Door-operated pump assembly

Abstract

A door-operated pump assembly may include a housing defining a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a displacement member arranged to move within the chamber between first and second positions, an actuator coupled to the displacement member, and a door coupled to the actuator. The actuator may be operable to move the displacement member between the first and second positions. The door may be configured to move the displacement member between the first and second positions when the door is moved between a first door position and at least one second door position. The displacement member may be operable to inhale a substance into the chamber through the inlet and to exhale a substance from the chamber through the outlet.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] I. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing a substance from an enclosure, and more particularly, to a door-operated pump assembly for removing air or water from an enclosed space in a temperature-controlled system.

[0003] II. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Over the years, developments in the field of heating and air conditioning have had a profound effect on the efficiency of cooling and heating processes. Designers have continually sought to utilize the thermodynamic energy generated by various components, such as evaporators, compressors, insulation panels, and the like, to improve the cooling and/or heating process itself. By way of example, the waste heat generated by a refrigeration system can be used to evaporate the condensate generated within a refrigerated enclosure.

[0005] In the case of top-mounted refrigeration enclosures, utilizing waste heat becomes a challenge because condensate tends to collect at the lowest point of the enclosure, while waste heat tends to be located at the highest point of the enclosure. If the condensate can be moved from the lowest point to the highest point of the enclosure, then the waste heat can be used to help evaporate the condensate. One possible solution is to use an electro-mechanically driven condensate pump actuated by a water level sensing switch located where the condensate collects at the bottom of the enclosure. When the water level switch senses that condensate has collected above a certain level, then it actuates the condensate pump to transfer condensate to the highest point of the enclosure.

[0006] The use of electrical switches and pumps, however, is disadvantageous for a number of reasons. For instance, because such devices require a number of complex and fragile working parts, they are relatively expensive and unreliable. Since these devices also require an additional power source, they tend to reduce the efficiency of the refrigeration process itself.

[0007] By way of further example, insulation panels are often employed in temperature-controlled enclosures to reduce heat transfer between the cooled or heated space inside the enclosure and the environment. Generally speaking, the efficiency of the temperature control process depends on how much heat is dissipated to the atmosphere. It is well recognized that insulation panel units, for example, reduce heat transfer between the outside and inside of temperature-controlled enclosures, such as vending machines, steam rooms, buildings, or other similar structures. One measure of insulating value generally used is the “U-value.” The U-value is the measure of heat in British Thermal Units (“BTUs”) passing through a unit per hour (“Hr”)—square foot (“Sq.Ft.”)—degree Fahrenheit (“° F.”). The lower the U-value, the better the thermal insulating value of the panel unit, i.e., a higher resistance to heat flow results in less heat conducted through the unit. Another measure of insulating value is the “R-value,” which is the inverse of the U-value. A higher R-value represents a higher heat transfer resistance of an insulating panel unit, and a relatively efficient system.

[0008] Typically, a vacuum insulation unit having a one-inch thick panel of foam-in-place insulation has an initial R-value of approximately seven, and an average R-value valve of approximately 25-35. Over time, however, outside air infiltrates into a space or cavity formed in the vacuum insulation panel. As a result, the R-value of the insulation panels degrades and the efficiency of the refrigeration system decreases. By using exterior film materials with higher barrier properties and added getters, the negative affects of air infiltration can be temporarily diminished. These solutions, however, also suffer from a number of disadvantages. For example, the addition of such new materials and components increases the cost of manufacturing vacuum insulation panels, while only providing an effective solution for a limited period of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In one exemplary aspect of the invention, a door-operated pump assembly may comprise a housing defining a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a displacement member arranged to move within the chamber between first and second positions, an actuator coupled to the displacement member, and a door coupled to the actuator. The actuator may be operable to move the displacement member between the first and second positions. The door may be configured to move the displacement member between the first and second positions when the door is moved between a first door position and at least one second door position. The displacement member may be operable to inhale a substance into the chamber through the inlet and to exhale a substance from the chamber through the outlet.

