Compartment Access Or Use And Air Blocking Patents (Class 62/265)
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Patent number: 11874052Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet forming a refrigerating compartment defining a plurality of cooling zones, an air circulation duct in fluid communication with the refrigerating compartment, an evaporator provided in the air circulation duct, and a damper assembly in fluid communication with the air circulation duct and the refrigerating compartment. The damper assembly includes a plurality of doors to selectively allow air to enter into selected cooling zones within the refrigerating compartment.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2021Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Pierce, Jonah Connelly, Stephanos Kyriacou
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Patent number: 11732955Abstract: A drawer includes insulation defining a climate-controlled insulated interior of the drawer, and a refrigeration system. The interior of the drawer may be divided into compartments having lids, and actuators may be provided for unlocking the lids. The actuators may include solenoids, which may be disposed outside the climate-controlled interior of the drawer. The drawer may include an air inlet, an outlet, and a fan. The fan may draw air through an air flow path defined at least in part by the insulation.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2020Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Omnicell, Inc.Inventor: Sunil Belligundu
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Patent number: 11365385Abstract: An incubator for cell and tissue culture under controlled atmospheric conditions has a primary air flow control device that forms a primary, preferably laminar flow, air veil across an opening that allows access to the cells or tissue cultures disposed within the incubator. Preferably, most if not all of the air in the primary (laminar flow) air veil is recirculated, and a secondary air flow control device is used that forms a secondary, preferably laminar flow, air veil between the primary (laminar flow) air veil and a user of the incubator.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2021Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: EMBRIENT, INC.Inventors: Royal Q. Le, Barry E. Rothenberg, Kyong-su Son
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Patent number: 11241866Abstract: Embodiments provide a door body which opens and closes a front part of an article body, and which has a front panel that constitutes the front of the door body, a frame that supports at least a part of the outside edge of the front panel, and a back panel that constitutes the back of the door body. According to at least one embodiment, the front panel includes a hard coat laminated sheet; the hard coat laminated sheet has a first hard coat, a second hard coat, and a transparent resin sheet layer in that order from the surface on the front side. The first hard coat is formed from a coating material which contains (A) 100 parts by mass of a polyfunctional(meth)acrylate, (B) 0.01-7 parts by mass of a water repellant and (C) 0.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2016Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Inventors: Nozomu Washio, Taketo Hashimoto, Shoko Nakajima, Hitomi Inomata
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Patent number: 11203737Abstract: An incubator for cell and tissue culture under controlled atmospheric conditions has a primary air flow control device that forms a primary, preferably laminar flow, air veil across an opening that allows access to the cells or tissue cultures disposed within the incubator. Preferably, most if not all of the air in the primary (laminar flow) air veil is recirculated, and a secondary air flow control device is used that forms a secondary, preferably laminar flow, air veil between the primary (laminar flow) air veil and a user of the incubator.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2021Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Inventors: Royal Q. Le, Barry E. Rothenberg, Kyong-Su Son
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Patent number: 11072773Abstract: An incubator for cell and tissue culture under controlled atmospheric conditions has a primary air flow control device that forms a primary, preferably laminar flow, air veil across an opening that allows access to the cells or tissue cultures disposed within the incubator. Preferably, most if not all of the air in the primary (laminar flow) air veil is recirculated, and a secondary air flow control device is used that forms a secondary, preferably laminar flow, air veil between the primary (laminar flow) air veil and a user of the incubator.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2020Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Inventors: Barry E. Rothenberg, Kyong-su Son, Royal Q Le
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Patent number: 11041673Abstract: A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a cabinet; a door; a shelf supporting arm; a shelf assembly; and a withdrawing mechanism for allowing a shelf to be withdrawn forward when the door is pivoted, wherein the withdrawing mechanism includes a sliding member, a link member, and a connector for selectively connecting the slide member and the shelf. The connector includes: a connecting unit selectively inserted into a receiving groove formed in the sliding member and having a first inclined face formed on one side thereof; and an actuation unit having a second inclined face formed on one end thereof to contact the first inclined face, wherein when the actuation unit moves toward the rear side of the cabinet, the second inclined face moves along the first inclined face so that the connecting unit moves to be separated from the groove.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hyokku Kwon, Seonil Yu
