Refrigerator Patents (Class 312/116)
  • Publication number: 20130002099
    Abstract: A merchandise display system including one or more display units. The merchandise display system may include a base unit having a refrigeration unit that cools one or more display units. The refrigeration unit may be removable from the base unit. The one or more display units may attach to another display unit or a base unit. The display units may be stackable on top of one another or may abut the back side of another display unit. The display units may also be configured to attach to the base unit. The one or more display units may include a plurality of shelves and one or more doors, which allow access to display units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: PEPSICO, INC.
    Inventors: Emad Jafa, Antonio Jose Fernandes Ribeiro, José Roberto Montero, Jose Miguel Gutierrez, José Merced Alvarado González, Daniel Fredievich Yrigoyen Tokareva, Orlando José Guevara Hernández, Moisés Lavoignet Garcia, Julio Héctor Valenzuela Hernández
  • Patent number: 8336321
    Abstract: A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nihat O. Cur, Steven John Kuehl
  • Patent number: 8312694
    Abstract: A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit has a glass door which, in turn, has a door frame into which a glazing pane has been inserted. The door frame has a plastic jacket peripherally integrally shaped in one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Liebherr-Hausgerate Ochsenhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Hecht, Georg Dorner
  • Patent number: 8162413
    Abstract: A cover for a merchandising display unit (1) disclosed. The cover of the rectangular top opening of the storage compartment includes displaceable lids (9) arranged in two rows along opposing longer sides (2,4) of the storage unit so that access is provided to the storage compartment from both sides of the storage unit. The cover has a stationary cover plate (6) along a mid section of the storage unit and a rail system (5) with a number of parallel transverse rails between the two longer sides, and the lids (9) mounted between separate tracks in adjacent rails and are displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the longer sides (2,4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Behr A/S
    Inventors: Kristian Behr, Peter Behr
  • Publication number: 20120091867
    Abstract: Hinge for a panel door, in particular a glass door, for sealing a space, such as for example a cooling cupboard, wherein the hinge (1) includes a sill/lintel-attachment part (2), two mutually connectable clamping parts (3, 4) for clamping a panel (21) in between them along an edge of the panel (21), a pivot pin (6) which connects, on one side, to the sill/lintel-attachment part (2) and, on the other side, to the clamping parts (3, 4) in such a manner that they can pivot with respect to one another, and tensioning parts (7, 8, 9) which force the sill/lintel-attachment part (2) into a neutral position with respect to the clamping parts (3, 4), wherein, in the neutral position, a mirror plane (Ls) of the clamping parts (3, 4) and a longitudinal axis (Lo) of the sill/lintel-attachment part (2) are at an angle of 5-15 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: ESTEM B.V.
    Inventor: Evert BOUWMAN
  • Publication number: 20120062080
    Abstract: A mullion-less door system for refrigerated display cabinets, chillers, cold rooms or freezers, incorporates offset seal members on the respective vertical stiles of adjacent doors, to form a labyrinth seal or gasket between the doors, while still allowing free operation of each, and without requiring indirect sealing via door mullions of the cabinet body or frame. Secondary seal members, incorporating magnetic gaskets, seal the top and bottom rails of the peripheral door frames, supporting transparent door panes, to the adjacent cabinet body or frame portions. Lighting assemblies may be incorporated in the vertical stiles to illuminate the contents of the cabinets; and the hinge assemblies may incorporate self-closing mechanisms for the doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: John Maslen
  • Patent number: 8132871
    Abstract: The disclosed invention provides an improved means of storing and retrieving bottles of wine, other bottles of fluid, or other items. The invention provides for the labels of the bottles/items to be easily viewed. Additionally, the invention yields a format that allows the bottles/items to be stored in the limited depth afforded in cabinets normally used above kitchen counters. Another aspect of this invention is directed at, but not limited to, the use a refrigeration system to keep these items at the proper storage temperature. And so this invention relates to both an isolated storage system, and to that would be used in conjunction with a cooling/environmental chamber. So this invention presents a new method for the storage, display, and retrieval of bottles/items that is suitable for use at a plurality of heights, and additionally may either be a freestanding system or used within another structure such as a home cabinet, refrigerated or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Jerome Caruso
  • Patent number: 8061787