[0010] In another exemplary aspect of the invention, a system for transferring a substance may comprise an enclosure defining a collecting portion configured to receive a substance, and an inlet connected to the collecting portion. The system may include a transfer device connected to the inlet, and the transfer device having a stationary component and a movable component, the stationary component defining a holding portion and the moveable component being configured to move toward a first direction when a portion of the substance is drawn into the holding portion. The system may include an outlet connected to the holding portion of the transfer device and a discharge portion outside of the enclosure. The outlet may be configured to guide the substance toward the discharge portion when the moveable component of the transfer device moves toward a second direction. The system may also include a door coupled to the enclosure and the transfer device so as to move the moveable component of the transfer device between the first and second directions.

[0011] In yet another exemplary aspect of the invention, a temperature control apparatus for a cabinet may comprise a door providing access to the cabinet. The door may be movable between open and closed positions. The apparatus may include a collection portion that collects a substance at a first location within the cabinet and a transfer device arranged to transfer the substance from the first location to a second location outside of the cabinet in response to movement of the door between the open and closed positions.

[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings,

[0014] FIG. 1 is a front view of a temperature-controlled enclosure of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A of FIG. 1 when the door of the enclosure of the present invention is in the closed position;

[0016] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines AA of FIG. 1 when the door of the enclosure of the present invention is in an open position;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a lower right corner of an enclosure according to a second aspect of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of the embodiment of FIG. 3 when the door of the enclosure of the present invention is in the closed position;

[0019] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of the embodiment of FIG. 3 when the door of the enclosure of the present invention is in an open position;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a lower right corner of an enclosure according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 when the door of the enclosure of the present invention is in the closed position; and

[0022] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 when the door of the enclosure of the present invention is in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0024] FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B depict an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention. The embodiment may include a portable temperature-controlled storage enclosure 10. As used herein, the term “temperature-controlled enclosure” generally refers to any type of structure, such as a cabinet, a housing, a vending machine, a steam room, a building, or the like, so long as it is capable of housing or surrounding at least one cooled and/or heated interior space. It should be appreciated that the temperature of the temperature-controlled enclosure may or may not be automatically controlled and/or monitored. Is should further be appreciated that “temperature-controlled” does not imply any degree of accuracy or precision with respect to the controlled temperature.

[0025] The enclosure 10 may be either modular or monolithic, and may include any number of parts or subassemblies. For example, the invention is not limited to the portable enclosure 10 illustrated in the drawings. Instead, the temperature-controlled enclosure 10 can be a permanent building structure. An enclosure 10 falling within the scope of the invention can also be provided by employing virtually any type of manufacturing process. The invention is not limited to any particular step or sequence for providing the features of the claimed invention. The term “provided” is used in its broad sense, and refers to, but is not limited to, making available for use, enabling usage, giving, supplying, obtaining, getting a hold of, acquiring, purchasing, selling, distributing, possessing, making ready for use and/or placing in a position ready for use.

[0026] As illustrated, the temperature-controlled enclosure 10 may surround an interior space 11, and may have three vertically upstanding sidewalls 12, a floor 14, a roof 16, and a door 18. The enclosure 10 may also include castors 20 connected to the floor 14 to facilitate the portability of the enclosure 10. The door 18 may include an insulating panel unit 24 supported by a frame 26. The door 18 may be pivotally connected to one of the sidewalls 12 by a bracket 28 so that it can rotate about a hinge point 30 between a first, closed position (e.g., FIGS. 1, 2A, 4A, and 6A), and at least one second, open position (e.g., FIGS. 2B, 4B, and 6B), relative to the enclosure 10. The invention, however, is not limited to the illustrated pivotal connection between the door 18 and the enclosure 19. For example, the door 18 could be coupled to the sidewalls by a track and follower system so as to be capable of sliding between open and closed positions.

[0027] The door panel unit 24, alternatively referred to as an insulating unit (“IU”), may also have a pair of panels separated by a cavity 25. Although the panels are preferably made of glass, any other material can be used so long as the door 18 is capable of enclosing the interior space 11 of the enclosure 11. The invention is not limited to the illustrated insulating panel unit 24. For example, each of the sidewalls 12, floor 14, and roof 16 may have similar pairs of panels separated by a cavity for providing an insulating structure around the interior space 11.

