By Utilizing Fluid Strange To System Patents (Class 62/82)
  • Patent number: 11940192
    Abstract: An air conditioning device has: a refrigerant circuit that includes a compressor, a switching valve, a cascade heat exchanger, an expansion valve and an outdoor heat exchanger connected to one another by a first pipe through which a refrigerant flows, and that performs a defrosting operation in which the refrigerant discharged from the compressor is introduced into the outdoor heat exchanger; a heat-transfer medium circuit that includes a pump, the cascade heat exchanger, and the indoor heat exchanger connected to one another by a second pipe through which a heat-transfer medium flows; and a control device that controls the compressor and the pump. When an amount of heat storage of the heat-transfer medium is less than a threshold, the control device reduces the heating capability of the indoor heat exchanger when the air conditioning device transitions from a heating operation to the defrosting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Tsukiyama, Satoru Yanachi, So Nomoto, Takuya Matsuda, Naoki Kato
  • Patent number: 11898299
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet configured to define a receiving space for receiving laundry, the cabinet having an open surface, a door hingedly provided at the cabinet for opening and closing the open surface of the cabinet, a laundry support unit provided in the receiving space for supporting laundry, and a machinery compartment provided in the cabinet for defining a space that is separate from the receiving space, the machinery compartment being provided therein with an air supply unit for dehumidifying or heating air in the receiving space and supplying the dehumidified or heated air into the receiving space. The air supply unit dehumidifies air in a room that communicates with the receiving space in the state in which the door is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Wansik Nam, Donghyun Kim, Jumin Park
  • Patent number: 11698218
    Abstract: A door assembly for a refrigeration door system with a defrosting feature. The door assembly also includes a door frame. The door frame may include a top member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the top member may have a top conduit therein. The door frame may also include a first side member coupled transversely to the first end of the top member and having a first conduit therein, the first conduit being fluidly coupled to the top conduit, and a second side member coupled transversely to the second end of the top member and having a second conduit. The second conduit may be fluidly coupled to the top conduit. The door frame may further have orifices positioned along the top member, the first side member, and the second side member. The door assembly also includes a positive pressure source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Inventor: Peter M. Osgard
  • Patent number: 11525619
    Abstract: A defrosting apparatus comprises a heater case comprising a heat pipe seating part formed to extend from one surface thereof in a recessed shape and a heater receiving part formed to extend to be parallel with the heat pipe seating part. The defrosting apparatus also includes a heater which is mounted in the heater receiving part so as to emit heat when power is applied thereto, a heat pipe which has a flow path through which a working fluid filled therein flows, which has a part seated on the heat pipe seating part, and which is disposed to be adjacent to a cooling pipe of an evaporator such that heat is radiated to the cooling pipe of the evaporator by means of the working fluid at a high temperature which is heated by the heater and then is transferred, and a holder which is detachably coupled to the heater case so as to cover the heat pipe seated on the heat pipe seating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Woocheol Kang, Jeahyuk Wie, Geunhyung Lee, Minjae Jeong
  • Patent number: 11365925
    Abstract: A refrigerator and method utilize a door-mounted icemaking system including an icemaking mold, an ice storage bin and a cold wall evaporator disposed proximate the ice storage bin along an interior wall of the door to provide cooling proximate the ice storage bin. In some instances, the cold wall evaporator may be in addition to an icemaking evaporator that provides direct cooling of the icemaking mold, and furthermore, in some instances, the cold wall and icemaking evaporators may be separately controllable to optimize cooling within the door-mounted icemaking system. In addition, in some instances, a hot wall condenser may be used in a door-mounted icemaking system to dissipate heat generated by a refrigeration circuit through an exterior wall of a door. Further, in some instances a reversible refrigeration circuit may be used in connection with an icemaking evaporator to assist in ejecting ice from an icemaking mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eric Scalf
  • Patent number: 11262108
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a refrigerant circuit that is formed by connecting a compressor, a flow passage switching device, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion unit, and an indoor heat exchanger via pipes, and through which refrigerant flows, an outdoor air-sending device configured to blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor air temperature detector configured to detect a temperature of the outdoor air, and a controller configured to control an operation of the outdoor air-sending device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Kota Morimoto
