Abstract: Panel assemblies, unformed panel assemblies, and methods for forming panel assemblies are provided. A panel assembly includes a main panel extending within a plane which defines an X-axis and a Y-axis, a first side panel extending from the main panel generally along a Z-axis, and a second side panel extending from the main panel generally along the Z-axis. The panel assembly further includes a first tab extending from the first side panel and including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending from the first side panel generally along the X-axis, the second portion extending from the first portion generally along the Z-axis such that a slot is defined between the second portion and the first side panel. The panel assembly further includes a second tab extending from the second side panel generally along the Y-axis and through the slot.

Abstract: The invention presents a solution to avoid glue when fixing an elastic foot to a pot support, such as used in ranges and kitchen hobs. The pot support (1000) has a cavity (2200) which is aligned with an elastic foot (1300) which comprises on the other hand a hollow space (3240). By inserting an expansion body (3220, 3450) into the hollow space, a press fit is generated between a support structure (1800) of the pot support and/or elastic material of the foot (1300). Rivets (3450) or bolts (3220) are taught as expansion bodies. The invention also teaches a method to mount an elastic foot to a pot support. The invention provides a solution for avoiding the deteriorating effects of aging glue used in the prior art, which leads to the loss of rubber feet on current pot supports.

Abstract: An exhaust device for convection or combi ovens captures exhaust from opening side-opening oven doors with minimal energy waste.

Abstract: A ventilation hood is mounted to an underside of a cabinet by left and right support brackets each including a main body from which depend at least one support tab or hanger, as well as a locator tab. The main body is aligned on the cabinet, while the locator tab appropriately spaces the support bracket from an upstanding rear wall. Thereafter, the ventilation hood is positioned so the support tabs are received in slots formed in a top panel of the hood and, upon sliding the hood rearward, the hood rides upon ramped or tapered surfaces of the support tabs to position the hood against the cabinet while hanging the hood from the support tabs. Thereafter, the support tabs are bent to retain the ventilation hood in an operational position. Employing the distinct aligning, positioning and hanging structure enables a single person to readily mount the ventilation hood.

Abstract: An oven appliance includes a baking stone positioned within a housing at a bottom portion of a cooking chamber. An inlet of an air duct is positioned at a front portion of the housing, and an outlet of the air duct is positioned at a rear portion of the housing and is contiguous with ambient air about the housing. An air handler is configured for urging the ambient air about the housing through the air duct.

Abstract: An oven appliance includes a baking stone positioned within a housing at a bottom portion of a cooking chamber. An entrance of a venting channel is positioned over an opening of the housing, and an exit of the venting channel is positioned above the entrance of the venting channel. The exit of the venting channel is also positioned such that the exit of the venting channel is exposed to interior room ambient atmosphere about the housing.

Abstract: A cooker with a gasket is provided that may include a top plate on which a plurality of burners may be placed; a manifold panel provided in front of the top plate and including thereon a plurality of knobs to control output powers of the plurality of burners; and a gasket that extends along a front end of the top plate and is compressed between the top plate and the manifold panel to hermetically seal the top plate and the manifold panel.

Abstract: A solar thermal control system includes a membrane configured to receive solar energy, wherein the membrane is configured to form a cavity between the membrane and an outer surface of a structure by coupling to the outer surface, and wherein the solar energy is configured to heat air within the cavity. The control system also includes a thermal collection unit configured to connect to the cavity and receive and direct air from the cavity, and a ducting system coupled to the thermal collection unit and configured to direct air from the thermal collection unit to at least one of the interior of the structure and a vent.

Abstract: A heat pump apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit for circulating combustible refrigerant, and a load unit to be provided in a room and configured to accommodate a load side heat exchanger. The load side heat exchanger allows heat exchange between the combustible refrigerant and a liquid heat medium. The load unit includes a fan, an air inlet for sucking in air from the room, and an air outlet for blowing out the air, sucked in from the air inlet, to the room. The air outlet is provided at a position of a height different from the height of the air inlet.

Abstract: The concepts relate to reducing energy loss associated with hot water systems. One example is manifest as a system with an automatic hot water recovery apparatus and selective hot water isolation devices. In one example a selective hot water isolation device is configured to be connected in fluid flowing relation with a first water line and a second water line and the selective hot water isolation device is configured to control water cross-over from the second water line into the first water line based upon water flow through the first water line.

