`
`
`Ex. PGS 1068
`
`
`EX. PGS 1068
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`United States Patent [I9J
`Marcade et al.
`United States Patent
`Marcade et a1.
`[54] TEMPERATURE SET POINT CONTROL FOR
`A REFRIGERATOR
`Inventors: Roque D. Marcade, Lincoln
`[54] TEMPERATURE SET POINT CONTROL FOR
`A REFRIGERATOR
`Township, Berrien County; Sandra
`S. Thurlow, Benton Township,
`Roque D. Marcade, Lincoln
`Inventors:
`Berrien County, both of Mich.;
`Township, Berrien County; Sandra
`Donald W. Bookout, Ohio Township,
`S. Thurlow, Benton Township,
`Warrick County; Andrew T. Tershak,
`Berrien County, both of Mich.;
`Donald W. Bookout, Ohio Township,
`Center Township, Vanderburgh
`Warrick County; Andrew T. Tershak,
`County, both of Ind.
`Center Township, Vanderburgh
`[73] Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation, Benton
`County, both of Ind.
`Harbor, Mich.
`Whirlpool Corporation, Benton
`[73] Assignee:
`Harbor, Mich.
`[2I] Appl. No.: 813,708
`[21] App]. No.: 813,708
`[22] Filed:
`Dec. 27, 1985
`[22] Filed:
`Dec. 27, 1985
`[51]
`Int. Cl.4 .............................................. F25B 49/00
`[52] U.S. Cl. ......................................... 62/127; 236/94
`[51]
`Int. Cl.4 .............................................. F25B 49/00 '
`
`[58] Field of Search .................. 62/126, 127; 364/506,
`[52] us. Cl. .................... 62/127; 236/94
`[58] Field of Search .................. 62/126, 127; 364/506,
`364/557; 236/94, 46 R
`364/557; 236/94, 46 R
`References Cited
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,001,378 9/1961 Stutrud ................................. 62/157
`3,001,378
`9/1961 Stutrud ................................. 62/157
`4,197,717 4/1980 Schumacher ......................... 62/213
`4,197,717 4/1980 Schumacher
`.. 62/213
`
`4,235,368 11/1980 Nee) ...................................... 236/94
`4,235,368 11/1980 Neel ................
`.. 236/94
`4,298,947 11/1981 Tamura et a1
`. 364/551
`4,298,947 11/1981 Tamura et al. ...................... 364/551
`
`4,314,666 2/1982 Schotten ........................... 62/126 X
`4,3!4,666 2/1982 Schotten ........................... 62/126 X
`
`[75]
`
`[75]
`
`[56]
`
`[56]
`
`[19]
`
`[II] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`4,646,528
`Mar. 3, 1987
`4,646,528
`
`4,387,578 6/1983 Paddock ............................... 236/94
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Mar. 3, 1987
`4,499,738 2/1985 Motoyama et al. ................... 62/155
`
`4,387,578
`6/1983 Paddock ............................... 236/94
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`2/1985 Motoyama et a1.
`................... 62/155
`4,499,738
`An article in HFD, a Fairchild publication dated Dec.
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`3, 1984, p. 55.
`Product Literature Distributed by Sharp (original in the
`An article in HFD, a Fairchild publication dated Dec.
`Japanese language together with a partial English trans(cid:173)
`3, 1984, p. 55.
`lation).
`Product Literature Distributed by Sharp (original in the
`Japanese language together with a partial English trans-
`Primary Examiner-William E. Wayner
`lation).
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Wood, Dalton, Phillips,
`Primary Examiner—William E. Wayner
`Mason & Rowe
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Wood, Dalton, Phillips,
`Mason & Rowe
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`A refrigerator control according to the present inven(cid:173)
`tion allows a user to establish one or more set points for
`A refrigerator control according to the present inven-
`controlling the temperature of one or more refrigerated
`tion allows a user to establish one or more set points for
`compartments. Means are provided for selecting either
`controlling the temperature of one or more refrigerated
`compartments. Means are provided for selecting either
`a normal mode of operation whereby the set points may
`a normal mode of operation whereby the set points may
`be manually established by a user or a priority mode of
`be manually established by a user or a priority mode of
`operation which overrides the normal mode whereby
`operation which overrides the normal mode whereby
`each set point is established at a preselected value so
`each set point is established at a preselected value so
`that the refrigerator is optimally operated in anticipa(cid:173)
`that the refrigerator is optimally operated in anticipa-
`tion of expected operating conditions. Means are addi(cid:173)
`tion of expected operating conditions. Means are addi-
`tionally provided for .preventing erroneous entry of
`tionally provided for preventing erroneous entry of
`manually established set points.
`manually established set points.
`
`31 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures
`31 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures
`
`
`
`EX. PGS 1068
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`4,646,528
`
`US. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`
`Sheet lot“ 10
`
`4,646,528
`
`FIG. I
`
`/0
`
`89
`
`34blt-t--i----ll...l
`34a-L-J.-+---
`
`32-HH---...J.l...WJ
`
`30
`
`26--
`
`
`
`12
`
`/6
`
`0b
`
`l Ml—
`
`_.
