Unit Includes Movable Wall Section, E.g., Door Patents (Class 62/449)
  • Publication number: 20110079038
    Abstract: A refrigerator dispenser includes an ice dispensing actuator, an ice dispensing chute, an ice dispensing housing positioned within a refrigerator door cavity and configured to define an ice dispensing cavity through which ice dispensed by the ice dispensing chute passes, a liquid dispensing chute positioned closer to a front surface of a refrigerator door than the ice dispensing housing, and a liquid dispensing actuator positioned on the ice dispensing housing and configured to receive input to inspire dispensing of liquid through the liquid dispensing chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Heon-Jae JANG, Seung-Beom CHAE, II-Wook JOUNG, Sang-Ho PARK, Yong-Chul KWON, Hyeon-Jin KIM
  • Publication number: 20110072846
    Abstract: A household appliance including a housing that has an opening; a door rotatable about a first rotation axis between a closed position in which the opening is closed by the door and an open position in which the opening is opened; a first door-opening unit to generate a first opening force to the door at least when the door is in the closed position; and a second door-opening unit to generate a second opening force to the door at least when the door is in the closed position. The second door-opening unit is arranged closer to the first rotation axis than the first door-opening unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERĤTE GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus Engel, Christine Linke, Alexander Rupp
  • Patent number: 7913514
    Abstract: A refrigerator freezer having an ice maker positioned on a refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment door. The ice maker is arranged to prevent or manage spills from the ice maker in the event the door on which the ice maker is mounted is opened or closed when unfrozen water is present in the ice maker. Spill management embodiments for a number of fixed and movable tray ice makers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry M. Visin, Guolian Wu, Marcus R. Fischer, Michele E. Wilcox, Martin D. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20110048060
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator may have a door opening device which is connected at an external surface of a main body, and includes a pushing unit operated by a driving unit to open a refrigerator door by pushing one side of the refrigerator door. Also, a buffering member may be provided between the door opening device and the external surface of the main body. Accordingly, the reliability of the refrigerator is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Ho KIM, Sang Chul RYU, Young Rak KIM, Ji Hoon KIM, Soung Joon Park, Ki Youn KIM
  • Publication number: 20110048052
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes an ice storage bin, an opening provided in the ice storage bin through which ice is discharged, and a plurality of blades provided in the ice storage bin, such that the plurality of blades can rotate in a forward direction or in a reverse direction, to selectively discharge ice through the opening as whole ice or crushed ice, where gravity and the plurality of blades are the only forces exerted on the ice collected in the ice storage bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Hoon Lee, Kyung Han Jeong, Wook Yong Lee, Joon Hwan Oh
  • Publication number: 20110048059
    Abstract: A kimchi refrigerator includes an evaporator surrounding a storage chamber in contact with an outer surface of the storage chamber; a basket received in the storage chamber to receive at least one container storing kimchi, and taken in and out of the storage chamber according to the opening and closing operation of the door; and an auxiliary cooling member surface-contacting a front outer surface of the basket, which is adjacent to the evaporator. The auxiliary cooling member is made of a high thermal-conductivity material so that high inner temperature of the storage chamber is efficiently transferred, accordingly reducing the temperature deviation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joo Hee Song, Hak Gyun Bae
  • Publication number: 20110030188
    Abstract: A mounting to support a decorative plate on a door of a household appliance. The mounting includes a first mounting part to be mounted on the door or the decorative plate, wherein the first mounting part has at least one tongue. The mounting further includes a second mounting part fastened to the respectively other of two holding partners formed by the decorative plate and the door. The second mounting part has a bridging segment to receive the tongue with play in a longitudinal direction of a flank of the door. The second mounting part is configured in the manner of a batten having multiple bridging segments. Each of the bridging segments receives a respective tongue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
    Inventors: Mehmet Ciyanoglu, Karl-Friedrich Laible, Helmut Steichele
  • Publication number: 20110030417
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprises: a body having a storage chamber; a door for selectively shielding the storage chamber; a hinge coupling portion for hinge-coupling the door to the body; and a height control unit for lifting up or lowering the door by repeatedly opening and closing the door. Since the door has a controllable height by being opened and closed, a moment arm becomes longer than when using the conventional tool such as a spanner. This may allow the height of the door to be controlled by using less force. Since the height of the door is controllable at a user's eye height, the user may control the height of the door more rapidly and precisely without errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Seok-Ro Kim
