Damper Between Storage Compartments Patents (Class 62/187)
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Patent number: 11867460Abstract: A method and apparatus for freezing a liquid droplet includes dispensing, by a liquid dispenser (14), a droplet (13) of liquid into a fluid chamber (10) containing a freezing fluid (12). The droplet of liquid is allowed to dwell in the freezing fluid for at least a predetermined dwell time so that the droplet of liquid freezes to a frozen droplet. The method and apparatus further includes injecting, by a gas injector (17), a stream (16) of gas transversely to a surface of the freezing fluid at about where the frozen droplet is located along the surface of the freezing fluid contained in the fluid chamber so that the frozen droplet sinks in the freezing fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventor: Reza Bashar
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Patent number: 11821671Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment to which cold air is supplied through a cold air outlet, and a shelf mounted to the storage compartment. The shelf includes a shelf frame provided to form a rim of the shelf, and a cold air regulator manipulated from one side of the shelf frame so as to adjust an amount of cold air discharged from the cold air outlet to the storage compartment. The cold air regulator includes a connecting member configured to be slidable along the rim of the shelf.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2021Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Eun Heo, Kyoungsun Park, Huido Park
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Patent number: 11530870Abstract: To configure existing drawers as evacuable drawers of a vacuum drawer device, a cover for installation in the drawer body can be used. The cover evacuates at the drawer interior with an evacuation system, so that the interior is evacuated when the drawer is closed and ventilated before the drawer is opened. The cover is airtight, is profiled in such that evacuation with a controller, a pump and a valve are fixedly integrated in at least one recess in the cover and the cover has at least one air channel leading into the inside of the cover or, respectively, into the at least one recess, with the air channel operatively connected to the evacuation system such that when the cover is placed onto the drawer, air from the interior can be pumped out of the interior, the inside of the cover interior or, respectively, the at least one recess through the air duct.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventor: Daniel Bertschi
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Patent number: 11371768Abstract: A method of controlling a refrigerator may include operating a first cooling cycle for a first storage compartment to drive a compressor and operating a first cooling fan for cooling the first storage compartment, and switching to a second cooling cycle for cooling a second storage compartment to drive the compressor and operating a second cooling fan for cooling the second storage compartment when a stop condition of the first cooling cycle is satisfied. The method may also include switching to a third cooling cycle for cooling the first storage compartment to drive the compressor and operating the first cooling fan when a stop condition of the second cooling cycle is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2019Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Youngseung Song, Namsoo Cho, Kangsoo Byun
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Patent number: 11333421Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator capable of improving a user's convenience by locating a knob for adjusting a temperature of a cooling container above the cooling container. The refrigerator includes: a first storage room; a second storage room positioned below the first storage room; a cooling container positioned in the inside of the first storage room, and forming a cooling space maintained at a temperature that is different from a temperature of the first storage room; and a knob configured to adjust a temperature of the cooling space and positioned above the cooling container.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joo Hee Song, Il Sung Bae, Se Jin Yun, Jae Pil Cho
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Patent number: 11280526Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a thermoelectric element module, a support disposed at a lower surface of the cabinet, and a heat dissipation cover coupled to a rear side of the cabinet. The thermoelectric element module includes a thermoelectric element including a heat absorption portion and a heat dissipation portion, a first heat sink contacting the heat absorption portion, a first fan facing the first heat sink, a second heat sink contacting the heat dissipation portion, a second fan exposed to an outside of the heat dissipation cover, and an insulating member between the first heat sink and the second heat sink. The heat dissipation cover is configured to guide air from the second fan in a vertical direction, and the support defines an air passage between the lower surface and a floor to allow air to be discharged to a front side through a lower side of the cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Heayoun Sul, Minkyu Oh, Jeehoon Choi, Hyoungkeun Lim
