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 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 modular refrigeration system includes a refrigeration device having a space configured for storage of products therein, a cooling system providing a coolant configured to cool the space, and at least one modular cooling element configured for placement at any one of a plurality of locations within the space and configured to receive the coolant so that a temperature distribution profile of the products within the space can be customized. A method of customizing a temperature distribution profile within a refrigeration device having a cooling system is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining a temperature distribution profile within the refrigeration device, identifying at least one location within the refrigeration device having a temperature above a desired temperature range, providing a modular cooling element configured for installation at the location, and interconnecting the modular cooling element with the cooling system.

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: An apparatus for cold-holding food product. The apparatus comprises a cabinet carrying a refrigeration unit including a plurality of refrigerated shelves. The plurality of refrigerated shelves are adapted to frost on both sides under the control of the refrigeration unit to thereby maintain the quality of food product held on the shelves. To allow for the drainage of any melting frost, the plurality of shelves may be angled and a drain pan system included to direct the water away from the shelves to a drain or condensate evaporator during defrost periods. To prevent the removal of frost with the unloading of food products from the shelves, wire racks or trivets may be used to elevate the food product on baking pans above the frosted shelve surfaces.

Abstract: A kimchi storage device capable of fast fermenting kimchi, and once kimchi has been adequately fermented, of functioning as a cold storage therefor includes a main body provided with a refrigeration unit and a plurality of kimchi storage chambers, a heater and an evaporator installed on inner side walls in each of the kimchi storage chambers, at least one high and one low temperature sensors in each of the kimchi storage chambers and a control unit for controlling the evaporator and the heater in each of the kimchi storage chambers.

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: Insulated cabinets with interchangeable heat transfer units disposed on the top thereof are disclosed and means for improving the air circulation both in the heat transfer units and within the enclosed cabinet. The heat transfer units may be refrigeration type units, freezer type units, heating type units, warming type units or proofing units. Each of the heat transfer units includes a rectangular opening in the bottom thereof to which is attached a duct through which heated or cooled air is forced. The duct has parallel front and rear walls and inclined side walls which taper to reduce the cross section of the air flow. The duct is a sliding fit inside a tunnel which extends vertically along the back wall of the cabinet. The tunnel is provided with two columns of louvers along its entire length through which the air from the duct flows. Air exiting the louvers is deflected by a baffle plate which extends the full width of the rear of the cabinet. The edge portions of the baffle plate are perforated.

Abstract: A dual temperature merchandiser incorporating both upper and lower communicating compartments, the upper compartment for chilling food products, with the lower compartment disposed for holding frozen food products, a single refrigeration unit incorporating the condenser and compressor are provided for maintaining the chilled and freezing temperatures within their respective compartments, and evaporators operatively associated and rendered functional by the aforesaid condenser and compressor being provided within each of the compartments, thermostatic controls responsive to the temperatures maintained within each compartment a valve operatively associated with the thermostatic control maintained in the upper chilling compartment and providing for the flow, or curtailment thereof, of refrigerant through the evaporator maintained within said compartment for independently maintaining the chilling temperature therein, regardless of the continued transfer of refrigerant through the lower compartment and sustaining