Patents by Inventor Joseph R. Gromala

Joseph R. Gromala has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Defrost control of a refrigeration system utilizing ambient air temperature determination
    Patent number: 5533350
    Abstract: A method for determining the time to begin and end a defrosting cycle of an evaporator included within a refrigeration system. Decisions as to initiate and terminate defrosting operations are predicated on information about the external temperature of the system and measuring differences in the rate of change of temperature drop between non-iced and iced conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Joseph R. Gromala, Vu T. Nguyen
  • Determination of ambient air temperature outside of an appliance
    Patent number: 5533349
    Abstract: A method for determining ambient air temperature outside of an appliance by making measurements inside the appliance. By measuring the time it takes a sensor to change inside the appliance from one temperature reading to another reading, the ambient temperature changes can be determined. Using this information, appliance performance can be optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Joseph R. Gromala, Yu T. Nguyen
  • Temperature control of an appliance using ambient air temperature determination
    Patent number: 5524444
    Abstract: A method of controlling the temperature of air inside two compartments of a refrigerator or similar appliance utilizing a single temperature sensor and the known air temperature external of the appliance. Based on knowledge of the temperature relationship between both compartments, the appliance performance is optimized based on outside temperatures. As a result of this process, the compartment without a sensor functions with increased temperature control accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Joseph R. Gromala, Vu T. Nguyen