System for preventing condensation on refrigerator doors and frames

• US 20050172649A1
• Filed: 02/11/2004
• Published: 08/11/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John Bunch
• Original Assignee: Door Miser, LLC
• Inventors: Malwitz, Bruce G., Shelby, Stephen Maxwell, Winthur, Matthew, Bunch, John
• Granted Patent: US 7,240,501 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 62/154
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 3/0482 Details common to both closed and open types
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 21/04 Preventing the formation of frost or condensate
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 25/02 by shelves

Abstract

The present invention is a device for reducing energy consumption by heaters on refrigerator doors and frames. A control unit is set so that the heater is on prior to the formation of condensation. The preferred embodiment provides for preset heater stop and start times entered by a system user. The heater may also be turned on when condensation is sensed by a sensor, and the sensor reading may be used to override the preset times. A programmer provides individual identification of each connected control unit and is used to read, measure and adjust one or more control units'"'"' settings. A communications host is used to enable remote monitoring and control. In addition, a quick-disconnect power connector provides for easily setting the system to a heater-on state.

Claims

1. A system for reducing energy consumption by a heater on a refrigerator comprising:

a) a first control unit comprising a computer processor having memory and a timer, the control unit connected to the heater; and

b) a programmer that sets values in the memory such that the heater is turned off and on at predetermined times.

2. A system according to claim 1 further comprising at least one sensor on a refrigerator that senses condensation and turns on the heater when condensation is present.

3. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a quick-disconnect power connector connecting the control unit to a power source.

4. A system according to claim 1 further comprising at least one additional control unit connected to the first control unit, wherein the programmer uniquely identifies each control unit.

5. A system according to claim 4 wherein the programmer reads and adjusts values on each control unit.

6. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a communications host connected to at least one control unit, wherein the communications host enables remote monitor and control of each control unit.

7. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a communications host connected to at least one control unit, wherein the communications host logs and manages system information.

8. A system for reducing energy consumption by a heater on a refrigerator, the system comprising:

a) a control unit comprising a computer processor;

memory;

a timer; and

an analog-to-digital converter;

b) a quick-disconnect power connector connecting the control unit to a power source;

c) at least one sensor that senses condensation connected to the control unit;

d) a programmer connected to the control unit, wherein the programmer further comprises;

i. a computer processor;

ii. a signal input/output;

iii. a keyboard; and

iv. a display, wherein the programmer sets at least one preset time in the control unit to turn off the heater and the control unit receives a signal from a sensor that overrides the preset time such that the heater is turned on;

e) a communications host connected to at least one control unit, wherein the communications host enables remote monitor and control of each control unit.