`
`EX. PGS 1068
`
`FIG. 2
`
`D
`
`~
`
`,_
`38b
`1- MAX*
`FRZ
`
`,_./
`36b
`
`38a.
`
`36
`
`7\ '
`
`A~TO
`TEMP
`...
`MAX
`REF*
`
`,.,_ --
`
`36g _/'""
`
`CLEAR*
`
`(.
`'34a
`
`VACATION* ..-:
`
`

`

`~
`VJ
`•
`
`~ a a
`... -1.0
`
`~ e;
`
`0
`(jJ
`
`00
`-.l
`
`Vl g-
`~
`N
`
`~ -0
`~ 0'\
`
`~
`
`~ Ul
`N
`00
`
`C
`'
`{A
`"U
`21
`CD
`b
`H
`
`g
`19’:
`w
`L.
`\9
`3
`
`m
`(3:;
`
`im
`
`H
`
`0
`
`”4:.
`E
`
`0‘
`-
`U]
`N
`00
`
`54 a
`
`FIG. 3
`‘ FIG. 3
`
`/8
`
`89
`
`l
`42\ 92
`86---
`90 ‘- SPEAKER
`AMP
`
`
`92 m REGISTERS
`1
`44(
`
`~ ~.....__DAMPER 84
`
`AID
`CO NV.
`
`REF TEMP
`.
`
`CPU
`
`54g
`
`_—.
`
`
`
`54
`d
`549
`
`
`520
`INPUTS;
`
`AUTO TEMP
`52b
`55
`I MAX FRZ
`52c
`56!)
`MAX REF
`52d
`56c
`VACATION
`529
`FRZ TEMP56d
`•
`82)
`52f
`569
`REF TEMP
`,
`56!
`DEffiOOT ~
`SET FRZ
`
`RELAY
`
`r---
`/6
`¥EWN LE'“ 56
`SET TEMP g 54”
`
`,.
`UP ARROW
`·7o~ . . K I
`78~
`
`~
`74M22
`~
`~ a...
`. . ' ' __ __..,___J,_j,::J,~JB;
`VLED ----~• -J~Ll~- J
`
`88
`
`SENSOR
`
`80}
`
`HEAT
`76....__.qo
`EVAP
`FAN
`74
`
`72
`
`AMPS
`
`'V
`RELAYS
`-I
`
`VLED
`
`‘
`
`.
`
`m -
`:0
`Z
`2
`
`1
`
`SET REF
`RETURN
`
`-
`DOWN ARRow 56’
`52/-
`56/
`54/
`
`f-62
`
`,2
`
`LED DRIVER
`LED DRIVER
`38¢
`38a
`0‘
`a-
`5 a a a m,
`40b ~ 38c
`l-
`I—
`l- " ‘
`0 <0
`0 u_o 0.
`S!
`~ ~
`(a) E m
`t:t
`> LL
`n: 2
`LL
`-
`W
`0::
`1-
`38b
`38d
`381‘
`~ ~ ~ &:!
`LL
`~ ~ :::>
`'38/J
`'38d
`
`D.
`
`EX. PGS 1068
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`U. S. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`
`4,646,528
`Sheet 3of 10
`Sheet 3of10 , 4,646,528
`FIG. 4
`
`INITIALIZE
`
`|N|TIALIZE
`
`'
`
`/00
`t--.
`,00
`
`
`
`UPDATE Tl MERS 48g
`UPDATE TIMERS 48g
`
`MANUAL SET POINT
`MANUAL SET POINT
`CONTROL ROUTINE
`CONTROL ROUTINE
`
`SET PRIORITY MODES
`SET PRIORITY MODES
`
`VARIOUS MONITOR
`FUNCTIONS
`VARIOUS MONITOR
`FUNCTIONS
`
`/02
`’02
`
`'04
`j.--/1
`b4
`
`v
`
`
`
`
`
`,06
`1.----/06
`
`/07
`v-1
`lOT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`//2 'TEMP CONTROL
`ROUTINES
`
`(110
`DEFROST
`ROUTINE
`DEFROST
`ROUTINE
`
`YES
`
`DEFROST ?
`
`--
`
`ma
`
`108
`
`NO
`
`r--1
`/2
`
`TEMP CONTROL
`ROUTINES
`
`EX. PGS 1068
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`
`Sheet 4of 10
`
`4,646,528
`
`US. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`
`Sheet 40f 10
`
`4,646,528
`
`FIG. 5A
`FIG. 5A
`
`FROM BLOCK 102, FIG. 4
`
`FROM BLOCK I02. FIG. 4
`
`/20
`IS
`
`A KEY
`
`
`NO
`
`GO TO Z
`
`
` 722
`
`PRESSED
`IS
`NO
`. "SET TEMP'~
`IS
`KEY
`' "5512Exam“
`NO
`124
`
`PRESSED?
`
`PRESSED?
`’24
`
`
`/22
`
`/28
`
`
`
`DISPLAY THE
`DISPLAY THE
`
`FREEZER SET
`
`
`GO TO Z
`FREEZER SET
`"FRZ TEMP"
`
`PT. TEMPERATURE
`
`
`PT. TEMPERATURE
`LED ON .7
`FOR 10 SECONDS
`
`
`
`FOR IO SECONDS
`
`
`
`
`
`DISPLAY THE
`DISPLAY THE
`
`
`
`REFRIGERATOR
`REFRIGERATOR
`'REF TEMP"
`
`
`
`GO TO Z
`SET PT.
