Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking appliance (10) comprising at least one cooking surface (12, 14). The cooking surface includes a horizontal top side (12) and at least one basin (14) extending downwards from said top side (12). The basin (14) is provided for receiving at least one cooking vessel (22, 24, 26), so that the cooking vessel (22, 24, 26) is at least partially enclosed by the basin (16). The basin (14) includes a horizontal bottom (16) and a side wall (18) enclosing said bottom (16). The top side (12) of the cooking surface encloses an upper edge of the side wall (18) of the basin (14). At least one heating element is arranged below and/or inside the bottom (16) of the basin (14). At least one temperature sensor is arranged inside and/or below the basin (14), so that the temperature sensor is in a direct or indirect thermal contact with a corresponding cooking vessel (22, 24, 26).

Abstract: A top cooking appliance is provided having a cooktop with a surface heating unit and a thermally-responsive control device that can include a temperature-sensing thermal switch for controlling the operation of the surface heating unit. When the thermal switch senses that the cooking temperature exceeds a first, predetermined upper threshold temperature, the device can cause an interruption in the operation of the surface heating unit. The thermally-responsive control device can then restore the operation of the surface heating unit when the thermal switch senses that the cooking temperature falls below a second predetermined, lower threshold temperature. The thermally-responsive control device for cooktop burners of the present disclosure can be incorporated in both electric and gas-operated top cooking appliances.

Abstract: A vent and a cooker having a vent are provided for which a built-in component accommodated in the cooker is not easily visible from the outside through an exhaust hole provided in the vent, which enables simple manufacturing and assembly, which can smoothly discharge exhaust gas, and has a function as a support structure of the cooker, and a vent structure thereof. The vent may include a main vent configured to be exposed through an upper portion of the cooker and including a main exhaust surface having main exhaust holes and a sub-vent spaced apart from a lower portion of the main vent and aligned in parallel with the main exhaust surface and including a sub-exhaust surface having sub-exhaust holes.

Abstract: An oven including a camera disposed above a cooking compartment to clearly capture an inside of the cooking compartment, and having a structure which cools the camera to prevent a temperature of the camera from being increased due to heat generated in the cooking compartment. The oven includes the camera provided above the cooking compartment and configured to capture the inside of the cooking compartment, a camera cooling fan disposed above the camera and configured to cool the camera by suctioning external air, a first glass provided at a ceiling of the cooking compartment so that the camera captures the inside of the cooking compartment and configured to block transmission of heat in the cooking compartment to the camera, and a second glass provided between the camera and the first glass and configured to block transmission of heat to the camera.

Abstract: An oven to counter gap cover device covers the gap between an oven and an adjacent counter top to prevent an unsanitary condition where food falls into the gap. The oven to counter gap cover device includes a rigid “L” shaped section of length approximately equal to the depth of the oven. Springs integrated into the vertical portion of the “L” shape section are compressed as the vertical portion is pushed in between the oven and counter. The force from the compressed springs holds the oven to counter gap device against the oven and counter top to keep it in place during cleaning and prevent food from getting under it.

Abstract: A microcomputer-based controller has control outputs operably connected to a hydronic boiler of a building, a network connection for receiving weather forecast information from a meteorological server, and an input operably connected to an outside temperature transducer. The controller is configured to an appropriate set-point temperature for the boiler based on both the current outside temperature and a forecasted outdoor temperature from the meteorological server. Remote zone temperature sensors report zone temperatures to the controller, based on which further adjustment of the set point temperature are made if a notable number of zones all have temperatures notably shifted in a same direction from a normally expected zone temperature. The zone temperature sensors and controller are connected as nodes in a mesh network.

Abstract: A heating system includes a single thermostat that controls multiple thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) controllers that control heat transfer to radiators in a room. Each TRV controller has the capability to automatically detect the open/closing point and maximum heating point and to register corresponding pin positions of the valve. Each TRV controller is subsequently instructed by the thermostat to adjust the valve in relation to a determined percentage of the registered pin positions, thus accounting for the varying characteristics among the valves in the system. The TRV controller detects the maximum heating point by checking the rate of temperature rising and the open/closing point by sensing the temperature turning point through a temperature sensor situated appropriately in relation to the associated radiator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature-based adaptive dehumidification system for an air-conditioning environment, including: a temperature sensing device provided to sense temperature of the air-conditioning environment to obtain environmental temperature information; a humidity sensing device provided to sense humidity of the air-conditioning environment to obtain environmental humidity information; and a dehumidifying device which obtains a referenced humidity range which corresponds to the obtained environmental temperature information by means of a calculation in reference to a predetermined reference relationship of temperature-humidity.

