US4008579A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for heat control of a refrigeration system
Assignee: General Electric Co
•
Filing: 1975-07-31
•
Granted: 1977-02-22
•
Expires: 1995-07-31
Abstract
Abstract A heat pipe for controlling the temperature of a refrigeration system of a refrigerator is of a general "U" configuration. A means is provided within the heat pipe to terminate the passage of gas and/or liquid through the heat pipe when the ambient temperature of the second end of the heat pipe is greater than the temperature of the portion of the refrigerator contacting the first end of the heat pipe.
Inventors
- 👤 Julius B. Horvay
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 13:00
CPC Classifications
F; F28; F28D; F28D15/00; F28D15/02; F28D15/06; F25; F25B; F25B39/00; F25B39/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
Apparatus for controlling the temperature of a refrigeration system of a refrigerator positioned within a house, said apparatus comprising: a heat pipe of general U configuration having middle and first and second leg portions, said first leg portion being in heat exchange relationship with the refrigeration system, said middle portion passing through a wall of the house, and said second leg portion being outside the house for passing heat from the refrigeration system to a location outside the house; a control valve positioned between said first and second heat pipe leg portions for controllably isolating said first leg portion from said second leg portion; and means for moving the control valve between an open and a closed position in response to the difference between the temperatures outside and inside the house.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
Apparatus for controlling the temperature of a refrigeration system of a refrigerator positioned within a house, said apparatus comprising: a heat pipe of general U configuration having middle and first and second leg portions, said first leg portion being in heat exchange relationship with the refrigeration system, said middle portion passing through a wall of the house, and said second leg portion being outside the house for passing heat from the refrigeration system to a location outside the house; a control valve positioned between said first and second heat pipe leg portions for controllably isolating said first leg portion from said second leg portion; and means for moving the control valve between an open and a closed position in response to the difference between the temperatures outside and inside the house.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means for moving the control valve opens the control valve when the inside temperature is greater than the outside temperature, and closes the control valve when the outside temperature is greater than the inside temperature.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first and second legs of the heat pipe extend generally upwarrdly from the middle portion of the heat pipe.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
127 words
Apparatus for controlling the temperature of a refrigeration system of a refrigerator positioned within a house, said apparatus comprising: a heat pipe having middle and first and second leg portions, said first leg portion being in heat exchange relationship with the refrigeration system, said middle portion passing through a wall of the house, and said second leg portion being outside the house for passing heat from the refrigeration system to a location outside the house; a control valve positioned between said first and second heat pipe leg portions for controllably isolating said first leg portion from said second leg portion; and means for moving the control valve between an open and a closed position in response to the difference between the temperatures outside and inside the house.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
127 words
Apparatus for controlling the temperature of a refrigeration system of a refrigerator positioned within a house, said apparatus comprising: a heat pipe having middle and first and second leg portions, said first leg portion being in heat exchange relationship with the refrigeration system, said middle portion passing through a wall of the house, and said second leg portion being outside the house for passing heat from the refrigeration system to a location outside the house; a control valve positioned between said first and second heat pipe leg portions for controllably isolating said first leg portion from said second leg portion; and means for moving the control valve between an open and a closed position in response to the difference between the temperatures outside and inside the house.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said means for moving the control valve opens the control valve when the inside temperature is greater than the outside temperature, and closes the control valve when the outside temperature is greater than the inside temperature.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-02-22 | 1980-08-23 | 1981-02-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-02-22 | 1984-08-23 | 1985-02-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-02-22 | 1988-08-23 | 1989-02-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |