PORTABLE ELECTRIC COOLER

The technology described herein provides a portable electric cooler for meat storage, tenderizing, and aging in a temperature and humidity controlled environment. The portable electric cooler includes a first and second sets of low pressure coils coupled to a compressor and three-way solenoid valves in order to alternate in a timed pattern the refrigerant flow in order to allow one set of low pressure coils to defrost while the other set circulates the refrigerant. The cooler includes a temperature sensor. The cooler includes a humidity system having a sensor, a controller, a water reservoir, at least one air duct coupled to the water reservoir to channel humidified air drawn from the water reservoir through the refrigeration chamber, and a solenoid configured to direct the fresh outside air being pumped in, to only travel through a set of coils that currently is in the rest mode.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This present non-provisional patent application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/325,201 filed on Nov. 20, 2008, and entitled “PORTABLE ELECTRIC COOLER,” and of which the application cited above is incorporated in-full by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technology described herein relates generally to electric cooling devices for food and beverages. More specifically, this technology relates to a device and methods for meat storage, tenderizing, and aging in a temperature, humidity and air flow/ventilation controlled environment, and a combined wine cooler steak ager.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many cooling devices are known in the art for cooling food and beverages. By way of example, cooling devices are utilized to store, age, and tenderize meat products in a temperature, humidity and air flow/ventilation controlled environment.

For many, dry aging meat, such as steaks, is a lost art. More tender and flavorful steaks and roasts can be achieved because of a method called dry aging. Typically, capability for the dry-aging of meat is available only to commercial suppliers and to top-tier restaurants. Dry-aging is expensive because of the amount of time required to age the beef and the loss of yield due to dehydration and trimming. Steaks can be dry aged by hanging uncut, just-harvested beef in a refrigerated cooler at a specific temperature and humidity for a predetermined time period, such as for example, 10 to 28 days.

The dry aging process includes exposing beef to open air for up to 28 days in an environment whose temperature, humidity and air circulation is carefully controlled. The dry aging process enhances beef by two means. First, moisture is evaporated from the muscle. This creates a greater concentration of beef flavor and taste. Second, the beef's natural enzymes break down the connective tissue in the muscle, which leads to more tender beef.

Related patents known in the art include the following: U.S. Pat. No. 2,419,119, issued to Christenson on Apr. 15, 1947, discloses an apparatus for treating and storing meat. U.S. Pat. No. 2,494,024, issued to Williams on Jan. 10, 1950, discloses a method and apparatus for refrigerating and aging meat. U.S. Pat. No. 2,816,836, issued to Williams on Dec. 17, 1957, discloses a method for aging meat. U.S. Pat. No. 3,377,941, issued to Jaremus on Apr. 16, 1968, discloses a refrigerator with meat aging and tenderizing compartment. U.S. Pat. No. 3,552,297, issued to Williams on Jan. 5, 1971, discloses an apparatus for aging and flavoring meat. U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,517, issued to Amman on Nov. 27, 1984, discloses a unit for the storage and aging of meat and sausages. U.S. Pat. No. 4,772,480, issued to Yamane on Sep. 20, 1988, discloses a method of controllingly aging edible material. U.S. Pat. No. 5,670,195, issued to Keith on Sep. 23, 1997, discloses a method and apparatus for storing and aging meat. U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,012, issued to Palmer on Feb. 27, 2001, discloses a method for the treatment of meat.

The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the technology described herein. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a device and methods for meat storage, tenderizing, and aging (wet- and dry-aging) in a temperature, humidity and air flow/ventilation controlled environment.

In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a humidity system for a portable electric cooler having a refrigeration chamber. The humidity system includes a water reservoir and at least one air duct coupled to the water reservoir to channel humidified air drawn from the water reservoir and through a cooling chamber of the cooler. The humidity system provides a high level of humidity within the cooling chamber.

The humidity system includes an air pump, the air pump configured to supply the water reservoir with a constant source of fresh air.

The humidity system includes a first set of coils and a second set of coils. The first and second set of coils can alternate such that one set is in a work mode, to cool the cooling chamber, while the other is in a rest mode. The at least one of the first and second set of coils is configured to send air to the water reservoir.

