Refrigerating-zones Divider Patents (Class 312/407)
  • Patent number: 11971208
    Abstract: An insulation system for an appliance includes a first vacuum insulated structure having a first set of sidewalls that define a first refrigerating compartment, a second vacuum insulated structure having a second set of sidewalls that define a second refrigerating compartment and a medial insulation structure having a rigid perimeter wall. The rigid perimeter wall includes a front portion that defines at least one hinge support adapted to support an appliance door. The rigid perimeter wall defines an insulating cavity that is filled with an insulating material. The first vacuum insulated structure engages a first edge of the perimeter wall and the second vacuum insulated structure engages a second edge of the perimeter wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Lakshya J. Deka
  • Patent number: 11906239
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet that defines an opening with a plurality of racks mounted in the cabinet. A door is mounted to the cabinet at the opening. A divider is configured to separate the cabinet into a first cabinet portion and a second cabinet portion. The divider includes an insulation block with a top cover mounted to the insulation block. The top cover includes a top foil heater. Also included in the divider is a bottom cover mounted to the insulation block. The bottom cover includes a bottom foil heater. A plastic extrusion is mounted to a side of the insulation block, and the top cover and the bottom cover include a forming on at least two sides. The forming of the top and bottom covers engages with the plastic extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Kenneth Anderson, Zachary Michael Eagleson, Martin Busche
  • Patent number: 11815305
    Abstract: A refrigerator with a liner body and a beam, where the beam has an end portion, and the liner body has a liner wall. An insertion groove is on the liner wall, and the end portion is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove. A limit convex pin is on the end portion and a limit groove is on the liner wall and matched with a shape of the limit convex pin. The limit convex pin is configured to be inserted into the limit groove to limit rotation of the beam relative to the liner body. By matching the limit convex pin and the limit groove, the rotation of the beam relative to the liner wall is limited by the liner wall when the beam is under uneven forces, thereby reducing the flip probability of the beam of the refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Shili Huang, Chuanyang Wang, Gongming Wang
  • Patent number: 11747077
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes an inner case configured to accommodate a refrigerated item therein, an outer case configured to surround the inner case, a heat insulator configured to be at least partially disposed between the inner case and the outer case, and a reinforcing member disposed between the inner case and the outer case to support the outer case and having a fastening part to couple the refrigerator with another refrigerator installed adjacent to the refrigerator by using a connection member, and the fastening part coupled to the connection member to enable alignment between the refrigerator and the another refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hosang Park, Sanggyu Jung
  • Patent number: 11624552
    Abstract: A cooling device includes a cabinet body that encloses a compartment, a door operatively associated with the cabinet body to selectively enclose the compartment, a heat source to heat transfer, a first magnetic element in contact with or attached to a front flange of the cabinet body and a sealing assembly for sealing an area between the cabinet body and the door of the cooling device. The heat source and the first magnetic member are at least partly in contact with each other in such a way that condensation problems thereof are effectively reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Veli Basarir, Necati Bora Guerel, Dogan Kilinc, Seyhun Oezkayran
  • Patent number: 11313614
    Abstract: An appliance having at least a freezer compartment. The appliance may include a pair of freezer doors accessing the freezer compartment. The freezer compartment may include one or more freezer shelves. A mullion may include a movable portion and a fixed portion for sealing the pair of freezer doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eric Scalf
  • Patent number: 9289770
    Abstract: This invention is for the process method of an RFID Specimen Transport puck that can be used in the process of performing overall efficient receiving of specimen identifying information, racking, transporting and tracking of specimens throughout the entire lab. This puck design process can be used on a conveyor system, contains an RFID chip, can be used to wand specimens for tracking, can be used to rack specimens, can be used to transport specimens to laboratory areas and instruments, can be used to track specimen, is made of plastics, is small, has the ability to hold various tubes sizes, that has few pieces to assemble, that is low in cost, can be held in a rack carrying tray. By having all these process features in the one puck design, this ‘puck’ can be used in high volume and can be used though out the entire laboratory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: LEAR LAVI
    Inventor: Lear Sirous Lavi
  • Patent number: 9217601