Abstract: A solar energy attic air heat reservoir system including methods for selecting, installing and operating air movers coupled with HVAC components, air filters, and thermostatic control devices operating systematically for space heating. Solar insolation conducted through building roof materials heats the large volume of attic airspace sealed from normal ventilation during heating season to preserve heat energy, with heat transfer coefficient of convection contributing to and sustaining heating of attic air. Thermostatic digital temperature control devices communicate in series between the building attic and interior for optimum used of heated air supply for environmental control. Methods include computer program applications for feasibility, apparatus selection, operation, and energy cost accountability to enable optimizing space heating using the limited daily solar induced heat.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include providing a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system with a tapered end heat exchanger (TEHE) having a first tapered end disposed at a lower end of the TEHE with respect to an incoming airflow and on the downstream face of the TEHE and having a second tapered end disposed at an upper end of the TEHE with respect to an incoming airflow and on the upstream face of the TEHE. A drain pan having louvers is disposed about the lower end of the TEHE and configured to restrict airflow through narrow portions of the first tapered end of the TEHE. A baffle is disposed about the upper end of the TEHE and configured to restrict airflow through narrow portions of the second tapered end of the TEHE.

Abstract: An outdoor unit for an air conditioner is provided. The outdoor unit includes a base disposed on lower portions of suction panels, the base having two long sides and two short sides, legs respectively disposed on lower portions of the two long sides of the base, a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger disposed on an upper portion of the base, a refrigerant tube connecting the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger to each other, a plurality of service valve assemblies connected to the refrigerant tube, and a plurality of connection tubes respectively connected to the plurality of service valve assemblies to extend downward from the base. The plurality of connection tubes are aligned at a first alignment position at which they extend toward the front of the base or a second alignment position at which they extend toward a side of the base.

Abstract: A thermostat may include a plurality of heat-generating components; a plurality of first temperature sensors, each of the plurality of first temperature sensors being disposed next to a corresponding one of the plurality of heat-generating components; a second temperature sensor that is disposed away from the plurality of heat-generating components; and a memory device storing a coefficient matrix. The thermostat may also include one or more processors that combine a plurality of inputs to calculate an ambient temperature for an enclosure in which the thermostat is installed, the plurality of inputs including readings from the plurality of first temperature sensors, readings from the second temperature sensor, and the coefficient matrix.

Abstract: A system and approach for verifying and validating a room condition and its behavior in a critical environment. The system and approach may be a room controller built on top of a Niagara™ framework or launched from a Niagara workbench, and leverages extensible of Niagara. The system and approach may be web-based and used to test and verify the room condition per preset conditions. The system may have steps or tabs. They may incorporate screens for a create/open task, select test zone, read flow, hood/booster, T-stat set-up or temperature lever set-up, visual checks, and a report. One may create a new task and edit any existing task on the controller. One may move from task to task in either direction or go directly to the report of a completed task.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide for a dual processor architecture in a furnace or HVAC controller. One processor can control non-safety-critical components and is operable to receive software updates. The other processor can control safety-critical components and is not capable of being updated. Safety-critical components can comprise a flame sensor, gas valve and an igniter.

Abstract: A device for control and/or command of a visual or thermal comfort element or security element of a building includes a display screen, and an electronic control unit provided with a communication module arranged so as to receive data, according to a wireless communication protocol, originating from a complementary communication module of a central entity arranged so as to control and/or command the at least one visual or thermal comfort element or security element. The central entity is arranged to employ and transmit to the electronic control unit representative data relating to the visual or thermal comfort to electrical consumption or to the security of the building. The electronic control unit generates a display configuration based on at least one datum of content and at least one display descriptive datum defining the arrangement of a display of the at least one datum of content.

