Refrigerator door vacuum preservation system
US8438870B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2700/06
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refrigerator includes a hands-free vacuum preservation system mounted on a door of the refrigerator comprising a main body portion having a slot therein for receiving an open end of a plastic bag. Sensors within the slot detect the presence of the bag and a retaining device is actuated to punch holes in the bag and retain the bag in position for a vacuum sealing event. An intake port within the system communicates with a vacuum source to remove air from the bag, and a heat sealer seals the bag closed. In a preferred embodiment, once sensors located on the main body portion detect the presence of a consumer's hand, the retaining device releases the bag. The resultant vacuum sealed bag can be stored in a conventional manner, or by hanging the bag from hooks extending through the holes formed therein by the retaining device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.