A freezer case includes a refrigeration system and a controller. The controller is configured to store a plurality of setpoint instruction sets associated with a plurality of possible operating modes, select a current operating mode from the plurality of possible operating modes, assign a value for the superheat setpoint by executing the setpoint instruction set associated with the current operating mode, control the refrigeration system in accordance with the superheat setpoint.

This invention relates to a novel kit, transportable apparatus and method for generating in-situ CO2 snow block within the apparatus. An item such as a biological sample can be stored and transported within the same apparatus that is employed for creating the CO2 snow block. The apparatus is capable of preserving the sample during transport. The invention also includes a specially designed CO2 snow charger system including a charger and meshed conduit. The charger system is operated in accordance with the methods of the present invention to create the in-situ CO2 snow block within a container that can be also used for transport.

An apparatus for cryostorage and manipulation of a plurality of container units includes a cryochamber having a cryo-access port. The cryochamber is electrically cooled at cryogenic temperatures. A unit holder is located inside the cryochamber and is configured to hold a plurality of container units. A user access area is provided for selectively permitting access to a chosen container unit by an authenticated user who has been authenticated by the apparatus. A motive grasper is provided for selectively removing the chosen container unit from the cryochamber through the cryo-access port, and selectively placing the chosen container unit into the user access area.

A method for determining a time frame for when a freezer having a compressor should be defrosted include the steps of measuring compressor cycling over time, determining a change in compressor cycling over time, and determining from the change in in compressor cycling over time determined a time frame for when the freezer should be defrosted.

A method for controlling an operation of a refrigeration appliance includes controlling a first cooling routine for a first compartment via a flow of a thermal exchange media to a first evaporator. The method further includes controlling a heating routine in response to a setpoint temperature being greater than the temperature of the first compartment. The heating routine includes activating a heating element and a fan in the first compartment over a first interval and deactivating the heating element and the fan over a second interval. The heating routine continues by activating the first interval and the second interval over alternating time periods. In response to the temperature of the first compartment being greater than or equal to a target temperature associated with the setpoint, the method may control the operation of the appliance by returning to the cooling routine.

A refrigerating appliance is provided. The refrigerating appliance comprises: —a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment, the first and second storage compartments being separated from each other; —a refrigeration circuit comprising a first evaporator associated to the first storage compartment, a second evaporator associated to the second storage compartment, and a compressor for causing refrigerant to flow in the refrigeration circuit through the first evaporator and the second evaporator, the first evaporator, the second evaporator and the compressor being fluidly connected in series; —temperature sensors adapted to sense a first temperature indicative of the temperature inside the first storage compartment and a second temperature indicative of the temperature inside the second storage compartment; —a control unit configured to set a flow rate of the compressor according to both: —a first difference between the sensed first temperature and a first storage compartment target temperature, and —a second difference between the sensed second temperature and a second storage compartment target temperature.

A cooling package that includes a sensor that provides a signal to the user to indicate that the cooling package is ready for use and when the cooling package is depleted is described. The sensor and sensor display are selected on the basis of the freezing point of the contained solution. The freezing point of the solution is adjustable through use of organic or inorganic additives. The sensor can further be used by placement directly in contact with a food product and through measurement of temperature, pH or electrical conductivity a signal to the user through the built in display warns of food spoilage if the temperature, cumulative time above a pre-selected temperature, pH or electrical conductivity exceed a pre-selected limit.

A refrigerator includes: a cabinet including a freezing chamber; an evaporator located at one side of the freezing chamber; a freezing chamber fan configured to supply cool air to the freezing chamber; an ice maker located in the freezing chamber and configured to perform ice-making; an ice bin located below the ice maker and separates and stores ice made in the ice maker; an ice detection device which detects whether or not the ice stored in the ice bin is full; and a control unit configured to control the freezing chamber fan according to a detection signal of the ice detection device. The control unit is configured to turn off the freezing chamber fan when ice-fullness is detected by the ice detection device and turn on the freezing chamber fan when the ice-fullness is not detected by the ice detection device.

A method of controlling a refrigerator is disclosed. The method includes: operating a cool air supply means with a predetermined output; a controller determining the output of the cool air supply means based on a current temperature of a storage compartment sensed by a temperature sensor while the cool air supply means operates with the predetermined output; and the controller operating the cool air supply means with the determined output. The controller determines that the output of the cool air supply means is decreased or increased when an absolute value of a difference between a previous temperature and a current temperature of the storage compartment is equal to or greater than a first reference value, and wherein the output of the cool air supply means is decreased or increased again when the absolute value of the difference between a current temperature of the storage compartment sensed again after a predetermined time has elapses and the previous temperature of the storage compartment is equal to or greater than the first reference value.

A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.