Means Utilizing Heat Developed By Refrigeration Producer Patents (Class 62/277)
  • Publication number: 20030213261
    Abstract: First, a system for providing liquid refrigerant subcooling, subsequent to that subcooling accomplished by the primary condenser of an ice machine, by means of utilizing cold harvest and/or melt water discharge from said ice machine. Subcooling heat exchange to be accomplished by directing and controlling the flow of said harvest and/or melt water through some type of refrigerant to fluid heat exchanger, or by a passive heat sink method whereby the liquid refrigerant subcooler sits in a non-pumped open reservoir that overflows at each harvest cycle. This would provide greater refrigeration capacity to the ice machine system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas H. Hebert
  • Publication number: 20030182951
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for defrosting an evaporator of a refrigeration sealed system is described. The system includes a controller operatively coupled to an evaporator fan, a condenser fan and a defrost heater, and the method includes operating the sealed system until a selected time till defrost interval expires, initiating a defrost cycle when the time till defrost interval expires, and selectively operating the sealed system to raise a temperature of the evaporator while the defrost heater is inactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Alexander Rafalovich, Ziqiang Hu, Anil Kumar Tummala, Richard DeVos
  • Patent number: 6591627
    Abstract: A refrigeration device is provided having a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and tubing to connect the compressor to the condenser, the condenser to the evaporator and the evaporator to the compressor. The condenser coil includes a plurality of tubes arranged in horizontal and vertical rows extending between vertically arranged header plates with return bends interconnecting the tubes to form a serpentine shaped circuit. The header plates are provided with at least one notch in a bottom edge thereof to accommodate a tube extending therebetween. In an embodiment, a wet loop is positioned in the area of the notches in the header plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: DeWitt D. Rollins
  • Publication number: 20030097855
    Abstract: A drain tube for a refrigerator for use with a collection pan located under a freezing zone of the refrigerator, to permit that the water travels from the freezing zone until a tray located under a compressor. The drain tube comprises a hollow nozzles the hollow nozzle includes an upper section and a lower section, the upper section being connected below of a first collection pan, and a flexible corrugated tube including a plurality of corrugations forming a triangular form, the corrugations including a first wall projected downwardly and inwardly from a top end of the first wall, and a second wall being also projected downwardly and inwardly over the first wall, forming a stepped section with peaks and grooves. The flexible corrugated tube is coupled on the lower section of the hollow nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Sergio Rovira-Adame
  • Publication number: 20030041612
    Abstract: A domestic refrigeration appliance, such as a refrigerator, freezer or the like, comprising a door and with vacuum heat insulation interposed between a substantially vacuum-tight inner shell and a substantially vacuum-tight outer shell; the two shells are joined together vacuum-tight on that side towards the door by means of a flange-like extension provided on one of said shells and welded vacuum-tight to the other shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Mauro Piloni, Luigi Martinella, Fiorenzo Casoli, Andrea Picozzi
  • Patent number: 6526767
    Abstract: An automatic defrost system for a refrigerating device, comprising, in a cabinet, an evaporator and a condenser, and a defrost air circuit having: a first circuit portion; a second circuit portion receiving a certain defrost airflow from the first circuit portion and positioned adjacent to the condenser, in order to be heated by the latter; a third circuit portion, which is positioned adjacent to the evaporator, so as to selectively heat it when the heated defrost airflow passes through the second circuit portion and to conduct the defrost airflow to the first circuit portion; and a valve means, which selectively permits the passage of the defrost airflow from the second circuit portion to the third circuit portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mul'Tibras S. A. Eletrodomesticos
    Inventor: Luiz Antonio Diemer Lopes
  • Publication number: 20020174677
    Abstract: A pressure accumulator device for vapor compressed air conditioning or refrigeration equipment, comprises: an accumulator with its one end connected to refrigerant pipe at high pressure side as compressor, and with the other end connected to an inlet pipe of a condenser; a flow-rate control unit provided at the outlet of said accumulator, or in the condenser tube of said condenser characterized in that high pressure is maintained for refrigerant at high pressure side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Wei Fang, Way-Jone Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6418737
    Abstract: A heat pump type hot-water supply system performs an ordinary operation for heating liquid stored in a reservoir by circulating the liquid in a heat exchanger for supplying hot water. When an outlet temperature of an exterior heat exchanger is lowered to about −5° C., the ordinary operation is switched to a defrosting operation, and an opening degree of an expansion valve is decreases as compared to that at the ordinary operation. Accordingly, hot gas discharged from a compressor radiates a decreased amount of thermal energy in the heat exchanger for supplying the hot gas. Hot gas discharged from the compressor can reach the exterior heat exchanger without lowering its temperature largely to perform defrosting of the exterior heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Tokyo Electric Power Company, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry
