By External Heater Patents (Class 62/275)
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Patent number: 7966836Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a cooling storage cabinet having a compressor that is included in a freezing device, a heater that is connected in parallel with the compressor to a power source, a switch that controls supply of current to the compressor, and a control unit that stops supply of current to the heater during a predetermined time after the switch operates start-up of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Seiki Hosaka
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Publication number: 20110146312Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a storage compartment and a refrigerator door opening and closing the storage compartment. The refrigerator door includes an ice compartment, an ice maker in the ice compartment, the ice maker generating ice cubes, an ice bin storing the ice cubes generated in the ice maker, and a cool air duct guiding cool air to the ice maker.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jin Il HONG, Sung Sik KANG
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Publication number: 20110138834Abstract: A refrigerating apparatus is provided with a cooling unit whose height is greater than width when installed; and a defrosting device for defrosting frost formed on the cooling unit by heat, the defrosting device being in a straight pipe form, wherein the defrosting device is provided in a vertical direction on a side of the cooling unit. By providing the defrosting device in a straight pipe form in the vertical direction on the side of the cooling unit that is long in a longitudinal direction, it is possible to increase the length of the defrosting device and to lower a surface temperature of the defrosting device. Further, as the defrosting device is long, an amount of heat generation is large and defrosting efficiency is high. Moreover, it is possible to manufacture the defrosting device at a low cost as the defrosting device is in a straight pipe form.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventor: Toshiki MAEDA
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Publication number: 20110138822Abstract: An energy supply system for operating at least one air conditioning system of an aircraft, comprises at least one air line network and at least one electric line network. The air line network is connected to the air conditioning system and at least one bleed air connection for routing bleed air to the air conditioning system. The electric line network is connected to the air conditioning system and at least one electrical energy source for routing electrical energy to the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system has an electrically operable cooling device. By means of the energy supply system according to the invention the energy withdrawn from the power units is better adapted to the energy necessary for operating the air conditioning system and other systems—such as, for example, wing de-icing—and therefore reduces the excess fuel consumption of the aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventors: Jan Dittmar, Nicolas Antoine, Uwe Buchholz
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Publication number: 20110094245Abstract: Disclosed is a defrosting system and a defrosting method of a refrigerator, the system including an evaporator configured to reduce an ambient temperature by heat exchange through movement of refrigerant, a frost monitoring camera by photographing a state of frost adhered to the evaporator, a controller configured to grasp changes of an image captured by the frost monitoring camera to determine a defrosting start time, and a heat-generating unit configured to emit heat in response to a signal applied from the controller to remove the frost, whereby an unnecessary operation of a heat-generating unit is prevented by appropriately coping with an environment that flexibly changes according to an inner situation of a refrigerator and by accurately determining, by the controller, a start time and a completion time of defrosting operation for removing frost adhered to the refrigerator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventor: Seoyoung Kim
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Publication number: 20110079027Abstract: An embodiment of a probe includes a sensor and a support. The sensor is operable to provide an indication of a thickness of a frozen substance that has accumulated between the sensor and a cooling fin of a cooling unit, and the support is operable to hold the sensor spaced apart from the cooling fin. For example, a defrost controller may use an embodiment of such a probe to monitor an amount of frost build up on the fin or fins of a cooling unit (e.g., a refrigeration or freezer unit) so that the controller may initiate a defrost cycle only when warranted. Such a probe may be more reliable than other defrost-detection techniques, and such a defrost controller may increase the cooling and energy efficiencies of a cooling unit as compared to a cooling unit having a conventional defrost controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: THE CONTROLS GROUP, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Ghan, James R. Conant