Abstract: An induced air discharging unit includes: a jet flow generator configured to discharge supply air fed from outside, the jet flow generator discharging the supply air as a jet flow of air; an air inducer configured to allow air of an air-conditioning target space to be induced by an inducing effect of the jet flow of air discharged from the jet flow generator; an air mixer configured to discharge mixed air of the jet flow of air from the jet flow generator and the air induced by the air inducer to the air-conditioning target space, and radiate heat of the mixed air to the air-conditioning target space; and an air purifier configured to produce a purifying substance that purifies a purification target substance by chemical reaction, and blow out the purifying substance to the air-conditioning target space.

Abstract: A dry fog diffuser comprises a support. A shroud is mounted to the support. The shroud comprises a tubular elbow having an inlet end and an outlet end. The shroud is mounted with a long side of the elbow including a drain port facing downward. An atomizing nozzle is mounted at the inlet end of the elbow and aligned with an axis of the elbow at the inlet end. The nozzle is connected, in use, to a water supply and an air supply. The diffuser produces a dry fog exiting shroud at the outlet end of the tubular elbow.

Abstract: A ventilation fan includes: first and second electronic components attached to a back surface of a flange; a third electronic component including a claw portion on an outer portion of the third electronic component and attached to the back surface of the flange; internal wiring routed on the back surface of the flange and connecting the first and second electronic components; and a retention portion including: a first rib protruding from the back surface of the flange in a perpendicular direction to the back surface of the flange; and a second rib protruding from a side face of the first rib in a direction parallel with the plane direction of the back surface of the flange or protruding toward the back surface of the flange, the retention portion retaining the internal wiring between the undersurface of the second rib and the back surface of the flange.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of controlling operation of a heating and air conditioning system, said method automatically obtaining current and forecasted weather data from one or more internet based meteorological HTTP web servers, automatically controlling operation of the heating and air conditioning system based on the current and forecasted weather data and a current indoor temperature of an indoor environment relative to a desired set point temperature for said indoor environment. Variable hysteresis ranges and temperature set points are adjusted not only on the basis of the weather data, but also on an occupancy status of the indoor environment. Embodiments include weather anticipating thermostats and Package Terminal Air Conditioner controllers interacting with Status Interface Alarm Control Update Servers.

Abstract: An automatic HVAC control system is configured to control an HVAC unit, and the HVAC unit includes a heating mode and a cooling mode for modifying an air temperature of an inside space. The control system includes: a first temperature sensor disposed to measure an air temperature of an outside space; a second temperature sensor disposed to measure the air temperature of the inside space; a memory for storing a set-point for the HVAC unit; a set-point controller that adjusts the set-point based on the air temperature of the outside space; and an HVAC controller that is programmed to determine whether modification of the air temperature of the inside space is desired by comparing the air temperature of the inside space with the set-point, wherein if modification of the air temperature is desired, the HVAC controller commands the HVAC unit to start the heating mode or cooling mode.

Abstract: A maintenance support system includes an air conditioner system including air conditioners, an Internet line, a portable terminal and a server, and supports maintenance of the system. The system, portable terminal, and server are communicably interconnected via the Internet line. The server stores individual identification information, operation information and abnormality history of each air conditioner. The portable terminal receives the individual identification information, operation information and abnormality history of each air conditioner from the server. The portable terminal includes an image pickup unit photographing a space to acquire a picked-up image thereof, and a display unit displaying the air conditioner included in the picked-up image and one of the individual identification information, the operation information and the abnormality information of the air conditioner in association with each other with one being superimposed on other.

Abstract: A housing for an electronic device includes a rear wall with an exterior surface, a top wall, a ledge with an exterior surface, and an air outlet formed between the top wall and the ledge. The ledge is positioned below the top wall. The exterior surface of the ledge is positioned at an exterior angle less than 90° relative to the exterior surface of the rear wall.

Abstract: An air-conditioning duct comprises a regulating membrane attached to a peripheral wall of the duct and a shifting element. The membrane has a first end that is attached to the shifting element and faces an inlet for supplying air. An area of the membrane comprising said first end is adapted for being selectively shifted to a first or second portion of the peripheral wall. The shifting element is for shifting the first end of the membrane to the first or second portion of the peripheral wall. The membrane has a second end, which faces away from the inlet of the duct, secured inside the duct to ensure that shifting of the area of the first end of the membrane to the second portion of the peripheral wall prevents the air flow from passing through that portion of the duct situated downstream of the attached second end of the membrane.

