Abstract: A refrigeration bin is disclosed. The bin includes a product display area defined by four side walls, a floor, and an access opening. Also included are an air supply vent on each of a first opposing set of the side walls, and an air return vent near each of a second opposing set of the side walls, in which the second opposing set of the side walls are adjacent to the first opposing set of the side walls. There is a return air duct, a first end of the return air duct in air flow communication with the air return vent, and a supply air duct, the first end of the supply air duct in air flow communication with the air supply vent, allows air flow in the display area. A cooling device is included for cooling air before it enters the supply air duct. The refrigeration bin can be useful to showcase foodstuffs in grocery stores and the like.

Abstract: A display unit 1 for storing and displaying heated goods comprises walls 2, 4, 6, 8, shelves 10, 12, 14, 16, an air duct 18, a fan 20, 22, and an air heater 24. The walls delimit a main chamber 26 including a first open front side 28 and a second open front side 30 opposite of the first open front side. The shelves each comprise an upper placing side 32, and define an individual storage spaces 34, 36, 38, 40. The air duct 18 extends from an inlet 42, 44 to multiple outlets 46 which are in communication with the storage spaces. The display unit further comprises a transparent wall 48, 50, which is positioned in the main chamber 26 between the first open front side and the second open front side, and divides the main chamber in a first chamber 52 and a second chamber 54.

Abstract: A toy train car packaging container is disclosed that can include a removable cover that may be used as packaging and also in the building of a toy railway system. In particular, in one exemplary embodiment, a removable cover is disclosed that can couple to and be removed from a housing adapted to support one or more toy train car vehicles, tracks, and accessories. The removable cover can include a cut-away opening in its lower region representing an entry or exit point of a toy train car vehicle and allowing the toy train car to pass therethrough. In addition, a base is further provided to support the removable cover in a substantially upright configuration when assembled in a toy railway system configuration.

Abstract: A freezer island (20) for a grocery store includes a frame structure (30) surrounding at least one open or openable product space (23) for frozen food products. The product space (23) of the freezer island (20) includes a shelf part (21) including shelves (27) and a chest part (22) below the shelf part (21) for the frozen products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supercooling system and a method for displaying a supercooled state which can accurately display a supercooled state of a stored object in spite of the external influence.

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.

Abstract: A refrigerated point-of-use food holding cabinet keeps food products cold in compartments having cross sections that are substantially U-shaped. Food products are kept refrigerated using heat-absorbing, heat-exchangers thermally coupled to the U-shaped compartment. Refrigeration is provided by either a conventional reversed-Brayton cycle, one or more Peltier devices or a chilled, re-circulating liquid that does not change phase as it circulates but which is chilled by another refrigeration system, such as a conventional refrigeration system. An optional cover helps prevent food flavor transfers between compartments. Semiconductor temperature sensors and a computer effectuate temperature control.

Abstract: A refrigerated point-of-use food holding cabinet keeps food products cold in compartments having cross sections that are substantially U-shaped. Food products are kept refrigerated using heat-absorbing, heat-exchangers thermally coupled to the U-shaped compartment. Refrigeration is provided by either a conventional reversed-Brayton cycle, one or more Peltier devices or a chilled, re-circulating liquid that does not change phase as it circulates but which is chilled by another refrigeration system, such as a conventional refrigeration system. An optional cover helps prevent food flavor transfers between compartments. Semiconductor temperature sensors and a computer effectuate temperature control.

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.

Abstract: A combination-type refrigerating cabinet includes a cabinet body, a refrigeration-cycle unit and a pipe system. The cabinet body internally defines at least one cold accumulation chamber and a refrigerated cabinet internally having at least one refrigeration chamber, and at least one first air passage is provided between the cold accumulation chamber and the refrigerated cabinet. The cold accumulation chamber is internally provided with at least one cold accumulator, and the cold accumulator includes a case filled with a liquid cold accumulating material. The refrigeration-cycle unit separately supplies cold energy to the cold accumulation chamber and the refrigerated cabinet. The pipe system is provided between the cabinet body and the refrigeration-cycle unit, and includes a cold accumulation chamber pipeline communicating the refrigeration-cycle unit with the cold accumulation chamber and a refrigerated cabinet pipeline communicating the refrigeration-cycle unit with the refrigerated cabinet.