  • Patent number: 10914502
    Abstract: A first storage compartment's influence on a second storage compartment, when the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment have different temperature ranges and are cooled by a single cooler, is reduced. A refrigerator includes a compressor for compressing and circulating a refrigerant, a cooler provided to generate cold air through circulation of the refrigerant, a first storage compartment having an temperature maintained within a first range, a second storage compartment having an temperature maintained within a second range different from the first range, a first air passage for guiding cold air generated in the cooler to the first storage compartment, a second air passage for guiding cold air generated in the cooler to the second storage compartment, and a switching unit for guiding the cold air generated in the cooler to selectively flow into any one of the first air passage and the second air passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Matsuno Tomohiko, Iwamoto Tomoharu, Shimizu Kazuo
  • Patent number: 10871320
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a defroster comprising: a heating unit having a heater case arranged vertically along an up-down direction on the outside of an evaporator, and a heater disposed vertically in the up-down direction inside the heater case; and a heat pipe respectively connected to an outlet provided at the top side of the heating unit and an inlet provided at the bottom side of the heating unit, and having at least a portion thereof disposed adjacent to the refrigerant pipe of the evaporator so that working fluid heated by the heater moves and transfers heat to the evaporator to remove frost, wherein the heater is configured to be immersed beneath the surface of the working fluid when all the working fluid in the heat pipe is in a liquid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Woocheol Kang, Kwangsoo Jung, Yonggap Park, Geunhyung Lee
  • Patent number: 10345003
    Abstract: A split-type air conditioning and heat pump system an indoor unit, an outdoor unit and an energy efficient arrangement. The indoor unit includes an indoor housing having an indoor air inlet, and an indoor heat exchanger. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor housing, a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger and a fan unit. The energy efficient arrangement includes an energy saving heat exchanger supported in the indoor housing and connected to the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. The energy saving heat exchanger is positioned between the indoor air inlet and the indoor heat exchanger so that air from an indoor space is arranged to pass through the energy saving heat exchanger before reaching the indoor heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: Lee Wa Wong
  • Patent number: 9476627
    Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Tim L. Coulter, Thomas E. Gose, Steven G. Herndon, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Bill J. Koons, Brent A. Kramer, Scott W. Leimkuehler, Dean A. Martin, Alvin V. Miller, Kevin Lee Noel, Mauro M. Oliveira, Lester J. Ott, Ron S. Paulsen, Chad J. Rotter, David Allen Stauffer, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan M. Welch, Robert L. Wetekamp
  • Patent number: 9366472
    Abstract: A door coupling and rotation assembly and a refrigerator having the same are provided. The refrigerator may include a main body having a storage compartment, at least one door to open and close the storage compartment, and a door coupling and rotation assembly that rotatably couples the at least one door to the main body. A door opening/closing determination device may determine whether or not a user wishes to open the door, and a controller may drive at least one motor in response a signal sensed by the door opening/closing determination device to open or close the at least one door. The assembly may include a hinge bracket coupled to the main body, a hinge shaft coupled to the hinge bracket and defining an axis of rotation of the door, and a motor coupled to the hinge shaft to rotate the at least one door in a forward or reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Woonkyu Seo, Soonho Jung, Jinhee Park
  • Patent number: 9250004
    Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Tim L. Coulter, Thomas E. Gose, Steven G. Herndon, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Bill J. Koons, Brent A. Kramer, Scott W. Leimkuehler, Dean A. Martin, Alvin V. Miller, Kevin Lee Noel, Mauro M. Oliveira, Lester J. Ott, Ron S. Paulsen, Chad J. Rotter, David Allen Stauffer, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan M. Welch, Robert L. Wetekamp
  • Patent number: 9243823