  • Publication number: 20110030416
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator system that comprises an insulated housing that when combined with at least two insulated doors creates a refrigeration compartment, a first insulated door is pivotally coupled to the refrigeration compartment and a second insulated door is slidably attached to the refrigeration compartment, wherein the first insulated door and the second insulated door create a seal when closed with the refrigeration compartment; and wherein the second insulated door has a height to width ratio of greater than one to one and the second insulated door is the full height of the at least one aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: John S. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20110023530
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having a drawer cover, in which a drawer cover is disposed above a drawer accommodated inside a cooling chamber so as to be slidable in front and rear directions, and a pressurizing unit is disposed for pressurizing the drawer and the drawer cover so as to closely contact each other when the drawer is accommodated, thereby preventing moisture evaporation from food stored in the drawer, thus to keep food inside the drawer in a fresh condition for a longer period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Jong-Wook An, Byeong-Gyu Kang, Jae-Youl Lee
  • Publication number: 20110023527
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet configured to define an exterior boundary of the refrigerator. The refrigerator also includes a first storage configured to store food stuffs and a first door configured to open and close the first storage chamber. The refrigerator further includes a second storage chamber defined at a side of the first door, and configured to enable access to food stuffs while the first door remains and a second door located in a predetermined portion of the first door, and configured to open and close the second storage chamber, wherein a rotation direction of the second door is identical to a rotation direction of the first door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hong Sik KWON, Yong Hun CHANG, Jung Yeon HWANG, Seon Il YU
  • Publication number: 20110023528
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet configured to define an exterior boundary of the refrigerator with at least one opening therein. The refrigerator also includes a first storage chamber defined by interior walls of the cabinet and configured to store food stuffs and a first door configured to open and close the first storage chamber by rotating about a rotational axis. The refrigerator further includes a second storage chamber that is smaller than the first storage chamber defined at a side of the first door, and that is configured to enable access to food stuffs while the first door remains closed and a second door, located in a predetermined portion of the first door, configured to open and close the second storage chamber by rotating the rotational axis, wherein a rotation direction of the second door is identical to the rotation direction of the first door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hong Sik KWON, Yong Hun CHANG, Jung Yeon HWANG, Seon Il YU
  • Publication number: 20110023529
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed, comprising, a partition member configured to partition a front opening of a cooling chamber into a plurality of small openings, and an assembly guide formed between the partition member and a refrigerator main body and configured to guide the coupling of the partition member, whereby the partition member can fast easily be coupled to an accurate position and a malfunction and a leakage of cold air can be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Do-Hyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20110016909
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) that comprises a multipurpose shelf (5), used in the door (3) or the body (2), allowing the user to easily enlarge the usable area of the body shelf (4) in line with utilization requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Alper Mirza, Derya Erturk, Osman Vardar
  • Publication number: 20110016907
    Abstract: The embodiment proposes a refrigerator. A refrigerator of the embodiment includes a cabinet in which a storage chamber is formed; a door that is connected to the cabinet and opens and closes the storage chamber; and a door opening apparatus that is provided in the cabinet and opens the doors, wherein the door opening apparatus includes: a push member that contacts the rear surface of the door and pushes the rear surface of the door by a rotation operation and a driver that is connected to the push member and generates power for moving the push member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Byeong Gyu KANG, Jeong Ho SHIN, Myung Hwan KIM, Sang Bum HA
  • Publication number: 20110016908
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body having a cooling chamber, a cooling chamber door configured to open and close the cooling chamber by sliding in back and forth directions of the refrigerator body, a drawer accommodated in the cooling chamber so as to be slidable, and a connecting member configured to connect the cooling chamber door and the drawer to each other. Accordingly, the drawer can be easily withdrawn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Young-Nam KIM
  • Publication number: 20110016910
    Abstract: A refrigerator may include a main body having a storage chamber formed therein, a cooling device for cooling the storage chamber, and a door for opening and closing the storage chamber. A basket may be installed at the door and a pressure sensor may be provided on the basket to detect a pressure applied by a storage item stored in the basket. A controller may output a control signal based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to a display that displays a residual amount of the item stored in the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Su Re Bak