`SET PT.
`LED ON .7
`
`
`
`TEMPERATURE
`TEMPERATURE
`
`
`FOR IO SECONDS
`FOR 10 SECONDS
`
`
`
`GO TO Z
`
`/32
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IS
`
` TURN
`" FRZ
`
`"REF TEMP"
`TURN
`/36
`
`TEMP" KEY
`LED OFF
`
`"REF TEMP"
`PRESSED ?
`136
`LED OFF
`
`NO
`
`NO
`
`/4-0
`
`DISPLAY FREEZER
`
`
`ACTUAL TEMPERATURE
`
`
`AND ILLUMINATE
`DISPLAY FREEZER
`lACTUALII LED
`ACTUAL TEMPERATURE
`AND
`ILLUMINATE
`"ACTUAL" LED
`
`
`
`GO TO Z
`
`EX. PGS 1068
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`
`Sheet Sof 10
`
`4,646,528
`
`U.S. Patent Mar.3,1987
`
`Sheet 50f 10
`
`4,646,528
`
`TURN
`"REF TEMP"
`"FRZ TEMP"
`
`KEY PRESSED
`TURN
`
`LED OFF
`
`LED OFF "REF TEMP"
`?
`"FRZ TEMP"
`
`
`KEY PR?E$SED
`NO
`'No
`
`YES 3%
`
`pay
`
`FIG. 58
`FIG. SB
`
`/46
`
`/46
`
`
`
`DISPLAY
`mSPLAY
`
`
`REFRIGERATOR
`ACTUAL TEMP
`REFRNERATOR
`
`
`ACTUAL TEMP
`AND ILLUMINATE
`AND ILLUMINATE
`'~CTUAL" LED
`'ACTUAL” LED
`
`150
`[fig
`
`
`
`GO TO Z
`
`A56
`
`
`"VACATION"
`LED ON ?
`
`
`
`YES
`YES
`
`[54
`
`IS
`UP ARROW
`EY PgESSED
`N0
`
`YES
`
`”a?
`
`BEEP SPEAKER
`Tme AND
`BEEP SPEAKER
`NO
`>---.t TWICE AND
`GO TO 2
`GO TO Z
`
`/60
`
`
`"MAXSFRZ
`
`LED m?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`n94
`
`164
`
`
`LED?ON
`"AUTO TEMP"
`FRZ TEMP
`TURN
` YES
`TURN
`YES
`
`~-....,. '~UTO TEMP"
`?NO
`LED OFF
`GO TO 2 /68
`
`/66
`
`/66
`
`YES
`
`/68
`
`
`
`BEEP SPEAKER
`
`ONCE AND INCRE-
`
`
`MENT FREEZER
`
`
`RETURN TEMP
`BEEP SPEAKER
`
`VALUE BY I DEGR:
`
`
`ONCE AND INCRE(cid:173)
`MENT FREEZER
`RETURN TEMP
`VALUE BY I DEGR
`
`D
`
`E
`
`BEEP SPEAKER
`TWICE AND
`BEEP SPEAKER
`TWICE AND
`GO TO Z
`
`GO TOZ
`
`GO TO Z
`
`EX. PGS 1068
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`
`Sheet 6of 10 4,646,528
`
`US. Patent Mar. 3, 1987'
`
`Sheet 60f 10
`
`4,646,528
`
`D
`
` BEEP SPEAKER
`GO TOZ
`
`YES
`
`BEEP SPEAKER
`TWICE AND
`NO
`~------t .... GO TO Z
`TWICE AND
`
`174
`
`TURN
`
`"AUTO TEMP"
`
`176
`I76
`
` TURN
`_LED OFF
`
`
`IS
`178
`REFRIGERATOR YES
`BEEP SPEAKER
` BEEP SPEAKER
`
`ET PT AT ~------t ... TWICE AND
`TWICE AND
`GO TO Z
`MAX?
`GO TO Z
`
`NO
`
`BEEP SPEAKER
`
`BEEP SPEAKER
`ONCE AND INCREMENT
`ONCE AND INCREMENT
`
`
`THE REFRIGERATOR
`
`THE REFRIGERATOR
`/80 '
`180
`
`RETURN TEMPERATURE
`RETURN TEMPERATURE
`VALUE BY I DEGREE
`
`VALUE BY I DEGREE
`
`
`
`A90
`
`
`IS
`
`/92
`DOWN
`
`ARROW KEY
`
`YES
`PRESSED ?
`
`
`
`
`N0
`
`GOTOZ
`
`GO TO Z
`
`
`
`
`
`BEEP SPEAKER
`TWICE AND
`BEEP SPEAKER
`GO TO Z
`~---1-t TWICE AND
`GO TO Z
`
`YES
`
`
`
`FIG. 5C
`
`196
`
`EX. PGS 1068
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`
`Sheet 7 of 10
`
`4,646,528
`
`U. S. Patent . Mar.3, 1987
`
`Sheet 70f 10
`
`4,646,528
`
`"AUTO
`TURN
`__ .._. TEMP" LED
`TU RN
`"AUTO
`OFF
`TEMP“ LED
`
`OFF
`
`,
`
`
`
`YES
`
`
`ll
`‘3
`ll
`MAX FRZ
`
`LED ON
`
`’?
