With Door-controlled Switch Patents (Class 362/94)
  • Patent number: 11219320
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic shelving system including, in some embodiments, a shelving unit and one or more coupling brackets. Each coupling bracket includes a bracket-coupling body, one or more power couplers disposed in the bracket-coupling body, one or more data couplers disposed in the bracket-coupling body, and one or more integral fasteners such as a tongue extending from the bracket-coupling body configured for fastening the coupling bracket to the shelving unit. Also disclosed herein is a method for the electronic shelving system including, in some embodiments, installing n coupling brackets in the shelving unit, running at least n+1 power cables or data cables through a slotted cable raceway of the shelving unit, and coupling at least two power cables or data cables to each other by way of the coupling bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Adroit Worldwide Media, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Schumacher, Kevin Howard, David Alstatt, Cody Tanner, Kurtis Van Horn
  • Patent number: 11029084
    Abstract: An LED lighting array system includes discrete lighting modules spatially arrayed along a support member to provide illumination of items within a display case. The modules have a low overall height that results in them being mounted in a low-profile configuration at various locations along the support member. The modules include a housing with opposed first and second sets of side apertures, a plurality of internal reflecting surfaces associated with the apertures, respectively, an external lens, a multi-sided light engine and a group of side-emitting LEDs. During operation, a first portion of light generated by the side-emitting LEDs is discharged through apertures and the lens into the cooler to illuminate contents therein, while a second portion of light generated by the side-emitting LEDs is redirected by the reflecting surface through said apertures and the lens into the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: ElectraLED, Inc.
    Inventors: James Thomas, Vladimir Volochine
  • Patent number: 10838453
    Abstract: In one general aspect, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a display case door that includes an insulated panel assembly, a door frame, and an electronic display mounted to the door. The door frame extends about and is secured to a peripheral edge of the insulated panel assembly. The electronic display overlays the insulated panel assembly. A mounting bezel is secured to the door frame and has a coupling end that extends over an edge of the electronic display securing the electronic display to the door frame. A cover bezel is coupled to a front surface of the door frame, where the cover bezel is sized to overlay the front surface of the door frame and the coupling end of the mounting bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Artwohl, Jeffery W. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 10690393
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator and control method for refrigerator and method for opening a refrigerator door. While a user is holding an object in both hands, a door may be automatically and additionally opened using another part of a body other than hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Minsub Kim, Hongsik Kwon, Dongjeong Kim, Jungjae Lee, Jaehoon Shin
  • Patent number: 10076227
    Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular a free-standing dishwasher or a high-level built-in dishwasher, includes an appliance door and a bottom-side plinth cover which is aligned essentially flush with a front face of the appliance door. The plinth cover has a top wall which faces a lower edge of the appliance door and is spaced from the lower edge of the appliance door to allow for an opening movement of the appliance door across a free movement gap. At least one lighting element is provided to allow illumination of the movement gap between the lower edge of the appliance door and the top wall of the plinth cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte
    Inventors: Johannes Büsing, Daniel Delle, Gerhard Fetzer, Peter Geissler, Norbert Gerstner, Hubert Groll, Mathias Herrmann, Dieter Hotz, Stefan Kasbauer, Michael Georg Rosenbauer, Bernd Schessl
  • Patent number: 9890993
    Abstract: A cooler with a modular light bar having multiple LEDs and a secondary lid is disclosed herein. The LEDs are preferably automatically activated by a switch positioned in the cooler. When the lid is in an open state, the switch completes a circuit from a battery to the LEDs of the modular light bar thereby allowing the LEDs to illuminate the entire interior chamber of the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Liddup, LLC
    Inventor: Jayson T. Sandberg
  • Patent number: 9455506
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, a shelf ladder disposed in the temperature-controlled compartment and providing a plurality of shelf mounting positions, an electrical connector corresponding to each of the plurality of shelf mounting positions, wherein each of the electrical connectors comprises an actuator movable from a first position to a second position and an electrical contact configured to automatically move from a disengaged position to an engaged position in response to the actuator moving from the first position to the second position, and an adjustable shelf removably mountable in one of the plurality of shelf mounting positions such that the actuator of the corresponding electrical connector is held in the second position by a weight of the adjustable shelf and the electrical contact of the corresponding electrical connector engages the adjustable shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: James Kerner
  • Patent number: 9206988
    Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a muffle having walls to delimit a cooking chamber. The muffle has a front face provided with a loading opening which is delimited peripherally by a front edge of the muffle. A lighting apparatus has at least one light source which is configured to light up the cooking chamber and/or to display information. The at least one light source is disposed outside the cooking chamber and in front of the front edge of the muffle when the cooking appliance is viewed from the front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhard Wiedenmann
  • Patent number: 8966926
    Abstract: A bottom mount refrigerator is provided with a pantry compartment that is accessible from outside the refrigerator by pulling open an easy access pantry drawer without the need to first open the fresh food compartment or the freezer compartment. A divider between the pantry compartment and the fresh food compartment is formed by a secondary mullion and a transparent shelf. The secondary mullion is provided with a light source for illuminating the contents of the pantry drawer. A light source at the rear of the pantry compartment shines generally forwardly and upwardly to illuminate the fresh food compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Eveland, Steven G. Herndon, Todd E. Kniffen, Bill J. Koons
