Patent Publication Number: US-2013247590-A1

Title: Dynamic Chilled Mini-Bar for Aircraft Passenger Suite

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/614,640 entitled “DYNAMIC CHILLED MINI-BAR FOR AIRCRAFT PASSENGER SUITE” and filed on Mar. 23, 2012, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to aircraft integrated entertainment equipment for a super first class interior environment, and more specifically to integrated entertainment equipment including a dynamic translational motion chilled mini-bar in an aircraft super first class passenger suite. 
     2. Related Art 
     Known mini-bars for use in aircraft passenger suites normally stand on a floor of the passenger suites. Typically, the mini-bars have doors that open outward and protrude into the passenger suites. To access these mini-bars, passengers must first bend down to open the doors of the mini-bars. To reach the food products or beverages contained within the mini-bars, the passengers must hold the doors open while reaching inside the mini-bars for the desired food or beverages. 
     These mini-bars that stand on the floor of aircraft passenger suites can be very cumbersome for several reasons. Aircraft passenger suites have limited space available. When the doors of the mini-bars are opened, the doors swing outward into the passenger suites, and reduce the space available in the suites. In addition, it is difficult for passengers to access any food or beverage contained within these mini-bars. When attempting to ascertain the contents of the mini-bars, the passengers must bend down to the level of the mini-bars to hold the doors open, which is an awkward position for the passengers to read the labels of the food and beverages contained within the mini-bars. Furthermore, when the ride is rough due to turbulence or other disturbances, it can be unsafe for passengers to leave their seats to access these mini-bars. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments may overcome problems of the known mini-bars to facilitate more space in aircraft passenger suites, maintain the temperature of food products and beverages contained therein at the required food storage temperature, and offer convenient access to food and beverages at any position of passenger seating. 
     The mini-bars described herein provide the capability for the dynamic chilled mini-bar to be movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment within an aircraft super first class passenger suite. In an embodiment, the dynamic chilled mini-bar includes a cover, a movable compartment, a beverage tray disposed within the movable compartment, and an air-cooled thermoelectric cooling module attached to the beverage tray through an opening at a bottom of the movable compartment. The movable compartment of the dynamic chilled mini-bar is slidably attached to a side or back of the integrated entertainment equipment via an actuator. During operation, the actuator translates the movable compartment along the side of the integrated entertainment equipment. This way, no portion of the dynamic chilled mini-bar protrudes into the passenger suite when opened compared to when closed, thus facilitating more space in the passenger suite. 
     In various embodiments, the actuator translates the movable compartment along the side of the integrated entertainment equipment and may stop the movable compartment at various positions to provide access to any food or beverage contained within the dynamic chilled mini-bar. With this configuration, a passenger, whether seated or standing, can easily access any food or beverages contained within the dynamic chilled mini-bar. Accordingly, the passenger can access the food or beverage contained therein without the difficulties associated with a known mini-bar, such as having to first open a door of the known mini-bar, and then bending down to reach inside the known mini-bar. 
     In an embodiment, a dynamic chilled mini-bar includes: a cover; a movable compartment translatable to expose an interior thereof from behind the cover; and a cooling device operable to cool the interior of the movable compartment. 
     The dynamic chilled mini-bar may further include a beverage tray disposed within the movable compartment, where the cooling device is thermally coupled with the beverage tray through an opening at a bottom of the movable compartment. The cooling device may cool a surface of the beverage tray to cool the interior of the movable compartment. The beverage tray may be constructed of a thermally conductive material. 
     The dynamic chilled mini-bar may further include a controller operable to control the cooling device to maintain about a preset temperature in the interior of the movable compartment. 
     The cooling device may include a thermoelectric cooling module. The thermoelectric cooling module may include: at least one thermoelectric cooling device operable to cool the interior of the movable compartment; a fan operable to circulate air from outside the thermoelectric cooling module to the at least one thermoelectric cooling device to reject heat from the thermoelectric cooling module to the outside; and a temperature controller operable to control an amount of power delivered to the at least one thermoelectric cooling device. 
     The dynamic chilled mini-bar may further include an actuator operable to translate the movable compartment. The dynamic chilled mini-bar may also include a controller that controls the actuator to linearly translate the movable compartment from a first position to a second position, where the second position is selected from the group consisting of completely stowed position, completely opened position, and partially opened position. 