  • Publication number: 20110011116
    Abstract: An ice making apparatus, in which a vale cap is opened by manually adjusting a valve member of a water storage unit when making ice cubes, and a refrigerator having the same. The ice making apparatus includes a water storage unit having a storage main body, in which water is stored, an ice making unit to make ice cubes through supply of water stored in the storage main body, at least one valve member to open and close a water supply hole, through which water stored in the storage main body is supplied to the ice making unit, and an opening and closing member to move the at least one valve member so as to open the water supply hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji Hoon Kim, Jin Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20110011121
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a partition member, including a refrigerator main body having a cooling chamber therein; a partition member disposed at a front surface of the cooling chamber so as to divide an opening of the cooling chamber into a plurality of smaller openings; and a plurality of doors for opening and closing the plurality of smaller openings, whereby the opening of the cooling chamber is divided into a plurality of smaller openings and each smaller opening is selectively open and closed, thereby facilitating opening and closing operations and preventing a leakage of cooling air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Do-Hyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20110005264
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator that has a slider and chain units that are coupled in a manner that allows rotation. The slider and chain units define a cable chain that covers a wire. Curve guide portions are positioned between the slider and a chain unit, and a rotation restricting portion is positioned between the chain units. The cable chain may curve in the same direction regardless of the force applied so as to reduce potential damage on the wire due to scratches by peripheral components and mis-operation of a refrigerator door. Also, a buffer may be installed at an end of a fixed rail to provide additional safety, a protection cover is installed at a driving motor to reduce potential for separation of the wire, and a door switch is installed at a rail guide to facilitate detachment of the door switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seungmok LEE, Bonggun JUNG
  • Patent number: 7866773
    Abstract: An improved refrigerator door is provided with a metal outer panel and upper and lower plastic end caps installed on top and bottom edges of the door. The caps include grooves to receive flanges on the edges of the panel, thereby mounting the caps to the panel. The caps include plugs for receipt in a vertical channel in the panel. A bushing is snap fit into the upper cap without the use of hardware fasteners. Electric wires and a water line extend downwardly through the bushing to an ice and water dispenser in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Scott W. Leimkuehler, Chris R. McElvain, Chad J. Rotter
  • Publication number: 20110000238
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20100326113
    Abstract: The tubular conduit system of this invention allows modules requiring utilities to be positioned at any desired location within a cabinet, such as a refrigerator. The conduit is mounted to the cabinet of a refrigerator/freezer or the doors thereof and includes at least one electrical conductor positioned between the outer and inner walls and at least one fluid conduit within the inner wall. The conduit can be made of joined sections using connectors to also couple a module to the conduit such that modules can be installed at consumer selected locations prior to delivery of the refrigerator/freezer to the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: STEVEN J. KUEHL, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR
  • Publication number: 20100326093
    Abstract: A method of controlling temperature for forming ice within an icemaker compartment of a refrigerator is disclosed. The method includes the steps of activating at least one of the compressor and the coolant pump during an icemaking cycle to provide cooling to the icemaker compartment sufficient to make ice at a first rate, and increasing operation of at least one of the compressor and the coolant pump to provide cooling to the icemaker compartment sufficient to make ice at a second rate, which is faster than the first rate. A related refrigerator is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Eric K. Watson, Matthew William Davis, Omar Haidar, Ronald Scott Tarr, Joseph Waugh
  • Publication number: 20100326122
    Abstract: The embodiment relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator according to one embodiment includes: a cabinet in which a storage chamber is formed; a door that is connected to the cabinet and opens and closes the storage chamber; a receiving member that is mounted in the door and receives foods; a guide unit that guides an up and down movement of the receiving member in a state where the receiving member is mounted in the door; and a fixing unit that fixes a position at which the receiving member is moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Woon Kyu SEO, Jung Yeon HWANG, Han Jin JUNG, Hyeon Jin KIM
  • Publication number: 20100326114