    Abstract: A cooling system for transferring heat from a heat load to an environment has a volatile working fluid. The cooling system includes first and second cooling cycles that are thermally connected to the first cooling cycle. The first cooling cycle is not a vapor compression cycle and includes a pump, an air-to-fluid heat exchanger, and a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger. The second cooling cycle can include a chilled water system for transferring heat from the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger to the environment. Alternatively, the second cooling cycle can include a vapor compression system for transferring heat from the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Borror, Franklin E. DiPaolo, Thomas E. Harvey, Steven M. Madara, Reasey J. Mam, Stephen C. Sillato
  • Patent number: 9243822
    Abstract: A cooling system for transferring heat from a heat load to an environment has a volatile working fluid. The cooling system includes first and second cooling cycles that are thermally connected to the first cooling cycle. The first cooling cycle is not a vapor compression cycle and includes a pump, an air-to-fluid heat exchanger, and a fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger. The second cooling cycle can include a chilled water system for transferring heat from the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger to the environment. Alternatively, the second cooling cycle can include a vapor compression system for transferring heat from the fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Borror, Franklin E. Dipaolo, Thomas E. Harvey, Steven M. Madara, Reasey J. Mam, Stephen C. Sillato
  • Patent number: 9222717
    Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Tim L. Coulter, Thomas E. Gose, Steven G. Herndon, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Bill J. Koons, Brent A. Kramer, Scott W. Leimkuehler, Dean A. Martin, Alvin V. Miller, Kevin Lee Noel, Mauro M. Oliveira, Lester J. Ott, Ron S. Paulsen, Chad J. Rotter, David Allen Stauffer, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan M. Welch, Robert L. Wetekamp
  • Patent number: 9097455
    Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Tim L. Coulter, Thomas E. Gose, Steven G. Herndon, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Bill J. Koons, Brent A. Kramer, Scott W. Leimkuehler, Dean A. Martin, Alvin V. Miller, Kevin Lee Noel, Mauro M. Oliveira, Lester J. Ott, Ron S. Paulsen, Chad J. Rotter, David Allen Stauffer, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan M. Welch, Robert L. Wetekamp
  • Patent number: 8997504
    Abstract: An improved vent ice prevention apparatus including a first conduit, a second conduit, and a third conduit, wherein the second conduit concentrically surrounds the first conduit thereby forming an annular region between the two conduits. The third conduit is in fluid communication with said annular region. The first conduit is configured to receive a cold vent stream, and the third conduit is configured to receive a dry purge stream and introduce the dry purge stream into the annular region in order to prevent ice formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Bruce M. Ellis, Minh Huy Pham
  • Publication number: 20150082818
    Abstract: A system and method of heat exchanger freeze protection for an HVAC system by operating an indoor unit assembly and an outdoor unit assembly in a cooling mode and operating a fan at an initial airflow, operating a temperature sensor to measure a temperature value of a heat exchanger, at the expiration of a first predetermined time period, determining whether the temperature value is less than or equal to a first temperature preset value, determining whether a current airflow multiplier is equal to a maximum airflow multiplier limit, increasing the current airflow by an airflow offset multiplier if the current airflow multiplier is less than or equal to the maximum airflow multiplier limit and the temperature value is less than or equal to the first temperature preset, and operating the fan at an increased airflow to move more air across the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Robert W. Peitz, Brian L. Merkel, Paul B. Kiningham
  • Publication number: 20150082817
    Abstract: A low temperature cooling and dehumidification system uses a reverse airflow arrangement to defrost a frosted cooling coil while not interrupting operation. Automatic air dampers are used to reverse the airflow at the proper time to initiate defrost of that section of frosted cooling coil. This system is useful for low temperature cooling and dehumidification in situations where the inlet air is above freezing, however exiting air below freezing can be supplied if desired. It is advantageous for operation if the coolant flow and temperature internal to the cooling coil are regulated to create the conditions for frost formation to begin closer to the air leaving side of the active cooling coil. The dehumidified generated condensate can be collected and used as grey water and/or potable water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Walter Stark
  • Patent number: 8978396
    Abstract: An improved vent ice prevention method including introducing a cold vent stream into a first conduit, wherein at least a portion of the first conduit is concentric with a second conduit, thereby producing an annular region, introducing a hot vent stream into a third conduit, and wherein the third conduit is in fluid connection with the annular region, thereby preventing the first conduit or the second conduit from forming ice. The cold vent stream is a cold compressor seal vent stream. The hot vent stream is a warm compressor seal vent stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe, Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Bruce M. Ellis, Huy Minh Pham