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Patent number: 11179993Abstract: Cabin air treatment apparatus for an agricultural machine, comprising at least an external air inlet, a filtration system, an HVAC system, and a cabin air supply outlet. The apparatus further comprises a hermetically closed box inside which the HVAC system is housed, the box having a levelling opening for placing the box into communication with a cabin of the agricultural machine to level a pressure inside the box with a pressure inside the cabin. The filtration system comprises a filter for effecting a filtration of at least one among dust, aerosols and vapours, arranged at an external air inlet formed on the box, and an air inlet duct arranged downstream of the filter and provided with a selecting valve having a first outlet connected to the HVAC system, and a second outlet connected to a fan of a condensation system, through a cleaning duct.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2016Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: DENSO THERMAL SYSTEMS S.P.A.Inventors: Massimo Davter, Leone Contento
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Patent number: 11168503Abstract: A cooling device includes a body, a drawer door attached to the body by rails in a slidable manner, and a door opening assistant for facilitating opening of the drawer door. As an improvement, at least two door closing assistants, that are configured to close the drawer door when the drawer door reaches a predetermined position, are provided on the body and/or the drawer door in such a way that the door opening assistant remains at a location between the at least two door closing assistants.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Taha Demiroez, Emre Guentav, Rasit Oenver
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Patent number: 11131496Abstract: A refrigerator comprises: a refrigerator compartment comprising a storage compartment and a ventilation channel limited therein, wherein the ventilation channel is configured to provide a cold air to inside of the storage compartment; and a ventilation control device, arranged in the ventilation channel. The ventilation control device comprises: a housing comprising at least one air inlet and a plurality of air outlets; and an adjustment member configured to adjust respective areas of the plurality of air outlets, through which air is output, by being controlled to completely block, partially block, or completely open each of the air outlets, so as to adjust an air volume of the air output to the storage compartment via the ventilation channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: QINGDAO HAIER JOINT STOCK CO., LTDInventors: Bin Fei, Xueli Cheng, Xuan Ji, Jinlin Liu
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Patent number: 11085689Abstract: A control method for a refrigerator comprises driving a first cooling fan to cool a first storage chamber; adjusting a damper to cause cold air to simultaneously flow through first and second cold-air passages; adjusting a damper to reduce the opening angle of the first cold-air passage, when the temperature of a high-temperature chamber reaches a value smaller than or equal to a second reference temperature for the high-temperature chamber; adjusting a damper to reduce the opening angle of the second cold-air passage, when the temperature of a low-temperature chamber reaches a value smaller than or equal to a second reference temperature for the low-temperature chamber; and driving a second cooling fan to cool a second storage chamber. When a predetermined time elapses or the sensed temperature of the high-temperature chamber reaches a first set temperature, the damper is adjusted to increase the opening angle of the first cold-air passage.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hosan Kim, Sunghee Kang, Jindong Kim, Jeongwon Park, Namgyo Lee, Jihyun Im, Namsoo Cho, Yonghyeon Cho
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Patent number: 10890364Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of household appliances technologies, and discloses a refrigerator with an ice maker, at least comprising: a refrigerating compartment and an ice-making chamber disposed inside the refrigerating compartment, wherein an ice maker is arranged inside the ice-making chamber, the ice-making chamber is supplied with cold air by an ice-making refrigeration system including an ice-making evaporator, an ice-making air duct, and an ice-making fan, the ice-making evaporator is communicated with the ice maker through the ice-making air duct to form a refrigerating circulation loop, the ice-making fan is arranged in the ice-making air duct, and the ice-making evaporator is disposed outside the ice-making chamber and located inside the refrigerating compartment.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2020Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Inventors: Yu Li, Deming Wei, Ying Jia, Wei Chen, Dongxian Liu, Xuezai Zheng, Wei Ren
