Abstract: An air conditioner unit may include a housing, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a compressor, a sterilization light assembly, and a controller. The housing may define an indoor portion and an outdoor portion. The housing may further define an exhaust outlet downstream from the indoor portion to exhaust air therefrom. The sterilization light assembly may be disposed within the indoor portion. The controller may be in operable communication with the indoor fan and the sterilization light assembly. The controller may be configured to initiate a sterilizing operation. The sterilizing operation may include directing activation of the indoor fan to motivate air through the indoor portion, detecting activation of the indoor fan to motivate air through the indoor portion, and directing activation of the sterilization light assembly to transmit an ultraviolet light emission within the indoor portion based on detected activation of the indoor fan.

Abstract: A system for capturing and preferably processing images of a compartment of a refrigerator, where the system has a camera module having one or more cameras that are fully or partially located outside the compartment of the refrigerator, and one or more optical waveguides optically connected to the cameras and the compartment of the refrigerator and configured to transfer light such that the cameras are capable of capturing pictures of the compartment's interior is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for building a farmland ecosystem with multiple mutual-benefit species in multiple habitats is provided. The method includes: marking out an ecological field plot for planting crops in a farmland, arranging one to three earthworm breeding strip stack(s) at equal intervals, and marking out different planting areas; digging an ecological field ditch surrounding a periphery of the ecological field plot, and planting aquatic plants and breeding aquatic animals in the ecological field ditch; surrounding a periphery of the ecological field ditch with an ecological wide ridge, planting forage plants on a ridge surface of the ecological wide ridge, and planting arbors on an outer side of the ecological wide ridge; and arranging an ecological pond on a drainage side of a hole, wherein aquatic plants are planted in the ecological pond, and crustaceans are bred in the ecological pond.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for cooling a material that includes semiconductor nanoparticles in matrix material by anti-Stokes up-conversion. The semiconductor nanoparticle matrix is irradiated by a laser with a photonic wavelength matched to the anti-Stokes photoluminescence of the semiconductor nanoparticle bandgap. The semiconductor nanoparticles absorb the laser photon and phonons (heat) from lattice vibrations to photoluminescence photons with higher energy than the photon that were absorbed. A net cooling effect is generated from the lower energy and lower temperature in the material after anti-Stoke up-conversion.

Abstract: A ceiling-mounted decontamination unit with one or more internal decontamination sources, which may be UV-C emitters, inside a housing with a hingable panel for access to the internal space of the housing for maintenance and repairs, and one or more fans inside the housing that re-circulate the air in a room and subject the air to the germicidal internal decontamination source inside the housing, decontaminating the air passing through the ceiling-mounted decontamination unit's internal space and destroying viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. The ceiling-mounted decontamination unit draws the air in from the room or area where the ceiling-mounted unit is installed, subjects the air to the internal decontamination source destroying pathogens, and returns the decontaminated air back to the same room or area from which the air is drawn. An optional luminaire or external decontamination source may be attached to the room- or area-facing exterior of the ceiling-mounted decontamination unit.