    Inventors: Jyouji Kuroki, Hisayoshi Sakakibara, Masahiko Ito, Tomoaki Kobayakawa, Kazutoshi Kusakari, Michiyuki Saikawa
  • Patent number: 6393855
    Abstract: Methods and devices for retaining a heating element, such as warm refrigerant tubing, within a refrigerator cabinet. Semispherical raised dimples are formed upon a retaining panel in a rolled triple flange. The dimples are intermittently positioned along the retaining panel and maintain the warm refrigerant tubing in intimate surface contact with the exterior surface panel of the refrigerator. The raised dimples preclude significant intimate surface contact between the retaining panel and the tubing and permit insulating foam to be disposed between the two so that heat transfer is minimized. A dimpled flange arrangement is also used to retain tubing within a mullion. A sheet metal insert is also described that is formed having two retaining panels with raised dimples thereupon that maintain the tubing in intimate surface contact with the exterior surface panel that forms the facing for the mullion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Bart Schuchert, Gene Schuchert, David Olberding, Ron Haltmeyer, Forrest Wing
  • Patent number: 6393854
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a new construction for the evaporation tray for the defrost water in refrigeration systems of refrigerators and freezers and, more especifically, to a new construction for the evaporation tray of the type which is affixed onto the shell of the hermetic compressor of said refrigeration systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Empresa Brasileira de Compressores S.A.-Embraco
    Inventors: Ilário José Scheuer, Valter Gamba, Gilberto Heinzelmann
  • Patent number: 6389833
    Abstract: An evaporator having defrosting capabilities for space-saving and hard-to-reach installations and for connecting to a condensing unit with a condensing coil and a compressor. The evaporator includes a center tube, a middle tube, and an outer tube. The center tube has a refrigerant inlet for supplying a refrigerant before being evaporated, and conducting the refrigerant in a first direction opposite to the refrigerant inlet of the center tube. The middle tube concentrically receives the center tube and defines a first passage therebetween for conducting a hot injected gas for performing a mild, but positive, defrost of the evaporator as the evaporator continues to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Jose B. Bouloy
  • Patent number: 6370901
    Abstract: A compound evaporation device comprises a compressor, a heat discharge divider, a main liquid line, a re-condensed tube, a vapor divider, and a primary vapor tube. The compressor is for compressing a gaseous refrigerant therein. The heat discharge divider communicates the compressor and has heat discharge branch tubes thereon surrounded by heat dissipating fins. The main liquid line communicates the heat discharge branch tubes. The re-condensed tube has a series of turns in alternate directions and communicates with the main liquid line. The expansion valve connects with the re-condensed tube. The vapor divider connects with the expansion valve and has vapor branch tubes surrounded by heat guide fins, and the heat guide fins and/or the vapor branch tube at a bottom thereof contact with the re-condensed tube. The primary vapor tube communicates the vapor branch tubes and the compressor to constitute a complete circuit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Ming-Li Tso
  • Patent number: 6345514
    Abstract: Small sized air conditioner including a heat discharging part having a small sized compressor and condenser, a heat absorbing part having a small sized evaporator, a drain hose for transferring condensate from the evaporator to the heat discharging part, and a device for disposing of condensate fitted in the heat discharging part for vaporizing the condensate transferred through the drain hose by using a heat generated at the heat discharging part, thereby facilitating easy installation and movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Soo Moon, Cheol Soo Ko
  • Patent number: 6334325
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the evaporator temperature in a vehicle air conditioner having an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and an expansion element, in which the evaporator temperature is adjusted as a function of operating conditions. An evaporator temperature control, in conjunction with an optimizing of consumption and comfort, is achieved in that a first evaporator temperature value (TV—F) is determined with respect to a desired air humidity, a second evaporator temperature value (TV—F) is continuously determined for ensuring a sufficient cooling capacity, and the lowest of the two evaporator temperature values is selected as the evaporator temperature (TV) to be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Herpel, Stefan Morgenstern
  • Patent number: 6318107
    Abstract: A device that includes two heat exchangers, one attached to the ambient or to the hot parts of the refrigeration unit including a reservoir filled with high sensible heat liquid and the other attached to the evaporator of the unit, a closed loop circuit between the two heat exchangers and a pump that can circulate the liquid during defrost cycle, providing a controllable, intensive heat transfer from the warmed liquid to the evaporator coil in order to melt the frost deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: D. S. Inc. (Defrost Systems Inc.)
