The present device generally relates to an appliance, and more specifically, to an appliance having a vacuum insulated structure with pressure monitoring features.
In at least one aspect, a refrigerator includes a vacuum insulated cabinet structure having a refrigerator compartment and an exterior wrapper with an insulating space disposed therebetween. The refrigerator compartment is positioned within the vacuum insulated cabinet structure and includes an interior wall. The exterior wrapper includes an exterior wall that is separated from the interior wall of the refrigerator compartment to define a thickness of the insulating space. A first sensor is positioned on the interior wall of the refrigerator compartment and is configured to sense a first temperature level of the interior wall of the refrigerator compartment. A second sensor is positioned on the exterior wall of the exterior wrapper and is configured to sense a second temperature level of the exterior wall of the exterior wrapper. A third sensor positioned within the refrigerator compartment and is configured to sense an ambient temperature level within the refrigerator compartment. A controller is operably coupled to the first, second and third sensors for receiving temperature level data therefrom. The controller is configured to calculate an overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) using the ambient temperature level, the first temperature level, and a convective heat transfer coefficient for the interior wall of the storage compartment; calculate a temperature differential between the second temperature level and the first temperature level; determine a conductivity level (K) using the temperature differential, the overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) and the thickness of the insulating space; and determine a pressure level (P) within the insulating space using the conductivity level (K).
In at least another aspect, a vacuum insulated cabinet structure includes a storage compartment and an insulating space positioned between interior and exterior walls of the storage compartment. A first temperature sensor is positioned on the interior wall of the storage compartment and is configured to sense a first temperature level of the interior wall of the storage compartment. A second temperature sensor is positioned on the exterior wall of the storage compartment and is configured to sense a second temperature level of the exterior wall of the storage compartment. A third temperature sensor is positioned outside of the storage compartment and is configured to sense an ambient temperature level for an environment in which the storage compartment is disposed. A controller is operably coupled to the first, second and third temperature sensors for receiving temperature level data therefrom. The controller is configured to (i) calculate a first temperature differential between the second temperature level and the first temperature level; (ii) calculate an overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) using the ambient temperature level, the second temperature level, and a convective heat transfer coefficient for the exterior wall of the storage compartment; (iii) determine a first conductivity level (K) using the first temperature differential, the overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) and a thickness of the insulating space; and (iv) determine a first pressure level (P) within the insulating space using the first conductivity level (K).
In at least another aspect, a method of measuring insulation performance includes the steps of (i) providing a storage compartment surrounded by an insulation space, a first temperature sensor positioned on a first side of the insulation space, a second temperature sensor positioned on a second side of the insulation space, a third temperature sensor positioned within the storage compartment, and a controller operably coupled to the first, second and third temperature sensors; (ii) sensing a first temperature level (T1) using the first temperature sensor; (iii) sensing a second temperature level (T2) using the second temperature sensor; (iv) calculating a temperature differential (ΔT) by subtracting the first temperature level (T1) from the second temperature level (T2); (v) sensing an ambient temperature level (Ti) within the storage compartment using the third temperature sensor; (vi) calculating an overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) using the ambient temperature level (Ti), the first temperature level (T1), and a convective heat transfer coefficient for the first side of the storage compartment; (vii) determining a first conductivity level (K) using the temperature differential (ΔT), the overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) and a thickness of the insulating space; and (viii) determining a first pressure level (P) within the insulating space using the first conductivity level (K).
These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an anti-condensation feature for an appliance. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in
The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.
With reference to
Referring now to
As further shown in the embodiment of
As further shown in the embodiment of
As further shown in
When the cabinet structure 2 is contemplated to be a vacuum insulated cabinet structure, the trim breaker 10 may be configured to provide an air-tight connection between the exterior wrapper 8 and the liners 16, 32 which allows for a vacuum to be held between the trim breaker 10, the exterior wrapper 8 and the liners 16, 32 in the insulating space 62 (
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
The controller 140 is configured to receive and generate control signals via interconnecting wires provided in the form of leads arranged between and coupled to the refrigerator mechanical equipment 43. In particular, a lead 122a is arranged to couple the controller 140 with the compressor 122. Lead 134a is arranged to couple the controller 140 with the check valve 134. Lead 135a is arranged to couple the controller 140 with the condenser fan 135. Further, leads 142a, 144a, and 146a are arranged to couple the controller 140 with the evaporator fan 142, the freezer compartment fan 144, and the refrigerator compartment fan 146, respectively.
