Display Type Patents (Class 62/246)
  • Patent number: 11774156
    Abstract: An icemaker for making clear ice shapes using a process that removes and replenishes a freezable liquid, such as water, from and to one or more ice-mold cavities during freezing of the freezable liquid in the ice-mold cavity(ies). This process removes air bubbles from the freezable liquid during freezing that would otherwise result in cloudy ice. In some embodiments, the icemaker includes a suction system to draw freezable liquid from the cavity(ies) and a replenishment system to replenish the cavity(ies) with freezable liquid to replace the freezable liquid that the suction system draws out of the cavity(ies). In some embodiments, the replenishment includes a reservoir containing freezable liquid and the suction system includes a pump that draws the freezable liquid from the cavity(ies) and discharges it to the reservoir. Methods of making clear ice and other systems for making clear ice are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Wintersmiths, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher T. Little, Patrick W. Little
  • Patent number: 11326829
    Abstract: The present invention (1) relates to a folding and portable refrigerated cabinet comprising a locked-compartments structure, made up of the reversible combination of three elements:—a plinth,—a folding exterior structure positioned on the plinth,—a folding interior structure with compartments set into the exterior structure, the plinth containing a refrigeration unit, the folding exterior structure comprising a hermetically sealed facade closed by a refrigeration door, the other sides being covered with a removable isothermal insulation means (4), the folding interior structure with compartments being made up of at least one module comprising walls delimiting at least one closed volume inside the folding exterior structure, said closed volume constituting a compartment (24, 25, 26, 27) provided with a mobile partition allowing the volume of the compartment to be varied as two sub-compartments (24?/24?, 25?/25?, 26?/26?, 27?/27?), each of said compartments and sub-compartments being closed by a door comprising
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: Benoit Floquet
  • Patent number: 11079148
    Abstract: A defrosting device includes a heating unit filled with a working fluid and including an active heating part heated to a first temperature that can evaporate the working fluid, and a passive heating part positioned at a rear side of the active heating part and heated to a lower temperature than the first temperature. The defrosting device also includes a heat pipe disposed adjacent to an evaporator to transfer heat to the evaporator while circulating working fluid heated by the active heating part, the heat pipe including an entrance portion configured to receive working fluid evaporated by the active heating part, and a return portion connected adjacent to the passive heating part and configured to receive working fluid that has condensed after circulating through the heat pipe. Condensed working fluid received at the heating unit first passes through the passive heating part before being reheated at the active heating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Geunhyung Lee, Jongryul Kim, Kwangsoo Jung, Woocheol Kang, Jongmin Lee, Hyunwoo Cho
  • Patent number: 10969165
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes first and second compressors, a condenser, first and second evaporators, and a valve. The first compressor is fluidly connected to first suction and discharge lines. The second compressor is fluidly connected to second suction and discharge lines. The second suction line is fluidly connected to the first discharge line. The condenser receives refrigerant from the second compressor. The first evaporator receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the first suction line. The second evaporator receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the second suction line. The valve is disposed between the first evaporator and the first suction line. The first suction line receives refrigerant when the valve is in a first position. The second suction line receives refrigerant when the valve is in a second position. The first compressor is bypassed when the valve is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Saunders, Rajan Rajendran, Kurt Knapke
  • Patent number: 10881198
    Abstract: A sink shelf organizer comprising two first connecting plates, two second connecting plates and two front support legs and two rear support legs, wherein the first connecting plates each comprises one comb structure, the second connecting plates each comprises a first comb structure for coupling with the first connecting plate and a second comb structure for coupling with the opposing second connecting plate, the first and second comb structures of the second connecting plate fixed together and substantially perpendicular to each other, the two first connecting plates and two second connecting plates are coupled together to form a telescopic U-shaped frame with two corners and two free ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Lin Chaoyi
  • Patent number: 10830532
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes first and second compressors, a condenser, first and second evaporators, and a valve. The first compressor is fluidly connected to first suction and discharge lines. The second compressor is fluidly connected to second suction and discharge lines. The second suction line is fluidly connected to the first discharge line. The condenser receives refrigerant from the second compressor. The first evaporator receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the first suction line. The second evaporator receives refrigerant from the condenser and discharges refrigerant to the second suction line. The valve is disposed between the first evaporator and the first suction line. The first suction line receives refrigerant when the valve is in a first position. The second suction line receives refrigerant when the valve is in a second position. The first compressor is bypassed when the valve is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Saunders, Rajan Rajendran, Kurt Knapke