Abstract: The individual locker assembly for refrigerators is intended for use in the workplace to permit employees to secure their perishable foods and beverages for lunches and snacks. The locker assembly is also suitable for installation in refrigerator units in medical offices and the like for the secure storage of controlled medications and the like that must be refrigerated. The locker assembly is assembled from top, bottom, side, and rear panels, and a series of intermediate shelves and dividers installed therein defining a plurality of individual storage compartments. Vertical panels include spring-biased pins that engage mating holes provided in the upper and lower interior panels of the refrigeration unit, to secure the assembly in place. Each compartment has its own lockable door. The locks may be combination units, key locks, external hasps and padlocks, or other lock types as desired. Integral locks may include provision for coin operation, if desired.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating a refrigerator, including: providing a plurality of usage environment information which includes national information; selecting the usage environment information corresponding to a nation or region where the refrigerator is used among the plurality of usage environment information; and controlling operation of the refrigerator based on the selected usage environment information.

Abstract: A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes 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.

Abstract: A domestic appliance, shown in the form of a refrigerator, includes a cabinet within which is defined at least one compartment. A controller is mounted to the appliance for controlling various operating parameters of the appliance. The controller also includes a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters associated with a plurality of appliance models. The appliance has an identification element affixed thereto and a communication device that is operatively connected to the controller. The communication device receives signals that provide programming instructions to the controller to activate particular ones of the plurality of operating parameters associated with the respective appliance model. In this manner, a universal controller can be employed in any one of a wide range of appliance models.

Abstract: A pan apparatus for a merchandiser including a case having a platform defining an opening. The pan apparatus includes a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls cooperating with the bottom wall to define a space for supporting product in the pan. At least two of the sidewalls each includes a frame engagement member adjacent a top of the pan. The pan apparatus also includes a frame positioned adjacent a top of the sidewalls and coupled to the frame engagement members. The frame extends along at least two sidewalls of the pan and is configured to engage the platform adjacent the opening to suspend the pan. The frame defines a plurality of holes spaced along at least a portion of the perimeter such that an airflow from below the pan is directed upward along the sidewalls and discharged through the frame via the holes to condition the product.

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.

Abstract: The present application provides a chest cooler for dispensing products. The chest cooler may include a first product compartment with a first transparent panel and a second product compartment with a second transparent panel. The second product compartment may include a slanted floor leading to the second transparent panel such that a first number of the number of products may be positioned on the slanted floor and may be visible through the second transparent panel.

Abstract: A food display including a container for holding a product and having at least one translucent portion that facilitates viewing the product from outside the container, a sign panel that is coupled to the container and is at least partially translucent, and a light assembly that includes a light source positioned to provide light to both the container and the sign panel. Preferably, the sign panel and the light source are both positioned above an upper plane of the container to facilitate backlighting the sign panel. The food display may further include a fan positioned above the upper plane of the container, and an air circulation system that circulates air within the container. In one embodiment, the container includes a conduit, such as a hollow corner post that supports a side panel of the container, extending from the upper portion to the lower portion.