In the embodiment illustrated in
Further, the sensor 29 is shown in
The data received from the sensors 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31 may be used in controlling the duty cycle of the compressor 122, such as runtime, duration, modulated power level, and other like parameters of the compressor 122 to cool the compartments 28, 44 of the refrigerator 1. The run time of the compressor 122 can be used to predict absolute vacuum. Here, the idea is to generate a graph of compressor run time for a particular product with respect to absolute vacuum pressure, and then use this data to predict pressure from compressor run time. Compressor run time changes as the vacuum pressure changes. For example, an increase in vacuum pressure causes the insulation quality to degrade, which will put more load on compressor, and lead to longer compressor run time intervals. Compressor run time can be combined with an external air temperature sensor (such as sensor 27) to compare the compressor run time with the external temperature sensed by sensor 27. If the external temperature is stable and the compressor run time is increasing over time, then it is an indication that the vacuum insulated cabinet structure is losing vacuum. If the compressor run time increases while the room temperature also increases, it is likely because of the increased heat load.
Using the information collected from the sensors 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31, the controller 140 of the present concept is configured to provide data that can be used to measure the performance of the insulation of the insulating space 62 of the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2. The performance of the insulating space 62 to insulate the compartments 28, 44 is related to the pressure maintained in the insulating space 62. Said differently, in the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2, the pressure can be an initial negative pressure that gradually increases over the life of the refrigerator 1. Pressure increase in the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2 of the refrigerator 1 can result in decreased insulation performance across the insulating space 62. This will result in the need for the compressor 122 to run more often, for longer time intervals per duty cycle, or both, in order to maintain desired temperatures in the compartments 28, 44.
The sensors 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31 may, either alone or in combination, include temperature sensors configured to provide temperature values for the ambient air temperature from the environment in which the refrigerator 1 is located, the ambient refrigerator compartment temperature, the ambient freezer compartment temperature, and the temperature levels of the inner and outer walls of the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2, as further described below. As used herein, the sensors 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31 may be described as monitoring, sensing, detecting and providing data regarding the refrigerator compartments 28, 44, the ambient air around the refrigerator 1, or the exterior surfaces of the refrigerator 1. All such terms, and other like terms, are contemplated to indicate that the sensors 21, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31 are configured to gather temperature level data and send the data to the controller 140 for processing.
The present concept seeks to measure the performance of the insulation of a vacuum insulated structure over time. Insulation quality of a vacuum insulated structure, such as the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2 described above, depends upon the level of vacuum pressure maintained inside the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2. Achieving target pressure during evacuation and monitoring vacuum pressure during product operation (i.e. the product life) is important. The present concept provides a solution on how to predict or calculate inside vacuum pressure by measuring wall temperatures on an appliance, such as the refrigerator 1 described above.
A common way to measure vacuum pressure inside a vacuum insulated cabinet structure is by using actual pressure sensors that are mounted on a vacuum insulated cabinet structure. There are multiple challenges in having an actual sensor mounted on the product. As stated above, the quality of insulation or the overall insulation performance depends upon the level of vacuum achieved inside an insulating space. Also we know that the temperature difference between the walls of the refrigerator 1 (inside and outside) depends upon quality of insulation. As such, vacuum pressure can be correlated with insulation quality or conductivity, and vacuum pressure can further be correlated with temperature differentials determined in and around the refrigerator 1.
Referring now to
The sensors 21, 23, 27 and 29 are configured such that a first temperature sensor (sensor 23) is positioned on a first side (rear wall 26 of refrigerator liner 16) of the insulating space 62, and a second temperature sensor (sensor 21) is positioned on a second side (rear wall 58 of the exterior wrapper 8) of the insulating space 62. Thus, the first side of the insulating space 62 is spaced-apart from and opposed to the second side of the insulating space 62. The insulating space 62 is shown as having a distance D provided between the rear walls 26, 58 of the refrigerator liner 16 and the exterior wrapper 8, respectively.
