Airway seal apparatus and method, and refrigerator apparatus using the seal
US8464549B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D2317/062
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A refrigerator includes a body portion having an air supply and an air return, a door hinged to the body portion, and an icemaking unit located on the door and having an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet and air outlet are adjacent the air supply and air return, respectively, when the door is closed, to receive and return chilled air therefrom and thereto. At least a first sealing member is located at the air supply, the air return, the air inlet, and/or the air outlet. The at least first sealing member includes a first membrane with a slit formed therein, and a first projecting member. The slit and the first projecting member are configured and dimensioned such that the slit is closed when the door is in an open position and that the slit is opened when the door is in a closed position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.