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Publication number: 20110056220Abstract: The present invention “PH2OCP” relates to a portable water and climatic production system. In the preferred embodiment, the system uses a combination of heating coils assemblies, cooling coils and more specifically the desiccant rotor technology for the extraction, collection of water vapor molecules from the air stream and transformation in to condensate for the production of clean filtered potable water. The portable water and climatic production system or “PH2OCP” is designed to operate and produce water in a wide range of global climatic conditions, including the most arid of environments. This is made possible due to the highly effective performance capabilities of the desiccant rotor technology in the extraction of water vapor molecules from any existing ambient air. The desiccant technology is designed in the “PH2OCP” to operate in combination with the microwave reactivation system in the regeneration or reactivation section and cooling coils assembly located in the condensation section.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventor: Mario Caggiano
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Patent number: 7900465Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Robert L. Wetekamp, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan G. Tarrant, Ryan D. Schuchart, Mauro M. Oliveira, Alvin V. Miller, Brent A. Koppenhaver, Carl J. Franken, Nelson J. Ferragut, II, Tim L. Coulter, Greg Berardi, Thomas Carl Anell
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Publication number: 20110041538Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerator including an outer casing, an inner casing mounted inside the outer casing to define a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, an evaporator installed between the outer casing and the inner casing to supply cool air, a separate room positioned in any one of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber, and a passage for gliding the cool air generated by the evaporator directly to the separate room. In this configuration, the cooling efficiency of the separate room can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2007Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Chan-Mun Yoon
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Patent number: 7886554Abstract: A chest refrigerator and/or freezer with a carcass and a cover movable relative to the carcass, includes a pane, preferably a pane of glass or plastics, or is formed by the pane, with a heating element provided by which the pane can be heated.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Liebherr-Hausgeräte Lienz GmbHInventor: Richard Simoner
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Publication number: 20110016887Abstract: A defrosting assembly, a refrigerator having the same, and a method of controlling the same are provided. The refrigerator may include a food defrosting chamber, which may be divided from a food storage chamber that cools or freezes food, a defrosting device, which may be positioned in and may be removable from the food defrosting chamber, and a thermoelectric module, which may be positioned in the food defrosting chamber to heat an inside of the defrosting device and to cool an outside of the defrosting device. In a defrosting mode, frozen food may be rapidly defrosted by using the defrosting device, while in a general or a rapid cooling mode, the defrosting device may be used for food storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Nam Gyo LEE, Kyung Seok Kim
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Publication number: 20100300123Abstract: Disclosed are a hybrid desiccant dehumidifying apparatus and a control method thereof which are employed under poor environment, such as a ship painting field. External air cooled by an evaporator is dehumidified and heated while passing through a desiccant dehumidifier and external air heated by condensation heat of a condenser is supplied to the desiccant dehumidifier as a regeneration air source such that high-temperature and high-humidity regeneration. A cooler is integrally formed with the desiccant dehumidifier so that the hybrid desiccant dehumidifying apparatus is manufactured in a compact size and the operating cost thereof is significantly reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: Air-Tech Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seung Tae PARK, Dong Hyuk KIM, Sung Chan PARK
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Publication number: 20100275631Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit comprising at least one heating device for the avoidance of condensate formation, characterized in that the heating device is a heating device which is not foamed in and which is arranged on or in the region of at least one outer side of the unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2008Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Matthias Wiest, Eugen Sättele, Helmuth Bauer
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Publication number: 20100269519Abstract: A conversion unit for an air conditioning system to cause it to act like the cooling unit of a refrigeration system comprises a frost detector, an A/C temperature control defeating mechanism and a control unit which operate together to force the range of operation of the air conditioning unit into the range of operation of a refrigeration unit. The conversion unit is particularly useful for providing low cost cooling systems for farmers in third world countries for keeping their produce fresh and safe, not to mention its use by all farmers around the world and by florists or others in need or desire of an economical refrigeration alternative. The present invention is also usable to provide inexpensive cooling to RV's and to refrigerated vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: Ronald R. Khosla, Timothy J. Weber