[0028] The door 18 may also include a door seal 32 for sealing the interior space 20 of the enclosure 10 when the door 18 is in the closed position. The door seal 32 is preferably made of a plastic gasket substance, which can provide an airtight seal with the sidewalls of the enclosure when the door 18 is closed. As used herein, the term “door” is used in its broad sense, and generally refers to a gate, wall or other movable structure that is capable of enclosing an interior space 11. Although the door 18 is illustrated as being separate from the sidewalls 12 of the enclosure 10, one or more of the sidewalls 12 could function as the door 18, so long as it is capable of moving between a closed position, and one or more open positions relative to the interior space 11.

[0029] The interior space 11 of the enclosure 10 may be cooled by a conventional refrigeration system, heated by a conventional heating apparatus, and/or insulated by conventional insulation units 24. For example, a conventional refrigeration system may include a compressor 40, a condenser 44, and a fan 46 for drawing outside air through the system. The term “condenser” generally refers to any type of device that can cause gas or vapor in the air to change into a liquid. The term “compressor” generally refers to any type of machine that can compress air, vapor, or the like. Insulating units 24 typically surround the interior space 11, and are embedded within the sidewalls 12, a floor 14, a roof 16, and door 18 of the enclosure 10. The invention, however, is not limited to any particular number of insulation panel units 24.

[0030] The system depicted in the drawings may be referred to as a “top-mounted” refrigeration system because the compressor 40 and the condenser 44 are mounted to the top of the roof 16 of the enclosure 10. The invention, however, is not limited to any particular type of temperature-controlled system, so long as it is capable of generating waste heat. By way of example, a temperature-controlled system referred to as a “Stirling” refrigeration system could be used. The temperature control components thus can be mounted at any suitable location, such as upon the sidewalls 12, door 18, or floor 14 of the enclosure 10, so long as they are capable of cooling and/or heating the interior space 11.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the compressor 40 and condenser 44 may also be connected by piping (not shown) to an evaporator coil 48 suspended from the underside of the roof 16 of the enclosure 10. The evaporator coil 48 may be positioned above the floor 14 of the enclosure 10. The evaporator coil 48 can be located at any suitable location, such as the sidewalls 12, floor 14, or door 18 of the enclosure 10. As moisture from the air in the interior space 11 of the enclosure 10 collects on the evaporator coil 48, it may drop and be collected as condensate on the floor 14 of the enclosure 10. The term “condensate” is used in its broad sense, and generally refers to any fluid or gaseous substance. For example, condensation in the form of water droplets or slush is typically produced from a given volume of moisturized air within a temperature-controlled enclosure during a refrigeration process.

[0032] In an embodiment, the temperature control process may occur when the door 18 is closed, and the interior space 11 is insulated from the atmosphere. Each time the door 18 is opened, a fresh volume of moisturized air may enter the enclosure 10. When the door 18 is closed, the temperature control process may begin, and condensate may be formed from the moisturized air contained in the enclosure 10. Generally, the amount of condensate generated within the enclosure 10 may be proportional to the number of times the door 18 is opened and the amount of moisturized air introduced into the enclosure 10.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the floor 14 has a collecting surface, alternatively referred to as a “collecting” or “collection” portion, which may be inclined toward a low point 15 for collection of the condensate, or any other substance, generated within the interior space 11 of the enclosure 10. When a substance, such as condensate, reaches the floor 14, it may be guided toward the low point 15 by the collecting surface. The term “substance” is used in its broad sense, and generally refers any type of liquid or gas. The collecting surface can be of any shape, so long as it is capable of collecting, accumulating, or guiding a substance within the interior space 11 of the enclosure 10. For example, the collecting surface could be formed into a “bowl” shape having a low point 15 near the center of the floor 14. Moreover, the invention is not limited to a particular number of collecting surfaces or low points 15, so long as a substance within the enclosure 10 can be collected, accumulated, or guided toward at least one low point 15 of the floor 14.

