Defrosting Patents (Class 62/234)
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Patent number: 12085325Abstract: An ice maker for a refrigeration appliance, the ice maker including an ice maker frame and an ice tray housed within the ice maker frame and configured to form ice pieces therein. An air handler is disposed adjacent the ice maker frame and an ice maker fan is disposed within the air handler and is configured to direct cooled airflow out of the air handler and into the ice maker frame. A controller is configured to operatively control the ice maker during an ice making cycle. The ice maker is operable in a first mode and a second mode. When the ice maker is operated in the second mode, the ice maker fan is cycled on and off during predetermined time intervals in order to produce clear ice pieces.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2021Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventor: Zhuochen Shi
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Patent number: 12066208Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices provided in accordance with various embodiments are generally related to the field of thermal management systems for buildings (or volumes in general), such as cold storage, food processing, or other buildings that have areas that are kept below freezing. Embodiments generally pertain to the management of temperature and humidity within these spaces. Some embodiments include system for the management of moisture and temperature inside cold spaces. Some embodiments include a heat and mass transfer exchanger, such as a direct constant gas liquid heat and mass transfer exchanger. Examples of such heat and mass transfer exchangers generally include wet scrubbers. Embodiments also generally include a series of ducts, pipes, heat exchangers, dampers, and/or valves that may allow the system to provide useful temperature and relative humidity levels to one or more spaces or volumes.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2022Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: Rebound Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Russell Goldfarbmuren, Luke Erickson
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Patent number: 11530760Abstract: A hydraulic cartridge valve including a housing with an interior, first and second ports that pass through the housing, a poppet in the housing interior, and an activation sensor. The poppet moves between a closed position that blocks flow through the housing interior between the first and second ports, and an open position that allows flow through the housing interior between the first and second ports. The activation sensor senses poppet position, and generate a valve open signal when the poppet is in the open position. The activation sensor can be a contact or contactless sensor, and can be located in an opening through the housing blocked by a diaphragm. A pushrod pushed by the poppet can activate the sensor, such that when the poppet blocks flow the pushrod is separated from the diaphragm, and when the poppet allows flow the pushrod is pushed towards the diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Adam H. Kwiatkowski, Daniel J. Wallace
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Patent number: 11480382Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet configured to form a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber, a first evaporator configured to cool the first storage chamber, a first fan configured to circulate air in the first storage chamber to the first evaporator and the first storage chamber, a second evaporator configured to cool the second storage chamber, a compressor configured to be connected to the first evaporator and the second evaporator, a second fan configured to circulate air in the second storage chamber to the second evaporator and the second storage chamber; a refrigerant valve configured to guide refrigerant to the first evaporator or the second evaporator, and a controller configured to perform a plurality of modes sequentially to defrost the second evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Giseok Seong, Jeongwon Park, Myungjin Chung, Kyungseok Kim, Tackwon Han, Jinho Kim, Yonghun Suh
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Patent number: 11362379Abstract: A transportation refrigeration unit is provided. The transportation refrigeration unit comprising: a compressor configured to compress a refrigerant; a compressor motor configured to drive the compressor; an evaporator heat exchanger operatively coupled to the compressor; an energy storage device for providing power to the compressor motor; and an evaporator fan configured to provide return airflow from a return air intake and flow the return airflow over the evaporator heat exchanger, wherein the return airflow thermodynamically adjusts a temperature of the energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Mary D. Saroka, Jeffrey J. Burchill
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Patent number: 11221151Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) unit having a refrigerant circuit including a heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and a compressor. The heat exchanger includes a first coil and a second coil packaged in a common support structure. The HVAC unit further has a flow control system configured to direct refrigerant flow to the first coil from the expansion valve in a cooling mode of the HVAC unit and to the first coil from the compressor in a reheat mode of the HVAC unit, and configured to direct refrigerant flow to the second coil from the expansion valve in both the cooling mode and the reheat mode of the HVAC unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2019Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Swapnil V. Mohite, Nivedita Nath, Ravindra B. Salunkhe, Ritesh D. Rokade, Anil V. Bhosale, Ketan S. Khedkar