     When the movable compartment is in the completely stowed position, the interior of the movable compartment is completely behind the cover. When the movable compartment is in the completely opened position, a majority of the interior of the movable compartment is exposed from behind the cover. When the movable compartment is in the partially opened position, less of the interior of the movable compartment is exposed from behind the cover than when the movable compartment is in the completely opened position. 
     In another embodiment, a piece of integrated entertainment equipment in a vehicle includes: a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on the integrated entertainment; and an actuator coupled with at least one of a side of the integrated entertainment equipment and the movable compartment, the actuator being operable to translate the movable compartment. 
     The actuator may include: a rotatable screw; and a bracket coupled with the movable compartment, a first end of the bracket being coupled with the screw. When the screw rotates, the movable compartment may be translated linearly. Furthermore, when the screw rotates, the movable compartment may be translated linearly in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw. 
     In another embodiment, the actuator may include: a screw; a motor operable to rotate the screw; and a bracket coupled with the movable compartment, a first end of the bracket being coupled with the screw. When the motor rotates the screw, the movable compartment may be translated linearly. Furthermore, when the motor rotates the screw, the movable compartment may be translated linearly in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw. 
     In yet another embodiment, the actuator may include: a screw that is stationary; a nut that is rotatable around the screw; and a bracket coupled with the movable compartment, a first end of the bracket being coupled with the nut. When the nut rotates around the screw, the movable compartment may be translated linearly. Furthermore, when the nut rotates around the screw, the movable compartment may be translated linearly in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw. 
     In an embodiment, the actuator may include: a screw that is stationary; a motor operable to rotate a nut around the screw; and a bracket coupled with the movable compartment, a first end of the bracket being coupled with the nut. When the motor rotates the nut around the screw, the movable compartment may be translated linearly with the screw. Furthermore, when the motor rotates the nut around the screw, the movable compartment may be translated linearly in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method of operating a dynamic chilled mini-bar includes: receiving an input signal to translate a movable compartment of the dynamic chilled mini-bar from a first position to a second position with respect to a cover of the dynamic chilled mini-bar; and linearly translating the movable compartment to the second position according to the input signal. 
     While the exemplary embodiments described herein are presented in the context of a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment in a super first class passenger suite, these embodiments are exemplary only and are not to be considered limiting. The embodiments of the apparatus and configuration are not limited to dynamic chilled mini-bars. For example, embodiments of the apparatus and configuration may be adapted for a refrigerator, freezer, and other food storage and cooking devices. As another example, embodiments of the apparatus and configuration may be adapted to fit within other sizes or areas in an aircraft, vehicle, or other confined space. Various embodiments may thus be used in any vehicle, including aircraft, spacecraft, ships, buses, trains, recreational vehicles, trucks, automobiles, and the like. Embodiments of the apparatus may also be used in homes, offices, hotels, factories, warehouses, garages, and other buildings where it may be desirable to use a dynamic chilled mini-bar. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings listed below: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment in a super first class passenger suite, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar with a cover, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar including a beverage tray and beverages disposed therein, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  are perspective views illustrating the dynamic chilled mini-bar of  FIG. 4  during operation, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view and  FIG. 6B  is a bottom view illustrating a beverage tray of a dynamic chilled mini-bar, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar with a cover movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating a thermoelectric cooling module of the dynamic chilled mini-bar of  FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9A  is a top view,  FIG. 9B  is a side view,  FIG. 9C  is a bottom view, and  FIG. 9D  is another side view illustrating the thermoelectric cooling module of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view,  FIG. 10B  is a bottom view, and  FIG. 10C  is a side view illustrating a power supply of the dynamic chilled mini-bar of  FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view,  FIG. 11B  is a top view, and  FIG. 11C  a side view illustrating a temperature controller of the dynamic chilled mini-bar of  FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating a controller for the dynamic chilled mini-bar of  FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating an actuator that translates a dynamic chilled mini-bar, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar being translated by the actuator of  FIG. 13  during operation. 
         FIGS. 15A-15C  are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment during operation, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment during operation, according to another embodiment. 
         FIGS. 17A and 17B  are perspective views illustrating the dynamic chilled mini-bar of  FIGS. 16A and 16B . 