[0034] As best illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, an inlet tube 50 may be arranged to form a passageway 54 through a sidewall 12 of the enclosure 10. The inlet tube 50 has a first opening 52, which may be connected to or in communication with the low point 15 of the floor 14, so that substances within the enclosure 10 can be guided toward the passageway 54. As used herein, the phrases “connected to” and “in communication with” broadly refer to any kind of structure that is capable of permitting a substance, such as air or gas, to flow directly or indirectly between two elements. Although the first opening 52 is illustrated as being directly connected to the low point 15 of the floor 14, other elements, such as one or more flow nozzles or guides may be included as part of the connection between the first opening 52 and the floor 14.

[0035] The inlet tube 50 may have a one-way check valve 56 located within the passageway 54 to prevent substances from flowing back into the enclosure 10. The term “one-way check valve” is used in its broad sense, and refers to any type of device that can allow a substance to flow through a passageway in only one direction. For example, the one-way check valve 56 can be a flapper-type valve head (not shown) that is moveable between open and closed positions. In the absence of a suction or vacuum force in the passageway, the flapper valve is biased toward the closed position to prevent substances from flowing back toward the low point 15. On the other hand, when a suction or vacuum force is created in the passageway, the flapper valve head moves toward the open position, allowing the substance to flow toward the source of the suction or vacuum.

[0036] The passageway 54 of the inlet tube 50 may be connected to a pump 60. As used herein, the term “pump” generally refers to any type of machine or device for raising, compressing, inhaling, exhaling, or otherwise transferring a substance from one location to another. The pump 60 may have a housing 62, alternatively referred to as a “stationary” member or component, associated with the enclosure 10. The phrase “associated with” is used in its broad sense, and generally refers to any type of connection, coupling, or mounting between the pump housing 62 and the enclosure 10. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-B, the pump housing 62 may be mounted close to the low point 15 of the floor 14 on an exterior surface of the enclosure 10. The invention, however, is not limited to any particular location of the pump housing 62, so long as the passageway 54 of the inlet tube 50 is capable of guiding a substance between the floor 14 and the pump 60. For example, the pump 60 can be located at a remote location and one or more extension tubes (not shown) can be used to transfer a substance from the enclosure 10 to the pump 60. The pump housing 62 also may be embedded within a sidewall 12 of the enclosure 10 as a unitary structure, or located underneath the floor 14 of the enclosure 10, as illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 4A-B and 6A-B.

[0037] The passageway 54 of the inlet tube 50 also may have a second opening 58 fluidly connected to or in fluid communication with a pump chamber 64 formed within the pump housing 62. The term “pump chamber” generally refers to an enclosed space or compartment within the pump housing 62 that is capable of substantially containing, holding, or collecting a substance drawn through the passageway 54 by the pump 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the passageway 54 extends through the pump housing 62 so that the second opening 58 may be formed at an end 65 of the pump chamber 64. The pump housing 62 may be made of any suitable material, so long as the pump 60 is capable of drawing a substance through the passageway 54 of the inlet tube 50.

[0038] As depicted, an outlet tube 80 may be connected to the pump 60. The outlet tube 80 may have a passageway 84, a first opening 82, which may allow a substance to flow from the pump chamber 64 to the passageway 84, and a second opening 88. In the illustrated embodiments, the passageway 84 extends through the pump housing 62 such that the first opening 82 of the outlet tube 80 may be fluidly connected to or in fluid communication with the pump chamber 64 at the same end 65 as the second opening 58 of the inlet tube 50. The invention, however, is not limited to any particular kind of structure for connecting the first opening 82 of the outlet tube 80 and the second opening 58 of the inlet tube 50 to the pump chamber 64. For example, either the first opening 82 of the outlet tube 80, or the second opening 58 of the inlet tube 50 could be formed in a sidewall 67 of the pump chamber 64.

