U.S. patent application number 14/697719 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-03 for defrost chamber within freezer compartment.
This patent application is currently assigned to WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to FREDERICK A. MILLETT.
Application Number | 20160320118 14/697719 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57204021 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160320118 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MILLETT; FREDERICK A. |
November 3, 2016 |
DEFROST CHAMBER WITHIN FREEZER COMPARTMENT
Abstract
An improved defrost chamber is disposed with the freezer
compartment of a refrigerator, removing the need to relocate a food
item prior to thawing. The defrost chamber has at least one wall
configured to heat the interior. A control unit is in electric
communication with and adapted to supply a voltage to the wall(s).
The control unit has a timer to initiate or terminate the
defrosting operation. The wall(s) may comprise a glass panel
associated with electrically conductive material. The control unit
may independently control the heat supplied to each of the walls.
The control unit may be remotely controllable by a user. One or
more vents associated with the defrosting chamber may be open in a
non-use configuration and closed in a use configuration. The
defrost chamber may be removable from the freezer compartment.
Inventors: |
MILLETT; FREDERICK A.;
(Grand Haven, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION |
BENTON HARBOR |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
BENTON HARBOR
MI
|
Family ID: |
57204021 |
Appl. No.: |
14/697719 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 31/005 20130101;
F25B 2600/07 20130101; F25D 25/025 20130101; F25D 23/12 20130101;
F25D 29/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 21/08 20060101
F25D021/08 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator cabinet having a fresh
food compartment and a freezer compartment; a defrost chamber
within the freezer compartment, the defrost chamber comprising: (a)
opposite side surfaces; (b) a back surface opposite a front
surface; (c) a top surface; (d) an electrically conductive bottom
surface; and a control unit in electric communication with the
electrically conductive bottom surface and adapted to supply a
voltage to the electrically conductive bottom surface.
2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the top surface further
comprises: an electrically conductive top surface; wherein the
control unit is in electric communication with the electrically
conductive top surface and adapted to apply a voltage to the
electrically conductive top surface.
3. The refrigerator of claim 2 wherein the electrically conductive
bottom surface and the electrically conductive top surface are
independently controllable.
4. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: one or more
vents associated with one or both of the opposite side walls;
wherein the one or more vents are open in a non-use configuration,
wherein the one or more vents are closed in a use
configuration.
5. The refrigerator of claim 4 wherein the control unit is
configured to open the one or more vents in the use
configuration.
6. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: one or more
settings associated with the control unit, wherein the one or more
settings are remotely controllable by a user.
7. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein the defrost chamber is
selectively removable from the freezer compartment.
8. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein control unit further
comprises: a time setting associated with the control unit to
initiate operation of the defrost chamber in a non-use
configuration; and a timer associated with the control unit to
cease operation of the defrost chamber in a use configuration.
10. The refrigerator of claim 2 wherein the wherein the
electrically conductive top surface is configured to be selectively
opened.
11. A refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator cabinet having a
fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment; a defrost chamber
within the freezer compartment, the defrost chamber having an
interior and a wall configured to heat the interior of the defrost
chamber; and a control unit in electric communication with the
wall, the control unit having a timer to initiate or terminate a
defrosting operation.
12. The refrigerator of claim 11 wherein the wall further
comprises: a glass panel associated with electrically conductive
material on a surface of the glass panel external to the interior
of the defrost chamber.
13. The refrigerator to claim 11, further comprising: a low
emissivity glass panel disposed external to the defrost chamber,
parallel to the wall, and within the freezer compartment; and an
air gap between the wall and the low emissivity glass panel.
14. The refrigerator of claim 11 wherein the defrost chamber is
insulated from the freezer compartment.
15. The refrigerator of claim 11 further comprising: one or more
vents associated with the defrost chamber, wherein the one or more
vents are open in a non-use configuration, wherein the one or more
vents are closed in a use configuration.
16. A refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator cabinet having a
fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment; a defrost chamber
within the freezer compartment, the defrost chamber having an
interior defined within: (a) opposite side walls, at least one of
the opposite side walls having one or more vents; (b) a top panel
having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the
exterior surface is associated with electrically conductive
material; (c) a bottom panel having an interior surface and an
exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface is associated with
electrically conductive material; (d) a back wall opposite a front
panel.
17. The refrigerator of claim 16, further comprising: a control
unit having a timer control and adapted to: (a) supply a voltage to
the electrically conductive material associated with the top panel
and the electrically conductive material associated with the bottom
panel; and (b) open and close the one or more vents.