    Inventors: Constantin Pandaru, John Wilson
  • Patent number: 6308526
    Abstract: An air handling apparatus and method for installation where a cabinet is connected to a mounting plate with a mounting bracket, the mounting plate is attached to an electrical equipment enclosure. Gravity and latching screws secure the cabinet to the mounting plate and also facilitate a seal between the cabinet and the enclosure. After connection of the cabinet to the mounting plate, the mounting plate and mounting brackets are concealed from view by the cabinet and enclosure. The mounting bracket is a combination of hooks and slots. Panel elements of the cabinet are interconnected using a combination of hooks and slots with seals compressed between the panels. The cabinet includes a horizontally disposed evaporator coil, the evaporator coil between an evaporator blower and a condenser blower. Air conditioning elements are vertically stacked within the cabinet. Airflow in the cabinet is generally upward in both the internal and external circulation regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kooltronic, Incorporated
    Inventors: James A. Esty, Boris L. Muzikant
  • Patent number: 6301913
    Abstract: A refrigerator unit is provided including a casing having a plurality of walls, one of the walls including an opening on one side thereof. A glass door is pivotally attached to the casing for covering the opening. A first warm fluid passage is provided extending along at least a portion of the opening in the casing. A second warm fluid passage extends along a portion of the door along a perimeter thereof where the door engages the casing. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and an evaporator connected in series. The refrigerant condensing section has a liquid cooling system wherein the first fluid passage is the refrigerant and the second fluid passage provides the liquid from the liquid cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: Edward R. Schulak, Roland Ares
  • Patent number: 6298681
    Abstract: An air handling apparatus and method for installation where a cabinet is connected to a mounting plate with a mounting bracket, the mounting plate is attached to an electrical equipment enclosure. Gravity and latching screws secure the cabinet to the mounting plate and also facilitate a seal between the cabinet and the enclosure. After connection of the cabinet to the mounting plate, the mounting plate and mounting brackets are concealed from view by the cabinet and enclosure. The mounting bracket is a combination of hooks and slots. Panel elements of the cabinet are interconnected using a combination of hooks and slots with seals compressed between the panels. The cabinet includes a horizontally disposed evaporator coil, the evaporator coil between an evaporator blower and a condenser blower. Air conditioning elements are vertically stacked within the cabinet. Airflow in the cabinet is generally upward in both the internal and external circulation regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Kooltronic, Incorporated
    Inventors: James A. Esty, Boris L. Muzikant
  • Patent number: 6266970
    Abstract: A vertical partition cover assembly of a side-by-side type refrigerator includes a cover (70) coupled to the front of a vertical partition (20) and a fixing member (80) for fixing a hot tube (60) to the inside of the cover (70). The cover (70) includes a sealing surface (75) to closely contact gaskets and a mechanism (41) which holds the sealing surface to the front of the vertical partition. In one embodiment, the mechanism includes connecting portions (76,77) extending inward from both ends of the sealing surface (75), and a pair of pocket portions (71,72) formed at each end of the connecting portions (76,77) to hold the front ends (23,24) of liners (21,22) forming the vertical partition (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-Man Nam, Jae-Sek Oh, Suk-Ho Jang
  • Patent number: 6250090
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for warm-liquid defrosting of the evaporator of a refrigeration system. The apparatus includes a first refrigerant expansion device that selectively expands refrigerant for cooling the evaporator, a second refrigerant expansion device that selectively expands the refrigerant after the refrigerant has passed through the evaporator, and a defrosting control for the first refrigerant expansion device and second refrigerant expansion device to selectively defrost the evaporator by causing warm refrigerant to flow through the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp. Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    Inventors: Viung C. Mei, Fang C. Chen, Ronald E. Domitrovic
  • Patent number: 6233951