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Patent number: 11215382Abstract: A motor vehicle chiller with several evaporators of different cooling capacity, has a refrigerant circulation with at least one refrigerant compressor, at least one condenser, at least one expansion element as well as at least two evaporators disposed in parallel of different cooling capacity. A refrigerant collector is disposed downstream of the expansion element and upstream of the evaporator of lesser cooling capacity to separate liquid refrigerant. Between the refrigerant collector and the evaporator a refrigerant pump is disposed to convey the liquid refrigerant to the evaporator of lesser cooling capacity. The refrigerant vapor can be guided from the evaporator across the refrigerant collector functioning as a separator and be drawn in by the refrigerant compressor.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Hanon SystemsInventors: Peter Heyl, Felix Girmscheid
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Patent number: 11116333Abstract: A refrigerated display case includes a housing surrounding multiple shelves. An air return passage is defined below the shelves. A fan is disposed at a downstream end of the air return passage. An air distribution gap is connected to an outlet of the fan and disposed behind the shelves and a top passage is disposed above the shelves. At least one microchannel heat exchanger connects the air distribution gap to the shelves.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Arindom Joardar, Christophe Valle
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Patent number: 10612832Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage chamber, an evaporator configured to cool the storage chamber, and an air passage through which cold air generated by the evaporator flows. The air passage includes a blower fan configured to blow the cold air to the storage chamber, and a trap part in which warm air generated by a defrosting operation stays, such that warm air generated by the defrosting operation is prevented from being introduced into the inner space of the refrigerator through the air passage. The refrigerator reduces the defrosting operation time, efficiently prevents increase of the inner temperature of the refrigerator due to warm air during the defrosting operation, reduces a temperature difference in inner temperature of the refrigerator, and prevents food stored in the refrigerator from being rotten due to a temperature change.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoharu Iwamoto, Kazuo Shimizu, Aiko Mori, Tatsuya Seo
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Patent number: 10429122Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a first circulation fan electrically coupled to a power source via a first load wire. A relay is electrically coupled to the first circulation fan via a second load wire and to the power source. In an open position, the relay interrupts electrical voltage from the relay to the first circulation fan via the second load wire causing the first circulation fan to operate in a low-speed mode. In a closed position, the relay supplies electrical voltage to the first circulation fan via the second load wire causing the first circulation fan to operate in a high-speed mode. Operation of the first circulation fan in the high-speed mode reduces a defrost cycle time associated with the refrigeration system relative to operation of the first circulation fan in low-speed mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Kysor Warren EPTA US CorporationInventors: Jose Ramon Guerrero Gutierrez, Chandrashekhara Chikkakalbalu
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Patent number: 10415861Abstract: A controller switches between and performs a first simultaneous heating and defrosting operation of supplying part of refrigerant discharged from a compressor is supplied to one or some parallel heat exchangers among a plurality of parallel heat exchangers through a defrosting circuit and allowing the other one or more parallel heat exchangers to operate as evaporators, and a second simultaneous heating and defrosting operation of, in one or some heat source units among a plurality of heat source units, supplying the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is supplied to all the plurality of parallel heat exchangers through the defrosting circuit, and in the other one or more heat source units, continuing heating by allowing all the plurality of parallel heat exchangers to operate as evaporators.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Naofumi Takenaka, Shinichi Wakamoto, Kazuya Watanabe, Naomichi Tamura, Tadashi Ariyama
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Patent number: 10314411Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser includes a case having a lower wall, an upper wall, a rear wall, and a rear panel. A product support area is at least partially defined by the lower wall, the upper wall, and the rear panel. A first air passageway is formed in the case for supplying refrigerated air to the product support area. A fan is positioned in the first air passageway for creating airflow. An evaporator coil is disposed in the air passageway to condition the airflow. A duct is coupled to the rear panel to create a second air passageway.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Hussmann CorporationInventor: Larry N. Leonard
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Patent number: 10295244Abstract: In various implementations, a heat pump may include heating operations and defrost operations. The heat pump may monitor cycle time(s) for one or more of the operations. Defrost operation(s) in the heat pump may be automatically adjusted based at least partially on cycle times.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2018Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Lennox Industries, Inc.Inventors: Yi Qu, Bruce Perkins, Mark Olsen
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Patent number: 10018400Abstract: In various implementations, a heat pump may include heating operations and defrost operations. The heat pump may monitor cycle time(s) for one or more of the operations. Defrost operation(s) in the heat pump may be automatically adjusted based at least partially on cycle times.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventors: Yi Qu, Bruce Perkins, Mark Olsen
