| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20110232304 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTI-SENSE CONTROL ALGORITHM FOR ATOMIZERS IN REFRIGERATORS - A method and system is provided which receives a desired humidity level from a user for the refrigeration compartment of a refrigerator, determines the current humidity level, and then activates an atomizer in the refrigeration compartment to increase the humidity level if needed. The humidity in the refrigeration compartment may be determined based at least in part on the temperature of the refrigeration compartment, the defrost timer, the door opening times, and the compressor timer. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232312 | FLEXIBLE WICK AS WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM - Certain embodiments of the presently described technology provide methods and systems for providing water for atomization in a refrigerator from a water source to an atomizer via a flexible wick. Certain embodiments provide a refrigerator for cooling and humidifying at least a portion of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main supply fluid tank, a secondary reservoir supplied with fluid from the main supply fluid tank, an atomizer provided with fluid from the secondary reservoir, and a flexible wick for providing fluid transfer from the secondary reservoir to a location proximate to the atomizer. The secondary reservoir has a maximum, controlled height of fluid. The atomizer discharges the fluid provided form the secondary reservoir in an atomized spray to at least a portion of the refrigerator. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232321 | ATOMIZATION OF FOOD PRESERVATION SOLUTION - Certain embodiments of the presently described technology provide methods and systems for providing an atomized food preservation solution to food stored in a refrigerator. Certain embodiments provide an atomization unit for a refrigerator for humidifying at least a portion of the refrigerator. The atomization unit comprises an atomizer for atomizing and dispensing fluid to at least a portion of the refrigerator, a water supply for providing water to the atomizer, the water supply providing water along a fluid supply path to the atomizer, a food preservation solute dispenser located along the fluid supply path at a location where fluid will flow over the food preservation solute dispenser. The food preservation solute dispenser provides a food preservative to be dissolved in water along the fluid supply path as fluid flows over the food preservation solute dispenser. The atomizer is provided with a solution including the food preservative and dispenses the solution to the at least a portion of the refrigerator. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110233289 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ULTRASOUND-BASED ATOMIZER FOR HUMIDITY CONTROL IN REFRIGERATORS - A system and method is provided for monitoring the humidity inside a refrigerator and increasing the humidity when desired. In an embodiment, the humidifier is an ultrasonic atomizer that receives supply water from a removable tank that is refilled by a consumer. An adaptive control system monitors the humidity level inside the refrigerator and actuates the ultrasonic atomizer when an increase in humidity is desired. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110233300 | ATOMIZATION UNIT WITH NEGATIVE PRESSURE ACTUATOR - An atomization unit is described that employs a negative pressure actuator to reduce the fluid pressure acting on the atomizer in order to minimize or prevent fluid leakage from the atomizer. Methods of minimizing or preventing fluid leakage from an atomizer through use of a negative pressure actuator are also described. The atomization unit is particularly suitable for use in a refrigerator to cool and humidify at least a portion of the refrigerator. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110236544 | ATOMIZATION OF FOOD PRESERVATION SOLUTIONS - Certain embodiments of the presently described technology provide methods for providing an atomized food preservation solution to food stored in a refrigerator. The methods include dissolving a soluble food preservative in water to form a food preservation solution and delivering the food preservation solution to an atomizer which atomizes the food preservation solution to distribute the solution to food stored in the refrigerator. Also, described are embodiments of a food preservation solute dispenser for use in the methods. The food preservation solute dispenser is adapted for placement along an atomizer fluid supply path at a location where fluid will flow over the food preservation solute dispenser. The food preservation solute dispenser provides a food preservative to be dissolved in water along the fluid supply path as fluid flows over the food preservation solute dispenser. Food preservatives that can be dissolved and atomized include anti-microbial agents, such as citrus essential oils, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. | 09-29-2011 |
