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: An apparatus for dispensing a frozen confection is provided comprising: an insulated chamber (1) housing a container (3) of a frozen confection; a refrigeration system (8); a nozzle (4) having an inner end which is connected to the container (3); and an outer end which is located outside the insulated chamber; means for applying pressure to the frozen confection thereby to dispense it from the container (3); a cap (7) which can enclose the outer end (6) of the nozzle (4) when closed and which allows external access to the outer end (6) of the nozzle (4) when open; and one or more channels (12) which allow cold air to flow from the chamber into the region around the outer end of the nozzle; wherein the apparatus comprises a removable holder (10) that supports the container (3) and wherein the spaces between the container (3), the inside of the chamber and the underside of the holder form the one or more channels (12).

Abstract: A wine dispensing system comprises a cabinet with refrigerated compartments for maintaining bulk wine in boxes and dispenses any one of a number of wine varieties upon pressing an appropriate button. Check valves in the system prevent air from spoiling unused wine, and a computer measures each pour, updates inventory, and accepts demographic information to assist in marketing and sales promotion.

Abstract: A serving station includes a first well and a second well. The wells configured for receiving food pans. The serving station further includes an active cooling system and an active heating system. The active cooling system is configured to independently lower the temperature of either or both of the first and second wells, and the active heating system is configured to independently raise the temperature of either or both of the first and second wells. Both wells may be heated, both wells may be cooled, or one of the first and second wells may be heated while the other is cooled.

Abstract: A mobile cooler having an ice maker includes: a main body having first and second spaces which are thermally blocked; a cooling device positioned at a lower portion of the main body and providing cooling air to the first and second spaces; a plurality of shelves installed in the first space; an ice tray installed in the second space; an ice bank positioned on a lower surface of the ice tray and detachably mounted in the main body; and a cover that covers an opening in which the ice bank is inserted.

Abstract: A temperature controlled food serving having at least one channel of thermally conductive material for receiving at least one food-holding pan. The at least one channel defines an elongate pan receiving cavity for placement of the at least one food-holding pan at any desired location along the cavity. A temperature control system comprises at least one heating element for heating the at least one channel to maintain food products held in the food-holding pans at a food holding temperature. The at least one channel has at least two different temperature zones along a length of the channel so that food products in different temperature zones can be held at different food holding temperatures.

Abstract: A pan guide for use in a food storage apparatus is provided. The pan guide has at least two levels for supporting food storage pans. The levels can be removable. This allows for easy movement of the food pans, to accommodate for temperature changes in the vicinity of the food storage apparatus. Dividers for separating the food pans are also provided, which can connect to the pan guide.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an ice maker disposed at one side of a storage chamber for storing food, a folding shelf disposed at the ice maker to be folded in a vertical direction or unfolded in a horizontal direction to efficiently use a space formed on the side of the ice maker, a shelf supporting member fixed to the ice maker to rotatably support the folding shelf, and a locking part disposed at the shelf supporting member to support the folding shelf when the folding shelf is unfolded to be arranged in a horizontal direction. When the folding shelf disposed in the storage chamber is folded in a vertical direction, there is formed a space capable of storing containers or food products having a great height. When the folding shelf is unfolded in a horizontal direction, containers or food products having a small height can be put on the folding shelf.

Abstract: A hot and cold food holding appliance including (1) Positioning a heat transfer plate above the top of food holding pans forming the top surface of each food holding compartment. (2) Providing a heat transfer module to transfer energy to/from the food holding pans in each compartment. (3) Thermally isolating each heat transfer module from an adjacent heat transfer module. (4) Removable heat transfer partitions that can used to subdivide each food holding compartment into sections providing additional heat transfer capability along the sides of each food holding pan and blocking the flow of ambient air between the food holding pans. (5) A control system that regulates the temperature of each food holding compartment by sensing the temperature of each heat transfer module and adjusting the amount of heat energy to be transferred.