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Publication number: 20100229575Abstract: A system and method for defrosting an air source heat pump are presented. A defrost conduit extends from the discharge from a system compressor to the outdoor coil. The defrost conduit includes a normally closed defrost valve. When the need for defrost exists, the defrost valve is opened, and warm refrigerant is delivered from the compressor discharge to the outdoor coil to effect defrost of the outdoor coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicants: SHAW ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, LLC, HALLOWELL INTERNATIONAL, LLCInventor: David N. Shaw
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Publication number: 20100218925Abstract: A refrigerator is provided with an evaporator assembly located in a compartment. The evaporator assembly includes a pipe, a fan assembly, a plurality of fins, a first and second bracket. The pipe is configured to transport a refrigerant that exchanges heat with an air stream from the compartment. The plurality of fins is inserted on the pipe. The brackets each include apertures to receive bent end portions of the pipe. The brackets are configured to hold the pipe and the fins in a specific position, to mount the evaporator assembly within the compartment, and restrict the air stream exiting the evaporator assembly from mixing with the air stream entering the evaporator assembly. The fins include end fins that are placed in direct contact with the first end bracket and are configured to further restrict the air stream from flowing through the plurality of apertures of the brackets.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventor: Marcelo Candeo
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Publication number: 20100192608Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator that includes a main body having a cooling chamber. The refrigerator also includes a door coupled to the main body and configured to open and close the cooling chamber. The refrigerator further includes a home bar positioned at a front surface of the door and configured to provide access to contents of the refrigerator without opening the door. In addition, the refrigerator includes a heater positioned at the home bar and configured to adjust an amount of heat based on an ambient temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Youn-Seok Lee, Kyeong-Yun Kim, Su-Nam Chae, Min-Kyu Oh, Jang-Seok Lee
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Publication number: 20100192599Abstract: An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a heat exchanger which exchanges heat with air by passing a coolant therethrough; an anti-freeze apparatus which prevents the freeze of water on the surface of the heat exchanger by supplying energy to the heat exchanger; and a control unit which controls the anti-freeze apparatus according to operating conditions of the air conditioner. Therefore, the air conditioner can effectively prevent the freeze of water, if any, on the surface of the heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2007Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Won Seok Kim, Jie Seop Sim
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Publication number: 20100192604Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit having an outer unit wall and/or having a door or flap closing the unit interior, wherein a heating device is provided at or in the region of the door or flap and/or at or in the region of the outer unit wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2008Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: LIEBHERR-HAUSGERÄTE LIENZ GMBHInventor: Helmuth Bauer
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Publication number: 20100170285Abstract: An integrated gasification combined cycle system is provided. The integrated gasification combined cycle system includes an air compressor coupled in flow communication to an air separation unit, a condensate heater coupled in flow communication with the air compressor, and a condenser coupled in flow communication with the condensate heater. The condensate heater and the air compressor are coupled such that a portion of compressed air generated by the air compressor is channeled to the condensate heater. A method of assembling an integrated gasification combined cycle system is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: Paul Steven Wallace, James Michael Storey, Aaron John Avagliano
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Publication number: 20100115976Abstract: An air conditioning system is provided. The air conditioning system allows coolant to selectively flow through a series of bypass pipes and valves connecting an outlet of a compressor and an outlet of an expansion member. The series of bypass pipes and valves allow a defrosting function to be performed without performing a reverse cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventors: Jae Hoon SIM, Deok Huh, Seung Hee Ryu, Seong Won Bae
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Patent number: 7712327Abstract: A heat exchanger and method for defrosting a heat exchanger is disclosed and which includes a heat exchanger having a fluid receiving conduit, and at least one space which is defined, at least in part, by the fluid receiving conduit, an expandable and contractible heating element which is received within the space, and which is located in heat transmitting relation relative to the fluid receiving conduit, and a biasing member mounted on the heat exchanger and the heating element and which longitudinally, and resiliently restrains the movement of the heating element relative to the heat exchanger during the expansion and contraction of the heating element relative to the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Colmac Coil Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Bruce I. Nelson, John L. Wold, Roger B. Williams, Jeremy P. Olberding