    Abstract: The object is to provide a showcase having a connection device which can improve the workability in connection of adjacent showcases and can improve the appearance. The showcase has a connection device for connection of the show case with another adjacent showcase at one side of the lower retreating section of the front wall of the insulating wall, wherein the features are: the connection device includes a receiving metal fixed to the retreating section and a connecting metal extending over and mounted on the receiving metal and a receiving metal of another adjacent showcase; and the receiving metal has a mounting surface positioned on the front side of the retreating section and directed forward, and the mounting surface has a mounting hole formed for securing the connecting metal thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youichi Amari, Shouichi Kanai
  • Patent number: 8061788
    Abstract: A refrigerated display case having a bearing base and a top glass compartment designed to be alternatively used to display home made ice cream and pastry, the display case has a horizontal wall above the base designed to house the containers of homemade ice cream and having a pair of shelves designed to support pastry trays inside the front wall of the glass compartment the shelves being able to slide together towards the top of the glass compartment in order to be concealed from the sight of customers situated in front of the display case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Clabo Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pierluigi Bocchini
  • Publication number: 20110172848
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, interfaces, methods, and articles of manufacture for smart visi-coolers are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: VENDMORE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul T. Breitenbach, Paul D. Signorelli, Igor Zhuk
  • Patent number: 7918516
    Abstract: A refrigerated case shelf has a main panel comprising a top wall and left and right sidewalls, respectively depending from left and right edges of the top wall and cooperating with the top wall to define left and right channels. At least one transverse brace is secured to the main panel. A left bracket has an insertion portion within the left channel and a right bracket has an insertion portion within the left channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventors: Daren M. Decker, Bryan K. Smith, Jamie Lorzadeh
  • Patent number: 7905614
    Abstract: The refrigerator includes the following parts. A heat-insulating main body has openings in a front side. A divider creates a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment, by dividing inside of said heat-insulating main body into the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment arranged side by side. A lighting unit, located close to at least one of the openings of the first and second storage compartments, respectively, each of which has a light-emitting diode as a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Aoki
  • Patent number: 7895858
    Abstract: A modular refrigerating appliance comprising a first planar heat-insulating element and additional planar heat-insulating elements, which are joined to one another whereby being able to be detached from one another and which, when joined, form a housing of the refrigerating appliance. The modular refrigerating appliance also has a cooling circuit, which comprises an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor, and which is mounted on the first planar heat-insulating element. At least the condenser is, at least in part, mechanically protected on its surface facing away from the first heat-insulating element solely by the construction of the first planar heat-insulating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Hell, Michael Neumann
  • Patent number: 7886559
    Abstract: A modular refrigerator, having a first planar thermally-insulated element, a second planar thermally-insulated element and further planar thermally-insulated elements, connected together and which can be subsequently detached, forming a housing of the refrigerator when assembled, a refrigerant circuit, with an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor, a first electrical line, arranged in the first planar element, a second electrical line, arranged in the second planar thermally-insulated element and an electrical contact/counter-contact device, by means of which both electrical lines may be electrically connected. The contact device is integrated in the first planar thermally-insulated element and the counter-contact device is integrated in the second planar thermally-insulated element such that contact device is automatically electrically connected to the electrical counter-contact during the mechanical connection of the first and second planar element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Hell, Michael Neumann, Jan-Grigor Schubert
  • Patent number: 7877931
    Abstract: The present superstructure involves, for each upright, a spacer section bar (3), a hinge-bearing section bar (6), a hinge (8), a piston (13) that helps to lift the pane (1), and is completed by a gripper (9) for supporting the pane (1), a closing section bar (11) and a gasket; the section bar (3) has a box section so that it can be adjusted to be joined together with the section bar (6); each hinge (8) is fixed to the section bar (6) and at its end to be fixed to the gripper (9), bears conical guides (8.1) suitable for fitting the conical arms (9.1) situated on the gripper (9) itself; a gasket (12) is fixed to the gripper (9); where spherical panes (1) are involved, hinges (15) are used containing a body (15.1) and a connecting piece (15.2) that can be rotated with respects to the body (15.1) so that the panes (1) can be fitted on at different lengths of the circular arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: N.E.M. Nord Est Meccanica S.N.C.