    Abstract: The embodiment relates to a refrigerator. In the refrigerator, a freezing compartment is selectively partitioned into a plurality of spaces and some of the plurality of spaces can be used as a convertible compartment that can be converted into the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment. In addition, the refrigerator has a structure that an operation unit is provided at a door that opens and closes the convertible compartment and a cable that extends from a main body to the operation unit is clearly processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Min Bon Koo, Jong Wook An
  • Patent number: 8979224
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a mid-front plate structure that provides a superior coupling strength with respect to a middle wall while ensuring a simple shape and a high strength. The refrigerator includes a coupling member which is fixed to a front surface of the middle wall such that the mid-front plate is fixed to the middle wall. The mid-front plate includes an interior space to accommodate the coupling member and an insertion hole part allowing the coupling member to be inserted into the interior space therethrough. The mid-front plate is fixed to the middle wall by moving the mid-front plate toward the middle wall such that the coupling member fixed to the middle wall is inserted into the interior space and then by pushing the mid-front plate to one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Suk Ho Jang, Jae Hoon Lim, Se Hyeon Baek, Hong Joo Moon
  • Publication number: 20150040605
    Abstract: A domestic refrigerator (1) comprises a thermally insulated housing (2), a cold storage compartment (5) and a fresh food compartment (4) contained within the housing (2) and located on top of each other, a refrigerant circuit which comprises an evaporator (29) configured to directly cool the cold storage compartment (5), a first door leaf (18) for closing and opening the fresh food compartment (4), a second door leaf (19) for closing and opening the cold storage compartment (5), a divisional wall (17, 42) separating the cold storage compartment (5) from the fresh food compartment (5), and a air channel system (31, 32) which is configured to allow an air exchange between the cold storage compartment (5) and the fresh food compartment (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Görz, Jicong Song
  • Patent number: 8905503
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance is provided with a bracket disposed within a cavity defined by a cabinet of the appliance. The bracket supports a divider disposed within a chamber defined by the cabinet and configured for receipt of food articles. The divider extends from a top wall of the chamber into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ratnakar Sahasrabudhe, Roger Shawn Nelson, Bagawathkumar Chellappan, Madan Gopal Reddy Pathapati
  • Patent number: 8864251
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance that includes a freezer compartment having a freezer compartment door, and a refrigeration compartment having at least one refrigeration compartment door. The appliance further includes a mullion with an exterior surface. The mullion divides the compartments and the exterior surface directs condensation toward a transfer point. The appliance may also include a cabinet that houses the compartments and has two sides, each with an exterior surface. Further, at least one exterior surface directs condensation toward a transfer point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Steven John Kuehl, John J. Vonderhaar, Guolian Wu, Mianxue Wu
  • Patent number: 8845047
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a cabinet having at least one partition wall to separate at least two sub-compartments and an elongated support device having a C-shaped cross section mounted to the cabinet wall and into which a partition wall can be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Armando Luisi, Jhon J. Vonderhaar, Martin D. Lewis, Luiz A. Lopes
  • Patent number: 8807673
    Abstract: A refrigerator and/or freezer has at least one interconnecting element extending between two compartments of the appliance, wherein one or more holding members are provided, which are connected with the inner container of the appliance and on which the interconnecting element is arranged such that the holding member at least partly extends between the inner container and the interconnecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Liebherr-Hausgeräte Lienz GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Benigni
  • Patent number: 8496308
    Abstract: The individual locker assembly for refrigerators is intended for use in the workplace for employees to secure their perishable foods and beverages. The locker assembly is also suitable for installation in refrigerators in medical offices and the like for the secure storage of controlled medications and the like that must be refrigerated. The locker assembly has a series of panels and dividers installable in an existing refrigerator unit, with the panels and dividers defining a series of individual lock boxes, each having its own lockable door. Alternatively, a specially configured refrigerator has an open front and a series of individual lock boxes installed therein. Each lock box is in contact with other boxes and/or the walls, floor, and top panels of the refrigerator, and is thermally sealed thereto. Each lock box has its own lockable door. The refrigerator includes a system for automating the lock box rental transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Zabbatino
  • Publication number: 20120153796
