U.S. patent application number 13/967892 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-19 for refrigeration system management and information display.
This patent application is currently assigned to Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC. Invention is credited to Richard H. Bair, III, Michael W. Brown, Norman P. Davies.
Application Number | 20130339894 13/967892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45095799 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130339894 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bair, III; Richard H. ; et
al. |
December 19, 2013 |
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION DISPLAY
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide methods of displaying
information associated with a refrigeration system, methods for
managing a refrigeration system, refrigeration systems, methods of
providing redundancy to a refrigeration system, and injector
systems. A refrigeration system and method for displaying
information associated with a refrigeration system includes
monitoring a temperature associated with the refrigeration system,
detecting events associated with the refrigeration system, and
displaying the temperature and at least one event associated with
the refrigeration system occurring during a predetermined period of
time, including displaying the temperature occurring during the
predetermined period of time and displaying a user interface
element associated with at least one event occurring during the
predetermined period of time.
Inventors: |
Bair, III; Richard H.;
(Weaverville, NC) ; Brown; Michael W.;
(Weaverville, NC) ; Davies; Norman P.; (Asheville,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC |
Asheville |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Thermo Fisher Scientific
(Asheville) LLC
Asheville
NC
|
Family ID: |
45095799 |
Appl. No.: |
13/967892 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12797037 |
Jun 9, 2010 |
8537018 |
|
|
13967892 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/772 ;
62/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0484 20130101;
F25B 49/00 20130101; F25D 11/04 20130101; F25D 2700/02 20130101;
F25D 2700/123 20130101; F25D 29/008 20130101; F25D 2700/14
20130101; F25D 2400/361 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/772 ;
62/129 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/00 20060101
F25B049/00; G06F 3/0484 20060101 G06F003/0484 |
Claims
1. A method of displaying information associated with a
refrigeration system, comprising: monitoring a temperature
associated with the refrigeration system; detecting events
associated with the refrigeration system; displaying at least one
user interface screen associated with the refrigeration system, the
at least one user interface screen including at least one
user-selectable element; and in response to selection of the
user-selectable element, determining and displaying context
relevant data associated with the at least one user interface
screen.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is at least one of a home screen or an expanded line graph
screen that depicts the temperature within the refrigeration system
occurring during a predetermined period of time as well as at least
one event associated with a refrigeration system occurring during
the predetermined period of time.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is a sensor data screen that includes a graphical
representation of at least a portion of the refrigeration system as
well as a graphical representation of at least one temperature
sensor in the graphical representation of the at least a portion of
the refrigeration system.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is a temperature settings screen to configure a set
temperature for the refrigeration system.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the temperature settings screen
is further utilized to configure high temperature threshold for the
refrigeration system.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is a connectivity screen to configure settings for
communication with the refrigeration system.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is a global configuration screen to configure a global
setting of the refrigeration system, wherein the global setting
includes a global setting selected from the group consisting of a
language associated with the refrigeration system, a date
associated with the refrigeration system, a time associated with
the refrigeration system, a temperature scale associated with the
refrigeration system, and combinations thereof.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is a preferences screen to configure a preference of the
refrigeration system, wherein the preference includes a preference
selected from the group consisting of a power mode in which to
operate the refrigeration system, an indication of whether to
enable communications from the refrigeration system, a time
associated with a screen timeout of the refrigeration system, and
combinations thereof.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is a user management screen to manage users of the
refrigeration system.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is a freezer settings screen to indicate at least one of a
set temperature for the refrigeration system, a predetermined high
temperature threshold for the refrigeration system, a predetermined
low temperature threshold for the refrigeration system, or an
ambient temperature outside the refrigeration system.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is a system health screen to indicate a status of at least a
portion of the refrigeration system.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is a power systems screen to indicate a status of at least
one power source for the refrigeration system.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is a settings screen from which a user can navigate to a
plurality of additional user interface screens.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is an event log screen that indicates at least a portion of
the events associated with the refrigeration system.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is a file browser screen that indicates downloadable files
stored in a memory of the refrigeration system.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
screen is a file browser screen that indicates files capable of
being transferred to a memory of the refrigeration system.
17. A refrigeration system, comprising: a refrigerated cabinet; at
least one processing unit; a user interface; and a memory
containing program code, the program code configured to, when
executed by the at least one processing unit, monitor a temperature
associated with the refrigeration system, detect events associated
with the refrigeration system, display at least one user interface
screen associated with the refrigeration system on the user
interface, the at least one user interface screen including at
least one user-selectable element, the program code further
configured to determine and display context relevant data
associated with the at least one user interface screen in response
to the selection of the user-selectable element.
18. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is at least one of a home screen or an
expanded line graph screen that depicts the temperature within the
refrigeration system occurring during a predetermined period of
time as well as at least one event associated with a refrigeration
system occurring during the predetermined period of time.
19. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is a sensor data screen that includes a
graphical representation of at least a portion of the refrigeration
system as well as a graphical representation of at least one
temperature sensor in the graphical representation of the at least
a portion of the refrigeration system.
20. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is a temperature settings screen to configure
a set temperature for the refrigeration system.
21. The refrigeration system of claim 20, wherein the temperature
settings screen is further utilized to configure an high
temperature threshold for the refrigeration system.
22. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is a connectivity screen to configure
settings for communication with the refrigeration system.
23. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is a global configuration screen to configure
a global setting of the refrigeration system, wherein the global
setting includes a global setting selected from the group
consisting of a language associated with the refrigeration system,
a date associated with the refrigeration system, a time associated
with the refrigeration system, a temperature scale associated with
the refrigeration system, and combinations thereof.
24. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is a preferences screen to configure a
preference of the refrigeration system, wherein the preference
includes a preference selected from the group consisting of a power
mode in which to operate the refrigeration system, an indication of
whether to enable communications from the refrigeration system, a
time associated with a screen timeout of the user interface, and
combinations thereof.
25. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is a user management screen to manage users
of the refrigeration system.
26. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is a freezer settings screen to indicate at
least one of a set temperature for the refrigeration system, a
predetermined high temperature threshold for the refrigeration
system, a predetermined low temperature threshold for the
refrigeration system, or an ambient temperature outside the
refrigeration system.
27. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is a system health screen to indicate a
status of at least a portion of the refrigeration system.
28. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is a power systems screen to indicate a
status of at least one power source for the refrigeration
system.
29. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is a settings screen from which a user can
navigate to a plurality of additional user interface screens.
30. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is an event log screen that indicates at
least a portion of the events associated with the refrigeration
system.
31. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is a file browser screen that indicates
downloadable files stored in a memory of the refrigeration
system.
32. The refrigeration system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
user interface screen is a file browser screen that indicates files
capable of being transferred to a memory of the refrigeration
system.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/797,037, filed Jun. 9, 2010, the disclosure
of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to refrigeration
systems and, more particularly, to displaying information
associated with and managing the operation of those refrigeration
systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Refrigeration systems are known, such as the type known as
"ultra-low temperature freezers" ("ULT's"), which cool their
interior storage spaces to relative low temperatures such as about
-80.degree. C. or lower, for example.
[0004] Known refrigeration systems of this type include two stages
circulating respective first and second refrigerants. The first
stage transfers energy (i.e., heat) from the first refrigerant to
the surrounding environment through a condenser, while the second
refrigerant of the second stage receives energy from the cooled
space (e.g., a cabinet interior) through an evaporator. Heat is
transferred from the second refrigerant to the first refrigerant
through a heat exchanger that is in fluid communication with the
two stages of the refrigeration system.
[0005] However, management of these refrigeration systems is often
cumbersome. For example, inputting settings to a refrigeration
system is often performed by a manufacturer or distributor prior to
providing that refrigeration system to a customer. Alternatively,
some conventional refrigeration systems include a keypad for the
user to enter settings, but such entry often introduces errors as
the keypads are typically difficult to use. In any event, normal
operations of a plurality of refrigeration system can cause
unforeseen undesirable outcomes. For example, a plurality of
refrigeration systems often recover from a power failure at the
same time, typically resulting in a surge of demand that the power
system is unable to cope with.
[0006] Moreover, it is often difficult to interface with or
otherwise track data associated with refrigeration systems. In
particular, conventional refrigeration systems are unable to
display information about temperatures within the refrigeration
systems, or events associated with the refrigeration system, that
occur over an extended period of time. This can lead to questions
about the operation of conventional refrigeration systems that go
unanswered, as there is no data that indicates how those
conventional refrigeration systems operated. Moreover, conventional
refrigeration systems often fail to display ambient temperatures
that are used as baselines and additional information associated
with the refrigeration system. Still further, conventional
refrigeration systems lack security features that indicate a
particular user that interacted with the refrigeration system and
at what time.
[0007] There is a need, therefore, for refrigeration systems that
can have their settings manipulated by a user as well as track and
display various operational data over predetermined periods of
time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Embodiments of the invention address the drawbacks of the
known prior art and provide a method of displaying information
associated with a refrigeration system as well as a refrigeration
system that monitors, detects, and displays events associated with
the operation of the refrigeration system.
[0009] In one embodiment, a refrigeration system and method are
provided that monitor a temperature associated with the
refrigeration system and detect events associated with the
refrigeration system. The refrigeration system and method further
displays the temperature and at least one event associated with the
refrigeration system occurring during a predetermined period of
time, including displaying the temperature occurring during the
predetermined period of time and displaying an user interface
element associated with the at least one event occurring during the
predetermined period of time.
