公开(公告)号：US08299656B2

公开(公告)日：2012-10-30

申请号：US12539651

申请日：2009-08-12

申请人： Paul B. Allard ,  Robert Ryan Bradley ,  James W. Kendall ,  Steven J. Kuehl ,  Douglas D. LeClear ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

发明人： Paul B. Allard ,  Robert Ryan Bradley ,  James W. Kendall ,  Steven J. Kuehl ,  Douglas D. LeClear ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

IPC分类号： H02B1/20 ,  B67D9/00

CPC分类号： H02B1/20 ,  A47J47/16 ,  B67D3/00 ,  F16M13/02 ,  F25D17/042 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25D23/12 ,  F25D29/005 ,  F25D2317/043 ,  F25D2331/801 ,  F25D2400/16 ,  Y10T307/461 ,  Y10T307/469 ,  Y10T307/477 ,  Y10T307/937

摘要： A refrigerator module connection system for connecting a feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the feature module and the utility source. The feature module connection system includes a utility source that has a connection capable of removably engaging the feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities. Further included is an interface between the utility source and the feature module, where the interface includes a detection and recognition device, such as a reed switch, a DIP switch, or a comparator circuit, that operates to detect when the feature module is connected to the utility source. One or more predetermined utilities are transferred between the utility source and the feature module based upon which feature module is connected to the utility source.

摘要翻译： 一种冰箱模块连接系统，用于将特征模块连接到公用电源并在特征模块和效用源之间传送多个实用程序。 特征模块连接系统包括具有能够将特征模块可移除地接合到公用电源的连接的公用电源。 还包括至少一个独立提供一个或多个功能的特征模块。 进一步包括的是实用程序源和特征模块之间的接口，其中接口包括诸如簧片开关，DIP开关或比较器电路的检测和识别装置，其操作以检测特征模块何时连接到 效用源。 基于哪个特征模块连接到公用电源，一个或多个预定实用程序在公用电源和特征模块之间传送。

公开(公告)号：US08739568B2

公开(公告)日：2014-06-03

申请号：US12539676

申请日：2009-08-12

申请人： Paul B. Allard ,  Robert Ryan Bradley ,  James W. Kendall ,  Steven J. Kuehl ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

发明人： Paul B. Allard ,  Robert Ryan Bradley ,  James W. Kendall ,  Steven J. Kuehl ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

IPC分类号： F25D19/02

CPC分类号： F25D19/02 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25D23/12 ,  F25D2317/043

摘要： A modular utility supply unit that includes a utility supply module housing having removable engageability to a surface of an appliance. Also included is at least one refillable reservoir capable of storing a plurality of utilities and receiving at least one utility from the appliance when the utility supply unit is operably engaged to the appliance. Further included is an interface capable of engaging a plurality of feature modules, where the interface includes a recognition device that prompts the utility supply unit to provide the engaged feature module with at least one of the storage utilities within the utility supply from at least one of the refillable reservoirs.

摘要翻译： 一种模块化公用事业供应单元，其包括具有对设备表面的可移除接合性的公用设施供应模块外壳。 还包括至少一个可再充填的储存器，其能够存储多个用途，并且当公用设施供应单元可操作地接合到器具时，从设备接收至少一个公用设施。 还包括能够接合多个特征模块的接口，其中所述接口包括识别装置，所述识别装置促使所述公用事业供应单元向所接合的特征模块提供所述公用事业供应中的至少一个所述存储设施， 可再填充的水库。

公开(公告)号：US08336975B2

公开(公告)日：2012-12-25

申请号：US12402608

申请日：2009-03-12

申请人： Paul B. Allard ,  James W. Kendall ,  Steven J. Kuehl ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

发明人： Paul B. Allard ,  James W. Kendall ,  Steven J. Kuehl ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

IPC分类号： A47B96/04

CPC分类号： F25D23/02 ,  E05D11/0081 ,  E05Y2800/10 ,  E05Y2900/31 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25D2323/024 ,  F25D2400/18 ,  F25D2400/40 ,  F25D2500/02 ,  Y10T16/558 ,  Y10T29/49

摘要： A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space. A door is disposed on the cabinet operable between an open position and a closed position. The door includes a forward wall and a rearward wall. An insulation layer is disposed between the forward wall and the rearward wall. An exterior skin is disposed adjacent to the forward wall and substantially covers the forward wall. A plenum is defined by the space between the exterior skin and the forward wall and is adapted to receive utility lines.