Abstract: A transfer system for supplying a receiving tank of a receiving spacecraft with a supply gas from a supply spacecraft. A transfer tank is disposed on the supply spacecraft and configured to retain a supply gas. A transfer line is coupled to the transfer tank, and one end thereof may be coupled to the receiving tank. A transfer valve is operatively coupled to the transfer line. A heating system is thermally coupled to the transfer tank. A control system is operatively coupled to the transfer valve and the heating system. The control system is operable to cause a transfer quantity of the supply gas to be heated, and to open the transfer valve, such that a difference between the increased pressure of the supply gas in the transfer tank and a pressure in the receiving tank causes the transfer quantity of the supply gas to flow to the receiving tank.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a storage compartment, a compressor, a condenser coupled to the compressor, and an evaporator in communication with the condenser and the compressor. The evaporator includes a first section and a second section. The first section is disposed in the storage compartment. The second section is in communication with the first section and extends outside the storage compartment. The second section is exposed to atmospheric air proximate the refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: A drain pan includes a light-transmissive member forming at least part of the drain pan and is for transmitting ultraviolet light emitted from a light source. The light-transmissive member has a light-emitting surface that is exposed to the inside of the drain pan and from which ultraviolet light that has been transmitted through the light-transmissive member is emitted.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a rear wall, a first strap, a second strap, an insulative member, a housing, an ozone generator, a ventilation panel, and a light. The first strap and the second strap fix the insulative member to the rear wall. The housing is disposed in the ventilation panel. A frontside of the housing has a recessed portion that defines a receptacle on a backside of the wall, a trough on the frontside of the wall, and a first number of vents. The first number of vents establish fluid communication between the receptacle and the trough. The ozone generator is disposed in the receptacle. The light is fixed to the housing. The light includes a cover that overlaps at least a portion of the trough and defines a second number of vents that are in fluid communication with the trough.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for cooling a material that includes semiconductor nanoparticles in matrix material by anti-Stokes up-conversion. The semiconductor nanoparticle matrix is irradiated by a laser with a photonic wavelength matched to the anti-Stokes photoluminescence of the semiconductor nanoparticle bandgap. The semiconductor nanoparticles absorb the laser photon and phonons (heat) from lattice vibrations to photoluminescence photons with higher energy than the photon that were absorbed. A net cooling effect is generated from the lower energy and lower temperature in the material after anti-Stoke up-conversion.

Abstract: An optical refrigerator for cooling an infrared detector or sensor, that includes a laser radiation source, a cooling crystal for receiving laser radiation from the source and to be cooled, an element to be cooled, and a thermal link in heat exchange between the crystal and the element to be cooled, in order to transfer frigories from the crystal to the element to be cooled. The thermal link comprises two plates having respective first ends in heat exchange with two distinct surfaces of the crystal, respectively, the two plates having second ends in heat exchange with the element to be cooled.

Abstract: A method of supplying a receiving tank of a receiving spacecraft with a supply gas. The method includes coupling a second end of a transfer line in flow communication with the receiving tank. The transfer line extends from a first end to the second end. The first end is coupled to a transfer tank disposed on a supply spacecraft. The transfer tank holds a transfer quantity of the supply gas. The supply spacecraft includes a heating system coupled in thermal communication with the transfer tank and a transfer valve operatively coupled to the transfer line. The method also includes activating the heating system while the transfer valve is closed such that a pressure of the transfer quantity of the supply gas is increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for cooling fins disposed in an interior space of a refrigerator. The cover comprises an inlet portion comprising at least one inlet, wherein said inlet portion is adapted such that an air flow is allowed to enter through said inlet. The cover further comprises an outlet portion comprising at least a first outlet, wherein said first outlet is arranged relative to said inlet such that said air flow is able to exit through said first outlet. The first outlet is configured such that said air flow exiting through said first outlet is directed to at least a first volume in said interior space of said refrigerator. The invention is further directed to a refrigerator for a vehicle having an inventive cover.

Abstract: A photocatalyst filter is provided. The photocatalyst filter includes: a base in which an internal space is formed. The internal space is permeable to fluid, and a plurality of photocatalyst beads are provided in the internal space, wherein a surface of the internal space is reflective.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a cabinet, a liner defining a compartment within the cabinet, a fan to move cooled air, and an air tower positioned adjacent the liner and provided in fluid communication with the compartment via a plurality of primary exhaust openings. The refrigerator further includes an air filter bracket separate from and located adjacent to the air tower and provided in fluid communication with both the air tower and the compartment. The air filter bracket includes a duct positioned adjacent the flow path of the air tower to be in fluid communication with a secondary exhaust opening of the air tower.

