Maytag Corporation

Carleton Life Support Systems Inc.

William James Vestal

Sheldon Wayne Mandel

Douglas A Pohl

Robert Stephen Mercille

Kenton John Widmer

Abdullah Al-Yafawi

Alvin V Miller

Thomas Carl Anell

Xiaoyong Fu

Larry Edward Dietz

Jeremy Schaeffer

Jesse Peterson

A method of recovering performance of an air separation module (ASM) is described. A recovery system includes an air source providing inlet air, a filter to output clean air and a heater heating the air. The ASM is coupled to the system and comprises a hollow fiber membrane to output nitrogen enriched air (NEA) exhaust. The method comprises operating the system with the air source and heater in a default condition; measuring an initial purity of NEA exhaust; adjusting the air source and/or heater based on the initial purity; operating the system after adjusting the air source and/or heater; returning the air source and heater to the default condition; measuring a recovered purity of NEA exhaust; and determining whether the recovered purity is within tolerance. If the recovered purity is within tolerance, system operation is terminated. If the recovered purity is not within tolerance, the steps are repeated.

On-board inert gas generating air separation module recovery apparatus and method

A system for calculating maintenance predictions and making improvements to performance deficiencies to one or more components in an on-board inert gas generating system (OBIGGS) is described. The OBIGGS components include an ozone converter, heat exchanger, inlet filter, and Air Separation Module (ASM). The system comprises a prognostic health monitoring (PHM) sensor network comprising at least one respective sensor coupled to each of the components of the OBIGGS. Each at least one respective sensor is configured to output a respective data signal corresponding to a performance condition of a respective component. A control unit is operatively coupled to each component and signally coupled to each respective sensor of the PHM sensor network. The control unit includes at least one test condition algorithm configured to analyze the respective data signal to calculate the maintenance prediction for the respective component.

On-board inert gas generating system prognostic health monitoring

A refrigerator incorporates an air filter for filtering an airflow passing along at least one refrigeration component into surrounding spaces. The air filter is positioned in an upper machine compartment which houses refrigeration components associated with maintaining temperatures in the refrigerator. At least one sensor is arranged adjacent the air filter to determine a parameter of the air flow. A control, including an air filter analyzer, determines a need for an air filter change based on the sensed parameter. In addition to removing impurities from the airflow, the air filter includes scented media which adds fragrance to the airflow.

Refrigerator with an air filter/freshener system

An ice maker assembly in a refrigerator freezer includes a fill tube for transporting liquid to a mold. The freezer includes an outer wall spaced apart from an inner wall, with a plenum formed therebetween. An opening is formed within the inner wall, through which the fill tube extends with a clearance. Warm air generated by a defrost cycle passes through the clearance in the inner wall and around the fill tube, thereby warming the fill tube. In addition, the fill tube includes vents formed therein to allow active ventilation of the fill tube and to prevent ice formation within the fill tube.

Ice maker fill tube assembly

An air delivery unit for an ice maker is located in a freezer compartment having an outer wall spaced apart from an inner wall. The air delivery unit includes an air tunnel, an air deflector, and a restrictor plate. The air tunnel has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is positioned adjacent to an ice mold of the ice maker and the second end is positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the freezer. The air deflector extends from the second end of the air tunnel between the inner and outer walls of the freezer to redirect air through the air tunnel and onto the ice mold. Further, the restrictor plate is attached to the air tunnel for restricting air flow above the air tunnel. The air delivery system is designed to readily snap-lock to the inner wall.

Ice maker air delivery assembly

A food storage system mounted in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator includes an enclosure, as well as a food receptacle slidably positioned in the enclosure. A thermoelectric (TE) device is employed to establish a flow of temperature controlled air for establishing a desired temperature in the food receptacle. In accordance with one embodiment, the thermoelectric device is positioned in a chamber defined behind the food receptacle. In another embodiment, the thermoelectric device comprises a module located atop the enclosure.

Thermoelectric temperature controlled refrigerator food storage compartment

A food storage system mounted in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator includes an enclosure defined by inner and outer housings, as well as a food receptacle slidably positioned in the inner housing. The inner and outer housings are spaced so as to define a zone therebetween within which air is forced to flow in order to cool the contents of the receptacle. Inlet vents are provided in the inner housing to permit a portion of the cooling air to flow directly into the food receptacle, while the remainder of the air flow is directed about the inner housing for indirect cooling of the contents in the food receptacle.

Growing community of inventors

Monmouth, IL, United States of America

William James Vestal