As further shown in
As further noted above, the insulating space 62 is provided at a negative pressure in the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2 in order to provide insulating properties for the refrigerator compartment 28. As vacuum pressure inside the insulating space 62 increases over the life of the refrigerator 1 from its initial evacuation, the thermal conductivity through the insulating space 62 also increases. As a corollary, a temperature differential between temperature levels sensed by the sensors 21, 23 at the inner and outer walls of the refrigerator compartment 28 drops as thermal conductivity and vacuum pressure increase within the insulating space 62. Thus, vacuum pressure (P) within the insulating space 62 is related to a thermal conductivity level (K) provided within the insulating space 62. The vacuum pressure (P) and the thermal conductivity level (K) provided within the insulating space 62 are related to a temperature differential calculated between the temperature levels sensed by the sensors 21, 23 at the inner and outer walls of the refrigerator compartment 28. The temperature differential is provided by the sensor 21 measuring the temperature level (Two) of the exterior wall of the refrigerator compartment 28, and the sensor 23 measuring the temperature level (Twi) of the interior wall of the refrigerator compartment 28. The temperature level (Two) sensed by the sensor 21 is compared to the temperature level (Twi) sensed by the sensor 23 disposed within the refrigerator compartment 28. As such, a temperature differential level (ΔT) is calculated by subtracting the temperature level (Twi) sensed by the sensor 23 (temperature level of the interior wall of the refrigerator compartment 28) from the temperature level (Two) sensed by the sensor 21 (temperature level of the exterior wall of the refrigerator compartment 28).
As thermal conductivity (K) increases within the insulating space 62, the difference between the interior wall temperature level (Twi) sensed in the refrigerator compartment 28 and the exterior wall temperature level (Two) sensed on the exterior wall of the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2 will lessen. Said differently, the ability of the refrigerator 1 to keep the refrigerator compartment 28 at a refrigerated level will decrease as the performance of the insulating space 62 decreases. The performance of the insulating space 62 decreases as the vacuum pressure (P) within the insulating space 62 increases along with the thermal conductivity (K). As such, the vacuum pressure (P) and the thermal conductivity level (K) provided within the insulating space 62 are related to the calculated temperature differential (ΔT).
For example, if the refrigerator 1 is disposed within an environment in which the ambient temperature is 25° C., then this ambient temperature level (To) will be sensed by the sensor 27 which is configured to sense the ambient temperature of the environment in which the refrigerator 1 is disposed (e.g. a kitchen). If the refrigerator compartment 28 of the refrigerator 1 is refrigerated to 3° C., then this refrigerated temperature level (Ti) will be sensed by the sensor 29 positioned within the refrigerator compartment 28. For this example, the resulting temperature differential (ΔT) is 22° C. Thus, the resulting temperature differential (ΔT) can be calculated by the following formula:
For the example given above, the resulting temperature differential (ΔT) of 22° C. may be described as a data point “Delta T1” that is provided by a temperature differential sensed between the sensors 27, 29 at a first point in time. If the resulting temperature differential (ΔT) is equal to Delta T1, then the vacuum pressure (P) is provided by the data point “P1” which correlates to the vacuum pressure (P) within the insulating space 62 of the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2 at the first point in time. If the resulting temperature differential (ΔT) is equal to Delta T1, then the thermal conductivity (K) is provided by the data point “K1” which correlates to the thermal conductivity (K) within the insulating space 62 of the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2 at the first point in time.
At a second point in time, over the life of the refrigerator 1, the resulting temperature differential will likely be a lower number than 22° C. as the vacuum pressure (P) within the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2 rises along with the thermal conductivity (K). This second temperature differential can be provided as a data point “Delta T2” which correlates to a vacuum pressure data point of “P2” for the vacuum pressure of the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2 at the second point in time. Similarly, if the resulting temperature differential (ΔT) is equal to Delta T2, then the thermal conductivity (K) is provided by the data point “K2” which correlates to the thermal conductivity (K) within the insulating space 62 of the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2 at the second point in time.
The steps described above can be repeated multiple times to provide a plurality of temperature differential levels, a plurality of vacuum pressure levels, and a plurality of thermal conductivity levels over time. With this information, a curve can be derived mathematically using vacuum pressure levels (P1, P2, etc.) vs. thermal conductivity levels (K1, K2 etc.) and the conductivity equation and later can be validated through testing.
