Back to results
US 6,601,396 B2Granted
Freezer defrost method and apparatus
AssigneeKendro Laboratory Products, LP
InventorsRichard H. Bair, III, Chuan Weng
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for freezer defrost, which are particularly suited for an automated system, include the formulation of algorithms utilized for this purpose. The algorithms are included in the firmware of an embedded controller and operate the freezer defrost cycle at temperature lows for increased efficiency. An application of the freezer defrost method and apparatus is also disclosed.
Claims20
A method of automatic freezer defrost, comprising the steps of:
- determining when a defrost cycle should be initiated based on a predetermined elapsed time,
- setting a flag which indicates a time to initiate the defrost cycle,
- monitoring for a low point of the temperature cycle or timeout due to a bottom-out condition, and
- initiating said defrost cycle.
1 more element
A freezer unit, comprising:
- an automatic defrost controller,
- a temperature sensor connected to said controller,
- a defrost probe connected to said controller, and
- at least one circulation fan connected to said controller,
- wherein said controller initiates a defrost cycle at a low point of a temperature cycle as indicated and monitored by said temperature sensor.
2 more elements
A freezer unit including a cabinet, evaporator and a compressor, comprising:
- means for determining when a defrost cycle should initiate based on a predetermined elapsed time and for checking if a low point in a temperature cycle has been reached,
- means for setting a flag which indicates a time to initiate a defrost cycle and for monitoring for a low point in the temperature cycle, and
- means for initiating said defrost cycle once said low point of the temperature cycle has been reached or timeout for bottom-out condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.