[0039] The outlet tube 80 may have a one-way check valve 86, which operates in a similar manner to the check valve 46 of the inlet tube 40. The check valve 86 of the outlet tube 80, however, may prevent a substance from entering the pump chamber 64 through the passageway 84 of the outlet tube 80. When the pump 60 is in a pressurized state, for example, a substance may be forced toward the first opening 82 of the outlet tube 80, and the check valve 86 may move to an open position, allowing the substance to flow away from the pump chamber 64. The term “pressurized state” is used in its broad sense, and generally refers to where the pump 60 exerts a positive force to draw or exhale a substance toward the first opening 82 and the passageway 84 of the outlet tube 60. On the other hand, when the pump 60 is in a non-pressurized state, the check value 86 may move to a closed position, thereby preventing a substance, such as atmospheric air, from entering the pump chamber 64. The term “non-pressurized state” generally refers to where the pump 60 does not exert a positive force toward the first opening 82 of the outlet tube 60, but instead generates a negative suction force to draw or inhale a substance through the second opening 58 of the inlet tube 50 and toward the pump chamber 64.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiments, the pump 60 may include a single acting piston 66, alternatively referred to as a “displacement member,” a return spring 68, and an actuator 70, 90 connected to the door 18. The present invention, however, is not limited to the illustrated single acting piston pump 60. For example, several other types of pumps, such as diaphragm pump, could be used. In an embodiment, the pump chamber 64 is cylindrically shaped and the piston 66 is annularly shaped to slide within the pump chamber 64. A seal (not shown), for example, and O-ring, may also be included on the periphery of the piston 66 to create an air-tight seal between the piston 66 and the inner surface of the pump chamber 64.

[0041] The return spring 68, alternatively referred to as a “biasing member” may be arranged within the pump chamber 64 to bias the piston 66 within the pump 60. The actuator 70, 90 may be connected to the piston 66 to move it between a retracted position and one or more extended positions relative to the pump housing 62. The term “retracted position” refers to the location of the piston 66 when it is relatively close to the end 65 of the pump chamber 64. The term “extended positions” refers to the positions of the piston 66 when it is moved away from the end 65 of the pump chamber 64. In operation, when the piston 66 moves between the retracted position and the extended positions, the pump 60 may either inhale a substance from the inlet tube 50 and toward the pump chamber 64 during an intake stroke, or exhale a substance from the pump chamber 64 and toward the outlet tube 80 during a discharge stroke.

[0042] The actuator 70, 90 also may be connected to the door 18 of the enclosure 10. In the illustrated embodiments, the actuator 70, 90 is arranged to allow the door 18 to manually operate the pump 60. The term “manual” is used in its broad sense, and generally refers to the use of a substantially non-electrical device to move the door 18 between the closed position and the open positions, actuate the actuator 70, 90, and move the piston 66 between the retracted position and the extended positions. In the an embodiment, the pump 60 may be referred to as being “motor-less” because it is actuated solely by the mechanical action of the door 18. As the door 18 is manually moved between the closed position and the open positions, the actuator 70, 90, in turn, operates the pump 60 by moving the piston 66 between the retracted and the extended positions. As a result, the manual operation of the door 18 may cause the pump 60 to remove a substance from the enclosure 10, and the amount of substance expelled from the enclosure 10 may be proportional to the number of times the door 18 is manually operated.

[0043] The invention, however, is not necessarily limited to purely manual operation of the door 18, actuator 70, 90, and pump 60. For example, any type of electrical or electromechanical device could assist in moving the door 18 between the closed position and the open positions, as well as in operating the actuator 70, 90 and pump 60. The invention is also not limited to any particular type of connection between the door 18, actuator 70, 90, and pump 60. Any number or combination of electro-mechanical linkages may be used, so long as the pump 60 operates in response to the movement of the door 18.

[0044] Moreover, the present invention is not limited to a particular type of actuator 70, 90. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-B, the pump 60 may be actuated by pushing the actuator 70 toward the piston 66. The return spring 68 of the pump 60 may be arranged between the end 65 of pump chamber 64 and the piston 66 so as to bias the piston 66 toward the extended position. The actuator 70 may extend an actuation rod 72 connected to the piston 66. An end of the actuation rod 72 may extend outside the pump housing 62. The actuation rod 72 may be positioned so that it is in the path of an actuation plate 74 mounted on the door frame 26. When the door 18 opens (i.e., FIG. 2B), a fresh volume of moisturized air may be introduced into the interior space 11 of the enclosure 10, while the actuation plate 76 pushes on the end of the actuation rod 72. The actuation rod 72, in turn, may push the piston 66 toward the retracted position, so as to exhale a substance within the pump chamber 64 toward the outlet tube 80, and compress the return spring 68 during the discharge stroke. When the door 18 is closed (i.e., FIG. 2A), the return spring 68 returns the piston 66 toward the extended position, and the pump 60 draws or inhales a new volume of substance from the inlet tube 50 into the pump chamber 64 during the intake stroke.