18. The refrigerator of claim 16 wherein the electrically
conductive material associated with the top panel and the
electrically conductive material associated with the bottom panel
are independently controllable.
19. The refrigerator of claim 17 wherein the control unit is
remotely controllable through one of the following: (a) wireless
connection; (b) Internet connection; and (c) electronic mail.
20. The refrigerator of claim 16 wherein the defrost chamber is
selectively removable from the freezer compartment.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to defrosting of
frozen food items. More particularly, but not exclusively, the
present disclosure relates to a glass defrost chamber within a
freezer compartment.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Refrigeration and freezing are extremely popular forms of
food preservation. In the case of freezing, food is maintained at
below-freezing temperatures at approximately 0.degree. F.
(-18.degree. C.), which among other things, renders microbes (e.g.,
bacteria, yeast, molds, etc.) inactive. In particular, freezing
food keeps it safe by slowing the movement of molecules, causing
the microbes to enter a dormant stage. Freezing food also prevents
spoilage and prolongs the shelf life by slowing down the breakdown
of cell enzymes in the food.
[0003] Many frozen food items are often defrosted prior to cooking.
In particular, most proteins such at beef, poultry, pork, fish, and
the like, become quite hardened while frozen. Properly defrosting
the protein prior to cooking is preferable to ensure the protein is
cooked evenly to maximize tenderness and taste. Further, defrosting
food prior to cooking helps ensure that the internal temperature
reaches the necessary level to kill microbes.
[0004] There are many methods by which to defrost food. For
example, an individual may remove the food item from the freezer
compartment and place it in the refrigerator compartment. A
refrigerator compartment is typically maintained at 35.degree. F.
(1.6.degree. C.). The small temperature differential above freezing
generally results in the process taking several hours to thoroughly
defrost a food item, resulting in inconvenience for the individual.
For larger food items, this approach may require approximately
twenty-four hours of defrosting for every five pounds of food.
[0005] Another example includes placing the frozen food item on a
countertop. In such an instance, the temperature differential above
freezing is greater, which results in relatively faster defrosting.
However, leaving a food item on a countertop over a period of
several hours may be unsafe and result in food borne illness.
Specifically, the outer layer of the food is exposed between the
primary bacteria-breeding temperatures of 40.degree. F. and
140.degree. F. for a significant period of time.
[0006] Still another example includes submerging the item in water
or running water over the food item. The approach is reasonably
quicker than the approaches previously discussed herein. Using this
approach, small packages can defrost in one hour or less; larger
items require approximately thirty minutes of defrosting time per
pound of food. However, submerging the item in water requires
increased user attention. In particular, as the food item defrosts
and thaws, the water bath conversely heats up, incrementally
decreasing the relative temperature differential. As a result, it
may be necessary for an individual to change the water bath two or
three times during the process. Further, running hot water over the
food item may cause the outer layer of the food to heat up to a
temperature where harmful bacteria begins to multiply.
[0007] Still yet another example, and perhaps the most commonly
used method, includes placing the food item into a microwave. The
microwave has a "defrost setting," at which it typically operates
at fifty percent power. This approach is by far the quickest, but
has several disadvantages. First, as the food item defrosts, a pool
of water (and/or juice from the food item) may coalesce under the
food item. The pool is heated significantly faster than the food
item, which may result in the outer layer of the food item being
prematurely cooked. Second, the approach also requires increased
user attention. Many individuals may wish to initiate the
defrosting process prior to returning home, for example, from work.
Third, the approach requires the thawed food to be cooked
immediately thereafter.
[0008] Therefore, a need exists in the art for an improved means
for defrosting food that is fast, effective, and does not overly
require user involvement.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,369 to Zentner et al., herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety, is directed to a quick
chill and thaw compartment disposed in the fresh food compartment.
As a result, when an individual wishes to defrost a food item
stored in the freezer compartment, the individual must remove it
from the freezer compartment and place it within a pan in the fresh
food compartment. Therefore, a need exists in the art for a
defrosting and thawing device disposed in the freezer compartment
of a refrigerator.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] It is therefore a primary object, feature, and/or advantage
of the present disclosure to improve on or overcome the
deficiencies in the art.
[0011] It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the
present disclosure to provide a defrost freezer chamber within the
freezer compartment. The chamber may be at below-freezing
temperatures while not in operation, similar to the freezer
compartment, allowing a user to store frozen food item(s). Without
needing to relocate the food item, a user selectively activates the
defrost chamber, which supplies heat to the same to defrost the
food item(s).