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body having at least one storage chamber, a door to open and close the storage chamber, a water dispenser provided in the door, and a water purification unit to purify water to be supplied to the water dispenser. The water purification unit includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port, a transparent tube provided in the housing, a germicidal lamp provided in the transparent tube to emit ultraviolet rays, and a flow channel defining member provided between the housing and the transparent tube. The flow channel defining member includes a plurality of partitions perpendicular to an outer circumference of the transparent tube. Each of the partitions has at least one communication hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jee Yong Kim, Sang Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20100326115
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a handle thereof. The handle of the refrigerator includes a supporter; a decoration member installed at the supporter; a cover member covering the decoration member and is provided with a transmissive part through which light is passed; and a light-emitting unit which emits light, wherein at least some of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit passes through the transmissive part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Chanju Pae
  • Publication number: 20100326112
    Abstract: An in-door fluid drainage system for a refrigerator is disclosed. The drain fluid transfer system is described as extending from the door of a refrigerator to the lower compartment for transfer of drain fluid from the door to a drain fluid removal system. Also described is a drain fluid transfer system which comprises one or both of a transfer tube at least partially enclosed in a hinge assembly, and a valve assembly positioned at the lower portion of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Ragavendra PRABHAKAR, Mahesh Natarajan, Pranav Mittal, Martin Zentner, Matthew William Davis
  • Publication number: 20100319388
    Abstract: A refrigerator having an operation lever for a dispenser includes first and second levers interconnected to perform respectively different functions. At least one of the first and second levers is moved relative to the other one. Accordingly, the operability and the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yun Ho Yang, Sang Woon Jeon, Jae Moon Lee
  • Publication number: 20100319367
    Abstract: An ice maker, a refrigerator including the ice maker, and an ice making method are provided. The ice maker includes a tray having a predetermined length and to which water is supplied to make ice. The ice maker is configured to mechanically separate the ice from the tray by using pistons which are driven by being pressed by structures. This allows the ice maker to have a reduced size, and a small occupation area, thereby implementing a slim configuration of a refrigerator. Furthermore, since an installation height of the ice maker is lowered, a path for supplying cool air may be shortened. This may prevent loss of cool air being supplied to the ice making chamber. Since the ice maker has a simplified configuration and precise operation controls, the fabrication costs may be reduced, and inferiority of the ice maker due to malfunctions may be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Seong-Jae KIM, Bong-Jin Kim, Young-Hoon Yun
  • Publication number: 20100319391
    Abstract: A refrigerator including an extractable container, and a conveying unit formed in an inner space of a vertical wall of the extractable container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hoon LIM, Jong Eun Chae, Sun Keun Lee, Gi Joong Jeong, Yun Ho Yang, Sang Woon Jeon, Jae Moon Lee
  • Publication number: 20100319383
    Abstract: Provided are a refrigerator and a refrigerator door. The refrigerator and refrigerator door include a transparent member provided behind an exterior member defining the exterior of the refrigerator, a light emitting member provided on an extending line of an outer end of the transparent member to radiate light toward the transparent member, and a diffusing portion formed at one side of the transparent member. Light from the light emitting member passes through the transparent member and a pattern on the exterior member to be diffused to the outside. Through this configuration producing a soft glow of light, aesthetics can be improved and opulence can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Ungsu Kim
  • Publication number: 20100319366
    Abstract: An ice maker, a refrigerator including the ice maker, and an ice making method are provided. The ice maker includes a tray having a predetermined length into which water is supplied to make ice. The ice maker is configured to mechanically separate the ice from the tray by using pistons which are driven by a motor. This permits the ice maker to have a reduced size, and occupy a small area, thereby implementing a slim configuration of a refrigerator. Furthermore, since an installation height of the ice maker is lowered, a path for supplying cool air may be shortened. This arrangement prevent loss of cool air being supplied to the ice making chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Seong-Jae KIM, Bong-Jin Kim, Young-Hoon Yun
  • Publication number: 20100319390
    Abstract: A refrigerator with a plurality of control panels comprises a refrigerator body having a plurality of cooling chambers, a first control panel configured to set temperature conditions of some of the cooling chambers, and a second control panel configured to set temperature conditions of others of the cooling chamber. The refrigerator enhances a user's convenience through simple and precise manipulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Seung-Mok Lee
  • Publication number: 20100313592