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Patent number: 10543735Abstract: A system and method are provided for hybrid electric internal combustion engine applications in which a motor-generator, a narrow switchable coupling and a torque transfer unit therebetween are arranged and positioned in the constrained environment at the front of an engine in applications such as commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles and stationary engine installations. The motor-generator is preferably positioned laterally offset from the switchable coupling, which is co-axially-arranged with the front end of the engine crankshaft. The switchable coupling is an integrated unit in which a crankshaft vibration damper, an engine accessory drive pulley and a disengageable clutch overlap such that the axial depth of the clutch-pulley-damper unit is nearly the same as a conventional belt drive pulley and engine damper. The front end motor-generator system includes an electrical energy store that receives electrical energy generated by the motor-generator when the coupling is engaged.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventor: David D Colavincenzo
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Patent number: 10259625Abstract: A non-electric cold shot serving apparatus is designed to hold any type of bottle and be able to serve it cold, without any electricity being supplied to the unit. The cold shot serving apparatus is both portable and lightweight and can be used anywhere. The device can fit virtually any size bottle of beverage, such as wine, spirits, or the like, in its original container, and chill it for service regardless of location.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Inventor: Michael Reckley
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Patent number: 9702611Abstract: A refrigerator which variably controls operation of a sterilizer according to variation in humidity within the refrigerator to improve sterilizing capacity includes a control unit to drive the sterilizer while repeatedly turning the cold air circulation fan on/off during a refrigerating cycle in which the defrosting heater is not operated, and stop driving the sterilizer during operation of the defrosting heater.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sung Cheol Kang, Eui Young Chang, Seong Wook Jeong, Jae Koog An
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Patent number: 9649590Abstract: Process gas(es), such as but not limited to helium, can be used in the manufacture of a variety of objects. Described herein are methods to collect, reuse, and recycle the process gas(es) that are used in the production process rather than treat these materials as waste.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: VERSUM MATERIALS US, LLCInventors: Christopher Michael Albright, Gregory Khosrov Arslanian, Andrew David Johnson, David Charles Winchester
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Patent number: 9097454Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. A door is coupled with the cabinet. A cooling system is disposed in the door and is in fluid communication with the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. A dividing wall is removably coupled with the cabinet and extends between the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. The dividing wall is relocatable within the cabinet to change a relative volume of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Douglas D. LeClear, Andrew D. Litch, Guolian Wu
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Patent number: 8997515Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Virobuster GmbHInventor: Hermannus Gerhardus Maria Silderhuis
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Publication number: 20140109607Abstract: This disclosure relates to covers for use with refrigeration units. The covers may include rails that extend across a top opening of the refrigeration unit. One or more lids may be supported by support surfaces on the rails. The lids may be movable (e.g., slidable) between closed and open positions. The lids may include lid plates and feet configured to raise lid plates off of the support surfaces, thereby forming gaps between the lid plates and the support surfaces. The lids may include filling elements to fill at least a portion of the gaps between the lid plates and the support surfaces. In some embodiments, the feet may have a generally Z-shaped configuration. In some embodiments, the cover may include multiple frame elements having transparent spacers at the ends of the frame elements, and the cover may include end pieces at the ends of the cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: ANTHONY, INC.Inventors: James Johann Buehning, John Roche
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Patent number: 8499510Abstract: A data center includes a server, a trestle-floor, and a battery box. The server is positioned on the trestle-floor. The battery box is located under the trestle-floor and below the server. The trestle-floor includes a number of tiles. The battery box receives a number of battery units. When the battery units need to be replaced or repaired, one or more tiles of the trestle-floor are operable to be removed to expose the battery units.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wen-Tang Peng, Yi-Liang Hsiao
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Patent number: 8443617Abstract: Provided is a rail assembly fixed to the sides of a storage compartment of a refrigerator, with rail housings supporting rail members that insert and extrude a storage container, and a light source fixed to a rail housing to indicate whether a certain function is being performed in the storage compartment and function as a lamp that illuminates the inside of the storage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Jin-Woo Park
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Patent number: 8251784Abstract: The invention generally relates to ventilation systems and methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control systems and methods for use in data centers and the like. A system includes a first structural element and a second structural element spaced apart from first structural element to define a space between the first and second structural elements. The system also includes a plurality of partitions moveable into the space between the first and second structural elements and a controller arranged to control movement of the plurality of partitions.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Vincenzo V. Diluoffo, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Michael D. Kendzierski