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Patent number: 10859304Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of household appliances technologies, and discloses a refrigerator with a separate ice-making system which comprises a refrigerating compartment and an ice-making chamber disposed inside the refrigerating compartment, wherein an ice maker is arranged in the ice-making chamber, the ice-making chamber is supplied with cold air by an ice-making refrigeration system including an ice-making evaporator, an ice-making air supply duct, an ice-making fan and an ice-making air return duct, the ice-making air supply duct and the ice-making air return duct are located front to back, the ice-making evaporator is disposed in the refrigerating compartment and located outside the ice-making chamber, and the ice-making evaporator is communicated with the ice maker through the ice-making air supply duct and the ice-making air return duct to form a refrigerating cycle loop.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2020Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Inventors: Ying Jia, Zengqiang Si, Dongxian Liu, Xuezai Zheng, Fei Lu, Yu Li, Deming Wei
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Patent number: 10794629Abstract: A system for measuring and monitoring the closure of a refrigerated compartment of an appliance includes a controller having at least one input and at least one output for receiving and providing electrical signals to a plurality of electrical components of the appliance. The system includes a pressure sensor for monitoring the compartment to detect the presence of a negative pressure pulse indicative of a compartment closure.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.Inventors: Mark W. Wilson, Eric Scalf
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Patent number: 10775094Abstract: A refrigerator according to an embodiment includes: a duct dividing the inside of a storage compartment body into a storage compartment and an air channel and having a main discharge port and a sub-discharge port; an air guide dividing the air channel into a first channel communicating with the main discharge port and a second channel guiding air in the first channel to the sub-discharge port; a heat exchanger provided in the first channel; and a fan suctioning air in the storage compartment and sending the air to the first channel. According to the refrigerator, it is possible to maximize the volume of the storage compartment and separately discharge air to the main discharge port and the sub-discharge port, using a simple structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Kyunghun Cha, Soyoon Kim, Myungjin Chung, Kyungseok Kim
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Patent number: 10746449Abstract: A method for controlling an air conditioner and an air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses a refrigerant; and a control unit that controls the compressor. The control unit may include a main control unit that controls an entirety of the air conditioner; a start-up control unit that controls the compressor at an initial start-up of the compressor; a normal control unit that controls the compressor according to a target room temperature after the start-up control unit completely controls the compressor; and a bumpless control unit that calculates a compensation value for lowering an operating frequency of the compressor according to an indoor load when a priority for controlling the compressor is transferred from the start-up control unit to the normal control unit. The bumpless control unit lowers the operating frequency of the compressor according to the compensation value.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jinsung Kim, Dongryul Park, Jungwoo Lee
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Patent number: 10655905Abstract: A freezer compartment having a flexible size is provided. In a refrigerator, a storage compartment includes an insulated shelf to separate a freezer compartment from a refrigerator compartment. The insulated shelf is movable to alter the size of the freezer compartment. In some cases, the freezer compartment is accessed by an internal door having a main door and a secondary door that can open separately to provide selective access to portions of the storage compartment. In other cases, the freezer compartment is accessed by an internal door that swings up about a horizontally-directed hinge axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Claudinei Freitas Candido, Bruno Ribeiro, Jonathan Watzko
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Patent number: 10514195Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cold air supply device received in an insulating partition that defines a storage compartment into upper and lower storage compartments. As cold air is supplied into the storage compartment below the insulating partition through the cold air supply device, the refrigerator has enhanced productivity and interior volume efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Yang Yeol Gu
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Patent number: 10309696Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body in which a first storage compartment is defined, and a heat exchange chamber defined in the main body. An evaporator received in the heat exchange chamber. A second storage compartment is provided in the first storage compartment and a quick cooling module to cool an inside of the second storage compartment is provided, where the quick cooling module heat-exchanges with a refrigerant pipe of the evaporator. The quick cooling module includes a thermal conductive unit in thermal conduction with the refrigerant pipe, and a thermoelectric device having a first surface in thermal conduction with the thermal conductive unit to heat-exchange with the thermal conductive unit when current is supplied and a second surface facing the second storage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jaehoon Shin, Yanggyu Kim, Heayoun Sul, Yongjoo Park