Abstract: A refrigerated display case includes a heat exchanger with circuits that route secondary fluid in a counterflow direction with respect to the airflow through the heat exchanger. At least one circuit directs secondary fluid from the entrance end to the exit end of the heat exchanger to exchange heat with air exiting the heat exchanger. The higher fluid temperature raises the air dry bulb and lowers the air relative humidity to improve the capability of the air to absorb moisture in the display case.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling goods presentation refrigerator for presenting refrigerated goods or frozen goods, with a vertical access opening to the goods chamber that is subdivided into vertically superposed compartments. The current of cooling air is conducted out of the head part directly into the shelf compartments arranged underneath it, during which the cooling air flows from the top downward through one shelf compartment after the other and from the lowest shelf compartment it is trapped in a collection chamber arranged underneath it and subsequently prepared by the cooling unit for the next circulation. The head part of the goods presentation refrigerator comprises an air-permeable separating wall against the adjacent shelf compartment. The shelf compartment bottoms are air-permeable, so that the current of cooling air can flow successively downward through the shelf compartments.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for use with a plurality of temperature controlled cases is disclosed. The refrigeration system includes a cooling system having at least one compressor and a condenser for supplying liquid refrigerant to a cooling element associated with each case. Each cooling element receives liquid refrigerant through a liquid refrigerant supply line and returns vapor refrigerant through a suction line. The refrigeration system further includes a control module having a stored reference temperature (T ref) for each case, a temperature sensor disposed in each case for generating a signal representative of the actual temperature within the case (T act), and an expansion device provided at the liquid refrigerant supply line side of each case. The control module compares T ref with T act and moves the expansion devices between an open position and a closed position accordingly to obtain or maintain the desired temperature in each temperature controlled case.

Abstract: A shelf structure is disclosed including multiple module units that are vertically arranged, where a module unit is adapted to receive articles at each article's location of manufacture to be displayed for purchase in a retail store from the module unit. The module unit includes a main body with at least one hollow section defining an article storage location, where the hollow section is enclosed within a number of panels. A top panel vertically engages and supports an adjacent base panel of another module unit. The shelf structure includes transfer means to engage a material handling device to move the module unit. When multiple module units are stacked in a vertical arrangement, articles displayed within each module unit are freely accessible by a member of the purchasing public in the retail store, when at least one of the panels of the module unit has been removed.

Abstract: A counter top merchandiser for holding and displaying hot and cold products. The merchandiser includes a warm compartment within the merchandiser for holding and displaying warm products. A cold compartment below the warm compartment is defined in part by a bottom wall positioned above the counter top when the merchandiser is placed on the counter top. The cold compartment has a display section and a storage section. A partition separates the warm and cold compartments. A heating unit heats products within the warm compartment and a refrigeration unit cools products within the cold compartment. At least one transparent wall allows viewing of products within the merchandiser. Openings provide access to the warm and cold compartments from the rear of the merchandiser.

Abstract: A countertop merchandiser unit facilitates impulse purchasing of heated and chilled items by providing for placement and display of the items in close proximity with a cash register. The countertop unit has an enclosed transparent refrigerated compartment located above a countertop, an enclosed transparent heated compartment located above the refrigerated compartment and a refrigeration unit located above the heated compartment. Access doors at the rear of the countertop unit allow a vendor or cashier to access items stored therein. Access doors at the front of the countertop unit allow a customer to access items stored therein, the front access doors may be selectively fastened closed to deter shoplifting of items stored therein.

Abstract: The cooling efficiency of a refrigerating chamber and a storage chamber is improved, and the cooling capability is prevented from degrading.

Abstract: A refrigerator as disclosed having a housing and an external control panel with a display for displaying storage conditions in individual or multiple compartments of the refrigerator. The controls may be programmed to set optimum conditions for the food product stored in a given compartment of the refrigerator and programmable electronic circuitry includes precise controls for controlling the storage conditions within multiple compartments. The mechanism disclosed allows food products to be stored within their optimum range of conditions to reduce the deterioration of quality and prevent the development of deleterious organisms. By providing the ability to monitor conditions on the external display and adjust the conditions in a singular or multiple zones or multiple compartments of the refrigerator, users are afforded a means to increase their control for preserving food, maintaining quality, preventing food born illnesses, and conserving energy.

