US2428311A - Refrigerator with holdover arrangement - Google Patents

Description

"S'egahz329351 H. M. HEREENER 29423333 REFRIGERATOR WITH HOLD-OVER RRNGEMENT Filed May '7, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet l Sept 30, 1947. H. M. HERBENER l 2,42853-1 REFRIGERATOR WITH HOLD-OVER ARRANGEMENT Filed May 7, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 H.` M. HERBENER 2,428,311l REFRIGERATOR WITH HOLD-OVER ARRANGEMENT Filed May 7, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 S M CQ fimzfmfaw A f' 2i 5 wu e/wtofo Hwy M 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 annum',

H. M. HERBENER REFRIGERATOR WITH HOLD-OVER ARRANGEMENT Filed Mayv 7, 1940 Sept. 30, 1947.

lllllllsllllIIllIllx w A o Patented Sept. 30, 1947 REFRIGERATOR WITH HOLDOVER ARRANGEMEN T Henry M. Herbener, Thomasville, Ga.

Application May 7, 1940, Serial No. 333,855

' My invention relates to refrigerators.

An important object of my invention is to provide a refrigerator possessing the advantages of the ordinary ice refrigerator and avoiding the disadvantages.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mechanical refrigerator which will maintain the perishable food products suitably chilled, without dehydrating them. Y

A further object of the invention is to provide a mechanical refrigerator which may be operated without defrosting.

A further object of the' invention is to provide means for supporting the perishable food products in close relation to the ice or ice waterholding tank or tanks, for effecting a quick and eiiicient heat exchange.

A further object of the invention is to have the perishable food products supporting elementor elements in thermal contact with the ice or ice water-holding tank or tanks, for effecting efficient heat exchange.

A further object of the inventionA is to provide a plurality of ice or ice water-holding tanks arranged in a longitudinal group in the refrigerator case, so that heat exchange with the food products carried by the various trays may be effected in a more or less uniform manner.

A further object of the invention is to provide a refrigerator having tray or trays which are in thermal contact with the ice or ice water-holding tank or tanks and are spaced from the walls of the refrigerator case to be free from thermal contact therewith.

A further object of the invention is to provide a refrigerator having an ice or ice holding tank so constructedthat the food products may be arranged about the same in a surrounding group, with the refrigerant supplying pipe extending generally centrally through the refrigerator case f and the tank for effecting eilicient heat exchange.

A further object of the invention is to yprovide hermetically sealed tank or tanks for holding 14 Claims. (C1. 62-95) the freezable liquid whereby the same may be f used practically indefinitely without being refy plenished.

volume of ice of sufficient size to maintain the refrigerator properly chilled during a selected period when the mechanical refrigerating unit is idle.

A further object of the invention is to provide time control means to set the mechanical refrigerating apparatus into action at a selected period, as when current is cheap, to freeze the water in the tank or tanks, and to stop such operation at the end of such period.

A further object of theinvention is to provide means to start the freezing action of the water within the tank or tanks when the temperature of the water raises to the melting point or above such melting point and to continue such freezing action until the water is completely frozen and then stop the freezing action when the temperature of the water or ice drops below the freezing temperature.

A further object of the invention is to provide control means to set the mechanical refrigerating apparatus ,into action at a selected period. as I when current fis cheap, tc'freeze the water in the tank 4or tanks, and to stop such operation at the end of such period, or when the water is completely frozen. y

The present application is a continuation in part of my application for Refrigeration apparatus, filed October 28, 1937, Serial No.-

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this'application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure l is a central vertical section through a refrigerator embodying my invention,

Figure 2 is a transverse section taken on line zf-z of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a central vertical section through a refrigerator embodying a second form of the invention, t

Figure 4 is a transverse section taken on line 4 4 of Figure 3,

Figure 5 is a horizontal section taken on line 5 5 of Figure 3, y

VFigure 6 is a horizontal section taken on line 6 6 of Figure 4, f

Figure 7 is a central vertical section vthrough a refrigerator embodying a third form of the invention,

Figure 8 is a transverse section taken on line 8 8 of Figure '7,

Figure 9 is a horizontal section taken on line 9 9 of Figure 7,

Figure 10 is a vertical section through a modified form of water-holding tank,

Figure 11 is a central vertical section through a refrigerator embodying a fourth form of my invention,

Figure 12 is a transverse section taken on line I2I2 of Figure 11,

Figure 13 is a horizontal section taken on line I3-I3 of Figure 11,

Figure 14 is a plan view of a modified form of water-holding tank,

Figure 15 is a vertical section taken on line I--I5 of Figure 14,

Figure 16 is a plan view of a further modified form of water-holding tank,

Figure 17 is a longitudinal section taken on line I'I--Il of Figure 16,

Figure 18 is a transverse section taken on line Ill-I8 of Figure 16,

Figur'e 19 is a central vertical section through a plurality of modied water-holding tanks.