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Patent number: 10145599Abstract: The disclosure relates to a refrigerator which includes a compressor capable of generating cooling capacity for executing at least one of a refrigerating operation and a freezing operation, a temperature sensor capable of sensing an internal temperature of the refrigerator, to which cold air is supplied, at a specific period, in response to at least one of the freezing operation and the refrigerating operation, and a controller capable of calculating a rate of change in the internal temperature using the sensed internal temperature, and controlling the cooling capacity of the compressor based on the calculated rate of change in the internal temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2016Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Shinhyun Park, Buhwan Ahn, Sangil Lee
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Patent number: 9970699Abstract: Combined refrigerator/freezer appliances with dampers having ice prevention treatments are disclosed. An example combined refrigerator/freezer appliance includes a cabinet having a first compartment and a second separate compartment, a refrigeration system including a compressor, a single evaporator and a condenser, the single evaporator being associated with the first compartment to lower temperatures of the first and second compartments, and a damper having a first position in which air is prevented from flowing from the first compartment to the second compartment, and a second position in which air is permitted to flow from the first compartment to the second compartment, wherein at least a portion of the damper is treated to prevent ice buildup from forming on the at least portion of the damper when the damper is in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Yen-Hsi Lin
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Patent number: 9933188Abstract: Provided are a refrigerator and a control method thereof. The refrigerator includes a compressor, a condenser, a refrigerant tube guiding a flow of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser, a plurality of expansion devices, a plurality of evaporators including first and second evaporators to evaporate the refrigerant decompressed in the plurality of expansion devices, a plurality of first evaporation passages in which a portion of the plurality of expansion devices is disposed, the plurality of first evaporation passages guiding introduction of the refrigerant into the first evaporator of the plurality of evaporators, a second evaporation passage in which the other portion of the plurality of expansion devices is disposed, the second evaporation passage guiding introduction of the refrigerant into the second evaporator and a flow adjusting unit to branch the refrigerant into the plurality of first evaporation passages and the second evaporation passage.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Hyoungkeun Lim, Sangbong Lee, Jangseok Lee, Myungjin Chung
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Patent number: 9759479Abstract: A refrigerating appliance includes an interior volume divided by a medial wall into refrigerating and freezing compartments. A horizontal false mullion extends through one of the compartments, parallel with the medial wall to define a pantry compartment in thermal communication with at least one of the refrigerating and freezing compartments. A center vertical mullion is removably engaged with the medial wall and divides the pantry compartment into first and second pantry sub compartments. First and second outer drawer glides are positioned on the cabinet structure within the pantry compartment and opposite first and second inner drawer glides of the center vertical mullion. The first inner and first outer drawer glides partially define the first pantry sub compartment. The second inner and second outer drawer glides partially define the second pantry sub compartment. First and second pantry drawers are slidably engaged with first and second pantry sub compartments, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Axel Julio Ramm, Michael S. Richards, Rahul Wadke, Joshua J. Wittes
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Patent number: 9441991Abstract: This data providing method is carried out by a computer (460) built in a data processing system (1) which is designed to collect log information from electronic devices through a network (30) and provide services based on that log information for authenticated users. The method includes: receiving a fridge's (100a, 100b) log information through the network; generating display data, representing a trend of change of a recovery time that indicates how long it takes for the fridge's inside temperature to recover a preset operating temperature since the fridge's door was closed, by reference to pieces of information which are included in the fridge's log information and which indicate (i) the preset operating temperature inside the fridge, (ii) the temperature of the ambient surrounding the fridge, (iii) a temperature inside the fridge, and (iv) opening and closing history of the fridge; and providing the display data for an authenticated user's display terminal (130a, 130b).Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation of AmericaInventors: Tomoyuki Haga, Motoji Ohmori, Natsume Matsuzaki, Yuichi Futa