[0045] Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3, 4A-B, 5, and 6A-B, the pump 60 may be operated by pulling the actuator 90 away from the piston 66. The return spring 68 of the pump 60 may be arranged between the end 59 of pump chamber 64 and the piston 66 so as to bias the piston 66 toward the retracted position. The actuator 90 may have an actuation cable 92 connected to the piston 66. One end of the actuation cable 92 may extend outside the pump housing 62 and be attached to an attachment pin 94 connected to the door frame 26. A slotted cable guide wheel 96 may be mounted to the bottom of the bracket 28 of the door 18. The guide wheel 96 may have a curved portion that allows the cable 92 to be wrapped and unwrapped from around the guide wheel 96 when the door 18 is moved between the closed position and the open positions.

[0046] In operation, when the door 18 is opened, the pump 60, guide wheel 96, and attachment pin 94, may be positioned so that the cable 92 extends from the pin 94, tangentially approaches the guide wheel 96, wraps around the guide wheel 96 for a variable angular distance, and extends tangentially from the guide wheel 96 to the piston 66. The angle of wrap around the guide wheel 96 is approximately equal to the angle at which the door 18 is opened. For example, when the door 18 is closed, the cable 92 may wrap around the guide wheel 96 for an angular distance of approximately 0 degrees. On the other hand, when the door 18 is opened to form a 90 degree angle relative to the closed position, the cable 92 may wrap around the guide wheel 96 for an angular distance of approximately 90 degrees. As the cable 92 wraps around the guide wheel 96, the piston 66 may be pulled toward the extended position, drawing or inhaling in a new volume of substance from the inlet tube 50 into the pump chamber 64, and compressing the return spring 68 during the intake stroke. When the door 18 is moved back toward the closed position, the cable 92 may unwrap from the guide wheel 96, and the return spring 68 may return the piston 66 toward the retracted position, to exhale the substance from the pump chamber 64 and toward the outlet tube 80 during the discharge stroke.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, the second opening 88 of outlet tube 80 may be arranged to dispense a substance exhaled by the pump 60 toward a pan 42, alternatively referred to as a “condensate” pan, mounted on top of the enclosure 10. Although the pan 42 is illustrated as being located upon the compressor 40, it can be placed at any suitable location, so long as the waste heat generated by the temperature-controlled system is directed toward the pan 42. Preferably, waste heat is used to help evaporate condensate exhaled from the enclosure 10 by the pump 60 based on the manual operation of the door 18.

[0048] Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6A-B, the second opening 88 of outlet tube 80 may be used to dispense air to the outside of the enclosure 10. As illustrated, the cavity 25 of the insulating unit 24 may be filled with vacuum insulation material. The inlet tube 50 may be arranged to form a passageway 54 through the enclosure 10. The first opening 52 of the inlet tube 50 may be fluidly connected to or in fluid communication with the cavity 25 so that air or liquid within the cavity 25 can be guided through the passageway 54. Although the first opening 52 is illustrated as being directly connected to the cavity 25, other elements, such a flow nozzle or a guide can be included as part of the connection between the first opening 52 and the cavity 25. The second opening 58 of inlet tube 50 may be connected, in turn, to the pump chamber 64. The first opening 82 of outlet tube 80 also may be connected to the pump chamber 64, so that a substance, such as air, within the cavity 25 can be expelled through the second opening 88. The one-way check value 86 of outlet tube 80 may be arranged to prevent air from flowing back into the pump chamber 64 when the pump 60 operates to inhale air through the inlet tube 50. Similarly, the one-way check valve 56 of inlet tube 50 may be arranged to prevent air from flowing back into the cavity 25 when the pump 60 operates to expel air through the outlet tube 80. In operation, when the door 18 is opened, the door 18 may allow substances, such as air or water, to enter into the enclosure 10, while simultaneously operating the pump 60 to continuously remove the substances themselves, when it is moved between the closed position and the open positions.

[0049] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only. Thus, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the illustrative examples in this specification.