It is further contemplated that a series of temperature levels can be compiled by taking multiple temperature readings by the sensors 27, 29 at the first period in time to provide multiple temperature differentials that can be calculated by the controller 140 (
With further reference to the example given above, and with further reference to
The overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) demonstrates how heat is conducted through a series of resistant mediums, as shown in
In the above equation, using the parameters set forth in this example, Q=3.56 W/m2. With Q calculated, we can now determine the temperatures of the inner wall (Twi) and the outer wall (Two) using the following formulas, respectively:
In the first equation, ΔT=Twi−Ti. As such, for the first equation, 3.56 W/m2/15 W/(m2 K)=.24° C. Therefore, with the ambient temperature level (Ti) inside the refrigerator compartment 28 being known as 3º C, we can deduce that the temperature level (Twi) of the wall inside the refrigerator compartment 28 is 3.24° C. In the second equation, ΔT=Two−To. As such, for the second equation, 3.56 W/m2/8.28 W/(m2 K)=43º C. Therefore, with the ambient temperature level (To) of the environment in which the refrigerator 1 is disposed being known as 25° C., we can deduce that the temperature level (Two) of the exterior wall outside the refrigerator compartment 28 is 24.57° C. Thus, for any refrigerated system, the present concept can calculate an overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) if we are provided with: 1) two temperature levels selected from the group consisting of an ambient temperature of a refrigerator compartment (Ti), an interior wall temperature level (Twi) of an insulating space, an exterior wall temperature level (Two) of an insulating space, and an outside ambient temperature level (To); and the resistance (hi, K or ho) between the known temperature levels. For example, we can determine (Q) if we have the ambient temperature (Ti) of the refrigerator compartment 28 and the temperature level (Twi) of the rear wall 26 of the liner 16 of the refrigerator compartment 28, and the resistance between them (hi). Similarly, we can determine (Q) if we have the temperature level (Twi) of the rear wall 26 of the liner 16 of the refrigerator compartment 28 and the temperature level (Two) of the rear wall 58 of the exterior wrapper 8 of the refrigerator 1, and the resistance between them (K). Still further, we can determine (Q) if we have the temperature level (Two) of the rear wall 58 of the exterior wrapper 8 of the refrigerator 1 and the outside ambient temperature level (To), and the resistance between them (ho).
With Q calculated, we can use either of the formulas noted below to determine unknown variables:
Further, if (K) is unknown and the interior wall temperature level (Twi) of an insulating space, the exterior wall temperature level (Two) of an insulating space, and (Q) are known, we can use the following formula to calculate unknowns:
In the above example, the temperature level (Twi) of the wall 26 inside the refrigerator compartment 28 was calculated to be 3.24° C. Further, the temperature level (Two) of the exterior wall 58 outside the refrigerator compartment 28 was calculated to be 24.57º C. With this information, along with the thickness of the insulating space 62 and knowing Q to be 3.56 W/m2, we can calculate the conductivity (K) of the insulating space 62 using the equation below, wherein:
Thus, as noted above, Delta T (ΔT) of the interior and exterior walls (26, 58) of the insulating space 62 is correlated to the conductivity (K) of the insulating space 62. The conductivity (K) of the insulating space 62 is further correlated to the absolute vacuum pressure P inside the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2. The relationship between the conductivity (K) of the insulating space 62 and the vacuum pressure P inside the vacuum insulated cabinet structure 2 is illustrated in the reference chart 150 shown in
According to one aspect, a method of measuring insulation performance in a vacuum insulated cabinet structure includes the steps of: (1) providing a refrigerator having a vacuum insulated cabinet structure with a storage compartment and an insulating space having a thickness, a first sensor positioned on an interior wall of the storage compartment, a second sensor positioned on an exterior wall of the vacuum insulated cabinet structure, a third sensor positioned within the storage compartment, and a controller operably coupled to the first, second and third sensors; (2) sensing a first temperature level of the interior wall of the storage compartment using the first sensor; (3) sensing an ambient temperature level within the storage compartment using the third sensor; (4) sensing a second temperature level of the exterior wall of the storage compartment using the second sensor; (5) calculating an overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) using the ambient temperature level, the first temperature level, and a convective heat transfer coefficient for the interior wall of the storage compartment; (6) calculating a temperature differential between the second temperature level and the first temperature level; (7) determining a conductivity level (K) using the temperature differential, the overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) and the thickness of the insulating space; and (8) determining a pressure level (P) within the insulating space using the conductivity level (K).
According to another aspect, the step of determining a pressure level (P) within the insulating space using the conductivity level (K) further includes, referencing a reference chart. The reference chart plots conductivity vs. vacuum pressure.
According to another aspect, the reference chart includes conductivity levels through a plurality of resistive mediums.