Abstract: A replacement basin for a refrigerated counter having an integral basin and a method of installing that replacement basin is disclosed. Upon removing of the existing integral basin, the replacement basin may be mounted to the refrigerated counter, connected to the counter's existing refrigeration system, and then used to support one or more removable product filled bins or containers.

Abstract: A vehicle dryer includes an energy-conserving rotatable inlet butterfly valve to selectively admit or block air to a fan encased in a blower housing. The valve includes a plate mounted on a shaft that extends across the inlet portion of the blower housing. The plate is rotated by its shaft to either an opened position for admitting air into a blower housing, or a closed position for blocking air from entering into the blower housing. A crank arm is coupled to the valve shaft, and a pneumatic cylinder includes a piston rod for turning the crank arm through a ninety-degree angle, thereby rotating the valve plate between its opened and closed positions.

Abstract: This disclosure teaches an apparatus suitable for playing a drinking game using drinking cups and thrown projectiles on a playing surface having a rack to rack up a pre-determined configuration of the drinking cups. The rack includes an insulator to at least partially insulate the drinking cups and an electric cooler to cool the drinking cups during game play.

Abstract: A vehicle dryer includes an energy-conserving rotatable inlet butterfly valve to selectively admit or block air to a fan encased in a blower housing. The valve includes a plate mounted on a shaft that extends across the inlet portion of the blower housing. The plate is rotated by its shaft to either an opened position for admitting air into a blower housing, or a closed position for blocking air from entering into the blower housing. A crank arm is coupled to the valve shaft, and a pneumatic cylinder includes a piston rod for turning the crank arm through a ninety-degree angle, thereby rotating the valve plate between its opened and closed positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for a frozen food product, such as an ice cream or frozen-yoghurt product, produces an aerated and flavored base mix. The base mix is provided in a liquid form to the apparatus and is mixed with a gas in the apparatus to aerate the base mix. Flavor is added to the aerated base mix in a turbulence tube of the apparatus, and the aerated and flavored base mix is then deposited out of the turbulence tube onto a cold plate of the apparatus as a thin layer material. The cold plate may be disposed such that it is in open view of a customer. One or more solid-food mix-in additives can be added to the aerated and flavored base mix on the cold plate. The aerated and flavored base mix is allowed to at least partially freeze on the cold plate with the additive(s) dispersed therein to produce a frozen food product, which is then manually scraped from the cold plate and served to a customer.

Abstract: A cooler table comprising a storage compartment formed with a top edge, and a tabletop. The tabletop is manipulable between a closed position in which it closes the top edge, and a table position in which it is mounted on a post extending from the storage compartment serving as a table while allowing access to the storage compartment.

Abstract: A temperature controlled food serving having at least one channel of thermally conductive material for receiving at least one food-holding pan. The at least one channel defines an elongate pan receiving cavity for placement of the at least one food-holding pan at any desired location along the cavity. A temperature control system comprises at least one heating element for heating the at least one channel to maintain food products held in the food-holding pans at a food holding temperature. The at least one channel has at least two different temperature zones along a length of the channel so that food products in different temperature zones can be held at different food holding temperatures.

Abstract: A storage system that has variable temperature includes one or more drawers. The one or more drawers are independently operable of one another. A heating and cooling system is in thermal communication with the one or more drawers. The heating and cooling system generates even air-flow around all sides of the one or more drawers for heating and/or cooling thereof.

Abstract: This invention resides in a workstation system comprising at least one work area and at least one partition adjacent the work area. The partition having a plurality of demountable screens, at least one of the screens having a cavity fluidly connected to at least one aperture in the partition. A conduit having one end fluidly connected to the cavity and an opposite end fluidly connected to an air duct to communicate air from the air duct to the aperture.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus comprises one or more cooling stations for installation in a support structure to provide a chilled surface for supporting a receptacle holding a comestible product. Each cooling station has a housing for being installed in the support surface and a cooling disc assembly mounted on the housing. The chilled surface is formed by a top disc of the cooling disc assembly in direct contact with a chilled fluidic cooling medium circulated through a cooling chamber of the cooling disc assembly. The housing provides a thermal barrier around the cooling disc assembly. The chilled surface provides heat transfer between the comestible product and the fluidic cooling medium in the cooling chamber to maintain the comestible product in a cooled state.