         FIG. 18A  is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a dynamic chilled mini-bar, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 18B and 18C  are flowcharts illustrating a method of translating a movable compartment of a dynamic chilled mini-bar, according various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As described herein, a dynamic chilled mini-bar may be movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment within an aircraft super first class passenger suite. In an embodiment, the dynamic chilled mini-bar may include a cover, a movable compartment, a beverage tray disposed within the movable compartment, a thermoelectric cooling module thermally coupled with the beverage tray, a power supply, a temperature controller, and an actuator. The movable compartment of the dynamic chilled mini-bar may be slidably attached to a side or back of the integrated entertainment equipment via the actuator. In various embodiments, the actuator translates the movable compartment along the side or the back of the integrated entertainment equipment to emerge from behind the cover, and may stop the movable compartment at various positions to provide access to any food or beverage contained within the dynamic chilled mini-bar. With this configuration, a passenger, whether seated or standing, can easily access any food or beverages contained within the dynamic chilled mini-bar. Accordingly, the passenger can access the food or beverage within the dynamic chilled mini-bar without the difficulties associated with a known mini-bar, such as having to first open a door of the known mini-bar, and then bending down to reach inside the known mini-bar. Furthermore, no portion of the dynamic chilled mini-bar protrudes into the passenger suite when opened compared to when closed, thus facilitating more space in the passenger suite. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment  110  in a super first class passenger suite  100 , according to an embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  includes a cover  210  and a movable compartment  220 . The cover  210  may be opaque to match the façade of the integrated entertainment equipment  110 , or transparent (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) to provide passengers with a view of any contents within the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  is translated to an open position, so that passengers may easily access beverages  300 . Furthermore, the cover  210  may be opened or removed to facilitate maintenance and cleaning. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  with a cover  210 , according to an embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  includes a cover  210 , a movable compartment  220 , a beverage tray  230  disposed within the movable compartment  220 , and a thermoelectric cooling module  240  thermally coupled with the beverage tray  230  through an opening at a bottom of the movable compartment  220 . In the illustrated embodiment, the thermoelectric cooling module  240  distributes cool temperatures across a surface of the beverage tray  230 , and in turn, the beverage tray  230  cools contents contained within the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 . Because the thermoelectric cooling module  240  is thermally coupled with and directly attached to the beverage tray  230 , the contents contained therein are chilled regardless of whether the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  is in an open position as shown in  FIG. 1B  or in a stowed position as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  including a beverage tray  230  and beverages  300  disposed therein, according to an embodiment. The dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  includes a movable compartment  220  and a beverage tray  230  disposed within the movable compartment  220 . The beverage tray  230  holds beverages  300  within the movable compartment  220  and cools the beverages  300  using a thermoelectric cooling module  240  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment  110 , according to an embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  includes a cover  210 , a movable compartment  220 , a beverage tray  230  disposed within the movable compartment  220 , a thermoelectric cooling module  240  thermally coupled with the beverage tray  230  through an opening at a bottom of the movable compartment  220 , a power supply  250 , a temperature controller  260 , and a power cord retainer  270 . The power supply  250  may provide power to the thermoelectric cooling module  240 , the temperature controller  260 , and an actuator (see  FIGS. 13 ,  14 A, and  14 B). The power cord retainer  270  contains a power cord ( 271  in  FIG. 5B ), and an end of the power cord is connected to the thermoelectric cooling module  240 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  are perspective views illustrating the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  of  FIG. 4  during operation, according to an embodiment. In  FIG. 5A , the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  is in a completely stowed position, where the cover  210  completely covers a front opening and an interior of the movable compartment  220 . The thermoelectric cooling module  240  is disposed at the bottom of the movable compartment  220  and is thermally coupled with the beverage tray  230 . The power supply  250 , the temperature controller  260 , and the power cord retainer  270  are disposed adjacent to a bottom of the integrated entertainment equipment  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5B , the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  is translated to a partially open position. The movable compartment  220  is translated vertically upward so the front opening and the interior of the movable compartment  220  are partially exposed or not covered by the cover  210 . Since the thermoelectric cooling module  240  is thermally coupled with the beverage tray  230  and disposed at the bottom of the movable compartment  220 , when the movable compartment  220  is translated along a side or back of the integrated entertainment equipment  110 , the thermoelectric cooling module  240  is also translated along with the movable compartment  220 . The power cord  271 , which is connected to the thermoelectric cooling module  240 , extends out of the power cord retainer  270  when the thermoelectric cooling module  240  is translated along with the movable compartment  220 . This way, the power cord  271  may transfer power to the thermoelectric cooling module  240  regardless of the position of the movable compartment  220 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5C , the movable compartment  220  is translated into a completely opened position, so that a majority of the front opening and the interior of the movable compartment  220  is exposed or not covered by the cover  210 . On the other hand, when the movable compartment  220  is translated to a partially opened position as shown in  FIG. 5B , less of the interior of the movable compartment  220  is exposed from behind the cover  210  than when the movable compartment  220  is in the completely opened position as shown in  FIG. 5C . Because the thermoelectric cooling module  240  is configured to translate along with the movable compartment  220 , even if the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  is left open for an extended period of time in the partially opened position or in the completely opened position, the thermoelectric cooling module  240  can continuously cool the beverage tray  230 , which would keep any food or beverages disposed on the beverage tray  230  chilled and fresh. 