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Patent number: 9441779Abstract: An insulation structure for an appliance includes a first vacuum insulated structure having a top and downward sides extending from the top and defining a lower connection surface. A second vacuum insulated structure having a bottom and upward sides extending from the bottom and defining an upper connection surface, and an intermediate insulation structure having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface engages the lower connection surface of the first vacuum insulated structure to define the first insulated interior, wherein the bottom surface engages the upper connection surface of the second vacuum insulated structure to define the second insulated interior, and wherein the intermediate insulation structure includes an appliance utility path within which at least one utility for the appliance is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Mohamed Alshourbagy, Andrea Olivani, Ian Osborn
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Patent number: 9297570Abstract: An installation and method for freezing and cold storage of palletized product. A chiller is provided in the interior of a cold storage warehouse space that maintains the temperature of ambient air within the space below freezing. A plurality of racking structures each define an air flow chamber having air intake openings on opposite sides thereof and an air outlet to enable freezing air to be drawn into the chamber through the intake openings and exhausting into the warehouse space. Pallets on pallet guides are pressed against the intake openings such that freezing air is drawn through the palletized product to thereby quickly freeze the product. The pallet structure and air flow chambers are arranged in spaced-apart rows to enable a forklift to pass down the aisles so as to place and remove the palletized product.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Tippmann Companies LLCInventor: Daniel J. Tippmann
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Patent number: 9175898Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet comprising a storage compartment An evaporator is positioned at an upper portion of the cabinet and generates cold air supplied to the storage compartment. A unit (e.g., closable damper) controls supply of cold air generated by the evaporator to the storage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Su Nam Chae, Kyeong Yun Kim, Jang Seok Lee, Min Kyu Oh, Youn Seok Lee
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Patent number: 9160258Abstract: A cooling system is disclosed. The cooling system may have an evaporator, an evaporator fan, a condenser, and at least one compressor. The compressor may be either a single speed or a variable speed compressor. In addition, the system can use a mechanical or electrical pulsed operation refrigerant flow control valve for controlling refrigerant flow to the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Rocky ResearchInventors: Uwe Rockenfeller, Kaveh Khalili
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Patent number: 9119289Abstract: An interdigitated electrode film co-extruded with bus bars for thin film electronics or other devices. First electrode layers are located between first and second major surfaces of the film with a first bus bar electrically connecting and integrated with the first electrode layers. Second electrode layers are located between the first and second major surfaces with a second bus bar electrically connecting and integrated with the second electrode layers. The first electrode layers are interdigitated with the second electrode layers, and insulating layers electrically isolate the first bus bar and electrode layers from the second bus bar and electrode layers. The electrode films include multilayer films with vertical bus bars and multilane films with horizontal bus bars.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Tommie W. Kelley, Martin B. Wolk, Terence D. Neavin, Stephen A. Johnson, Arthur L. Fry, Audrey A. Sherman
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Patent number: 9057550Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes an evaporator configured to evaporate a coolant and to cool a storage compartment, a compressor configured to compress the coolant evaporated in the evaporator, a condenser configured to condense the coolant compressed in the compressor, a hot line configured to receive condensed coolant, a first capillary tube configured to receive condensed coolant from the hot line, a second capillary tube configured to receive condensed coolant and arranged to allow bypassing of the hot line, a first coolant configured to adjust flow of condensed coolant from the hot line to the first capillary tube and a second coolant adjusting valve configured to control flow of condensed coolant from the condenser to the hot line and the second capillary tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jungwook Bae, Dongseok Kim, Taehee Lee