Abstract: A method of facilitating atmospheric water generation is disclosed. The method may include receiving, using a communication device, sensor data from at least one sensor associated with an Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG). Further, the at least one sensor may be configured for sensing at least one characteristic of an environment of the AWG. Further, the method may include analyzing, using a processing device, the sensor data. Further, the method may include determining, using the processing device, a quality parameter associated with the environment based on the analyzing. Further, the method may include generating, using the communication device, at least one operational parameter based on the quality parameter. Further, the method may include and transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one operational parameter to at least one regulator configured for controlling the at least one characteristic of the environment based on the at least one operational parameter.

Abstract: A system and method of active stain prevention for an automotive seat which reduces visible staining on automotive seating surfaces by adding ozone to a ventilation system within the automotive seat.

Abstract: A method of facilitating atmospheric water generation is disclosed. The method may include receiving, using a communication device, sensor data from at least one sensor associated with an Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG). Further, the at least one sensor may be configured for sensing at least one characteristic of an environment of the AWG. Further, the method may include analyzing, using a processing device, the sensor data. Further, the method may include determining, using the processing device, a quality parameter associated with the environment based on the analyzing. Further, the method may include generating, using the communication device, at least one operational parameter based on the quality parameter. Further, the method may include and transmitting, using the communication device, the at least one operational parameter to at least one regulator configured for controlling the at least one characteristic of the environment based on the at least one operational parameter.

Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator. While a user is holding an object in both hands, a door may be automatically and additionally opened using another part of a body other than hands.

Abstract: A refrigerator door and a manufacturing method of the same are disclosed. The refrigerator door includes a front panel that includes a first through hole and an input unit, a door liner, an upper cap decoration unit configured to seal an upper side of a first space defined between the front panel and the door liner, a frame attached to an inside of the front panel and defining a second space, a display assembly provided between the frame and the front panel and configured to emit light through the first through hole, and a touch sensor assembly provided between the frame and the front panel, the touch sensor assembly being fixed to a rear of the front panel at a position that corresponds to a location of the input unit. The upper cap decoration unit includes a communication hole for communicating with the second space and includes a cap cover.

Abstract: A method of making a nanoporous aerogel includes the steps of providing nanowire suspensions, freeze casting the nanowire suspensions to produce freeze-cast gels, extracting the frozen medium from the freeze-cast gels by freeze-substitution with a solvent to produce wet gels, modifying or functionalizing the wet gels as needed, and drying the wet gels to produce a nanoporous aerogel.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is directed within a storage area at target wavelengths, target intensities, a target temporal distribution, and/or a target spatial distribution. A set of ultraviolet radiation sources generate ultraviolet radiation directed at a set of items located within the storage area. A first ultraviolet radiation source operates at a first peak wavelength and a second ultraviolet radiation source operates at a second peak wavelength that is different from the first peak wavelength.

Abstract: Various devices for sterilizing a surface are disclosed. For example, a first device includes an ultraviolet light emitting unit, a processor and a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include detecting a proximity of a surface to the ultraviolet light emitting unit and activating the ultraviolet light emitting unit to sterilize the surface in response to the detecting. Another device includes an ultraviolet light emitting unit, a processor and a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium stores instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations.

Abstract: An exemplary vehicle container assembly includes an outer bin, an inner bin received within the outer bin, and a lighting assembly that illuminates an interior of the inner bin through a translucent area of the inner bin. An exemplary vehicle container illumination method includes illuminating an interior area of an inner bin through a translucent area of the inner bin.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation is directed within a storage area formed of a plurality of layers including an outer ultraviolet reflective layer, an inner ultraviolet transparent layer, and a layer located between the outer ultraviolet reflective layer and the inner ultraviolet transparent layer. The refractive index of the layer between the outer ultraviolet reflective layer and the inner ultraviolet transparent layer is less than the refractive index of the inner ultraviolet transparent layer. A set of ultraviolet radiation sources generate ultraviolet radiation directed at a set of items located within the storage area.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a shelf holder having holes along a vertical direction on a wall of a food storage chamber, and a shelf assembly attachable to the shelf holder via at least one of the holes. The refrigerator also includes an electronic device provided on the shelf assembly; a holder terminal unit provided between the shelf holder and the wall and having a holder-side terminal facing at least one of the holes; and a shelf terminal unit provided at a side of the shelf assembly that is configured to attach to the shelf holder. The shelf terminal unit has a pin configured to be inserted into and electrically connect with the holder-side terminal in a state in which the shelf assembly is attached to the shelf holder. The pin is electrically connected to the electronic device of the shelf assembly, and is longitudinally movable relative to the shelf terminal unit.