[0012] It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the
present disclosure to provide for a user to remotely activate the
defrost chamber. The defrost chamber may be activated through a
control panel on the cabinet of a refrigerator, or through means
such as wireless connection (e.g., Wi-Fi), the Internet, and/or
e-mail. In such cases, defrosting may be initiated through a
smartphone or the like, permitting an individual to conveniently
initiate the defrosting process while away from home.
[0013] It is still yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of
the present disclosure to provide for a defrosting process that
does not overly require user involvement. The defrost chamber may
have a timer to initiate the defrosting process and/or a timer to
terminate the defrosting process after a predetermined elapsed
time. Further, the defrost chamber have preprogrammed settings
based on the type and/or size of food to be defrosted.
[0014] It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the
present disclosure to maximize ease of use. The defrost chamber may
be selectively removable from the freezer compartment for storing
food, retrieving food, and cleaning. In a French door "bottom
mount" refrigerator cabinet, the top surface(s) of the defrost
chamber may be transparent or translucent to permit a user to see
the contents contained therein when the bottom mount freezer
compartment is opened. In a "top mount" refrigerator cabinet, the
front door of the defrost cabinet may be transparent or translucent
to permit a user to see the contents contained therein.
[0015] These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the
present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
The present disclosure is not to be limited to or by these objects,
features and advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and
every object, feature, or advantage.
[0016] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a refrigerator
includes a cabinet having a fresh food compartment and a freezer
compartment. A defrost chamber is disposed within the freezer
compartment. The defrost chamber has an interior and wall
configured to heat the interior of the defrost chamber. A control
unit is in electric communication with the wall. The control unit
has a timer to initiate or terminate the defrosting operation.
[0017] A wall may comprise a glass panel coated with electrically
conductive material on a surface of the glass panel external to the
interior of the defrost chamber. A low emissivity glass panel may
be disposed external to the defrost chamber, parallel to the wall,
and within the freezer compartment, resulting in an air gap between
the wall and the low emissivity glass panel. Further, the defrost
chamber may be insulated from the freezer compartment.
[0018] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a defrost
chamber is provided within the freezer compartment of a
refrigerator cabinet. The defrost chamber includes opposite side
surfaces, a back surface opposite a front surface, a top surface,
and an electrically conductive bottom surface. A control unit is in
electric communication with the electrically conductive bottom
surface. The control unit is adapted to supply a voltage to the
electrically conductive bottom surface.
[0019] The top surface may also be electrically conductive and in
electric communication with the control unit. In such cases, the
electrically conductive bottom surface and the electrically
conductive top surface may be independently controllable. One or
more vents may be disposed on one or both of the opposite side
walls. The vents are open in a non-use configuration and closed in
a use configuration. The vents may be comprised of material that
changes shape under the influence of heat. The control unit may
include a time setting associated with the control unit to initiate
operation of the defrost chamber in a non-use configuration, and a
timer associated with the control unit to cease operation of the
defrost chamber in a use configuration. The control unit may be
remotely controllable by a user, such as through wireless
connection (e.g., Wi-Fi), the Internet, and/or e-mail.
[0020] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a defrost
chamber is provided within the freezer compartment of a
refrigerator cabinet. The defrost chamber has an interior defined
within opposite side walls, a top panel, a bottom panel, and a back
wall opposite a front glass panel. At least one of the opposite
side walls has one or more vents. The top panel and bottom panels
have an interior surface and an exterior surface. Each of the
exterior surfaces is associated with electrically conductive
material. The defrost chamber may be removable from the freezer
compartment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Illustrated embodiments of the disclosure are described in
detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which
are incorporated by reference herein, and where:
[0022] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a refrigerator in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of a refrigerator in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of a defrost
chamber in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross section view of the defrost chamber of
FIG. 2 taken along section line 3-3;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the defrost chamber of
FIG. 2 taken along section line 4-4;
[0027] FIG. 5 is cross section view of the defrost chamber of FIG.
2 taken along section line 3-3, a portion of the bottom wall of
FIG. 1, and a control unit in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a side wall of a
defrost chamber in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a side wall of a
defrost chamber in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 8A is a block diagram of operation of a control unit in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and
[0031] FIG. 8B is a block diagram of operation of a control unit in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate refrigerators 10 in accordance
with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of the
refrigerators 10 is comprised of a refrigerator cabinet 12. FIG. 1A
illustrates a refrigerator 10 with the fresh food compartment 14 is
disposed above the freezer compartment 16, commonly referred to as
a "bottom mount" refrigerator. A user may access the fresh food
compartment 14 through one or more doors 18. In the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 1A, two French doors are shown. In the bottom
mount configuration, a user may access the freezer compartment 16
by slidably opening a drawer 19. FIG. 1B illustrates a refrigerator
10 with the freezer compartment 16 is disposed above the fresh food
compartment 16, commonly referred to as a "top mount" refrigerator.
