Refrigeration – Display type – Means removing or preventing condensate on transparent panel
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-08
2001-10-16
Tapolcai, William E. (Department: 3744)
Refrigeration
Display type
Means removing or preventing condensate on transparent panel
C062S277000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06301913
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to refrigeration systems, and more particularly to commercial refrigeration systems having anti-sweat heating by use of warm fluid circulated in tubing embedded in the frame of the glass door and along the cabinet's door opening area.
BACKGROUND
Currently, refrigerated product storage and display cases which are used in supermarkets are typically provided with a door structure having a multi-paned window which is surrounded by a metallic door frame. To prevent condensation and frost from forming on the door frame, it is known in the art to provide electrical heating elements concealed within a groove at the outer edges of the door or within the door frame of the display case. The electric heater strips raise the surface dew point temperature so that condensate droplets do not form on the surface of the metal surfaces. Each time the door is opened, room ambient air or warmer, humid air tends to enter the refrigerated space, or when the door is closed, the door gasket may leak cold air which can cause the door frame and its jam to condense ambient condensate. The condensate can freeze to form frost or drip downwards onto the floor. The use of electric heater strips embedded in the door, primarily at the area of the door gasket seal has been utilized in order to reduce the formation of condensate. The electric heater strips either operate continually or are controlled by an enthalpy monitoring controller whereas they cycle based on the relative humidity relative to the ambient dry bulb temperature, i.e., dew point. Most supermarkets tend to leave these heaters on continuously in the summer because of the potential liability of having a wet floor in the shopping aisle. Having the heaters on also eliminates the frosted glass effect a high door opening rate has on moisture entering into the display case. The added cost of the door heater operation is rationalized by these factors. However, it is still desirable to provide a more efficient, less costly method of preventing condensate from forming on the door frame and the door jam.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an anti-sweat heating system for commercial refrigeration that reduces energy and requirements.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an anti-sweat heating system for a commercial refrigeration cabinet which utilizes an existing heat source for heating a fluid which is used to warm the door frame and door jam of a refrigeration cabinet.
These and other objects of the present invention are obtained by providing a refrigeration unit, including a casing having a plurality of walls, one of the walls including an opening on one side thereof. A door is pivotally attached to the casing for covering the opening. A first warm fluid passage is provided extending along at least a portion of the opening in the casing. A second warm fluid passage extends along a portion of the door along a perimeter thereof where the door engages the casing. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and an evaporator connected in series. The condensing unit section has a liquid cooling system wherein the first and second fluid passages are provided with liquid from the liquid cooling system.
The door is provided with a gasket which engages the casing, the second warm fluid passage is disposed adjacent to the door gasket. The second warm fluid passage includes a fluid coupling which extends along a pivot axis of the door.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood however that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
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Ares Roland
Schulak Edward R.
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
Schulak Edward R.
Tapolcai William E.
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