Abstract: A refrigerator equipped with a water tank that is easily accessible to a user and a method of using the same. A water dispenser is installed on the front side of a refrigerator. A water tank coupled to the water dispenser is detachably installed on a lower inner inside of a refrigerator door such that a user can conveniently observe the state of the water tank and access the water tank for maintenance and refill thereof.

Abstract: A refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit is disclosed having at least one carcass in which a cooled inner space is arranged and having at least one closure element by which the cooled inner space can be closed. The carcass has one or more contact elements at the carcass side and the closure element has one or more contact elements at the closure element side, wherein at least one switch is provided which allows a current flow through the contact elements in the closed state and prevents a current flow through the contact elements in the open state, wherein the switch is switched from its open state into its closed state upon reaching of a specific closing angle, and the switch is switched into the closed state as soon as or after the contact elements at the closure element side are in contact with the contact elements at the carcass side.

Abstract: A refrigeration device includes an ice or water dispenser having an actuating lever. A light source is spaced apart in a light-emitting direction of the light source by an air gap from a light-coupling surface of the actuating lever.

Abstract: A method and device for cooling electronics is disclosed. The device includes a doped crystal configured to resonate at a Stark manifold resonance capable of cooling the crystal to a temperature of from about 110K to about 170K. The crystal host resonates in response to input from an excitation laser tuned to exploit the Stark manifold resonance corresponding to the cooling of the crystal.

Abstract: An oven appliance including a cabinet and a lighting system is provided. The cabinet defines a cooking chamber and includes a first wall and a second wall spaced along a lateral direction. The first wall defines a central plane (extending in a vertical direction and a transverse direction) and a protrusion. The protrusion extends outwardly from the central plane in a direction away from the second wall. The lighting system includes a portion positioned adjacent to a near section of the protrusion, the near section of the protrusion being closer to a cooking chamber opening than a far section of the protrusion. The lighting system may thus be obstructed from view generally along the central plane of the first wall as viewed from the cooking chamber opening.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a muffle having walls to delimit a cooking chamber. The muffle has a front face with a loading opening which is delimited peripherally by a front edge of the muffle. A lighting apparatus has at least one first light source for lighting up the cooking chamber and/or for displaying information. The at least one first light source is activated in at least a first operating mode of the cooking appliance, and at least one second light source is activated in a second operating mode of the cooking appliance, with the second operating mode being different from the first operating mode.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for stabilizing a property of a first laser beam from a first laser in a vibration-free and cryogen free-manner. The method can include optically cooling a ytterbium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride (Yb:YLF) crystal using a second laser beam; coupling the crystal to a thermal coupling, wherein the thermal coupling is further coupled to a reference cavity to maintain a temperate of the reference cavity; directing a portion of the first laser beam through the reference cavity onto a photodetector to measure the property of the first laser beam; and stabilizing the first laser beam using a feedback control mechanism using the photodetector.

Abstract: An indicator for a dispenser is disclosed. The indicator includes at least one display layer having at least one display surface surrounded by at least one edge surface, the at least one display layer being transparent in a direction of the at least one edge surface; at least one light source configured to transmit light through the at least one display layer in the direction of the at least one edge surface; and at least one pattern portion disposed in the at least one display surface such that light from the at least one light source is redirected through the at least one pattern portion.