    Inventor: Alessandro Cianetti
  • Publication number: 20100314976
    Abstract: A retail display case that has an illuminated region, a region protected from illumination, a platform that is capable of moving, and a fresh meat holding area is described. The fresh meat holding area comprises a portion of the platform, and the platform is capable of moving the fresh meat holding area between the illuminated region and the region protected from illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: CARGILL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Matthew A. GARDNER, Misty High, Daniel L. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7845818
    Abstract: There is disclosed a showcase provided with a light device capable of simplifying a maintenance operation and improving a cooling efficiency in a display chamber. In a showcase 1 of the present invention, a display chamber 11 is formed in an insulating wall 2 to display commodities on a plurality of steps of shelves 32 disposed in the display chamber 11 and cool the commodities, the showcase includes LED lights 40 which illuminate the inside of the display chamber 11 from the upside, and light guide plates 48 provided on lower surfaces of the shelves 32, light inlet portions 49 of the light guide plates 48 are provided so as to protrude forward from the shelves 32, and a light emitting surface 52 of each light guide plate 48 faces the shelf 32 under the shelf 32 provided with the light guide plate 48.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sakumi Shibusawa, Atsushi Todoroki, Masaru Sekine, Seiji Kataoka, Yoshiki Makishima, Tetsuya Oketani, Katsuya Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7819069
    Abstract: A showcase has shelf devices in a chamber having a plurality of open surfaces, a pair of shelf support members which extend in a depth direction of the chamber supporting the shelves in a position where adjacent shelves are butted with each other. A support member side portion protrudes from a lower portion of one shelf support member to another shelf support member, a support member side portion protrudes from a lower portion of the other shelf support member to the one shelf support member and superimposed on the support member side portion, a shelf side portion has bottom side superimposed on the support member side portion, a shelf side portion formed under the adjacent shelf has a bottom side superimposed on the shelf side portion, and a bonding member detachably bonds the support side portions and shelf side portions in a superimposed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tanaka, Masafumi Sakaguchi, Tomohiro Okubo, Yasuhiko Hayashi, Masahiko Nagatake
  • Patent number: 7640630
    Abstract: A refrigerator capable of saving time and labor for mounting a handle to a door is disclosed. The refrigerator has a main body including a storage compartment opened toward the front, a door mounted to the main body to open and close the storage compartment, a handle provided on the front of the door in the form of a long shaft extended lengthwise in a vertical direction of the door in order to open and close the door, and fastening units arranged between the handle and the door lengthwise in the vertical direction of the door to enable mounting of the handle to the door through a simple operation of pushing the handle toward the door and engaging the fastening units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung Kil Lee
  • Patent number: 7637575
    Abstract: The object is to provide an open showcase which enables setting and removal of a front glass at the top of the front wall of the heat insulating wall and which, even if the front glass is not set, improves the aesthetic appearance of the front wall top of the heat insulating wall. The open showcase has a handrail at the top of the front wall of the heat insulating wall positioned at the bottom of the opening, wherein the handrail includes a handrail body mounted on the top of the front wall and having a recessed groove with an upper opening for insertion of a front glass therein, a front upper panel extending from the front edge of the opening of the recessed groove to the upper surface of the front top of the front wall, and a top cover inserted removably in the recessed groove to close the recessed groove and cover the top of the front upper panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youichi Amari, Shouichi Kanai
  • Publication number: 20090102331
    Abstract: A protection and display case comprises a sealed display space, a load-bearing base platform, which includes a lower portion and an upper portion separated by a sealed horizontal separator. The base platform is sealingly coupled to the sealed display space in a manner such that the upper portion of the base platform is inside the sealed display space while the lower portion is outside the sealed display space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Alessandro GOPPION
  • Patent number: 7516625
    Abstract: Disclosed is a built-in refrigerator comprising: a furniture body having a receiving space therein; a furniture door installed at a front side of the furniture body to be opened and closed, and having a through hole at a front surface thereof; a refrigerator body installed in the receiving space of the furniture body; a refrigerator door installed at a front side of the refrigerator body to be opened and closed, and having a display portion for informing an operation state of the refrigerator at a front surface thereof; a bracket installed between the furniture door and the refrigerator door so that the refrigerator door can be opened and closed together with the furniture door at the time of opening and closing the furniture door; and a cover member installed at the through hole of the furniture door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yong-Chol Kwon