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body, a storage compartment provided in the main body and including a storage space, a partition plate to divide the storage space, and a storage container supported by the partition plate. The storage container includes a container body defining the external appearance of the storage container and having a top opening, a thickness reinforced portion formed at the lower part of the container body to prevent temperature of the lower part of the container body from rapidly changing by cold air of the storage compartment, and a thermal insulating member provided in a space between the thickness reinforced portion and the container body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeong Su HAN, In Sang Jeon, Duke Kimm, Kwang Hoon Lee, Sung Soo Lee, Jung Bae Kim, Hyung Jin Seo, Song Kyoo Kim, Jin Ha Jeong
  • Patent number: 7490916
    Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator includes a cabinet defining fresh food and freezer compartments, each having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume along with corresponding fresh food and freezer doors that vary in width. The fresh food and freezer compartments are spaced by an offset mullion assembly against which the doors seal. The offset mullion assembly includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, a brace having first and second legs and a laterally extending portion and a cosmetic cover. The offset mullion assembly provides strength to the cabinet while providing an aesthetically pleasing and uniform sealing surface for the fresh food and freezer doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Troy M. Anderson, Garnett S. Helming, Douglas A. Pohl, Eugene H. Schuchert, Forrest F. Wing
  • Patent number: 7490915
    Abstract: A divider for a pan, drawer or the like compartment in a refrigerator is constituted by multiple, pivotally interconnected pieces which can be selectively locked in a desired position to compartmentalize the storage compartment. The divider defines an over-center device that can be snapped into a locked in a desired position in the compartment, while being locked in position as a result of compressive forces being applied by front and rear walls of the pan or drawer. That is, the pan or drawer is preferably made of plastic and includes walls which deflect upon locking the divider in place. When the divider is opened or unlatched, all compressive forces are removed and the divider can be easily adjusted within the pan or drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey O'Halloran, Eric Silbaugh, Xiaojian James Chen
  • Publication number: 20090026907
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a cold storage system for biological samples has one or more freezers, each freezer having one or racks, each rack receiving one or more boxes, each box receiving one or more sample containers. In addition to the biological sample, each sample container has a unique passive RFID tag. Control electronics in each box energize reader coils to query individual RFID tags. Control electronics in each rack communicate with and provide power to the control electronics of each corresponding box, and control electronics in each freezer communicate with and provide power to the control electronics of each corresponding rack, and a host computer communicates with the control electronics in each freezer. In each instance, communication and power provisioning is implemented using magnetic inductive coupling. The system is able to determine the identity of each sample container in the system and maintain that information in a database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: COLDTRACK, LLC
    Inventors: Hananel Davidowitz, Thomas Coradetti, Yair Talmi
  • Patent number: 7410230
    Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator includes a cabinet defining fresh food and freezer compartments, each having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume along with corresponding fresh food and freezer doors that vary in width. The fresh food and freezer compartments are spaced by an offset mullion assembly against which the doors seal. The offset mullion assembly includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, a brace having first and second legs and a laterally extending portion and a cosmetic cover. The offset mullion assembly provides strength to the cabinet while providing an aesthetically pleasing and uniform sealing surface for the fresh food and freezer doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Troy M. Anderson, Garnett S. Helming, Douglas A. Pohl, Eugene H. Schuchert, Forrest F. Wing
  • Patent number: 7410229
    Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator includes a cabinet defining fresh food and freezer compartments, with each compartment having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume and corresponding fresh food and freezer doors that vary in width. The fresh food and freezer compartments are spaced by a mullion against which the doors seal. The mullion is bowed such that the longitudinal curvature of the mullion compensates for thermal bowing of the fresh food and freezer doors, thereby assuring a proper seal between the mullion and the fresh food and freezer doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Pohl, Eugene H. Schuchert
  • Patent number: 7407240