In Figures 1 and 2, the numeral I0 designates the case of a refrigerator, which is suitably insulated and has a, door II so that access may be had to the interior of the same. The case may be supported upon legs I2.

Arranged within the case IU, preferably near its top, is a tank I3, formed of heat conducting material, such as metal. This tank is preferably tapered, decreasing in horizontal cross-section downwardly. The tank I3 is preferably hermetically sealed and is fixedly secured within the top of the case by any suitable means. The tank I3 is relatively large, and is preferably of such a. size that it will hold a sufficient amount of water, which when frozen into ice, will be suflicient to properly cool perishable products within the case I0 for a considerable length of time, such as throughout the major portion of a day. The tank I3 is maintained at a temperature of substantially 32 F. and this will suitably chill the interior of the case, for providing proper refrigeration for the perishable products, which will be maintained at a temperature of about 40 to 45", more or less. Since the temperature of the tank I3 does not materially go below 32 F. there is no frosting of the tank I3 and associated elements and therefore no dehydrating of the perishable products within the case Ill and no necessity for defrosting the tank and associated elements. The tank I3 being hermetically sealed, a suitable air space is left at the top of this tank so that the air within the tank will be compressed When the water expands in freezing, the drawings showing the water frozen into ice. 'Since the tank is hermetically sealed, this expansion during the freezing of the water and the compression of the air, places the Water under pressure and the water has a temperature slightly below 32 F. after being frozen. This reduction of temperature below 32 F. should only be slight as it is not desirable that the tank I3 have its tempera-- ture reduced considerably below 32 F. The extent of pressure which will be applied to the water due to the expansion of the same during the freezing period will depend upon the size of the air space within the tank, which may be varied, as found advantageous. By using the hermetically sealed tank I obtain all of the advantages inherent in the use of ice in the ordinary ice refrigerator while eliminating the disadvantages, such as drip and the necessity of manual lling and refilling with ice. In accordance with my invention the tank I3 is maintained at substantially the temperature of the ice or ice water held therein and hence the cooling surface of this ice or ice water is at all times utilized in chilling the interior of the case I0 and this cooling surface is maintained constant and at substantially a constant temperature, for as long as the water in the tank I3 is completelyfrozen or as long as there is any ice in the water the tank I3 will be maintained at substantially 32 F. In the ordinary ice refrigerator, as the ice melts, the water drains off and the cooling surface of the cake of ice decreases and a point is readily reached at which the cooling surface is insuillcient to properly chill the perishable food products, and as a result of this, it is customary to fill an ice box with more ice than is necessary to properly chill the food products by allowing for a sumcient amount of ice remaining after a portion of the same has melted away during the day. Therefore, in my refrigerator an economy in space is effected in the storage tank for holding the ice or ice water.

Further, since the water within the tank I3 is frozen by means of a refrigerating element which may be automatically thrown into action for several hours during each day, the length of time that the ice or ice water within the tank I3 must serve to maintain the interior of the case I0 at the desired lowered temperature is materially reduced, as compared to the time that ice must function in the ordinary ice refrigerator for the same purpose, and hence the size of the tank I3 and the resultant volume of the ice or ice water therein is also further materially reduced with respect to the volume of ice in the ordinary ice refrigerator.

The tank I3 has a bottom I4 and the sides of the tank project downwardly below this bottom for forming a metal housing I5, preferably integral with the tank I3 and in thermal contact therewith. Arranged within the upper portion of the housing I5 is a chamber I6, heat insulated at its sides, ends, and bottom, as shown at I'I, but not heat insulated at its top. This chamber I6 receives a cooling or freezing element I8, in the form of an expansion shell or casing, although a coil may be used if so desired. Arranged within the lower portion of the housing I5 is a chamber I9, which is heat insulated at its top, bottom, sides, and ends, and has a door 2| at its front end', so that access may be had to the interior of the same. The heat insulated chamber I9 removably receives and holds a tray 22, for holding water, ice cubes, desserts or the like. A freezing or cooling coil or element 23 is arranged within the heat insulated chamber I3 and is connected with the shell or element I8 by means of a pipe 24. The refrigerant is supplied to the shell I8 through a pipe 25 and this pipe 25 leads to the outlet side of a compressor 2B, the intake side of which is connected with a pipe 21, connected with the outlet of the coil 23. The pipe 25 has a coil or condenser 25 connected therein, as is well known. The outlet portion of the pipe 25 has a restrictor 26 connected therein. It is thus seen that the refrigerant rst enters the shell or element I8 and expands therein and then passes into the coil 23. The temperature within the shell I8 is below 32 F. and heat from the water within the tank I3 is transmitted tothe shell I8 through the bottom I4, the water circulating upwardly Within the tank I3 when it is below 39 F. When the water is frozen the refrigerant is cut ofi from the shell I8 so that the temperature of the tank I3 is not reduced materially below 32 F. The temperature within the heat insulated cham- 5 lber I9 may be considerably below 32 F. for freezing water into ice cubes or making frozen desserts. Since the chamber I9 is heat insulated this low temperature therein will not, of course, be transmitted to the interior of the case I for dehydrating the perishable products.