`
`
`FIG. 50
`. FIG. SD
`
`200
`
`200
`
`BEEP SPEAKER
`>----.......-t TWICE AND
`BEEP SPEAKER
`TWICE AND
`GO TO Z
`
`GO T0 2
`
`
`
`NO
`
`204
`BEEP SPEAKER
`BEEP SPEAKER
`204
`ONCE AND
`ONCE AND
`DECREMENT
`
`
`DECREMENT
`FREEZER RETURN
`FREEZER RETURN
`
`TEMP VAWE BY
`TEMP VALUE BY
`I DEGREE
`I DEGREE
`
`IS
`
`
`"REF TEMP"
`
`
`LED ON ?
`
`NO
`NO
`
`GO TO Z
`
`BEEP SPEAKER
`TWICE. AND
`BEEP SPEAKER
`TWICE. AND
`GO TO Z
`
`208
`
`208
`
`GO TO Z
`
`2/0
`
`TURN nAUTO
`11AUTO
`TURN
`TEMP" LED
`TEMP" LED
`OFF
`OFF
`
`2/0
`
`212
`
`BEEP SPEAKER '
`
`TWICE AND
`BEEP SPEAKER .
`GO TO 2
`TWICE AND
`GO TO Z
`
`
`
`YES
`
`
`BEEP SPEAKER
`
`
`ONCE AND DECRE-
`
`MENT REF. RETURN
`BEEP SPEAKER
`
`
`TEMP VALUE BY
`ONCE AND DECRE-
`2/4
`I DEGREE
`MENT REF. RETURN
`TEMP VALUE BY
`I DEGREE
`
`214
`
`
`
`TO BLOCK |06 FIG. 4
`
`TO BLOCK 106 FIG. 4
`
`EX. PGS 1068
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`
`Sheet 8of 10
`
`4,646,528
`
`U.S. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`
`Sheet 80f 10
`
`4,646,528
`
`FROM BLOCK 214, FIG. 5D
`
`FROM BLOCK 2|4, FIG. SD
`
`230
`
`
`
`NO
`
`TURN OFF "MAX
`YES*
`REF'; "MAX FRZ';
`
`u;--~"VACATION'; "REF
` TURN OFF ”MAX
`
`TEMp'' a " FRZ
`REF',‘ “MAX FRZ',‘
`
`
`“VACA'HON': "REF
`TEMP" LEDS
`TEMP" a " FRZ
`
`
`TEMP" LEDS
`RESTORE FREEZER
`a REFRIGERATOR
`RESTORE FREEZER
`
`
`SET POINTS TO
`8- REFR|GERATOR
`
`
`PREVIOUS VALUES
`SET POINTS TO
`
`
`PREVIOUS VALUES
`
`234
`234
`
`FIG. 6A
`
`FIG. 6A
`
`232
`232
`
`236
`236
`
`<KEY ACTUATE
`
`NO
`NO
`
`237-
`237
`
`ILLUMINATE ''Aum
`"AUTO TEMP"
`
`TEMP" LED a
`ILLUMINATE "AUTO
`"AUTO TEMP"
`YES
`TEMP“ LED a
`
`
`''AUTO TEMP">----11-t BEEP SPEAKER
`OR
`<KEYI ACTUATEI
`BEEP SPEAKER
`OR 'AUTO TEMP
`ONCE IF SUCH
`'LED ON?-'
`
`‘LED ON 7M
`ONCE IF SUCH
`LED WAS OFF
`LED WAS OFF
`
`
`
`"VACATION"
`"VACATION"
`238~"MAX REF"
`"MAX REF"
`238
`OR "MAX FRZ"
`<"oR "MAX FRZ"
`LED'S ILLUMINATED?
`LED'S ILLUMINATED?
`YES
`YES
`
`NO
`NO
`
`240
`240
`
`PTS.
`
`LOAD AUTO
`LOAD AUTO
`TEMP SET
`TEMP SET
`PTS.
`
`242
`242
`
`
`
`ILLUMINATE
`LVACA 0N"
`ILLUMINATE
`;vAC/i. ON"
`
`"VACATION" LED
`KEYHACTUATEQ
`
`243
`"VACATION" LED
`KEY ACTUATED
`e. BEEP SPEAKER
`OR VACATION
`<oR "VACATION" >-----~a BEEP SPEAKER
`
`LED ON 9
`ONCE |F SUCH LED
`243
`LED ON. r
`WAS OFF
`ONCE IF SUCH LED
`
`WAS OFF
`
`246
`
`246
`
`SET PTS
`
`LOAD
`VACATION
`LOAD
`VACATION
`SETPTS
`
`NO
`
`244 NMAX REF"
`<OR"MAX FRZ"
`244-Y,MAX REF"
`LED'S [IFLUMINATED
`NO
`OR "MAX FRZ II
`<LED'S ILLUMINATED
`YES
`?