  • Patent number: 8888306
    Abstract: The invention provides an elongated lighting fixture with multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) arrayed in two groups that are angled to each other. The fixture includes an elongated housing having a pair of side walls with at least one fin to dissipate heat. Each side wall has a support member extending upward at angle from the side wall. A generally transparent cover is connected to the housing and extends between opposed ends of the housing. A first group of LEDs and a second group of LEDs are mounted to the first support member and the second support member, respectively. First and second interconnection board assemblies are affixed to respective support members beneath the group of LEDs. When the first and second interconnection board assemblies are energized by an internal power source, current travels from each interconnection assembly through fasteners to each group of LEDs for illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: ElectraLED Inc.
    Inventors: James Thomas, David Lynd, Gary Gatesman, Jim Mosier, Bryan T. Warner
  • Publication number: 20140313693
    Abstract: A low temperature storage apparatus may include a main body, a door opening and closing a storage chamber formed in the main body, a tray including storage slots receiving items to be stored, a light emitting device, a light sensing device including light receiving sensors sensing light incident on the storage slots from the light emitting device, and a controller controlling the light emitting device, receiving sensing signals, and providing status information related to the items received in the storage slots. The controller may switch the light emitting device on when the door is opened, and may sense whether or not a sensing signal is changed when the door is closed. The controller may count time from a point of change of the sensing signal if the sensing signal is changed from a signal indicating absence of a storage item to presence of a storage item, and may switch the light emitting device off when a predetermined time from closing of the door has elapsed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Woonkyu SEO, Hyein YANG, Sungdu KWON, Samnyol HONG
  • Patent number: 8858013
    Abstract: A merchandiser including a case defining a product display area and having case structure. The merchandiser also includes a light assembly. The light assembly has a light housing and a light source coupled to the light housing to direct light generally toward the product display area. The merchandiser further includes an attachment mechanism having a magnet housing and a magnet substantially enclosed by the magnet housing. The attachment mechanism is coupled to the light housing opposite the light source to attach the light assembly to the case structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Attey, Mark Miller, Timothy D. Anderson, Ken Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20140268648
    Abstract: A domestic appliance such as a refrigerator, washing machine, and dryer is disclosed. The appliance may include a piezoelectric device. The piezoelectric device may be configured to supply electrical power to various electrically-powered elements in the appliance, such as a light source, a drive status sensor, and active balancing components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: ALBERTO R. GOMES, YEN-HSI LIN, ANDREW M. TENBARGE
  • Patent number: 8777434
    Abstract: A refrigerator constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a cabinet that defines an interior volume. A first door is coupled to the cabinet and is movable between a closed position and an open position. A light is disposed on the cabinet outside of the interior volume. The light is configured to illuminate when the door is in the open position and shine light toward the interior volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: Jacco Van Beek, Wilco Wessels
  • Patent number: 8746908
    Abstract: A medical supply cabinet having improved features for user access, user control, and illumination is provided. The supply cabinet is provided with a selectively controllable illumination source, such as light-emitting diodes, that provide the operator with visual information regarding access to individual compartments of the supply cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Patent number: 8651682
    Abstract: One aspect provides a sealed transparent panel for use in a refrigerated display case. In this embodiment, the panel comprises first and second transparent sheets having a sealed space therebetween, and at least one light emitting diode (LED) located within the sealed space and extending along a length of the first and second transparent sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Heatcraft Refrigeration Products LLC
    Inventor: Michael E. Davis
  • Patent number: 8556440
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator can display state information on a storage space, direct a light to an inside of the storage space when the door is opened, requires no additional lighting enabling to utilize a storage space to the maximum and to produce a high quality appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chunhee Hong
  • Patent number: 8523375
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator which performs a light emitting operation in connection with opening and closing of doors and a home bar door. The refrigerator includes a front glass, a light guide member disposed on a rear surface of the front glass, a light emitting device disposed at the outside of the light guide member to generate light toward the light guide member, scattering members provided within the light guide member to scatter the light of the light emitting device transmitted through the light guide member, and transmitting parts provided on the front glass corresponding to the scattering members to transmit the light of the scattering members toward the front surface of each door, and the light emitting device emits light in connection with opened and closed states of the doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joong Ho Kim, Yong Man Seo, Eui Young Chang
  • Patent number: 8511846
    Abstract: A cooler that utilizes multiple LEDs to illuminate an entire interior is disclosed herein. The LEDs are activated by a magnetic reed switch positioned between an inside liner and an outer liner of the cooler. A magnet is positioned in a lid. Removal of the magnetic field of the magnet when the lid is in an open state allows the magnetic reed switch to complete a circuit from a battery to the LEDs thereby allowing the LEDs to illuminate the entire interior chamber of the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Liddup, Inc.