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Patent number: 9513049Abstract: A refrigerator having an insulated interior which is formed, at least in part, by a drawer with a bottom boundary wall, a front boundary wall, two lateral boundary walls and a rear boundary wall. Included at an upper portion of the drawer is an inner drawer, of which the height is smaller than the height of the drawer. According to the invention, the height of the rear boundary wall of the drawer is reduced at least to the extent where the inner drawer can have its base wall displaced, at least in part, beyond the rear boundary wall of the drawer.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbHInventors: Frank Eisele, Ralph Staud, Thomas Tischer
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Patent number: 9032751Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic defrost of a refrigerator device adaptively moves the defrost cycle to a time period of comparatively low compressor activity based on an evaluation of compressor usage over a cyclically recurring time interval. An adaptive defrost controller (ADC) analyzes stored data to develop a profile for compressor activity vs. time. From this profile, high compressor activity times of the time interval are distinguished from low compressor activity times in the time interval and a defrost cycle is scheduled based on the results of the analyzed data.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KGInventors: Kevin Lacey, Robert Alvord, Jim Kopec
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Patent number: 9004369Abstract: A method and system is provided which receives a desired humidity level from a user for the refrigeration compartment of a refrigerator, determines the current humidity level, and then activates an atomizer in the refrigeration compartment to increase the humidity level if needed. The humidity in the refrigeration compartment may be determined based at least in part on the temperature of the refrigeration compartment, the defrost timer, the door opening times, and the compressor timer.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Anderson Bortoletto, Rameet Singh Grewal, Guolian Wu
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Patent number: 8997509Abstract: A heat pump system is configured to have a defrost cycle operable during a heating mode of operation. The system uses: larger than conventionally sized capillary tubes at the liquid refrigerant entry end of an exterior air-source heat exchanger; a special amount of additional refrigerant charge; a supplemental hot gas refrigerant transport line extending from the compressor; a special valve in the new supplemental hot gas refrigerant transport line; and another special valve controlling a restriction to the refrigerant flow in the common consolidated vapor refrigerant transport line exiting the exterior heat exchanger. A controller opens the valve in the new supplemental hot gas refrigerant transport line and to simultaneously engages, for a special period of time, the valve controlling the specially sized restriction to the refrigerant flow in the common consolidated vapor refrigerant transport line exiting the exterior heat exchanger at periodic intervals during potential frost conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Inventor: B. Ryland Wiggs
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Patent number: 8869545Abstract: Heat pumps with improved defrost cycles and methods of defrosting heat exchangers, for example, having microchannel outdoor heat exchangers. A heat exchanger has three types of connection points that are used during a defrost cycle. Two connection points are used to deliver hot refrigerant gas to the heat exchanger and one connection point is where refrigerant exits the heat exchanger. Two of the connection points are at the same header and during at least part of the defrost cycle, at least part of the hot refrigerant gas is passed through that header without passing through any cross tubes of the heat exchanger. A defrost valve in a refrigerant conduit opens during the defrost cycle to deliver hot refrigerant gas to the connection point on the header. In a number of embodiments, the defrost valve is open only during a portion of the defrost cycle.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Nordyne LLCInventors: Jie Chen, Jacob J. Rede, David L. Koesterer, Craig A. Thomas
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Patent number: 8745999Abstract: A heat pump apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a condenser, expansion means, and an evaporator are serially connected. Condensation temperature detection means that detects a saturation temperature of the condenser, and evaporation temperature detection means that detects the saturation temperature of the evaporator are provided. Operation efficiency is estimated by a value obtained by dividing heating ability estimated from a detection value of the condensation temperature detection means by a difference between a detection value of condensation temperature detection means and that of evaporation temperature detection means or dissipation power estimated by the difference.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2009Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Mamoru Hamada, Fumitake Unezaki, Yoshihiro Takahashi, Kengo Takahashi, Kazuki Okada, Shinichi Uchino
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Patent number: 8707716Abstract: A method of defrosting a heat exchanger while the heat exchanger continues to cool air passing through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes liquid passages for carrying cold liquid between an inlet and an outlet and air passages in thermal communication with the liquid passages for cooling air passing through the air passages. The method includes introducing warmer liquid to a first selected section of the heat exchanger liquid passage while continuing to provide cold liquid to the liquid passages of the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Steve G. Mackin
