in the door, a lighted target ring to facilitate positioning of a container for receipt of ice and water, an ice chute door actuated by an electric motor, and a seal to sealingly engage the ice compartment when the refrigerator door is closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Michael A. Bowen, Lawrence J. Ertz, Bruce A. Kopf, Dean A. Martin, Scott W. Leimkuehler, Chad J. Rotter
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Patent number: 7337617Abstract: An ice maker and ice bin are provided on the inside of a freezer door of a refrigerator. The ice maker is compact, and the bin is removably mounted to the door. Ice is made by the ice maker on the door, and discharged into the ice bin, which then feeds the ice to an ice dispenser when the dispenser is actuated by a person.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Ronald K. Anderson
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Patent number: 7337620Abstract: 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 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Tim L. Coulter, Thomas E. Gose, Steven G. Herndon, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Bill J. Koons, Brent A. Kramer, Scott W. Leimkuehler, Dean A. Martin, Alvin V. Miller, Kevin Lee Noel, Mauro M. Oliveira, Lester J. Ott, Ron S. Paulsen, Chad J. Rotter, David Allen Stauffer, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan M. Welch, Robert L. Wetekamp
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Patent number: 7337618Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is characterized by an ice/beverage dispenser and a remote beverage tower. The dispenser has a cold plate, a carbonator pump and a carbonator tank and the tower has a carbonator tank. To chill the tower carbonator tank, a closed loop fluid circuit extends between and heat exchange couples the dispenser cold plate and the tower carbonator tank. The dispenser carbonator pump can be used to circulate water through the closed loop circuit or a carbonator pump for the tower can be used for the purpose. A valve arrangement is provided for and as part of the dispenser cold plate to conveniently enable the dispenser to be switched between stand-alone operation and operation as a base unit for the remote tower. Arrangement is also made to cause ice agitation at the dispenser in response to drinks dispense at the remote tower to maintain a supply on the cold plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Inventors: Peter F. Wolski, Thaddeus M. Jablonski, Kyle B. Elsom, Eric Schertz, Daniel C. Leaver, Kevin Brandt, Todd Manisco
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Patent number: 7337627Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is characterized by an ice/beverage dispenser and a remote beverage tower. The dispenser has a cold plate, a carbonator pump and a carbonator tank and the tower has a carbonator tank. To chill the tower carbonator tank, a closed loop fluid circuit extends between and heat exchange couples the dispenser cold plate and the tower carbonator tank. The dispenser carbonator pump can be used to circulate water through the closed loop circuit or a carbonator pump for the tower can be used for the purpose. A valve arrangement is provided for and as part of the dispenser cold plate to conveniently enable the dispenser to be switched between stand-alone operation and operation as a base unit for the remote tower. Arrangement is also made to cause ice agitation at the dispenser in response to drinks dispense at the remote tower to maintain a supply on the cold plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Inventors: Peter F. Wolski, Thaddeus M. Jablonski, Kyle B. Elsom, Eric Schertz, Daniel C. Leaver, Kevin Brandt, Todd Manisco