Abstract: A merchandiser that is capable of holding and displaying both cold foods and warm foods includes a cold pan which has walls that are recessed into the top of a counter to provide a cold compartment that opens out of the counter top. The cold foods occupy the cold compartment. In addition, the merchandiser has a closure assembly which rises upwardly form the cold pan and includes side walls that support a shelf above the cold pan and also housing above the shelf. Front and rear doors are attached to the side walls to close the space between the shelf and housing at the front and rear, respectively, of the closure assembly, so that the doors, the side walls, the shelf and the housing enclose a warm compartment that holds and displays warm foods. Both doors pivot about horizontal axes to provide access to the warm compartment. The housing contains a fan and heating element for circulating heated air through the warm compartment.

Abstract: A hermetic sealing assembly for refrigerators in machines for vending prepackaged foodstuffs, such as sandwiches, toasts, small pizzas or the like comprising a sliding plate which is moved in an axial and planar direction by actuation means and is adapted to act as a sealing element for a refrigeration chamber during food storage and as a removable support, during vending, for a stack of metallic containers which contain the prepackaged food to be dispensed. The lowermost container of the stack rests on the plate and can instead fall freely by gravity into a collection seat for vending when the plate is removed by axial movement. Means for temporarily supporting the containers stacked on top of the lowermost container are also provided in the assembly and are associated and synchronized with the plate.

Abstract: A self-serve chilled condiment dispenser dispenses individual containers of one or more different types of condiments from a compact space generally on a first in, first out basis. The chilled condiment dispenser comprises a cabinet having a narrow side compartment for housing one or more removable cooling devices, and a plurality of removable chutes stacked one above the other. The cooling devices may be removed from the dispensers without having to remove condiment containers.

Abstract: A modular food display case system permits a particular display case arrangement to be easily customized from a basic design. A plurality of modular bed sections, which are pre-manufactured from a lightweight composite honeycomb material, are used as the basic building blocks of the customized display case, and are arranged end to end. Their lengths may be cut and angled as desired to further customize the arrangement of the customized display case. Partitions divide different temperature-controlled zones within the display case, and may be positioned anywhere along the length of the case, according to the specific arrangement and lengths of hot, cold, and dry (ambient temperature) zones employed, without regard to the ends of the case or the location of joints separating each of the bed sections.

Abstract: A product display stand is provided, the stand comprising:(a) at least one display surface for displaying the product thereupon;(b) a first vertical face positioned beneath the display surface; and(c) a first drawer positioned beneath the display surface for storing the product, the drawer movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the drawer is disposed within the stand when the drawer is at the closed position, wherein the drawer is angled downwardly when the drawer is at the open position, and wherein the drawer may be moved from the closed position to the open position by slideably moving the drawer from the interior of the stand in the direction of the vertical face.An optional cooling/humidification unit may be provided inside the stand. A method of displaying and storing produce using this stand is also provided.

Abstract: A new and improved hot oven countertop display station is provided in a hot oven countertop display unit having a reclosable front door panel opening and an integral upper sign and menu board structure. A dispenser display rack is provided in the oven compartment for supporting flanged food packages in gravity feed arrays of columns and rows terminating at the front door opening. The rack has been designed to reduce or eliminate the presence of any heated rack surfaces at the front opening of the oven. An optional refrigerated condiment dispensing display may be located adjacent the hot oven display to complete the self-service food station. The hot oven countertop food station provides a clean and safe arrangement for displaying and storing pre-cooked pre-heated ready-to-eat foods for extended periods of up to four hours until purchased by the self-service customer.

Abstract: A merchandiser for merchandising refrigerated food products comprised as a support structure having two ends, refrigerated merchandising shelves spanning between the ends of the support structure, and a refrigerator for refrigerating product located on the refrigerated merchandising shelves. Each shelf is individually supplied with refrigerated air from the refrigerator. The merchandiser is placed adjacent checkout aisle with one end of the merchandiser abutting an end of the checkout counter, and preferably the express lane checkout counter. Refrigerated food products are thereby accessible and removable from the refrigerated merchandising shelves of the merchandiser from either side of the merchandiser as customers pass down the aisles to the express lane checkout stations.