  • Publication number: 20090072679
    Abstract: A thermal insulating glass door includes a multi-panel glass panel assembly having a non-structural, protective trim abutting the peripheral edge of the glass panel assembly and extending along the perimeter of the glass panel assembly, and a pair of hinge brackets mounted to one side of said glass panel assembly in spaced relationship, and a handle on the glass panel assembly on the free-swinging side of the door. The non-structural, protective trim, the handle and the hinge brackets are adhesively bonded to the glass panel assembly using double sided adhesive tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Luis F. Avila, Mark A. Daniels, Eugene D. Daddis, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090021125
    Abstract: Merchandise display cabinet for showing refrigerated or frozen merchandise that features a vertical opening for accessing the merchandise space, which is subdivided into shelves arranged vertically on top of each other. The front side of the merchandise space accessible to the customer can be closed with transparent, horizontally-moving doors that in each case have a vertical marginal area through which the merchandise space is lit. The lighting installation is arranged outside of the merchandise space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Albert Weiss
  • Publication number: 20080309207
    Abstract: A composite refrigerated exhibition group (100) comprising at least a first and a second refrigerated exhibition counter (11, 12) and a coupling element (10) interposed between them (11, 12), wherein at least one between first and second refrigerated exhibition counter (11, 12) is connected at a variable angular position with respect to the coupling element (10). In a further embodiment, the group provides for a constraint between at least one of the first or second refrigerated exhibition counter (11, 12) and the coupling element (10) and the positioning of the other counter according to a desired angular position to provide the required conformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: ARNEG S.p.A
    Inventor: Filippo Marzaro
  • Publication number: 20080252184
    Abstract: A refrigerated case (20) has a base (30) and a number of supports (91, 92, 93) extending upward from the base. A number of structural uprights (70, 72, 74) are coupled to the supports. The rear supports are positioned to permit a back-to-back positioning of pair of such refrigerated cases. When so-positioned, the left end (26) of each case is substantially aligned with the right end (28) of the other case and the rear supports of each case are in a nested relationship with the rear supports of the other case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daren M. Decker, Jamie Lorzadeh
  • Publication number: 20080236182
    Abstract: A shelve cabinet comprises partially cooled shelves which are open towards the front and wherein the goods compartment is cooled by a cool-air curtain flowing through the at least partially perforated rear wall of the goods compartment into the goods compartment and/or by a cool-air curtain flowing along the goods compartment opening. One or more goods display shelves are located in the goods compartment, the goods display shelves being configured in such a manner that the at last one partial flow of the cool-air curtain is guided across them to the front area of the goods display shelves. The goods display shelves are provided with structure for stabilizing at least one partial flow of the cool-air curtain flowing along the goods compartment opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Hahn, Markus Schu, Wolfgang Zapf
  • Publication number: 20080218039
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a transparent glazing unit having at least one viewing area and its use in a door of a refrigerated enclosure and more particularly a glazed door, the glazed area of which essentially consists of a vacuum glazing unit. According to the invention the viewing area is combined with an antifrosting absorbent layer deposited on at least one surface of the said area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Rino MESSERE, Anne-Sophie HEBERT, Jean-Michel FLORENTIN
  • Publication number: 20080218038
    Abstract: A refrigerated retail unit has a supporting structure, at least one insulating open-topped container that is movable with respect to the structure between a display position in which the interior of the container can be accessed through an access opening, and a full access position in which the interior of the container can be accessed through most or all of its open top. The container is capable of substantially retaining cold air within when in the full access position. The unit further comprises a cooling means for cooling the interior of the container and an insulating lid supported by the structure. The container defines an overall top plan area that is partially covered by the lid when the container is in the display position, and the remainder of said area of the container not then covered by the lid defines the access opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Ian David Wood, Xorge Castro Pelayo, Alexandra Eve Shelton