[0010] In alternative embodiments, another refrigeration system and
method are provided that display information associated with a
refrigeration system. The refrigeration system and method monitor
at least one temperature associated with the refrigeration system
utilizing a plurality of temperature sensors located within the
refrigeration system and display a graphical representation of at
least a portion of the refrigeration system. The refrigeration
system and method further display a graphical representation of at
least one temperature sensor in the graphical representation of the
at least a portion of the refrigeration system.
[0011] In further alternative embodiments, another refrigeration
system and method monitors a temperature associated with the
refrigeration system and detects events associated with the
refrigeration system. The refrigeration system and method further
display at least one user interface screen associated with the
refrigeration system, the at least one user interface screen
including at least one user-selectable element. The refrigeration
system and method still further, and in response to selection of
the user-selectable element, determine and display context relevant
data associated with the at least one user interface screen.
[0012] In further alternative embodiments, a method of providing
redundancy to a refrigeration system and an injector system is
provided. In those embodiments, the injector system and method
received a high temperature threshold, monitor a temperature
associated with the refrigeration system, and, in response to the
temperature meeting or exceeding the high temperature threshold,
initiate an injection sequence using at least one predetermined
cold source.
[0013] In alternative embodiments, another refrigeration system and
method determine, based on user input, a range of time from within
which to select a variable time and randomly select the variable
time from within the range of time. The refrigeration system and
method further monitor a primary power source that supplies power
to at least a portion of the refrigeration system and, in response
to detecting a failure associated with the primary power source,
supply power to the at least a portion of the refrigeration system
with a backup power source. The refrigeration system and method
still further, and in response to detecting a recovery of the
primary power source, supply power to the at least a portion of the
refrigeration system with the primary power source after at least
the variable time has elapsed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with a general description of the
invention given above, and the detailed description of the
embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a partially broken perspective view of an
exemplary refrigeration system, and in particular, an ultra-low
temperature freezer ("ULT"), in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a refrigeration unit
used with the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a deck of the ULT of FIG.
1.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an interior
portion of the deck of FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an interior portion of an
insulated enclosure within the deck of FIGS. 2-3.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic illustration of a controller of the
ULT of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a global configuration screen
for a user to configure global settings for the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a temperature setting screen
for the user to configure temperatures associated with the ULT of
FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 9 is an illustration of the temperature setting screen
of FIG. 8 when the user sets an operating temperature for the ULT
of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an illustration of the temperature setting screen
of FIG. 8 when the user sets an alarm temperature for the ULT of
FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a power mode screen for the
user to configure a power mode for the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 12 is an illustration of a settings screen for the user
to navigate to additional screens associated with the ULT of FIG.
1.
[0027] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a freezer settings screen for
the user to view and/or adjust temperature and time settings
associated with the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 14 is an illustration of a backup settings screen for
the user to view and/or adjust backup settings associated with the
ULT of FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a connectivity screen for the
user to configure choose a method of communication associated with
the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 16 is an illustration of an Ethernet settings screen
for the user to configure Ethernet communication settings
associated with the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 17 is an illustration of a serial settings screen for
the user to configure serial communication settings associated with
the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 18 is an illustration of a preferences screen for the
user to view and/or adjust preferences associated with the ULT of
FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 19 is an illustration of a user management screen for
the user to manage users of the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 20 is an illustration of a new user data entry screen
for the user to input data associated with a new user of the ULT of
FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 21 is an illustration of a system health screen for the
user to view information associated with the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 22A is an illustration of a sensor data screen for the
user to view information about sensors associated with the ULT of
FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 22B is an illustration of a schematic data screen for
the user to view information about one or more components
associated with the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 23 is an illustration of an event log screen for the
user to view and/or sort events associated with the ULT of FIG.
1.
[0039] FIG. 24 is an illustration of an event log detail screen
that indicates information associated with a specific event
illustrated in the event log screen of FIG. 23.
[0040] FIG. 25 is an illustration of a power systems screen for the
user to view information about power systems associated with the
ULT of FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 26 is an illustration of a home screen for the user to
view cabinet interior temperature and at least one event associated
with the ULT of FIG. 1 and occurring during a predetermined amount
of time.
[0042] FIG. 27 is an illustration of an expanded line graph screen
for the user to view cabinet interior temperature and at least one
event associated with the ULT of FIG. 1 and occurring during a
predetermined amount of time.
[0043] FIG. 28 is an illustration of a graph axis screen for the
user to adjust parameters for the home screen of FIG. 26 or the
expanded line graph screen of FIG. 27.
[0044] FIG. 29 is an illustration of the expanded line graph screen
of FIG. 27 after adjustments to parameters illustrated in FIG.
28.
[0045] FIG. 30 is an illustration of a first graph event screen
that indicates information about an event after selection of a user
selectable icon associated with that event on the home screen of
FIG. 26 or the expanded line graph screen of FIG. 27.
[0046] FIG. 31 is an illustration of a second graph event screen
that indicates information about an event after selection of a user
selectable icon associated with that event on the home screen of
FIG. 26 or the expanded line graph screen of FIG. 27.
[0047] FIG. 32 is an illustration of a file browser screen for the
user to view files stored on the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0048] FIG. 33 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of
the home screen of FIG. 26.
[0049] FIG. 34 is an illustration of a help screen that indicates
context relevant data associated with a screen in turn associated
with the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0050] FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
to detect a temperature and an event associated with the ULT of
FIG. 1.
[0051] FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
to display a cabinet interior temperature and/or an event occurring
over a predetermined period of time and associated with the ULT of
FIG. 1.
[0052] FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
to display data associated with a selected event in turn associated
with the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0053] FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
to display context relevant data associated with a screen in turn
associated with the ULT of FIG. 1.
[0054] FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
for the ULT of FIG. 1 to recover from a failure of a primary power
source.
[0055] FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
for the ULT of FIG. 1 to store data files in a memory.
[0056] FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations
to initiate an injection procedure associated with the ULT of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] With reference to the figures, and more specifically to FIG.
1, an exemplary refrigeration system according to one embodiment of
the present invention is illustrated. The system of FIG. 1 is in
the form of an ultra-low temperature freezer ("ULT") 10 having a
deck 14 that supports a cabinet 16 thereabove, for storing items
that require cooling to temperatures of about -80.degree. C. or
lower, for example. The cabinet 16, in turn, includes a cabinet
housing 16a and a door 16b providing access into an interior 16c of
the cabinet 16. The cabinet 16 further includes at least one user
interface 18. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the user interface 18 is
mounted on the cabinet door 16b. The user interface 18 may receive
data (including, for example, through a keyboard, mouse, a
microphone, and/or other user interface device) and/or output data
(including, for example, through a display, speakers, a printer,
and/or another user output device). In specific embodiments, the
user interface 18 is a touchscreen operative to both receive data
from and output data to a user. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the user
interface 18 is mounted on the exterior of the door 16b. One having
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in alternative
embodiments the user interface 18 is mounted on a different
location of the cabinet 16, and in further alternative embodiments
the user interface 18 is mounted on the deck 14 of the ULT 10.
[0058] The deck 14 supports one or more components that jointly
define a two-stage cascade refrigeration unit 20 (FIG. 2) that
thermally interacts with cabinet 16 to cool the interior 16c
thereof. As used herein, the term "deck" refers to the structural
assembly or framework that is located beneath and supports the
cabinet 16. An exemplary refrigeration unit similar to unit 20 is
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/570,480, entitled
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM MOUNTED WITHIN A DECK (Attorney Docket
TFLED-227AUS), and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/570,348,
entitled REFRIGERATION SYSTEM HAVING A VARIABLE SPEED COMPRESSOR
(Attorney Docket TFLED-226AUS), both of which are assigned to the
assignee of the present application. The disclosure of the
commonly-assigned applications are incorporated by reference herein
in their entirety.
[0059] With reference to FIGS. 2-5, details of the exemplary
refrigeration unit 20 are illustrated. Unit 20 is made up of a
first stage 24 and a second stage 26 respectively defining first
and second circuits for circulating a first refrigerant 34 and a
second refrigerant 36. A plurality of sensors S.sub.1 through
S.sub.18 are arranged to sense different conditions of unit 20
and/or properties of the refrigerants 34, 36 in unit 20, while a
controller 130 controls and logs data associated with the operation
of ULT 10. The first stage 24 transfers energy (i.e., heat) from
the first refrigerant 34 to the surrounding environment 40, while
the second refrigerant 36 of the second stage 26 receives energy
from the a cabinet interior 16c. Heat is transferred from the
second refrigerant 36 to the first refrigerant 34 through a heat
exchanger 44 (FIG. 5) that is in fluid communication with the first
and second stages 24, 26 of the refrigeration unit 20.
[0060] The first stage 24 includes, in sequence, a first compressor
50, a condenser 54, and a first expansion device 58. A fan 62
directs ambient air across the condenser 54 through a filter 54a
and facilitates the transfer of heat from the first refrigerant 34
to the surrounding environment 40. The second stage 26 includes,
also in sequence, a second compressor 70, a second expansion device
74, and an evaporator 78. The evaporator 78 is in thermal
communication with the interior 16c of cabinet 16 (FIG. 1) such
that heat is transferred from the interior 16c to the evaporator
78, thereby cooling the interior 16c. The heat exchanger 44 is in
fluid communication with the first stage 24 between the first
expansion device 58 and the first compressor 50. Further, the heat
exchanger 44 is in fluid communication with the second stage 26
between the second compressor 70 and the second expansion device
74. In general, the first refrigerant 34 is condensed in the
condenser 54 and remains in liquid phase until it evaporates at
some point within the heat exchanger 44. First refrigerant vapor is
compressed by first compressor 50 before being returned to
condenser 54.