`YES
`
`G
`
`EX. PGS 1068
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`
`Sheet 9of 10
`
`4,646,528
`
`US. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`
`Sheet 9dr 10
`
`4,646,528
`
`252
`
`252
`
`250
`
`"MAX REF“ YE”
`KEY
`DEPRESSED?
`NO
`
`NO
`
`TURN ON
`"MAX REF"
`"TURN ON ..
`LED
`MAX REF
`LED
`
`
`
`'
`
`H
`
`254
`
`.
`
`254
`RESET
`TIMER
`RESET
`TIMER
`.
`
`256
`256
`
`LOAD MAX.
`LOAD MAX.
`REF SET PT
`REF SET PT
`
`
`
`252
`
`260
`260
`
`‘
`
`262
`262
`
`,
`
`,,
`
`MAX FRz‘
`KEY
`DEPRESSED?
`
`N0
`NO
`
`“53*
`
`
`
`TURN ON
`TURN ON
`“MAX FRZ"
`"MAX FRZ"
`LED
`LED
`
`RESET
`RESET
`TIMER
`TIMER
`
`264
`264
`LOAD MAX
`FRz
`LOAD MAX
`FRZ
`SET PT
`
`SET PT
`
`'
`
`FIG. GB
`FIG. 68
`
`_
`
`TO BLOCK 107
`
`FM
`TO BLDCK 107
`FIG. 4
`.
`
`EX. PGS 1068
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`
`Sheet 10of 10 4,646,528
`
`U. S. Patent Mar. 3, 1987
`FIG. 6C
`270
`FIG. 6C
`270
`
`Sheet 10 of 10 4,646,528
`
`271
`
`TURN ON
`"MAX. REF."
`TURN ON
`"MAX. REF."
`
`LED
`
`”MAX. REF."
`KEY ACTUATED
`
`
`
`LED
`
`?
`
`
`277
`
`272
`
`RESET
`DECREMENT
`"MAX. REF.”
`DECREMENT
`
`
`
`TIMER
`TIMER
`LED ON
`TIMER
`
`
`
`
`?
`
`NO
`
`
`
`279
`
`273
`273
`
`LOAD
`TURN OFF"MAX. REF."
`
`
`TURN OFF"MAX. REF."
`LOAD
`LED AND LOAD
`"MAX.REF."
`
`
`LED AND LOAD
`"MAX.REF."
`REFRIGERATOR
`VALUE TO
`
`
`
`
`REFRIGERATOR
`VALUE TO
`REFRIGERATOR
`RETURN TEMP.
`
`
`
`RETURN TEMP.
`REFRIGERATOR
`SET POINT
`,VALUE TO
`
`
`
`VALUE TO
`SET POINT
`V
`REGISTER
`REFRIGERATOR
`
`
`
`280
`SET POINT
`REFRIGERATOR
`
`REGISTER
`REGISTER
`SET POINT
`
`REGISTER
`
`
` "VACATION"
`
`LED ON
`
`
`?
`
`LOAD
`LOAD
`
`
`REFRIGERATOR
`REFRIGERATOR
`
`
`
`284
`RETURN TEMP.
`"VACATION" SET
`LOAD
`
`
`
`LOAD
`
`
`
`REFRIGERATOR
`RE/FARLICLSJERTAQI'OR
`POINT VALUE TO
`REFRIGERATOR
`RETURN TEMP.
`"VA CATION" SET
`
`
`
`SET POINT
`RE§§IGE§WR
`VALUE TO
`
`
`
`POINT VALUE TO
`REGISTER
`REGISTER
`
`
`REFRIGERATOR
`REFRIGERATOR
`SET POINT
`SET POINT
`REGISTER
`REGISTER
`
`TO BLOCK I07, FIG.4
`
`TO BLOCK 107, FIG. 4
`
`EX. PGS 1068
`
`

`

`1
`
`4,646,528
`
`5
`
`45
`
`45
`
`50
`
`20
`20
`
`2
`erential in the sense that such routines will continue to
`TEMPERATURE SET POINT CONTROL FOR A
`completion even if another routine is commanded dur(cid:173)
`4,646,528
`1
`2
`REFRIGERATOR
`ing such time.
`erential in the sense that such routines will continue to
`TEMPERATURE SET POINT CONTROL FOR A
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`completion even if another routine is commanded dur-
`DESCRIPTION
`REFRIGERATOR
`ing such time.
`In accordance with the present invention, a refrigera(cid:173)
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`DESCRIPTION
`tor control permits user selection of set points for one or
`The present invention relates generally to refrigera(cid:173)
`more refrigerated compartments so that the tempera(cid:173)
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`In accordance with the present invention, a refrigera-
`tor controls, and more particularly to a control which
`tures of such compartments are controlled in accor(cid:173)
`tor control permits user selection of set points for one or
`allows a user to conveniently establish one or more 10
`The present invention relates generally to refrigera-
`dance with anticipated operating conditions and/or
`more refrigerated compartments so that the tempera-
`temperature set points for a refrigerator so that the
`tor controls, and more particularly to a control which
`user preference.