    Abstract: A mullion is attached to a cabinet shell of a refrigerator through the use of a retainer that includes a laterally extending portion positioned between primary and secondary flanges of the cabinet shell, and a longitudinally extending portion that is interengaged with additional flange structure defined by the mullion. Clips formed on the retainer engage wall portions formed by the mullion flange structure to secure the retainer to the mullion. A tab formed on the retainer engages a keyhole formed in the secondary flange of the cabinet shell, thereby aiding in securing the retainer to the cabinet and preventing the mullion from undesirably shifting in either a horizontal or vertical manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Clint J. Collins, David J. Olberding, Jonathan J. Tiemeier
  • Patent number: 7350374
    Abstract: A proposed refrigerator embodiment comprises a body enclosing a lower fresh-food compartment at above-freezing temperatures; a freezer disposed above the lower compartment, an intermediate-temperature compartment disposed above the freezer both operating at below-freezing temperatures. The freezer is separated from the intermediate-temperature compartment by its top wall, from the lower compartment by its bottom wall, and from the body's walls by its sidewalls and rear wall with a gap therebetween. The freezer's walls have predetermined thickness and heat conductivity, for passing certain cold flows through, thereby arranging predetermined temperatures in the compartments. The gap around the freezer's top wall is filled by sealing means, preventing warmer airflows from the lower container into the intermediate-temperature compartment. A rigid net, rested on supporting means fixed to the body, supports the freezer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Marlen Tashlitsky
  • Patent number: 7343757
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance is provided which includes a cabinet with a first openable door providing access to a first refrigeration compartment and a second openable door providing access to a second refrigeration compartment. The second openable door has a portion thereof positioned below a portion of the first openable door. A rail separates the first refrigeration compartment and the second refrigeration compartment. A water dispenser is contained in the rail, as well as electronic controls for the refrigeration appliance. The dispenser is arranged to be stationary relative to the refrigeration appliance while the doors are open or closed. The rail may be removed and replaced, and with the water and electronic controls located in the rail, repairs are performed more efficiently and flexibility in manufacturing is enhanced. A drip tray is formed in an exterior side of the second openable door below the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Shawn Egan, Bobbie J. Gilman
  • Patent number: 7014283
    Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet assembly includes a shell formed from a pre-painted material having first and second laterally spaced upstanding side walls which are interconnected by a top wall, with each of the first and second side and top walls including a front edge portion leading to a flange assembly defining a liner receiving cavity. The flange assembly includes a front flange leading to a return flange that extends to a rear flange and terminates in a bent flange. The cabinet assembly further includes a plurality of corner and stanchion reinforcing members secured behind respective return flange sections. The reinforcing members function to increase the structural integrity of the shell while including tab structure for mounting and/or shell deformation preventing purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Grace, Dean A. Martin, Eugene H. Schuchert, Forrest F. Wing
  • Patent number: 6880903
    Abstract: A divider for a pan, drawer or the like compartment in a refrigerator is constituted by multiple, pivotally interconnected pieces which can be selectively locked in a desired position to compartmentalize the storage compartment. The divider defines an over-center device that can be snapped into a locked in a desired position in the compartment, while being locked in position as a result of compressive forces being applied by front and rear walls of the pan or drawer. That is, the pan or drawer is preferably made of plastic and includes walls which deflect upon locking the divider in place. When the divider is opened or unlatched, all compressive forces are removed and the divider can be easily adjusted within the pan or drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey O'Halloran, Eric Silbaugh, Xiaojian James Chen
  • Patent number: 6783199
    Abstract: A thermal barrier for a cabinet having a door storage area comprising a curtain having vertical slits dividing the curtain into flaps; an attachment device for securing the curtain within the cabinet; and a displacement apparatus for displacing at least one of the flaps from contact with adjacent flaps when the cabinet is closed allowing air within the cabinet to circulate to the door storage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: John C. Parrott
  • Publication number: 20040104654
    Abstract: A cabinet for recessed refrigerators, which has an integrated single inner casing. The cabinet has an outer casing to define an appearance of the cabinet, the outer casing being a box-shaped body open at the front thereof, and an integrated single inner casing installed in the outer casing, with a predetermined space defined between the inner and outer casings. The integrated single inner casing defines therein at least two storage compartments open at the fronts thereof, with a partition wall formed between the at least two storage compartments to maintain a predetermined gap between the storage compartments. The cabinet according to the present invention has an improved appearance and a stable structure, in addition to reducing the number of elements thereof, and improving assembly efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Seung Lee, Myung Wouk Kim, Gi Joong Jeong, Jong Dal Lee, Sang-Gyu Jung, Ji Sick Hwang