  • Publication number: 20080211359
    Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet includes a cabinet housing having a canopy, a base, and side walls which define an opening; a door mounted within the opening; wherein edges of the canopy and base define upper and lower boundaries of the opening, and the edges are defined by beams mounted horizontally on the housing; and structure for pivotably mounting the door between the beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Borgstrom, Robert Pettersson
  • Publication number: 20080205041
    Abstract: There is disclosed a showcase provided with a light device capable of simplifying a maintenance operation and improving a cooling efficiency in a display chamber. In a showcase 1 of the present invention, a display chamber 11 is formed in an insulating wall 2 to display commodities on shelf plates 32 of a plurality of steps of shelves disposed in the display chamber 11 and cool the commodities, the showcase includes LED lights 40 which illuminate the inside of the display chamber 11 from the upside, and the shelf plates 32 and the like constituting the shelves are constituted of a transparent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sakumi Shibusawa, Atsushi Todoroki, Masaru Sekine, Seiji Kataoka, Yoshiki Makishima, Tetsuya Oketani, Katsuya Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20080205040
    Abstract: There is disclosed an open showcase provided with a light device capable of simplifying a maintenance operation and improving a cooling efficiency in a display chamber. In an open showcase 1 of the present invention, a display chamber 11 is formed in an insulating wall 2, cold air is discharged from cold air discharge ports 16, 17 provided in an upper edge of a front surface opening 12 of the display chamber 11, and sucked into cold air suction ports 18, 19 provided in a lower edge of the opening 12, to form a cold air curtain in the front surface opening 12 of the display chamber 11, the open showcase includes a hand rail main body 24 provided on an upper end of a front wall 2C of the insulating wall 2 positioned outside the cold air suction ports 18, 19, a reflective plate 26 provided on the hand rail main body 24, and LED lights 40 attached to the reflective plate 26, and the inside of the display chamber 11 is illuminated with light emitted from the LED lights 40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sakumi Shibusawa, Atsushi Todoroki, Masaru Sekine, Seiji Kataoka, Yoshiki Makishima, Tetsuya Oketani, Katsuya Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20080205042
    Abstract: There is disclosed a showcase provided with a light device capable of simplifying a maintenance operation and improving a cooling efficiency in a display chamber. In a showcase 1 of the present invention, a display chamber 11 is formed in an insulating wall 2 to display commodities in the display chamber 11 while cooling the commodities, the showcase includes LED lights 40 which illuminate the inside of the display chamber 11, and a light transmitting shade 46 which covers the LED lights 40, and the shade 46 has a structure to diffuse light from the LED lights 40.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sakumi Shibusawa, Atsushi Todoroki, Masaru Sekine, Seiji Kataoka, Yoshiki Makishima, Tetsuya Oketani, Katsuya Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20080190046
    Abstract: A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit has a glass door which, in turn, has a door frame into which a glazing pane has been inserted. The door frame has a plastic jacket peripherally integrally shaped in one piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Josef Hecht, Georg Dorner
  • Publication number: 20080191589
    Abstract: A telescopic rail system, in particular for refrigerator units and/or freezer units, has a support plate for the holding the telescopic rail system in the inner compartment of the refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit and two telescopic rails arranged opposite at the support plate in its lateral regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Georg Dorner, Werner Schad, Stefan Rapp
  • Publication number: 20080164788
    Abstract: The invention concerns an insulating glazing wherein the gap between the substrates is filled with at least one rare gas such as argon, krypton or xenon, the inter-layer sheet (50) has a thermal conductivity less than 1 W/m.K, preferably less than 0.3 W/m.K, a low-emissive coating being deposited on at least part of one of the substrates, an anti-frost coating being deposited on part of at least the outer surface of one substrate, the glazing being free of heating element, the glazing having a thermal conductivity coefficient U less than 1.2 W/m.K with a gas filling of at least 85%, and having a light transmission of at least 67% and a light reflection less than 18%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Luc-Michel Riblier, Helene Grussaute Ngheim, Marie Isabelle Watchi
  • Publication number: 20080122324