  • Patent number: 10725599
    Abstract: Provided are a touch sensor assembly that is maintained in a state in which the touch sensor is closely attached to an exterior member to accurately detect displacement when touch manipulation is performed to improve a recognition rate, a refrigerator door including a touch sensor assembly that is capable of preventing a sensor control part from being damaged by static electricity and having an improved front outer appearance, and a method for manufacturing the refrigerator door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyunki Kim, Seungje Park, Jinseung Park, Kihyun Park
  • Patent number: 10238129
    Abstract: A machine for making and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid products comprises, in combination: a plane element with an opening made in it; at least one container adapted to contain a basic mixture provided with an opening and inserted in the opening of the plane element; a stirrer and a refrigeration system, operatively associated with the container respectively for mixing the basic mixture and for cooling the basic mixture in such a way as to convert it into finished product; a flange which can be coupled to the plane element; means for coupling the flange to the plane element; a lid movably connected to the flange to close the opening of the container in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: ALI S.P.A.—CARPIGIANI GROUP
    Inventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 10188224
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment utilizes the waste heat from a refrigerant cycle to aid in the removal of condensate from a refrigerated case used primarily by grocery stores. Certain embodiments use a heating element to boil off condensate or a pump to remove the condensate. Another embodiment utilizes a wicking element and a shroud that directs hot air from the condenser through the wick thereby increasing the condensate evaporation rate. Yet another embodiment utilizes the hot gas tube from the refrigeration system routed through the bottom of the condensate tray to pre-heat the condensate to accelerate evaporation. Alternative embodiments combine certain features to create even more efficient system such as a heating element used with the wick system or the hot gas system used with the wick system. In some embodiments, a mold and mildew inhibitor is added to the condensate to maintain cleanliness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Killion Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Fischer
  • Patent number: 9739527
    Abstract: A refrigerator door may include a front panel that defines a front exterior of the refrigerator door, a door liner coupled to the front panel, an insulating material configured to fill an insulation space defined between the front panel and the door liner, a touch sensor assembly that is configured to press against a rear surface of the front panel, a display assembly that is configured to display an operation state of the refrigerator on the front panel, and that is configured to be inserted into a space between the front panel and the door liner through the insulation space, a sensor connector located at the touch sensor assembly, and a display connector located at the display assembly, and is configured to connect electrically to the sensor connector based on the display assembly being inserted into the space between the front panel and the door liner at an installation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyunki Kim, Minchul Kim
  • Patent number: 9664435
    Abstract: A door of a refrigerator includes a front panel formed of a metal material, a display unit including a display portion which is disposed at a rear side of the front panel and on which operating information of the refrigerator is displayed when the display portion becomes bright or dark, and a plurality of through holes formed in a region of the front panel corresponding to the display portion. Although the display unit is hidden inside the door, information displayed on the display unit can be seen to a user through the plurality of through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Do Soo Sung, Heung Seob Choi, Man Yeob Lee, Jong Tak Lee
  • Patent number: 9546807
    Abstract: In various implementations, an air conditioner may include one or more compressors, more than one expansion device, and/or a microchannel condenser. High pressure events may occur during operation of the air conditioner and may be identified. When a high pressure event is identified a bypass operation may be allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Rakesh Goel, Thomas Pate
  • Patent number: 9541326
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a case defining a product display area. The case includes a canopy defining an electrical raceway, and a panel that defines aesthetic fascia for the canopy. The panel is coupled to the canopy and movable between a first position enclosing the electrical raceway and a second position providing access to the electrical raceway. The panel is cantilevered outward from adjacent a front of the canopy in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Grill
  • Patent number: 9470435