The humidity system includes a solenoid, the solenoid configured to direct the fresh outside air being pumped in, to only travel through the set of coils that currently is in the rest mode.

In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a portable electric cooler. The portable electric cooler includes: a refrigeration chamber; a humidity sensor; a water reservoir; and at least one air duct coupled to the water reservoir to channel humidified air drawn from the water reservoir and through the refrigeration chamber. The humidity system provides a high level of humidity within the refrigeration chamber.

The portable electric cooler includes an air pump, the air pump configured to supply the water reservoir with a constant source of fresh air.

The portable electric cooler includes a first set of coils and a second set of coils. The first and second set of coils can alternate such that one set is in a work mode, to cool the cooling chamber, while the other is in a rest mode. The at least one of the first and second set of coils is configured to send air to the water reservoir.

The portable electric cooler includes a solenoid, the solenoid configured to direct the fresh outside air being pumped in, to only travel through the set of coils that currently is in the rest mode.

The portable electric cooler includes: a compressor, the compressor configured to compress and circulate a refrigerant to cool the refrigeration chamber; an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant; a condenser having high pressure coils; a first set of low pressure coils disposed adjacent to the refrigeration chamber, fluidly coupled to the compressor, and configured to hold the refrigerant; and a second set of low pressure coils disposed adjacent to the refrigeration chamber, fluidly coupled to the compressor, and configured to alternatively hold the refrigerant. The first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils are alternated with refrigerant flow in order to allow one set of low pressure coils to defrost while the other set circulates the refrigerant.

The portable electric cooler includes a first three-way solenoid valve, the first three-way solenoid valve fluidly disposed after the expansion device and at a beginning of each of the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils and configured to switch between the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils in order to allow one set of low pressure coils to defrost while the other set circulates the refrigerant and a second three-way solenoid valve, the second three-way solenoid valve disposed at an ending of each of the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils and configured to combine two flows back into a single return to the compressor.

The portable electric cooler includes a timing device. The first three-way solenoid valve and the second three-way solenoid valve are configured to switch simultaneously on a predetermined time interval as controlled by the timing device.

With the portable electric cooler the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils are maintained at the same volume in order to maintain a stable load on the compressor and to maintain a same cooling capacity.

The portable electric cooler includes a temperature sensor. The refrigeration chamber is configured to be closely maintained at a temperature range immediately above freezing. The temperature is monitored by the temperature sensor and maintained in the range of 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

The portable electric cooler includes a tinted double-pane glass door disposed upon the refrigeration chamber to allow visibility and monitoring within the refrigeration chamber without opening the door and to disallow unwanted, unfiltered direct light contact with items stored within the refrigeration chamber.

The portable electric cooler includes a UV-C light configured to provide germicidal sterilization within the refrigeration chamber.

The portable electric cooler includes an LED display, to display temperature and humidity levels, an LED interior light to provide illumination within the refrigeration chamber, and a plurality of selection buttons to provide for setting programmatic variables on the portable electric cooler.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a combined storage, aging, and tenderizing device for meats and beverage cooler. The combined device includes a refrigeration chamber configured to store, age, and tenderize meats and to store and chill beverages; a humidity sensor; a water reservoir; at least one air duct coupled to the water reservoir to channel humidified air drawn from the water reservoir and through the refrigeration chamber; and a solenoid configured to direct the fresh outside air being pumped in, to only travel through a set of coils that currently is in the rest mode. The humidity system provides a high level of humidity within the refrigeration chamber.

The combined device includes a compressor, the compressor configured to compress and circulate a refrigerant to cool the refrigeration chamber; an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant; a condenser having high pressure coils; a first set of low pressure coils disposed adjacent to the refrigeration chamber, fluidly coupled to the compressor, and configured to hold the refrigerant; and a second set of low pressure coils disposed adjacent to the refrigeration chamber, fluidly coupled to the compressor, configured to alternatively hold the refrigerant; a first three-way solenoid valve, the first three-way solenoid valve fluidly disposed after the expansion device and at a beginning of each of the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils and configured to switch between the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils in order to allow one set of low pressure coils to defrost while the other set circulates the refrigerant; and a second three-way solenoid valve, the second three-way solenoid valve disposed at an ending of each of the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils and configured to combine two flows back into a single return to the compressor. The first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils are alternated with refrigerant flow in order to allow one set of low pressure coils to defrost while the other set circulates the refrigerant, in order to maintain a narrow temperature range for aging and tenderizing meats.