摘要翻译： 冰箱包括限定开放存储空间的机柜。 门被布置在机柜上，可在打开位置和关闭位置之间操作。 门包括前壁和后壁。 绝缘层设置在前壁和后壁之间。 外部皮肤邻近前壁设置并基本上覆盖前壁。 气室由外表皮和前壁之间的空间限定，并且适于接收公用事业线。

公开(公告)号：US20090229297A1

公开(公告)日：2009-09-17

申请号：US12402608

申请日：2009-03-12

申请人： Paul B. Allard ,  James W. Kendall ,  Steven J. Kuehl ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

发明人： Paul B. Allard ,  James W. Kendall ,  Steven J. Kuehl ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

IPC分类号： F25D23/02 ,  F25D23/00 ,  B23P17/00 ,  E05D5/02

CPC分类号： F25D23/02 ,  E05D11/0081 ,  E05Y2800/10 ,  E05Y2900/31 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25D2323/024 ,  F25D2400/18 ,  F25D2400/40 ,  F25D2500/02 ,  Y10T16/558 ,  Y10T29/49

摘要： A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space. A door is disposed on the cabinet operable between an open position and a closed position. The door includes a forward wall and a rearward wall. An insulation layer is disposed between the forward wall and the rearward wall. An exterior skin is disposed adjacent to the forward wall and substantially covers the forward wall. A plenum is defined by the space between the exterior skin and the forward wall and is adapted to receive utility lines.

摘要翻译： 冰箱包括限定开放存储空间的机柜。 门被布置在机柜上，可在打开位置和关闭位置之间操作。 门包括前壁和后壁。 绝缘层设置在前壁和后壁之间。 外部皮肤邻近前壁设置并基本上覆盖前壁。 气室由外表皮和前壁之间的空间限定，并且适于接收公用事业线。

公开(公告)号：US08522563B2

公开(公告)日：2013-09-03

申请号：US13349794

申请日：2012-01-13

申请人： Paul B. Allard ,  James W. Kendall ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

发明人： Paul B. Allard ,  James W. Kendall ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

IPC分类号： F25D3/12

CPC分类号： F25D23/028 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25D23/061 ,  F25D2400/16 ,  F25D2400/40 ,  H05K5/0247 ,  Y10T29/4998 ,  Y10T29/53

摘要： A method of forming a passageway in an insulated door of a refrigerator includes the steps of forming a conduit by inserting a mandrel in the space between a door liner and outer skin, filling the space with foam insulation, and removing the mandrel. In one embodiment, the mandrel is encased with a polymeric skin prior to the inserting step, such that, when the mandrel is removed, the skin remains at the boundary of the passageway so formed. In another embodiment, the method includes mounting fluid and/or electrical conduits to an inside surface of the door liner and subsequently injecting the foam insulation to surround the conduits. In yet another embodiment, fluid and/or electrical conduits are mounted to an outer surface of the door liner. A cover is then positioned over the conduits.

摘要翻译： 在冰箱的隔热门中形成通道的方法包括以下步骤：通过将心轴插入门衬里和外皮之间的空间中，用泡沫绝缘填充空间并移除心轴来形成导管。 在一个实施例中，心轴在插入步骤之前被聚合物皮肤包裹，使得当去除心轴时，皮肤保持在如此形成的通道的边界处。 在另一个实施例中，该方法包括将流体和/或电导管安装到门衬里的内表面，随后将泡沫绝缘体注入以围绕导管。 在另一个实施例中，流体和/或电气导管安装到门衬垫的外表面。 然后将覆盖物定位在导管上。

公开(公告)号：US08117865B2

公开(公告)日：2012-02-21

申请号：US12402644

申请日：2009-03-12

申请人： Paul B. Allard ,  James W. Kendall ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

发明人： Paul B. Allard ,  James W. Kendall ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

IPC分类号： F25D11/00

CPC分类号： F25D23/028 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25D23/061 ,  F25D2400/16 ,  F25D2400/40 ,  H05K5/0247 ,  Y10T29/4998 ,  Y10T29/53

摘要： A refrigerator includes the ability to mount a variety of modules requiring utilities, such as electricity and fluids, within adjustable locations in the door of the refrigerator. The door includes a conduit extending in at least one direction and including one or more plug-in connectors for allowing a module with a mating connector to be positioned on the door for supplying operating utilities to the module. This allows the purchaser of the refrigerator to add components and accessories to the refrigerator after purchase or select desired features at the time of purchase.

摘要翻译： 冰箱包括能够在冰箱门内的可调节位置安装需要诸如电力和流体等公用设施的各种模块。 门包括沿至少一个方向延伸的导管，并且包括一个或多个插入式连接器，用于允许具有匹配连接器的模块定位在门上以向模块提供操作实用程序。 这允许冰箱的购买者在购买之后向冰箱添加部件和附件，或者在购买时选择所需的特征。

公开(公告)号：US08128184B2

公开(公告)日：2012-03-06

申请号：US12402578

申请日：2009-03-12

申请人： Paul B. Allard ,  James W. Kendall ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

发明人： Paul B. Allard ,  James W. Kendall ,  Alan S. Lucas ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Guolian Wu

IPC分类号： A47B96/04

CPC分类号： F25D23/04 ,  F25D23/02 ,  F25D23/126 ,  F25D25/027 ,  F25D2323/023 ,  F25D2331/805 ,  F25D2400/16 ,  Y10T29/49629

摘要： A door assembly for an appliance includes a door having an interior side and an exterior side. A frame defines an aperture extending through the door from the interior side to the exterior side. A module is disposed in the aperture. The module includes a first component and a second component. The second component disengageably connects with the first component. A pivot member is operably coupled with the module and with the frame. The module is rotatable about the pivot member thereby allowing access to both the first component and the second component from the exterior side of the door body.