    Abstract: A heat management system for a building having at least one cooling device is provided. The heat management system includes a refrigeration system in heat exchange contact with a cooling system for providing cooling energy to the cooling system and to the cooling device. The cooling system includes at least two independent flow paths in heat exchange contact with the cooling device for cooling the cooling device. In addition, the heat management system includes a defrost system in heat exchange contact with the cooling device through the independent flow paths wherein the defrost system can be operated to independently defrost each flow path of the cooling system. The system is efficient to operate in conjunction with a geothermal system and provides effective building atmosphere de-humidification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel Cardill
  • Patent number: 6230511
    Abstract: Evaporator in a refrigerator, is disclosed, which has the refrigerant tube, cooling fins and the defrosting tube formed as one unit for simple structure and a better heat exchange efficiency, the evaporator including one pair of refrigerant tubes for flow of refrigerant therethrough, a defrosting tube disposed between the two refrigerant tubes, cooling fins formed as one unit with, and connecting the refrigerant tubes and the defrosting tube, turbulence forming means adapted to form a turbulence of air in a process of flowing around the evaporator for improving the heat exchange efficiency, internal heat conduction area enlarging means adapted to enlarge an internal area of the refrigerant tubes for improving the heat exchange efficiency, and external heat conduction area enlarging means adapted to enlarge an external area of the refrigerant tubes for improving the heat exchange efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jang Seok Lee, Jong Jin Park, Tae Hee Lee, Byung Jo Kim, Sang Wook Lee, Jeom Yul Yun, Bong Soo Hwang, Jong Jin Kim, Dong Won Kim, Gyong Hwan Kweon, Tae Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 6170270
    Abstract: A warm liquid defrost refrigeration system (10) comprising a primary refrigeration loop (12) including a compressor (16), a condenser (18), an expansion device (22), and a first side of a chiller (24), and a secondary refrigeration loop (14) including a pump (26), a refrigerated space heat exchanger (28), and a second side of the chiller. The refrigeration system further includes a defrost heat exchanger (40) having a hot side and a cold side. The hot side of the defrost heat exchanger is connected to the primary refrigeration loop between the condenser and the expansion device such that liquid refrigerant can flow from the condenser through the hot side of the defrost heat exchanger. The cold side of the defrost heat exchanger is connected to the secondary refrigeration loop at a point downstream of the pump such that coolant can be selectively transported from the pump through the cold side of the defrost heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Yakov Arshansky, David K. Hinde
  • Patent number: 6094925
    Abstract: A crossover warm liquid defrost refrigeration system (10) having a medium temperature side (12) for cooling refrigerated goods and a low temperature side (14) for cooling frozen goods. The medium temperature side has a primary refrigeration loop (16) and a secondary refrigeration loop (18). The low temperature side also has a primary refrigeration loop (46) and a secondary refrigeration loop (48). Further included in the refrigeration system is a low temperature defrost heat exchanger (28) that is connected to the primary refrigeration loop of the medium temperature side and the secondary refrigeration loop of the low temperature side such that coolant from the low temperature side secondary refrigeration loop can be heated by the refrigerant of the medium temperature side, and then transported to the low temperature side refrigerated space heat exchanger (64) to melt any frost formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Yakov Arshansky, David K. Hinde
  • Patent number: 6070423
    Abstract: First, a system for providing liquid refrigerant subcooling, subsequent to that subcooling accomplished by the primary condenser of an air conditioner or heat pump, by means of evaporative cooling utilizing the condensate water of said air conditioner or heat pump system and/or some other water supply to wet the surface of the subcool heat exchanger and then passing the cold, dry building exhaust air required for good indoor air quality across the wetted surface of the subcool heat exchanger. Said exhaust air could be used after first undergoing a sensible heat exchange with the incoming make up air. Said subcooling providing for an increased refrigeration capacity, and efficiency of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas H. Hebert
  • Patent number: 6065299
    Abstract: A mechanism for freeing an air conditioner from dripping is provided. The mechanism mainly includes a moisture-carry assembly disposed in front of a condenser and a cooling fan of the air conditioner and having a plurality of vertically extended and adequately spaced absorbent material strips supported in a framework for collecting and carrying condensed droplets produced by an evaporator in the air conditioner. The cooling fan blows heat radiated from and surrounding the condenser toward and through the absorbent material strips to quickly dry up them, so that no condensed droplets would drip from the air conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Yang Fan Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsai Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 5979172