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Publication number: 20100107674Abstract: A refrigeration air dryer outputs dehumidified air dehumidified by a cooling operation using a low-temperature refrigerant after the temperature thereof has been raised by exchanging heat with a high-temperature refrigerant at a reheater. The refrigeration air dryer includes a temperature sensor which detects the temperature of secondary air in the outlet pipe, valve means which adjusts the flow rate of the dehumidified air or the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the reheater, and a temperature controller which adjusts the flow rate of the dehumidified air or the flow rate of the refrigerant by controlling the valve means based upon the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor, thereby maintaining the temperature of the secondary air at a constant level.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: SMC CorporationInventor: Hideaki AONO
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Publication number: 20100083683Abstract: A refrigeration air dryer, which dehumidifies compressed air by cooling the air at a cooler by exchanging heat with a refrigerant, includes a first reheater and a second reheater. The first reheater has a configuration in which warm and moist primary air to be dehumidified is preliminarily cooled by exchanging heat between the primary air and low-temperature dehumidified air dehumidified by the cooler, and is transmitted to the cooler. At the same time, the temperature of the humidified air is raised, and the humidified air is transmitted to the second reheater. The second reheater has a configuration in which the humidified air having a temperature raised by the first reheater is again raised by exchanging heat with the high-temperature refrigerant compressed by the refrigerant compressor, following which the humidified air is externally discharged as secondary air.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: SMC CorporationInventor: Hideaki AONO
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Publication number: 20100083672Abstract: System and methods for providing anti-condensation system are disclosed. A relative humidity (RH) sensor signal from a sensor on or near a control surface is received. An AC power input is received. A phase of the AC power input is modulated at least partly in response to the sensor signal in such a manner that a phase-modulated AC power output provided to a heater is a) substantially constant at a first power level (P1st) in a low RH region ranging from 0% RH to a first RH (RH1), b) varying as a function of the sensor signal from P1st to a second power level (P2nd) in an intermediate RH region ranging from RH1 to a second RH (RH2), and c) substantially constant at P2nd in a high RH region beginning at RH2.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Inventors: Doo Eui Yoon, Paul Artwohl
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Publication number: 20100077770Abstract: The refrigerator includes a vegetable compartment (107) thermally insulated by a rear partition (111), and a mist generation department (139) for atomizing a mist into the vegetable compartment (107), and the mist generation department (139) includes a atomizing electrode (135) for atomizing the mist into the vegetable compartment (107), a voltage applicator (133) for applying a voltage to the atomizing electrode (135), and a cooling pin (134) coupled to the atomizing electrode (135), in which the atomizing electrode (135) is cooled to a temperature lower than the dew point by a outlet air-duct for freezer compartment (141), and the moisture in the air is cooled to condense dew on the atomizing electrode (135), and is atomized as a mist into the vegetable compartment (107), and dew can be condensed from moisture onto the atomizing electrode (135) stably and in a simple configuration, and the freshness of the food is enhanced while the reliability of the refrigerator is enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Toyoshi Kamisako, Yoshihiro Ueda, Kazuya Nakanishi, Tadashi Adachi, Kazuyuki Hamada, Kiyotaka Tabira, Yasuyuki Okamoto, Kenichi Okabe, Masashi Yuasa, Kenichi Kakita, Kiyoshi Mori, Tosiaki Mamemoto, Katsunori Horii
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Publication number: 20100043453Abstract: Contemplated systems and methods employ a portion of vaporized and heated LNG as a defrosting medium in an LNG ambient air vaporizer. Most preferably, the LNG is heated to a temperature of about 100° F. to 400° F., and is after defrosting fed back to the LNG stream at a position that is upstream and/or downstream of the vaporizer or to the natural gas delivery pipeline.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2007Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: John Mak
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Patent number: 7659491Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator door which can prevent vapor condensation on one side thereof, and a refrigerator therewith. To achieve this, the present invention provides a refrigerator door including one pair of door bodies rotatably connected to a refrigerator body; and a heating device provided to at least one of ends of the door bodies facing each other in a state the door bodies are closed, for prevention of vapor condensation on the ends of the door bodies; and a refrigerator therewith, thereby preventing vapor condensation on one side of the door, permitting the user to use the refrigerator with comfort.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Chang Woan Yang