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Publication number: 20100018235Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer, in particular a chest refrigerator or freezer (10), having a body and a lid which can be moved relative to the body (20), or a door or flap which can be moved relative to the body and has a pane, preferably a glass (20) or plastic pane, or is formed by this pane, and also having a heating device by means of which the pane can be heated, wherein means (30, 32, 40, 42) for transmitting the power required for operating the heating device are provided, said means operating in accordance with the principle of inductive power transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: Richard Simoner, Florian Oberhauser
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Publication number: 20090293524Abstract: Embodiments of the invention pertain to a method and apparatus for protecting temperature sensitive products during air, ground, or sea transportation. Specific embodiments of the invention relate to a chamber built inside a trailer or sea container where temperature sensitive products are placed to have additional protection against the environmental conditions encountered during the transportation and distribution periods. The dimensions and modularity of the chamber can vary depending on the trailer or sea container the chamber is designed to be used with. This chamber can be preassembled and inserted into the desired trailer or sea container or can be assembled inside the trailer or sea container. The chamber system can include insulated and or non-insulated walls, conveyor system, ventilation system, temperature and asset (trailer or sea container) location tracking. The location tracking can utilize, for example, cellular (GSM) and/or satellite communication, with or without GPS tracking.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Blueye, LLCInventors: Jean Vezina, Charles Khalil
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Patent number: 7607743Abstract: A home-bar door stopping structure of a refrigerator includes an accommodating space provided behind a refrigerator door and communicating with the outside of the refrigerator through an opening formed on a portion of the refrigerator door, a home-bar door installed to the opening for selectively opening and closing the accommodating space and configured to be pivoted vertically about an lower end of the opening, and stoppers provided on both sides of the opening for supporting both sides of a lower end of a rear surface of the home-bar door to limit a pivot range of the home-bar door when the opening is opened. When the home-bar door stopping structure is so configured, although the thickness of the home-bar door is relatively increased due to the installation of an additional device onto the front surface of the home-bar door, the stopper does not hinders the pivotal rotation of the home-bar door until the home-bar is pivoted up to the predetermined angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Chan-Kyoo Jang
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Publication number: 20080229773Abstract: A refrigerator includes: a cabinet which comprises at least one storage compartment formed with an opening at one side thereof; and a door unit which opens and closes the opening, the door unit comprising: a first door which is rotatably attached to the cabinet and opens and closes a partial area of the opening, a second door which is rotatably attached to the first door and opens and closes the remaining area of the opening, and a cool air blocking member which is disposed across a planar surface of one of the first door and the second door and a planar surface of the other of the first door and the second door and prevents cool air from leaking from a gap between the first door and the second door while the door unit is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jeong-Wook Lee, Sang-Chul Ryu
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Publication number: 20080066481Abstract: A refrigerator with: a main body having at least one storeroom, at least one door hinged to the main body to open and close the storeroom, and a door opening apparatus gradually decreasing a magnetic binding force between the door and the main body as a rotation angle of the door is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jae Koog An, Clive Good, Eun Jung Lim
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Publication number: 20080060375Abstract: Disclosed herein is a supplemental heating system including a liquid heat generator having a hydrodynamic chamber for selectively heating a fluid. The hydrodynamic chamber having an inlet port for delivering the fluid to the hydrodynamic chamber, and a discharge port for removing heated fluid from the hydrodynamic chamber. The inlet port is fluidly connected to a first check valve and the discharge port is fluidly connected to a second check valve. The first check valve adapted to receive an input from the second check valve. The first check valve operable to close the fluid path between the first check valve and the inlet port in response to an input received from the second check valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2007Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Jeremy J. Sanger, Franco Garavoglia
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Publication number: 20080053132Abstract: A refrigerator and duct cap assembly therefor having a damper that delays closing of a duct cap is disclosed herein. The refrigerator and duct cap assembly therefor include a duct cap, an opening and closing device, a connecting rod, a packing holder, a packing, and a cylinder. The duct cap opens and closes an ice duct of the refrigerator, and the opening and closing device opens and closes the duct cap. The connecting rod is connected to one of the duct cap and the opening and closing device. The packing holder is connected to the connecting rod. The packing is disposed in the packing holder. The cylinder may include at least one slot formed at a predetermined portion of a periphery of the cylinder and the packing makes a reciprocating motion within the cylinder while generating a frictional force.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Kyong Bae PARK, Sung Jhee, Nam Soo Cho