    Abstract: Disclosed is a high efficiency whole house or room air conditioner having an auxiliary heat exchanger in the liquid line between the condenser and the expansion device where the coolant fluid utilized in the auxiliary heat exchanger is condensate water produced by the evaporator. Also disclosed is a substantially dripless window or wall mounted air conditioner having an auxiliary heat exchanger in the hot gas line between the compressor and the condenser where the coolant fluid utilized in the auxiliary heat exchanger is condensate water and the condensate water coolant fluid is converted to a substantial extent to the gaseous phase by heat exchange with the hot gas line from the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Kevin Teller
  • Patent number: 5966958
    Abstract: The invention provides a condensate tray for a condenser assembly of a refrigeration assembly and a condenser assembly having the condensate tray. The condensate tray includes an operatively upper liner associated with an operatively lower tray bottom. The liner and bottom are spaced from each other to accommodate a coolant coil disposed therebetween in a predetermined path. At least one locating groove is provided in either of the upper liner and the lower bottom for locating the coolant coil in the predetermined path. The condensate tray minimizes vibration in the coil which may lead to rupture thereof. Also, the tray is easy to clean and shields the coil from condensate which may cause corrosion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Habco Beverage Systems Inc.
    Inventor: James Maynard
  • Patent number: 5941085
    Abstract: A refrigerator having an apparatus for defrosting. The refrigerator provides an apparatus for defrosting which uses a wasted heat from a compressor. The apparatus has a container placed on an upper surface of the compressor and an antifreezer solution for absorbing and storing the wasted heat from the compressor by performing a heat exchange. A pipe and a pump for circulating the fluid via a space section is provided. In the space section, the pipe is formed with a bending portion so as to transfer a heat to a surrounding air. In addition, a valve for preventing a high temperature air from flowing into a freezer compartment while a defrost operation is being carried out, and a plate for preventing a cabinet from being melted are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Deok Jeon
  • Patent number: 5927095
    Abstract: An anti-frost device for refrigerators includes a heating mechanism capable of preventing any frost from being formed at the outlet portion of a cool air distribution duct, thus allowing cool air to effectively circulate in the cabinet of a refrigerator. The heating mechanism may be a pipe passing over the outlet portion of the distribution duct and allowing a high temperature refrigerant from a refrigeration cycle to pass through. Alternatively, the heating means may be an electric heating wire wound around the outlet portion of the distribution duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Myung Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 5921092
    Abstract: A fluid defrost system and method for defrosting the cooling coil of a product fixture normally cooled by circulating a cold secondary liquid coolant in a cooling loop refrigerated by a primary vapor compression system having compressor, condenser and evaporator means; the defrost system comprising a heat exchanger associated with the condenser means for warming secondary liquid coolant in a heating loop, and means for controlling the circulation of warm liquid coolant through the heat exchanger and cooling coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Behr, John M. Roche, Doron Shapiro
  • Patent number: 5881566
    Abstract: An evaporation tray for a refrigerator or refrigerator/freezer which is adapted in use to contact a heat producing part of the refrigeration system (such as the compressor or condenser). The tray comprises a rigid frame which supports a flexible membrane designed to receive defrost liquid from the refrigerator or refrigerator/freezer. The frame is designed to sit adjacent the heat producing part so that the flexible membrane is in direct contact with the heat producing part. As the membrane is flexible, it easily deforms to the shape of the heat producing part providing increased heat transfer to liquid in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Anthony John Shacklock, Keith Brookes Spong
  • Patent number: 5732565