[0061] In operation, the second refrigerant 36 receives heat from
the interior 16c through the evaporator 78 and flows from the
evaporator 78 to the second compressor 70 through a conduit 90. An
accumulator device 92 is in fluid communication with conduit 90 to
pass the second refrigerant 36 in gaseous form to the second
compressor 70, while accumulating excessive amounts of the same in
liquid form and feeding it to the second compressor 70 at a
controlled rate. From the second compressor 70, the compressed
second refrigerant 36 flows through a conduit 96 and into the heat
exchanger 44 thermally communicating the first and second stages
24, 26 with one another. The second refrigerant 36 enters the heat
exchanger 44 in gas form and transfers heat to the first
refrigerant 34 while condensing into a liquid form. In this regard,
the flow of the first refrigerant 34 may, for example, be
counter-flow relative to the second refrigerant 36, so as to
maximize the rate of heat transfer. In one specific, non-limiting
example, the heat exchanger 44 is in the form of a split-flow
brazed plate heat exchanger, vertically oriented within the deck 14
(FIG. 1), and designed to maximize the amount of turbulent flow of
the first and second refrigerants 34, 36 within heat exchanger 44,
which in turn maximizes the heat transfer from the second
refrigerant 36 to the first refrigerant 34. Other types or
configurations of heat exchangers are possible as well.
[0062] With continued reference to FIGS. 2-5, the second
refrigerant 36 exits the heat exchanger 44, in liquid form, through
an outlet 44a thereof and flows through a conduit 102, through a
filter/dryer unit 103, then through the second expansion device 74,
and then back to the evaporator 78 of the second stage 26 where it
can evaporate into gaseous form while absorbing heat from the
cabinet interior 16c. The second stage 26 of this exemplary
embodiment also includes an oil loop 104 for lubricating the second
compressor 70. Specifically, the oil loop 104 includes an oil
separator 106 in fluid communication with conduit 96 and an oil
return line 108 directing oil back into second compressor 70.
Additionally, or alternatively, the second stage 26 may include a
de-superheater device 110 to cool down the discharge stream of the
second refrigerant 36 and which is in fluid communication with
conduit 96 upstream of the heat exchanger 44.
[0063] As discussed above, the first refrigerant 34 flows through
the first stage 24. Specifically, the first refrigerant 34 receives
heat from the second refrigerant 36 flowing through the heat
exchanger 44, leaves the heat exchanger 44 in gas form through an
outlet 44b thereof and flows along a pair of conduits 114, 115
towards the first compressor 50. An accumulator device 116 is
positioned between conduits 114 and 115 to pass the first
refrigerant 34 in gaseous form to the first compressor 50, while
accumulating excessive amounts of the same in liquid form and
feeding it to the first compressor 50 at a controlled rate. From
the first compressor 50, the compressed first refrigerant 34 flows
through a conduit 118 and into the condenser 54. The first
refrigerant 34 in condenser 54 transfers heat to the surrounding
environment 40 as it condenses from gaseous to liquid form, before
flowing along conduits 122, 123, through a filter/dryer unit 126,
and into the first expansion device 58, where the first refrigerant
34 undergoes a pressure drop. From the first expansion device 58,
the first refrigerant 34 flows though a conduit 127 back into the
heat exchanger 44, entering the same in liquid form.
[0064] With continued reference to FIGS. 2-5, an exemplary
insulated enclosure 150 within the deck 14 encloses one or more of
the components described above, permitting sufficient insulation of
those components which, in turn, improves the efficiency of the
unit 20 relative to conventional refrigeration units. Specifically,
the heat exchanger 44 is supported within the insulated enclosure
150 and is surrounded by sufficient amounts of insulation 152 so as
to enable attainment of a desired level of efficiency of the heat
exchanger 44. Moreover, a plurality of isolators 154, such as foam
blocks, prevents contact between conduits within enclosure 150 in
selected locations and positions the conduits and other components
when the enclosure 150 is being foamed.
[0065] In this exemplary embodiment, the heat exchanger 44 is
oriented generally vertically and further such that the first
refrigerant 34 flows in a generally upward direction while the
second refrigerant 36 flows in a generally downward direction. More
specifically, the first refrigerant 34 enters the heat exchanger 44
proximate a lower portion thereof and exits the same proximate an
upper portion of the heat exchanger 44. Similarly, the second
refrigerant 36 enters the heat exchanger 44 proximate an upper
portion thereof and exits the same proximate a lower portion of the
heat exchanger 44. As discussed above, the first refrigerant 34
evaporates from a liquid to a gaseous form in heat exchanger 44,
while the second refrigerant 36 condenses from a gaseous to a
liquid form in heat exchanger 44.
[0066] In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2-5, moreover, the
insulated enclosure 150 supports within its interior the first
expansion device 58 of the first stage 24. In this embodiment, the
first expansion device 58 is in the form of a capillary tube,
although it is contemplated that it could instead take another form
such as, and without limitation, an expansion valve (not shown). In
addition to the first expansion device 58, the accumulator device
116 of the first stage 24 is also supported within the interior of
insulated enclosure 150, as is the filter/dryer unit 103 of the
second stage 26. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate that other components of unit 20 may be located inside
the insulated enclosure 150 alternatively or in addition to those
components located inside the enclosure 150 in the illustrated
embodiment.
[0067] In addition to the first stage 24 and the second state 26,
the ULT 10 may include, be coupled to, or be in communication with
an injector system 160 that operates as a backup for the first
stage 24 and/or the second stage 26. In particular, the injector
system 160 may be in communication with the cabinet interior 16c
and operate to inject refrigerant into the cabinet interior 16c in
response to the temperature of the cabinet interior 16c rising too
high. For example, when a high temperature threshold in the cabinet
interior 16c is met or exceeded, an event associated with that high
temperature threshold being met or crossed may be declared by the
controller 130 and the injector system 160 may inject one or more
refrigerant R.sub.1 through R.sub.2 directly into the cabinet
interior 16c to quickly reduce the temperature of the cabinet
interior 16c.
[0068] Among the factors which one skilled in the art can use in
deciding which components to include within enclosure 150 are the
expecting operating temperature of the specific component under
steady state operating conditions, taking into account the boiling
points and other characteristics of first refrigerant 34 and second
refrigerant 36, the desired temperature at which cabinet interior
16c is to be maintained, various operating pressures and similar
factors. For example, in ULT freezers with an expected cabinet
temperature of about -86.degree. C. and certain common
refrigerants, the heat exchanger 44 is expected to operate under
steady state conditions at about -40.degree. C. Exemplary
refrigerants suitable for the presently described embodiments
include refrigerants commercially available under the respective
designations R404A for the first refrigerant 34, and a mixture of
R290 and R508B for the second refrigerant 36. Moreover, in specific
embodiments, the first and second refrigerants may be combined with
an oil to facilitate lubrication of the respective compressors 50,
70. For example, and without limitation, the first refrigerant 34
may be combined with Mobil EAL Artic 32 oil and the second
refrigerant 36 may be combined with Zerol 150 Alkylbenzene oil. In
another aspect of the present disclosure, the precise arrangement
of the components illustrated in the figures is intended to be
merely exemplary rather than limiting.
[0069] With reference to FIG. 6, an exemplary controller 130 that
controls the ULT 10 and gathers data associated with the ULT 10
includes at least one central processing unit ("CPU") 170 coupled
to a memory 172. Each CPU 170 is typically implemented in hardware
using circuit logic disposed on one or more physical integrated
circuit devices or chips. Each CPU 170 may be one or more
microprocessors, micro-controllers, field programmable gate arrays,
or ASICs, while memory 172 may include random access memory (RAM),
dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory
(SRAM), flash memory, and/or another digital storage medium, and
also typically implemented using circuit logic disposed on one or
more physical integrated circuit devices, or chips. As such, memory
172 may be considered to include memory storage physically located
elsewhere in the ULT 10, e.g., any cache memory in the at least one
CPU 170, as well as any storage capacity used as a virtual memory,
e.g., as stored on a mass storage device 174 (e.g., a fixed memory,
such as a hard disk drive or other fixed memory, or a removable
memory, such as a USB drive or an SD memory card), another
computing system 176, a network storage device 178 (e.g., a tape
drive), or another network device 180 (hereinafter, a "server" 180)
coupled to the controller 130 through at least one network
interface 183A (illustrated as, and hereinafter, "network I/F"
183A) by way of at least one network 182. It will be appreciated
that the at least one network 182 may include at least one private
communications network (e.g., such as an intranet) and/or at least
one public communications network (e.g., such as the Internet). The
computing system 176 or server 180, in specific embodiments, is a
computer, computer system, computing device, server, disk array, or
programmable device such as a multi-user computer, a single-user
computer, a handheld computing device, a networked device
(including a computer in a cluster configuration), a mobile
telecommunications device, a video game console (or other gaming
system), etc. In addition to the network I/F 183A, the controller
includes at least one serial interface 183B (illustrated as, and
hereinafter, "serial I/F" 183B) to communicate serially with an
external device, such as the computing system 176 and/or server
180, for example. In alternative embodiments, the serial I/F 183B
is configured to communicate with a portable memory, such as a USB
storage device (not shown) or a flash memory card (not shown) from
which to transfer and/or receive data.