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Publication number: 20080053133Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which includes a duct cap disposed so as to open and close an ice duct formed in the refrigerator, an opening and closing device connected so as to open and close the duct cap, and a damper connected to one of the duct cap and the opening and closing device such that a closing operation of the duct cap is delayed. The opening and closing device allows the duct cap to be manually opened and closed, and the damper is interlocked with the opening and closing device so as to delay a closing operation of the duct cap. With this structure, cost may be reduced and noise and/or vibration minimized, compared with mechanisms with the closing operation of the duct cap delayed using electric driving parts, such as solenoids.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Kyong Bae PARK, Sung Jhee, Nam Soo Cho
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Patent number: 7254958Abstract: A refrigerator is provided which selectively opens or closes an inner cover according to the closing or opening of an auxiliary door. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator door to open or close a refrigerator storage chamber, a door storage space provided at an inner side of the door, an access opening formed through the door to allow a user to take out items stored in the door storage space from the outside, the auxiliary door mounted at an outer side of the door to open or close the access opening, an inner cover mounted at the inner side of the door in an openable manner to separate the door storage space from the storage chamber, and an inner cover opening/closing device to close the inner cover when the auxiliary door is opened and to open the inner cover when the auxiliary door is closed.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyun Bhum Kim, Dong Hoon Kim
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Patent number: 7237402Abstract: Refrigerator comprising at least one compartment (2, 21) to be cooled and a refrigeration apparatus with an evaporator, which evaporator is arranged in heat conducting contact with a heat exchanger (6, 24, 50). The refrigerator further comprises an essentially enclosed chamber (7, 30, 40), in which chamber the heat exchanger (6, 24, 50) is arranged and which chamber communicates with the compartment (2, 21) through an inlet port (9, 31, 41) and an outlet port (10, 32, 42) of the chamber, for allowing air to circulate from the compartment through the inlet port into the chamber and trough the outlet port back to the compartment, and means (9, 11, 13, 31a, 31b, 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b) for preventing air to pass by self-circulation from the chamber, through the inlet port and/or outlet port. The invention also concerns a method for temperature control of a refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Dometic Sweden ABInventors: Anders Bengt Ingemar Hallin, Per Wedby
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Patent number: 7108342Abstract: A refrigerator having a door to open and close a refrigerator compartment, a home bar unit provided on the door and having an opening through which the refrigerator compartment communicates externally thereof, and a home bar unit door to open and close the opening of the home bar unit. The home bar unit door has a support bracket connected to the opening of the home bar unit, a movable bracket connected to the home bar unit door that rotates together with the home bar unit door, and a stopper unit including a first stopper provided at the movable bracket that rotates together with the movable bracket, and a second stopper provided at the support bracket that restricts the rotation of the home bar unit door when the home bar unit door is positioned at an open position thereof. With this configuration, the present invention provides a refrigerator in which opposite sides of a home bar unit door are not blocked by any links when the home bar unit door is opened, and also provides an appearance that is tidy.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong-In Shin, Jae-sek Oh
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Patent number: 6715311Abstract: An air distribution bi-folding door assembly of a refrigerated case opens and closes to allow for the loading of refrigerated items in the case. The doors are attached by a hinge. Each door is hollow and includes perforations which allow cool air which flows in the hollow space of the doors to distribute over the refrigerated items in the case. A wheel assembly is attached to the upper outer corner of each door and runs along a track as the doors open and close. An alignment assembly attached to the lower outer corners of each door ensures proper alignment of the doors during opening and closing.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.Inventors: Leonard M. Wasnock, William Teeter, Rick Waldron, Bill Wagnerowski, Jim Hansen
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Publication number: 20040050087Abstract: An air distribution bi-folding door assembly of a refrigerated case opens and closes to allow for the loading of refrigerated items in the case. The doors are attached by a hinge. Each door is hollow and includes perforations which allow cool air which flows in the hollow space of the doors to distribute over the refrigerated items in the case. A wheel assembly is attached to the upper outer corner of each door and runs along a track as the doors open and close. An alignment assembly attached to the lower outer corners of each door ensures proper alignment of the doors during opening and closing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2002Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Leonard M. Wasnock, William Teeter, Rick Waldron, Bill Wagnerowski, Jim Hansen