  • Publication number: 20150033774
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for water collection from atmospheric moisture in large quantities in uncontrolled outdoor environments where the temperature may be cold and humidity levels low. To extract water from air when the dew point is low, a heat exchanger cools to a point where water vapor is deposited on its surface as ice. The heat exchanger then cycles through a heating phase to melt the ice and generate liquid water. The accumulation of frost is advantageous. Frost accumulation enables water collection when the dew point is low. Disclosed variations enhance efficiency and environmental tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Wayne FERREIRA, Henri-James TIELEMAN
  • Publication number: 20150027145
    Abstract: A cooling storage evaporator system employs a pivoting frost control door upstream from an evaporator that, when closed, inhibits air from passing through a lower portion of the evaporator. Closing the frost control door results in condensed water freezing on a lower portion of the evaporator when the AC is ON. When a vehicle engine is turned OFF when the vehicle stops in an idle condition, thereby turning the compressor OFF, the frost control door opens so that air passes over the evaporator, including the frozen portion thereof, melting the frozen condensed water to maintain the cool outlet air temperature at the vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Kanemaru, Shinji Kakizaki
  • Publication number: 20140345306
    Abstract: An anti-icing system for use with a refrigerator that defines an interior area includes a cooling apparatus mounted in the interior area of the refrigerator and having a condenser portion and a plurality of spaced apart fins operably coupled to the condenser portion and extending away therefrom. The anti-icing system includes a first fan situated in a fan housing having opposed front and rear walls, the front wall defining an aperture. The first fan is situated in the fan housing so as to transmit air through the aperture when energized. The heat exchange unit is configured to be mounted in the refrigerator interior area such that the plurality of evaporator fins extends outwardly. The fan housing is configured to be mounted in the refrigerator interior area perpendicular to the plurality of evaporator fins such that air is transmitted across the fins to reduce or eliminate icing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Michael L. Bakker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140299707
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a condensation control system features a dew point analyzer, a fluid system, and a condensation control engine. The dew point analyzer provides a dew point temperature measurement of environmental conditions outside a fluid line having a refrigerant flowing therein. The fluid system provides a flow of insulating fluid to an insulation chamber at least partially separating the fluid line from environmental conditions outside the fluid line. The condensation control engine instructs the fluid system to provide the flow of insulating fluid to the insulation chamber at a temperature such that the temperature of the insulating fluid exiting the insulation chamber is greater than the dew point temperature measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Gary S. Conway
  • Publication number: 20140260364
    Abstract: An appliance includes a co-extruded evaporator in thermal communication with a compartment. The co-extruded evaporator includes main and support channels in thermal communication that share a common wall 22. A main cooling loop is in fluid communication with the main channel. A plurality of co-extruded fins are disposed proximate and in thermal communication with the main and support channels. A coolant is disposed in the main channel and the main cooling loop. A thermally conductive media is selectively disposed in the support channel in fluid and thermal communication with the main channel. The thermally conductive media is chosen from the group consisting of a support channel coolant, wherein the appliance includes a second cooling loop in fluid communication with the support channel, a thermal storage material in thermal communication with the compartment, and a defrost fluid, wherein the appliance includes a defrost circuit in fluid communication with the support channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Andrew D. Litch
  • Patent number: 8800307