    Abstract: A cascade CO2 refrigeration system includes a medium temperature loop for circulating a medium refrigerant and a low temperature loop for circulating a CO2 refrigerant. The medium temperature loop includes a heat exchanger having a first side and a second side. The first side evaporates the medium temperature refrigerant. The low temperature loop includes a discharge header for circulating the CO2 refrigerant through the second side of the heat exchanger to condense the CO2 refrigerant, a liquid-vapor separator collects liquid CO2 refrigerant and directs vapor CO2 refrigerant to the second side of the heat exchanger. A liquid CO2 supply header receives liquid CO2 refrigerant from the liquid-vapor separator. Medium temperature loads receive liquid CO2 refrigerant from the liquid supply header for use as a liquid coolant at a medium temperature. An expansion device expands liquid CO2 refrigerant from the liquid supply header into a low temperature liquid-vapor mixture for use by the low temperature loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Hinde, Shitong Zha, Lin Lan, J. Scott Martin, John M. Gallaher
  • Publication number: 20150121931
    Abstract: A temperature controlled display cabinet (20), in particular a freezer island, for a grocery store includes a frame structure (30) surrounding at least one openable product space (23) for food products, at least one gravitationally closable door (26) that is in inclined position in relation to vertical direction such that from the view of the customer side the main direction of the main surface of the door (26) is backwards and upwards inclined. The door (26) is formed as a door arrangement including the door (26) and an opening and closing mechanism (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Kimmo HEINAVAARA, Mikko MYKKANEN
  • Patent number: 8991945
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a case defining a product display area. The case includes a canopy defining an electrical raceway, and a panel defining aesthetic fascia for the canopy. The panel is coupled to the canopy and movable between a first position enclosing the electrical raceway and a second position providing access to the electrical raceway. The panel is self-supported in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Grill
  • Publication number: 20150072055
    Abstract: A gyro-style pita dessert with an example of its method of preparation including a recipe and an apparatus for use in holding a chocolate cone at a desired temperature for preparing the dessert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: John Vlahos
  • Patent number: 8973385
    Abstract: A temperature controlled case is provided that includes an enclosure defining an airspace for receiving products therein, a refrigeration system configured to circulate a refrigerant through an expansion device and at least one cooling element to cool the airspace and a control module having a first predetermined setpoint corresponding to a first cooling mode and a second predetermined setpoint corresponding to a second cooling mode. The control module is configured to determine which one of the first cooling mode and the second cooling mode the refrigeration system is to operate within and to apply the corresponding predetermined setpoint for reference in modulating a position of the expansion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Dean Swofford
  • Publication number: 20150040599
    Abstract: An access door (1) for use in a cooling device for keeping products chilled and displaying them, in particular food and/or beverages, includes an at least substantially transparent multiple-walled construction. The multi-walled construction includes an at least substantially plate-shaped first wall (2) and an at least substantially plane-parallel second wall (3). The walls (2,3) each include at least substantially an edge part around them by which both walls are mutually connected. Furthermore both walls (2,3) mutually hold a cavity (5) between the edge parts. Due to the multi-walled construction having an enclosed cavity the access door has a very good stiffness, and moreover due to the presence of the cavity insulates well and reduces condensation on the transparent access door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: POLYPLASTIC GROEP B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Peter Veeneman, Robin Van Den Hooven
  • Patent number: 8931292
    Abstract: A refrigerated showcase is provided that can easily carry out a maintenance operation and the like of a cooling mechanism disposed in a machine chamber. A machine chamber 13 is defined on a side of a heat insulating box 16 defining a storage chamber 12 and also provided with a cooler to cool the storage chamber 12 to have a cooling mechanism 80 disposed therein to circularly supply a refrigerant to the cooler, and a front side of the storage chamber 12 and the machine chamber 13 is covered with a single front glass 14. Then, a side of the machine chamber 13 is defined by a detachable second side panel to configure the machine chamber 13 to open laterally in a state of removing the second side panel, and also the cooling mechanism 80 is placed on a unit base 38 drawable from the machine chamber 13 to configure to allow the unit base 38 to be drawn from the machine chamber 13 via a side opening of the machine chamber 13 opened by removing the second side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Yamasaki, Tatsuo Saeki
  • Patent number: 8925338
    Abstract: The present application and the resultant patent provide a chest cooler for dispensing a number of products. The chest cooler may include an outer frame, a number of product compartments within the outer frame, an upper door, and a front door. The front door may include a transparent panel. Some or all of the products are accessible via either the upper door or the front door and visible through the transparent panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Jurgen Roekens
  • Publication number: 20140260394
