Countertop freezer

Abstract

A countertop freezer and systems and methods for removing moisture from a refrigeration system are provided. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a bin. In some embodiments, the bin includes a removable insert that is adaptable to the type(s) of products to be sold. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a sliding mechanism that causes the bin to slide outward as the door is opened. In some embodiments, the countertop freezer includes a lighting mechanism on the door that is modular/serviceable and shines light at an angle to allow the product to be illuminated both when the door is closed and when the door is opened.

1 . A countertop freezer, the method comprising:
 a bin for holding products;   a door for accessing the bin;   a sliding mechanism that causes the bin to slide outward as the door is opened; and   a thermal assembly comprising a thermoelectric heat pump operable to actively cool the interior of the countertop freezer.   
     
     
         2 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 1  wherein the bin comprises a removable insert that is adaptable to the type(s) of products to be sold. 
     
     
         3 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 1  further comprising:
 a lighting mechanism configured to shine light at an angle to allow the product to be illuminated both when the door is closed and when the door is opened. 
 
     
     
         4 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 1  wherein the lighting mechanism is on the door. 
     
     
         5 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 1  wherein the lighting mechanism is modular and/or serviceable. 
     
     
         6 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 1  wherein the door comprises an auto-close feature. 
     
     
         7 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 1  wherein the door opens with a Scotch yoke type design. 
     
     
         8 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 7  wherein a hinge pin is on the door and a hinge slot is on the bin. 
     
     
         9 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 7  wherein all hinge components are included underneath the countertop freezer. 
     
     
         10 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 1  wherein the door angle is limited by a stop feature molded into the door to distribute stress from an aggressive opening pull. 
     
     
         11 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 1  further comprising: one or more guides in the slot that make it easier to put the bin into the cabinet and ensure that the fit is correct. 
     
     
         12 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 1  further comprising: mechanisms for controlling how far the bin travels in one or both directions. 
     
     
         13 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 1  further comprising a magnet included in a gasket seal for the door. 
     
     
         14 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 1  wherein the thermal assembly comprises: a sealable electrical connection. 
     
     
         15 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 14  wherein the sealable electrical connection comprises pins molded into the enclosure that can connect to other parts of the electrical system, allowing for a better/easier seal to be created. 
     
     
         16 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 1  wherein the bin comprises an arrangement of holes to enhance air flow. 
     
     
         17 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 1  further comprising a fan that is mounted and/or positioned to enhance air circulation over a frost catcher feature. 
     
     
         18 . The countertop freezer according to  claim 17  further comprising an arrangement of protrusions. 
     
     
         19 . A refrigeration system comprising:
 a bin comprising an arrangement of holes to enhance air flow;   a moisture catcher feature comprising an arrangement of protrusions; and   a fan that is mounted and/or positioned to enhance air circulation over the moisture catcher feature.   
     
     
         20 . The refrigeration system according to  claim 19  further comprising an arrangement of protrusions. 
     
     
         21 . The refrigeration system according to  claim 19  wherein a composition of holes and protrusions, their placement, and fan speed allow humid air to flow and be drawn over the surface of the protrusions and accumulate moisture on the protrusions. 
     
     
         22 . The refrigeration system according to  claim 19  further comprising:
 an inner liner; 
 a condensate tray; 
 a condensate tube; and 
 a pass through feature. 
 
     
     
         23 . The refrigeration system according to  claim 19  wherein the inner liner is positioned to collect condensation from the walls and divert it to the condensate tube. 
     
     
         24 . The refrigeration system according to  claim 19  wherein the condensate tray is connected to a rear panel and positioned to catch condensation from the condensate tube. 
     
     
         25 . The refrigeration system according to  claim 19  wherein the condensate tube is mated to a bottom inner liner and positioned to direct water to the condensate tray. 
     
     
         26 . The refrigeration system according to  claim 19  wherein a passthrough feature is positioned vertically above the condensate tray and aligned below a fan. 
     
     
         27 . The refrigeration system according to  claim 26  wherein the passthrough feature alignment allows air to move from the fan to the condensate tray to evaporate fluid.