The combined device includes an air pump, the air pump configured to supply the water reservoir with a constant source of fresh air.

The combined device includes a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature within the refrigeration chamber. The refrigeration chamber is configured to be closely maintained at a temperature range immediately above freezing for dry-aging meats. The temperature is monitored by the temperature sensor and maintained in the range of 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit to keep meats as cold as possible without freezing.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the technology in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described herein.

Further objects and advantages of the technology described herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technology described herein is illustrated with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable electric cooler, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

FIG. 2 is an front perspective view of the portable electric cooler of FIG. 1, illustrated with the door removed;

FIG. 3 is an expanded front perspective view of the internal components of the portable electric cooler of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the door for the portable electric cooler, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

FIG. 5 is a is an front perspective view of the portable electric cooler of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is rear perspective view of the internal components of the portable electric cooler of FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, multiple sets of coils and a compressor;

FIG. 7 is a front expanded perspective view of the internal components of the portable electric cooler of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a fan, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a fan, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the internal components of the portable electric cooler of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the internal components of the portable electric cooler of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the internal components of the portable electric cooler of FIG. 1.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a device and methods for meat storage, tenderizing, and aging in a temperature and humidity controlled environment.

Referring now to the Figures, a cooler 10 is depicted. Cooler 10 is a portable, electric cooler that is suitable for home use for storing, aging, and tenderizing meats and cooling beverages such as wine. Cooler 10 includes an inner shell 12 and an outer shell 14. The inner shell 12 can be manufactured from a durable plastic material to form the inside of the refrigeration chamber for storing items such as meats for aging and wines for chilling. The inner shell 12 can be vacuum formed. The outer shell 14 can be manufactured from a durable metal. Disposed between inner shell 12 and outer shell 14 is substantial insulation foam (not shown), such as, for example, approximately up to double the amount found in conventional refrigeration devices, to help maintain the narrow temperature range required for aging meats. In one embodiment, the cooler 10 is a small portable cooler of approximately four to six cubic feet in interior storage space. This cooler size is suitable for home owners who desire aged steaks, for example, but who do not have access to expensive commercial meat coolers or top-tier restaurants having such.

Outer shell 14 includes a base 32, top 34, rear panel 30, left side panel 36, and right side panel 38. Outer shell 14 includes door frame 40 in which glass door 42 is placed. The glass door 42 is mounted to the door frame 40 such that it can swivel to either open or close as desired. The glass door 42 is tinted in at least one embodiment. A tinted glass door 42 allows visibility and monitoring within the refrigeration chamber without opening the door and disallows unwanted, unfiltered direct light contact with items stored within the refrigeration chamber. Together these components form the outer shell 14 and fully enclose the inner shell 12.

Cooler 10 utilizes a multiplicity of rack mounts 16 to provide various locations within the refrigeration chamber to place the rack 18. Meats can be hung from within the refrigeration chamber or placed on one or more of the racks 18. Cooler 10 also includes at least one circulation fan 66.

Cooler 10 utilizes a display 20 for the temperature and humidity levels measured within the refrigeration chamber. Display 20 can be an LED display. Although the temperature and humidity levels within the refrigeration chamber can be automatically and electronically adjusted as necessary, the visual display 20 enables one to instantly know the values within the refrigeration chamber.

Cooler 10 also includes a multiplicity of selection buttons 28 that enable a user of the cooler 10 to set-up, program, monitor, and otherwise adjust cooler settings, such as, but not limited to, temperature, humidity, actual time, scheduled time, etc.

Cooler 10 includes a compressor 24. The compressor 24 is configured to compress and circulate a refrigerant to cool the refrigeration chamber. When compressor 24 is running, it compresses the refrigerant in a low-pressure gaseous state to a high-pressure gas. Cooler 10 includes an expansion device 68 for expanding the refrigerant. Cooler 10 includes a condenser having high pressure coils 50.