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Patent number: 8695365Abstract: An apparatus for managing operation of refrigerating machines controls defrosting of evaporators of refrigeration cycles. Each of the refrigeration cycles uses a compressor, a condenser, a decompressor, and the evaporator, and is formed for a corresponding one of cooling/heating devices installed in a single store. The apparatus obtains a total estimated power consumption in a case of a pull-down operation using power consumptions necessary for the pull-down operation performed for the cooling/heating devices after defrosting is performed and using a power consumption of the store that includes at least the power consumptions of the refrigeration cycles and that is estimated for each of predetermined time periods. The apparatus changes defrosting start times or defrosting end times of the cooling/heating devices so that the total estimated power consumption does not exceed an upper limit value of a power consumption set in advance by the store.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kei Yazaki, Kyoichi Takano
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Patent number: 8555664Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a chilled interior and a cooling circuit for a coolant, the cooling circuit being provided with an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser. The refrigerator further includes a controller as well as a fan for cooling the condenser and the compressor. The controller controls the fan to operate during an idle phase of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Hans Ihle, Matthias Mrzyglod
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Patent number: 8549867Abstract: A heat pump system includes a controller and a closed system that includes a condensing heat exchanger coil, an evaporating heat exchanger coil, a refrigerant and a compressor. The compressor is configured to compress the refrigerant, thereby causing the refrigerant to have a greater pressure in the condensing heat exchanger coil than in the evaporating heat exchanger coil. The controller is configured to perform a passive defrost of the evaporating heat exchanger coil. The passive defrost includes disabling the compressor and providing a bypass path between the condensing and evaporating heat exchanger coils that bypasses the compressor. The bypass path allows the refrigerant to flow from the condensing heat exchanger coil to the evaporating heat exchanger coil while the compressor is disabled.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.Inventors: Carl T. Crawford, Robert B. Uselton, Bruce Perkins
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Patent number: 8528352Abstract: The defrost timer is typically provided to remove frost on an evaporator in a refrigerator. The defrost timer includes a circuit board, a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, a fourth terminal, a switching unit, a first AC line, a second AC line, a third AC line and a fourth AC line. The first AC line is provided on the circuit board and connects the first terminal and the switching unit. The second AC line is provided on the circuit board and connects the second terminal and the switching unit. The third AC line is provided on the circuit board and connects the third terminal and the switching unit. The fourth AC line is provided on the circuit board and connects the fourth terminal and the switching unit. Distance between the third AC line and the fourth AC line is at least 5 mm.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Sanyo E&E CorporationInventors: Takatomo Kawamukai, Kazutoyo Fukukura
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Patent number: 8516837Abstract: A method and system for liquid purification and defrosting a freezing unit harvests energy released as heat from a condenser. Liquid received from a source into a first liquid storage container is heated using heat collected from the condenser using at least one heat conducting rod. A second liquid storage container connected to the first liquid storage container is maintained at a lower temperature than the first liquid storage container. As a first portion of heated liquid is transferred from the first liquid storage container to the second liquid storage container, bacteria in the first portion of heated liquid is denatured as a result of the temperature change, and the liquid is purified. Filters may also be used to improve purification. A second portion of heated liquid is transferred between the first liquid storage container and a freezing unit via at least one heat conducting pipe causing defrosting of the freezing unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Manipal UniversityInventors: Mayank Swarup, Tanvi Gupta
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Patent number: 8511102Abstract: A method for defrost control of a refrigerator having a refrigeration and defrost system that includes a compressor, an evaporator, an evaporator fan and a heater. The refrigerator also has a control system to control the operation of the refrigerator. The method includes stopping the compressor operation; starting a defrost process; starting the heater; maintaining a start state over a preset period of time; closing off the heater; and starting the compressor. After starting the compressor and before the evaporator fan is started to perform the refrigeration operation, the evaporator fan is operated at least once briefly and intermittently.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Junhong Feng, Xiaotian Zhou, Qiwu Zhu, Weizhong Zhu
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Patent number: 8479527Abstract: A refrigerator and a control method of the same are disclosed. A refrigerator includes a plurality of evaporators and a refrigerant path conversion device connected with the plurality of the evaporates, the refrigerant path conversion device controlling a path of refrigerant to perform defrosting operations for predetermined evaporators and cooling operations for the other evaporators.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Gye Young Song, Kwang Woon Ahn
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Patent number: 8402777Abstract: An intelligent defrosting control for an air conditioner is disclosed, which comprises the following steps: setting a standard air pressure value; placing a high-pressure sensor on the exhaust pipe of the compressor of the air conditioner to measure the air pressure; When the air pressure measured by the high-pressure sensor is lower than the standard air pressure value, said air conditioner begins to come into the defrosting mode; otherwise, said air conditioner working in previous mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Free Electric Appliances Inc. of ZhuhaiInventors: Su Yuhai, Liu Guiping, Sun Changquan