    Abstract: A method for operating a refrigeration system for a container for refrigerating chilled cargo includes providing a refrigeration system including a compressor and an evaporator fan associated with an evaporator. The method also includes determining the temperature of supply air and the temperature of return air. The method further includes determining one of a requirement for heating and a requirement for cooling based on the temperature of the return air and the temperature of the supply air. The method additionally includes activating the evaporator fan when a requirement for heating is determined and increasing the speed of the evaporator fan when increased heating is determined. The method also includes activating the compressor and the evaporator fan when a requirement for cooling is determined and increasing the power supplied to the compressor and maintaining the evaporator fan at a first speed when increased cooling is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignees: Thermo King Corporation, Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Ole Thogersen, Allan Dyrmose, Dan Vad Steffensen
  • Publication number: 20140216079
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for removing ice layers and/or snow layers and/or dirt layers from the rotor blades (B) of axial fans in cooling installations for refrigerating and/or freezing products. At least one cleaning substance jet (S) is directed toward the rotor blades (B) of an axial fan within certain time intervals in such a way that ice layers and/or snow layers and/or dirt layers are at least separated from the surfaces of the rotor blades (B) and transported away, wherein the rotor blades (B) rotate with nominal speed while cleaning jets (S) act upon their surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rudolf Erwin BERGHOFF
  • Patent number: 8726683
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for removing ice layers and/or snow layers and/or dirt layers from the rotor blades of axial fans in cooling installations for refrigerating and/or freezing products. At least one cleaning substance jet is directed toward the rotor blades of an axial fan within certain time intervals in such a way that ice layers and/or snow layers and/or dirt layers are at least separated from the surfaces of the rotor blades and transported away, wherein the rotor blades rotate with nominal speed while cleaning jets act upon their surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rudolf Erwin Berghoff
  • Publication number: 20140109601
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that includes a low energy defrost system and method for melting frost formed on an evaporator of a cooling system for the refrigerator. The low energy defrost system includes using air from the refrigerator compartment or external air adjacent the refrigerator to be directed to the evaporator and passed adjacent the evaporator coils to melt any frost formed thereon. As the air is above freezing temperature, it will melt any frost formed on the coils without the need of use an electrical heater. Re-cooled air from the melted frost may then be directed back into the refrigerator compartment to be used to aid in cooling the refrigerator compartment or keeping the refrigerator compartment at the programmed or predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: PATRICK J. BOARMAN
  • Publication number: 20140090406
    Abstract: A refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus includes multiple refrigeration cycles each including a compressor, a four-way valve, an indoor heat exchanger, a pressure reducing device, and an outdoor heat exchanger which are connected by a pipe, each refrigeration cycle being configured to be capable of performing a cooling operation and a heating operation, an outdoor fan configured to send air for heat exchange with the outdoor heat exchangers of the refrigeration cycles, multiple indoor fans arranged corresponding to the respective indoor heat exchangers of the refrigeration cycles, and a controller configured to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger of the at least one refrigeration cycle, control a rotation speed of the indoor fan corresponding to the refrigeration cycle performing the defrosting operation such that a temperature of air mixed by air-sending through the indoor fans reaches a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tomotaka Ishikawa, So Nomoto
  • Patent number: 8647183
    Abstract: A refrigerated display case, an air curtain system, and a method of providing an air curtain are provided. The air curtain is suitable for use with a refrigerated display case of the type having an open front, including those with a door selectively covering the open-front. The air curtain includes a secondary layer formed of ambient air cooled by exposure to a refrigerated primary layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Dean Swofford
  • Patent number: 8516837
    Abstract: A method and system for liquid purification and defrosting a freezing unit harvests energy released as heat from a condenser. Liquid received from a source into a first liquid storage container is heated using heat collected from the condenser using at least one heat conducting rod. A second liquid storage container connected to the first liquid storage container is maintained at a lower temperature than the first liquid storage container. As a first portion of heated liquid is transferred from the first liquid storage container to the second liquid storage container, bacteria in the first portion of heated liquid is denatured as a result of the temperature change, and the liquid is purified. Filters may also be used to improve purification. A second portion of heated liquid is transferred between the first liquid storage container and a freezing unit via at least one heat conducting pipe causing defrosting of the freezing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Manipal University