[0070] The controller 130 is coupled to the user interface 18
through an input/output device interface 184 (illustrated as, and
hereinafter, "I/O I/F" 184). The controller 130 is also coupled to
various other components of the ULT 10 through the I/O I/F 184,
including sensors S.sub.1 through S.sub.18, which may include
temperature sensors (e.g., for the cabinet interior 16c, for the
first stage 24, for the second stage 26, and for the ambient
temperature of the environment of the ULT 10) as well as event
sensors (e.g., for power loss events, power restoration events,
door open events, door close events, component failure events, and
injection procedure events) ("sensors" shown illustratively at
186). Moreover, the controller 130 is coupled to components of the
first stage 24, components of the second stage 26, and the injector
system 160 through the I/O I/F 184.
[0071] The controller 130 is typically under the control of an
operating system 188 and executes or otherwise relies upon various
computer software applications, sequences of operations,
components, programs, files, objects, modules, etc., consistent
with embodiments of the invention. In specific embodiments, the
controller 130 executes or otherwise relies on at least one
application 190 to control the ULT 10, gather information
associated with the ULT 10, and generate user interface screens
consistent with embodiments of the invention.
[0072] Furthermore, the controller 130 is configured to manage the
power supplied to at least a portion of the ULT 10. The ULT 10 may
include, and controller 130 may be coupled to, a primary power
source 192 (e.g., a source of AC power) and a backup power source
194 (e.g., at least one energy storage device, such as at least one
battery or super-capacitor). When the primary power source 192
fails, at least a portion of the ULT 10 may operate using power
from the backup power source 194. In this manner, the contents of
the ULT 10 in the cabinet interior 16c are maintained at about a
set temperature. When the primary power source 192 is restored, the
controller 130 operates to switch the power supplied to the at
least a portion of the ULT 10 from the backup power source 194 to
the primary power source 192.
[0073] Still further, the controller 130 is configured to detect
events associated with the ULT 10. For example, and not intending
to be limiting, the controller 130 is configured to determine a
power on event, a power off event, a power failure event, a power
restored event, a door open event, a door close event, a component
failure event, an injection procedure event, an interface locked
event (e.g., the touchscreen 18 is locked), a user management event
(e.g., a user has been added, a user has been edited, and/or a user
has been deleted), a service event, an interface unlocked event
(e.g., the touchscreen 18 is unlocked), a connectivity event (e.g.,
the controller 130 has made, lost, and/or terminated a connection
with the network 182 and/or another computer 176, 178, and/or 180),
a temperature event (e.g., high temperature threshold or a low
temperature threshold has been reached or exceeded, or that the
operating temperature has been reached), and/or a user
identification entered event. In specific embodiments, the
controller 130 may detect and indicate a temperature event, such as
that a high temperature threshold (otherwise referred to as the
"alarm temperature") has been reached or exceeded, in one of a
plurality of manners. In some embodiments, the controller 130 may
detect that a high temperature threshold has been reached and
immediately declare such a temperature event (e.g., a high
temperature threshold event, high temperature event, or "alarm
temperature" event). In alternative embodiments, the controller 130
may detect that a high temperature threshold has been reached and
declare a high temperature threshold event only when the high
temperature threshold has been met or exceeded for a predetermined
amount of time (for example, and not intending to be limiting,
thirty seconds). In still further alternative embodiments, the
controller 130 may detect that a high temperature threshold has
been reached and declare a high temperature threshold event only
when the high temperature threshold has been met or exceeded and
the ULT 10 has not recovered to a particular temperature (e.g.,
such as an offset, or primary offset, temperature) within a
predetermined amount of time (for example, and not intending to be
limiting, thirty seconds).
[0074] Consistent with embodiments of the invention, FIGS. 7-34
illustrate plurality of screens that may be displayed on the user
interface 18 by the controller 130 or, alternatively, on a display
of a computing system in communication with the ULT 10 (such as
computing system 176 and/or server 180 that includes application
190 and remotely controls the controller 130 through the network
I/F 183A or serial I/F 183B, or such as computing system 176 and/or
server 180 that control the controller 130 remotely, such as
through application 190, through network I/F 183A, or serial I/F
183B). The screens in FIGS. 7-34 allow a user to input and view
data associated with the ULT 10, as well as adjust the operations,
settings, and/or functionality of the ULT 10.
[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates a global configuration screen 200 from
which a user may configure global configurations of the ULT 10. In
particular, the global configurations screen 200 may be displayed
by the user interface 18 and include a plurality of user selectable
elements, or icons, 202-212 that are reproduced on at least one
other screen. The global configurations screen 200 includes a
screen calibration icon 202 the user selects (e.g., on a
touchscreen, with a mouse, through a command) to view a screen to
calibrate the user interface 18, a global configurations icon 204
the user selects to view and/or adjust global configurations, a
terms and conditions icon 206 the user selects to view information
as well as terms and conditions of use for the ULT 10, a
temperature set icon 208 the user selects to view and/or adjust the
operating and alarm temperatures for the ULT 10, a power settings
icon 210 the user selects to view and/or adjust the power
operations of the ULT 10, and a help icon 212 the user selects to
view help about the screen.
[0076] The global configuration screen 200 also includes a
plurality of user selectable icons 214-230 that are unique to that
global configuration screen. These include the user language icon
214 the user selects to activate a drop-down control 216 (for the
user to select a language), a date icon 218 the user selects to
activate a date selection control 220 (for the user to select a
calendar date), a clock icon 222 the user selects to activate both
a time mode control 224 (for the user to select that the time is
either a.m. p.m., or that the time kept based on a twenty-four hour
clock) as well as a time control 226 (for the user to select the
current time), and a temperature icon 228 the user selects to
active a temperature control 230 (for the user to specify whether
the temperature will be displayed in Celsius or Fahrenheit). After
specifying the language, date, time, or temperature scale, the user
may confirm their configuration by selecting a corresponding
confirm entry icon 232. The global configuration screen 200 also
includes a back arrow icon 234 for the user to navigate to the
previously provided screen.
[0077] In response to the user selecting the temperature set icon
208, the temperature setting screen 240 illustrated in FIG. 8 is
displayed. In the temperature setting screen 240, the user may
select a primary temperature control 242 to set the operating
temperature (or set temperature) for the ULT 10. The operating
temperature of the ULT 10 is the exemplary temperature at which the
cabinet interior 16c is to be maintained. FIG. 9 illustrates the
temperature setting screen 240 when the primary temperature control
242 has been activated. In the temperature setting screen 240, the
user may also select a backup temperature control 244 to set an
alarm temperature (or high temperature threshold) for the ULT 10
(e.g., the temperature at which an alarm is provided and/or at
which an injection procedure is initiated to cool the cabinet
interior 16c). FIG. 10 illustrates the temperature setting screen
240 when the backup temperature control 244 has been activated.
[0078] In response to the user selecting the power settings icon
210, the power mode screen 250 illustrated in FIG. 11 is displayed.
The power mode screen 250 allows a user to select a power mode for
the ULT 10. These power modes may include a performance mode (in
which the ULT 10 reacts to temperature changes quickly at the
expense of greater power consumption), a normal mode (in which the
ULT 10 reacts to temperature changes at a normal rate with respect
to normal power consumption), and an energy save mode (in which the
ULT 10 reacts to temperature changes at a slightly slower rate with
respect to less power consumption than in either the performance
mode or the energy saver mode). As such, the user selects a
performance mode icon 252 to activate the performance mode, the
user selects a normal mode icon 254 to activate the normal mode,
and the user selects an energy saver icon 256 to activate the
energy saver mode.
[0079] After initial configuration (e.g., after the user interface
is calibrated, the global configurations are configured, the terms
and conditions have been viewed, the operating and alarm
temperatures have been set, and/or the power mode has been set),
and more generally when the controller 130 has been accessed after
the initial configuration (e.g., such as through the touchscreen
18), the controller 130 may provide the user with a screen to enter
their user name and a password (not shown). Specifically, each user
may be assigned to be a particular type of user. Specific types of
users include a "general" type in which the users are provided some
capability to adjust the operation of the ULT 10 and view data
associated therewith (but in which the users cannot view all data,
screens, or add new users), an administrator type in which the
users can view all data and screens as well as add new users, and a
service type in which the users can view service type data for the
ULT 10 (but in which the users cannot view all data, screens, or
add new users). In particular, each type of user may be associated
with a mode of operation of the ULT 10 while that user is logged
in. For example, when the user is logged in as a general type user
the ULT 10 may be in a general mode which provides access to only
that data that the general user is allowed to access.
Correspondingly, when the user is a service type user the ULT 10
may be in a service mode which provides access to only that data
that the service user is allowed to access. It will be thus
understood that at least some of the following screens illustrated
in FIGS. 12-34 may not be available to at least some of the user
types and/or in at least some of the modes of operation of the ULT
10. In any event, it will be understood that at least some of the
following screens illustrated in FIGS. 12-34 can only be accessed
when a user is logged into the ULT 10.
[0080] In some embodiments, the controller 130 may provide the user
with a screen to navigate to various additional screens to view
information associated with the ULT 10. In particular, the
controller 130 provides a settings screen 270 illustrated in FIG.