    Abstract: A refrigerated display cabinet IG door includes inner and outer polygonal annular frames each formed as a single substantially homogenous polymeric/copolymeric injection molded member. An insulated glass unit is bonded to the inner and outer frame members which are forcefully held together by a periphery snap fastening mechanism which avoids conventional use of clamps, vises or the like during adhesive cure/set-up. Conventional pivot pins carried by the display doors are uniquely guided into pivot pin openings through guiding and locating members which can be snap-secured in openings of a frame in a display case in but a single position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Craig Bienick
  • Patent number: 7334851
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance with a cabinet having a front wall, a rear wall, side walls and a top enclosing a refrigerated space. A front panel in the front wall is openable to provide access to the refrigerated space. The cabinet walls are sized to fit below a standard countertop height in a domestic kitchen. The top for the cabinet, which is arranged to be sealingly engaged with the cabinet, has at least a portion thereof which is transparent to allow a user to view at least a portion of the refrigerated space without opening the panel. In an embodiment, a removable cover may be provided which is sized to overlie the cabinet top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Todd L. Rose, Patrick S. Streeter, Alan S. Lucas, Allan R. Steinkuhl, Jason R. Yochum
  • Patent number: 7318321
    Abstract: A refrigerated display case including a case having rear and bottom walls that are coupled together to at least partially define a product display area adapted to receive a wheeled cart containing food product. The bottom wall includes a cart support surface elevated above the floor and adapted to support the wheeled cart within the product display area. The case includes an air passageway having a lower return flue located below the cart support surface. A refrigeration component is at least partially located in the air passageway to cool air directed to the product display area to maintain the products at the desired temperature. At least a portion of the cooled air in the product display area returns to the refrigeration component through the lower return flue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Grassmuck, Martin J. Duffy, John D. Withouse, Dennis L. Dickerson, Aaron Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7293424
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus for such things as convenience foods and beverages has a tilted, open faced bed from which persons may select objects. The apparatus is self-contained, and may run from a standard single phase electrical outlet. It may be carried by two people, and is suitable for mounting either on its own base in a recess in a checkout counter or other similar installation. The open faced be may have a channel depth of section that is relatively deep as compared with to its width, the flow path length, or the depth of the flow released to run along the channel, thereby tending to discourage mixing of the cooled flow with the surrounding ambient environment. The apparatus may include a two piece molded housing that defines the structural skeleton for both the cooling bed and a lodgement for various elements of the cooling system. The bed may include a porous deck, or drain panels, that may tend to encourgare cooled air to drain toward a cooling plenum intake panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: QBD Cooling Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sikander Jaffer, Paul Arato
  • Publication number: 20070194670
    Abstract: The object is to provide a showcase having a connection device which can improve the workability in connection of adjacent showcases and can improve the appearance. The showcase has a connection device for connection of the show case with another adjacent showcase at one side of the lower retreating section of the front wall of the insulating wall, wherein the features are: the connection device includes a receiving metal fixed to the retreating section and a connecting metal extending over and mounted on the receiving metal and a receiving metal of another adjacent showcase; and the receiving metal has a mounting surface positioned on the front side of the retreating section and directed forward, and the mounting surface has a mounting hole formed for securing the connecting metal thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Youichi Amari, Shouichi Kanai
  • Patent number: 7181924
    Abstract: A refrigerated display case for maintaining food product at a desired temperature. The refrigerated display case includes a case, a product display area, and a refrigeration system. The case includes a plurality of interconnected structural components including a first structural component with first and second sides, a second structural component coupled to the first structural component on the first side with a tab and slot connection, and a third structural component coupled to the first structural component on the second side with a tab and slot connection. The product display area is defined at least in part by the plurality of interconnected structural components and is adapted to support and display the food product. The refrigeration system supplies refrigerated air to the product display area and is adapted to maintain the food product at the desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Martin J. Duffy, Derek R. Lea, Denise Y. Slatton, Marian T. Boultes
  • Patent number: 7121104