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Patent number: 8966913Abstract: An auxiliary air conditioning apparatus may include a blower unit, wherein a blower may be provided therein to forcibly blow intake air, a temperature control unit fluid-connected to the blower unit to receive air blown from the blower unit, wherein the temperature control unit includes an evaporator and a heater therein and may be connected to an air duct to exhaust air that may be cooled by the evaporator or heated by the heater, an auxiliary temperature control unit fluid-connected to the blower unit to receive air blown from the blower unit and fluid-connected to the air duct, wherein the auxiliary temperature control unit includes a heat exchanger core provided therein, the heat exchanger core having a thermoelectric device, an auxiliary power supply supplying electrical power to the blower and the heat exchanger core, and an auxiliary cooling/heating control unit controlling operation of the blower and the heat exchanger unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, KB Autotech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Man Ju Oh, Tae Soo Sung
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Patent number: 8904811Abstract: A freezer includes a housing having a sidewall defining a chamber, and an inlet and an outlet in communication with the chamber; a pair of baffle assemblies spaced apart and disposed in the chamber, a first one of the pair movable 90° degrees out of phase from a second one of the pair; a plate disposed in the chamber and extending between the first and second baffle assemblies for dividing a portion of the chamber into an intake zone and an outflow zone; a fan disposed in the chamber between the first and second baffle assemblies and in communication with the intake and outflow zones for providing a gas flow from the intake zone to the outflow zone; and a delivery apparatus in communication with the chamber for delivering a chilling substance to the chamber for reducing a temperature of a product. A method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Linde AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael D. Newman, Stephen A. McCormick
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Patent number: 8833093Abstract: A method of controlling temperature in a compartment of a refrigerator is disclosed. During a normal operation of the refrigerator, the compartment is cooled by a temperature control circuit operated in accordance with a predetermined thermodynamic cycle. The method includes the steps of measuring a variable parameter of the compartment, and comparing the variable parameter with a threshold, and if the variable parameter is greater than the threshold, continuing to operate the temperature control circuit in accordance with the predetermined thermodynamic cycle.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Ronald Scott Tarr
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Patent number: 8794019Abstract: A refrigerator, including a cabinet having top, bottom, rear and opposing side walls that collectively define a freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment, employs a cooling system and an air plenum to deliver a cooling air flow into the freezer and fresh food compartments. The air plenum includes a variable position air damper having a first, substantially straight portion and a second arcuate portion that forms an air scoop. The air damper is slidably mounted within the air plenum between first and second positions. The variable position air damper is selectively arranged in the first position to efficiently deliver a volume of the cooling air flow into the freezer compartment, the second position to deliver the cooling airflow into the fresh food compartment or in an infinite number of intermediate positions to deliver the cooling airflow into both compartments.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Steven John Kuehl, James Charles Leslie Guarino
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Publication number: 20140208783Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigeration cycle system including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator through which a refrigerant sequentially passes; a blower fan sending air cooled by the evaporator to a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment; and a damper regulating air sent from the evaporator to the refrigerator compartment, in which when the freezer compartment temperature is not satisfactory and the refrigerator compartment temperature is not satisfactory, the refrigerator operates in a concurrent operation mode in which the compressor is operated, the damper is opened, and first voltage is applied to the blower fan, and when the freezer compartment temperature is not satisfactory and the refrigerator compartment temperature is satisfactory, the refrigerator operates in a freezer compartment single operation mode in which the compressor is operated, the damper is closed, and second voltage lower than the first voltage is applied to the blower fan.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Sungsub LEE, Sungwoo LEE, Taehee LEE, Dongseok KIM