Abstract: A temperature controlled cart for carrying items such as food, beverages, and menu items. The cart includes a heated or refrigerated compartment for storing the items. A temperature control unit carried in a drawer selectively heats or cools the compartment, and a self-contained power source powers such unit. A food preparation surface is provided on a top of the cart for preparation of menu items from items carried in the compartment. A heating element may also be provided on the top of the cart for selectively heating food and beverage items. A display board is carried on the front end of the cart for displaying menu items, and a door is operably mounted in a side of the cart for allowing access to the item carried in the refrigerated compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to cool and/or protect chilled food in a food pan from warmer ambient air by passing low velocity chilled air from air vents proximate the food pan into and/or over the food pan to form a relatively stable mass of cooled air within the interior of the food pan. The low velocity air may also form a slowly moving barrier of chilled air that hinders warmer ambient air from reaching the food pan. Various embodiments employing numerous arrangements of food pans, cooling system and air ducts configured to direct the chilled air at a low velocity into and/or over the food pans are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining a low internal temperature in items held in an open container system. Example embodiments generate a stationary, insulating layer of cold air that covers the exposed surface and slows the transfer of heat from the environment. One example embodiment includes a storage container employing a free convection cooling mechanism adjacent to an exposed surface of a perishable. The free convection cooling mechanism acts to chill the air immediately above the exposed surface, thereby creating an insulating layer of cold air. By raising or lowering the temperature of this layer, the example embodiment may further be able to raise or lower the internal temperature of the perishable.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus comprises one or more cooling stations for installation in a support structure to provide a chilled surface for supporting a receptacle holding a comestible product. Each cooling station has a housing for being installed in the support surface and a cooling disc assembly mounted on the housing. The chilled surface is formed by a top disc of the cooling disc assembly in direct contact with a chilled fluidic cooling medium circulated through a cooling chamber of the cooling disc assembly. The housing provides a thermal barrier around the cooling disc assembly. The chilled surface provides heat transfer between the comestible product and the fluidic cooling medium in the cooling chamber to maintain the comestible product in a cooled state.

Abstract: A food preparation unit includes a food product storage and display section with a plurality of pans and an associated pan cooling arrangement.

Abstract: An evaporator and associated food pan refrigerator, such as sandwich-top refrigerators and those used for salads, seafood, ice cream, condiments, and so forth. The food pan refrigerator includes a number of food pans set into the top surface of the refrigerator. The angled fan housing blows the refrigerated air exiting the evaporator evenly across the bottom of the food pans, resulting in even cooling of all pans. In addition, the angled fans effectively and efficiently circulate the air from the fans to the warmest section in the front of the refrigerator and then to the air return located at the bottom of the evaporator. The result is an improved evaporator and associated food pan refrigerator that cools the food pans more evenly and efficiently than prior food pan refrigerators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to cool and/or protect chilled food in a food pan from warmer ambient air by passing low velocity chilled air from air vents proximate the food pan into and/or over the food pan to form a relatively stable mass of cooled air within the interior of the food pan. The low velocity air may also form a slowly moving barrier of chilled air that hinders warmer ambient air from reaching the food pan. Various embodiments employing numerous arrangements of food pans, cooling system and air ducts configured to direct the chilled air at a low velocity into and/or over the food pans are disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigerated worksurface for processing food products includes a base and at least one cooling element supported on the base. A preparation surface is positioned on the base atop the cooling element and is configured to be cooled by the cooling element. A cooling system is configured to circulate a coolant through the cooling element so that a temperature of the preparation surface is maintained within a predetermined range. The cooling element may be one or more cooling element pans or may be a passage beneath the preparation surface for flow of fluid through the passage and in contact with an underside of the preparation surface.