Abstract: A damper arrangement is described which moves dampers from a location closer to an air source to a boot located adjacent to a ceiling register, grill, or the like, thereby allowing technicians or owners to more readily make adjustments. A substantially flush boot collar mounting preserves leak free flow,and keeps insulation installation simple. An internal adjustment mechanism, such as a loop, avoids the need to pull the ceiling grill from the ceiling. Both insulation and subsequent adjustment are simplified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module for an air handling unit, comprising at least one side surface formed by the assembly of several panels arranged next to one another, a connection post (12) between two adjacent panels, including two facing fins (122) for positioning the panels, and two bases (14) for attaching the post (12) to an upper surface and to a lower surface (2), respectively, of the module, these bases being mounted at the two ends of the post. Each base (14) comprises two facing strips (18) which carry, on the interior side of the module, a rectilinear sealing gasket (20) for sealing the space between the fins (122) of the post (12) and the upper surface or lower surface (2) of the module.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a drainage member (1) mounted on an open end (322) of a heat-transfer tube (32), wherein the drainage member (1) contains a flow guide portion (11) including an insertion portion (11a) configured to be inserted into the heat-transfer tube (32) from the open end (322), and a projecting portion (11b) projecting toward an outside of the heat-transfer tube (32) from the open end (322) and extending downward.

Abstract: A forced convection fin tube condensing heat exchanger for supplying heat includes a shell, burner and fin tubes bundle. The burner is at the top of the shell, circular fin tubes bundle installed around the burner tightly, circularly and coaxially. The flue channel which is formed by the shell and a row of fin tubes bundle is below the burner. The flue flows along the flue channel to flue outlet. There are front and rear water manifolds at the two ends of the fin tubes. Water baffles inside the rear water manifold divide the rear water manifold into water inlet and outlet areas. The water enters the small portion of circular fin tubes bundle from water inlet area, through the front water manifold, back to the water outlet area via the main portion of the circular fin tubes bundle. The use of bent fin tube to improves efficiency.

Abstract: The burner case has a first member having a caulking portion and a second member having a facing portion facing the caulking portion and an extending portion for caulking, the extending portion extending from the facing portion, the caulking portion being held between the facing portion and the extending portion by bending the extending portion. A part of the extending portion in longitudinal direction constitutes a claw portion. Thus, the first member and the second member are not required to be screwed or the number of screws is reduced, thereby improving productivity of the burner case and reducing the production cost of the burner case.

Abstract: Provided is an attachment structure for a water heater capable of easily and securely attaching the water heater to a wall surface without performing strict alignment, and capable of fine adjustment of an attachment position of the water heater even after the attachment. The attachment structure for the water heater includes a first metal fitting (1) having a wall surface attachment portion (11) configured to be attached to a wall surface (W), and a second metal fitting (2) having an instrument attachment portion (23) configured to be attached to a back surface of the instrument body (3). In the wall surface attachment portion 11, a support portion (12) configured to hang and support a weight of the water heater is extended in a direction separate from the wall surface (W).

Abstract: A split system water heater includes a storage tank and a separate power module for heating water outside of the tank. A distribution tube provides high volume, low velocity flow of water between the tank and the power module to avoid or limit mixing and maintain thermal stratification within the tank. The distribution tube includes a longitudinal axis and a plurality of openings generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A flow controller for a hot water appliance includes a housing having at least three channels, a branching chamber arranged in the housing and in which the at least three channels debouch, and in which a shut-off valve is arranged with which at least two of the three channels can be closed and left clear. The shut-off valve has an adjustment range with a first extreme position in which a first channel and a second channel of the at least three channels are in flow connection with each other via the branching chamber and in which the first channel and a third channel of the at least three channels are substantially closed off from each other. A hot water appliance can include such a flow controller.

Abstract: A method for detecting and compensating for sediment build-up in a tank style water heater is disclosed. An illustrative but non-limiting example may include monitoring a temperature of water within a water storage tank of a water heater over time, resulting in a monitored temperature profile. The method may then include determining if the monitored temperature profile includes one or more features that indicate sediment build up in the water storage tank, and if so, provide an output that indicates sediment build up is present.