12 that provides a centralized point for the user to view and/or
adjust settings of the ULT 10, as well as to view information
associated with the ULT 10. The settings screen 270 includes a lock
icon 272 the user selects to lock the user interface 18, a settings
icon 274 the user selects to navigate to the settings screen 270, a
home icon 276 the user selects to access a home screen that
indicates the interior cabinet temperature and/or events associated
with the ULT 10, as well as a general health icon 278 the user
selects to access detailed status data associated with the ULT 10.
As illustrated, the general health icon 278 is in the shape of a
heart and may indicate, through its color or alternative graphical
representation, whether the ULT 10 is operating acceptably and/or
at an acceptable temperature.
[0081] As illustrated, the settings screen 270 further includes a
freezer settings icon 282 the user selects to view and/or adjust
temperature and time settings, a backup settings icon 284 the user
selects to view and/or adjust backup settings (e.g., settings for
the injector system 160 of the ULT 10), a global settings icon 286
the user selects to view and/or adjust global configurations (e.g.
such as those illustrated in FIG. 7), a connectivity icon 288 the
user selects to view and/or adjust connectivity settings, a
preferences icon 290 the user selects to view and/or adjust
preferences, a user management icon 292 the user selects to view
and/or adjust user information, a calibration icon 294 the user
selects to calibrate the user interface 18, and a system health
icon 296 the user selects to view temperature, event, and/or other
data associated with the ULT 10.
[0082] FIG. 13 illustrates a freezer settings screen 300 that is
provided in response to the user selecting the freezer settings
icon 282 of the settings screen 280. The freezer settings screen
300 allows the user to view and/or adjust temperature and time
settings associated with the ULT 10. The freezer settings screen
300 includes a primary setpoint temperature control 302 the user
selects to adjust the operating temperature for the ULT 10, a warm
alarm setpoint temperature control 304 the user selects to adjust
the alarm temperature for the ULT 10, a primary offset temperature
control 306 the user selects to adjust a primary offset temperature
for the ULT 10 (e.g., a temperature offset for the ULT 10 that
indicates the variance from the alarm temperature that the ULT 10
must reach within a certain amount of time to prevent an alarm
temperature event), a cold alarm setpoint temperature control 308
the user selects to adjust a cold alarm temperature (or low
temperature threshold) for the ULT 10 (e.g., a temperature at which
a cold alarm is provided), a life guard temperature control 310 the
user selects to adjust a life guard temperature for the ULT 10
(e.g., a temperature associated with the compressor 70 of the
second stage 26 that is indicative of a problem with lubrication of
that compressor 70), and a time delay control 312 the user selects
to adjust the time delay for the ULT 10 to recover from a loss of
power, and an ambient temperature indicator 314 that indicates the
ambient temperature of the environment outside the ULT 10. In
alternative embodiments, the time delay control 312 may be replaced
with a random time delay control (not shown) in which the user
specifies that the ULT 10 is to use a random time delay to recover
from a loss of power. Specifically, the random time delay control
may query as to the number of ULTs 10 used at a facility (e.g., the
user may select an exemplary number of ULTs 10 used by the
facility, such as twenty, forty, or some alternative number). In
response to user input, the random time delay control may determine
how long a range of time to select the random time delay from. For
example, if the user indicates that the facility includes about
twenty ULTs 10, the ULT 10 may select a random time from a range of
between about 0-15 minutes as a time delay. However, if the user
indicates that the facility includes about forty ULTs 10, the ULT
10 may select a random time from a range of between about 0-30
minutes as a time delay. If other ULTs 10 are also configured in a
like manner, the time delays for the ULTs 10 should be spread at
least partially across the range of time specified by the number of
ULTs 10 indicated by the user. It will be appreciated by one having
ordinary skill in the art that, although there is no such thing as
a purely "random" function, embodiments of the invention may
include and/or use any number of pseudorandom algorithms known in
the art that are in turn used to select a random time.
[0083] FIG. 14 illustrates a backup settings screen 320 that is
provided in response to the user selecting the backup settings icon
284 of the settings screen 280. The backup settings screen 320
allows the user to view and/or adjust backup settings associated
with the injector system 160. The backup settings screen 320
includes a backup primary temperature control 322 the user selects
to adjust an injection procedure temperature for the injection
system 160 to perform an injection procedure (which may or may not
be the same as the alarm temperature), a backup offset temperature
control 324 the user selects to adjust a backup offset temperature
for the injection system 160 (e.g., a temperature offset for the
injection system 160 that indicates the variance allowed from the
injection procedure temperature before the injector system 160
performs an injection procedure), and an injection procedure
refrigerant control 326 for the user to select a refrigerant for
the injection system 160 to inject during an injection
procedure.
[0084] FIG. 15 illustrates a connectivity settings screen 330 that
is provided in response to the user selecting the connectivity icon
288 of the settings screen 280. The connectivity setting screen 330
allows the user to choose whether to use Ethernet or serial
communications. The connectivity settings screen 330 includes an
Ethernet icon 332 the user selects to view and/or adjust Ethernet
connection settings. The connectivity settings screen 330 also
includes a serial icon 334 the user selects to view and/or adjust
serial connection settings.
[0085] FIG. 16 illustrates an Ethernet settings screen 340 that is
provided in response to the user selecting the Ethernet icon 332 of
the connectivity settings screen 330. The Ethernet settings screen
340 allows the user to view and/or adjust Ethernet connection
settings. The Ethernet settings screen 340 includes a domain
control 342 the user selects to enter a domain for Ethernet
communications, an IP address control 344 the user selects to enter
an IP address for the ULT 10, a gateway control 346 the user
selects to enter a gateway for the ULT 10, a DNS control 348 the
user selects to enter a DNS server address for the ULT 10, a mask
control 350 the user selects to enter a subnetwork for the ULT 10,
and a DHCP control 352 from which the user may activate or
deactivate DHCP for the ULT 10. In some embodiments and in response
to user selection of the domain control 342, the IP address control
344, the gateway control 346, the DNS control 348, and/or the mask
control 350, the controller 130 provides an on-screen QWERTY
keyboard that the user may use to enter the domain, IP address,
gateway, DNS server address, and/or subnetwork for the ULT 10. In
alternative embodiments, and in response to user selection of the
IP address control 344, the gateway control 346, the DNS control
348, and/or the mask control 350, the controller 130 provides an
on-screen numeric pad that the user may utilize to enter the
numbers for the IP address, gateway, DNS server address, and/or
subnetwork for the ULT 10.
[0086] FIG. 17 illustrates a serial settings screen 360 that is
provided in response to the user selecting the serial icon 334 of
the connectivity settings screen 330. The serial settings screen
360 allows the user to view and/or adjust serial connection
settings. The serial settings screen 360 includes a baud rate
control 362 the user selects to configure the speed for serial
communications, a parity control 364 the user selects to configure
the type of parity for serial communications, a hardware control
366 the user selects to configure the type of hardware control to
use for serial communications (if any), a data bits control 368 the
user selects to configure the number of data bits to use for serial
communications, and a stop bits control 370 the user selects to
configure the number of stop bits to use for serial
communications.
[0087] FIG. 18 is an illustration of a preferences screen 380 that
is provided in response to the user selecting the preferences icon
290 of the settings screen 280. The preferences screen 380 allows
the user to view and/or adjust preferences associated with the ULT
10, including whether communications are enabled, a power mode for
the ULT 10, the timeout for the user interface 18, as well as other
preferences associated with the ULT 10.
[0088] FIG. 19 is an illustration of a user management screen 390
that is provided in response to the user selecting the user
management icon 292 of the settings screen 280. The user management
screen 390 allows the user to view and/or adjust user information.
The user management screen 390 includes a user selection control
392 that indicates the users authorized for the ULT 10 as well as
information associated therewith. A user may also select a user
listed in the user selection control 392 and adjust data associated
therewith or delete that selected user entirely. The user
management screen 390 also includes a user creation icon 394 the
user selects to create a new user for the ULT 10, a user edit icon
396 the user selects to adjust information associated with a
selected user, and a user deletion icon 398 the user selects to
delete a selected user.
[0089] FIG. 20 is an illustration of a new user data entry screen
400 that is provided in response to the user selecting the user
creation icon 394 of user management screen 390. The new user data
entry screen 400 allows the user to enter data associated with a
new user. The new user data entry screen 400 includes a name
control 402 the user selects to enter a new user's name, a password
control 404 the user selects to enter a new user's password, a user
type control 406 the user selects to specify what type of user the
new user is (e.g., administrator or user), as well as an e-mail
control 408 the user selects to specify the new user's e-mail
address. In some embodiments and in response to user selection of
the name control 402, the password control 404, and/or the e-mail
control 408, the controller 130 provides an on-screen QWERTY
keyboard that the user may use to enter the user name, user
password, and/or user e-mail.
[0090] One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that
the controls 402-408 included in the new user data entry screen 400
may be utilized in a user data adjustment screen (not shown) to
adjust information associated with a selected user. As such, the
user data adjustment screen may include the controls 402-408 but
with at least some data in at least one of the controls 402-408
already filled in. The user may thus select a particular control
402-408 to adjust the data for the selected user.
