Cheryl S Middleton

US Patent:

55525814, Sep 3, 1996

Filed:

Nov 10, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/337996

Inventors:

William C. Jasper - Frankfort IN
Cheryl S. Middleton - Argos IN
Ronald G. Prusinski - Plymouth IN

Assignee:

Wirekraft Industries Inc. - Mishawaka IN

International Classification:

H05B 306
F25D 2106

US Classification:

219523

Abstract:

A defrost heater for a cooling appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer, which has multiple sets of evaporator coils includes a formed glass tube enclosing an electrical resistance wire. The glass tube is substantially bell-shaped, the opposite ends of which are mounted below one set of evaporator coils. The heater includes upwardly curving portions extending upwardly in the clearance between two of the sets of evaporator coils and a downwardly facing portion connecting the upwardly extending portions of the tube which lies adjacent to the lower edge of an upper set of evaporator coils. During refrigerator defrost cycles, the electrical resistance heating wire is actuated, which heats the air in the clearance between the two lower sets of coils to defrost the lower sets of coils, and also defrosts the upper set of coils due to the fact that the uppermost portion of the bell-shaped glass tube lies above the upper level of the lower coils and adjacent the lower edge of the uppermost set of evaporator coils, thereby permitting a single defrost heater to defrost all three sets of evaporator coils.

US Patent:

55458785, Aug 13, 1996

Filed:

Nov 10, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/337997

Inventors:

William C. Jasper - Frankfort IN
Cheryl S. Middleton - Argos IN
Ronald G. Prusinski - Plymouth IN

Assignee:

Wirekraft Industries, Inc. - Mishawaka IN

International Classification:

H05B 308
F25B 4700

US Classification:

219541

Abstract:

A defrost heater for a refrigerator, freezer or other appliance having evaporator coils upon which moisture condenses and freezes includes a glass tube having an electrical resistance heating wire within the tube. A pair of connectors on opposite ends of the tube support a conductor for supplying electrical energy to the resistance heating wire. A spiral vent path in at least one of the conductors circumscribes the surface of the conductor and engages the outer surface of the tube to thereby provide an elongated, circuitous vent path which permits venting of air within the tube as it is heated, but prevents moisture from being drawn into the tube. A resilient sealing member defines a bore receiving the conductor to prevent moisture from entering the connector around the conductor.