Abstract: A furnace including a combustion chamber for burning fuel can have increased fuel burning efficiency, increased heating efficiency, and decreased harmful emissions of combustion byproducts. A combustion air delivery system delivers primary and secondary combustion air to the combustion chamber. Primary and secondary combustion air may be delivered at amounts that increase burning efficiency. An amount of secondary combustion air can be controlled by a valve system. A heat transfer device efficiently transfers heat from products of combustion for heating an enclosed space.

Abstract: Solar deflection device (1) comprising at least the following components: •a hollow funnel (2), comprising a funnel wall (2a) that comprises a reflective surface (2b) on an inside of the funnel (2) for reflecting electromagnetic radiation, •an inlet aperture (3) of said funnel (2), wherein the inlet aperture (3) extends within an inlet plane (3a), •an exit aperture (4) of said funnel (2), wherein the exit aperture (4) extends within an exit plane (4a) and wherein the area (4b) enclosed by the exit aperture (4) has a different size than the area (3b) enclosed by the inlet aperture (3), •a curved line that (5) extends from the center (3c) of the inlet aperture (3) to the center (4c) of the exit aperture (4), wherein for each plane (6a) that intersects said curved line (5) perpendicularly, the reflective surface (2b) of the funnel wall (2a) has a cross-section (6) within said plane (6a), wherein said cross-section (6) encloses an area (6b) and is centered around the curved line (5), •a deflection angle (7) that

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar selective absorbing coating and a preparation method thereof. The solar selective absorbing coating comprises a substrate, an infrared reflective layer, an absorbing layer and an antireflective layer in sequence from bottom to surface. The absorbing layer consists of a first sublayer, a second sublayer and a third sublayer. The first sublayer and the second sublayer contain metal nitride, and the third sublayer is metal oxynitride. The first sublayer is in contact with the infrared reflective layer, and the third sublayer is in contact with the antireflective layer. The preparation method comprises: depositing an infrared reflective layer on a substrate; depositing an absorbing layer on the infrared reflective layer; and depositing the antireflective layer on the absorbing layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioner in which flow noise of a refrigerant is reduced. An air conditioner includes a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger in which the refrigerant exchanges heat with outside air, an expansion device configured to expand the refrigerant, an indoor heat exchanger in which the refrigerant exchanges heat with indoor air, and a muffler configured to reduce flow noise of the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger, wherein the muffler includes a shell including a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, a first baffle disposed at one side of an inner part of the shell and including a plurality of first holes, a plurality of pipes inserted into the plurality of first holes and serving as passages through which the refrigerant moves, and a second baffle disposed at the other side of the inner part of the shell and including a plurality of second holes through which the refrigerant passing through the pipe passes.

Abstract: A pump for a heat pump system includes a piston having a cam follower positioned on a bearing surface of a cam. A casing includes a first casing portion and a second casing that are mounted to each other. A piston head of the piston is disposed within the first casing portion, and the piston extends through the second casing portion. A spring urges the cam follower of the piston towards the bearing surface of the cam.

Abstract: An electrochemical compressor utilizes an anion conducting layer disposed between an anode and a cathode for transporting a working fluid. The working fluid may include carbon dioxide that is dissolved in water and is partially converted to carbonic acid that is equilibrium with bicarbonate anion. An electrical potential across the anode and cathode creates a pH gradient that drives the bicarbonate anion across the anion conducting layer to the cathode, wherein it is reformed into carbon dioxide. Therefore, carbon dioxide is pumped across the anion conducting layer. The compressor may be part of a refrigeration system that pumps the working fluid in a closed loop through a condenser and an evaporator.

Abstract: A cooler operating on the Stirling cycle, of the type including a compressor with a compression piston moving in a compression cylinder, a regenerator with a regeneration piston moving in a regeneration cylinder, a driving crankshaft including a crank pin that can rotate with respect to the compression cylinder and/or the regeneration cylinder, and a compression connecting rod, including a head mounted on the front pin and a foot articulated on the compression piston, the regeneration piston being connected to the crankshaft by a link element including at least three rigid adjacent sections connected by at least two spring-type connecting rods.

Abstract: A cooler operating according to the Stirling cycle, including a housing including a compression cylinder and a regeneration cylinder, a movable compression piston and a movable regeneration piston, that can move in translational motion in the compression cylinder and in the regeneration cylinder, a driving crankshaft, including a rotating crank pin, and two connecting rods coupled to the compression piston and the regeneration piston, the connecting rods being coupled to the rotating crank pin, a fluid flow duct for circulating fluid, connecting the compression cylinder and the regeneration cylinder, one end of the fluid flow duct being disposed on the regeneration piston, and the fluid flow duct including a deformable pipe that is deformed in accordance with the movement of the compression piston and/or of the regeneration piston.