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Publication number: 20090217688Abstract: A refrigerating device for deep-frozen products is disclosed, having a coolant loop (1), comprising a compressor (2), a condenser (3), a throttle (4), and an evaporator (5), having a product chamber (7) temperature-impinged by the evaporator (5), and having a control unit (8) provided for deicing, which works together with the coolant loop (1) in such a way that upon deicing, both the evaporator (5) and also a drainage channel (9, 17) provided for receiving the condensed water are heated. To provide advantageous design conditions, it is suggested that the evaporator (5) impinge the temperature of the product chamber via the side wall (6) of the product chamber (7), and at least the side wall (6) impinged by the evaporator have the drainage channel (9, 17), the evaporator (5) at least partially heating the drainage channel (9, 17) upon deicing of the product chamber (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2006Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventor: Reinhold Resch
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Publication number: 20090211283Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat storage air conditioner. The heat storage air conditioner includes an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger for making heat exchange, and at least one compressor for compressing refrigerant, an indoor unit having at least one indoor heat exchanger for making heat exchange, a thermal storage unit for storing energy, the thermal storage unit having a thermal storage heat exchanger for making heat exchange, and at least one functional unit for selective control of a refrigerant flow among the outdoor unit, the indoor unit and the thermal storage unit according to an operation condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2006Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jae Yoon Koh, In Kyu Kim, Jin Ha Hwang
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Publication number: 20090165476Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a cooling storage cabinet having a compressor that is included in a freezing device, a heater that is connected in parallel with the compressor to a power source, a switch that controls supply of current to the compressor, and a control unit that stops supply of current to the heater during a predetermined time after the switch operates start-up of the compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventor: Seiki Hosaka
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Publication number: 20090133427Abstract: An evaporator unit for a no-frost cooling device which comprises an evaporator, a tubular heating device and a housing which surrounds the evaporator and the tubular heating device. Said tubular heating device comprises a plurality of parallel tubular sections which are connected together in such a manner that they form a single piece. Two parallel tubular sections which are directly adjacent to each other are located at the beginning and at the end of the tubular heating device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbhInventor: Michaela Malisi
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Publication number: 20090133414Abstract: An autonomous water source for extracting water from ambient air and delivering it to a plant to support growth. The system is based on an adsorption-desorption-condensation cycle using a sorption material to extract moisture from ambient air and condensing the water vapor driven off from the sorption material by subsequent heating and followed by condensation. Liquid condensate produced in this process on the condenser is collected and delivered by gravity to a plant to reduce thermal stress and to support growth. The invention provides a sustainable source of irrigation water for agriculture and forestry, including areas where no water resources exist or are not economically viable. It can be tailored in size, and therefore, output capacity, reflecting the desired water requirements of a particular application, and can be used to replace most agricultural situations now reliant on surface water drip feed systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventors: Jan Vetrovec, Katerina Vetrovec
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Publication number: 20090044556Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigeration device having a main body with a frame and an access opening and a door. The door and the main body each have heat-insulated surfaces and together delimit a heat-insulated compartment and the door is movable between an open position in which access to the heat-insulated compartment can be had through the access opening of the main body and a closed position in which the door cooperates with the frame of the main body restricts access through the access opening of the main body to the heat-insulated compartment. An electrical frame heating assembly is disposed relative to the frame of the main body for heating the frame and has a Peltier element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2006Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERAETE GMBHInventor: Hans Ihle
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Publication number: 20090031746Abstract: Device (1) for dissipating the water produced by air conditioning systems comprising a main housing provided with an electrical connection box (e), one water intake (a), two water outlet pipes (b, c), heat water dissipating means (g) and outlet holes (d) for the dissipated water. The water intake (a) is connected to the flowing out water hose of an air conditioning apparatus and receives the water produced during its performance, and water outlet pipe (b) is an overflowing water outlet of the device (1) for use in case of emergency like for example a lack of power supply, to which also a hose can be connected for a proper output of the water in such cases. Water outlet pipe (c) is a drain plug to be used also in emergency situations when the device is not working and the water contained in the device (1) must be had out.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventor: Jose Kelly