Abstract: A wheel marker disposed on a wheel cap so as to allow the present rotating state of wheels of a vehicle to be visually recognized from a remote location includes as essential components a light emitting section radially extending toward the center of the wheel cap, a brightness detecting sensor disposed at the central part of the wheel cap on and along the outer surface thereof, an inverter disposed on the inner surface of the wheel cap, and a battery disposed on the inner surface of the wheel cap to serve as a power source. The light emitting section includes a light emitting element which usually comprises an electroluminescence element or a light emitting diode. In response to an output from the brightness detecting photosensor, the inverter is activated to turn on or turn off the battery. To turn off the battery when there is no need of activating the light emitting section, e.g., in the daytime, a power switch is disposed in position on the outer surface of the wheel cap.

Abstract: A merchandiser for merchandising refrigerated food products comprised as a support structure having two ends, refrigerated merchandising shelves spanning between the ends of the support structure, and a refrigerator for refrigerating product located on the refrigerated merchandising shelves. Each shelf is individually supplied with refrigerated air from the refrigerator. The merchandiser is placed adjacent checkout aisle with one end of the merchandiser abutting an end of the checkout counter, and preferably the express lane checkout counter. Refrigerated food products are thereby accessible and removable from the refrigerated merchandising shelves of the merchandiser from either side of the merchandiser as customers pass down the aisles to the express lane checkout stations.

Abstract: A modular (unitary) refrigerated condiments container is provided for use in a conventional restaurant-type salad bar. The modular refrigerated condiments container comprises a housing having a recessed cold pan in the top thereof and a removable condiment support plate for mounting above the bottom surface of the recessed pan. At least one upstanding wall extends across the recessed pan to divide it into two or more sections for enhanced cooling of condiment holders supported by the condiment support plate. A refrigeration condensing unit is provided and includes refrigerant-containing cooling coils in heat exchange communication with the recessed pan so as to cool the space defined between the recessed pan and the condiment support plate and thereby to cool the condiment holders supported by the condiment support plate.

Abstract: A new and improved hot oven countertop display station is provided in a hot oven countertop display unit having a reclosable front door panel opening and an integral upper sign and menu board structure. A dispenser display rack is provided in the oven compartment for supporting flanged food packages in gravity feed arrays of columns and rows terminating at the front door opening. The rack has been designed to reduce or eliminate the presence of any heated rack surfaces at the front opening of the oven. An optional refrigerated condiment dispensing display may be located adjacent the hot oven display to complete the self-service food station. The hot oven countertop food station provides a clean and safe arrangement for displaying and storing pre-cooked pre-heated ready-to-eat foods for extended periods of up to four hours until purchased by the self-service customer.

Abstract: A combined refrigerated merchandiser comprises a pair of upright support panels, a merchandising refrigerator spanning between the upright support panels for refrigerating and displaying soft drinks and the like, and non-refrigerated shelves spanning between the upright support panels for merchandising and displaying non-refrigerated snack items and the like. In one embodiment, the refrigerator is located in a lowermost position and is of the chest-type, while the shelves are located in an uppermost position and comprise a plurality of display rack shelves. In another embodiment, the refrigerator is located in an uppermost position and is of the gravity feed dispenser type, while the shelves are located in a lowermost position.

Abstract: A refrigerator including: storage chambers formed inside a thermal insulation box having generally rectangular horizontal cross section, said chambers having a duct provided at one rear corner of respective chamber for communication with the rear space behind the storage chambers where cold air is generated by a heat exchanger of the refrigeration unit; rotatable round shelves in the storage chambers; a lamp provided at the other rear corner of the storage chamber; and door pockets provided on the inner surface of the doors, said door pockets extending to front corner space in the storage chambers.