    Inventors: Mayank Swarup, Tanvi Gupta
  • Publication number: 20130098078
    Abstract: A high performance refrigerator or freezer includes a cabinet with a refrigerated interior, a first evaporator cover separating a first evaporator compartment within the cabinet from the refrigerated interior, and a refrigeration fluid circuit having a first evaporator located within the first evaporator compartment, a second evaporator, and a three-way valve enabling selective communication of refrigerant to one or both of the evaporators. The second evaporator includes an air diffuser that receives chilled air from the first evaporator compartment and delivers the chilled air into the refrigerated interior. During normal operation, the three-way valve only directs refrigerant into the first evaporator such that the first evaporator cools the cabinet and the chilled air from the first evaporator passively defrosts the second evaporator by sublimation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC
    Inventor: Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC
  • Publication number: 20130098077
    Abstract: A high performance refrigerator includes a cabinet with a refrigerated interior and a refrigeration fluid circuit having first and second evaporators located within the cabinet and separated from the refrigerated interior by an insulating cover. The refrigerator also includes a first damper controlling flow from the refrigerated interior into the first evaporator, a second damper controlling flow from the first evaporator to the second evaporator, and a third damper controlling flow from the second evaporator to the refrigerated interior. The first evaporator operates with refrigerant at a lower temperature than the second evaporator such that substantially all frost formed on the first and second evaporators is collected on a first evaporator coil in the first evaporator. Thus, the first evaporator acts as a sacrificial evaporator that undergoes defrost more frequently than the second evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC (ASHEVILLE) LLC
    Inventor: Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC
  • Publication number: 20130061615
    Abstract: A highly efficient condensate-free cooling unit functionally based on vapor-compression refrigeration cycle has been described. The condensate collected from the evaporator of the cooling unit is routed through a sub-cooling heat exchanger where it exchanges heat with the primary heat exchange medium emerging through the condenser of the cooling unit, thus, sub-cooling the primary heat exchange medium to a lower temperature before it enters the expansion valve. Emerging from the sub-cooling heat exchanger, the condensate flows through a condensate outlet pipe into multiple spray nozzles disposed over the condensate outlet pipe. The spray nozzles sprinkle the condensate over the hot air blown into the condenser to reduce its temperature. The cooling unit has a substantially higher coefficient of performance compared to the conventional cooling units utilizing vapor-compression refrigeration cycle, and eliminates the problems of condensate removal persistent in the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventor: AHMED MOHAMED MOHAMED OMER
  • Publication number: 20120279238
    Abstract: A method for controlling frost on a heat transfer device includes the steps of providing an air flow device adapted to provide a stream of air at a high flow rate, and using the air flow device to subject a heat transfer device to the stream of air during frosting times. The stream of air interacts with the heat transfer device to remove water droplets disposed on the heat transfer device, thereby preventing frost from accumulating on the heat transfer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Kalinowski, John Lawler, Seguei Dessiatoun, Amir Shooshtari
  • Publication number: 20120180505
    Abstract: A heat pump system is operable in winter mode and/or summer mode, and may be selectively operated in a defrost mode or cycle. The system includes an energy recovery module that receives and conditions air in a regeneration air channel. A pre-processing module is positioned downstream of the energy recovery module. The pre-processing module receives and heats air from the energy recovery module. A regeneration air heat exchanger is positioned downstream of the pre-processing module. The regeneration air heat exchanger receives and conditions air from the pre-processing module. The pre-processing module heats the air from the energy recovery module to increase efficiency of the regeneration air heat exchanger. During the defrost mode, a loop of regeneration air may be recirculated between the supply air channel and the regeneration air channel in order to defrost the regeneration air heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Venmar CES, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Gerber, Can Wen Rong
  • Publication number: 20120102986