    Abstract: This present embodiment relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes an exterior member which defines the appearance of the refrigerator and in which a transmissive part, through which light is passed, is formed; a decoration member provided at a rear side of the exterior member; and a light-emitting unit which emits light toward the decoration member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Chanju Pae
  • Publication number: 20100313595
    Abstract: A refrigerator comprises: a body having a storage chamber and a door for selectively shielding the storage chamber; a dispenser disposed at one side on a front surface of the door, for dispensing ice pieces made in the body from outside of the body; and a dispensing guide unit disposed to the dispenser, and having a length controlled to be contracted or expanded in a dispensing direction of the ice pieces, for guiding the ice pieces in the dispensing direction. When water or ice pieces are dispensed from the refrigerator from outside, the dispensing guide unit has a controlled length to decrease a distance from a container to store the water or ice pieces. This may prevent the water or ice pieces from being scattered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Sang-Wook Seo
  • Patent number: 7849707
    Abstract: A refrigerator freezer having an ice maker positioned on a refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment door. The ice maker is arranged to prevent or manage spills from the ice maker in the event the door on which the ice maker is mounted is opened or closed when unfrozen water is present in the ice maker. Spill management embodiments for a number of fixed and movable tray ice makers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Guolian Wu
  • Publication number: 20100307186
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cold air generator configured to generate cold air. The refrigerator also includes a storage chamber configured to receive the cold air generated by the cold air generator, and store at least one food and ice stuffs. Further, the refrigerator includes a storage chamber door configured to open and close an access point to the storage chamber. In addition, the refrigerator includes an inner frame coupled to the storage chamber and configured to move at least a part of the storage chamber in forward and backward directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hong Sik KWON, Yong Hun CHANG, Jung Yeon HWANG, Seon Il YU
  • Publication number: 20100307189
    Abstract: A refrigeration device is provided that includes two housing parts in the form of a body and a door that together delimit an interior. A seal is fastened to one of the housing parts and sealingly contacts the other housing part when the door is closed and a drive element is arranged to drive the door from the closed position into an open position. A sensor detects a movement of the door and a control circuit coupled to the sensor activates the drive element when a movement of the door is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Hans Gerd Keller, Arnd Krusche
  • Publication number: 20100307184
    Abstract: A dispenser and a refrigerator with the same are provided, the dispenser comprising a dispenser housing with an accommodating space therein, and a water supply unit disposed in the accommodating space, and implemented to adjust at least one of height and direction thereof, whereby the position of water outlet can be varied so as to facilitate a water reception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Si-Young Jung
  • Publication number: 20100307188
    Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet configured to define an exterior boundary of the refrigerator. The refrigerator also includes a first storage chamber defined by interior walls of the cabinet and configured to store food stuffs. The refrigerator further includes a first door configured to open and close the first storage chamber by rotating about a rotational axis. In addition, the refrigerator includes a second storage chamber that is smaller than the first storage chamber defined at a side of the first door, and that is configured to enable access to food stuffs while the first door remains closed and a second door, located in a predetermined portion of the first door, configured to open and close the second storage chamber by rotating the rotational axis, wherein a rotation direction of the second door is identical to the rotation direction of the first door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hong Sik KWON, Yong Hun CHANG, Jung Yeon HWANG, Seon IL YU
  • Patent number: 7841191
    Abstract: A refrigerator freezer having an ice maker positioned on a refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment door. The ice maker is arranged to prevent or manage spills from the ice maker in the event the door on which the ice maker is mounted is opened or closed when unfrozen water is present in the ice maker. Spill management embodiments for a number of fixed and movable tray ice makers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry M. Visin, Guolian Wu, Marcus R. Fischer, Michele E. Wilcox, Martin D. Lewis, Kevin M. Chase
  • Publication number: 20100287975
    Abstract: A refrigerator door is provided. The refrigerator includes a door body filled with an insulating material, an exterior member on a front surface of the door body, a home bar frame around an opening opened in a side of the door body, a home bar cover coupled to the home bar frame to support at least one end of the exterior member, and a home bar door pivotally coupled to the home bar frame to selectively shield the opening. The home bar door shields an exposed portion of the home bar cover when the home bar door is closed. Thus, an outer appearance of a front surface of the refrigerator is improved nearly to unity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Kiyoung Lim
  • Publication number: 20100287974