The compressor is shown as operated by an electric motor 28, the `operation of which is automatically controlled by a thermostat 29. The thermostat is so adjusted'that when the temperature of the tank I3 goes below 32 F. the circuit is opened to stop the motor 28. When the temperature of the tank I3 goes below 32 the temperature within the case Ill will also drop vand will then go below 40 F. or some other predetermined temperature at which time the thermo tank I3 and in thermal contact therewith. The` numeral 32 is a similar shelf, preferably formed of metal and mounted upon the housing I5 and in thermal contact therewith and with the tank I3 through the housing I5. Rigidly secured to the bottom of the housing I5 and in thermal contact therewith is a depending plate 33, prefererably formed of metal, and carrying a lower shelf 34, preferably formed of metal. The shelf 34 is in thermal contact with the plate 33 and the plate 33 is in thermal contact with the housing I5. The shelf 34 is provided with guides 35, slidably receiving the top edges of receptacles 3B, preferably formed of metal. In view of the foregoing description it is thus seen that the shelves 3|, 32, and 34 and the receptacles or trays 36 are all in thermal contact with each other and with the tank I3 so that Aheat may be transmitted from them to the tank by thermal contact, while all of these elements are preferably spaced from all walls of the case I0 so' that heat from these walls will not be transmitted to them. I

The operation of the apparatus is as follows: The clock 30 is so adjusted that it will maintain the motor circuit closed at one point during a selected period of the day, which may be that period when current is cheap, such as from midnightto 6 a.m. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. as some locations have an offpeak rate at this time. With a clock thus adjusted, when the time is reached, the clock will close the motor circuit as stated and if thetemperature of the tank I3 is at 32 F. or above the motor circuit will also be closed at another point by the thermostat and this motor circuit will be completely closed and the motor set into action for driving the compressor. Assuming that the portion of the day when current is cheap.

Instead of locating the thermostat 29 within the This period may also be from case I0 so that it is operated primarily by the temperature within the oase, this thermostat may be mounted directly upon the tank I3 and in thermal contact with the tank so that the motor circuit will be closed by the thermostat when the temperature of the tank reaches 32 F. or above and is opened when the temperature of the tank drops below 32 F.

In Figures 3 to 5 inclusive, I have shown a modified form of the invention. In these figures, the numeral 31 designates the case of a refrigerator, which is suitably insulated and is equipped with a front door 38 whereby access may be had to the interior thereof, as is customary. Arranged within the case 31, preferably in spaced superposed relation are water-holding tanks 39 and 40, which are preferably vertically tapered,

and decrease downwardly. 'I'hese tanks are preferably hermeticallysealed for holding water and the level therein indicates the water when frozen. The combined volume of the tanks 39 and 49 is sufficient for holding ice or ice water of a sufdcient combined volume to maintain the perishable food products in the case 31 at a proper refrigerating temperature, throughout the major portion of the day. In other words, the combined volume of the tanks 39 and 40 will be equal to the volume of the tank I3 in the first form of the invention. The top 4| of the tank 39 projects beyond the tank 39 and serves as a shelf and this top and tank is preferably spaced from all walls of the case Ill so that heat from these walls will not be transmitted to the tank. The top 4I serves as a shelf for the perishable products thus bringing them into thermal contact with the tank 39. Beneath the top 4|, the tank is covered with heat insulation 42 which is suitably rigidly secured to the back wall of the case 31 and constitutes the supporting means for the tank. This insulation encloses a freezing or cooling element or coil 43, preferably formed upon the exterior of the tank 39.V The tank 40 has a top 44 serving as a shelf and below this top, the tank is covered by insulation 45, suitably rigidly attached to the back wall of the case 31 and supporting the tank 43. The tank 40 alsohas its sides covered by insulation 46. A refrigerating or freezing element or coil 41 is formed upon the exterior of the side of the tank 40 and is covered by the insulation 46.