According to another aspect, the resistive mediums include one or more mediums selected from the group consisting of fumed silica, precipitated silica, polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, and glass fibers.
According to another aspect, the insulating space includes a polyurethane foam insulating material disposed therein.
According to another aspect, the second sensor is positioned on the exterior wall of the vacuum insulated cabinet structure in a manner that is opposed to a position of the first sensor on the interior wall of the storage compartment.
According to yet another aspect, a method of measuring pressure within a vacuum insulated cabinet structure includes the steps of (i) providing a vacuum insulated cabinet structure having a storage compartment and an insulating space positioned between interior and exterior walls of the storage compartment, a first temperature sensor positioned on the interior wall of the storage compartment, a second temperature sensor positioned on the exterior wall of the vacuum insulated cabinet structure, a third temperature sensor positioned outside of storage compartment; (ii) sensing a first temperature level of the interior wall of the storage compartment using the first temperature sensor; (iii) sensing a second temperature level of the exterior wall of the storage compartment using the second temperature sensor; (iv) calculating a first temperature differential between the second temperature level and the first temperature level; (v) sensing an ambient temperature level for an environment in which the storage compartment is disposed using the third temperature sensor; (vi) calculating an overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) using the ambient temperature level, the first temperature level, and a convective heat transfer coefficient for the exterior wall of the storage compartment; (vii) determining a first conductivity level (K) using the first temperature differential, the overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) and a thickness of the insulating space; and (viii) determining a first pressure level (P) within the insulating space using the first conductivity level (K).
According to another aspect, the method includes the step of (ix) repeating steps (ii)-(iv) to provide a plurality of temperature differential levels.
According to another aspect, the method includes the step of (x) calculating an average temperature differential level using the plurality of temperature differential levels.
According to another aspect, the method includes the step of (xi) determining an average conductivity level using the average temperature differential, the overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) and the thickness of the insulating space.
According to another aspect, the method includes the step of (xii) determining an average pressure level within the insulating space using the average conductivity level (K).
According to another aspect, the step of determining a first pressure level (P) using the first conductivity level (K) further includes, referencing a reference chart, wherein the reference chart plots conductivity as a function of vacuum pressure.
According to another aspect, the reference chart includes conductivity levels through a plurality of resistive mediums.
According to another aspect, the resistive mediums include one or more mediums selected from the group consisting of fumed silica, precipitated silica, polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, and glass fibers.
According to another aspect, the third temperature sensor is positioned on the exterior wall of the storage compartment.
According to another aspect, the third temperature sensor is spaced-apart from the vacuum insulated cabinet structure.
According to yet another aspect, a method of measuring insulation performance on a vacuum insulated cabinet structure includes the steps of: (i) providing a vacuum insulated cabinet structure having an insulation space surrounding a storage compartment, a first temperature sensor positioned on a first side of the insulation space, a second temperature sensor positioned on a second side of the insulation space, a third temperature sensor positioned within the storage compartment, and a controller operably coupled to the first, second and third temperature sensors; (ii) sensing a first temperature level (T1) using the first temperature sensor; (iii) sensing a second temperature level (T2) using the second temperature sensor; (iv) calculating a temperature differential level (ΔT) by subtracting the first temperature level (T1) from the second temperature level (T2); (v) sensing an ambient temperature level (Ti) within the storage compartment using the third temperature sensor; (vi) calculating an overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) using the ambient temperature level (Ti), the first temperature level (T1), and a convective heat transfer coefficient for the first side of the storage compartment; and (vii) determining a first conductivity level (K) using the temperature differential, the overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) and a thickness of the insulating space.
According to another aspect, the method includes the step of (viii) determining a first pressure level (P) within the insulating space using the first conductivity level (K).
According to another aspect, the method includes the step of (viii) repeating steps (ii)-(vii) a separate time intervals to provide a plurality of conductivity levels; and (ix) determining a first pressure level (P) within the insulating space using the first conductivity level (K).
According to another aspect, the step of determining a first pressure level (P) within the insulating space using the first conductivity level (K) further includes, referencing a reference chart, wherein the reference chart plots conductivity vs. vacuum pressure.
It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/717,421, filed on Apr. 11, 2022, entitled VACUUM INSULATED APPLIANCE WITH PRESSURE MONITORING, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17717421 | Apr 2022 | US |
Child | 18618621 | US |