    Abstract: A merchandiser that includes a case defining a product display area and a base defining a compartment below the product display area. The merchandiser includes a shelf coupled to the case within the product display area adjacent the base. The shelf is disposed over the compartment and includes a first portion and a second portion. Each of the first portion and the second portion define a product support area to support food product. Also, the second portion is pivotable relative to the first portion to provide access to the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Bhavya Narayanachar, William E. Bries, Michael L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8769970
    Abstract: A refrigerated case (20) has a housing containing an interior volume (36) for storing items. Along an air flow path (510) through the case, a refrigerant-to-air heat exchanger (60) has an evaporator section (112) and a reheat section (114). A preconditioning section (110) may be upstream of the evaporator section (112) and the evaporator section is upstream of the reheat section (114). Along a refrigerant flow path (520), the reheat section (114) is downstream of the preconditioning section (110) (if any) and upstream of the evaporator section (112) and an expansion device (62) is between the reheat (114) and evaporator (112) sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwok K. Fung, Neelkanth S. Gupte
  • Patent number: 8756940
    Abstract: A temperature and humidity controlled housing for storing and preserving wine bottles. The housing defines a storage compartment having front and rear temperature control chambers and wherein the rear chamber is also humidity controlled. A division wall having passages provided with a flexible sealing component receives bottles on supports associated with each of the passages and a cubic chamber structure in the rear chamber. The bottle necks engage the seals which, together with the division wall, substantially seal the front chamber from the rear chamber while the spout end portion of the wine bottles is supported in the rear humidified chamber. The housing may be used in a modular assembly. The method of use is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Intelligent Cellars Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Doucet, Laurent Senee
  • Patent number: 8757434
    Abstract: The present application provides a merchandiser. The merchandiser may include an ambient compartment with at least one ambient product therein, a temperature controlled compartment with at least one temperature controlled product therein, and a vending module in communication with the temperature controlled compartment such that the vending module dispenses a temperature controlled product in response to an ambient product being placed in the vending module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jurgen Roekens, Bart Carpentier, David Pas, Michael J. Kline
  • Patent number: 8756949
    Abstract: Cooling device with a cooling unit connected to a cooling means for providing cooled air to the surroundings and which is located over an area for arranging merchandise to be refrigerated. The device includes a frame structure to be suspended freely over a merchandising area, with the cooling unit being arranged in the frame structure together with the further parts of a refrigerating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Envent AS
    Inventors: Kurt Steinar Nyheim, Jan Ragnar Stokke
  • Patent number: 8739855
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes an inlet header configured to receive a cooling fluid and an outlet header configured to discharge the cooling fluid. A plurality of microchannel tubes are in fluid communication with and extend between the inlet header and the outlet header. The microchannel tubes define a first heat exchanger region and a second heat exchanger region between the inlet header and the outlet header. The first heat exchanger region has a plurality of fins defining a first fin density that is greater than a second fin density of the second heat exchanger region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Steve L. Fritz, Matthew J. DeKam
  • Patent number: 8713953
    Abstract: The salad carrier is a mobile cart having an internal space organized via a plurality of adjustable and removable shelves. The internal space is accessible via one of a plurality of doors located thereon. The internal space is refrigerated via a refrigeration unit located on a side of the mobile cart, and of which is powered via a rechargeable battery pack. The mobile cart is mobilized via a plurality of caster wheels and a telescoping handle that can extend and retract and of which can rotate up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Jean Tucker
  • Patent number: 8695362
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a case that has a product display area for supporting food product, an opening for providing customer access to the product display area, and an air passageway in fluid communication with the product display area to direct an airflow into the product display area. The merchandiser also includes a door coupled to the case over the opening and including a charged glass pane, and a charge device in fluid communication with the air passageway to alter the polarity of the airflow to create a charged airflow. The charged glass pane and the charged airflow have the same polarity such that the glass pane is insulated from the charged airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventor: Ted W. Sunderland
  • Patent number: 8671705