       FIG. 6A  is a perspective view and  FIG. 6B  is a bottom view illustrating a beverage tray  230  of a dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 , according to an embodiment.  FIG. 6A  illustrates a beverage tray  230  movably disposed within a movable compartment  220 . A bottom of the movable compartment  220  includes an opening  221  configured to fit a thermoelectric cooling module  240  that may be thermally coupled with the beverage tray  230 . The beverage tray  230  may be constructed of a water tight metallic material, but this should not be construed as limiting. The beverage tray  230  may be constructed using other thermally conductive materials as known in the art. The beverage tray  230  may further include a lip along edges of the beverage tray  230  to help secure any food or beverages disposed thereon. The beverage tray  230  may evenly distribute chilled temperature across a surface that contacts the beverages and food products. Furthermore, the beverage tray  230  may collect any condensation, spills, or leakages from the beverages or food products to facilitate maintenance and cleaning In various embodiments, the beverage tray  230  may be decoupled from the thermoelectric cooling module  240  and removed from the movable compartment  220  to be cleaned. 
       FIG. 6B  is a bottom view illustrating a beverage tray  230  of a dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 , according to an embodiment. The beverage tray  230  includes an area  231  for coupling with the thermoelectric cooling module  240 . When coupled with or attached to the thermoelectric cooling module  240 , the surface of the beverage tray  230  provides cooling contact with beverages or food products. Through packaging of the beverages and the food products, heat transfers from the beverages and food products to the beverage tray  230  and the thermoelectric cooling module  240 , and thus the beverages and food products are chilled and cooled by the beverage tray  230  and the thermoelectric cooling module  240 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  with a cover  210  movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment  110 , according to an embodiment. The dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  may be movably installed on a side or back of the integrated entertainment equipment  110 . The dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  includes a cover  210 , a movable compartment  220 , a beverage tray  230  disposed within the movable compartment  220 , a thermoelectric cooling module  240  thermally coupled with the beverage tray  230  through an opening at a bottom of the movable compartment  220 , a power supply  250 , a temperature controller  260 , and a power cord retainer  270 . The power supply  250  may provide power to the thermoelectric cooling module  240  and the temperature controller  260 . The power cord retainer  270  houses a power cord, and an end of the power cord is connected to the thermoelectric cooling module  240 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating a thermoelectric cooling module  240  of the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  of  FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment. The thermoelectric cooling module  240  includes a fan  241 , a connector  242 , and at least one thermoelectric cooling device housed inside the thermoelectric cooling module  240 . The fan  241  circulates air from an aircraft cabin or passenger suite to the at least one thermoelectric cooling device inside the thermoelectric cooling module  240 , and rejects heat from the thermoelectric cooling module  240  back into the aircraft cabin or passenger suite. The connector  242  may be connected to a power cord, for example, the power cord  271  as shown in  FIG. 5B , to supply power to the fan  241  and the at least one thermoelectric cooling device. 
       FIG. 9A  is a top view,  FIG. 9B  is a side view,  FIG. 9C  is a bottom view, and  FIG. 9D  is another side view illustrating the thermoelectric cooling module  240  of  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 9A  illustrates a top view of the thermoelectric cooling module  240  of  FIG. 8 . The thermoelectric cooling module  240  includes a fan  241 , a connector  242 , and at least one thermoelectric cooling device.  FIG. 9B  illustrates a side view of the thermoelectric cooling module  240 . A housing of the thermoelectric cooling module  240  contains the at least one thermoelectric cooling device.  FIG. 9C  illustrates a bottom view of the thermoelectric cooling module  240 . A bottom side of the thermoelectric cooling module  240  may be thermally coupled with or attached to the beverage tray  230  to distribute cool temperature across a surface of the beverage tray  230 .  FIG. 9D  illustrates another side view of the thermoelectric cooling module  240 . 