Abstract: A HVAC unit manufacturing method and a HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC system includes: a controller having control board terminals, a parallel wiring harness having a first and a second connection header, the first connection header coupled to the control board terminals, and a switch having terminals. The terminals of the switch including: a pair of functional terminals configured to indicate a status of the switch and a pair of jumpered terminals independent of the pair of functional terminals and internally connected together within the switch, wherein designated combinations of the terminals indicate a circuit configuration for employing the switch in the HVAC system with each of the terminals having a particular design that dictates a specific corresponding connection header be used for each of the designated combinations, wherein a single one of the designated combinations of the terminals corresponds to the second connection header.

Abstract: Accessing an energy management policy for a plurality of devices is described, wherein the devices are coupled with a first structure. The energy usage of the devices is monitored. An energy usage rule and energy usage is then compared. The energy management policy and energy usage is also compared. Based on the comparing, an instruction is generated to modify an energy usage profile of said device to correlate with the energy usage rule associated with the devices and the energy management policy, thereby enabling efficient energy management.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a thermostat includes a main body, a rotatable input component that is rotatably coupled with the main body, and a rotation detection system that is configured to sense user rotation of the rotatable input component. The rotatable input component is configured to be rotated by a user to enable the user to provide input to the thermostat. The rotation detection system includes a magnetic component that is positioned on an inner surface of the rotatable input component and that is magnetized so as to have a plurality of alternating north and south magnetic regions. The rotation detection system also includes a sensor that is positioned adjacent the magnetic component. The sensor is configured to detect polarity changes as the rotatable input component and magnetic component are rotated relative to the sensor.

Abstract: A thermostat may include a user interface having a first operating mode and a second operating mode, and a first proximity sensor configured to detect a user presence within a first range, the first proximity sensor comprising a plurality of channels comprising a left channel and a right channel, the right channel producing a response when a user presence is detected to the right of the thermostat, and the left channel producing a response when a user presence is detected to the left of the thermostat. A processing system may be programmed to receive an indication of a user presence within the first range from the first proximity sensor, the indication of the user presence being associated with responses from a plurality of the channels of the first proximity detector, and determine a motion signature based on the responses from the plurality of the channels of the first proximity detector.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for retrofitting an existing A/C to extend functionality thereof. One apparatus configured to be connected in between a UI board and a controller of the A/C, wherein the apparatus comprising a monitoring module configured to monitor signals transmitted from one component of the A/C to another component of the A/C, whereby content of the signal is extractable by the apparatus. Another apparatus configured to be connected in between a UI board and a controller of the A/C, comprising a signal generation module for generating signals to a component mimicking signals generated by another component of the A/C, whereby the A/C controller and/or UI board may be extend to provide additional functionality.

Abstract: An air circulation system for a building or other enclosed space that includes an heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) unit and a first air duct connecting the HVAC unit with the interior of the building. The system also includes a second air duct connecting the exterior of the building with its interior. A fan or secondary unit directs and moves air from outside of the building to inside the building when a controller determines via one or more sensors that an outside condition is preferable to a condition inside the building. The system also may be used in vehicles such as in ground-based vehicles including public transports, and in aircraft.

Abstract: An adjustable washing rack for an air conditioner contains: a body and a water collection bag. The body includes two opposite supports, a first adjusting rod, and a fixing rod. Each support has a first connecting portion, a rotatable coupling portion, and a second connecting portion. The first adjusting rod is defined between two first connecting portions of the two supports and has a first outer fitting extension and a first inner fitting extension. The fixing rod has a second outer fitting extension and two second inner fitting extensions. The each second inner fitting extension has a first end coupled with a connector for rotatably connecting with the rotatable coupling portion of the each support, and a positioning device is mounted between the connector and the rotatable coupling portion of the each support. The water collection bag includes an opening and a U-shaped surrounding part.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising a mixture inflow unit into which a mixture of air and fuel is introduced, a burner for combusting the mixture introduced through the mixture inflow unit, a sensible-heat exchange unit that is disposed around the burner, a latent-heat exchange unit in which heat is exchanged between combustion gas having passed through the sensible-heat exchange unit and a heating medium, and a combustion gas discharge unit is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hot-water boiler for a hot-water heating mat. The boiler is configured such that a high-temperature space and a low-temperature space, respectively, located on left and right sides of a recess formed in a lower portion of a central region of a hot-water heating tank, a discharge space connecting upper portions of the high-temperature space and the low-temperature space with each other, and a hot-water heating pipe connecting lower portions of the high-temperature space and the low-temperature space with each other are arranged to form a ‘’-shaped circulation path. The hot-water heating pipe is inclined and an electric heater is provided on an outer surface of the hot-water heating pipe.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising a mixture inflow unit into which a mixture of air and fuel is introduced, a burner for combusting the mixture introduced through the mixture inflow unit, a heat exchange unit that is disposed around the burner, and a combustion gas discharge unit for discharging the combustion gas having passed through the heat exchange unit is provided.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower and heating element apparatus includes a base, a scroll housing having primary and secondary inlet ports, and an integrated heating element, motor and impeller. The apparatus may be provided as a portable appliance used for heating a room. The apparatus may have an elongated aspect ratio and a space efficient design.