Cooler 10 includes a first set of low pressure coils 56 disposed adjacent to the refrigeration chamber on the rear. The first set of low pressure coils 56 are fluidly coupled to the compressor 24 and configured to hold the refrigerant. Cooler 10 also includes a second set of low pressure coils disposed adjacent to the refrigeration chamber on both a left side 52 and a right side 54. The second set of low pressure coils 52, 54 are fluidly coupled to the compressor 24 and configured to hold the refrigerant. The first set of low pressure coils 56 and the second set of low pressure coils 52, 54 are alternated with refrigerant flow in order to allow one set of low pressure coils to defrost while the other set circulates the refrigerant.

The coils 52, 54, 56 are arranged in a horizontal manner and downwardly sloping. The downward slope is, for example, two degrees. This design ensures any moisture inside of the air tubes does not collect and freeze at the bottom of a bend as can happen in a vertical design.

Cooler 10 also utilizes a three-way solenoid valve 48a. The first three-way solenoid valve 48a is fluidly disposed after the expansion device 68 and at a beginning of each of the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils 52, 54 and configured to switch between the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils in order to allow one set of low pressure coils to defrost while the other set circulates the refrigerant and a second three-way solenoid valve 48b. The second three-way solenoid valve 48b is disposed at an ending of each of the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils and configured to combine two flows back into a single return to the compressor 24. The first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils are maintained at the same volume in order to maintain a stable load on the compressor and to maintain a same cooling capacity.

The cooler 10 further includes a control system 44 having a timing device, among other controls, such as for temperature and humidity. The first three-way solenoid valve 48a and the second three-way solenoid valve 48b are configured to switch simultaneously on a predetermined time interval as controlled by the timing device.

The control system 44 also includes a temperature sensor. The refrigeration chamber is configured to be closely maintained at a temperature range immediately above freezing. The temperature is monitored by the temperature sensor and maintained in the range of 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is preferred for aging beef.

The control system 44 also includes a humidity sensor. The humidity is monitored by the humidity sensor and maintained in the range of 75% to 90% humidity. This range is preferred for aging beef. As will be apparent to those in the art, such sensors can be placed in varied locations within the refrigeration chamber.

The cooler 10 includes a humidity system. The humidity system provides a high level of humidity within cooler 10 to provide the preferred environment for aging beef.

The humidity system includes a water reservoir 82. The water reservoir 82 includes air ducts 84. Two fans draw the humidified air from the water reservoir 82 and circulate the humidified air throughout the cooling chamber.

The humidity system includes an air pump to supply the water reservoir 82 with a constant source of fresh air. As air is pumped into the water reservoir 82, air bubbles are created which subsequently pop upon reaching the surface of the water. The humidity system creates a higher level of humidified air to be drawn from the water reservoir 82. The humidity system allows us to maintain a constant level of humidity inside the chamber of 80-90%; the perfect level for dry aging steaks.

The humidity system also solves the problem of frost forming on the coils. Traditional systems shut off the compressor and allow the coils to melt. This increases the temperature inside the cooling chambers which would be dangerous to age steaks. The coils are defrosted without shutting off the compressor by utilizing a double set of coils that mirror the cooling coils, a first set of coils, and a second set of coils. The second set of coils is used to send the air to the water reservoir 82.

The humidity system also includes a solenoid to direct the fresh outside air being pumped in, to only travel through the side of the coils that is in the rest mode. The solenoid is for example a 3-way solenoid. Use of the solenoid is dually functional. The solenoid acts as a heat exchanger defrosting the cooled coils that are in the rest mode while pre-cooling the air that enters the water reservoir 82. This keeps the water inside the water reservoir 82 from heating up too much such that it would raise the temperature inside the cooling chamber. Another set of solenoids splits the cooling coils so that while one side shuts off to defrost, the other side continues to cool to maintain the temperature at the desired range. Dry aging steaks require constant temperature, humidity and air flow to successfully age steaks.

The cooler 10 also includes a UV-C light 62 configured to provide germicidal sterilization within the refrigeration chamber. UV-C light 62 can be located within a duct. UV-C light 62 can be located in the top of the cooling chamber. UV-C light 62 reduces the likelihood of bacterial growth on the steaks, or the like, stored in the refrigeration chamber. The cooler 10 also includes an interior light.