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Patent number: 6648946Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for recovering helium. The process includes a) passing a first gas containing helium to an eductor to produce a second gas; b) passing the second gas through a heat exchanger to produce a third gas; and c) recovering the third gas into the eductor to combine with the first gas.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventor: James Joseph Volk
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Publication number: 20020184906Abstract: A temperature controlled cabinet system of the present invention includes at least one heat pump, a controller assembly for controlling system operation and a temperature sensor for measuring a cabinet interior temperature. The heat pump heats and/or cools the cabinet interior to maintain the cabinet interior at a desired temperature in response to control signals from the controller assembly. The cabinet system further includes a thermal barrier to thermally isolate the cabinet interior from the ambient environment and permit access to medical items contained within the cabinet. The thermal barrier includes a plurality of strips that maybe arranged in various fashions (e.g., overlapped, spaced from each other a selected distance, etc.) to substantially impede or minimize heat exchange between the cabinet interior and ambient environment during intervals where the cabinet interior is exposed to that environment (e.g., intervals where at least one cabinet door is in an open state).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2001Publication date: December 12, 2002Inventor: Durward I. Faries
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Patent number: 6226995Abstract: A frost control system for preventing the accumulation of frost on components of a freezer door assembly is disclosed. The system comprises a movable door disposed between a cold space and a warm space, and a header assembly. The header assembly comprises an air mover and an air inlet adapted for drawing air from the cold space to an inlet of the air mover. A conduit is provided for conducting air from an outlet of the air mover to a region of the warm space proximate to the door, and a thermostatically-controlled heater is disposed within the conduit. The conduit includes a heated air exhaust vent. Also provided is control circuitry for managing the operation of the heater and air mover.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Rytec CorporationInventors: Walenty Kalempa, Brian Norbert Drifka
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Patent number: 6212901Abstract: A cooler with a chamber and a cavity in its lid, into which cavity a block of dry ice is inserted. Heat transfers from the chamber through a heat transfer element connecting the chamber to the cavity. The rate of this heat transfer is regulated by covering or uncovering the heat transfer element on the chamber side.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventors: Kenneth R. Pint, William F. Thom
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Patent number: 6055823Abstract: A refreshment center having a modular construction and including a mini door and a frame is described. The mini door is fabricated and assembled separate from the frame, and the mini door includes a hinge system and a trigger. The mini door provides quick and convenient access to the refreshment center by being simple and easy to open and close. The frame, in an exemplary embodiment, is a one piece plastic molded part which serves as the main structural member of the assembly. The frame includes first and second spaced apart planar members, and further includes a keeper slot and a keeper for being inserted within the slot. The keeper extends from the slot and at least partially through a keeper slot in the door trim. The frame further includes a switch cavity for housing at least a portion of a switch assembly. A switch bracket is provided to be secured over the switch cavity and is engaged to the frame by a screw.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Phillip D. Baker, Gordon Turner Walker, Dennis Paul Matz, Gerald Lee Mitchell, Joseph Murphy Miller, Charles William Nelson, Bruce Lloyd Ruark, Jerry Clyde Martin, Michael Joseph McCauley, John Joseph Domagala, Duane Jubenville, Michael Stephen Csernik, Mark Walter Steiner
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Patent number: 6014866Abstract: A multiplex system is disclosed for maintaining the temperature of a product during a warehouse and distribution process employing a vehicle. The multiplex system may include a plurality of temperature control zones at which it is desired to maintain the temperature of the product. A cargo temperature control zone includes a parking area for a number of delivery vehicles having cargo containers. A primary refrigeration system is utilized to refrigerate a secondary fluid which is a non-compressible fluid that may be pumped over long distances to the cargo temperature control zone, as well as other temperature control zones. The secondary refrigerated fluid is pumped to an air handling unit which advantageously is disposed within the cargo container of one or more parked delivery vehicles. Preferably, at least two handling units are provided in each cargo container for more even distribution of refrigerated air.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Inventor: James W. Durham