       FIG. 10A  is a perspective view,  FIG. 10B  is a bottom view, and  FIG. 10C  is a side view illustrating a power supply  250  of the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  of  FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment.  FIG. 10A  illustrates the power supply  250 , which provides power to the thermoelectric cooling module  240  as shown in  FIG. 8 , the temperature controller  260 , and an actuator that translates the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 . The power supply  250  converts aircraft AC (alternating current) power supply to DC (direct current) power supply. In other embodiments, the power supply  250  may convert AC current, voltage, or power to DC current, voltage, or power, respectively. The power supply  250  includes a housing  251  and terminal pins  252 . The terminal pins  252  may provide ground, input, and output connections between the power supply  250  and other devices. Additionally, the power supply  250  may be attached or mounted to the integrated entertainment equipment  110 , but this should not be construed as limiting.  FIG. 10B  illustrates a bottom view of the power supply  250 .  FIG. 10C  illustrates a side view of the power supply  250 . In an embodiment, the power supply  250  may input 120 Vac at 60 Hz and output 12Vdc, 12 A. 
       FIG. 11A  is a perspective view,  FIG. 11B  is a top view, and  FIG. 11C  a side view illustrating a temperature controller  260  of the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  of  FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment.  FIG. 11A  illustrates the temperature controller  260 , which monitors and controls the temperature in the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 . The temperature controller  260  may include dials  261  to adjust settings, for example, temperature, voltage, and fan speed of the thermoelectric cooling module  240 . The temperature controller  260  may control an amount of power delivered to the thermoelectric cooling module  240 . This operation may be performed using a pulse-width modulation (PWM) technique. For example, a high current output of 12Vdc, 24 A at 25 degrees Celsius may be provided to the thermoelectric cooling module  240  according to a PWM signal. A safety device for temperature protection may also be included in the temperature controller  260 . 
       FIG. 11B  illustrates a top view of the temperature controller  260 .  FIG. 11C  illustrates a side view of the temperature controller  260 . The temperature controller  260  may be connected to the power supply  250 . Alternatively, the temperature controller  260  and the power supply  250  may be housed together as one component. 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram of a controller  1200  that controls the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  of  FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment. The controller  1200  may supplement or replace the temperature controller  260 . The controller  1200  may be installed on the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  or the integrated entertainment equipment  110 . The controller  1200  may be coupled with a control panel  1240  via an I/O interface  1230 . The controller  1200  may receive input commands from a user via the control panel  1240 , such as turning the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  on or off, selecting an operation mode, translating the movable compartment  220  into an opened or stowed position, and setting a desired temperature of the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 . The controller  1200  may output information to the user regarding an operational status (e.g., operational mode, activation of a defrost cycle, shut-off due to over-temperature conditions of the movable compartment  220  and/or components of the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 , etc.) of the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  using a display of the control panel  1240 . The control panel  1240  may be installed on or remotely from embodiments of the dynamic chilled mini-bar and integrated entertainment equipment with which the controller  1200  may be coupled. 
     The controller  1200  may include a processor  1210  that performs computations according to program instructions, a memory  1220  that stores the computing instructions and other data used or generated by the processor  1210 , and a network interface  1250  that includes data communications circuitry for interfacing to a data communications network  1290  such as Ethernet, Galley Data Bus (GAN), or Controller Area Network (CAN). The processor  1210  may include a microprocessor, a Field Programmable Gate Array, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit, or a custom Very Large Scale Integrated circuit chip, or other electronic circuitry that performs a control function. The processor  1210  may also include a state machine. The controller  1200  may also include one or more electronic circuits and printed circuit boards. The processor  1210 , memory  1220 , and network interface  1250  may be coupled with one another using one or more data buses  1280 . The controller  1200  may communicate with and control various sensors and actuators  1270  of the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  via a control interface  1260 . 