Disposed at a top end of duct 84 is a circulation fan 66. Circulation fan 66 provides ventilation to the refrigeration chamber. The dry aging process utilizes a means of evacuating the moist air from the dehydrating beef, to be evacuated from the unit to ensure a slow movement of fresh air around the beef. By way of example, this can be accomplished by installing a vent inside the unit or utilizing the drain for the coils for the same purpose.

In one alternative embodiment, the cooler 10 is utilized in a combination storage, aging, and tenderizing device for meats and beverage cooler for wines and the like.

In at least one embodiment, the cooler 10 can be manufactured utilizing the following general steps: vacuum form the inner shell 12, bend the copper tubing into the proper shape, join the tubing to the 3 way solenoids 48a, 48b, affix the copper tubing to the inner shell 12, bend the outer shell 14 out of sheet metal, place the inner shell and copper tubing inside the outer shell 14, attach the copper tubing to the compressor 24, wire all the electronics (thermostat, humidity sensor etc.) to the proper locations, fill the area between the inner and outer shells 12, 14 with insulating foam, and attached the glass door 42 with the proper mounting hardware.

Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. A humidity system for a portable electric cooler having a refrigeration chamber, the humidity system comprising:

a water reservoir;
at least one air duct coupled to the water reservoir to channel humidified air drawn from the water reservoir and through a cooling chamber of the cooler; and
wherein the humidity system provides a high level of humidity within the cooling chamber.

2. The humidity system of claim 1, further comprising:

an air pump, the air pump configured to supply the water reservoir with a constant source of fresh air.

3. The humidity system of claim 1, further comprising:

a first set of coils; and
a second set of coils;
wherein the first and second set of coils can alternate such that one set is in a work mode, to cool the cooling chamber, while the other is in a rest mode; and
wherein at least one of the first and second set of coils is configured to send air to the water reservoir.

4. The humidity system of claim 3, further comprising:

a solenoid, the solenoid configured to direct the fresh outside air being pumped in, to only travel through the set of coils that currently is in the rest mode.

5. A portable electric cooler comprising:

a refrigeration chamber;
a humidity sensor;
a water reservoir; and
at least one air duct coupled to the water reservoir to channel humidified air drawn from the water reservoir and through the refrigeration chamber;
wherein the humidity system provides a high level of humidity within the refrigeration chamber.

6. The portable electric cooler of claim 5, further comprising:

an air pump, the air pump configured to supply the water reservoir with a constant source of fresh air.

7. The portable electric cooler of claim 5, further comprising:

a first set of coils; and
a second set of coils;
wherein the first and second set of coils can alternate such that one set is in a work mode, to cool the cooling chamber, while the other is in a rest mode; and
wherein at least one of the first and second set of coils is configured to send air to the water reservoir.

8. The portable electric cooler of claim 7, further comprising:

a solenoid, the solenoid configured to direct the fresh outside air being pumped in, to only travel through the set of coils that currently is in the rest mode.

9. The portable electric cooler of claim 5, further comprising:

a compressor, the compressor configured to compress and circulate a refrigerant to cool the refrigeration chamber;
an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant;
a condenser having high pressure coils;
a first set of low pressure coils disposed adjacent to the refrigeration chamber, fluidly coupled to the compressor, and configured to hold the refrigerant; and
a second set of low pressure coils disposed adjacent to the refrigeration chamber, fluidly coupled to the compressor, and configured to alternatively hold the refrigerant; and
wherein the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils are alternated with refrigerant flow in order to allow one set of low pressure coils to defrost while the other set circulates the refrigerant.

10. The portable electric cooler of claim 9, further comprising:

a first three-way solenoid valve, the first three-way solenoid valve fluidly disposed after the expansion device and at a beginning of each of the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils and configured to switch between the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils in order to allow one set of low pressure coils to defrost while the other set circulates the refrigerant; and
a second three-way solenoid valve, the second three-way solenoid valve disposed at an ending of each of the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils and configured to combine two flows back into a single return to the compressor.

11. The portable electric cooler of claim 10, further comprising:

a timing device;
wherein the first three-way solenoid valve and the second three-way solenoid valve are configured to switch simultaneously on a predetermined time interval as controlled by the timing device.