    Abstract: An adjustable shelving system is disclosed for an open-front refrigerated display case having an air-curtain at least partially across a front of the display case and having a shelf configured to hold products to be displayed. A first bracket and a second bracket are coupled to an interior panel of the display case where each bracket includes a first travel stop and a spaced-apart second travel stop. The shelf has pin members that interface with the brackets and engage the travel stops. The pin members engage the first travel stop to retain the shelf in a first position and engage the second travel stop to retain the shelf in a second position having an angle of inclination relative to the first position. A distance from a front edge of the shelf and the air curtain is substantially constant between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry C. Howington, Steven O. Stubblefield
  • Patent number: 7086198
    Abstract: A machine for vending floral arrangements is described including stack of generally circular carousels each for supporting a plurality of floral arrangements; and a generally cylindrical exterior housing surrounding the carousels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Lisa Renee Hayden
  • Patent number: 7032401
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser shroud that can be packaged and transported unassembled and then assembled without tools is disclosed. The unassembled shroud can be readily transported and is resistant to damage during shipping. The refrigerated merchandiser shroud includes a plurality of corner bracket assemblies, a front panel, and two side panels. The corner bracket assemblies include two grooved lip holders and the panels include connecting lips at each side end thereof. The lip holders of the corner bracket assemblies receive the connecting lips of the panels. Each corner bracket assembly is installed along a vertically extending corner of a refrigerated merchandiser. The refrigerated merchandiser shroud is assembled by sliding the connecting lips of each panel into the lip holders of the corner bracket assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Leer Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Steve Dresser
  • Patent number: 7014280
    Abstract: A display device having dual purpose shelving includes spaced apart end brackets and a pivotal shelf. The shelf pivots from an upstanding position to a horizontal position. Below the shelf are a pair of spaced apart rods one of which is fixed and the other of which is moveable. The moveable rod can move to a stored position below the shelf or it can be moved to an unstored position for receiving a plurality of vases between the two spaced apart rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Margaret Platt Borgen
    Inventors: Arden L. Borgen, David R. Hunt
  • Patent number: 6890044
    Abstract: A single sheet of a metal member is pressed to form an integrally molded structure of a front, a side, and a top of a door body without any joint. In addition, the front of the door body and a concave for displaying sample products or the like are integrally produced by molding. By virtue of this constitution, a door device for a vending machine can be realized which can be easily produced and possesses excellent appearance and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Sakanoue, Koji Hachii, Toshiyuki Horiguchi, Takeshi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6880949
    Abstract: A mullion assembly for a refrigerator quick chill pan is provided. The mullion assembly includes a base comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, a first light element coupled to said base for producing light above said top surface, and a second light element coupled to said base for producing light below said bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Debra Miozza, Scott Wayne Lange, Ravi Kumar Yellajosula, Asma Hamid Iqbal
  • Patent number: 6854604
    Abstract: A store display maximizes shelf space through use of an automated lift assembly that selectively positions product, for example milk containers, at an opening in a wall. The wall defines a customer side and a store side, and the lift assembly monitors product available through the opening and selectively raises additional product from a stacked array into position at the opening. Helical threaded members are preferably disposed on opposite sides of a pallet, or support platform, and are driven in unison in response to a signal from a sensor that product is depleted from an upper level of the stacked array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Creative Edge Design Group, LTD
    Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory M. Soehnlen
  • Patent number: 6785948
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for assembling in an automated manner a sealing profile on an inner door for refrigerators. The method comprises the stages of: a) providing said profile (1) in the form of a frame welded at the corners, b) stably resting said frame on a support (10), c) gripping said section (4) along all the sides of said frame using engaging means (12) so as to perform said elastic splaying, d) retaining said sections (4) in the splayed position, e) positioning said inner door (31) on said sections (2) of said profile base, f) releasing said sections (4) so as to allow the elastic return of the profile base onto the edge of the inner door, g) extracting inner door and profile thus assembled from said support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Industrie Ilpea S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Cittadini, Pierpaolo Ferrante