` Arranged below the insulation 45 and having thermal contact with the tank 40 are guides 49 and 49, slidably engaging flanges at the top of trays 50. These trays are therefore in thermal contact with the tank 40 and may be removed from the front of the case 31 when the door is open. The tank 40, guides 48, and trays 50 are all out of thermal contact with all walls of the case 31 and are spaced therefrom whereby heat from the case cannot be transmitted to the same.

Arranged in the upper portion of the case 31 is a heat insulated chamber 5|, in the upper portion of which is mounted an hermetically sealed tank 52 for holding a liquid having a freezing point below water, such as brine. The tank 52 is vertically tapered and decreases in width downwardly and isprovided with a refrigerating or freezing element or coil 53 formed upon its exterior, near its bottom. This coil is covered by the heat insulating material 54. In

Athe lower portion of the heat insulated chamber 5I are trays 55, for receiving water, desserts or the like to be frozen. These trays have flanges at their tops to engage and be supported by guides trays 55 by opening a door 51, as shown.

The numeral 58 designates a pipe which leads into one end of the coil 53 for supplying the refrigerant thereto, and 59 is a pipe receiving the refrigerant from the opposite end of the coil 53 and supplying the same into one end of the coil 43, the opposite end of which discharges into a'pipe 6U. This pipe 60 discharges the refrigerant into one end of the coil 41, and the opposite end of this coil discharges the refrigerant into a pipe 6I. This pipe 8l leads to the'intake side of a compressor 5'2, the outlet side of which is connected with a pipe 63, connected with the usual coil condenser 64, which discharges into the pipe 58.

The numeral 65 designates a clock for closing the motor circuit at one point and maintaining the same closed during a selected portion of the day as between midnight and 6V a. m. The numeral 96 designates a thermostat which will close the motor circuit at another point when the temperature of the tanks 33 and 40 falls below 32 F. and will close the circuit when their temperatures reach 32 F. or above. This thermostat may be adjusted to operate by the temperature within the case 31 or it may have thermal contact with either tank 39 or 49.

In the operation of this form of refrigerator, when the selected portion of the day is reached, the clock 65 closes the motor circuit at one point and the motor is set into action, assuming that the water in the tanks 39 and 40 is melted in whole or in part. The motor continues to run until the water has been completely frozen in the tanks 39 and 40 at which time the temperature of the tanks 39 and 40 will drop below 32 F. and the thermostat 96 will then open the motor circuit and stop the motor. The clock 65 maintains the circuit closed for a sufficient length of time to permit the water in the tanks 39 and 40 to freeze. In this form of the invention, the brine within the tank 52 will freeze and hence this tank will have a temperature below 32 F. and water, desserts or the like within the trays 55 may be frozen within the heat insulated chamber during the operation of the motor or after it is cut off. The chamber 5l is heat insulated from the interior of the case 31 and hence the low temperature within this chamber 5l will not be transmitted to the interior of the case, and therefore the dehydrating of perishable food products within the case will be avoided and no defrosting of the tanks 39 and 48 is necessary.

Attention is now called to Figures rI to 9 inclusive, wherein the numeral -91 designates the case of a refrigerator, which is suitably insulated, and is equipped with a front door 68. Arranged within the case B1 are Water-holding tanks 69 and 10, corresponding to the tanks 39 and 40, Figure 3, The tops of these tanks serve as shelves and these tops are spaced from all walls of the case 61 and have no thermal contact therewith. The tank 10 carries trays 1|, having thermal contact therewith and these trays and the guides 12 have no thermal contact withthe case 81. Trays 1i correspond to trays 59, Figure 3. The tanks 69 and 10 have refrigerating or freezing elements or coils 13, corresponding to the coils 43 and 41, Figure 3, and connected in series by pipes 14 and 15. The lowermost coil 13 is con- 8 nected with a pipe 18 which leads to the intake side of the compressor.