  • Publication number: 20040012315
    Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet assembly includes a shell formed from a pre-painted material having first and second laterally spaced upstanding side walls which are interconnected by a top wall, with each of the first and second side and top walls including a front edge portion leading to a flange assembly defining a liner receiving cavity. The flange assembly includes a front flange leading to a return flange that extends to a rear flange and terminates in a bent flange. The cabinet assembly further includes a plurality of corner and stanchion reinforcing members secured behind respective return flange sections. The reinforcing members function to increase the structural integrity of the shell while including tab structure for mounting and/or shell deformation preventing purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Grace, Dean A. Martin, Eugene H. Schuchert, Forrest F. Wing
  • Publication number: 20030197454
    Abstract: A floating mullion that includes a bracket which is designed to be used when two interior doors are used to close off a desired chamber from ambient. The bracket is specially designed to close off the natural gap between the doors. This bracket will allow the opening and sealing of the inner doors without the need for a fixed mullion. The bracket is not limited to sealing two door chambers but may be used on multiple chambers as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Kendro Laboratory Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph Markey
  • Patent number: 6574984
    Abstract: A portable water dispensing module is mounted to a refrigerator door inner liner. The liner has side walls with aligned vertically spaced module supports. The water dispensing module comprises a reservoir having a fill chamber located above a main reservoir. The fill chamber has a lid that has an opening closed by a cap. The reservoir supports the fill chamber and has side walls with anchoring supports that releasably and matingly engage with the module supports on the liner side walls to mount the water dispensing module against the liner walls. A lower recessed portion of the front wall of the reservoir protects a spigot, mounted into the recess, from inadvertent contact with a user. The reservoir further includes recessed handle portions on the side walls located forward of the refrigerator door liner side walls and below the fill chamber to facilitate the portability of the water dispensing module from the refrigerator door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Camco Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James McCrea, Dave Brown
  • Publication number: 20030038570
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a thermal barrier for a cabinet having a door storage area is disclosed comprising a curtain having vertical slits dividing the curtain into flaps; an attachment device for securing the curtain within the cabinet; and a displacement apparatus for displacing at least one of the flaps from contact with adjacent flaps when the cabinet is closed allowing air within the cabinet to circulate to the door storage area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: John C. Parrott
  • Publication number: 20020117949
    Abstract: A mullion assembly for a refrigerator cabinet has a pair of adjacent edge wall insulating gasket members extending toward the open side of the cabinet. The edge wall members each have a forward surface extending flush to the open side for supporting a portion of a door sealing gasket and a recessed channel extending rearwardly of the open side. One of the edge wall members has a locating flange member with an edge portion extending toward the other one of the edge wall members. A metallic mullion bar extends between the pair of edge wall members and has a flat wall portion against which seals another portion of the door sealing gasket carrying a magnet. The mullion bar has rewardly extending flanges extending into and supported by a respective one of the recessed channels of the edge wall members. A block of fiberglass insulation is mounted rearwardly of the metallic mullion bar within the space between the interior cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Nedo Banicevic, Muc Dang
  • Patent number: 6428130
    Abstract: A mullion assembly for a refrigerator cabinet has a pair of adjacent edge wall insulating gasket members extending toward the open side of the cabinet. The edge wall members each have a forward surface extending flush to the open side for supporting a portion of a door sealing gasket and a recessed channel extending rearwardly of the open side. One of the edge wall members has a locating flange member with an edge portion extending toward the other one of the edge wall members. A metallic mullion bar extends between the pair of edge wall members and has a flat wall portion against which seals another portion of the door sealing gasket carrying a magnet. The mullion bar has rearwardly extending flanges extending into and supported by a respective one of the recessed channels of the edge wall members. A block of fiberglass insulation is mounted rearwardly of the metallic mullion bar within the space between the interior cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Camco Inc.