[0091] FIG. 21 is an illustration of a system health screen 410
that is provided in response to the user selecting the system
health icon 296 of the settings screen 280. Alternatively, the
system health screen 410 is provided in response to the user
selecting the general health icon 278. The system health screen 410
allows the user to view general data about the operation of the ULT
10 as well as more specific data regarding temperature sensors,
events, and/or power operation. The system health screen 410
includes an event summary control 412 that indicates all events
associated with the ULT 10 in chronological order, a backup system
information control 414 that indicates the status of the injector
system 160 as well as the time of the last injection, and a system
data control 416 that indicates the alarm temperature, the cold
alarm temperature, the ambient temperature, the last door open
event (as well as the time and/or user associated therewith),
and/or the condition the first stage 24 and/or second stage 26.
Additionally, the system health screen 410 includes a sensor data
icon 418 the user selects to view information about sensors in the
ULT 10, an event log icon 420 the user selects to view an event
log, and a power systems icon 422 the user selects to view power
system information.
[0092] FIG. 22A is a sensor data screen 430 that may be provided in
response to the user selecting the sensor data icon 418 of the
system health screen 410. The sensor data screen 430 includes at
least one wireframe representation of the ULT 10 as at 432 and/or
434 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 22A, at least one wireframe
representation 432 and/or 434 with hidden line removal as is known
in the art). The sensor data screen 430 further includes
representations associated with at least one sensor within the ULT
10, and in particular includes representations that illustrate the
general location of each at least one sensor within the ULT 10. In
some embodiments, the sensor representations displayed with the
wireframe representation 432 are in turn associated with evaporator
and/or cabinet interior sensors, while the sensor representations
displayed with the wireframe representation 434 are in turn
associated with first stage sensors, second stage sensors, and/or
an ambient temperature sensor. In specific embodiments, each of the
sensor representations is associated with a color and/or other
indication that generally identifies either the temperature
detected by the temperature sensor and/or the state of that
temperature sensor (e.g., when the temperature or state is
acceptable the color is green, if the temperature or state is
somewhat unacceptable the color is yellow, if the temperature or
state is unacceptable the color is red). For example, if a
temperature sensor is not detected for a slight period of time or
the temperature is approaching the alarm temperature, a color
associated with the corresponding sensor representation may change
to yellow. Correspondingly, if a temperature sensor has not been
detected for a predetermined period of time or the temperature has
reached or exceeded the alarm temperature, a color associated with
the corresponding temperature representation may change to red.
[0093] FIG. 22B is a schematic data screen 435 that may be provided
in response to the user selecting the sensor data icon 418 of the
system health screen 410, and particularly when the user is a
service technician and the ULT 10 is in a service mode. The
schematic data screen 435 includes at least one schematic of at
least a portion of the ULT 10 as at 436. The schematic data screen
435 further includes representations associated with at least one
component or section associated with the ULT 10. In specific
embodiments, each of the representations is associated with a color
and/or other indication that generally identifies either the
temperature of the component as detected by a temperature sensor
and/or the state of that component (e.g., when the temperature or
state is acceptable the color is green, if the temperature or state
is somewhat unacceptable the color is yellow, if the temperature or
state is unacceptable the color is red). For example, if a
particular component is not detected for a slight period of time or
the temperature of that component is approaching some predetermined
temperature, a color associated with the corresponding component
representation may change to yellow. Correspondingly, if a
particular component has failed or has not been detected for a
predetermined period of time or the temperature associated with
that component has reached or exceeded a predetermined temperature,
a color associated with the corresponding component representation
may change to red.
[0094] FIG. 23 is an event log screen 440 that is provided in
response to the user selecting the event log icon 420 of the system
health screen 410. The event log screen 440 provides a sortable
list of events associated with the ULT 10. The event log screen 440
includes an event log control 442 that lists events of the ULT 10
chronologically. The event log screen also includes a plurality of
icons that the user selects to sort the events in the event log
control 442. In particular, the event log screen 440 includes a
door open event icon 444 the user selects to view door open events,
an alarm event icon 446 the user selects to view when the alarm
temperature has been reached, a backup event icon 448 the user
selects to view injection procedures by the injector system 160,
and an all icon 450 the user selects to view all events. Although
not shown, it will be appreciated that the event log screen 440 may
include additional icons that the user may select to sort the event
log control 442. For example, these additional icons may include a
lock event icon (not shown) the user selects to view all lock
events (e.g., a user locking or unlocking the user interface 18) as
well as a power event icon (not shown) the user selects to view all
power events (e.g., loss and restoration of primary power).
[0095] In addition to sorting by events themselves, the event log
screen 440 may include additional filters to sort by both a
category for an event and an event type for the events. For
example, categories of events could be user events (e.g., events
caused by users), administrator events (e.g., events associated
with user management), and service events (e.g., events associated
with maintenance or service of the ULT 10, including events
associated with a service mode of the ULT 10). For example, Table 1
illustrates several categories and event types that a user may use
to filter the list of events.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Event Categories, Event Types, and Examples
Category Event Type Example(s) User Alarms Alarm Temperature, Cold
Alarm Temperature, Door Ajar (not associated with user), Low
Battery, etc. Door Door Open (by user), Door Close (by user), etc.
Administrator User User Added, User Edited, User Management
Deleted, Password Changed, etc. Injector System LN.sub.2/CO.sub.2
Injection Initiated, LN.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Injection Over, Injector
System Refrigerant Set, Injector System Injection Temperature Set,
etc. Service Buck/Boost Buck, Boos, Normal, Out of Range Post
Condition, etc. Comp Trending Temperature Trending Warm (but not
Warm yet reached alarm temperature or injection temperature)
[0096] In alternative embodiments, the events listed in the event
log screen 440 may be automatically filtered based on the type of
user that is viewing the event log screen 440. For example, if the
user is a service type user, the event log control 442 may display
only service type events. Correspondingly, if the user is a general
type user, the event log control 442 may display only general user
type events.
[0097] As illustrated in FIG. 23, the event log screen 440 also
includes a print icon 452 the user selects to print a selected
event, selected events, or an entire event log to paper (e.g.,
through a printer attached to the ULT 10 or through the network
182) or to store the selected event, selected events, or entire
event log to an event log data file (e.g., such as in a file, and
in particular in a comma-separated-value format file that is
readable by a spreadsheet application, such as the Excel.RTM.
spreadsheet application as developed by Microsoft.RTM. Corporation
of Redmond, Wash.). The event log screen 440 further includes a
file browser icon 454 the user selects to view files stored on the
ULT 10 or media connected to the ULT 10.
[0098] In some embodiments, each of the events in the event log
control 442 is a selectable event. Specifically, the user may
select a particular event for a more detailed view of the
information associated with that particular event. For example,
FIG. 24 is an illustration of an event log detail screen 460 that
is provided in response to a user selecting an event from the event
log control 442 from the event log screen 400. The event log detail
screen 460 includes an event detail window 462 to display detailed
information associated with the selected event, including the time
the event occurred, the duration of the event, the rise in
temperature associated with the event (if applicable), the cabinet
interior temperature reached in response to the event (if
applicable), the time of recovery from the event, the user
associated with the event (if applicable), whether the recovery
from the event required special operations (e.g., whether an
injection procedure was required or that the recovery proceeded as
normal), as well as other event information.
[0099] FIG. 25 is an illustration of a power systems screen 470
that is provided in response to the user selecting the power
systems icon 422 of the system health screen 410. The power systems
screen 470 provides an indication of the power mode of the ULT 10
as well as the status of the primary power source 192 and the
backup power source 194. As illustrated in FIG. 25, the power
systems screen 470 illustrates the level and estimated replacement
time for both a main battery and a backup battery of the backup
power source 194.
[0100] FIG. 26 is an illustration of a home screen 500 that is
provided in response to the user selecting the home icon 276. The
home screen 500 indicates the current cabinet interior temperature
of the ULT 10 as well as at least one event associated with the ULT
10 during a predetermined period of time. The home screen 500
includes an indication of the current cabinet interior temperature
as at 502 and a line graph 504 that indicates the cabinet interior
temperature occurring during a predetermined period of time (e.g.,
with temperature on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal
axis), as well as any events associated with the ULT 10 occurring
during that predetermined period of time. In particular, events
occurring during the predetermined period of time are indicated on
the line graph 504 at their respective time with a user selectable
icon 506. As illustrated in FIG. 26, the event was a door open
event. Thus, the user selectable icon 506 generally resembles a
door being opened. A user may select the user selectable icon 506
to view information about the associated event. The line graph 504
further illustrates the operating temperature of the ULT 10 as at
508.
[0101] In addition to the status and information displays and
icons, the home screen 500 also includes an expansion icon 510 that
the user selects to expand the line graph 504. FIG. 27 is an
illustration of an expanded line graph screen 520 that is provided
in response to the user selecting the expansion icon 510 of the
home screen 500. The expanded line graph screen 520 illustrates an
expanded line graph 522 (e.g., with temperature on the vertical
axis and time on the horizontal axis) that not only indicates the
cabinet interior temperature over a predetermined period of time as
at 524 but also indicates the alarm temperature with a line as at
526 (namely, -68 C) and the cold alarm temperature with a line as
at 528 (namely, -91 C). In this manner, the cabinet interior
temperature over time may be viewed with relation to both the alarm
temperature and the cold alarm temperature. In some embodiments,
the expanded line graph screen 520 further illustrates the
operating temperature on the "Y" axis (not shown) or through
another line (not shown), and may still further illustrate the
current cabinet interior temperature as on the "Y" axis and/or
through another line (not shown).