12. The portable electric cooler of claim 9, wherein the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils are maintained at the same volume in order to maintain a stable load on the compressor and to maintain a same cooling capacity.

13. The portable electric cooler of claim 5, further comprising:

a temperature sensor;
wherein the refrigeration chamber is configured to be closely maintained at a temperature range immediately above freezing;
wherein the temperature is monitored by the temperature sensor and maintained in the range of 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

14. The portable electric cooler of claim 5, further comprising:

a tinted double-pane glass door disposed upon the refrigeration chamber to allow visibility and monitoring within the refrigeration chamber without opening the door and to disallow unwanted, unfiltered direct light contact with items stored within the refrigeration chamber.

15. The portable electric cooler of claim 5, further comprising:

a UV-C light configured to provide germicidal sterilization within the refrigeration chamber.

16. The portable electric cooler of claim 5, further comprising:

an LED display, to display temperature and humidity levels;
an LED interior light to provide illumination within the refrigeration chamber; and
a plurality of selection buttons to provide for setting programmatic variables on the portable electric cooler.

17. A combined storage, aging, and tenderizing device for meats and beverage cooler, the device comprising:

a refrigeration chamber configured to store, age, and tenderize meats and to store and chill beverages;
a humidity sensor;
a water reservoir; and
at least one air duct coupled to the water reservoir to channel humidified air drawn from the water reservoir and through the refrigeration chamber;
wherein the humidity system provides a high level of humidity within the refrigeration chamber; and
a solenoid, the solenoid configured to direct the fresh outside air being pumped in, to only travel through a set of coils that currently is in the rest mode.

18. The combined storage, aging, and tenderizing device for meats and beverage cooler of claim 17, further comprising:

a compressor, the compressor configured to compress and circulate a refrigerant to cool the refrigeration chamber;
an expansion device for expanding the refrigerant;
a condenser having high pressure coils;
a first set of low pressure coils disposed adjacent to the refrigeration chamber, fluidly coupled to the compressor, and configured to hold the refrigerant;
a second set of low pressure coils disposed adjacent to the refrigeration chamber, fluidly coupled to the compressor, and configured to alternatively hold the refrigerant;
wherein the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils are alternated with refrigerant flow in order to allow one set of low pressure coils to defrost while the other set circulates the refrigerant, in order to maintain a narrow temperature range for aging and tenderizing meats;
a first three-way solenoid valve, the first three-way solenoid valve fluidly disposed after the expansion device and at a beginning of each of the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils and configured to switch between the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils in order to allow one set of low pressure coils to defrost while the other set circulates the refrigerant; and
a second three-way solenoid valve, the second three-way solenoid valve disposed at an ending of each of the first set of low pressure coils and the second set of low pressure coils and configured to combine two flows back into a single return to the compressor.

19. The combined storage, aging, and tenderizing device for meats and beverage cooler of claim 17, further comprising:

an air pump, the air pump configured to supply the water reservoir with a constant source of fresh air.

20. The combined storage, aging, and tenderizing device for meats and beverage cooler of claim 17, further comprising:

a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature within the refrigeration chamber;
wherein the refrigeration chamber is configured to be closely maintained at a temperature range immediately above freezing for dry-aging meats;
wherein the temperature is monitored by the temperature sensor and maintained in the range of 33 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit to keep meats as cold as possible without freezing.
Patent History
Publication number: 20100154452
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 1, 2010
Publication Date: Jun 24, 2010
Inventor: Kevin McCann (Cincinnati, OH)
Application Number: 12/715,380
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Means Dispersing Or Evaporating Liquid Into Atmosphere (62/247); With Evaporative Type Cooler (62/259.4); With Gas Forcing Or Directing Means (62/314); Compressor-condenser-evaporator Circuit (62/498); Helical (165/184); With Illuminating Or Radiant Energy Means (62/264); Unit Includes Movable Wall Section, E.g., Door (62/449)
International Classification: A47F 3/04 (20060101); F25D 31/00 (20060101); F25D 17/06 (20060101); F25B 1/00 (20060101); F28F 1/10 (20060101); F25D 27/00 (20060101); F25D 23/02 (20060101);