Abstract: Disclosed are a heat exchanger and a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may include a plurality of three-step tubes, each having a three-layered section and each having a liquid passage at a middle portion and module insertion spaces at opposite sides of the liquid passage, a plurality of thermoelectric modules inserted into the module insertion spaces, a plurality of cooling fins coupled to an outer surface of each of the three-step tubes, and an upper tank and a lower tank coupled to an upper side and a lower side of the three-step tubes to be fluidically communicated with the liquid passages of the three-step tubes. The three-step tubes and the cooling fins may be stacked laterally with respect to each other. The three-step tubes, the cooling fins, the upper tank, and the lower tank may be brazed by a same filler material comprising a metal.

Abstract: In the method according to the invention for operating an oil level regulator on a compressor, the oil level regulator monitors an oil level in the compressor and causes oil to be refilled when an oil deficiency is recognized. The oil level regulator provides operating recognition of the compressor in which a check is made as to whether the compressor is in a switched-on or switched-off state, the refilling with oil being carried out only when the compressor is in the switched-on state.

Abstract: A heat pump device includes a compression mechanism for compressing refrigerant, a motor for driving the compression mechanism, a shell housing the compression mechanism and the motor, a discharge muffler located outside the shell, a first pipe connecting the compression mechanism to the discharge muffler, and a thermal insulator (a first thermal insulating material and a second thermal insulating material). The shell and the discharge muffler are spatially located next to each other without being in contact with each other. The thermal insulator is at least partially located in a space where a distance between an outer surface of the shell and an outer surface of the discharge muffler is minimum.

Abstract: A heat pump device includes: a compression mechanism for compressing refrigerant; a motor for driving the compression mechanism; a shell housing the compression mechanism and the motor; a discharge muffler located outside the shell, a first pipe which connects the compression mechanism to the discharge muffler; a first heat exchanger which includes a refrigerant inlet and which exchanges heat between the refrigerant and a heating medium; and a second pipe which connects the discharge muffler to the refrigerant inlet of the first heat exchanger. The shell and the discharge muffler are spatially located next to each other. The discharge muffler and the first heat exchanger are spatially located next to each other. The discharge muffler is at least partially located in a space between the shell and the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and system are described for a refrigerant distributor, and for attaching the distributor tubes to an evaporator coil. A short tube can inserted into the bell end of a tube and the bell end can be crimped around the short tube to lock it into place. The short tube preferably has a bead or widened shaft around which to crimp the bell. The disclosure is particularly beneficial for aluminum based components because aluminum is more susceptible to blockages or leaking due to problems from brazing.

Abstract: A condenser includes a condensation section, a super-cooling section located above the condensation section, and a liquid receiver. The liquid receiver has a first space communicating with the condensation section through a refrigerant inlet and a second space located above the first space and communicating with the super-cooling section through a refrigerant outlet. A partition member is provided in the liquid receiver in order to divide the internal space of the liquid receive into the first space and the second space. A suction pipe which is open at upper and lower ends thereof and which establishes communication between the first space and the second space is disposed in the first space of the liquid receiver. The partition member has an internal volume adjustment portion for increasing the internal volume of the first space and decreasing the internal volume of the second space.

Abstract: An ejector includes a nozzle, a swirl flow generation portion, a body including a refrigerant suction port and a diffuser portion, a passage forming member, and an actuation device moving the passage forming member. A nozzle passage is defined between the nozzle and the passage forming member. A smallest passage cross-sectional area portion is provided in the nozzle passage. A swirl space that has a shape of a revolution and is coaxial with the nozzle, and a refrigerant inflow passage through which the refrigerant flows into the swirl space are defined in the swirl flow generation portion. The ejector further includes an area adjustment device that changes the passage cross-sectional area of the refrigerant inflow passage. According to this, an efficiency of energy conversion in the nozzle passage can be improved.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for fulfillment of perishable goods using transportable climate-controlled units. A computing environment may control operation and transportation of network-enabled refrigeration units using mobile drive units capable of navigating a materials handing center or other space. The mobile drive units may recharge or otherwise provide power to the refrigeration units, for example, as they are transported.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a condenser (outdoor heat exchanger), an expansion valve, and an evaporator (indoor heat exchanger), a fan configured to blow air to the condenser, a fan configured to blow air to the evaporator, and a controller configured to control at least one of a frequency of the compressor, an opening degree of the expansion valve, a rotation speed of the fan, and a rotation speed of the fan, such that the refrigerant sucked into the compressor has a quality of 1.0 or greater. The refrigerant circuit is configured for use with a refrigerant mixture inclusive of 30 wt % to 50% wt ethylene-based hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant.