[0102] The expanded line graph screen 520 further illustrates
events occurring during the predetermined period of time on the
expanded line graph 522. As illustrated in FIG. 27, the expanded
line graph screen 520 illustrates three events, namely a first door
open event associated with a first door open event icon 530, a
second door open event associated with a second door open event
icon 532, and a power failure event associated with a power failure
icon 534. Specifically, each event icon in the expanded line graph
screen 520 is associated with the time of the event as well as the
duration of the event. Each event in the expanded line graph screen
520 is also associated with the cabinet interior temperature at the
time of the event as well as the maximum cabinet interior
temperature reached due to the event. The expanded line graph
screen 520 also includes a more data icon 536 the user selects to
view cabinet interior temperature and/or events associated with the
ULT 10 older than those currently shown.
[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 27, the expanded line graph 522
indicates the cabinet interior temperature and events associated
with the ULT 10 occurring over about eight hours. Also as
illustrated in FIG. 27, the range of temperatures for the expanded
line graph 522 to indicate cabinet interior temperature and events
associated with the ULT 10 is from about -40 C to about -120 C. In
some embodiments, a user specifies both an alternative period of
time and an alternative temperature range over which to view the
cabinet interior temperature and events associated with the ULT 10.
FIG. 28 is an illustration of a graph axis screen 540 in which the
user may specify the period of time and the temperature range over
which to view the cabinet interior temperature and events
associated with the ULT 10. In particular, the graph axis screen
540 includes a high temperature control 542 the user selects to
modify the high temperature for the expanded line graph 522, a low
temperature control 544 the user selects to modify the low
temperature for the expanded line graph 522, and a time span
control 546 the user selects to modify the time span of the
expanded line graph 522. FIG. 29 is an illustration of the expanded
line graph screen 520 that includes a re-sized expanded line graph
550 consistent with the settings specified in the graph axis screen
540 of FIG. 28.
[0104] Returning to FIG. 27, the expanded line graph 522 includes
events that occurred over the predetermined period of time, each of
which is associated with an icon 530-534. In specific embodiments,
each of the icons 530-534 is a user selectable icon that indicate
additional information associated with that event when selected by
the user. For example, FIG. 30 is an illustration of an graph event
screen 560 that is provided in response to the user selecting the
power failure icon 534 of the expanded line graph screen 520, while
FIG. 31 is an illustration of a graph event screen 570 that is
provided in response to the user selecting the door open event icon
530 of the expanded line graph screen 520. Similar to the event log
detail screen 460 of FIG. 24, the graph event screen 560 of FIG. 30
and the graph event screen 570 of FIG. 31 display detailed
information associated with a selected event.
[0105] Returning to FIG. 27, in some embodiments, the user may
select a time span using the time span control 546 of FIG. 28 in
which it is difficult to provide an icon for each event (e.g., such
as the icons 530-534). As such, the expanded line graph screen 520
may illustrate just the line graph of the temperature over that
time span without an icon for each event. In those embodiments,
each event may not be illustrated or may be illustrated through a
vertical line through the line graph at their corresponding
time.
[0106] As illustrated in FIG. 27, the expanded line graph screen
520 includes the print icon 452 the user selects to print at least
a portion of the expanded line graph 522 (e.g., through a printer
attached to the ULT 10 or through the network 182) or to store data
associated with that portion of the expanded line graph 522 in an
expanded line graph image file or an expanded line graph data file.
In particular, the expanded line graph image file may include an
image of the portion of the expanded line graph 522 (e.g., such as
an image in the jpeg file format as developed by the Joint
Photographic Experts Group), while the expanded line graph data
file may include the data that the expanded line graph 522 is
generated from (e.g., such as in a file, and in particular in a
comma-separated-value formatted file that is readable by a
spreadsheet application, such as the Excel.RTM. spreadsheet
application).
[0107] The expanded line graph screen 520 further includes the file
browser icon 454 the user selects to view files stored on the ULT
10 or media connected to the ULT 10. FIG. 32 is an illustration of
a file browser screen 580 for the user to view files (e.g., event
log data files, expanded line graph image files, or expanded line
graph data files) that are on the ULT 10 or on media attached to
the ULT 10. The file browser screen 580 includes a list of files
that indicate which files are in the memory 172 or mass storage 174
of the ULT 10 (in response to the user selecting the onboard icon
582) as well as files that are stored in removable memory (not
shown) in communication with the controller 130. Specifically, the
removable memory may include a USB storage device (not shown) in
communication with the controller 130 (accessed in response to the
insertion of the USB storage device and the user selecting the USB
icon 584) or an SD card (not shown) in communication with the
controller 130 (accessed in response to the insertion of the SD
card and the user selecting the SD icon 586). The removable memory,
in turn, may include a file that can be uploaded to the controller
130, such as new or otherwise updated program code for the
controller 130 (e.g., a new operating system 188 or application
190), a background image for the touchscreen, a personalized menu
structure (e.g., such as images to include in each of the screen to
personalize the screens for the particular user), new and/or
updated manuals, and/or additional files to upload to the
controller 130.
[0108] Returning to FIG. 26 and as discussed above, the general
health icon 278 is in the shape of a heart and may indicate,
through its color or alternative graphical representation, whether
the ULT 10 is operating acceptably and/or at an acceptable
temperature. In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in FIG.
33, the general health icon 278 may display an alternative
graphical representation (e.g., as illustrated, a heart with a
stethoscope superimposed thereupon) when the cabinet interior
temperature is near or at an alarm temperature.
[0109] The help icon 212 is included in several of the screens
illustrated in FIGS. 7-33. In some embodiments, textual help is
provided to the user that is specific to the screen from which the
user selected the help icon 212. FIG. 34 is an illustration of a
help screen 590 in which a user may view context relevant data,
such as textual help, associated with the screen from which the
help icon 212 was selected.
[0110] A person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that the environments illustrated throughout FIGS. 1-34 are not
intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. In
particular, ULT 10, user interface 18, first stage 24, second stage
26, controller 130, and/or injector system 160 may include fewer or
additional components consistent with alternative embodiments of
the invention. Indeed, a person having skill in the art will
recognize that other alternative hardware and/or software
environments may be used without departing from the scope of the
invention. For example, a first portion of the first stage 24
and/or second stage 26 may be thermally connected, but not fluidly
connected, to another portion of the respective first stage 24
and/or second stage (e.g., such as through a first fluid line that
is not shown and thermally couples the first refrigerant 34 in
conduit 114 to the first refrigerant in conduit 115, and/or such as
through a second fluid line that is not shown and thermally couples
the second refrigerant 36 from the filter/dryer unit 103 to the
second refrigerant 36 from the accumulator device 92). Also for
example, the injector system 160 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as
located external to the ULT 10. In alternative embodiments, the
injector system 160 is located inside the ULT 10, such as in the
deck 14, and more particularly within the first stage 24 or second
stage 26. Additionally, a person having ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate that the controller 130 may include more or fewer
applications.
[0111] Still further, a person having ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate that the screens illustrated throughout FIGS. 7-34
are intended to provide information associated with the data that
can be provided by and/or input to a ULT 10 consistent with
embodiments of the invention. Specifically, individual screens may
include more or fewer components, while the ULT 10 may display more
or fewer screens than those described and/or illustrated. For
example, each screen with more than one control to enter data may
include only one confirm entry icon 232 that operates to input the
data specified by the user in the multiple controls at one time, as
opposed to one confirm entry icon 232 for each control. As such,
other alternative hardware and software environments may be used
without departing from the scope of embodiments of the
invention.
[0112] The routines executed to implement the embodiments of the
invention, whether implemented as part of an operating system or a
specific application, component, program, object, module, or
sequence of operations, instructions, or steps executed by one or
more microprocessors, controller, or computing system will be
referred to herein as a "sequence of operations," a "program
product," or, more simply, "program code." The program code
typically comprises one or more instructions that are resident at
various times in various memory and storage devices, and that, when
read and executed by one or more processors, cause a controller
and/or computing system to perform the steps necessary to execute
steps, elements, and/or blocks embodying the various aspects of the
invention.
[0113] While the invention has and hereinafter will be described in
the context of fully functioning controllers and/or computing
system, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various
embodiments of the invention are capable of being distributed as a
program product in a variety of forms, and that the invention
applies equally regardless of the particular type of computer
readable signal bearing media used to actually carry out the
distribution. Examples of computer readable signal bearing media
include but are not limited to physical and tangible recordable
type media such as volatile and nonvolatile memory devices, floppy
and other removable disks, hard disk drives, optical disks (e.g.,
CD-ROM's, DVD's, etc.), among others, and transmission type media
such as digital and analog communication links.
[0114] In addition, various program code described hereinafter may
be identified based upon the application or software component
within which it is implemented in a specific embodiment of the
invention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular
program nomenclature that follows is used merely for convenience,
and thus the invention should not be limited to use solely in any
specific application identified and/or implied by such
nomenclature. Furthermore, given the typically endless number of
manners in which computer programs may be organized into routines,
procedures, methods, modules, objects, and the like, as well as the
various manners in which program functionality may be allocated
among various software layers that are resident within a typical
computer (e.g., operating systems, libraries, APIs, applications,
applets, etc.), it should be appreciated that the invention is not
limited to the specific organization and allocation of program
functionality described herein.