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Publication number: 20140165632Abstract: A control system for operating a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator has a variable damper, a variable speed fan, and a variable speed compressor. The damper position, evaporator fan speed, and compressor speed are determined through interacting feedback control loops based on the set point temperatures for the fresh food and freezer compartments as well as the measured temperatures in such compartments. The adjustment of these actuators can eliminate large temperature fluctuations and discontinuities in the air flow and improve the thermal performance and energy efficiency of the refrigerator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Bahman Abbasi, Keith Wesley Wait
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Patent number: 8744632Abstract: An air conditioning system for cooling an enclosure includes an air conditioner and a control system for triggering an economizer cycle of the air conditioner. The control system determines an electrical load of equipment in the enclosure, calculates a maximum acceptable outdoor temperature at which the economizer cycle may be operated based at least partially on the electrical load, receives data representative of an actual outdoor temperature, and initiates the economizer cycle if the actual outdoor temperature is equal to or below the maximum acceptable outdoor temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Airxcel, Inc.Inventors: Andrew L. Blackshaw, Michael D. Whitehurst, Paul Franklin Fay, Jeff Dewitt Brown
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Publication number: 20140144162Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a powered barrier or air door that controls air flow between refrigerated compartments. The powered door includes a powered actuator that is electrically connected to and in parallel with an electric heating element configured to melt ice and/or frost that could otherwise interfere with operation of the door. A switch determines if the door is opened or closed and a controller provides electrical power to the powered actuator and the electric heating element until the door shifts to the desired opened or closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventor: ROBERT E. PORTER
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Patent number: 8726680Abstract: A refrigerator is provided having a refrigeration system including a variable speed compressor, a condenser, a condenser fan, an evaporator, a variable speed evaporator fan. The refrigerator further includes multiple temperature sensors that communicate with an electronic microprocessor-based control system that in turn controls the operation of the refrigerator system based on the information provided by the multiple temperature sensors.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Schenk, Karl M. Truitt
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Publication number: 20140090408Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a bypass duct configured to selectively receive a bypass airflow therethrough in response to a supply air pressure of the HVAC system and a supply air temperature of the HVAC system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Billy W. Norrell, Gregory S. Brown, John Tanner Taylor
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Publication number: 20140033752Abstract: In vehicle air-conditioning devices including a refrigerant circuit having a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger that are connected by refrigerant pipes to form a refrigeration cycle; an indoor air-sending device that supplies air to the indoor heat exchanger; and an outdoor air-sending device that supplies air to the outdoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant circuit is installed under the floor of a vehicle and uses carbon dioxide as the refrigerant.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2011Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Munehisa Gunjima, Hiroki Murakami
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Publication number: 20140033751Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a modular fluid-handling system may include an air-handling and mixing unit and a cooling unit. The air-handling and mixing unit may include an air mover plenum and a first mixing plenum. The air mover plenum may have an air mover configured to move air and the air mover plenum may air mover plenum may be configured to be in fluid communication with an outside environment via a first damper and configured to be in fluid communication with a primary structure. The first mixing plenum may be configured to be in fluid communication with the air mover plenum via a second damper and configured to be in fluid communication with the outside environment via a third damper.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.Inventors: Mark Bailey, Ty Schmitt
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Publication number: 20130153196Abstract: An air conditioning system for cooling an enclosure includes an air conditioner and a control system for triggering an economizer cycle of the air conditioner. The control system determines an electrical load of equipment in the enclosure, calculates a maximum acceptable outdoor temperature at which the economizer cycle may be operated based at least partially on the electrical load, receives data representative of an actual outdoor temperature, and initiates the economizer cycle if the actual outdoor temperature is equal to or below the maximum acceptable outdoor temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2013Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: AIRXCEL, INC.Inventor: AIRXCEL, INC.