Within the upper portion of the case 61 is arranged a heat insulated chamber 11, in the ,upper portionof which is located an hermetically sealed tank 18, vertically tapered and converging downwardly. This tank holdsa liquid having a freezing point below water, such as brine, and the drawings show the liquid as frozen. This tank has a freezingor cooling coil 19, corresponding to the coil 53, Figure 3, and the coil 19 has its outlet end connected with a pipe 80, leading to the inlet end of the coil 13. The inlet end of the coil V19 is connected with' a pipe 8|, connected with the usual coil condenser 82, connected with a pipe 83, which is connected with the outlet of thev compressor 84. Arranged above the brineholding tank 15 is a space 85. within the heat insulated chamber 11, and this space receives trays 96, having iianges at their tops to engage guides 81. The trays 86 rest upon the top of the tank 18 and have thermal contact therewith and these trays are removed by opening a door 93. The trays may hold water, desserts or the like which are to be frozen. Within the heat insulated chamber 11 beneath the tank 18v there is a space 89 for receiving trays 99, containing frozen foods. The trays 90 are provided at their tops with flanges 9| having engagement with flanges 92 carried by the tank 11. The trays 90 therefore have thermal contact with the tank 18 and the trays 99 may be removed by opening the door 92. The temperature within the chamber 11 is below the freezing point of water and should 3aL be about 10 F.

In this form of the invention, the same clock 65,'Figures 5 and 3, is employed to close the circuit of the motor and the same thermostat 56 is employed to open and close the motor circuit at another point.

' The operation of this form of the refrigerator is the same as that stated in connection with the form shown in Figures 3 to 5 inclusive. In this form of the invention, Figures 7 to 9 inclusive, the trays 86 for holding ice and desserts are arranged above the tank 13 and are in thermal contact therewith and the trays 99 for holding Aquick frozen foodstuffs are arranged beneath the tank 18 and in thermal contact therewith.

In Figure 10, I have shown a modification of the refrigerating o r freezing coil for the waterholding tank which may be illustrated by 69. The coil is designated 'i3' and is shown as triangular in cross-section instead of curved in cross-section.

In Figures 11 to 13 inclusive, I have shown a further modification of my invention, wherein the numeral 93 designates a case having a front door 94, as usual. The case is suitably insulated.

Arranged within the upper portion of the case 93 is a heat insulated chamber 95, receiving tanks 96, which are hermetically sealed and hold a liquid having a freezing point below water. These `tanks are rectangular and are vertically tapered and flare upwardly. A conduit 91 is arranged between these tanks and extends longitudinally of them. This conduit is formed by the side walls of the tanks 98 and has end walls 98. The conduit 91 is inverted V-shaped in cross-section and at its bottom it communicates with a conduit 99, through a slot 99 which is generally inverted V-shaped in cross-section. The conduit 99 extends longitudinally of the tanks 96. The conduits 91 and 99 communicate with each other throughout their entire length by the slot 99.

`Arranged upon opposite sides of the conduit 99,

are compartments for receivingtrays |02, suspended from and having thermal contact with the tank 96. These trays are designed-for holding quick frozen foodstuffs. There is a space or compartment |03 within the heat insulated chamber 95, above the tank 96, and this compartment receives trays |04 for holding watervor desserts or the like to be frozen.- These trays cooperate vwith guides |04 and the bottom of these trays havethermal contact with the tank 9-6.

Arranged within the case 93 below the heat insulated chamber 95 are annular water-holding tanks |05, 'which are tapered in vertical crosssection, decreasing downwardly. All of these annular tanks |05 are rigidly connected with each other and are preferably suspended from the heat insulated chamber 95. The first two annular tanks |05 from the bottom have their tops extending radially beyond the same to form circular supports |06,upon which are mounted rotatable shelves |01. Each shelf is preferably formed in two segments which interlock at |08 so that they are detachably connected. There are stationary corner shelves |09 arranged at the same level with the shelves |01. The shelves |01 are spaced from and have no thermal contact with the shelves |09 or the walls of the case 93.

Arranged adjacent to the lowermost annular water holding tank |05 is a horizontal shelf I|0, preferably rectangular, and having thermal contact With the tank |05. Arranged below the shelf ||0 are trays provided at their tops with the flanges for slidably engaging guides II2 formed upon the shelf I I0. The trays III have thermal contact with the shelf H0 but are preferably spaced from the bottom of the case 93 and therefore have no thermal contact therewith.