Software Description and Flows
[0115] FIG. 35 is a flowchart 600 illustrating a sequence of
operations to detect the temperature of the interior of the ULT as
well as events associated with the ULT consistent with embodiments
of the invention. Specifically, the controller detects the cabinet
interior temperature and stores it with a timestamp (block 602).
The controller then determines whether a new event is detected
(block 604). For example, an event may include, but is not limited
to, a power on event, a power off event, a power failure event, a
power restored event, a door open event, a door close event, a
component failure event, an injection procedure event, an interface
locked event, a user management event, a service event, an
interface unlocked event, a connectivity event, a temperature
event, and/or a user identification entered event. Particular
events may be associated with each other (e.g., such as the door
open and door closed events) such that the controller determines
whether the new event is associated with a previous event such that
there are not two identical unpaired events in a row (e.g., a door
open event followed by a door open event, a power failure event
followed by a power restoration event). Thus, when a new event is
detected ("Yes" branch of decision block 604) the controller
displays that event and stores data associated with that event
(e.g., such as the identity of the user associated with the event
and the interior cabinet temperature at the time of the event)
along with a timestamp (block 606).
[0116] When a new event has not been detected ("No" branch of
decision block 604) or after data associated with a new event has
been stored (block 606), the controller determines whether the
event is the second event of a pair of events (block 608). When the
event is a second event of a pair of events ("Yes" branch of
decision block 608), the controller stores the event data with a
timestamp and, optionally, calculates additional event data (block
610). Additional event data that is calculated may include a
duration of the event, a rise in the cabinet interior temperature
associated with the event, as well as other data.
[0117] As discussed above, embodiments of the invention display the
temperature and/or events associated with a ULT that occur over a
predetermined period of time. In particular, the temperature and/or
events over that predetermined period of time are displayed on a
line graph. FIG. 36 is a flowchart 620 illustrating a sequence of
operations for a controller to display an interior cabinet
temperature and/or at least one event occurring during a
predetermined amount of time. In particular, the controller detects
a request by the user to view a line graph (block 622). In
response, the controller determines whether to display a simple
line graph (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 26) or an expanded line
graph (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 27). Specifically, the
controller determines whether to display a simple line graph or an
expanded line graph based upon the particular icon used to request
to display the line graph.
[0118] When the controller determines to display the simple line
graph ("Simple" branch of decision block 624) the controller
determines the predetermined period of time for the line graph as
well as the temperature range for the line graph (e.g., the "X" and
"Y" axes of the line graph, respectively) (block 626). The
controller then determines the cabinet interior temperature and
events that occurred over that predetermined period of time (block
628) as well as the current status of the ULT (block 630). The
controller may then display the simple line graph that indicates
the temperature and events occurring during the predetermined
amount of time (block 632) and displays a general health icon
associated with the current status of the ULT as well as the
current cabinet interior temperature (block 634). However, in some
embodiments, and specifically when there are too many events to
legibly display them all, the controller may omit events occurring
during the predetermined amount of time. The controller then
updates the line graph, general health icon, event icons, and/or
current temperature appropriately while the line graph is displayed
(block 636).
[0119] Returning to block 624, when the controller determines to
display the expanded line graph ("Expanded" branch of decision
block 624) the controller again determines the predetermined period
of time for the line graph as well as the temperature range for the
line graph (e.g., the "X" and "Y" axes of the line graph,
respectively) (block 638). The controller also determines the
cabinet interior temperature and events occurring during the
predetermined period of time (block 640) as well as the current
status of the ULT (block 642). The controller then determines the
alarm, cold alarm, and operating temperatures for the ULT (block
644). The controller may then display the expanded line graph that
indicates the temperature and events occurring during the
predetermined amount of time as well as the alarm temperature, the
cold alarm temperature, and the operating temperature (block 646).
However, in some embodiments, and specifically when there are too
many events to legibly display them all, the controller may omit
events occurring during the predetermined amount of time. The
controller also displays a general health icon associated with the
current status of the ULT (block 648). The controller then updates
the line graph, general health icon, event icons, and/or current
temperature appropriately while the line graph is displayed (block
636).
[0120] Embodiments of the invention provide user selectable
elements that a user may select to view more detailed information
associated with an event. HG. 37 is a flowchart 650 illustrating a
sequence of operations to display data associated with selected
events. Specifically, when a user selects an event icon (block 652)
the controller determines and displays data associated with that
selected event (block 654).
[0121] As also discussed above, embodiments of the invention
provide context appropriate help in response to the user selecting
a help icon. FIG. 38 is a flowchart 660 illustrating a sequence of
events to display context relevant data associated with a
particular screen. Specifically, when a user selects a help icon
(block 662) the controller determines the screen associated with
that selected help icon (e.g., the screen being currently
displayed) (block 664). The controller then determines the help
text associated with the determined screen (block 666) and displays
that help text (block 668). For example, and in some embodiments,
each screen displayed by user interface is associated with a unique
identifier (e.g., a number and/or string). The controller thus
determines the unique identifier of the screen, determines the help
text associated with that screen, and displays that help text.
[0122] After a primary power source has recovered from a failure,
the ULT may be configured utilize that primary power source after a
predetermined time delay and/or after a random time delay. In this
manner, a primary power source (e.g., such as electrical system)
providing power to a plurality of ULTs may not be taxed by the
plurality of ULTs simultaneously switching to that primary power
source. FIG. 39 is a flowchart 670 illustrating a sequence of
operations for a ULT to utilize a primary power source after that
primary power source has recovered from a failure. Specifically,
the controller detects a failure of the primary power source (block
672) and utilizes a backup power source (block 674). The controller
then determines whether the primary power source has recovered from
a failure (block 676). When the primary power source has not
recovered from a failure ("No" branch of decision block 676) the
controller continues to determine whether the primary power source
has recovered from a failure (block 676). When the primary power
source has recovered from a failure ("Yes" branch of decision block
676) the controller determines the time delay to utilize the
primary power source (block 678) and utilizes the primary power
source after the time delay has expired (block 680). Specifically,
the controller determines whether a user has specified a time delay
or whether the controller has determined a random time delay. Thus,
when a time delay is configured (e.g., either specified by the user
or determined, randomly, by the controller), the ULT will wait
until the expiration of that time delay to switch from the backup
power source to the primary power source when the primary power
source has recovered from a failure. Alternatively, when a time
delay is not configured, the ULT will immediately switch from the
backup power source to the primary power source when the primary
power source has recovered from a failure.
[0123] The controller may display a print icon for the user to
select to store data in the memory of the ULT for later retrieval
consistent with embodiments of the invention. FIG. 40 is a
flowchart 690 illustrating a sequence of operations to store data
associated with the ULT in response to the selection of the print
icon. Specifically, the controller detects the user selecting a
print icon (block 692) and captures an image of a line graph, data
associated with a line graph (e.g., the cabinet interior
temperature and/or events over the predetermined period of time
associated with the line graph), and/or data associated with the
ULT (e.g., the cabinet interior temperature and/or events) that has
occurred over at least one day (block 694). The controller then
stores the image of the line graph in an image file, the data
associated with the line graph in a database (e.g., such as in a
file), and/or the data associated with the ULT occurring over at
least one day in a database (e.g., such as in a file) (block 696).
In particular, the controller is configured to create a log of the
data associated with the ULT since the day started in response to a
user selecting the print icon. When the user selects the print icon
more than once in one day, the controller may be configured to
store a log of data that covers the time since the day began in
response to the first selection of the print icon, but store a log
of data that covers the time since the last selection of the print
icon for each subsequent selection of the print icon.
Alternatively, the controller may be configured to store a log of
data that covers the time since the day began in response to the
selection of the print icon regardless of whether that print icon
was previously selected, then overwrite a previous log of data for
the day.
[0124] In some embodiments, the ULT is configured to automatically
create a log of data associated with the ULT every month. In
particular, and in response to entering a new month, the ULT
captures data associated with the ULT (e.g., the cabinet interior
temperature and/or events) occurring during the previous month and
stores that data in a database (e.g., such as in a file).
[0125] As discussed above, embodiments of the invention initiate an
injection procedure in response to reaching an alarm temperature.
FIG. 41 is a flowchart 700 illustrating a sequence of events for an
injector system to initiate an injection procedure. Specifically,
the injector system detects that an alarm temperature has been
reached or exceeded (block 702) and determines a refrigerant to
utilize in the injection procedure (block 704). In particular, the
injector system may determine which refrigerant to utilize in the
injection procedure based upon a user selected refrigerant stored
in its memory. As such, the injector system initiates an injection
procedure with the determined refrigerant (block 706).
[0126] While the present invention has been illustrated by a
description of the various embodiments, and while these embodiments
have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention
of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the
appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and
modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art.
Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited
to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and
illustrative example shown and described.
[0127] In particular, a person having ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate that additional user selectable elements, such as
user selectable text, user selectable animations, a user selectable
area of a screen, and/or additional user selectable elements other
than user selectable icons may be used without departing from the
scope of the invention. Moreover, a person having ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate that any of the blocks of the above
flowcharts may be deleted, augmented, made to be simultaneous with
another, combined, or be otherwise altered in accordance with the
principles of the embodiments of the invention. Still further, a
person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
ULT may be remotely controlled, such as with a separate computing
system, and that any of the screens illustrated throughout FIGS.
7-34 may be illustrated on that separate computing system.
Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without
departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive
concept.
* * * * *