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Patent number: 7454918Abstract: A system and method for refrigeration timer control having an energy efficient defrost cycle are provided. The system and method provide a delay time after the refrigeration cycle and prior to the defrost cycle. During this delay period the evaporator fan may run. The fan circulation and the heat from the fan coil provide a pre-warm cycle to the evaporator prior to the defrost cycle. To further enhance energy efficiency, the system and method may also provide a pre-refrigeration cycle after the defrost cycle. During this pre-refrigeration cycle only the compressor is energized. This prevents warm moist air from being circulated until the evaporator coils are cooled.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Davern, Jack Devine, William B. Bennett
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Publication number: 20080278047Abstract: A medicine cabinet has refrigeration capability for storing sensitive bathroom items. An evaporation tray is provided to receive condensation from the refrigeration system and evaporate it to the atmosphere without disrupting ornamental characteristics. The refrigerator compartment is preferably a modular unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Douglas J. Diemel, Herbert V. Kohler, JR.
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Publication number: 20080250799Abstract: A refrigerating appliance comprising a storage compartment, a refrigerant circuit which serves to cool the storage compartment and contains a compressor, and comprising a collecting receptacle for condensed water flowing out of the storage compartment. The collecting receptacle can be heated by a heating device that can be independently operated by the operation of the compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2005Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbHInventors: Helmut Konopa, Wolfgang Nuiding
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Publication number: 20080223052Abstract: A conversion unit for an air conditioning system to cause it to act like the cooling unit of a refrigeration system comprises a frost detector, a heater and a control unit which operate together to force the range of operation of the air conditioning unit into the range of operation of a refrigeration unit. The conversion unit is particularly useful for providing low cost cooling systems for farmers in third world countries for keeping their produce fresh and safe, not to mention its use by all farmers around the world and by florists or others in need or desire of an economical refrigeration alternative.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Ronald Ravi Khosla, Timothy John Weber
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Publication number: 20070295015Abstract: A method for affecting a scheduled defrost operation for a refrigeration system includes the steps of: (a) after an extant the scheduled defrost operation commences, evaluating at least one predetermined parameter relating to operation of the refrigeration system; (b) if the at least one predetermined parameter manifests a behavior of at least one first predetermined nature over at least one first time interval, continuing the extant scheduled defrost operation; and (c) if the at least one predetermined parameter manifests a behavior of at least one second predetermined nature over at least one second time interval, discontinuing the extant scheduled defrost operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2006Publication date: December 27, 2007Inventors: Patrick M. Bailey, Ira Zelman Richter, Donald Victor McNemar
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Patent number: 7207181Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed for efficient elimination of door and frame condensation at widely utilized commercial freezer/refrigeration display cases. The apparatus includes a local controller unit connected with an array of case sensors including an internal case temperature sensor, an external case frame temperature sensor and a dew point sensor. The case frame temperature sensor and dew point sensor are housed to thermally isolate sensing elements thereof from effects of frame temperature changes and ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a sensing element, and to limit heat transfer by the housing to the sensing elements thereby improving sensing accuracy and apparatus performance.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventors: Brent W. Murray, Patrick M. Bertsch, Robert A. Majzner
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Patent number: 7185502Abstract: Air conditioner, and method for controlling an operation of the same, the air conditioner including a sheath heater in the accumulator for heating the refrigerant in room heating for delaying deposition of frost on the outdoor heat exchanger. The sheath heater includes a coil formed heat generating part, and two electrodes connected to the heat generating part for supplying power. The method including the step of varying the heat generating rate of the sheath heater with an exterior temperature or a capacity of the indoor unit, thereby delaying deposition of frost on the outdoor heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: LG Electronics IncInventors: Jong Han Park, Young Min Park, Chang Seon Lee, Sung Oh Choi, Sung Chun Kim, Seung Yong Chang, Seok Ho Yoon, Baik Young Chung
