Importance

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Abstract

A refrigerated display case having an ambient air automatic defrost system and a method of operating such a case. The display case has an access opening in one wall for enabling products within the display section to be removed. The access opening can be either in the top of front wall of the display case. At least one air conduit extends in an approximately C-shaped formation around the display case. The air conduit has openings at both ends, with such openings being located on opposite sides of the access opening. Arranged within the air conduit is at least one reversible fan and a set of refrigeration coils. During a refrigeration cycle the fan circulates air through the air conduit in a first direction towards the refrigeration coils. When frost buildup within the display case has reached a certain level, the system is switched to a defrost cycle. During the defrost cycle, the fan circulates in the opposite direction through the air conduit and draws in ambient air from outside of the display case. Since such ambient air is of a higher temperature than the normally refrigerated air, it serves to defrost the system. The ambient air, after passing over the evaporator coils and through the air conduit, is expelled from the air conduit in a direction towards the outer side of the refrigerated case so as to move away from the interior of the case. An air flow control means is provided for accomplishing this purpose.

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First Claim