    Inventor: Jayson T. Sandberg
  • Publication number: 20130208447
    Abstract: Internal lighting for refrigerated display cabinets, chillers, cold rooms or freezers, has rearwardly-directed light assemblies incorporated in the rear faces of the vertical stiles (and/or top and bottom rails) of the door frames of the cabinet doors to illuminate the contents of the cabinets. The light assemblies may be provided in recesses, grooves or channels, and may comprise LED(s), lamps or lighting strips, connected to an electricity supply. Door switches can de-energise the light assemblies when the doors are open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Maslen Technology Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: John Maslen
  • Patent number: 8443617
    Abstract: Provided is a rail assembly fixed to the sides of a storage compartment of a refrigerator, with rail housings supporting rail members that insert and extrude a storage container, and a light source fixed to a rail housing to indicate whether a certain function is being performed in the storage compartment and function as a lamp that illuminates the inside of the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jin-Woo Park
  • Patent number: 8384290
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an illumination system adaptable to a cooling appliance. The illumination system includes a lighting module, a mode switch and a controller. Specifically, the lighting module includes at least one lighting device; the mode switch is used to determine a power mode for the lighting module; and the controller provides corresponding power to the lighting device according to the power mode. In one embodiment, the illumination system further includes a heating module having a heater for providing heat to the controller. In another embodiment, the lighting device is disposed near the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Top Energy Saving System Corp.
    Inventor: Wen-Kuei Tsai
  • Patent number: 8382220
    Abstract: A decorative panel and a refrigerator having the same are presented. Inner gorgeous decorative patterns are seen according to an opening and closing operation of a refrigerator door usually serving as a mirror, providing the user a continuous aesthetic sense with which the user is not bored compared with decorative patterns which are always exposed. In addition, a mirror face is formed on a front plate and a decorative plate to continuously reflect the decorative patterns to thereby provide a three-dimensional aesthetic sense with the planar decorative patterns. Also, because recesses or protrusions are formed on the decorative plate to obtain a decorative effect, the usage amount of high-priced components such as jewels can be reduced to lower a fabrication cost of a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ung-Su Kim
  • Patent number: 8358067
    Abstract: In a lighting apparatus which emits light of a desired wavelength by irradiating excitation light from a light source to a wavelength converting member, a structure is such that a part of wavelength-converted light which is launched from the wavelength converting member is made to launch from an irradiated-light emerging area without making the light incidence again to the wavelength converting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kamee, Takeshi Ito, Masahiro Nishio
  • Patent number: 8291816
    Abstract: The invention provides a drawer type cooking device having an operation unit disposed on an upper portion of a drawer body so as to increase the height of the drawer body within a cooking device body as much as possible, capable of facilitating power supply and signal transmission between the control unit within the cooking device body and the operation unit when the drawer body is opened and closed. Slide mechanisms 4 disposed on left, right and bottom portions enabling the drawer body 2 to be moved into and out of the cooking device body 1 are composed of conductive materials, so as to provide a slidable state with constant conduction. By transmitting data via serial communication and supplying power to the operation unit from the cooking device body 1 to the drawer body 2, it becomes possible to dispose the operation unit on a door 2a being opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Iwamoto, Masamitsu Kishimoto
  • Publication number: 20120230015
    Abstract: A lighting device for a drawer type refrigerator is provided. The drawer type refrigerator comprises at least one drawer having a drawer door, and an upper rotary door or an upper drawer door disposed above the drawer door. The lighting device comprises: a lamp assembly comprising a lamp and a lamp shade of a light-transmission material and disposed in a groove formed in a lower portion of the upper rotary door or the upper drawer door; a switch assembly configured to control the lamp assembly based upon whether the drawer is pulled out; a power supply assembly configured to supply power to the switch assembly; and a connection assembly connected between the lamp assembly and the switch assembly to supply power to the lamp assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicants: HEFEI HUALING CO., LTD., HEFEI MIDEA RONGSHIDA REFRIGERATOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tao Zhu, Lingyun Li, Jian Cheng, Haixing Zhang, Fang Zhao
  • Patent number: 8235539