In both the bottom mount and top mount configurations, the fresh
food section 14 may be comprised of any number of shelves 20 and
drawers 22 commonly known in the art. Furthermore, in both the
bottom mount and top mount configurations, a defrost chamber 24 is
disposed within the freezer compartment 16.
[0033] An exemplary defrost chamber 24 is illustrated in FIG. 2.
The defrost chamber 24 may be comprised of a top wall 26, a bottom
wall 28, opposing side walls 30, and a rear wall 32 opposite a
front wall 34. The walls collectively define an interior 36 of the
defrost chamber 24. The bottom wall 28, opposing side walls 30, and
rear wall 32 may be rigidly connected. The front wall 34 may also
be rigidly secured, in which case the top wall 26 will be operably
connected so as to provide access to the interior 36 of the defrost
chamber 24. In another exemplary embodiment, the top wall 26 may be
rigidly secured, in which case the front wall 34 will be operably
connected so as to provide access to the interior 36 of the defrost
chamber 24. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the top wall 26
and the front wall 34 will be operably connected to the remainder
of the walls to provide multiple means of access to the interior 36
of the defrost chamber 24. As shown illustratively in FIG. 2, the
front wall 34 may be pivotally connected to the opposing side walls
30 via hinges (not shown). A handle 40 is provided on the front
wall 34 to pivot the front wall 34 downwardly about the hinges. The
present disclosure also contemplates the hinges and front wall 34
may be configured to pivot sideward or upwardly. In configurations
where the top wall 26 is operably connected, hinges 38 may be
disposed proximate to the rear wall 32. The present disclosure
contemplates several other means for operably connecting one or
more walls, including but not limited to, snap fit, friction fit,
track with rollers, and the like.
[0034] The defrost chamber 24 may be rigidly or movably connected
to the freezer compartment 16. For example, referring to the bottom
mount refrigerator of FIG. 1A, the defrost chamber 24 may be
connected to an underside of a mullion commonly dividing the
freezer compartment 16 and the fresh food compartment 14. If
rigidly secured, a user may access the defrost chamber 24 by
opening the front wall 34 as previously expressed herein. In
another exemplary embodiment, the defrost chamber 24 may have
wheels 42, as shown illustratively in FIG. 2, configured to
slidably engage tracks disposed in the freezer compartment 16. In
yet another exemplary embodiment, the defrost chamber 24 may have
tracks (not shown) configured to slidably engage counterpoising
tracks disposed in the freezer compartment 16. In still yet another
exemplary embodiment, the defrost chamber may be connected to the
drawer 19 such that the defrost chamber 24 is exposed when the
drawer 19 is opened. Referring now to the top mount refrigerator of
FIG. 1B, the defrost chamber 24 may be rigidly or movably connected
to any corner of the freezer compartment 16. In embodiments where
the defrost chamber 24 is movably connected to the freezer
compartment 16, the defrost chamber 24 may be configured to be
removable from the same. The present disclosure contemplates the
defrost chamber 24 may be located anywhere in the freezer
compartment 16, and further may be connected to the freezer
compartment 16 by any means commonly known in the art.
[0035] The defrost chamber 24 is designed to be insulated from the
freezer compartment 16. In particular and as will be discussed in
detail below, the defrost chamber 24 produces heat during
operation. To prevent the heat from within the defrost chamber 24
from undesirably entering the below-freezing freezer compartment
16, the opposing side walls 30 may be comprised of insulation 44
disposed between a first liner 46 and a second liner 48, as shown
illustratively in FIG. 4. The insulation 44 may be comprised of any
suitable material commonly known in the art such as polyurethane
foam. The first liner 46 and/or second liner 48 may be comprised of
any suitable material commonly known in the art for refrigerator
and freezer liners, including but not limited to
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins, high impact
polystyrene (HIPS), modified graft copolymers of acrylonitrile and
methyl acrylate, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear
wall 32 and the front wall 34 may be also comprised of the layers
of insulation 44 disposed between a first liner 46 and a second
liner 48. In another exemplary embodiment, the rear wall 32 and the
front wall 34 may be a singular or layered panel of glass, plastic
and/or metal. A panel of glass may be particularly suitable for the
front wall 34, thereby permitting an individual to see within the
defrost chamber 24.