    Inventors: Nedo Banicevic, Muc Dang
  • Patent number: 6350002
    Abstract: A storage apparatus such as a refrigerator includes a heat-insulated housing having a storage compartment defined by a ceiling, a bottom, two side walls, and a rear wall and a front opening, and a partition frame including a horizontal frame and a vertical frame and mounted on the heat-insulated housing so as to partition the front opening into a plurality of access openings, the access openings having doors respectively. The horizontal frame is formed into a single member fixed to both side walls of the heat-insulated housing so as to extend between them. The vertical frame is formed so as to extend between the ceiling of the heat-insulated housing and the horizontal frame and/or between the bottom of the heat-insulated housing and the horizontal frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuyuki Takaoka, Takenobu Sobukawa, Shigekazu Kondo, Hideyuki Anzai
  • Patent number: 6290314
    Abstract: Refrigerator barrier structure in a refrigerator body structure having a barrier for separating a refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber, and a freezing chamber door and a refrigerating chamber door for open/closing of the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber respectively, including an area enlarging device on a front portion of the barrier for securing an area for close contact of gaskets on the freeze chamber door and the refrigerating chamber door, whereby enlarging effective spaces of the freeze chamber and the refrigerating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Tae Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20010003408
    Abstract: A mullion assembly (13) for a refrigerated cabinet (10) has an extruded metal post (14) as its main structural member. A flexible cover strip (15) is clipped on to the front face of the post (14), and forms the surface against which the doors of the cabinet seal when closed. One or more magnetic strips (16) are located between the post (14) and the cover strip (15) for magnetic interaction with associated magnetic strips in respective doors. An apertured plate (18) may be fitted to the rear of the post (14). A light (20) is suitably mounted to the rear plate (18). End caps (23) may also be fitted to the top and bottom of the post (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 14, 2001
    Inventors: Ian Craig Otto, Kerron James Martin
  • Patent number: 6209342
    Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet has an exterior cabinet shell and a plastic liner insert defining a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment where foamed in place insulation extends between the exterior cabinet shell and the interior liner. The liner has a partition with upper and lower walls extending rearwardly of a front mullion wall and between sidewalls of the liner. The upper sidewall has a cut-out recess adapted to receive an evaporator tray housing that is seated on edges of the upper wall of the partition. The tray supports an evaporator coil, motor, and fan. The tray has a cover that forms, together with the upper wall of the partition, the floor of the freezer compartment. By locating the evaporator tray recessed in the partition, in the partition space between the two compartments can be filled with rigid foam that extends between the upper and lower food compartments and to the exterior shell of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Camco Inc.
    Inventors: Nedo Banicevic, Murray Klaas
  • Patent number: 6036293
    Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet assembly includes a cabinet shell having opposed side walls that are interconnected by a top wall and a shell bottom. Each of the side and top walls of the shell lead to front face portions which are integrally formed with return flanges for use in mounting one or more liners within the cabinet shell in a manner known in the art. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the shell bottom is spaced rearwardly of the return flanges such that a receiving slot is defined therebetween. The cabinet assembly further includes an integrated, structural reinforcing frame mounted within the cabinet shell by sliding the frame within the receiving slot and securing the frame to the return flanges. After mounting a yoder tube, a mullion bar and the liners within the cabinet shell, a plastic toe plate is attached to the reinforcing frame. The toe plate is provided with side flanges which extend about the side walls of the cabinet shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Carl Anell, Edward Everett Crompton, III, Kenneth Davis, Charles R. Horton, Sheldon Wayne Mandel, Gerald L. Wolanin
  • Patent number: 6036294
    Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet has an outer metallic shell into which is inserted a one-piece plastic interior liner having a fresh food compartment separated by a mullion wall from the freezer compartment. The mullion wall is part of the interior liner. A metallic reinforcing mullion strap extends between side walls of the exterior cabinet shell to reinforce the side walls and prevent buckling. The mullion strap extends through an open space between the fresh food compartment and freezer compartment on the interior liner. The mullion strap does not touch the interior liner and is surrounded by thermally insulating foam whereby heat loss through the mullion strap from the refrigerator compartment is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Camco Inc.