    Abstract: The invention provides an elongated lighting fixture with multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) arrayed in two groups that are angled to each other. The fixture provides an extremely broad light emitting angle and includes an elongated housing having a pair of side walls with at least one fin to dissipate heat. Each side wall has a support member extending upward at angle from the side wall, wherein the side walls terminate at a central wall. A generally transparent cover is connected to the housing and extends between opposed ends of the housing. A first elongated fastener and a second elongated fastener are utilized to mount a first group of LEDs and a second group of LEDs to the first support member and the second support member, respectively. First and second interconnection board assemblies are affixed to respective support members beneath the group of LEDs by the first and second fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: ElectraLED, Inc.
    Inventors: James Thomas, David Lynd, Gary Gatesman, Jim Mosier, Bryan T. Warner
  • Patent number: 8210702
    Abstract: A cooler that utilizes multiple LEDs to illuminate an entire interior is disclosed herein. The LEDs are activated by a magnetic reed switch positioned between an inside liner and an outer liner of the cooler. A magnet is positioned in a lid. Removal of the magnetic field of the magnet when the lid is in an open state allows the magnetic reed switch to complete a circuit from a battery to the LEDs thereby allowing the LEDs to illuminate the entire interior chamber of the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Liddup Corporation
    Inventor: Jayson T. Sandberg
  • Patent number: 8142038
    Abstract: A refrigerator has a door, a lampshade and a lamp set, internal and external clamping walls and a seal retainer formed on the frame of the door. The lampshade and the lamp are set on the inner side of the frame of the door. The lamp is installed on the inner side of the doorframe, so that on the one hand the inner space of the refrigerator is not occupied by the illuminating device, and on the other hand, damage to the lamp caused by placing or taking goods relative to the refrigerator is prevented. Also, the lamp is installed on the door, and the light generated by the lamp irradiates inwardly to enhance the illuminating effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: Haier Group Corporation, Quingdao Haier Special Freezer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Biao Li, Jingchun Wang, Kailong Ren, Fumin Wu, Wen Zhang
  • Patent number: 7984997
    Abstract: A cooler that utilizes multiple LEDs to illuminate an entire interior is disclosed herein. The LEDs are activated by a magnetic reed switch positioned between an inside liner and an outer liner of the cooler. A magnet is positioned in a lid. Removal of the magnetic field of the magnet when the lid is in an open state allows the magnetic reed switch to complete a circuit from a battery to the LEDs thereby allowing the LEDs to illuminate the entire interior chamber of the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Liddup Corporation
    Inventor: Jayson T. Sandberg
  • Publication number: 20110079034
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator which performs a light emitting operation in connection with opening and closing of doors and a home bar door. The refrigerator includes a front glass, a light guide member disposed on a rear surface of the front glass, a light emitting device disposed at the outside of the light guide member to generate light toward the light guide member, scattering members provided within the light guide member to scatter the light of the light emitting device transmitted through the light guide member, and transmitting parts provided on the front glass corresponding to the scattering members to transmit the light of the scattering members toward the front surface of each door, and the light emitting device emits light in connection with opened and closed states of the doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joong Ho Kim, Yong Man Seo, Eui Young Chang
  • Patent number: 7887207
    Abstract: The display space of a multiple door display merchandiser is illuminated by one or more vertically extending lamps (80) disposed intermediate the vertical sides of an access opening to the display space. A multiple door assembly (44) covers the access opening. To enhance the illumination of the display space, a pair of vertically extending side reflectors (92) are provided, one extending along one side of the access opening and the other extending along the other side of the access opening. An additional reflector may be mounted to an interior facing surface of the door along an upper front region of the door and/or a lower front region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Riad Saraiji, Mark A. Daniels, Robert J. Reese, Stephen Kenney, Thomas E. Drago
  • Patent number: 7883229
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes the ability to determine the amount of time that a light within the refrigerator remains on. If the on time exceeds a predetermined time period, the light is turned off. If the door of the refrigerator is repeatedly opened and closed, the total accumulated on time is monitored, and the light will be turned off when the total on time exceeds the predetermined time period. If the light remains off for more than a cooling off period, the accumulated on time timer is reset, and the light can again be turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Woong Chul Choi
  • Patent number: 7874170
    Abstract: A method and a control unit (4) for controlling a supply of power to an electrical circuit comprising a switch (3). An output voltage of a first power source (5), which is connected to the circuit, is measured and compared to a predefined threshold voltage. If the measured voltage is smaller than the threshold value it is determined that the switch (3) is in a closed state, and if the voltage is larger than the threshold value it is determined that the switch (3) is in an open state. The supply of power is controlled in accordance with the open/closed state of the switch (3). Preferably, the electrical circuit is connected to a second power source (9) when the switch (3) is in a closed state. Power is conserved while it is ensured that sufficient power is available when needed. The invention is very suitable for supplying power to a lamp (1) positioned inside a refrigeration compartment (2), especially when the system is battery powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Danfoss Compressors GmbH