摘要翻译： 用于器具的门组件包括具有内侧和外侧的门。 框架限定从内侧到外侧延伸穿过门的孔。 模块设置在孔中。 该模块包括第一部件和第二部件。 第二部件与第一部件脱开接合。 枢轴构件与模块和框架可操作地联接。 模块可围绕枢转构件旋转，从而允许从门体的外侧进入第一部件和第二部件两者。

公开(公告)号：US08528349B2

公开(公告)日：2013-09-10

申请号：US13397288

申请日：2012-02-15

申请人： Paul B. Allard ,  Douglas D. Leclear ,  Karen J. Querfurth ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Michele E. Wilcox

发明人： Paul B. Allard ,  Douglas D. Leclear ,  Karen J. Querfurth ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Michele E. Wilcox

IPC分类号： F25B19/00

CPC分类号： A23L3/0155 ,  A23L3/3418 ,  A23L3/3445 ,  E05D11/0081 ,  E05Y2800/10 ,  E05Y2800/71 ,  E05Y2900/31 ,  F25C5/182 ,  F25C5/22 ,  F25D17/042 ,  F25D23/02 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25D23/061 ,  F25D23/12 ,  F25D23/126 ,  F25D2317/043 ,  F25D2323/023 ,  F25D2323/024 ,  F25D2331/801 ,  F25D2331/805 ,  F25D2400/16 ,  F25D2400/40 ,  F25D2500/02 ,  Y10T29/49359 ,  Y10T29/53 ,  Y10T137/0396 ,  Y10T137/6851

摘要： A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.

摘要翻译： 冰箱包括限定开放存储空间的机柜，并且包括具有外侧的门和适于接收模块化部件的内侧。 模块化部件包括可移除地连接到内侧并具有第一边缘和第二边缘的基座。 组件门铰接地连接到基座的第一边缘并且可以在打开位置和关闭位置之间操作。 当组件门处于关闭位置时，基座和部件门限定了一个密封的隔间。 第一紧固件设置在部件门上，第二紧固件设置在基座上。 第二紧固件接合第一紧固件以在部件门和基座之间形成气密密封。 真空装置与密封室连通，并且热封装置设置在基座或部件门上。

公开(公告)号：US08176746B2

公开(公告)日：2012-05-15

申请号：US12402559

申请日：2009-03-12

申请人： Paul B. Allard ,  Douglas D. Leclear ,  Karen J. Querfurth ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Michele E. Wilcox

发明人： Paul B. Allard ,  Douglas D. Leclear ,  Karen J. Querfurth ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Michele E. Wilcox

IPC分类号： F25B19/00

CPC分类号： A23L3/0155 ,  A23L3/3418 ,  A23L3/3445 ,  E05D11/0081 ,  E05Y2800/10 ,  E05Y2800/71 ,  E05Y2900/31 ,  F25C5/182 ,  F25C5/22 ,  F25D17/042 ,  F25D23/02 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25D23/061 ,  F25D23/12 ,  F25D23/126 ,  F25D2317/043 ,  F25D2323/023 ,  F25D2323/024 ,  F25D2331/801 ,  F25D2331/805 ,  F25D2400/16 ,  F25D2400/40 ,  F25D2500/02 ,  Y10T29/49359 ,  Y10T29/53 ,  Y10T137/0396 ,  Y10T137/6851

摘要： A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.

摘要翻译： 冰箱包括限定开放存储空间的机柜，并且包括具有外侧的门和适于接收模块化部件的内侧。 模块化部件包括可移除地连接到内侧并具有第一边缘和第二边缘的基座。 组件门铰接地连接到基座的第一边缘并且可以在打开位置和关闭位置之间操作。 当组件门处于关闭位置时，基座和部件门限定了一个密封的隔间。 第一紧固件设置在部件门上，第二紧固件设置在基座上。 第二紧固件接合第一紧固件以在部件门和基座之间形成气密密封。 真空装置与密封室连通，并且热封装置设置在基座或部件门上。

公开(公告)号：US08360802B2

公开(公告)日：2013-01-29

申请号：US12617110

申请日：2009-11-12

申请人： Paul B. Allard ,  Douglas D. LeClear ,  Karen J. Querfurth ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Michele E. Wilcox

发明人： Paul B. Allard ,  Douglas D. LeClear ,  Karen J. Querfurth ,  Andrew M. Tenbarge ,  John J. Vonderhaar ,  Michele E. Wilcox

IPC分类号： H01R13/72

CPC分类号： F25D23/028 ,  F25D23/00 ,  F25D23/04 ,  F25D2400/40 ,  H01R13/44 ,  H01R13/72 ,  Y10T403/18

摘要： An adjustable connector system for use in an appliance is provided, wherein the adjustable connector system includes a channel disposed on a surface of the appliance, an access aperture defined by a surface adjacent the channel, and a utility enabled connector at least partially received in the channel, and extending from the access aperture, wherein the utility enabled connector includes an elongated member configured to at least partially extend along the channel, and extend from the access aperture, and an interface adapted to supply at least one utility to a modular appliance configured to be removably attached to one of a plurality of removable attachment locations on the appliance.