`tures of such compartments are controlled in accor-
`10
`refrigerator is operated in a desired fashion.
`allows a user to conveniently establish one or more
`dance with anticipated operating conditions and/or
`More specifically, the control of the present inven(cid:173)
`temperature set points for a refrigerator so that the
`user preference.
`BACKGROUND ART
`tion includes at least one register which stores a set
`refrigerator is operated in a desired fashion.
`More specifically, the control of the present inven-
`point temperature value, means for operating cooling
`BACKGROUND ART
`Controls for refrigerators periodically operate cool- 15
`tion includes at least one register which stores a set
`apparatus in accordance with the stored set point tem(cid:173)
`ing apparatus to cause the temperature of a refrigerated
`point temperature value, means for operating cooling
`Controls for refrigerators periodically operate cool-
`15
`perature value whereby the temperature within a refrig(cid:173)
`compartment to approach a set point temperature. Typ(cid:173)
`apparatus in accordance with the stored set point tem-
`ing apparatus to cause the temperature of a refrigerated
`erated compartment is caused to approach such set
`ically, in an electronic refrigerator control, the set point
`perature value whereby the temperature within a refrig-
`compartment to approach a set point temperature. Typ-
`point temperature and means for establishing the tem(cid:173)
`temperature is adjustable between upper and lower
`erated compartment
`is caused to approach such set
`ically, in an electronic refrigerator control, the set point
`perature set point value stored in such register. The
`limits by means of a potentiometer.
`point temperature and means for establishing the tem-
`temperature is adjustable between upper and lower
`temperature set point establishing means includes means
`Prior refrigerator controls have included means for
`perature set point value stored in such register. The
`limits by means of a potentiometer.
`for selecting either a normal mode of operation or one
`temperature set point establishing means includes means
`temporarily resetting the set point temperature to take
`Prior refrigerator controls have included means for
`for selecting either a normal mode of operation or one
`of a plurality of priority modes of operation. The nor(cid:173)
`into account anticipated operational conditions. For
`temporarily resetting the set point temperature to take
`of a plurality of priority modes of operation. The nor-
`into account anticipated operational conditions. For
`mal or manual mode of operation permits user-selection
`example, Schumacher U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,717 discloses
`mal or manual mode of operation permits user-selection
`example, Schumacher U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,717 discloses
`a refrigerator control having a user-operable "vacation
`of one of a range of set point temperature values. The
`switch" which, when operated to initiate a vacation 25
`a refrigerator control having a user-operable “vacation
`of one of a range of set point temperature values. The
`25
`priority modes establish the temperature set point value
`priority modes establish the temperature set point value
`switch” which, when operated to initiate a vacation
`mode, increases the temperature set point of the refrig(cid:173)
`at one of a plurality of preselected values so that the
`mode, increases the temperature set point of the refrig—
`at one of a plurality of preselected values so that the
`erator so that the refrigerated compartment is main(cid:173)
`cooling apparatus is operated in optimal fashion under
`erator so that the refrigerated compartment is main-
`cooling apparatus is operated in optimal fashion under
`tained at a higher temperature to thereby conserve
`anticipated operating conditions.
`tained at a higher temperature to thereby conserve
`anticipated operating conditions.
`energy. It is asserted that this increase in compartment
`The priority modes include a vacation mode which
`energy. It is asserted that this increase in compartment
`The priority modes include a vacation mode which
`30
`temperature does not adversely affect the quality of the 30
`establishes the set point at a value which is consistent
`temperature does not adversely affect the quality of the
`establishes the set point at a value which is consistent
`food stored therein since the time-averaged compart(cid:173)
`food stored therein since the time-averaged compart—
`with long-term preservation of food and an auto tem(cid:173)
`with long-term preservation of food and an auto tem-
`ment temperature following actuation of the vacation
`ment temperature following actuation of the vacation
`perature mode which establishes the set point tempera(cid:173)
`perature mode which establishes the set point tempera-
`switch does not vary substantially from that occuring
`switch does not vary substantially from that occuring
`ture value at a predetermined value which provides for
`ture value at a predetermined value which provides for
`during normal operation at the lower temperature set
`during normal operation at the lower temperature set
`35
`optimum and efficient operation of the refrigerator. The
`optimum and efficient operation of the refrigerator. The
`point due to the presumed infrequent opening of the 35
`point due to the presumed infrequent opening of the
`priority modes further include maximum cooling or
`priority modes further include maximum cooling or
`compartment door while the refrigerator is operating in
`compartment door while the refrigerator is operating in
`refrigeration modes to allow a user to establish the fresh
`refrigeration modes to allow a user to establish the fresh
`the vacation mode. However, it is not clear that food
`food compartment or freezer compartment set point
`the vacation mode. However, it is not clear that food
`food compartment or freezer compartment set point
`quality is dependent upon the time-average of compart-
`temperature values at predetermined low values to per-
`quality is dependent upon the time-average of compart(cid:173)
`ment temperature. Also, the increase in compartment
`temperature values at predetermined low values to per(cid:173)
`40
`mit quick chilling or freezing respectively of food items.
`ment temperature. Also, the increase in compartment
`temperature while operating in the vacation mode
`mit quick chilling or freezing respectively of food items.