Abstract: A sample vitrification system includes a capsule structure configured for carrying a biological sample within a compartment while the sample is subjected to ultra-rapid freezing by way of a cryogenic coolant jet, and while the sample is exposed to pulsed microwave radiation in a manner that disrupts water molecule pentamer formation and which disrupts initial ice crystal nucleation events within the compartment within tens of microseconds to provide a vitrification depth within the compartment of tens of microns or more. The sample can reside between a very high thermal conductivity substrate and a cover. The cryogenic coolant jet is applied to the substrate from beneath the sample. The cover can carry a set of microwave excitation elements configured for providing microwave radiation to internal portions of the compartment. Portions of the capsule structure's interior can be imaged during microwave assisted jet freezing, such as by way of an optical microscope.

Abstract: An ice dispensing system includes an ice hopper structure including a plurality of walls having inner surfaces that define an inner volume storing ice therein. The ice hopper may include a drain. A cleaning structure is coupled to the ice hopper structure. The cleaning structure includes a pump linked to a spray mechanism positioned within the inner volume of the ice hopper structure. The spray mechanism disperses a liquid on an inner surface of the ice hopper structure during a cleaning cycle of the ice dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: The door is made with a triple-lite insulated glass unit and a frame of aluminum rails. The insulated glass unit has a stepped cross-section with the outer glass lite being larger than the inner glass lites. An opaque non-conductive ceramic frit forms a rectangularly shaped border to mask the mounting of the inner glass lite(s). An electrically conductive coating on the outer glass lite is insulated from the aluminum rails of the frame by a plastic strip disposed between the outer glass lite and each rail.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet and a refrigerating compartment within the refrigerator cabinet. A beverage dispensing system is operatively connected to the refrigerator cabinet, the beverage dispensing system configured to dispense a stream of a beverage. The beverage dispensing system includes a light source and a light sensor positioned on opposite sides of the stream of the beverage. The beverage dispensing system is configured for detecting if dispensement of the beverage is occurring and characterizing the volume or amount of the beverage being dispensed.

Abstract: An auxiliary device is tended and adapted to be accommodated in an air conduit forming part of an air conditioning device, to which air conduit first flow components, such as a fan, are connected for the purpose of bringing about a main airflow through the air conduit such that the whole main airflow flows through the auxiliary device. The auxiliary device has an arrangement of a number of air conditioning modules which in an active state of the relevant air conditioning module, each allow passage of a partial flow of the airflow and together allow passage of the whole main flow. Control components adjust each of the air conditioning modules between an active state, in which passage of the relevant partial flow is allowed, and a passive state in which a partial flow substantially amounts to zero or flows in opposite direction.

Abstract: A solar powered compressor and pump is disclosed having a trough-shaped parabolic reflector for heating a conduit of refrigerant as it passes through the system. The compressor/pump combination includes a lens that covers the reflector and insulates and protects the reflector from the elements while increasing the intensity of the sun's energy entering the reflector. The reflector converts the sun's energy into heat that superheats the refrigerant as it passes through the reflector, reducing or eliminating the amount of mechanical work that the system has to do to achieve the needed superheating stage.

Abstract: A decorative member of a refrigerator and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. A refrigerator includes a storage container provided in a storage chamber; and a decorative member provided in the storage container, the decorative configured to generate light refraction and guide a movement of condensate condensed in the storage container, and configured to be capable of displaying humidity inside the storage container according to the movement degree of condensate.