    Abstract: Systems and methods for refrigerating crops and other goods and for defrosting a refrigeration system. A refrigerant is circulated between a condenser and a refrigerator to cool air in the refrigerator. Heat is removed from the refrigerant at the condenser. Periodically the cycle of refrigerant and air can be reversed to melt frost in the refrigerator. Frost can be detected by a sensing mechanism and the refrigerant and air cycles can be reversed in response to detecting the frost. The frost can be removed quickly without removing the goods from the refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Joel Micka, Mark Decker
  • Publication number: 20120031120
    Abstract: A method and system for liquid purification and defrosting a freezing unit harvests energy released as heat from a condenser. Liquid received from a source into a first liquid storage container is heated using heat collected from the condenser using at least one heat conducting rod. A second liquid storage container connected to the first liquid storage container is maintained at a lower temperature than the first liquid storage container. As a first portion of heated liquid is transferred from the first liquid storage container to the second liquid storage container, bacteria in the first portion of heated liquid is denatured as a result of the temperature change, and the liquid is purified. Filters may also be used to improve purification. A second portion of heated liquid is transferred between the first liquid storage container and a freezing unit via at least one heat conducting pipe causing defrosting of the freezing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: MANIPAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Mayank Swarup, Tanvi Gupta
  • Publication number: 20110225995
    Abstract: A system may include an apparatus for defrosting and/or clearing debris from a refrigeration component using pressurized dry air. The apparatus may include an air compressor that generates pressurized air. The air may be filtered (before or after compressing) to remove moisture and/or other contaminants to thereby generate pressurized dry air. The apparatus may include a reservoir, coupled to the air compressor, for storing the pressurized dry air. The reservoir may be coupled to one or more air distribution manifolds coupled to the reservoir. Each of the one or more air distribution manifolds may be coupled to an air discharge component such as an air pipe or tube. The air discharge component may receive the pressurized air from the air exhaust and may discharge the pressurized air through a plurality of orifices to the refrigeration component thereby defrosting and/or clearing debris from the refrigeration component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Ying Ming Pao
  • Publication number: 20100326096
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body defining a compartment, the compartment having an access opening and a first wall, a door supported by the main body for selectively closing at least part of the access opening, a sub-compartment on the door, the sub-compartment including a second wall having an opening, a heat exchanger supported by the first wall and positioned so that when the door is closed the heat exchanger is exposed to an interior of the sub-compartment through the opening. The heat exchanger includes a heat exchanging plate. A sealed refrigeration system contains a working medium for cooling the heat exchanger and has one or more segments attached to the heat exchanging plate. A fan is configured to force air over the heat exchanging plate and into the interior of the sub-compartment. A thermistor is coupled to the heat exchanging plate for monitoring a temperature of the heat exchanging plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Brent Alden JUNGE, Martin Christopher SEVERANCE, Russell J. FALLON, Eric PAEZ, Robert Thomas MILLS, Ratnakar SAHASRADBUDHE, Joseph Thomas WAUGH, Kristin Marie WEIRICH
  • Patent number: 7797952
    Abstract: A defrosting method of a drum-type washing machine is provided. The defrosting method includes performing a warm water supply operation upon receiving a defrost command; performing a water discharge operation; performing a heating operation if a water level has not yet decreased; and performing an additional water discharge operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Soon Jo Lee, Ho Cheol Kwon, Beom Jun Kim, Hyun Soo Kim, Hack Chai Song, Kwang Young Lee, Eun Suk Kim
  • Patent number: 7654194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a food cooking installation comprising numerous cooking tanks which are used to receive the food items to be cooked; means of loading/unloading the food items into/from said cooking tanks; and means of conveying, driving and storing liquids, which are used to connect a heated liquid container, a cooled liquid container and a piped water delivery point with the aforementioned cooking tanks. In this way, the tanks can be filled and emptied independently and the food items contained therein can be subjected to successive baths for different periods of time and at different temperatures, at least one of the baths being a cooking bath and the other a cooling bath. According to the Invention, each of the aforementioned cooking tanks comprises at least one lateral opening which is equipped with impervious sealing means and which is used to load/unload the food items using the above-mentioned loading/unloading means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Metalquimia, S.A.