    Inventors: Nedo Banicevic, Murray Klaas
  • Patent number: 5992960
    Abstract: A mullion bar is attached to a cabinet shell of a refrigerator through the use of a retainer that includes a first body portion positioned between primary and secondary flanges formed by the cabinet shell and a second body portion that is interengaged with additional flange structure defined by the mullion bar. More specifically, the retainer is preferably formed as an integral plastic element, with the first body portion being defined by a pair of spaced, generally T-shaped body members that are frictionally interposed between a return flange and a secondary flange of the cabinet shell. The second body portion of the retainer includes a bridge member that interconnects the body members, as well as a pair of legs which project in a direction opposite of the body members and which mate with the additional flange structure of the mullion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald L. Wolanin
  • Patent number: 5901877
    Abstract: An automatic vending machine has a housing containing a plurality of vertical commodity storage chamber sections in a side-by-side arrangement. A thermally-insulating divider panel is fixedly disposed between each pair of adjacent chamber sections in a manner that the adjacent chamber sections are communicated with each other through an air channel therebetween. A removable thermally-insulating divider panel is placed between a selected pair of adjacent chamber sections to block the air channel, thereby forming fist and second groups of chamber sections that are not communicated with each other. The first and the second chamber section groups can individually be refrigerated and heated, respectively. A top edge of the removable divider panel is adapted to abut a part of the corresponding fixed divider panel, and both the edges, when abutting to each other, are upwardly inclined toward the front of the vending machine so as to facilitate replacement of the removable divider panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Sanden Corp.
    Inventor: Minoru Fujiu
  • Patent number: 5895104
    Abstract: A mobile device for the preservation and reheating with movable thermal barriers and constant level distribution of hot and cold meal-trays. The device includes a housing having a mobile distributing column of meal-trays having a mobile articulated thermal barrier which supports the trays and lifts them up to a distribution door while separating the cold area from the hot area by effecting a rotation by means of a roller chain driven by pulleys actuated by a pedal crank gear mechanism. The device provides for the distribution of meal-trays at a constant level while providing for the reheating and preservation of hot and cold food dishes placed on the same meal-tray waiting to be distributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Rene Grandi
  • Patent number: 5842760
    Abstract: A structure insulated for example by expanded polyurethane or the like, such as a refrigerator cabinet or freezer cabinet, comprises a plurality of compartments separated from each other by an interspace, the insulating material injected into said structure enclosing said compartments on all sides except the access side and positioning itself in the interspace. At opposing ends of said interspace there are positioned separator means openable in the manner of an envelope and arranged to separate, during its injection into the structure, the insulating material directed around the compartments from that directed into the interspace, said separator means comprising a flat portion parallel to the sides of the insulated structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Giovanni Gatti, Fiorenzo Casoli, Giulio Caprioli, Roberto De Santi
  • Patent number: 5788783
    Abstract: An iron-nickel alloy useful for the manufacture of a stretched shadow mask, the chemical composition of the iron-nickel alloy containing by weight: 69%.ltoreq.Ni.ltoreq.83%, 0%.ltoreq.Mo.ltoreq.7%, 0%.ltoreq.Cu.ltoreq.8%, 0%.ltoreq.Co.ltoreq.1.5%, 0%.ltoreq.W.ltoreq.7%, 0%.ltoreq.Nb.ltoreq.7%, 0%.ltoreq.V.ltoreq.7%, 0%.ltoreq.Cr.ltoreq.7%, 0%.ltoreq.Ta.ltoreq.7%, 0%.ltoreq.C.ltoreq.0.1%, 0%.ltoreq.Mn.ltoreq.1%, 0%.ltoreq.Si.ltoreq.1%, 0%.ltoreq.Ti.ltoreq.1.2%, 0%.ltoreq.Al.ltoreq.1.2%, 0%.ltoreq.Zr.ltoreq.1.2%, 0%.ltoreq.Hf.ltoreq.1.2%, S.ltoreq.0.010% the balance being iron and impurities resulting from smelting, the chemical composition furthermore satisfying the relationships:Co+ni+1.5.times.Cu.gtoreq.79.5%; 3.times.(Co+Ni)-2.times.Cu.gtoreq.206%; Co+Ni+7.times.Cu.ltoreq.130%; 7.times.(Co+Ni)+2.times.Cu.ltoreq.581%; Mo+W+Nb+V+Cr+Ta.ltoreq.7%; Ti+al+Zr+Hf.ltoreq.1.2%; C+Mn+Si.ltoreq.1%; 80.5.ltoreq.Co+Ni+0.80.times.Cu.ltoreq.81.7%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Imphy S.A.