[0036] Furthermore, the defrost chamber 24 may include one or more
vents 50. The vent(s) 50 may be disposed on the opposing side walls
30, as shown illustratively in FIGS. 2 and 7, and/or on any
combination of the walls without deviating from the objects of the
present disclosure. When the defrost chamber 24 is not in use, the
vent(s) 50 are open to permit the cold air from the freezer
compartment 16 to enter the defrost chamber 24. In the non-use
configuration, the temperature within the defrost chamber 24 will
be substantially the same as the freezer compartment 16. Further,
to promote the flow of cold air into the defrost chamber 24 in the
non-use configuration, one or more fans 52 may be associated with
the one or more vents 50. In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 6, the fan 52 is disposed over the vent 50 in one of opposing
sidewalls 30.
[0037] In a use configuration, the vent(s) 50 of the defrost
chamber 24 are closed. In an exemplary embodiment, the closure
mechanism is comprised of a solenoid valve 54, as shown
illustratively in FIG. 7. Upon receiving an electric current, a
solenoid within a coil engages and closes the valve 54. The
solenoid valve 54 assists in minimizing heat loss within the
defrost chamber 24, thereby promoting maximum defrosting rate of
the food item(s). In another exemplary embodiment, the closure
mechanism includes a wire that deforms under the influence of heat,
thereby also allowing the vent(s) 50 to be opened or closed with an
electrical input. Examples of such wire include but are not limited
to nichrome wire, Nitinol memory wire, Flexinol.RTM. actuator wire,
and other shape-memory alloys. Furthermore, the present disclosure
contemplates that the one or more fans 52 and the one or more
closure mechanisms may be used in tandem.
[0038] As previously mentioned herein, the defrost chamber 24
produces heat to defrost food item(s). The heat is produced by one
or more electrically conductive surfaces. More particularly, the
top wall 26 and/or the bottom wall 28 are comprised of layered
surfaces, at least one of which is electrically conductive and
adapted to receive a voltage.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates the cross section of an electrically
conductive top wall 26 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
An inner layer 54 of electrically conductive coated glass may be
disposed proximate to the interior 36 of the defrost chamber 24.
The electrically conductive coating 56 is disposed on a surface 58
of the glass 60 opposite to the interior 36 of the defrost chamber
24. The configuration prevents food item(s) from contacting the
electrically conductive coating 56. Examples of electrically
conductive glass includes Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and indium
tin oxide, but the present disclosure also envisions the use of
transparent conducting films (TCFs) using similar technology. The
top wall 26 may further comprise an outer layer 62 separated from
the inner layer 54 by an air gap 64. The air gap 64 enables the
electrically conductive coating 56 to function as a low emissivity
surface to direct the heat to the interior 36 of the defrost
chamber 24 more efficiently. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer
layer 62 may be comprised of low emissivity glass, particularly for
freezer compartment 16 configurations requiring a transparent or
translucent top wall 26. In another exemplary embodiment, the outer
layer 62 of the top wall 26 may be comprised of plastic or metal.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, the outer layer 62 of the top
wall 26 may be the liner of the freezer compartment 16. The bottom
wall 28 may be a mirrored configuration of the top wall 26. In a
preferred embodiment, the top wall 26 and the bottom wall 28 are
electrically conductive to promote even defrosting of the food
item(s). The present disclosure, however, contemplates any number
of the walls of the defrost chamber 24 may be electrically
conductive to product heat. For example, the opposing side walls 30
and/or the rear wall 32 may be comprised of the components of the
top wall 26 and/or the bottom wall 28 previously expressed
herein.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 5, the electrically conductive coating 56
of the top wall 26 and the electrically conductive coating 56 of
the bottom wall 26 are connected to a control unit 66. The control
unit 66 is configured to supply a first voltage 68 to the
electrically conductive coating 56 of the top wall 26 and a second
voltage 70 to the electrically conductive coating 56 of the bottom
wall 28. The electrically conductive coatings 56 act as a fixed
resistor to generate heat from the applied first voltage 68 and
second voltage 70. The heat is conducted through the glass 60 and
to the interior 36 of the defrost chamber 24 to defrost the food
item(s). The first voltage 68 and the second voltage 70 supplied by
the control unit 66 may be the same or may be varied. In an
exemplary embodiment, the first voltage 68 supplied to the top wall
26 may be greater than the second voltage 70 supplied to the bottom
wall 28, as the food item(s) will be resting on the bottom wall 28.