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Patent number: 8365541Abstract: A refrigerator and a method of operating a refrigerator to determine the time at which to initiate a defrost cycle is provided. Changes in the voltage provided to an evaporator fan are used to determine and/or predict when to initiate a defrost cycle. Adjustments to the timing of the defrost cycle can be made based on known periods of peak energy demand and/or the increased costs associated with operating the defrost cycle during such peak energy demand periods.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kenneth Joseph Hanley, Jeffrey Martin Wood, Martin Christopher Severance, Jason Andrew May
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Patent number: 8341970Abstract: An equipment control system includes a control device, and a control program in which present-round defrosting operation start time can be changed appropriately. An integrated controller controls a defrosting operation to remove frost adhered to showcases, in which the defrosting operation is started at a fixed or varying time interval. The integrated controller stores past record data based on required time for past defrosting operations for different environmental conditions. The integrated controller includes an environmental condition acquisition unit for obtaining present environmental conditions; a database control unit for obtaining required time for a present-round defrosting operation based on the past record data corresponding to the present environmental conditions from among the stored past record data; and a start time changing unit for changing start time of the present-round defrosting operation based on the obtained required time from the scheduled start time.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Ouchi, Yoshio Ozawa
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Patent number: 8286437Abstract: A transport unit including a container defining a cargo space. The transport unit includes position detection apparatus coupled to the container, and adapted to determine a geographic location of the container and to generate a signal indicative of the geographic location. The transport unit also includes a refrigeration system in communication with the cargo space, and a control system including route data that defines a plurality of potential destinations of the container. The control system is programmed to predict a container route defined by at least two potential destinations of the container based on the geographic location and the route data, and to determine a proximity of the container relative to at least one potential destination of the route. The control system is in communication with the refrigeration system to control the refrigeration system based on the proximity of the container relative to the at least one potential destination.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Russell L. Sanders, Ashok Muralidhar, Timothy A. Walker
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Patent number: 8219249Abstract: Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The controllers also include communication interfaces for receiving climate data. In certain embodiments, the controllers govern operation of the HVAC systems based at least in part on the climate data. Further, the controllers may display information and alerts related to the climate data. The controllers also may govern operation of air treatment devices within the HVAC systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Gregory Ralph Harrod, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Carmichael, Jedidiah O. Bentz
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Patent number: 8186173Abstract: The present invention relates to a no-frost refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit comprising a fan for the generation of an airflow in a compartment of the unit to be cooled, wherein the unit comprises detection means for the detection of at least one parameter as well as a control or regulation unit which is made such that it varies the speed of the fan in dependence on the at least one measured parameter.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Liebherr-Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbHInventors: Christian Schropp, Klaus Oelmaier
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Patent number: 8161758Abstract: A method of defrosting a eutectic plate of a refrigeration system involves activating a defrost system when a power source is connected to the refrigeration system. The defrost system is operated for all or a portion of a defrost cycle and is then deactivated. The initiation of a subsequent defrost cycle is prevented until the power source has been disconnected from the refrigeration system for at least a selected amount of time. A defrost system may include a controller programmed to carry out the method and automatically initiate a series of defrost cycles.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Dole Refrigerating CompanyInventors: Bruce C. Bailey, John W. Cook
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Patent number: 8091372Abstract: A heat pump defrost system for efficiently defrosting an outdoor coil while simultaneously operating the heat pump in a normal heating manner. The heat pump defrost system generally includes a primary flow circuit including an indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor connected thereto and a reverse valve for toggling a direction of refrigerant flow therethrough, and an auxiliary flow circuit for deicing the outdoor heat exchanger. The auxiliary flow circuit includes a valve for connecting the auxiliary flow circuit to the primary flow circuit, a heat sink in line with the auxiliary flow circuit, wherein the heat sink stores defrost fluid within the auxiliary flow circuit, at least one thermostat to read an outdoor ambient temperature and a control unit for operatively engaging the valve to direct the hot gas from the compressor of the primary circuit within the auxiliary flow circuit and the heat pump according to the outdoor ambient temperature for deicing the outdoor heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Inventor: Mark Ekern