Claims

1. A door-operated pump assembly, comprising:

a housing defining a chamber having an inlet and an outlet;

a displacement member arranged to move within the chamber between first and second positions;

an actuator coupled to the displacement member, the actuator being operable to move the displacement member between the first and second positions;

a door coupled to the actuator, the door being configured to move the displacement member between the first and second positions when the door is moved between a first door position and at least one second door position; and

wherein the displacement member is operable to inhale a substance into the chamber through the inlet and to exhale a substance from the chamber through the outlet.

2. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the displacement member comprises a piston.

3. The pump assembly of claim 1, further comprising a biasing device arranged to bias the displacement member toward the first position.

4. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing is associated with an enclosure including at least one wall defining an interior space, and wherein the door is arranged to pivot relative to the wall.

5. A temperature-controlled assembly, comprising:

the pump assembly of claim 1;

an enclosure associated with the pump assembly, the enclosure including at least one wall defining an interior space, the door being arranged to pivot relative to the wall;

a plurality of temperature control components arranged to control the temperature of the interior space of the enclosure and to dispense waste heat toward a condensate pan outside of the enclosure; and

a collection portion that collects condensate generated inside the enclosure by the plurality of temperature control components.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the collection portion comprises an inclined surface of the enclosure, the inlet of the chamber being arranged to receive condensate collected at a lower portion of the inclined surface, and the outlet of the chamber being arranged to direct condensate toward the condensate pan.

7. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet of the chamber is connected to an insulation cavity, and the chamber, the displacement member, and the door are arranged to transfer a substance away from the insulation cavity when the door is moved between the first and second door positions.

8. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a rod connected to the displacement member, and the door includes an actuation plate arranged to engage the rod when the door moves away from the first door position.

9. The pump assembly of claim 1, wherein the door includes a guide wheel, and the actuator comprises an actuation cable arranged to engage the guide wheel when the door moves away from the first door position.

10. A system for transferring a substance, comprising:

an enclosure defining a collecting portion that collects a substance;

an inlet connected to the collecting portion;

a transfer device connected to the inlet, and the transfer device having a stationary component and a moveable component, the stationary component defining a holding portion and the moveable component being configured to move toward a first direction when a portion of the substance is drawn into the holding portion;

an outlet connected to the holding portion of the transfer device and a discharge portion outside of the enclosure, the outlet being configured to guide a portion of the substance toward the discharge portion when the moveable component of the transfer device moves toward a second direction; and

a door coupled to the enclosure and the transfer device so as to move the moveable component of the transfer device between the first and second directions.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the enclosure comprises an air conditioning device arranged to generate condensate in the collecting portion and to direct heated air to evaporate condensate guided toward the discharge portion.

12. A temperature control apparatus for a cabinet, comprising:

a door providing access to the cabinet, the door being movable between open and closed positions;

a collection portion that collects a substance at a first location within the cabinet; and

a transfer device arranged to transfer the substance from the first location to a second location outside of the cabinet in response to movement of the door between the open and closed positions.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the transfer device comprises a pump actuated by the movement of the door.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the pump is a mechanical pump having a displacement member arranged to be moveable along an intake stroke and a discharge stroke such that a substance can be drawn into the pump from the first location during the intake stroke and output therefrom to the second location during the discharge stroke.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the pump has a displacement volume greater than a volume of substance collectable at the first location in response to a single opening and closing cycle of the door to thereby transfer substantially all of the volume of substance from the first location to the second location during each opening and closing cycle of the door.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the collection portion collects a volume of condensate, and the pump is arranged to displace at least a portion of the volume of condensate collected toward the second location when the door is moved between the open and closed positions.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a source of waste heat from the temperature control apparatus accumulatable at the second location to evaporate the condensate displaced by the pump.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the pump has a displacement member configured to move along an intake stroke and a discharge stroke when the door is moved between the open and closed positions.

19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the door comprises a movable wall of an enclosure defined by the cabinet.

20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the collection portion comprises an insulation cavity, and the transfer device comprises a displacement member configured to move along an intake stroke and a discharge stroke such that air can be drawn out of the insulation cavity and into the transfer device during the intake stroke and output from the transfer device during the discharge stroke.