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and having a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall. Each of the rear wall, first side wall, second side wall, top wall, and bottom wall include an interior liner and an exterior wrapper. A door is disposed on the cabinet operable between an open position and a closed position. The door includes an interior liner and an exterior wrapper. At least one pocket is disposed in at least one of the rear wall, first side wall, second side wall, top wall, bottom wall, and door between the interior liner and the exterior wrapper. The at least one pocket includes an access opening. A removable insulation panel is disposed in the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: NIHAT O. CUR, STEVEN J. KUEHL, LUIZ ANTONIO D. LOPES, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, JOHN R. WISNOSKI
  • Publication number: 20100287959
    Abstract: An ice maker, a refrigerator including the ice maker, and an ice making method are provided. The ice maker includes a tray having a predetermined depth into which water is supplied to make ice. The ice maker includes an elevating unit to elevate a portion of the ice, and a cutting unit to cut off the elevated portion of the ice to be dispensed as ice pieces to a user. The ice maker has a slim configuration, and a compact size. The ice maker may be provided in the door of the refrigerator at a height approximately the same as the height of the dispenser located at the front side of the door. This arrangement permits a path for supplying cool air from a freezing compartment to the ice maker to be decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Seong-Jae Kim, Bong-Jin Kim, Young-Hoon Yun
  • Publication number: 20100281910
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a door (10) for a cold storage device such as a refrigerator or freezer. The door comprises a frame (12) and a pane (14) fitted to the frame. The door is characterized by at least one light emitting diode (LED) (16) arranged such that heat generated by the LED(s) during operation of the LED(s) is conducted to the pane to reduce moisture-forming on the pane. The present invention also relates to a cold storage device (24), such as a refrigerator or freezer, comprising such a door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N V
    Inventors: Martijn Riemeijer, Peter A. Wachters, Markus C. Vermeulen
  • Publication number: 20100281911
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerator including a main body provided with a chilly storage, a refrigerator door rotatably coupled to the main body, a home bar at the refrigerator door, the home bar being provided with an opening, and a basket on an inside of the home bar, the basket being configured to store an object, wherein the home bar includes a home bar door rotatably provided on a side of the opening, and a driving device providing a driving force to vertically move the basket according to rotation of the home bar door. A gear assembly is operated while the home bar door is opened or closed, so that the home bar basket can easily move upward or downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Yongsoo Ha
  • Publication number: 20100276442
    Abstract: An appliance with a rear wall section, a first side wall section, and a second side wall section, defining an interior. The appliance includes a refrigerator section within the appliance interior and the refrigerator section has the same or a smaller volume than the appliance interior. The appliance also includes a door with an exterior surface and an interior surface with a door liner. Further included is a module removably engaged with the appliance. Yet further included is a resealable comestible dry goods container having a defined interior volume, an exterior, and a bottom portion where the container is removably engaged within the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: KAREN J. QUERFURTH, AMERESH B. VISWANATHAN, RONALD L. VOGLEWEDE, MICHELE E. WILCOX
  • Publication number: 20100269525
    Abstract: A refrigeration and freezing device with fresh-keeping function by supplying nitrogen comprises a box body, a refrigerating and freezing chamber disposed inside the box body, a door to the refrigerating and freezing chamber, a control device and a nitrogen generator; wherein said nitrogen generator is disposed either inside or outside the box body of the refrigeration and freezing device, said nitrogen generator comprises an air inlet, an oxygen outlet, a nitrogen outlet, an air filter connected with the air inlet, a compressor, a pipe device for transmitting gas, at least one carbon molecular sieve absorber, at least one control valve to control different absorbers to work alternately, a nitrogen storage container, a nitrogen purifier, a pressure reducing valve for adjusting the pressure of the produced nitrogen, a ventilating muffler disposed on a pipe to the oxygen outlet and a control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Dong-lei Wang
  • Publication number: 20100263402
    Abstract: Provided is a rail assembly of a refrigerator. The rail assembly includes a pair of extendable rails, a rack, pinions, and restricting units. The rails are disposed at left and right sides of an inner wall of a storage space. The rack is disposed under the rails. The rack includes teeth continuously formed in a length direction of the rails and a flat alignment part disposed at a front side of the rack. The pinions are respectively disposed at the rails and movable in mesh with the teeth of the rack. The restricting units are disposed at sides of the rails for restricting a movement of the rails when the rails are extended, so as to prevent the pinions from departing from the rack. When the rails are maximally extended, the pinions are placed at the alignment part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Chang Lim Lee