    Inventor: Narcis Lagares Corominas
  • Publication number: 20090255277
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for de-icing pipeline connections of an aircraft, which are connected to all fresh air outlets of an air conditioner, whose construction includes, but is not limited to the functions of multiple turbines and heat exchangers, having a first pipeline, which is connected to a first turbine, and a second pipeline, which is connected to a second turbine, the two pipelines, which are each connected downstream from the two turbines and to which process air is fed at the turbine outlets, being connected at the pipe ends and being continued using a third pipeline. The arrangement is characterized in that a first hot air source is fed hot fresh air from a bleed air system of the aircraft and is connected at its outlet to a fourth pipeline, into which temperature-reduced fresh air is fed from the hot air source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Juergen KELNHOFER, Dariusz KRAKOWSKI, Jose-Javier FRANCISCO-PALOMARES
  • Publication number: 20090159751
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature heat exchange surfaces having a layer or coating having a lower surface tension than water, to repel water and prevent the formation of condensate on said surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: WATERS INVESTMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Douglas P. Wittmer, Joseph Kareh, Theodore D. Ciolkosz, Joseph A. Jarrell
  • Patent number: 7454919
    Abstract: Defrosting operation is possible by causing refrigerant discharged from a compressor to flow to an outdoor heat exchanger, and returning the refrigerant passed through the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor through a water-heat exchanger, while operating a pump. Quick defrosting operation is possible by causing refrigerant discharged from a compressor to flow to an outdoor heat exchanger, and returning the refrigerant passed through the outdoor heat exchanger directly to the compressor, while stopping a pump. The temperature of water that has flowed into a water-heat exchanger is detected. According to the detected temperature, the defrosting operation using hot water and quick defrosting operation are selectively executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Toshiba Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Ookoshi, Tomoaki Tanabe, Masaaki Sato, Masato Hori, Yoshiteru Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20080223061
    Abstract: A door for a refrigerated merchandiser that includes a glass panel having a first portion and a second portion spaced from the first portion. The door also includes a first conductive film covering the first portion of the glass panel and a second conductive film spaced apart from the first conductive film and covering the second portion of the glass panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: HUSSMANN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott N. Hixson, Joshua T. Collier
  • Patent number: 6988374
    Abstract: A frostless heat exchanger used for an air-source system, comprises: an antifreezing solution supplying device for applying an antifreezing solution having a freezing point lower than a surface temperature of the heat exchanger on a surface of the heat exchanger to form a thin solution film on the surface of the heat exchanger in order to prevent formation of frost on the surface of the heat exchanger when the surface temperature of the heat exchanger drops below a freezing point of water (0° C.), so that the vapor is removed in such a manner that a highly concentrated antifreezing solution and the vapor are mixed together before the vapor becomes a supersaturated liquid and then grows to a frost crystal nucleus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Young-Soo Chang, Dae-Young Lee
  • Patent number: 6981385
    Abstract: A refrigeration system for objects is disclosed. The system includes a refrigeration device and a defrost system. The refrigeration device provides a case or container defining a space for the objects, a first heat exchanger associated with the container for cooling a fluid communicating with the space to cool the objects and a second heat exchanger to receive a heat supply from an air source for warming the fluid. A system for cooling articles is also disclosed. The system includes a space configured to contain the articles, a first element to provide cooling of the articles within the space, a first coolant source to refrigerate the space by cooling the first element in a first state, and a second coolant source to elevate a temperature of the first element in a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Yakov Arshansky, David K. Hinde, Richard N. Walker, Mark Lane
  • Patent number: 6840051
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for drying condensate from the heat exchanger of a vehicle's air conditioning system after operation in order to thwart odor buildup is provided. The apparatus and method operate regardless of whether the system's blower control circuit is positively or negatively switched. The apparatus includes relays that bypass the normal operating electrical routing to the air conditioning system's blower motor to operate the blower directly. The method comprises determining that the engine of the vehicle has been switched off and that the air conditioning system of the vehicle was in operation prior to the engine being switched off. If the conditions are met, the air conditioning system's blower is operated on a predetermined time schedule to circulate air in the air conditioning system to dry condensate therefrom. In this way, growth of odor-causing fungus and bacteria is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: AirSept, Inc.
    Inventor: Myron Stein