    Abstract: A showcase having a fin-and-tube type cooler includes planar fins and a refrigerant pipe penetrating through the planar fins. The planar fins include long fins arranged in parallel to an air flow direction through the cooler, and short fins shorter in length than the long fins and arranged between adjacent long fins at a downstream side of the cooler. The refrigerant pipe includes first U-shaped hair pins having two straight pipe portions, and second U-shaped hair pins having two straight pipe portions. The pitch between the two straight pipe portions of each second U-shaped hair pin is set to double the pitch between the two straight pipe portions of each first U-shaped hair pin. The first and second U-shaped hair pins penetrate through the hole portions formed in the plural planar fins so as to be arranged in a predetermined style.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Uchida, Toshiyuki Tamura, Hirofumi Yanagi
  • Publication number: 20140026607
    Abstract: A drain pan liner for a refrigeration system, comprising a layer configured to be located underneath frost accumulating components of a cooling unit of a refrigeration system. The layer includes a homogenously textured surface configured to receive water from the cooling unit, wherein the homogenously textured surface has a uniform distribution of uniformly dimensioned and separated peaks and valleys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuetter
  • Publication number: 20130327075
    Abstract: The present embodiment provides a refrigerator. The refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes a panel member forming at least a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator, an inner case of which at least portion is spaced from the panel, a display case provided at one side of the panel member, insulating material filled in space between the panel member and the inner case, and a display unit mounted on the display case after the filling of the insulating material is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Pansoo KIM
  • Publication number: 20130305762
    Abstract: A merchandiser is adapted for displaying and/or serving merchandise to customers. In some embodiments, the merchandiser includes a display section which may include a refrigerated display section and/or a non-refrigerated display section adapted for holding merchandise for customers to view and access. In some embodiments, the merchandiser also includes a food preparation section accessible to an employee serving the customers. The food preparation section may include an electrical outlet for supplying electrical power to one or more appliances. The merchandiser may include a partition for concealing an appliance area from view by the customers. Shields may be provided for preventing flow of air into or out of an open front of a refrigerated compartment in the refrigerated display section. A curtain may be provided for selectively covering the open front of the refrigerated compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Duke Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Scott E. Willis, Robert J. Reese, Paul Brown
  • Patent number: 8561419
    Abstract: An island merchandiser including a first merchandiser module, a second merchandiser module, a third merchandiser module, and a fourth merchandiser module. The first merchandiser module includes a product display area maintained within a temperature range at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The second merchandiser module is positioned next and coupled to the first merchandiser module. The third merchandiser module is positioned next and coupled to the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module. The fourth merchandiser module is positioned next to the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module opposite the third merchandiser module. The island merchandiser also includes a first insulation panel positioned between the first and second merchandiser modules and the third merchandiser module, and a second insulation panel positioned between the first and second merchandiser modules and the fourth merchandiser module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Moisses Navarro, Diego Wood, Raymond P. Twohy, Kevin A. Moody, Michael A. Gillett, Anand Ganesh Rajagopalan, Robert Mullen, Al Arrosagaray
  • Publication number: 20130269382
    Abstract: A temperature-controlled display case is convertible between a full-service mode and a self-service mode and defines a temperature-controlled space therein. A base has a back side and a front side, and supports temperature-controlled food products within the temperature-controlled space. A pedestal is disposed beneath the base and includes a pocket. A back frame is coupled adjacent to the back side of the base and has openings to provide back side access to the food products during the full-service mode. A top frame is supported by the back frame. A front panel has an upper portion and a lower portion, and is movable between a deployed position for the full-service mode with the upper portion of the front panel adjacent to the top frame, and a stowed position for the self-service mode with the front panel disposed within the pocket to provide front side access to the food products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Carter, David W. Hoaglin
  • Publication number: 20130269381
    Abstract: A machine for processing and keeping ice cream, slush drinks and similar products, comprises a display counter comprising, a plurality of visible mixing and freezing cylinders for processing basic products and keeping ice cream, and a cooling circuit which allows the temperature of the basic products and of the ice cream to be adjusted; the cooling circuit is equipped with a first refrigerating circuit and a second heating circuit having respective offtake branches dedicated to each of the mixing and freezing cylinders and designed to maintain the temperature for processing the basic product at the same temperature for keeping the ice cream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: ALI S.p.A. - CARPIGIANI GROUP
    Inventors: Andrea COCCHI, Roberto LAZZARINI
  • Patent number: 8534085
