Stephen Maxwell Shelby

US Patent:

20050172649, Aug 11, 2005

Filed:

Feb 11, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/778289

Inventors:

John Bunch - Phoenix AZ, US
Bruce Malwitz - Buffalo MN, US
Stephen Shelby - Chandler AZ, US

International Classification:

F25D021/06

US Classification:

062154000, 062276000

Abstract:

The present invention is a device for reducing energy consumption by heaters on refrigerator doors and frames. A control unit is set so that the heater is on prior to the formation of condensation. The preferred embodiment provides for preset heater stop and start times entered by a system user. The heater may also be turned on when condensation is sensed by a sensor, and the sensor reading may be used to override the preset times. A programmer provides individual identification of each connected control unit and is used to read, measure and adjust one or more control units' settings. A communications host is used to enable remote monitoring and control. In addition, a quick-disconnect power connector provides for easily setting the system to a heater-on state.