Abstract: Generally, a variable fan speed control in an HVAC system is described. Such methods and systems to control fan speed can in turn improve efficiency of the HVAC system by minimizing power consumption, for example of the compressor. The control scheme is based on various operating conditions of compressor load and ambient air temperature, which are used to determine an optimum fan speed.

Abstract: An ice cream container for an ice shaving device, where frozen ice cream is frozen integrally, has holding protrusions provided on an inner surface of a bottom part thereof, so that when the frozen ice cream is lowered and rotated by a compressing disc of the ice shaving device, the frozen ice cream is lowered and rotated integrally with the compressing disc without separating therefrom. Accordingly, even when the frozen ice cream is inclined to one side, the frozen ice cream is shaved incrementally uniformly by a blade, whereby severe shaking is prevented during the shaving of the frozen ice cream, vibration and noises are prevented from being generated by the ice shaving device, and an ice cream product that is always uniform and soft is obtained.

Abstract: An ice making apparatus includes an ice machine for making ice with internal surfaces that come in contact with water and ice during normal operation. A cleaning container provides receiving cleaning solution to clean and disinfect the internal surfaces of the ice machine. A programmable control system controls the cleaning operation.

Abstract: An impinger for cooling or freezing products includes an impingement plate containing openings for directing impingement jets of a mixture of gas and solid or liquid cryogen toward the products transported on a conveyor, wherein the openings in aggregate have an open area of about 7% to about 12% of the total surface area of the impingement plate, the impingement plate providing a back pressure restriction of about 220 to about 475 Pa. A process for cooling or freezing products within a housing chamber includes transporting the products, particularly IQF food products, on a moving substrate within the chamber, mixing a gas with solid or liquid cryogen to form a mixture, directing the mixture to the aforementioned impinger; and selectively directing the pressurized impingement jets of the mixture from the impingement plate toward the products transported on the substrate.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes a housing, a cooling module, a cover, and a joint unit. The housing has a first side wall, a second side wall and a base, wherein one side of the first side wall and one side of the second side wall are respectively connected to opposite sides of the base; the first side wall, the second side wall and the base join together to define an accommodating space, a first gate, a second gate and a third gate thereamong; the cooling module is disposed in the accommodating space; the cover is disposed on the first gate; and the joint unit is disposed on the surface of the first side wall, the second side wall, the base or the cover.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a low energy defrost system and method for melting frost formed on an evaporator of a cooling system for the refrigerator. The low energy defrost system includes using air from the refrigerator compartment or external air adjacent the refrigerator to be directed to the evaporator and passed adjacent the evaporator coils to melt any frost formed thereon. As the air is above freezing temperature, it will melt any frost formed on the coils without the need of use an electrical heater. Re-cooled air from the melted frost may then be directed back into the refrigerator compartment to be used to aid in cooling the refrigerator compartment or keeping the refrigerator compartment at the programmed or predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An appliance that includes: a front panel having a touch point; a touch board including: a first side attached to a location on a rear surface of the front panel, the location corresponding to the touch point; a second side opposite to the first side; a pressing portion; and one or more holes defined around the pressing portion and configured to enable an elastic movement of the pressing portion; a holder that is attached to the second side of the touch board, the holder having a receiving portion; a piezo disc configured to be inserted in the receiving portion of the holder and contact the pressing portion; a guide board having a seating hole configured to receive the holder and the piezo disc; and a first adhesive member attached to the first side of the touch board and configured to attach to the rear surface of the front panel.

Abstract: An insulated panel system includes a joint disposed between two insulated panels. The joint has a male portion and a female portion. The female portion has a flange, sidewalls, and a base that can be secured to an existing structure. The male portion includes a top plate with sealing sides that rest against the face of the insulated panel when inserted into the female portion. The sealing sides prevent warm air and/or moisture from ingress into a refrigerated space defined by the insulated panels. Also disclosed is a sealing joint for insulated structural panels.