Abstract: There is described a food cooling appliance (1) having an outer casing (2) extending along a vertical reference axis (A); a food cooling chamber (3) housed inside the outer casing (2) and of a given length (L1) measured along the reference axis; at least one food-supporting shelf (5) positioned firmly, m but in easily removable manner, inside the cooling chamber; a primary inductor (8) extending in a direction parallel to the reference axis, and of a length (L2) substantially equal or less than the length of the cooling chamber; one or more light-emitting units (18) located along an outer peripheral edge of the shelf and coplanar with the shelf; and at least on secondary inductor (9) housed in the shelf to supply the light-emitting diodes (18) with electric current.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a case having at least one storage compartment for low temperature storage, a lighting source arranged in the at least one storage compartment to generate a sanitation wavelength, a location controller configured to control a location of the lighting source, and a controller configured to control operation of the location controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit having at least one chilled inner space for receiving refrigerated goods or frozen goods, wherein the refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit is designed with at least one lighting means and with at least one receiver for holding one or more information labels, in particular price labels, preferably related to the refrigerated good or frozen good. In accordance with the invention, the lighting means are arranged relative to the receiver such that they illuminate the information label located in the receiver or such that the refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit is designed with at least one display on which at least on piece of information, preferably related to the refrigerated good or frozen good, is reproduced or can be reproduced, with the lighting means and the receiver or the display forming integral components of the refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous flowthrough labyrinth device that has a detector well formed therein in which a radiation detection device may be placed. The continuous flowthough labyrinth device allows a fluid sample to be introduced into the flow path of the device so that the fluid sample evenly surrounds the top and side surfaces of the detector well, which results in the fluid sample being evenly distributed around the radiation detection device. The continuous flowthrough labyrinth device may be connected to any radiation level fluid monitoring system, for example systems used by municipalities and/or industries. The continuous flowthrough labyrinth device may be placed such that fluids entering and/or exiting systems are monitored for radiation, or even placed to determine the radiation levels of fluids within systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling channel (100) for cooling goods to be chilled, in particular food or pharmaceutical products, comprising a cooling tower (10) having an inlet end (12) and an outlet end (14), a driven conveyor belt (32), on which the goods to be chilled are arranged such that they can be conveyed through the cooling tower (10) from the inlet end (12) to the outlet end (14), a housing (18), which surrounds the conveyor belt (32) and forms a cooling zone in the region of the conveyor belt, a filter unit (62) for filtering air, a cooling unit (42) for cooling the cooling zone, and at least one fan (74), which interacts thermodynamically with the cooling unit (42) and which is designed to convey cooled air from the cooling unit (42) to the cooling zone, wherein the cooling unit (42) and the fan (74) are arranged in a housing region (40) that is separate from the cooling zone and sealed off from is the cooling zone, wherein only a fluid connection is provided for conveying the cooled air between

Abstract: A storage apparatus according to an embodiment may include a body having a storage space of storage products and an air purifying module coupled to the body. The air purifying module may include a light emitting diode part disposed along a passage of air to provide ultraviolet light, and a filter part disposed adjacent to the light emitting diode part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit comprising at least one operating and/or control unit for the operation and/or control of the refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit and/or comprising at least one evaporator module for the cooling of the inner space of the unit as well as comprising illumination means by means of which the inner space of the unit and/or the region located in front of the inner space of the unit from the viewpoint of the user can be illuminated at least partly, wherein the illumination means are arranged in or at the operating and/or control unit and/or in or at the evaporator module.

Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator is able to store food at a low temperature and to effectively remove bacteria of the food stored in a storage room, to maintain the storage room clean.

Abstract: A lighting device for a drawer type refrigerator is provided. The drawer type refrigerator comprises at least one drawer having a drawer door, and an upper rotary door or an upper drawer door disposed above the drawer door. The lighting device comprises: a lamp assembly comprising a lamp and a lamp shade of a light-transmission material and disposed in a groove formed in a lower portion of the upper rotary door or the upper drawer door; a switch assembly configured to control the lamp assembly based upon whether the drawer is pulled out; a power supply assembly configured to supply power to the switch assembly; and a connection assembly connected between the lamp assembly and the switch assembly to supply power to the lamp assembly.