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Publication number: 20120000212Abstract: A transport unit including a container defining a cargo space. The transport unit includes position detection apparatus coupled to the container, and adapted to determine a geographic location of the container and to generate a signal indicative of the geographic location. The transport unit also includes a refrigeration system in communication with the cargo space, and a control system including route data that defines a plurality of potential destinations of the container. The control system is programmed to predict a container route defined by at least two potential destinations of the container based on the geographic location and the route data, and to determine a proximity of the container relative to at least one potential destination of the route. The control system is in communication with the refrigeration system to control the refrigeration system based on the proximity of the container relative to the at least one potential destination.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Russell L. Sanders, Ashok Muralidhar, Timothy A. Walker
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Publication number: 20110302942Abstract: An environment control unit including an environment control system, a reactive oxygen species (ROS) generator, and a controller. The refrigeration system and the ROS generator positioned within a housing of the environment control unit and providing conditioned air to the interior of a cargo space to clean and condition air and surfaces within the cargo space.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventor: Thomas E. Birchard
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Patent number: 8033124Abstract: Disclosed herein are a refrigerator and a defrost control method thereof that are capable of sensing an amount of frost formed on an evaporator based on a change amount of absolute humidity in the refrigerator to control a defrost operation. A defrost control method of a refrigerator including a storage chamber and an evaporator to cool the storage chamber, includes sensing absolute humidity in the storage chamber, determining an estimated amount of frost formed on the evaporator using time segments in which the absolute humidity in the storage chamber decreases, and controlling a defrost operation based on the estimated amount of frost. According to the present embodiments, it is possible to perform the defrost operation at the point of time for optimum defrost, thereby maximizing energy efficiency and cooling efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seong Joo Han, Young Shik Shin, Jeong Su Han, Sung Hoon Kim, Su Ho Jo, Hyen Young Choi, Sang Jun Lee, O Do Ryu
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Patent number: 8028533Abstract: A defrost indicator is configured such that the process of freezing and defrosting the defrost indicator places the defrost indicator into a state that is not completely reversed by refreezing, so that one can detect whether the defrost indicator defrosted and refroze or never defrosted by observing its current state. In an embodiment, the defrost indicator is initially placed in a first state before being frozen (e.g., upside down with fluid in an upper chamber). Freezing the defrost indicator places it in a second state (e.g., with the fluid frozen in the upper chamber). Then when the defrost indicator is defrosted, the defrost indicator is placed into a third state that is different than the first state (e.g., right-side-up with liquid fluid in the lower chamber). If the defrost indicator is again frozen, the defrost indicator is placed into a fourth state (e.g., the fluid frozen in the lower chamber).Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: E & J Enterprises, LLCInventors: Erik S. Palin, Jozefina Cimbalova
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Patent number: 8006506Abstract: Disclosed is a high speed defrosting heat pump having a closed refrigerant circulation loop including a four-way valve so as to conduct cooling and heating operations by switching a refrigerant-circulating direction by means of the four-way valve. A three-way valve is disposed on a refrigerant pipe connected between a compressor and the four-way valve, and a bypass pipe is branched off from the three-way valve in such a manner as to be connected to a refrigerant pipe connected between an expansion valve and a exterior heat exchanger, such that the hot gas discharged from the compressor is introduced to the exterior heat exchanger via the bypass tube by the control of the three-way valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Kohvac Co., LtdInventor: Choon-Kyoung Park
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Patent number: 7958739Abstract: A system for desuperheating hot gaseous refrigerant using both a heat exchanger and a dispersed Venturi-driven injection of liquid refrigerant is disclosed. Further, a system, relating to cooling at least one compressed superheated refrigerant fluid prior to condensing, relating to extending the life of at least one condenser is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventor: Lawrence D. Leabo
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Publication number: 20110113805Abstract: An air includes: a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; an indoor heat exchanger for cooling or heating indoor with a refrigerant; an outdoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat of a refrigerant and outdoor air; an outdoor fan for ventilating outdoor air with the outdoor heat exchanger; a cooling/heating switching valve for switching cooling/heating; a first expansion device installed between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger; a CNT heater module installed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the cooling/heating switching valve to evaporate a refrigerant; a second expansion device installed between the outdoor heat exchanger and the CNT heater module; and a controller for sustaining a heating mode of the cooling/heating switching valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Young Hwan KO, Byoung Jin Ryu, Eung Yul Lee, Bum Suk Kim
