Patent · US Expired

Automatic defrost controller including air damper control

US7131284B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
23References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 19, 2003
Grant dateNov 7, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 3, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/86734
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A damper apparatus for controlling airflow between compartments in a two compartment refrigerator having a door includes a controller for controlling opening and closing of a damper; and a door sensor connected to the controller for detecting when the door is open. If the controller determines that the door has remained closed for a set period, the controller maintains the damper in the closed position. A method for cleaning a damper in a refrigerator includes a steps of defrosting a refrigeration apparatus of the refrigerator, at least partially opening the damper, followed by waiting for a set period and then at least partially closing the damper. The steps of at least partially opening and waiting are repeated a set number of times and then a cooling operation of the refrigeration apparatus is commenced.

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