Thus, the food item(s) are at a greater distance from the top wall
26 than the bottom wall 28 and the increased heat produced by the
top wall 26 may promote evenness of the defrosting process.
Further, in embodiments where the top wall 26 is transparent or
translucent heating the top wall 26 and the bottom wall 28 may
prevent condensation from forming on the top wall 26.
[0041] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrates a block diagram of operation of
a control unit in accordance with exemplary embodiments. As
previously expressed herein, the control unit 66 supplies a first
voltage 68 to the top wall 26 and a second voltage 70 to the bottom
wall 28. The magnitude of the voltage supplied may be specifically
selected by an individual or associated with preprogrammed
settings. For example, the control unit 66 may contain
preprogrammed heating rates and/or voltages associated with beef,
pork, poultry, fish, vegetables, and the like. Further, the
preprogrammed settings may account for a user-defined weight of the
food item(s) to be defrosted. Still further, the preprogrammed
settings may be configured to proportion the voltage supplied to
the top wall 26 and the bottom wall 28 to provide for evenness in
the defrosting process.
[0042] The control unit 66 may be associated with a time setting 72
and/or a timer 74. The time setting 72 may be configured to
initiate the defrosting process. An individual may input a future
start time into the time setting 72. For example, an individual may
depart for work in the morning, but opt for the defrosting process
to begin at 3:00 p.m. based on an anticipated return time. The
timer 74 may be configured to terminate the defrosting process
after a predetermined elapsed period of time. An individual may
input a desired defrosting time into the timer 74. The timer 74 may
be in addition to or in lieu of the individual selecting a start
time.
[0043] The individual may start and stop the defrost chamber 24;
enter the power level, start time, and/or elapsed time; and/or
select from preprogrammed settings through a control panel (not
shown) disposed on the cabinet 12 of the refrigerator 10. In
addition, the control unit 66 may be configured receive one or more
user inputs remotely. In particular, the control unit 66 may have
means for receiving a wireless signal 76 through, for example,
Wi-Fi, the Internet, e-mail, and the like. This may permit the
defrost chamber 24 to be activated through, for example, a
smartphone, tablet, or personal computer with access to the
Internet. This is particularly advantageous since the objects of
the present disclosure do not require the individual to relocate
the food item(s) from the defrost chamber 24 to initiate the
defrosting process. In an exemplary embodiment where a smartphone
and/or tablet may be used, a customized application (a.k.a., an
App) may be implemented.
[0044] Once the defrosting process is initiated, the control unit
66 supplies one or more voltages (68 and 70) to the one or more
walls, as previously expressed herein. The control unit 66 may also
be in electric connection with one or more valves 54 associated
with the one or more vents 50. The control unit 66 may supply a
signal (e.g., a voltage) to the valve(s) 54 to close the vent(s)
50. In the use configuration, closing the valves 54 prevents heat
from escaping into the surrounding freezer compartment 16, which
would not only reduce the efficiency of the defrost chamber 24, but
also compromise the food being stored in the freezer compartment
16.
[0045] After the defrosting process is complete or the defrosting
chamber 24 is in a non-use configuration, the control unit 66 may
remove the voltage being supplied to the valve(s) 54, thereby
opening the vent(s) 50. Further, the control unit 66 may also be in
electric connection with one or more fans 52 associated with the
one or more vents 50. The control unit 66 may supply a signal
(e.g., a voltage) to the fan(s) 52 to circulate cold air into the
defrost chamber 24. After a period of time, the temperature within
the defrost chamber 24 and the freezer compartment 16 will
substantially equalize. Thereafter, defrost chamber 24 is ready to
food item(s) at below-freezing temperatures.
[0046] The disclosure is not to be limited to the particular
embodiments described herein. In particular, the disclosure
contemplates numerous variations in the type of ways in which
embodiments of the disclosure can be applied to means for
defrosting food within a freezer compartment. The foregoing
description has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit
any of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. It is
contemplated that other alternatives or exemplary aspects that are
considered included in the disclosure. The description is merely
examples of embodiments, processes or methods of the disclosure. It
is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/or
additions can be made, which are within the intended spirit and
scope of the disclosure. For the foregoing, it can be seen that the
disclosure accomplishes at least all that is intended.
[0047] The previous detailed description is of a small number of
embodiments for implementing the disclosure and is not intended to
be limiting in scope. The following claims set forth a number of
the embodiments of the disclosure with greater particularity.
* * * * *