Patent · US Expired

Refrigerator air flow control mechanism

US5385032A · kind A · utility

12Cited by
2References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 4, 1994
Grant dateJan 31, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 4, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF25D2700/12
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A mechanism to control air flow between the freezer and fresh food compartments of a refrigerator includes an elongated air flow tube and a flow control housing with mating planar surfaces angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the air flow tube. A mating gasket is positioned between the planar surfaces and joined to each with adhesive. An electrical conductor extends through the air flow passageway in the tube and housing and includes a plug of material around the conductor's protective cover. A recess in the housing mounts the plug with an angled surface of the plug filling a matching interruption in the housing's planar surface to prevent air leaks around the conductor. The housing and plug include cooperating dimples which receive a capillary tube extending through the air passage.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.