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a case and a refrigeration system in communication with a product storage area of the case. The case includes a case top, a discharge passageway, and a return passageway, and the case top has a lower wall, a front wall, and a deflector. The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration circuit that has a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator in series, where the evaporator is disposed in the case top. The refrigeration system further includes a fan that cooperates with the lower wall, the front wall, and the deflector to discharge a substantially laminar refrigerated airflow into and through the product storage area to refrigerate the product within a predetermined temperature range without directing the refrigerated airflow directly at the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Jony M. Zangari, Dennis L. Wagner, Mark Schaefer, Dennis L. Dickerson, Scott N. Hixson, William R. North
  • Publication number: 20130205821
    Abstract: A refrigeration system including a primary circuit that has a compressor circulating a first heat exchange fluid and a heat exchanger located downstream of the compressor. The refrigeration system also includes a secondary circuit circulating a second heat exchange fluid that has micro-encapsulated phase change material in heat exchange relationship with the primary circuit via the heat exchanger. A refrigerated display case defines a product display area and has an airflow in heat exchange relationship with the primary circuit or the secondary circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Doron Shapiro
  • Publication number: 20130205820
    Abstract: There is provided a product merchandising display device for cooling products therein and associated methods. The product merchandising display device may include a housing having a tub portion, and a source of water to supply an integrated ice making system. The ice making system dispenses ice into the tub portion, and melted water is removed from the tub portion and recycled to the production of ice by the ice making system. The system provides an interactive experience to the consumer to enhance its attractiveness and impulse sales therefrom. The invention provides an attractive, inviting display in which the articles for sale are made conveniently accessible while providing a display of light and movement of ice to attract the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: SAP PRODUCTS LTD
    Inventor: SAP PRODUCTS LTD
  • Patent number: 8490424
    Abstract: A refrigerated display case for maintaining food product at a desired temperature includes a product display area adapted to support and to display the food product such that the food product is accessible from the front of the case through an opening. An interior top wall is positioned above the product display area and includes an outlet adjacent the opening. An air passageway internal to the case and in fluid communication with the outlet permits refrigerated air from a refrigeration system to be supplied to the product display area through the outlet. The air discharged from the outlet defines an air curtain adapted to maintain the food product at the desired temperature. A light source is disposed adjacent the interior top wall and inside the air curtain and is adapted to illuminate the food product within the product display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Roche, Sesha C. Madireddi
  • Patent number: 8397526
    Abstract: In a controller for a refrigerating system including refrigerating machines and showcases, a showcase that is about to execute a defrost operation is detected on the basis of a defrost operation indicating information. When the controller receives a notification indicating start of the defrost operation from the showcase concerned or on the basis of a comparison result between a pre-stored defrost-operation start time and the present time, at least one of the refrigerating machines is instructed to reduce the output power thereof. When the showcase finishes the defrost operation, the at least one of the refrigerating machines is instructed to increase the output power thereof so that the output power of the refrigerating machine is set to stationary output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Matsuhashi, Tsuyoshi Kawaai, Ken Aoki
  • Patent number: 8381641
    Abstract: Passive temperature control is provided to vessels too tall to be stored in a shallow, temperature-controlled tray or basin by a vertically oriented thermally-conductive tube. In one embodiment, an insulative collar covers the tray and insulates portions of the tube that extend above the top of the tray. Optional heat sinking fins and air convection holes increase heat transfer between the tube and the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Prince Castle, LLC
    Inventors: Korey V. Kohl, Robert A. Iverson, Loren Veltrop, Christopher B. Lyons, Donald Van Erden
  • Publication number: 20120297794
    Abstract: Kits for constructing a modular merchandizing unit include panels, frame members, joint pieces, and a cooling device. The frame members have a lengthwise shape defining outer and inner panel mounting assemblies and a joint capture region. The mounting assemblies include opposing legs extending from a base web to define a panel engagement region. The joint pieces each include a block core and orthogonally arranged plug assemblies projecting from faces of the core. The plug assemblies mate with the joint capture region. Construction of a unit from the kit includes the frame members retaining selected panels as paired inner and outer panels within corresponding engagement regions. The joint pieces interconnect the frame members and paired panels to form a cabinet. The cooling device is mounted the cabinet. A door assembly can also be mounted to the cabinet. Optionally, foam insulation is dispensed between the paired panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL MILLS, INC.