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Patent number: 7942014Abstract: A method for defrosting an evaporator of a refrigeration sealed system, the system including at least one refrigeration compartment and a controller operatively coupled to a compressor, an evaporator, an evaporator fan and a condenser fan, wherein the method includes initiating a defrost cycle, operating the sealed system to prechill the refrigeration compartment, and selectively operating the evaporator fan and the condenser fan to raise a temperature of the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alexander Rafalovich, Ziqiang Hu, Anil Kumar Tummala, Richard DeVos
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Patent number: 7937959Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control system, an integrated control apparatus, and a control program that are capable of well maintaining freshness and quality of food articles, by reducing time for performing a recovery operation following a frost removing operation of cooling devices. In response to a start of the frost removing operation of a first showcase, an integrated control apparatus provides a second device controller (device control unit) with a “lower limit cooling instruction (increase instruction)” to increase the refrigerant supplied to a second showcase to an amount larger than that before the frost removing operation starts. In response to the “lower limit cooling instruction (increase instruction),” the second device controller (device control unit) increases the amount of the refrigerant supplied to the second showcase.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Tanabe, Atsushi Ouchi, Yoshio Ozawa
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Publication number: 20110088415Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic defrost of a refrigerator device are provided. The system adaptively moves the defrost cycle to low usage times based on an evaluation of compressor usage in a daily cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: Diehl AKO Stiftung & Co. KGInventors: Kevin Lacey, Robert Alvord, Jim Kopec
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Patent number: 7921660Abstract: Methods, systems and computer readable code for controlling a defrost cycle of a refrigeration device are disclosed. According to some embodiments, a defrost command is issued to a defrost heater at a time determined at least in part by a total wasted energy parameter of the compressor for at least one time interval. In some embodiments, time interval includes a plurality of runtimes, and the total wasted energy parameter of a runtime is measured relative to a chosen reference runtime such as a minimum energy runtime after a defrost or an early runtime after a defrost. Optionally, a sequence of wasted energy parameters of the compressor for a sequence of time intervals is analyzed, and then a correction is performed on at least one wasted energy parameter.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Brody Engineering Ltd.Inventor: Chaim Brody
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Publication number: 20110067423Abstract: The defrost timer is typically provided to remove frost on an evaporator in a refrigerator. The defrost timer includes a circuit board, a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, a fourth terminal, a switching unit, a first AC line, a second AC line, a third AC line and a fourth AC line. The first AC line is provided on the circuit board and connects the first terminal and the switching unit. The second AC line is provided on the circuit board and connects the second terminal and the switching unit. The third AC line is provided on the circuit board and connects the third terminal and the switching unit. The fourth AC line is provided on the circuit board and connects the fourth terminal and the switching unit. Distance between the third AC line and the fourth AC line is at least 5 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2009Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: SANYO E & E CorporationInventors: Takatomo Kawamukai, Kazutoyo Fukukura
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Publication number: 20110016887Abstract: A defrosting assembly, a refrigerator having the same, and a method of controlling the same are provided. The refrigerator may include a food defrosting chamber, which may be divided from a food storage chamber that cools or freezes food, a defrosting device, which may be positioned in and may be removable from the food defrosting chamber, and a thermoelectric module, which may be positioned in the food defrosting chamber to heat an inside of the defrosting device and to cool an outside of the defrosting device. In a defrosting mode, frozen food may be rapidly defrosted by using the defrosting device, while in a general or a rapid cooling mode, the defrosting device may be used for food storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Nam Gyo LEE, Kyung Seok Kim
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Publication number: 20110011109Abstract: An appliance includes a compression stage, a condensation stage, and an evaporation stage. The evaporation stage includes a first evaporator for a first refrigerated enclosure and a second evaporator for a second refrigerated enclosure. A first valve in a condensation stage bypass line is openable to allow a supply of refrigerant to bypass the condensation stage during a defrost mode, where a condensation stage bypass line is positioned between an output of the compression stage and the second evaporator. A second valve is positioned in a line from the second evaporator to the input to the compression stage and is closeable to block a supply of refrigerant from the second evaporator to the compression stage during the defrost mode. An additional line positioned between the second evaporator and the first evaporator carries the supply of refrigerant from the second evaporator to the first evaporator in the defrost mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Alexander Rafalovich, Timothy Allen Hamel