The tanks |05 are hermetically sealed and have air spaces at their tops and the ice is indicated by the level therein. The shelves |01 and IIO are preferably spaced from the sides, back, and door of the case 93 and have no thermal contact therewith at their edges. The annular tanks |05 form a vertical passage I I3, the upper end of which is in communication with the conduit 91, at a point II4'. Extending through the passage ||3 is a refrigerant supply pipe I I5, having an external diameter smaller than the reduced portions of the passage |I3, as shown. The pipe I|5 discharges into the conduit 91 and the refrigerant then passes into the conduit 99 and then through the passage ||3 externally of the pipe I|5. Leading into the lowerI end of the .passage |I3, is a return pipe I|6, heat insulated as shown at II1. The return pipe I6 discharges into the intake side of a compressor ||1 and the supply pipe |I5 leads to the outlet side of this compressor. The

compressor is operated by the motor 28, and the same clock 65 and thermostat 66 are employed for the same purposes as described inrconnection with all previous forms of the invention. In view of the foregoing description it will be seen that the annular water-holding tanks |05 are all in thermal contact with each other and the shelves are in thermal contact with the tanks.4 The combined volume of the tanks |05 are suincient to hold a combined volume of ice which is suicient for properly chilling the perishable food products within the case 93 during the period in which the motor circuit is opened by the clock 65, which is ordinarily from midnight to 6 a. m. The annular tanks |05 provide a passage for the refrigerant supply pipe and the refrigerant is returned through this passage to the compressor. By pro- .lo viding a plurality of water holding tanks, the food products are held within the refrigerant case adjacent to these tanks and in thermal contact therewith whereby the food products may be maintained at a lower temperature than the atmosphere within the case 93. The heat insulated chamber contains the brine tank 96, which freezes the brine into ice for freezing ice cubes,

desserts and the like and the trays |02 hold frozen food products. The temperature within the heat insulated chamber 95 should be about ten degrees 'F. and this lower temperature is not transmitted into the interior of the case 93 beneath the heat insulated chamber, whereby the dehydrating of the food products is eliminated and the defrosting of the tanks |05 is also eliminated.

In Figure 14, I have shown a further modification of the invention wherein the numeral IIB designates semi-annular water holding tanks, disposed in spaced relation and preferably superposed. The combined volume of these tanks is such that the combined volume of the ice held therein is sufiicient to properly chill the perishable food products during the period that the motor of the compressor is idle. These tanks taper downwardly. The tanks have tops |I9 which extend beyond the same and form shelves andare preferably spaced from the walls of the refrigerator case to be free from thermal contact therewith. These shelves of course are in thermal contact with the tanks. At the rear of the tanks I|8 are freezing or cooling elements |20 serving as coils that receive the refrigerant. The elements |20 are heat insulated at their backs by the wall of the refrigerator case as shown at |2I, and also heat insulated at the bottoms as shown at |22. A refrigerant supply pipe |23 passes through the back of the case and leads into the element |20 and the element |20 discharges the refrigerant through a pipe |26 which leads into the next element |20. A pipe |25 receives the refrigerant from the element |20. The pipe |23 receives the refrigerant from the outlet side ofthe condenser and the pipe |25 returns it to the intake side of the compressor. Any suitable number of tanks |I8 and freezing elements |20 may be used. I contemplate using this form of the invention with the clock and thermostat for opening and closing the circuit.

In Figures 16 to 18 inclusively, I have shown a further modification. In this figure the numeral |26 designates the water-holding tank having a water receiving chamber |21 which ls V-shaped in cross-section. The chamber |21 is longitudinally U-shaped forming ysides between which is mounted a freezing or cooling element |28, serving as a coil. The chamber |21 extends about the free end of the freezing element |28. The freezing element is provided with a longitudinal partition |29, which divides the freezing element into compartments, connected at their forward ends by an opening |30. The refrigerant is supplied into the rear end of the element |28 through a pipe |3`| and discharges from the same through a pipe |32. The pipe |3| condenser and the pipe I 32 to the intake of the compressor. Pipes |3| and |32 are heat insulated by being arrangedwithin the back wall of the refrigerator case |33. The element |28 is inverted V-shaped in cross-section and its bottom is heat insulated, as shown at |34. I contemplate using any suitable number of tanks |26 for holding a. desired volume of iceto retain the perishable food products suitably chilled through the period wherein the compressor is idle. I also contemleads to the outlet of a plate using these tank or tanks in connection with the clock and thermostat as described in connection with the other forms of the invention. The top |34 of the tank serves as a shelf and may extend beyond the same for. any suitable distance and is preferably out of Contact with the walls of the refrigerator case.