    Inventors: Mads Andersen, Claus Schmidt, Ole Bachmann, Rune Thomsen
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100295425
    Abstract: A decorative panel and a refrigerator having the same are disclosed. Inner gorgeous decorative patterns are seen according to an opening and closing operation of a refrigerator door usually serving as a mirror, providing the user a continuous aesthetic sense with which the user is not bored compared with decorative patterns which are always exposed. In addition, a mirror face is formed on a front plate and a decorative plate to continuously reflect the decorative patterns to thereby provide a three-dimensional aesthetic sense with the planar decorative patterns. Also, because recesses or protrusions are formed on the decorative plate to obtain a decorative effect, the usage amount of high-priced components such as jewels can be reduced to lower a fabrication cost of a product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ung-Su KIM
  • Patent number: 7832224
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling a lamp of a refrigerator. The apparatus may include a dispenser provided on a refrigerator door and a lamp installed within the dispenser for illuminating the dispenser. The dispenser may include a rotary member that rotates as an operation lever provided in the dispenser is operated and a duct door for selectively opening and closing an ice duct. The rotary member may include a rotary shaft supported by side walls of the dispenser and a connector part that extends from the rotary shaft. The duct door may be coupled to the connection part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Sug Roo, Jai Hwan Shim, Sang Su Lee
  • Publication number: 20100149786
    Abstract: Provided is a lighting device for a refrigerator. A cold air duct is disposed at a rear surface of a storage room of the refrigerator, and the lighting device is disposed at the cold air duct for illuminating the storage room. Therefore, the storage capacity of the refrigerator does not decrease by the lighting device, and the efficiency of the refrigerator can increase. In addition, a user is not dazzled by light emitted from the lighting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Bong-Kook Lee
  • Publication number: 20100139638
    Abstract: Lighting for an oven door includes a light source and a design that is selectively illuminated by the light source. The light source is located in the oven door, and the design is etched in an oven door window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: DAVID C. HARGRAVE, ALLAN G. TROWBRIDGE
  • Patent number: 7722204
    Abstract: A cooler is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the cooler includes a thermally-insulated cooler receptacle having a receptacle interior and a thermally-insulated cooler lid carried by the cooler receptacle and positional between open and closed positions. A pressure switch is carried by the cooler receptacle. The pressure switch is closed when the cooler lid is in the open position and open when the cooler lid is in the closed position. A plurality of LEDs is provided in the receptacle interior and connected to the pressure switch. A power source is connected to the pressure switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Jayson T. Sandberg
  • Publication number: 20090284157
    Abstract: A door mounted dispenser for a refrigerator includes rear and opposing side walls that collectively define a cavity, a release mechanism for dispensing ice and/or water and a light for illuminating the cavity. The cavity light can be operated in one of three distinct modes, i.e., in a first mode wherein the cavity light is continuously illuminated, in a second mode wherein the cavity light is illuminated only through activation of the release mechanism, and in a third mode wherein the cavity light is illuminated based upon a sensed level of ambient light present at or near the refrigerator. In the third mode, the cavity light is illuminated at a first level based upon ambient light and a second, higher level when the release mechanism is operated. The level of ambient light necessary to activate the cavity light can be set by a consumer through control panel inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: ROBERT L. WETEKAMP
  • Publication number: 20090244884
    Abstract: A refrigerator unit with a lighted door including a cabinet including a top, bottom and opposed sides defining a front opening. The refrigerator further includes a door including a door frame mounted to the cabinet, said door frame having an inside and outside and including a top framing member, a bottom framing member, opposed side framing members and a glass panel having an exterior and an interior. Finally, provided is a lighting assembly attached to at least one of the top framing member, a bottom framing member and opposed side framing members. The lighting assembly includes a channel for maintaining a plurality of LEDs. The channel is disposed at an angle to direct light from the LED either parallel to the glass plane or at an oblique angle thereto. The system may reduce the intensity of the light when the door is opened. A method for operating a refrigerator is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: TRUE MANUFACTURING CO. INC.