Abstract: A temperature control system for maintaining a food product at an acceptable temperature having a pan with a thermally conductive wall, a first member surrounding the thermally conductive wall, and a channel being formed between the first member and the thermally conductive wall. The temperature control system has a fluid in the channel for contacting the pan at a first location and a refrigeration coil being connected to a portion of the thermally conductive wall for cooling the pan. The temperature control system further has a second member for surrounding a first portion of the thermally conductive wall. The second member and the fluid maximize heat transfer at a first portion of the thermally conductive wall. The second member minimizes heat transfer at a second location of the thermally conductive wall.

Abstract: A temperature controlled food serving bar having a cabinet with an elongate opening. At least one divider of thermally conductive material extends the length of the elongate cabinet opening and divides the interior cabinet space into a plurality of elongate, pan-receiving cavities. The divider comprises a side wall and a bottom wall and at least one of the bottom wall and the side wall having a wall thickness between about 0.1 inch and about 0.2 inch. At least one food-holding pan received in one of the pan-receiving cavities has a bottom wall and side walls. At least one of the side walls of the at least one food-holding pan is spaced from the side wall of the divider between about 0.03 inch and about 0.15 inch. A temperature control system controls the temperature of the at least one divider.

Abstract: A condiment holder comprises a top having a plurality of spaced apart openings therein constructed and arranged to receive condiment containers. A partial enclosure is connected to and extends below the top. The enclosure includes a bottom wall generally parallel to the top, opposite upwardly extending end walls connected between the top and bottom walls, and front and back partial side walls that extend between lower portions of the end walls. At least one of the end and bottom walls has a plurality of air circulation openings therein to facilitate the flow of refrigerated air.

Abstract: An efficient refrigeration system for mounting on the wall of a food storage structure, includes cooling coils and heat exchange vanes, and a lower inlet and an upper outlet. A centrifugal fan and motor are removably mounted as a sub-unit on mating tracks, on the sub-unit and the housing, and are held in place by quick release arrangements, for ease in repair and/or replacement of the sub-unit. An expansion valve for the refrigeration system is mounted near the inlet. An additional fan for cooling the electric motor forms part of the sub-unit.

Abstract: A food preparation table includes a food storage compartment which preserves foodstuff items; and a cooled air shower device which is disposed above the food storage compartment and supplies cooled air thereinto. The cooled air shower device distributes the cooled air evenly along a substantially entire length of the storage compartment. Further, the refrigerating system is installed in a chamber disposed inside the food preparation table and is extractable therefrom.

Abstract: A temperature controlled food serving bar. The food serving bar has a plurality of elongate, generally parallel, spaced apart dividers of thermally conductive material extending lengthwise of the serving bar. The dividers have side walls dividing the food serving bar into a plurality of elongate generally parallel cavities. A temperature control system controls the temperature of the side walls of the dividers. Upwardly facing surfaces on the dividers support food-holding pans in positions in which the pans extend down into the cavities adjacent the side walls of the dividers for being heated or cooled thereby. Thermal barriers below the upwardly facing surfaces inhibit the transfer of heat between the side walls of the dividers and the surfaces.

Abstract: A bacteria resistant butcher table is having a flat level top including a shallow tub within which is placed a butcher block or work surface. Water fills the tub over the top of the work surface insert and is frozen therein. As food preparation proceeds, layers of ice which now constitute the work surface are worn away and replaced by newly frozen water provided from around the sides of the work surface block. A refrigeration system is provided beneath the flat top and has its cooling coils arranged immediately beneath the tub. Water is provided through perforated water piping about the sides of the tub work surface insert. Four support legs include leveling pads or feet to keep the top perfectly level.