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Patent number: 5826432Abstract: A chiller having a forced air means and a pressure plenum so as to provide a suitably concentrated and even air flow and distribution through spatial gaps between trays on one or more insertable food racks. The plenum has a high pressure cavity at one end and a low pressure cavity at the opposite end. A motorized fan mounted above the plenum and separated therefrom by a ceiling plate draws chilled air from the low pressure chamber and forces it into the high pressure chamber in front of the plenum. A turning vane directs the air into high pressure chamber and reduces potential turbulence. The walls leading from the high pressure cavity to the plenum are preferably tapered at least in part so as to force air into the plenum in a funnel-like manner, and uniformly through spatial gaps between the trays on the rack or racks. A multi-function controller controls the chilling operation by allowing selection of either a chill time or a target product temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1995Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: El Cold, Inc.Inventor: Baldwin G. Ledbetter
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Patent number: 5657639Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigeration process and apparatus which includes refrigeration means detachably connected by conduits, preferably insulated, to a series of individually refrigerated compartments, preferably drawer units, having evacuation conduits also detachably connected to the drawer units to direct circulating cold air flow through each individual drawer without a vast unrestricted flow of cold air throughout a refrigerator housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Inventor: Ulf Lidbeck
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Patent number: 5540492Abstract: A humidity control assembly is provided for use with a refrigerator crisper pan which is constructed to snap into a plain opening in a wall of the crisper pan. The humidity control assembly is formed of two pieces, a slide body having detents for securing the body in the wall of the crisper pan and a track for receiving a control slide member. The control slide member is received in the track and can slide to change the effective size of an opening through the slide body. No additional fasteners are required to hold the humidity control assembly in the crisper pan and no special molding or machining is required for the crisper pan.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1995Date of Patent: July 30, 1996Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: James F. Dasher, Mark A. Stout
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Patent number: 5452583Abstract: A system and process for recovering high purity coolant gas from at least one fiber optic heat exchanger, characterized by controlling a flow of coolant gas into and out of the heat exchanger using a pressure, impurity and/or flow rate monitoring or transmitting means in conjunction with a flow adjusting or controlling device to limit air or other gas infiltration into at least one fiber optic passageway of the heat exchanger. A sealing means may also be used at at least one end of the fiber optic passageway to further reduce air or other gas infiltration into the passageway. The resulting high purity coolant gas from the outlet of the heat exchanger is delivered to the inlet of the heat exchanger. Optionally, the resulting coolant gas from the outlet of the heat exchanger may be cooled, filtered and/or purified before being delivered to the inlet of the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1994Date of Patent: September 26, 1995Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventor: Thomas R. Schulte
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Patent number: 5377491Abstract: A system and process for recovering high purity coolant gas from at least one fiber optic heat exchanger, characterized by controlling a flow of coolant gas into and out of the heat exchanger using a pressure, impurity and/or flow rate monitoring or transmitting means in conjunction with a flow adjusting or controlling device to limit air or other gas infiltration into at least one fiber optic passageway of the heat exchanger. A sealing means may also be used at at least one end of the fiber optic passageway to further reduce air or other gas infiltration into the passageway. The resulting high purity coolant gas from the outlet of the heat exchanger is delivered to the inlet of the heat exchanger. Optionally, the resulting coolant gas from the outlet of the heat exchanger may be cooled, filtered and/or purified before being delivered to the inlet of heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1992Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventor: Thomas R. Schulte
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Patent number: 5345779Abstract: A modular floor sub-structure is provided wherein discrete floor modules having bottom surfaces and sides extending upwardly to support paired floor tile are interconnected to sit upon a floor surface and, in turn, support rack-mounted computer components. Select ones of the floor modules contain air cooling coils and blowers, while others are provided with uninterrupted power supplies and still others retain power distribution networks. The cooling system of a given module as well as the UPS components of another given module are provided having a capacity for supporting one computer component. Where more than one computer component is to be supported by the system, then additional modules are provided to develop an expanded elevated floor surface with power and heat removal servicing specific to each computer component.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: Liebert CorporationInventor: Edward K. Feeney
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Patent number: 5341652Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system includes three separate chambers formed by partitions. An interior heat exchanger is disposed in the first chamber for heat exchange with air introduced into the first chamber, and first chamber has an inside-air introduction port for admitting air from the vehicle passenger compartment into the first chamber and an air discharge port for discharging air into the compartment. An exterior heat exchanger is disposed in the second chamber for heat exchange with air introduced into the second chamber, and second chamber has an open-air introduction port for admitting air from outside of the vehicle into the second chamber and an air discharge port for discharging the air to outside of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1992Date of Patent: August 30, 1994Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akihiro Tajiri, Yoshihko Hotta