Abstract: A latent-heat exchanger comprising an upper heat exchange unit in which a plurality of circulating-heating-water heat exchange units having a circulating-heating-water flow channel formed therein and a lower heat exchange unit disposed on the lower side of the upper heat exchange unit, in which a plurality of direct-water heat exchange units having a direct-water flow channel formed therein is provided.

Abstract: A dual energy gas water heater is described and wherein a square flange, curved resistor style resistive heating element, is secured in a bottom portion of the tank of the water heater spaced above a top wall of the combustion chamber. A gas burner is secured in the combustion chamber and connected to a gas supply line through a gas valve. The curved resistive heating element is a low density, long life, element having a density in the range of about 20 to 80 watts/sq. inches. A switch is secured between the thermostat of the resistive heating element and the voltage supply line. A controller selectively operates the switch and the gas valve to disconnect the voltage supply line from the thermostat and/or shut-off the gas valve secured to the gas supply line depending on the desired source of energy. The controller is adapted to be optionally controlled by a utility/provider through a communication link.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic heater includes an inlet port for receiving a stream of fluid from an external source and an outlet port for discharging a stream of heated fluid from the hydrodynamic heater. A hydrodynamic chamber operates to selectively heat fluid present within an interior region of the hydrodynamic chamber. The hydrodynamic chamber includes an inlet port located proximate a center of the interior region of the hydrodynamic chamber and an outlet port located along an interior wall of the hydrodynamic chamber. The hydrodynamic chamber inlet port is fluidly connected to the inlet port of the hydrodynamic heater. The hydrodynamic heater includes a control valve fluidly connected to the hydrodynamic chamber outlet port and the hydrodynamic heater outlet port. A fluid metering device connected in series with the control valve is fluidly connected to the hydrodynamic chamber outlet port and the hydrodynamic heater outlet port.

Abstract: A water heater has a tank with at least one heating element. A non-invasive liquid level sensor is disposed in communication with a water containing volume encompassing the tank volume. If a signal received from the sensor indicates the at least one heating element is immersed in water, power is provided to the heating element. If the signal indicates the at least one heating element is not immersed in water, power is prevented from being provided to the heating element.

Abstract: A heating device is provided. A temperature sensing unit is configured to sense an ambient temperature and accordingly output a temperature sensing voltage. A driving unit is coupled to a heating transistor unit and the temperature sensing unit, and configured to drive the heating transistor unit for performing heating based on the temperature sensing voltage. An activating unit is coupled to the temperature sensing unit, configured to output an activating signal based on the temperature sensing voltage when a temperature of the printed circuit board has risen up to a preset temperature. The heating device as provided can assure that the activating signal can be normally outputted by the heating device under an ambient at an extremely low temperature.

Abstract: A method to control a fixed-sequence dual evaporator cooling system including providing a recurring cooling cycle cooling system wherein each recurring cooling cycle comprises first and second cooling cycles for cooling respective first and second interiors, a pump-out cycle for returning coolant to a condenser, and an idle cycle, and providing a processor to establish exceptions to the recurring cooling cycle. A step includes the processor monitoring first and second actual temperatures of the respective first and second interiors, selecting predetermined first and second control temperatures for the respective first and second interiors, and selecting a command input signal to supply to a compressor, the condenser fan, the first and second evaporator fans, and the valve of the cooling system during the recurring cooling cycle based upon the first and second actual temperatures and the predetermined first and second control temperatures to initiate the established exceptions.