`The priority modes are in turn prioritized whereby
`would seem to be at odds with the needs of most con-
`temperature while operating in the vacation mode 40
`The priority modes are in turn prioritized whereby
`certain modes remain in effect until completed even if a
`would seem to be at odds with the needs of most con(cid:173)
`sumers who would justifiably desire food-preservation
`certain modes remain in effect until completed even if a
`different priority mode is selected in the interim.
`sumers who would justifiably desire food-preservation
`capabilities to be increased while operating in this mode
`different priority mode is selected in the interim.
`Furthermore, a set of user input keys is provided to
`because the vacation period would extend the amount
`capabilities to be increased while operating in this mode
`permit user-selection of the mode or modes of operation
`Furthermore, a set of user input keys is provided to
`of time that the food is stored in the refrigerator.
`because the vacation period would extend the amount
`for the refrigerator. The user-input keys associated with
`permit user-selection of the mode or modes of operation
`An article in HFD, a Fairchild publication dated
`of time that the food is stored in the refrigerator.
`the manual mode of operation will only permit adjust-
`for the refrigerator. The user-input keys associated with
`Dec. 3, 1984, page 55, discloses a freezer from Magic
`An article in HFD, a Fairchild publication dated
`ment of the set point temperature value if the keystrokes
`the manual mode of operation will only permit adjust(cid:173)
`Chef which has a user-adjustable long~term storage
`Dec. 3, 1984, page 55, discloses a freezer from Magic
`are performed in a required sequence so that
`the
`setting that maintains the temperature within the freezer
`ment of the set point temperature value if the keystrokes
`Chef which has a user-adjustable long-term storage
`chances of inadvertent adjustment of the value to an
`at approximately —10° F. to extend the food storage
`are performed in a required sequence so that the
`undesired value are minimized.
`life.
`setting that maintains the temperature within the freezer
`chances of inadvertent adjustment of the value to an
`at approximately -to• F. to extend the food storage 50
`Furthermore, a display is provided to indicate to the
`Stutrud U.S. Pat. No. 3,001,378 and product litera-
`undesired value are minimized.
`user the compartment temperature, the set point tem-
`life.
`ture distributed by Sharp (original in the Japanese lan-
`Furthermore, a display is provided to indicate to the
`perature and the particular operating mode that has
`Stutrud U.S. Pat. No. 3,(XH,378 and product litera(cid:173)
`guage together with a partial English translation, copies
`user the compartment temperature, the set point tem(cid:173)
`been selected. Means are also provided for preventing a
`ture distributed by Sharp (original in the Japanese lan(cid:173)
`filed herewith), disclose refrigerator controls having
`user during a priority mode from manually changing
`perature and the particular operating mode that has
`means for lowering the temperature temporarily in one
`guage together with a partial English translation, copies
`the set point temperature value to which the control
`been selected. Means are also provided for preventing a
`or more compartments. Additionally, the Sharp prod-
`filed herewith), disclose refrigerator controls having 55
`will return after the priority mode is no longer in effect
`uct literature discloses a manually operable switch for
`user during a priority mode from manually changing
`means for lowering the temperature temporarily in one
`so that the chances of entering an erroneous or unde-
`selecting a “moderate operation” function whereby the
`the set point temperature value to which the control
`or more compartments. Additionally, the Sharp prod(cid:173)
`sired value are minimized.
`temperature set point of a compartment is raised to
`will return after the priority mode is no longer in effect
`uct literature discloses a manually operable switch for
`conserve energy.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`so that the chances of entering an erroneous or unde(cid:173)
`selecting a "moderate operation" function whereby the
`Tamura et a1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,298,947 discloses a digi-
`sired value are minimized.
`temperature set point of a compartment is raised· to 60
`FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram, partially in phantom
`tal temperature monitor for a refrigerator and Schotten
`conserve energy.
`and with portions brokey away, illustrating a refrigera-
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,666 discloses a digital temperature
`BRIEF DES<::;RIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`Tamura et a! U.S. Pat. No. 4,298,947 discloses a digi(cid:173)
`tor with which the control of the instant invention may
`set point establishing technique.
`be used;
`FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram, partially in phantom
`Motoyama et a1 U.S. Pat. No. 4,499,738 discloses a
`tal temperature monitor for a refrigerator and Schotten
`and with portions brokey away, illustrating a refrigera(cid:173)
`FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a portion of the con-
`refrigerator control which executes different control
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,666 discloses a digital temperature
`routines whereby certain routines are considered pref-
`trol panel shown in FIG. 1;
`tor with which the control of the instant invention may
`set point establishing technique.
`be used;
`Motoyama et a! U.S. Pat. No. 4,499,738 discloses a
`FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a portion of the con(cid:173)
`refrigerator control which executes different control
`trol panel shown in FIG. 1;
`routines whereby certain routines are co~sidered pref-
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`65
`
`EX. PGS 1068
`
`

`

`4,646,528
`
`5
`
`50
`
`55
`
`4
`3
`FIG. 3 is a combined block and schematic diagram of
`second end of each of these LED's is coupled to a volt(cid:173)
`the control of the present invention;
`4,646,528
`age VLED·
`4
`3
`FIG. 4 is a generalized flow chart illustrating the
`Although single lines are shown connecting the LED
`FIG. 3 is a combined block and schematic diagram of
`second end of each of these LED’s is coupled to a volt-
`operation of the control shown in FIG. 3;
`driver circuit 62 to the seven-segment LED displays 40,
`the control of the present invention;
`age VLED.