    Abstract: An air conditioning unit comprising a refrigeration assembly, an air handling assembly, and a control assembly. The refrigeration assembly includes a generally rectangular base pan having upturned edges and a floor having a raised section, the base pan having a condenser, an evaporator, and a compressor mounted to an upper surface thereof. The air handling assembly includes a bulkhead having adjacent side wall portions, a scroll, a motor having an output shaft, a motor mount bracket for engaging the base pan of the refrigeration assembly, a fan, and a blower engaging the output shaft of the motor, a fan shroud and struts for mounting the shroud to the bulkhead and an air plenum assembly. The control assembly includes a control housing and a control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Natural Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Rengaswamy Ramakrishnan, Eric H. Albrecht, Gerald C. Smith, Roger D. Conatser
  • Patent number: 5727393
    Abstract: A non-compressible coolant fluid system for cooling product merchandisers having heat transfer means constructed and arranged for maintaining preselected product zone temperatures, comprising an integrated closed circuit system having pumping means for circulating non-compressible coolant fluid, a first coolant fluid loop between the pumping means and the heat transfer means and including means for cooling coolant fluid in said first loop, a second coolant fluid loop between the pumping means and the heat transfer means in by-pass relation with the first loop and including means for heating coolant fluid in the second loop, and means for selectively controlling coolant fluid circulation by said pumping means through the first and second loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventor: Mahmoud Mahmoudzadeh
  • Patent number: 5669222
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion throttle, an evaporator and a control valve. All of the above elements are connected in series, in that order, in a refrigerant flow relationship. During periods in which the compressor initiates a passive defrost mode, control valve disposed within the conduit connecting the compressor and the evaporator remains open. Liquid refrigerant, by force of gravity, drains from the bottom of evaporator through the conduit to the compressor. This draining liquid refrigerant is evaporated by the hot compressor, flowing upward to the cold evaporator surfaces and condensing. The condensation releases latent heat of vaporization and heats the surface of the evaporator melting ice buildup thereon. In another embodiment, the refrigeration system further includes a bypass line connecting the compressor to the top of the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Heinz Jaster, David Joseph Najewicz
  • Patent number: 5661978
    Abstract: A refrigerated, medical dispensing drawer for use in a computerized medicine-dispensing station, the station of the type having a cabinet that houses a plurality of openable drawers in stacked arrangement containing pharmaceutical items in locked storage therein for retrieval following instructions inputted into a computer integrated the station, a drawer including a base plate, spaced-apart side walls, and spaced-apart front and rear walls, all attached together along their respective mating marginal edges to define an interior compartment of a size and shape available for reciprocal movement on a pair of side rails into and out of the cabinet, a tub reposed in the drawer covered by a tub lid hingedly attached to the drawer to form an air-tight chamber interior thereof and moveable with the drawer into and out of the cabinet, a plurality of individual baskets, each formed of fenestrated side walls and a bottom plate joined along their respective mating marginal edges, arranged in the tub with their open tops
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Pyxis Corporation
    Inventors: William K. Holmes, Laird P. Broadfield
  • Patent number: 5655383
    Abstract: Apparatus for dissipating fog with limited use of energy that is especially suitable for airport runways, roads, stadiums and similar spaces. The apparatus consists of an operating system which includes a refrigerator compressor unit with defrost equipment to eliminate the formation of ice, a liquid-type condenser, an air-type condenser, a liquid type evaporator, a primary fan and twin heat exchange units, which work alternately, connected to a primary fan which supplies them with the air, that after having been dehumidified, is ejected into a diffusion/distribution system suitable for supplying a well-defined air space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Ezio Ferzoco
  • Patent number: 5638694
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in the operation of a domestic refrigerator. The improvement comprises the addition of a mullion heater to heat an exterior surface by the passage of warm refrigerant through a tube mounted on the interior surface opposing the exterior surface. The tube is embedded in a malleable mastic substance of substantial thermal mass which is capable of maintaining the temperature of the exterior surface above the dew point of the surrounding air during periods when no warm refrigerant is passing through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Nedo Banicevic
