A thermal storage material changes phase at a prescribed temperature. The thermal storage material includes water, a base compound including a quaternary ammonium salt that forms a semi-clathrate hydrate; and potassium hydrogen carbonate. The potassium hydrogen carbonate is saturated at an onset temperature of solidification.

Ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. The target wavelength ranges and/or target intensity ranges of the ultraviolet radiation sources can correspond to at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations including a virus destruction operating configuration and a bacteria disinfection operating configuration. Each configuration can include a unique combination of the target wavelength range and target intensity range.

The present invention discloses an air volume adjustment device for a refrigerator. The air volume adjustment device comprises: a fan capable of introducing cold air from an evaporator into the first air inlet cavity and the second air inlet cavity; a baffle arranged between a first air inlet cavity of a first compartment and a second air inlet cavity of a second compartment, which is capable of moving among a plurality of positions to adjust the volume of air entering the first air inlet cavity and the second air inlet cavity; and an operating knob and a potentiometer which are connected to the front side and the rear side of the baffle, respectively. The operating knob is capable of operably driving the baffle to move. The potentiometer transfers an electrical signal corresponding to a position of the baffle to the controller for controlling the fan or the compressor.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a porous plate is provided. The porous plate includes a body having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface and sidewalls extending between respective entireties of the upper surface and the lower surface, the body being formed of porous material, and a metallic coating, which is thermally deposited onto an entirety of the sidewalls to form a high-strength mechanical bond with the entirety of the sidewalls.

The present invention involves using either liquid nitrogen, dry ice, a gel-like solution of water and alcohol in an ice pack, or a combination of these in a method or device for rapidly lowering the temperature of multiple food and beverage products at the same time. The gel-like ice pack may be shaped around the food or beverage product to increase the surface area resulting in faster cooling. The device may also contain a scale, infrared temperature sensor, and bar code scanner for determining the initial weight, temperature, density, and type of food or beverage product to be cooled.

The present invention involves using either liquid nitrogen, dry ice, a gel-like solution of water and alcohol in an ice pack, or a combination of these in a method or device for rapidly lowering the temperature of multiple food and beverage products at the same time. The gel-like ice pack may be shaped around the food or beverage product to increase the surface area resulting in faster cooling. The device may also contain a scale, infrared temperature sensor, and bar code scanner for determining the initial weight, temperature, density, and type of food or beverage product to be cooled.

Ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. The target wavelength ranges and/or target intensity ranges of the ultraviolet radiation sources can correspond to at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations including a virus destruction operating configuration and a bacteria disinfection operating configuration. Each configuration can include a unique combination of the target wavelength range and target intensity range.

Ultraviolet radiation is directed within an area. The target wavelength ranges and/or target intensity ranges of the ultraviolet radiation sources can correspond to at least one of a plurality of selectable operating configurations including a virus destruction operating configuration and a bacteria disinfection operating configuration. Each configuration can include a unique combination of the target wavelength range and target intensity range.

Disclosed dual temperature saut? stations includes thermal systems to facilitate mobile food preparation using means of refrigeration/heat transfer to and from cold pack thermal systems in thermal communication with refrigeration coils. A saut? station may include an outer foam pack shell enclosing a cold pack layer with thermal tubing disposed within the cold pack layer. The cold pack layer acts as a thermal storage station, sometimes used to cool the thermal tubing and the thermal tubing sometimes used to cool the cold pack layer. The food preparation stations demonstrate further thermal efficiency by use of a buffered or enclosed temperature sensor, with the temperature sensor encased within a thermal layer or shell so as to not immediately react to incoming ambient air when a refrigerator door is opened. Thus, the sensor mimics the temperature of the food avoiding unnecessary cycling of the condenser.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for transporting sets of items at different temperatures using a modular system, which comprises a cooler, a detachable tote, and a means of securely affixing the tote to the top of the cooler for facilitating compact portability. In more detail, the Modular Cooler Apparatus and System invention comprises a soft-sided cooler comprising an insulated base and an insulated lid that connect together in a sealable fashion using a water proof zipper, lower strap connection points, and connecting support straps with connectors; a detachable soft-sided tote comprising a waterproof polyester exterior, a pocket, handle straps, upper strap connection points; and connecting straps comprising webbing, stitched loops, and tension locks with gates, which securely bind the detachable tote pack to the top of the cooler in a well-balanced fashion.