`FIGS. SA-50, when joined along similarly lettered 5
`it should be understood that each of these lines in fact
`FIG. 4 is a generalized flow chart illustrating the
`Although single lines are shown connecting the LED
`lines, together comprise a detailed flow chart of the
`represents seven conductors, one for each of the seg-
`operation of the control shown in FIG. 3;
`driver circuit 62 to the seven-segment LED displays 40,
`programming stored in the ROM shown in FIG. 3 and
`ments of the displays 40.
`it should be understood that each of these lines in fact
`FIGS. SA—SD, when joined along similarly lettered
`represented by the block 104 of FIG. 4; and
`The microcomputer 42 is also coupled to circuit
`lines, together comprise a detailed flow chart of the
`represents seven conductors, one for each of the seg-
`FIGS. 6A-6C, when joined along similarly lettered
`means for operating the cooling apparatus such means
`programming stored in the ROM shown in FIG. 3 and
`ments of the displays 40.
`lines, together comprise a detailed flow chart illustrat- 10
`represented by the block 104 of FIG. 4; and
`comprising a series of amplifiers 70 and relays 72 for
`The microcomputer 42 is also coupled to circuit
`ing the programming stored in the ROM shown in FIG.
`FIGS. 6A—6C, when joined along similarly lettered
`operating the compressor 22, a condenser fan 74, an
`means for operating the cooling apparatus such means
`10
`3 and represented by the block 106 of FIG. 4.
`lines, together comprise a detailed flow chart illustrat-
`evaporator fan 76 and a defrost heater 78. A defrost
`comprising a series of amplifiers 70 and relays 72 for
`ing the programming stored in the ROM shown in FIG.
`operating the compressor 22, a condenser fan 74, an
`sense line 80 is coupled by a relay 82 to the microcom(cid:173)
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`3 and represented by the block 106 of FIG. 4.
`evaporator fan 76 and a defrost heater 78. A defrost
`puter 42.
`EMBODIMENT
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`sense line 80 is coupled by a relay 82 to the microcom-
`15 Generally, the microcomputer 42 periodically ener-
`EMBODIMENT
`puter 42.
`Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a refrig(cid:173)
`15
`gizes the defrost heater 78 to remove accumulated frost
`Generally, the microcomputer 42 periodically ener—
`erator 10 that includes a fresh food or refrigerator com(cid:173)
`on the evaporator 26 and terminates such a defrost
`Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a refrig-
`gizes the defrost heater 78 to remove accumulated frost
`partment door 12 and a freezer compartment door 14,
`operation when a frost sensor (not shown) develops a
`erator 10 that includes a fresh food or refrigerator com-
`on the evaporator 26 and terminates such a defrost
`which enclose a fresh food or refrigerator compartment
`partment door 12 and a freezer compartment door 14,
`high state signal on the sense line 80 indicating that the
`operation when a frost sensor (not shown) develops a
`16 and a freezer compartment 18, respectively. Air 20
`which enclose a fresh food or refrigerator compartment
`frost load has been removed from the evaporator.
`high state signal on the sense line 80 indicating that the
`20
`within the compartments 16,18 is cooled by cooling
`16 and a freezer compartment 18, respectively. Air
`The microcomputer 42 controls a movable damper 84
`frost load has been removed from the evaporator.
`apparatus 20 comprising a compressor 22, a condenser
`within the compartments 16,18 is cooled by cooling
`which is disposed between the compartments 16,18.
`The microcomputer 42 controls a movable damper 84
`apparatus 20 comprising a compressor 22, a condenser
`24 and an evaporator 26 which are interconnected by
`which is disposed between the compartments 16,18.
`The damper is used to accomplish individual tempera(cid:173)
`24 and an evaporator 26 which are interconnected by
`tubing to effect the flow of refrigerant therebetween.
`The damper is used to accomplish individual tempera-
`ture control over each of the compartments 16,18.
`tubing to effect the flow of refrigerant therebetween.
`The cooling apparatus also includes other conven- 25
`ture control over each of the compartments 16,18.
`25
`First and second thermistors 88,89 are disposed
`The cooling apparatus also includes other conven-
`tiona! elements, such as a header or accumulator (not
`First and second thermistors 88,89 are disposed
`tional elements, such as a header or accumulator (not
`within the fresh food or refrigerator compartment 16
`shown) and evaporator and condenser fans (shown in
`within the fresh food or refrigerator compartment 16
`shown) and evaporator and condenser fans (shown in
`and the freezer compartment 18, respectively, and are
`FIG. 3). The cooling apparatus is disposed in a rear
`and the freezer compartment 18, respectively, and are
`FIG. 3). The cooling apparatus is disposed in a rear
`exposed to the temperatures therein. These thermistors
`exposed to the temperatures therein. These thermistors
`compartment 28 of the freezer compartment.
`compartme