    Inventor: Steven L. Trulaske, SR.
  • Publication number: 20090052161
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a lamp apparatus includes: a lamp receiving part formed at a recess portion of a rear wall surface of a storage space of the refrigerator; a light source unit installed at the lamp receiving part and being parallel to the rear wall surface of the storage space; and a lamp cover for diffusing light emitted from the light source unit. Because the light source unit and the lamp cover are provided at the lamp receiving part formed at a recess portion of the rear wall surface of the storage space of the refrigerator, both upper and lower ends of the storage space may be uniformly illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Seung-Mok LEE
  • Publication number: 20090031745
    Abstract: A refrigeration device comprising a refrigeration circuit that contains an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor, in addition to electronic components for operating the refrigeration device. According to the invention, all the electronic components are combined in an electronic unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Neumann
  • Publication number: 20080043456
    Abstract: A shelf arrangement has an electrical connector which is disposed with one of a plurality of mechanical connection elements of a shelf bracket wherein the connection elements are configured to be received in openings formed in a vertical support bracket; and a contact strip which is disposed with the vertical support bracket and which has electrical connection features that are engageable with the electrical connector to establish an electrical connection therebetween when the mechanical connection elements are inserted into the openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Allen J. Bernardini, Eric A. Griswold
  • Patent number: 7320528
    Abstract: A refrigerator including a body and a door pivotably fitted to the body. The body and the door together define an interior space in the refrigerator. At least one lamp for illumination of the interior is mounted on the door and the light distribution thereof, relative to the door, is variable and coupled to the pivot motion of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Götz
  • Patent number: 7252402
    Abstract: A lighting device for illuminating the inside of a baking oven containing an oven muffle and a front flap or door including a viewing window. The lighting device having a light beam path inside of the front flap and at least one mirror arranged in the front flap for distributing light from the lighting device light beam path into the oven muffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Götz, Walter Gramlich
  • Patent number: 7172306
    Abstract: A deadbolt having an integral light that is activated only when the deadbolt is properly locked includes a conventional deadbolt housing attached to a door. The housing includes a latch section that is mounted on an inner surface of a door having a drive member thereon. The drive member operates a latch shaft that extends and retracts a striker to lock and unlock the door. An LED is positioned on the latch section that is activated with an internally disposed magnetic reed switch. When the shaft is rotated to a locked position, a magnet positioned thereon substantially aligns with the magnetic reed switch to activate the LED. When the deadbolt is unlocked, the magnet is rotated out of alignment with the reed switch thereby deactivating the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ricky Campa
  • Patent number: 6951402
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance interior lighting system for sensing the exterior light level and adjusting the light level accordingly within the interior of the home appliance. The refrigeration appliance interior lighting system includes a control unit in electrical communication with a first light bulb for controlling the illumination intensity of the first light bulb. A light sensor is positioned to measure the exterior light level and communicates the exterior light level to the control unit. When the exterior light level is above a threshold level, the first light bulb emits a high level of illumination. When the exterior light level is below the threshold level, the first light bulb emits a low level of illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Heath R. Copp
  • Patent number: 6918679
    Abstract: A self-illuminating display shelf assembly includes at least one shelf member formed as a light guide panel, a shelf support to hold the shelf member in a horizontal position, and an irradiating unit for irradiating the light guide panel. The light guide panel includes a top face, a bottom face, and an edge face interconnecting the top and bottom faces. The irradiating unit includes an elongated shroud mounted on the light guide panel and covering the edge face, and a light emitting element mounted on the shroud and confronting the edge face. The light emitting element is operable so as to produce light that is incident on the edge face of the light guide panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: San-Chih Wu