In Figure 19, I have shown a modification of the invention which is somewhat similar to the forms shown in Figures l1 to 13 inclusive. In

Figure 19, the numeral |35 designates annular water-holding tanks corresponding to the tanks |05. The tanks |35 have tops |36 extending radially beyond them to form shelves. The tanks |35 are vertically shorter than the tanks |05 and their bottoms are spaced from the next lower shelf. This affords larger storage space on the shelves. The tanks |35 are annular and each tank has an interior or central freezing or cooling element or chamber |31. A refrigerant sup-f ply pipe |38 leads into the uppermost freezing element |31 and this freezingelement is connected with a pipe |39 which leads into the next freezing element |31. Any number of water-holding tanks |35 and freezing. elements may be employed and the lowermost freezing element has an outlet pipe |40 which returns to the intake side of the compressor while the pipe |38 leads to the outlet side of the condenser. The pipes |38, |39, |40 are heat insulated. I contemplate using any number of tanks |35, the

combined volume of which are sutlicient to produce a volume of ice, in turn sufficient to keep the perishable food products suitably chilled. The shelves |36 have their edges preferably spaced from the walls of the refrigerator case so that they have no thermal contact therewith. I contemplate using the tanks |36 with the clock and thermostat as shown and described in connection with the previous invention. The advantage of the constructions shown in Figures 1l to 13 inclusive and 19 is that the refrigerant is supplied at the center of the refrigerator case and at the center of the water-holding tanks, whereby the maximum heat exchange is effected.

I have shown an electrically operated apparatus for supplying the refrigerant, and this is done for the purpose of illustration only. I contemplate using a flame operated apparatus for producing the refrigerant such as employs burning gas. I contemplate using chemical for operating apparatus to produce the refrigerant. I also contemplate using any form of heat perated apparatus to produce theV refrigerant, and it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not restricted to the type of electrically actuated apparatus, as shown. While it is preferred to use the clock to open and close the circuit, for the purpose stated, yet the clock may be omitted, particularly when the current is supplied intermittently to the customer, as when only available during certain hours of the day. I also contemplate operating my refrigerator intermittently with or without the use of the clock.

In each form of the invention, the pipe which supplies the refrigerant to the freezing element or expansion chamber or to the rst of a series of freezing elements connected in series, is provided with a contracted bore or expansion valve, as is customary.

It is to be understood that the forms of my invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changesin the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

l. A refrigerator comprising a case, heat conducting means within the case and being of such a large size that when it is substantially filled with Water and all the water substantially frozen the resultant ice will be of a large volume to properly cool perishable products within the case when the refrigerating mechanism is inactive with respect to its cycle of operationfor a substantial period, refrigerating mechanism for substantially freezing allA the water within the means, time controlled means to render the freezing mechanism active with respect to its cycle of operation to freeze substantially all the water within the water holding means and to render the refrigerating mechanism inactive with respect to its cycle of operation after such mechanism has operated and the water is substantially completely frozen so that the temperature of the heatl conducting means does not go substantially below the freezing point of water, means forming a heat insulated chamber within the case for receiving a receptacle holding water, desserts or the like, and a cooling element within the heat insulated chamber and included in the refrigerating mechanism and serving to freeze the water, desserts or the like.

' 2. A refrigerator comprising a case, a relatively large water holding heat conducting means arranged within the case andwhen substantially filled serving to hold a large volume of water, a heat insulated chamber within the case, a receptacle within the heat insulated chamber for holding water or desserts or the like, a tank within the heat insulated chamber and containing a liquid medium which is freezable at a temperature below the freezing point of water, electrically operated refrigerating mechanism adapted when active with respectl to its cycle of operation to substantially completely freeze the water within the water holding means and to chill the said liquid medium, said electrically operated refrigerating mechanism being thrown into action with respect to its cycle of operation throughout the minor portion of the day when the current is cheap, the freezing of the water within the water holding means providing a large volume of ice which is capable of retaining the interior of the case suitably chilled for refrigeration purposes while the refrigerating mechanism is inactive with respect to its cycle of operation during the major portion of the day, and time controlled means to render ythe refrigerating mechanism active with respect to its cycle of operation throughout the minor portion of the day when the current is cheap and to render the same inactive with respect to its cycle of operation at the end of such minor portion.

3. A refrigerator comprising a case, relatively large water holding heat conducting means arranged within the case and adapted when substantially filled with water for holding a large volume of water, a heat insulated chamber within the case, a receptacle within the heat insulated chamber for holding water or desserts or the like,

electrically operated .refrigerating mechanism adapted when active with respect to its cycle of operation to substantially completely freeze the water within the water holding means and to chill the interior of the heat insulated chamber, said electrically operated refrigerating mechanism being thrown into action with respect to its respect to its cycle of operation throughout the minor portion of the day when the current is cheap and maintaining the refrigerating mechanism active until substantially all of the Water is frozen and then render the refrigerating mechanism inactive with respect to its cycle of operation at the end of such minor portion.