    Inventors: Lucien Coutu, Georges Couderchon, Jacques Baudry
  • Patent number: 5727859
    Abstract: A refrigerator forms a freezer compartment in which an evaporator is mounted. The evaporator includes a cover assembly composed of front and rear covers locked together by a projection/opening connection. The rear cover includes an elastic tongue in which the opening is formed. The from cover includes the projection, and the projection elastically deforms the tongue as it approaches the opening. Then the tongue rebounds elastically to insert the projection into the opening to lock the covers together. The tongue also carries another projection which elastically enters a channel formed in the refrigerator housing to lock the cover assembly to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bu Gil Jeong, Ik Geun Kim
  • Patent number: 5720536
    Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet has an outer case with lateral walls and a continuous front flange. A pair of liners are nested in the case and have lateral walls with a front edge positioned rearward of the case front flange. A resilient breaker strip connects the case walls to corresponding liner walls. The strip front wall extends inward from the case flange to a point inward of the liner wall and a side wall extends rearward to overlap the liner wall. A bifurcated edge of the strip receives the case flange. The strip side wall is return bent to form an inner wall engaging the inner surface and a resilient finger engaging the outer surface of the liner wall. A resilient mullion, connecting the adjacent inner lateral walls of the liners, has a front wall extending across the space between the liners and a side wall projecting rearward from each edge of the front wall to overlap the liner lateral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Jenkins, Thomas Charles Zimmer, Darrell Wayne Shewmaker, Ronald Gary Foster
  • Patent number: 5577822
    Abstract: A refrigerator is divided into a freezing compartment and a cooling compartment. An intermediate partition wall separates the compartments. The partition wall is vertically adjustable for increasing a volume of one of the compartments while simultaneously reducing a volume of the other compartment. The door carries a vertically adjustable sealing member for engaging a front surface of the partition wall. The freezing compartment includes an evaporator separated from the remainder of the freezing compartment by a vertical isolating wall, a portion of which isolating wall is spring-biased toward the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin K. Seon
  • Patent number: 5558419
    Abstract: A sliding platform for a cabinet for refrigerator and/or freezer having a stationary base secured to a floor of the cabinet and a sliding platform guided and facilitated for sliding by a plurality of loosely captured rollers between the platform and the base and prevented from tipping by anti-tip tabs. Both the platform and base have air entry air holes for delivering return air to an air passage beneath a top surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Dasher, Michael A. Fiori
  • Patent number: 5540492
    Abstract: A humidity control assembly is provided for use with a refrigerator crisper pan which is constructed to snap into a plain opening in a wall of the crisper pan. The humidity control assembly is formed of two pieces, a slide body having detents for securing the body in the wall of the crisper pan and a track for receiving a control slide member. The control slide member is received in the track and can slide to change the effective size of an opening through the slide body. No additional fasteners are required to hold the humidity control assembly in the crisper pan and no special molding or machining is required for the crisper pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Dasher, Mark A. Stout