Temperature controller and method for facilitating the storage of wine and like perishables

A temperature controller for converting a refrigeration unit of the type including an electrically powered chiller, a chilled compartment and a thermostat for controlling operation of said chiller, to a unit for storing perishables for extended periods of time, comprising:

• a housing;
• temperature sensing means adapted to be positioned in said chilled compartment;
• means in said housing, operatively connected to said temperature sensing means, for overriding the thermostat control of said chiller by enabling the supply of electrical power from an electrical power supply to said chiller, when the sensed temperature of said chilled compartment is above a first preselected temperature, and disabling the supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to said chiller when the sensed temperature is below said first preselected temperature;
• and
• means, mounted on said housing, for visually displaying the sensed temperature of said chilled compartment relative to a second preselected temperature.

A refrigeration unit comprising,

• a chilled compartment;
• an electrically powered chiller for chilling said chilled compartment;
• a thermostat for controlling operation of said chiller;
• means, adapted to be positioned in said chilled compartment, for sensing a temperature of said chilled compartment;
• and
• means, operatively connected to said temperature sensing means, for overriding the thermostat control of said chiller by enabling the supply of electrical power from an electrical power supply to said chiller, when the sensed temperature of said chilled compartment is above a first preselected temperature, and disabling the supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to said chiller when the sensed temperature is below said first preselected temperature.

A method of regulating temperature in a refrigeration unit of the type including an electrically powered chiller, a chilled compartment and a thermostat for controlling operation of said chiller, said thermostat being adjustable from a low temperature setting to a high temperature setting, the regulating method comprising the steps of:

• sensing a temperature of said chilled compartment;
• enabling, independent of said thermostat, the supply of electrical power from an electrical power supply to said chiller, when the temperature of said chilled compartment is above a preselected temperature;
• and
• disabling the supply of electrical power from the electrical power supply to said chiller when the sensed temperature is below said preselected temperature.