  • Patent number: 5632155
    Abstract: An air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit has a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, and a indoor fan. The outdoor unit has an outdoor heat exchanger, a capillary tube, and an outdoor fan. In use, the indoor unit is connected to a commercial AC power supply. A driving circuit is provided in the indoor unit, for applying a voltage via a power-supply line to the outdoor unit to drive the outdoor fan. This voltage is lower than the voltage of the commercial AC power supply. Thus, the power-supply line can be connected to the indoor and outdoor units, with ease and in safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akihiko Sugiyama, Hidenori Ashikawa, Hitoshi Wakatsuki, Kimithuka Ueda
  • Patent number: 5545878
    Abstract: A defrost heater for a refrigerator, freezer or other appliance having evaporator coils upon which moisture condenses and freezes includes a glass tube having an electrical resistance heating wire within the tube. A pair of connectors on opposite ends of the tube support a conductor for supplying electrical energy to the resistance heating wire. A spiral vent path in at least one of the conductors circumscribes the surface of the conductor and engages the outer surface of the tube to thereby provide an elongated, circuitous vent path which permits venting of air within the tube as it is heated, but prevents moisture from being drawn into the tube. A resilient sealing member defines a bore receiving the conductor to prevent moisture from entering the connector around the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Wirekraft Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Jasper, II, Cheryl S. Middleton, Ronald G. Prusinski
  • Patent number: 5540061
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a compressor for compressing and discharging a coolant, a first heat exchanger which performs heat exchange between the compressed coolant from the compressor and the atmosphere to cool the compressed coolant, an adiabatic expansion orifice where the compressed and cooled coolant after passing the first heat exchanger is adiabatically expanded, and a second heat exchanger which performs heat exchange between the adiabatically expanded coolant and the air in refrigerating chambers so as to cool the air in the refrigerating chambers by the coolant and to heat the coolant by the air in the refrigerating chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Gommori, Katsutoshi Shinohara, Takahiro Kaneko, Hiroaki Hata, Akihiko Ishiyama
  • Patent number: 5533357
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus for both heating and cooling an enclosed space. The apparatus employs a vapor compression refrigeration system in which the flow of refrigerant through the inside and outside heat exchangers is the same in both cooling and heating modes. The alignment of an arrangement of dampers determine whether air from the space passes through the evaporator section of the apparatus (during operation in the cooling mode) or through the condenser section (during operation in the heating mode). The same damper arrangement reconfigures the flow of outside air from the condenser section to the evaporator section on a shift from cooling to heating mode operation. The apparatus is entirely contained within a single enclosure intended for installation in an exterior wall of the structure that it serves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Roger J. Voorhis
  • Patent number: 5462110
    Abstract: A closed air cycle system for heating and cooling the interior of a structure is provided. The air cycle system includes a compressor to compress and to heat the air. A louver is provided which is movable between a first heating position wherein a heat exchange is effected between the compressed air and a radiator system, and a second cooling position wherein a heat exchange is effected between the compressed air and the air outside the structure. After the initial heat exchange, a second heat exchanger intakes the compressed air. The second heat exchanger is also coupled to the input end of the compressor to provide air to the compressor. The second heat exchanger effects a heat exchange between the compressed air and the air provided to the compressor. After exiting the second heat exchanger, the compressed air rotates a turbine so as to generate power to partially power the compressor. As a result of driving the turbine, the air is decompressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Donald L. Sarver
  • Patent number: 5421399