Abstract: A system for cryocooling an optical sensor on a satellite to a temperature below 200K with minimal vibration comprising a miniature conical rotary screw compressor comprising an inner element configured to only rotate around a first stationary axis and an outer element configured to only rotate around a second stationary axis so that both elements revolve with minimal vibration; with at least one of a) a length of at least one of the inner element and the outer element is between 10 mm and 50 mm; b) a diameter of at least one of the inner element and the outer element is between 2 mm and 25 mm; c) a compression ratio of the rotary screw compressor is between 1:2 and 1:20; and d) a shaft speed of the conical rotary screw compressor is between 6001 and 20000 revolutions per minute.

Abstract: A non-air compressed gas-based energy storage and recovery system and method include receiving a quantity of non-air compressible gas and removing contaminants therefrom utilizing a separator/filter then powering a compressor to volumetrically compress the compressible gas. The gas is passed through a cooler to reduce the gas temperature and increase its density and is transferred to a storage vessel. The stored gas is then routed to a heater to increase the temperature of the gas and the gas is expanded in an expander to drive the expander and an electrical generator operably connected thereto in order to generate electric power.

Abstract: An active gas regenerative refrigerator includes a plurality of compressor-expander units, each having a hermetic cylinder with a drive piston configured to be driven reciprocally therein, and a quantity of working fluid in each end of the cylinder. A piston seal in a central portion of the cylinder prevents passage of the working fluid between ends of the cylinder. Movement of the piston to a first extreme results in radial compression of one of the quantities of working fluid in a cylindrical gap formed between one end of the piston and an inner surface of the cylinder, while the other quantity is expanded in the opposite end of the cylinder. The piston includes a plurality of magnets arranged in pairs, with magnets of each pair positioned with like-poles facing each other. A piston drive is configured to couple with transverse magnetic flux regions formed by the magnets.

Abstract: An adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration stage includes a salt pill, a magnet surrounding the salt pill, and a gas-gap heat switch interposed between the salt pill and the magnet. A method of operating an adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration stage includes using a magnet surrounding a salt pill to apply an increasing magnetic field to the salt pill, producing a gas to activate a gas gap heat switch interposed between the magnet and the salt pill to provide a path for heat flow from the salt pill through the magnet to a heat sink, and decreasing the magnetic field applied to the salt pill while adsorbing the gas to de-activate the gas gap heat switch to cool the salt pill to a lower temperature and cool an object attached to a cold tip extending from the salt pill.

Abstract: A controller is configured to, based on a characteristic information of thermal output with respect to a temperature difference between a hot end and a cold end of a working chamber, changes at least one of a flow rate of a heating target fluid in a high temperature heat exchanger and a flow rate of a cooling target fluid in a low temperature heat exchanger. At least one of the flow rate of the heating target fluid in the high temperature heat exchanger and the flow rate of the cooling target fluid in the low temperature heat exchanger is adjusted such that the temperature difference between the hot and cold ends changes in a direction that increases thermal output.

Abstract: The premise of the device's operation is employing the Peltier Effect—using thermoelectric coolers—to keep smaller amounts of consumable liquids or food either cold or hot during short distances of travel. The device is a portable metal container with an inner container encompassed by an outer container to provide an insulation moat that aids in maintaining a level interior temperature. The inner container has adhered cascaded thermoelectric coolers—powered by a rechargeable battery (or batteries) using on-board inductive and photovoltaic charging systems—that are equidistance apart. The adhered thermoelectric coolers—depending on the configuration—extract heat from or add heat to the interior of the inner container, resulting in a cooler or hotter temperature respectively. The resulting effect is that consumable liquids or food are made or kept cool or warm.

Abstract: A liquid chiller system utilizing a refrigerant capable of possessing a liquid state and a gas/vapor state, the refrigerant being cycled through a closed loop assembly of a compressor, an eccentric condenser and an eccentric evaporator. The eccentric compressor has a lower integrated reservoir and the eccentric evaporator has an upper dedicated reservoir such that separate, dedicated separator or receiver vessels are not required. The eccentric condenser is positioned above the eccentric evaporator such that liquid refrigerant flows by gravity from the eccentric condenser to the eccentric evaporator.