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Patent number: 7137262Abstract: A method and apparatus that provides supplemental heat from a heat source based upon the operating environment of a refrigeration or freezer. The supplemental heat is automatically controlled to provide heating to a sealing area to prevent condensation from forming.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, LPInventor: David Carter
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Patent number: 7047754Abstract: The present invention relates to a heater controller and a heater control method of a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a heater controller and a heater control method of a refrigerator, which control a heater mounted in a refrigerator dispenser. In the present invention, a dispenser of a refrigerator door is provided with a water tank. In order to prevent water in the water tank from being frozen over, the heater is mounted at an outside of the water tank. In addition, by measuring an outer surface temperature of the water tank and then recognizing a water temperature in the water tank based on the outer surface temperature of the water tank, the heater is controlled to be turned on/off based on a range of the water temperature in the water tank. Furthermore, in the present invention, an ambient temperature at a position of the refrigerator is measured, and then, the heater outputs heat energy according to a range of the ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Si-Yeon An, Seong-Ook Kim, Oh-Chul Kwon, Bum-Sik Lee, Dong-Yeol Yoo
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Patent number: 6983565Abstract: A door system for a cold storage locker has increased resistance to damage by including resilient door panels that flex when hit by a forklift. A high degree of insulation is achieved by the choice and thickness of the resilient foams therein. Also, the resilient door panels are magnetically attracted to a gasket seal on a doorframe to provide an affirmative seal. Active magnetic control may enhance the attraction or repulsion of the door panel. Frost control is realized by warming air from the cold storage locker and passing it through air channels in the door panel proximate to the gasket seal and down an astragal interface between door panels.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Jamison Door CompanyInventors: Curtis L. Berry, William B. Nichols
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Patent number: 6907663Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator comprising an outer casing defining an outer appearance thereof, and an inner casing accommodated in the outer casing, forming a storage chamber, further comprising a heat pipe unit having an evaporator pipe disposed to surround at least one portion of the inner casing, forming a refrigerant path, a heater pipe disposed in parallel with the evaporator pipe, and a connection part connecting the evaporator pipe and the heater pipe, enabling a heat transfer therebetween. With this configuration, there is provided a refrigerator enhancing cooling, ripeness and defrost performances and the productivity.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LTDInventors: Kwon-cheol Yoon, Sak-hang Park
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Patent number: 6889517Abstract: A method of heating a dispenser door by applying direct heat to only a peripheral region of a front layer of the door at a rate sufficient to heat an edge surface of the door to a point above zero degrees Centigrade. In one embodiment this is done by placing a perimeter heater in a flange attached to the rear end of a tubular wall extending from the periphery of a central region of the front layer of the door.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Diane Marie Dehli
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Patent number: 6868688Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing low temperature refrigeration systems is provided. In one embodiment, an access tunnel is provided and a heater, an access door, a vacuum insulation panel, a thermal break, a sealing gasket that mates with a sealing surface together or in part(s) helps to prevent condensation from forming on the exterior of the freezer.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products, Inc.Inventor: Abraham C. Narehood
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Patent number: 6862891Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a freezer compartment having a freezer door, an ice maker in communication with an ice dispensing system, the ice dispensing system has an ice delivery conduit extending through the freezer door, and a heating element positioned proximate to the ice dispensing system to provide heat to the ice dispensing conduit. The refrigerator further includes a controller operationally coupled to the heating element, the controller providing variable wattage to the heating element.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Richard Devos
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Publication number: 20040237568Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a freezer compartment having a freezer door, an ice maker in communication with an ice dispensing system, the ice dispensing system has an ice delivery conduit extending through the freezer door, and a heating element positioned proximate to the ice dispensing system to provide heat to the ice dispensing conduit. The refrigerator further includes a controller operationally coupled to the heating element, the controller providing variable wattage to the heating element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2003Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventor: Richard Devos