A cryogenic freezer features a dewar defining a storage space. A reservoir is positioned within or adjacent to the storage space and is configured to contain a cryogenic liquid with a headspace above the cryogenic liquid in a reservoir interior space that is sealed with respect to the storage space. A refrigeration module is in heat exchange relationship with the reservoir. A sensor is configured to determine a temperature or pressure within the reservoir. A system controller is connected to the sensor and the refrigeration module and configured so that the refrigeration module is adjusted to provide additional cooling to the reservoir when a pressure or temperature within the headspace increases.

A merchandiser for storing refrigerated product for purchase by a customer is provided. The merchandiser includes a housing defining a cavity; an opening defined by the housing, the opening providing access to the cavity; a door coupled to the housing and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the door covers the opening in the first position and the door is positioned away from the opening in the second position such that the cavity is accessible; a lock coupled to the door, the lock actuable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the lock is configured to lock the door in the first position in the locked position; and a controller coupled to the lock, the controller configured to actuate the lock to the unlocked position in response to receiving an unlock signal from a remote device.

A merchandiser for storing refrigerated product for purchase by a customer is provided. The merchandiser includes a housing defining a cavity; an opening defined by the housing, the opening providing access to the cavity; a door coupled to the housing and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the door covers the opening in the first position and the door is positioned away from the opening in the second position such that the cavity is accessible; a lock coupled to the door, the lock actuable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the lock is configured to lock the door in the first position in the locked position; and a controller coupled to the lock, the controller configured to actuate the lock to the unlocked position in response to receiving an unlock signal from a remote device.

A method for controlling a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: if an ultra-low temperature compartment mode is turned on, performing control such that one of low voltage, middle voltage, high voltage, and reverse voltage is applied to the thermoelectric module according to the operation mode of the refrigerator; and if the temperature of the ultra-low temperature compartment is determined to be in a satisfactory temperature range, applying low voltage to the thermoelectric module by the control unit.

A cooling system is provided that partially floods one of its freezers (e.g., the ice cream freezer) such that the refrigerant discharged by the freezer includes a liquid component. In this manner, the freezers in the system can operate at the same saturated suction temperature. A heat exchanger can be used to transfer heat to the liquid component of the discharge to evaporate the liquid component.

A cooling system is provided that partially floods one of its freezers (e.g., the ice cream freezer) such that the refrigerant discharged by the freezer includes a liquid component. In this manner, the freezers in the system can operate at the same saturated suction temperature. A heat exchanger can be used to transfer heat to the liquid component of the discharge to evaporate the liquid component.

An experimental payload and cryogenic system are provided. An experimental payload including a cryogenic chamber is provided. The cryogenic chamber includes an action chamber configured to be cryogenically cooled to an action temperature. The cryogenic chamber also includes an inner cooling ring cooled via an internal braiding system. The inner cooling ring is configured to operate at a first temperature. The cryogenic chamber further includes an outer ring in communication with the inner cooling ring. The outer ring is configured to absorb heat from the experimental payload. The outer ring defines a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature. The cryogenic chamber also includes a plurality of legs operably coupled to the cryogenic chamber at a top end of each leg. The legs are characterized by a low thermal conductivity and the experimental payload is configured to be attached to a base of a cryocooler.

An experimental payload and cryogenic system are provided. An experimental payload including a cryogenic chamber is provided. The cryogenic chamber includes an action chamber configured to be cryogenically cooled to an action temperature. The cryogenic chamber also includes an inner cooling ring cooled via an internal braiding system. The inner cooling ring is configured to operate at a first temperature. The cryogenic chamber further includes an outer ring in communication with the inner cooling ring. The outer ring is configured to absorb heat from the experimental payload. The outer ring defines a second temperature that is greater than the first temperature. The cryogenic chamber also includes a plurality of legs operably coupled to the cryogenic chamber at a top end of each leg. The legs are characterized by a low thermal conductivity and the experimental payload is configured to be attached to a base of a cryocooler.

A merchandiser for storing a product for purchase by a customer is disclosed. The merchandiser includes a housing defining a cavity; a door coupled to the housing; a platform located in the cavity for holding the product; a load sensor structured to determine a weight of the product; and a controller coupled to the load sensor. The controller is structured to unlock the door based on a validation of payment information of the customer, and determine a weight of product removed during a transaction for the product based on a value regarding the weight of the product removed during the transaction being substantially constant for a preset amount of time.

A merchandiser for storing a product for purchase by a customer is disclosed. The merchandiser includes a housing defining a cavity; a door coupled to the housing; a platform located in the cavity for holding the product; a load sensor structured to determine a weight of the product; and a controller coupled to the load sensor. The controller is structured to unlock the door based on a validation of payment information of the customer, and determine a weight of product removed during a transaction for the product based on a value regarding the weight of the product removed during the transaction being substantially constant for a preset amount of time.