     The controller  1200  may be controlled by or communicate with a centralized computing system, such as one onboard an aircraft. The controller  1200  may implement a compliant ARINC  812  logical communication interface on a compliant ARINC  810  physical interface. The controller  1200  may communicate via the Galley Data Bus (e.g., galley networked GAN bus), and exchange data with a Galley Network Controller (e.g., Master GAIN Control Unit as described in the ARINC  812  specification). In accordance with the ARINC  812  specification, the controller  1200  may provide network monitoring, power control, remote operation, failure monitoring, and data transfer functions. The controller  1200  may implement menu definitions requests received from the Galley Network Controller (GNC) for presentation on a GNC Touchpanel display device and process associated button push events to respond appropriately. The controller  1200  may provide additional communications using an RS-232 communications interface and/or an infrared data port, such as communications with a personal computer (PC) or a personal digital assistant (PDA). Such additional communications may include real-time monitoring of operations of the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 , long-term data retrieval, and control system software upgrades. In addition, the control interface  1260  may include a serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus that may be used to communicate between the controller  1200  and motor controllers within the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 . 
     The dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  is configured to chill and/or refrigerate beverages and/or food products which are placed in the movable compartment  220 . The dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  may operate in one or more of several modes, including refrigeration and beverage chilling. A user may select a desired temperature for the movable compartment  220  using the control panel  1240 . The controller  1200  included with the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  may control a temperature within the movable compartment  220  at a high level of precision according to the desired temperature. Therefore, quality of beverages and/or food products stored within the movable compartment  220  may be maintained according to the user-selected operational mode of the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 . 
     In various embodiments, the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  may maintain a temperature inside the movable compartment  220  according to a user-selectable option among several preprogrammed preset temperatures, or according to a specific user-input preset temperature. For example, a beverage chiller mode may maintain the temperature inside the movable compartment  220  at a user-selectable temperature of about 9 degrees centigrade (C), 12 degrees C., or 16 degrees C. In a refrigerator mode, the temperature inside the movable compartment  220  may be maintained at a user-selectable temperature of about 4 degrees C. or 7 degrees C. 
     The dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  may be controlled by an electronic control system associated with the controller  1200 . The memory  1220  of the controller  1200  may store a program for performing a method of controlling the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  executable by the processor  1210 . The method of controlling the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  performed by the electronic control system may include a feedback control system such that the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  may automatically maintain a prescribed temperature in the movable compartment  220  of the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  using sensor data, such as temperature, to control the thermoelectric cooling module  240 . 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view illustrating an actuator  280  that translates a dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 , according to an embodiment. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the actuator  280  is disposed on a side or back of integrated entertainment equipment  110 . The actuator  280  may be an electromechanical actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or other actuators known in the art. Furthermore, the actuator  280  may be operated using a controller, for example, the controller  1200  as shown in  FIG. 12 , an electrical controller, an electromechanical controller, or other controllers known in the art. In other embodiments, the function of the actuator  280  may be performed manually. The controller that controls the actuator  280  may be installed on the integrated entertainment equipment  110  or on the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 . The controller may receive input commands from a user via input devices to translate the movable compartment  220  to an opened or stowed position. 
     The actuator  280  may include a bracket  281  and a screw  283 . The actuator  280  converts rotary motion, such as that of a motor, into linear displacement via the screw  283 , with which the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  is coupled. The bracket  281  may be movably coupled with the screw  283  and to a side of the movable compartment  220  of the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200 . Accordingly, when the motor of the actuator  280  rotates the screw, the movable compartment  220  that is coupled to the bracket  281  is translated linearly. This should not be construed as limiting. For example, in other embodiments, the screw  283  may be stationary, while the motor of actuator  280  rotates a nut around the screw  283 , and the bracket  281  is coupled with the nut rather than the screw  283 . In yet other embodiments, the actuator  280  may be operated manually using a rotatable screw or by rotating a nut around a stationary screw. Furthermore, when the screw rotates, the movable compartment  220  may be translated linearly in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw. In other embodiments, when the nut rotates around the screw, the movable compartment  220  may be translated linearly in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  being translated by the actuator  280  of  FIG. 13  during operation. As illustrated in  FIG. 14A , the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  is in a stowed position. A side of the movable compartment  220  is coupled with or attached to the bracket  281 . A first end of the bracket  281  is coupled with the screw  283 , and a second end of the bracket  281  is coupled with a rail  282  to stabilize the bracket  281  and to support a combined weight of the movable compartment  220 , the beverage tray  230 , and the beverages  300 . 