    Abstract: A control circuit for a cool/heat pump in which two separate motors are utilized, each with a main winding and an auxiliary winding. A single dual rated capacitor is provided in series with both auxiliary windings. A selectively operative switch, which may be in the form of a thermostat, is provided in series between one of the alternating current lines and the windings of one of the motors to selectively terminate power to that motor while maintaining power to both windings of the other motor. The switch is also used to alternately energize an electric heater unit when the motor power is terminated. Such a control circuit avoids a de-icing operation normally required with cool/heat pumps working in a heating mode, when the outdoor temperature is below freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Thompson, David M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5400615
    Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus comprises a primary refrigeration circuit of the vapour compression type. Cooling is then provided at desired locations remote from the primary circuit using a secondary circuit containing carbon dioxide as a volatile secondary heat transfer substance. The carbon dioxide is liquified in secondary condenser (cooled by primary evaporator) and is circulated by circulation pump to expansion valves and cooling units at desired locations where it evaporates and provides cooling. The volume of possibly environmentally harmful refrigerant employed in the vapour compression primary circuit is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Thornliebank Industrial Estate
    Inventor: Stephen F. Pearson
  • Patent number: 5369961
    Abstract: An apparatus for the refrigerated drying of gases, more particularly of compressed air, has at least one gas supply system, with a refrigerating device which has a heat exchanger unit through which a refrigerant carrier is passed, a cooling assembly for cooling down the refrigerant to such a temperature that the liquid contained in the gas or the vapour contained in the gas is deposited in ice form, and a de-icing unit. In addition to a main gas supply system there is a further gas supply system which comprises the de-icing unit and to which hot refrigerant can be supplied from the main gas supply system wherein at least two de-icers are provided for the de-icing unit of which at least one can selectively undergo regeneration, and that downstream of the de-icer in the second gas supply system there is a collecting container which is connected to each of the de-icers and from which the refrigerant consumers can be supplied straightaway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Wolfram Seiler
  • Patent number: 5315836
    Abstract: An air cooling unit having a hot gas defrost coil disposed below the air cooling coil assembly proximate the condensate pan and a hot gas defrost pipe disposed proximate the lower front edge of the air cooling coil assembly for receiving a heated refrigerant gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: McCormack Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas B. Ressler
  • Patent number: 5309732
    Abstract: An air-to-air heat pump has a first passageway having an inlet and an outlet both communicating with air outside the building, and having a first heat exchanger constituting an evaporator for a first refrigerant contained therein during a heating cycle, and has a second passageway having an inlet and an outlet both communicating with relatively warm air inside the building, and having a second heat exchanger constituting a condenser for the first refrigerant contained therein during the heating cycle and having the usual active heat pump circuit including the first and second heat exchangers. The invention provides a heat pipe containing a second refrigerant and having a first normally higher end in the first passageway and a second, normally lower end in the second passageway, the second refrigerant being capable of being evaporated by said relatively warm air in the second passageway and being capable of being condensed by cold air in the said first passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: University of Moncton
    Inventor: Samuel Sami
  • Patent number: 5277035
    Abstract: A refrigerator having multi-compartments and having a heat pipe which transfers heat from a heat source in the refrigeration system to surfaces on the refrigerator which are prone to sweating such as the mullion between compartments. The refrigerator has a gas absorption refrigeration system and the heat pipe is routed from the generator in the system, between the inner and outer shells of the cabinet to the mullion. The heat pipe minimizes condensation of moisture on the external surface of the mullion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: John E. Fristoe, David B. Kueterman
  • Patent number: 5275008
    Abstract: During the heating cycle of an air conditioning system, a portion of the compressed refrigerant is conducted between outdoor and indoor heat exchangers for heating a dwelling, and another portion of the compressed refrigerant is conducted to an auxiliary condenser. Heat from the auxiliary condenser is directed against the outdoor heat exchanger to defrost the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun K. Song, Geun P. Han