4. A refrigerator comprising a case, relatively large water holding heat conducting means arranged within the case for holding when substantially lled a large volume of water, refrigerating mechanism adapted when rendered active with respect to its cycle of operation to substantially completely freeze the water within the water holding means, the substantially complete freezing of the water providing a large volume of ice which is capable of retaining the interior of the case -suitably chilled for refrigeration purposes while the vrefrigerating mechanism is inactive with respect to its cycle of operation, time controlled means to render the refrlgerating mechanism active with respect to its cycle of operation when the selected portion of the day is reached and maintaining the refrigerating mechanism active with respect to its cycle of operation throughout the time of such selected portion for freezing substantially all of the water Within the relatively large water holding means and then rendering the refrigerating mechanism inactive with respect to its cycle of operation, and thermostatic means to render the refrigeratlng mechanism inactive with respect to its cycle of operation when the temperature of the. water holding means is reduced substantially below the freezing point of water.

5. A refrigerator comprising a case, a plurality of tanks for holding Water arranged within the case and having thermal contact with each other and free from thermal contact with the case, means to freeze the water within the tanks, and shelves having thermal contact with the tanks.

l 6. A refrigerator comprising a case, a plurality of superposed substantially annular waterholding tanks arranged generallyeoaxial with relation to each other within the (case, and refrigerating means extending generally centrally of the case and of the tanks and serving to supply a refrigerant adjacent to the tanks;

7. A refrigerator comprising a case, a plurality of substantially annular water-holding tanks arranged within the case, means forming refrigerating elements arranged centrally of the annular water-holding tanks, and means for supplying a refrigerant to the refrigerating elements.

8. A refrigerator comprising a case, a plurality of substantially annular water-holding tanks arranged within the case, means forming refrigerating elements arranged centrally of the tanks, the refrigerating elements being connected in series, and means for supplying a refrigerant to one element.

9. A refrigerator comprising a heat insulated case having a food compartment, downwardly tapered heat conducting water holding means arranged within the case to chill the air in the food 14 compartment and kof sufficient size to hold enough ice to maintain the food-compartment properly chilled for the refrigeration of perishable prodducts for a substantial period, means to initially freeze the'lower portion of the water only and progressively freeze the same upwardly, Aand means for operating the freezing means for a period sulcient to freeze substantially all the water in the water holding means and means'to stop the operation of the freezing means when the water holding means is substantially filled with ice.

10. A refrigerator comprising a heat insulated case having a food compartment, downwardly tapered heat conducting water holding means arranged within the case to chill the air in the food compartment and Aof suilicient size to hold enough ice to maintain the food compartment properly chilled for the refrigeration of perishable products for a substantial period, means to initially freeze the lower portion of the water only and progressively freeze the same upwardly, a heat insulated chamber within the case, and refrigerating means Within the heat insulated chamber for freezing water, desserts or the like within the insulated chamber.

11. A refrigerator, comprising a heat insulated case having a food compartment, heat conducting water holding means within the case toxchill the air in the food compartment and of sufficient size to hold enough ice to maintain the fod compartment properly chilled for the refrigeration of perishable products for a substantial period, means to initially freeze the lower portion of the water only and progressively freeze the same upwardly, means to stop the operation of the freezing means when the 'water holding means is substantially lled with ice, a heat insulated chamber Within the case, and refrigerating means within the heat insulated chamber. i

12. A refrigerator, comprising a heat insulated case having a food compartment, heat conducting water holding means within the case to chill the air in the food compartment and of a size to hold enough ice to maintain the food compartment properly chilled for the refrigeration of perishable products for a substantial'period,

means to initially freeze the lower portion of the water only and progressively freeze the same upwardly, means to stop the operation of the freezing means when the water holding means is substantially filled with ice, a heat insulated chamchilled for the refrigeration of perishable products for a substantial period, means to initially freeze the lower portion of the water only in each tank and progressively freeze the same upwardly,

y the freezing means being insulated from the food compartment, the freezing means when active serving to chill the food compartment through the water or ice.

14. A refrigerator, comprising a heat insulated case having a food compartment, a plurality of substantially horizontal tanks arranged within REFERENCES CITED The following references are ofArecord in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS Name Date Terry May 6, 1930 Number Number Name Date Fourness May 16, 1933 Stevens May 20, 1934 Voorhees Apr. 23, 1935 Allen Aug. 31, 1937 Kalischer Dec. 28, 1937 Phillip Nov. 9, 1937 Muilly Nov. 22, 1938 Young Nov. 22, 1938 Jordan et al Jan. 31, 1939 Muly Jan. 31) 1939 Muiily Jan. 31, 1939 Hovey June 6, 939 Gould Feb. 20, 940

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