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 temperature controlled food serving bar. The food serving bar has a plurality of elongate, generally parallel, spaced apart dividers of thermally conductive material extending lengthwise of the serving bar. The dividers have side walls dividing the food serving bar into a plurality of elongate generally parallel cavities. A temperature control system controls the temperature of the side walls of the dividers. Upwardly facing surfaces on the dividers support food-holding pans in positions in which the pans extend down into the cavities adjacent the side walls of the dividers for being heated or cooled thereby. Thermal barriers below the upwardly facing surfaces inhibit the transfer of heat between the side walls of the dividers and the surfaces.

Abstract: A portable cooler is disclosed having wheels at one end, a pop-up tray table on top and an umbrella stand located at the wheeled end of the cooler.

Abstract: A food preparation table includes a food storage compartment which preserves foodstuff items; and a cooled air shower device which is disposed above the food storage compartment and supplies cooled air thereinto. The cooled air shower device distributes the cooled air evenly along a substantially entire length of the storage compartment. Further, the refrigerating system is installed in a chamber disposed inside the food preparation table and is extractable therefrom.

Abstract: A built-in refrigerator is disclosed, which includes a cabinet provided in a sink and having a door at a front side thereof and a component chamber at a rear bottom thereof; a molding provided on a floor located at a front bottom of the cabinet; a compressor provided in the component chamber; a cooling fan provided in the component chamber for blowing air to the compressor; a condenser condensing a flowing refrigerant by heat-exchange with the air blown from the cooling fan; and a ventilating passage connecting the component chamber to the outside of the molding for ventilating the component chamber. Also, the built-in refrigerator further includes a dividing strip for dividing the ventilating passage into an inflow passage through which the air is introduced, and an outflow passage through which the air is discharged, wherein the dividing strip is inclined at a predetermined angle &thgr; so as to form an inlet of the inflow passage larger than an outlet of the inflow passage.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a cool air generating part supplying cool air to a storage compartment; upper and lower cabinets having first and second storage compartments; and a shaft rotatably supporting the upper and lower cabinets, respectively. With this configuration, the refrigerator is useable in all directions by a rotatable structure, is easily carried by wheels, and is useable as a table by a table member provided in an upper part of an upper cabinet.

Abstract: A temperature controlled food serving bar. The food serving bar includes a cabinet having a bottom, opposite sides and opposite ends defining an interior-space. A top wall and an opening in the top wall are above the interior space. A plurality of elongate, generally parallel spaced apart dividers of thermally conductive material extend lengthwise of the cabinet in or below the opening. The dividers have side walls dividing the interior space into elongate generally parallel cavities. A temperature control system for controlling the temperature of the dividers has heat transfer lines extending along the side walls of the dividers. Upwardly facing surfaces on the dividers support food-holding pans such that the pans extend down into the cavities adjacent the side walls. Thermal barriers below the upwardly facing surfaces inhibit the transfer of heat between the side walls and the upwardly facing surfaces.

Abstract: A refrigerated, open-top food pan that can be used as a counter top buffet, as a store self-service display or as a kitchen food ingredient holder, has two cooling systems. The first one discharges a blast of cool air through the exit ports of an manifold peripherally mounted near the upper rim of the pan. The cooled air is generated by a bwer taking air from a grated port in the inner side wall and forcing it through a chamber housing a cooling expansion coil. A secondary cooling system has an expansion tube in intimate and circuitous contact with the bottom and side wall of the pan.

Abstract: A temperature controlled food serving bar. The food serving bar includes a cabinet having a bottom, opposite sides and opposite ends defining an interior space. A top wall and an opening in the top wall are above the interior space. A plurality of elongate, generally parallel spaced apart dividers of thermally conductive material extend lengthwise of the cabinet in or below the opening. The dividers have side walls dividing the interior space into elongate generally parallel cavities. A temperature control system for controlling the temperature of the dividers has heat transfer lines extending along the side walls of the dividers. Upwardly facing surfaces on the dividers support food-holding pans such that the pans extend down into the cavities adjacent the side walls. Thermal barriers below the upwardly facing surfaces inhibit the transfer of heat between the side walls and the upwardly facing surfaces.