Abstract: A display case extender adapted to be mounted upon and in front of the front case wall of an existing refrigerated grocery case, including a display bin for displaying groceries in front of the grocery case and an air intake duct system for drawing cool air from the refrigerated case behind the front case wall to a discharge outlet for discharging cool air at the rear and above the display bin, and an exhaust duct system for drawing the warmer air from the front of the display bin back across the front case wall to a return air intake in the front case wall.

Abstract: A refrigerator for use on vehicles and having a storage chamber horizontally divided into a plurality of spaces by shelves, each of which is preferably adjustable to provide for adjustment of the spaces. An air passage means is defined in the refrigerator to form a closed air circulation passage in each of the spaces with refrigerating means associated with each air circulation passage whereby the temperature in each of the spaces can be independently control.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a plurality of chambers and door shutters which are suspended on guide rails disposed under chamber partitions for slidably moving to open or close the chambers. The door shutters may be made of a flexible transparent material such as plastic or the like.

Abstract: A refrigerated container for the storage of lipsticks. The device is sized to fit on one's bureau at home and the device includes various compartments to segregate individual lipsticks for storage as well as a section specifically for cooling the individual lipsticks prior to storage, after use.

Abstract: A refrigerated storage cabinet suitable for use in convenient storing of food stuffs has a plurality of storage chambers within which storage racks are located and the temperature maintained by a refrigerating unit. One opening of each of the storage chambers is covered by a door element which is provided to function as the door for a display case or for a vending machine whereby different forms of merchandise can be stored in the cabinet and vending sales made from the same cabinet.

Abstract: A refrigerated display case is provided which includes a framework having a plurality of first panels connected to each other to form a structure having a polygonal cross-section. Each first panel is connected to an adjacent first panel such that an extending portion of the first panel extends beyond its connection point to an adjacent first panel. The framework also includes a plurality of second panels, each second panel being connected at one end to an extending portion of a first panel. The framework defines a plurality of refrigeration compartments. Each compartment includes an information board to provide information relating to the products displayed in the compartments.

Abstract: A frosted logo is provided on the transparent surface of a door panel of a display type refrigeration unit. The logo is positioned such that is appears to be superimposed over the products within the unit thus conveying the effect of coolness associated with the product stored therein. The frost logo effect is achieved by a screen printing technique.

Abstract: A refrigerated horizontal drink box for merchandising soft drinks and the like is disclosed as including movable transparent doors covering individual compartments and brand name indicia carried closely beneath the transparent door disposed at such an angle to the door and to drink containers stacked horizontally in the compartment that positive brand name identification may be had without opening the door whereby advantageous advertisement positioning of the product is achieved and unnecessary opening of the door is avoided.

Abstract: A refrigerator case for supporting items for display having a front wall access to expose a well portion of the case for loading and unloading the items for display. More specifically, the refrigerator case includes a front panel hingedly secured to a front wall of the case. The panel pivots from a closed position where access is not available through the front wall to an open position where the well portion of the case is exposed through the front wall for loading and unloading items. When in the open position the inner surface of the panel is coplanar with the bottom surface of the well portion. The panel is supported in the open position by flexible cable connected to struts in the front wall. In this manner, baskets containing the items for display may be slid over the inner surface of the panel and into the well portion.

Abstract: A merchandiser that is capable of holding and displaying both cold foods and warm foods includes a cold pan which has walls that are recessed into the top of a counter to provide a cold compartment that opens out of the counter top. The cold foods occupy the cold compartment. In addition, the merchandiser has a closure assembly which rises upwardly form the cold pan and includes side walls that support a shelf above the cold pan and also housing above the shelf. Front and rear doors are attached to the side walls to close the space between the shelf and housing at the front and rear, respectively, of the closure assembly, so that the doors, the side walls, and shelf and the housing enclose a warm compartment that holds and displays warm foods. Both doors pivot about horizontal axes to provide access to the warm compartment. The housing contains a fan and heating element for circulating heated air through the warm compartment.