Abstract: An expansion valve of an air conditioning system for a vehicle includes: a body member where a first path and a second path that are separate from each other are formed; a movement member combined to be movable in a predetermined direction in the body member, one end of the movement member being exposed to the first path and receiving a pressure of the first path and another end opening/closing the second path; and an elastic member provided to elastically support the movement member in a direction of the first path, where as the movement member ascends or descends due to a difference between an internal pressure of the first path and an elastic force of the elastic member, the second path may be closed or opened.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide an accumulator for helping to relieve pressure during pressure spikes in an HVAC system. The accumulator can also be heated by various means, such as components of the condenser or evaporator, helping to achieve proper performance of the system. The accumulator can also serve as a receptacle for refrigerant when the system is powered down.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control system and method of controlling a refrigerated dryer of a gas compressor system are disclosed. The control system, including a controller and a flow sensor, selectively operates in a power saving mode in which the controller shuts down a refrigerant compressor included in the dryer system when the flow sensor indicates that no compressed gas is flowing through the dryer. In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the control system uses input from a temperature sensor to determine whether to activate the compressor regardless of the flow of compressed gas through the dryer. Consequently, the control system enables the dryer to perform with aspects of both non-cyclic and cyclic dryers without the added cost and complexity of a conventional cyclic dryer.

Abstract: An ice dispenser for a domestic refrigerator includes a lever having a housing with a passageway defined therein and a flapper door configured to pivot between a closed position in which ice is prevented from advancing into the passageway and an open position in which ice is permitted to advance into the passageway. A linkage is coupled to the lever and the flapper door such that movement of the lever causes the flapper door to move from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided including an ice making assembly. The ice making assembly includes a storage container that has a discharge zone including a crushing assembly for selectively crushing formed ice before dispensing the ice through the dispenser of the refrigerator. The crushing assembly includes both rotating and fixed crushing blades, and including crushing teeth for crushing the formed ice cubes therebetween. A diverter wedge may be positioned at or formed integrally with the fixed crushing blades such that the diverter wedge closes any gap between the rotating blades and the wall of the discharge zone. The diverter wedge can include a sloped portion to move any smaller or differently-shaped cubes from the outer edge of the discharge zone to between the crushing blades such that it is ensured that the cubes are crushed before being dispensed.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance, includes an ice maker that ejects finished ice cubes in a downward direction and a drawer disposed below the ice maker, which can be moved between a pushed in and a pulled out position. An ice storage container can be positioned in two non-overlapping positions in the drawer, only one of which is below an ejection region of the ice maker in the pushed in position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator configured to delay increase in temperature of a storage compartment by lowering temperature of air that is heated by a defrost heater. A refrigerator includes a defrost heater, a lower cool air duct including a first flow path configured to guide cool air generated by the evaporator to be supplied to the storage compartment and an upper cool air duct disposed in an upper side of the lower cool air duct and provided with a second flow path configured to guide cool air generated by the evaporator to be supplied to the storage compartment. A cool pack in which cold storage material is filled stores cold storage energy from cool air that is delivered to the second flow path to decrease a temperature of air passing via the second flow path, so that increase of an internal temperature of the storage compartment is delayed.

Abstract: An automated, ultra-low temperature freezer having multiple structural features that reduce heat transfer into the freezer, protect its internal mechanical devices against low temperature mechanical binding of their movements, allow defrosting and autoclaving as a result of only minimal changes to the conventional CO2 emergency backup system. A group of freezers are arranged so they can simultaneously provide an HVAC function. A vial management system allows biological samples or vials to be automatically placed in and recovered from the freezer and associates the temperature history with each sample or vial that it was subjected to during its storage.

Abstract: An automated, ultra-low temperature freezer having multiple structural features that reduce heat transfer into the freezer, protect its internal mechanical devices against low temperature mechanical binding of their movements, allow defrosting and autoclaving as a result of only minimal changes to the conventional CO2 emergency backup system. A group of freezers are arranged so they can simultaneously provide an HVAC function. A vial management system allows biological samples or vials to be automatically placed in and recovered from the freezer and associates the temperature history with each sample or vial that it was subjected to during its storage.