    Inventors: George A. Tuszkiewicz, Mark Bedard
  • Patent number: 8206127
    Abstract: A liquid pressure-feed device is provided wherein a working fluid discharge port can be connected to a liquid generation source side through an external pipe or can be connected to a liquid inlet port of a closed vessel without going through an external pipe. A closed vessel outer opening for opening a working fluid discharge port outwards of a closed vessel is provided and a communication passage for connecting the working fluid discharge port to a liquid inlet port is formed in the closed vessel. When connecting the working fluid discharge port to the liquid generation source side through an external pipe connected to the closed vessel outer opening, a ring member is used to provide closure between the working fluid discharge port and the liquid inlet port and provide communication between the working fluid discharge port and the closed vessel outer opening. Instead, when connecting the working fluid discharge port to the liquid inlet port, a plug member is used to close the closed vessel outer opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Publication number: 20120137717
    Abstract: A refrigerated showcase is provided that can easily carry out a maintenance operation and the like of a cooling mechanism disposed in a machine chamber. A machine chamber 13 is defined on a side of a heat insulating box 16 defining a storage chamber 12 and also provided with a cooler to cool the storage chamber 12 to have a cooling mechanism 80 disposed therein to circularly supply a refrigerant to the cooler, and a front side of the storage chamber 12 and the machine chamber 13 is covered with a single front glass 14. Then, a side of the machine chamber 13 is defined by a detachable second side panel to configure the machine chamber 13 to open laterally in a state of removing the second side panel, and also the cooling mechanism 80 is placed on a unit base 38 drawable from the machine chamber 13 to configure to allow the unit base 38 to be drawn from the machine chamber 13 via a side opening of the machine chamber 13 opened by removing the second side panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HOSHIZAKI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Yamasaki, Tatsuo Saeki
  • Patent number: 8151588
    Abstract: An apparatus for displaying and dispensing frozen edible products is provided, comprising a chill cabinet inside which is situated an insulated container equipped with passive cooling means, and which contains one or more frozen edible products. A method for displaying and dispensing frozen edible products from the apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Hale, Daniel Matthew Mayes
  • Patent number: 8151587
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser (100) includes an upright, open-front, insulated cabinet (110) defining a product display area (125) connected in airflow communication with a compartment (120) via an air circulation circuit (122, 114, 116). A high pressure drop evaporator (40) and a plurality of closely spaced fans (70) are disposed within compartment (120). The evaporator (40) is provided with a relatively high fin density heat exchanger coil providing a relatively high air side pressure drop through the evaporator. The increased flow resistance through the evaporator coupled with the plurality of closely spaced fans results in a substantially uniform evaporator outlet temperature profile across the length of the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Hong Leung Chiang, Eugene Duane Daddis, Jr., Kwok Kwong Fung, Sue-Li Kingsley Chuang
  • Patent number: 8149225
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a display apparatus (30) for a refrigerator which can be operated by using a touch screen (60). The display apparatus for the refrigerator includes a control unit (40) for controlling the refrigerator, a display unit (50) installed on the front surface of the control unit, for displaying information from the control unit, and a transparent touch screen (60) installed to cover the front surface of the display unit (50) and the front surface of the control unit (40), and electrically connected to the control unit, for applying a clicking input of the user to the control unit. The display unit (50) is externally shown through the transparent touch screen (60). A printed matter (70) is printed on the touch screen except the portion corresponding to the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ik-Kyu Lee
  • Patent number: 8141378
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a showcase wherein an insulating wall and a top plate of a machine room covering a lower surface of the insulating wall can be stably held and the strength of the entire showcase can be improved. In the showcase, a display room is provided over the insulating wall; a machine room is provided under the insulating wall; a compressor, a condenser and the like of a cooling unit are disposed in the machine room; a cooling room is provided in the insulating wall; and an evaporator and a cooling fan of the cooling unit are disposed in the cooling room so that cold air heat-exchanged with the evaporator is circulated in the display room by the cooling fan, and the showcase further comprises a top plate of the machine room to cover the lower surface of the insulating wall, and the top plate is mounted on and fixed to a pipe plate of the condenser to hold the insulating wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Hayase
  • Patent number: 8127565
    Abstract: A refrigerating device for helping to keep food cool during an event such as a dinner party or picnic comprising a base having a compressor and cooling coil, a removable serving bowl which can be inserted into the base, and a first half-dome cover component and second half-dome cover component for covering the removable serving bowl when it is in the base. The cover components can be opened and closed to allow access to the food inside the serving bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Debra J. Lange, Daniel Lange