Abstract: A built-in refrigerator is disclosed. The built-in refrigerator includes: a main body installed in a sink and having a door at a front side thereof and a machine room at a rear lower side thereof; condenser and compressor respectively installed in the machine room; a cooling fan installed in the machine room, for cooling the condenser and the compressor; and a radiation passage allowing an outside of a front side of the main body to communicate with the machine room to introduce external air into the machine room and discharge internal air of the machine room.

Abstract: A built-in refrigerator is disclosed. The built-in refrigerator includes: a main body installed in a sink and having a door at a front side thereof and a machine room at a rear lower side thereof; condenser and compressor respectively installed in the machine room; a cooling fan installed in the machine room, for cooling the condenser and the compressor; and a radiation passage allowing an outside of a front side of the main body to communicate with the machine room to introduce external air into the machine room and discharge internal air of the machine room.

Abstract: Disclosed is a built-in refrigerator provided in a sink and effectively discharging heat from a condenser and a compressor. The built-in refrigerator includes a cabinet provided in the sink and a component chamber at a rear bottom thereof and a dust guard provided at a front bottom of the cabinet; a compressor provided in the component chamber; a condenser provided under a bottom surface of the cabinet; a ventilating passage communicating the component chamber with a bottom of the cabinet and outside of the dust guard for discharging heat generated from the condenser and the compressor to outside; and a cooling fan provided in the component chamber for cooling the compressor and the condenser.

Abstract: A sealed storage pan assembly for a refrigerator quick chill and thaw system includes a frame, a pan suspended from the frame for slide-out movement upon frame rail assemblies and pan slide members, and a sliding cover assembly. A top surface of the frame and a rear wall of the pan each include a cutout portion for receiving and sealingly engaging an air handler unit for producing convective airflow within the pan. The sliding cover assembly includes a plate seal that compresses seals mounted on rail assemblies of the frame and also compresses a slide cover seal that extends between the frame rail assemblies when the pan is in a closed position. The sliding cover assembly also includes a front seal that is engaged by a front cover of the pan when the pan is in the closed position. Thus, the pan is sealed around the front, sides, rear, and sliding cover interface of the pan.

Abstract: A built-in refrigerator is disclosed, which includes a cabinet provided in a sink and having a door at a front side thereof and a component chamber at a rear bottom thereof; a molding provided on a floor located at a front bottom of the cabinet; a compressor provided in the component chamber; a cooling fan provided in the component chamber for blowing air to the compressor; a condenser condensing a flowing refrigerant by heat-exchange with the air blown from the cooling fan; and a ventilating passage connecting the component chamber to the outside of the molding for ventilating the component chamber. Also, the built-in refrigerator further includes a dividing strip for dividing the ventilating passage into an inflow passage through which the air is introduced, and an outflow passage through which the air is discharged, wherein the dividing strip is inclined at a predetermined angle &thgr; so as to form an inlet of the inflow passage larger than an outlet of the inflow passage.

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: A food-preparation table includes (a) a table base (18) having a top member (20) with a top surface (16) and pan-receiving space(s) (22) beneath the top member holding thermally-useful air, and pan-supporting surfaces (14) adjacent to the space(s), and (b) pans (10) in the space(s), each pan having a sidewall (24) and an upper edge (12) and vents (30) through the upper sidewall portion (28) such that thermally-useful air flows from the space(s) into the pans to contact the food even though the table-base top member, the pan-supporting surfaces and the pan upper edges are arranged such that the pan upper edges are flush with the table-base top surface. Temperature protection for the food is provided while allowing easy accessibility for serving.