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Patent number: 5329781Abstract: A frost control system is described for inhibiting and removing frost from the door of a storage locker. Relatively cool air is received by an inlet to the frost control system at an inlet placed above the door. The air is drawn into the system by a blower which forces the air through the ducts of the system. The air passes through strip heaters within the vertical ducts of the defrost system positioned on either side of the door. The warm air is discharged horizontally across the bottom portion of the door and simultaneously rises creating a blanket of relatively warm air in comparison to the ambient area. Discharge apertures are included in the ends of the vertical ducts which blow a portion of the warmed air to the base of the door to enhance coverage of the door by the warmed air.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1993Date of Patent: July 19, 1994Assignee: Rite-Hite CorporationInventors: Nancy L. Farrey, William W. Hoerner, David P. Leppert, Glenn A. Nicol
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Patent number: 5295365Abstract: A container intended to act as a cooler for items such as beverage cans or bottles has an insulated body with watertight closures at each end each capable of acting either as a base of the cooler or a lid. Fastenings to secure the closures, and supports for the cooler are also provided; their functions may be integrated. The supports may be carrying handles, or stands forming a support on which the cooler may be inverted. The ability to invert the cooler enables the functions of adding ice and adding or removing articles to be cooled to be conveniently separated.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1992Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Inventor: Thomas A. Redford
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Patent number: 5259212Abstract: A trap or seal system for effecting an air impervious seal for a food freezer, such as a cryogenic or mechanical freezer. The seal system includes a barrier forming a vapor-impervious partition and which has its bottom extending into a cryogenic bath. A conveyor system is used to transport articles through the cryogenic bath to a downstream cryogenic freezer. The combination of the barrier extending into the cryogenic bath forms an effective seal to prevent air infiltration into the cryogenic freezer.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1990Date of Patent: November 9, 1993Assignee: Liquid Carbonic CorporationInventor: Sidney V. Engler
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Patent number: 5243836Abstract: A sealing device for a rotary evaporator (1) possesses a two part vapor duct arrangement (6). With that, the component on the evaporator side (6a) is formed to rotate and the component (6b) on the cooler side is formed to be stationary. Both the components (6a, 6b) make contact with each other to form a seal in the area of the sealing surface (14).Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1992Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: Buchi Laboratorium-Technik AGInventor: Arthur Spring
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Patent number: 5209082Abstract: A multi-purpose refrigerator includes a main door and a fresh storage compartment mounted on a rear side of said main door and being accessible through an auxiliary door formed in said main door. The fresh storage compartment comprises a multi-section housing mounted to a pair of vertical walls disposed on the rear or inner side of the main door. Each housing section includes front and rear portions. The front portion fits between the walls. The rear portion is wider than the front portion to form shoulders therebetween. The shoulders carry hooks which fit removably into slots formed in rearwardly facing edges of the walls. The housing has openable apertures to communicate said refrigerator compartment with said fresh storage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1992Date of Patent: May 11, 1993Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dea Y. Ha
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Patent number: 5203175Abstract: A frost control system is described for inhibiting and removing frost from the door of a storage locker. Relatively cool air is received by an inlet to the frost control system at an inlet placed above the door. The air is drawn into the system by a blower which forces the air through the ducts of the system. The air passes through strip heaters within the vertical ducts of the defrost system positioned on either side of the door. The warm air is discharged horizontally across the bottom portion of the door and simultaneously rises creating a blanket of relatively warm air in comparison to the ambient area. Discharge apertures are included in the ends of the vertical ducts which blow a portion of the warmed air to the base of the door to enhance coverage of the door by the warmed air.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1992Date of Patent: April 20, 1993Assignee: Rite-Hite CorporationInventors: Nancy L. Farrey, William W. Hoerner, David P. Leppert, Glenn A. Nicol
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Patent number: 5193356Abstract: A refrigerator includes a fresh food compartment with a rear wall, an evaporator refrigerating air and an air passageway directing a stream of refrigerated air to flow down the rear wall. An adjustable storage assembly includes a frame mounted adjacent the rear wall, a storage pan slideably mounted to the frame, a shroud surrounding the pan and an air deflector extending upwardly and upwardly of the rear of the shroud. An user operable handle mounted to the frame and connected to the shroud for adjusting the position of the shroud and the deflector relative to the stream of air.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1991Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas M. Ording, John M. Mitchell