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Patent number: 8406930Abstract: An air conditioning system for cooling an enclosure includes an air conditioner and a control system for triggering an economizer cycle of the air conditioner. The control system determines an electrical load of equipment in the enclosure, calculates a maximum acceptable outdoor temperature at which the economizer cycle may be operated based at least partially on the electrical load, receives data representative of an actual outdoor temperature, and initiates the economizer cycle if the actual outdoor temperature is equal to or below the maximum acceptable outdoor temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Airxcel, Inc.Inventors: Andrew L. Blackshaw, Michael D. Whitehurst, Paul Franklin Fay, Jeff Dewitt Brown
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Publication number: 20130061618Abstract: An adaptive system for controlling a refrigeration appliance is provided. More particularly, a system for controlling the cooling of the refrigerator to achieve a desired temperature performance is provided. A variable damper and variable speed evaporator fan are used to dynamically control temperature of the freezer and fresh food compartments. A model of the refrigerator system can be used to determine the settings for the damper and evaporator fan needed to achieve the temperature performance desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Keith Wesley Wait
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Patent number: 8371136Abstract: A method of forming ice in a refrigerator is disclosed. The method includes cooling a first storage compartment to a first temperature, cooling a second storage compartment to a second temperature, cooling an interior volume defined in a door to a third temperature, wherein the door permits and impedes access to the second storage compartment, operating a fan disposed in the interior volume to circulate cool air through the interior volume, and cooling water to form ice in the interior volume.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Matthew William Davis, Krzysztof Struminski, Wayne Lawson
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Patent number: 8373099Abstract: A fuel cell is provided to furnish electrical power to an HVAC&R system, and the waste heat from the fuel cell is transferred to a secondary fluid directed to flow to the climate-controlled space of a building during periods of time in which heating is required. The heat rejected by the fuel cell may be a supplemental or primary source of heat as well used for precise temperature control within the climate-controlled space of the building. A channeling assembly is used to selectively direct the fuel cell heat either to and/or away from the climate-controlled space served by the HVAC&R system. Higher energy efficiencies of the HVAC&R equipment are achieved, and the “cold blow” phenomenon is reduced or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Alexander Lifson, Michael F. Taras
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Patent number: 8341974Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a cold air generation chamber provided in a body of the refrigerator, the cold air generation chamber having an evaporator installed therein. A cold air duct may form a path through which cold air generated in the cold air generation chamber is circulated to a freezer compartment, and a quick freezer compartment. The quick freezer compartment may be connected with the cold air duct, and may be positioned substantially nearer to the evaporator than the freezer compartment. A damper may be installed in the cold air duct to selectively shut off the flow of cold air to the freezer compartment. The quick freezer compartment may be quickly cooled using cold air directly supplied from the cold air generation chamber. Furthermore, cold air may be directed into the quick freezer compartment by selectively shutting off the supply of cold air into the freezer or refrigerator compartment.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Min Kyu Oh, Kyeong Yun Kim, Jang Seok Lee, Youn Seok Lee, Su Nam Chae
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Patent number: 8336322Abstract: A distributed refrigeration appliance system in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling including 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Nihat O. Cur, Steven John Kuehl, John Joseph Vonderhaar, Diego Barone, Lorenzo Bianchi
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Patent number: 8315054Abstract: A rack server center includes servers, an air conditioning system for bringing cooling air to the rack server, and an air exhaust system located outside the rack server. The air exhaust system includes an exhaust fan, branch pipes, controlling valves, and a main pipe. Each branch pipe is connected with a corresponding server via a corresponding controlling valve. The branch pipes are connected with an inlet of the exhaust fan. The main pipe is connected with an outlet of the exhaust fan. The exhaust fan is configured for exhausting heated air generated by the servers out of the rack server via the branch pipes. Each server is configured for controlling the amount of the heated air entering a corresponding branch pipe by controlling the controlling valve connected with the corresponding branch pipe.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2011Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chih-Hua Chen
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Patent number: 8220286Abstract: The invention concerns a storage unit that is adapted to be located in a refrigeration appliance. The storage unit includes a holding compartment for holding articles the temperature of which is to be controlled. The holding compartment is adapted to be placed in air flow communication with a source of cold air whereby the cold air may be delivered to the holding compartment. An air-flow passageway for recirculating air discharged from the holding compartment back to the holding compartment is provided along with a mixing area where the cold air and the recirculated air may be mixed in selected quantities. A user interface providing for the selection of a temperature-control procedure from a group of available temperature-control procedures for application to the interior of the holding compartment is included. The storage unit can include a controller for controlling the implementation of the temperature-control procedure selected by the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert L. Cushman, David L. Hall, Edmund Scott Richardson