     In  FIG. 14B , the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  is translated vertically upward along the side of the integrated entertainment equipment  110  by the actuator  280 . When the screw  283  is rotated, either by a motor or manually, the bracket  281  is moved vertically along an axis parallel to a length-wise direction of the screw. Accordingly, the movable compartment  220  disposed on the bracket  281  is translated along the same vertical axis. As shown in FIG.  14 B, the movable compartment  220  is translated into an opened position, where the beverage tray  230  and the beverages  300  are accessible to passengers. Although the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  is shown to be moving along a vertical axis, the described embodiment should not be construed as limiting. In other embodiments, the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  may be translated along a horizontal or diagonal axis. The movable compartment  220  may be translated linearly in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw  283 . 
       FIGS. 15A-15C  are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment  110  during operation, according to an embodiment. The dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  includes a cover  210 , a movable compartment  220 , a beverage tray  230  disposed within the movable compartment  220 , a thermoelectric cooling module  240  thermally coupled with the beverage tray  230  through an opening at a bottom of the movable compartment  220 , and a power cord retainer  270  disposed adjacent to a bottom of the integrated entertainment equipment  110 . As illustrated in  FIG. 15A , the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  is in a completely stowed position, where the cover  210  completely covers a front opening and interior of the movable compartment  220 . As shown in  FIG. 15B , the movable compartment  220  is translated into a partially opened position, where an upper half of the front opening of the movable compartment  220  is exposed or not covered by the cover  210 .  FIG. 15C  illustrates the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  translated into a completely opened position, where a majority of the front opening and interior of the movable compartment  220  is exposed or not covered by the cover  210 . Passengers may gain access to any contents in the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  when the movable compartment  220  is in a partially opened position as shown in  FIG. 15B  or in a completely opened position as illustrated in  FIG. 15C . In addition, the dynamic chilled mini-bar  220  may be stopped at any desired position between the completely stowed position and the completely opened position. 
       FIGS. 16A and 16B  are perspective views illustrating a dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment  110  during operation, according to another embodiment.  FIGS. 17A and 17B  are perspective views illustrating the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  of  FIGS. 16A and 16B . As shown in  FIGS. 16A ,  16 B,  17 A, and  17 B, the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  may be integrated into the integrated entertainment equipment  110 . In  FIGS. 16A and 17A , the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  is in a completely stowed position. In  FIGS. 16B and 17B , the movable compartment  220  of the mini-bar  200  is translated into a completely opened position to expose the beverage tray  230  which holds the beverages  300 . With this configuration, a passenger, whether seated or standing, can easily access any food or beverages contained within the dynamic chilled mini-bar  20 . Furthermore, the dynamic chilled mini-bar  200  does not protrude into a super first class passenger suite  100  when opened compared to when closed, thus facilitating more space in the super first class passenger suite  100 . 
       FIG. 18A  is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a dynamic chilled mini-bar, according to an embodiment. In step S 1802 , an input signal is received to translate a movable compartment of the dynamic chilled mini-bar from a first position to a second position with respect to a cover of the dynamic chilled mini-bar. Then in step S 1804 , the movable compartment is linearly translated to the second position according to the input signal. The second position may be selected from the group consisting of completely stowed position, completely opened position, and partially opened position. When the movable compartment is in the completely stowed position, an interior of the movable compartment is completely behind the cover. When the movable compartment is in the completely opened position, a majority of an interior of the movable compartment is exposed from behind the cover. When the movable compartment is in the partially opened position, less of the interior of the movable compartment is exposed from behind the cover than when the movable compartment is in the completely opened position. The group of positions may be preprogrammed or preset prior to operating the dynamic chilled mini-bar. Alternatively, the second position may be specified by a user during operation. 
       FIGS. 18B and 18C  are flowcharts illustrating a method of translating a movable compartment of a dynamic chilled mini-bar, according various embodiments. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18B , a screw is rotated in step S 1804 - 2 . The screw may be rotated by a motor or through manual operation. Then in step S 1804 - 4 , the rotary motion of the screw is converted to linear motion, and the movable compartment is linearly translated in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18C , a nut is rotated around a stationary screw in step S 1804 - 6 . The nut may be rotated around the screw by a motor or through manual operation. Then in step S 1804 - 8 , the rotary motion of the nut around the screw is converted to linear motion, and the movable compartment is linearly translated in parallel with a length-wise direction of the screw. 
     While the exemplary embodiments described herein are presented in the context of a dynamic chilled mini-bar movably installed on integrated entertainment equipment in a super first class passenger suite, these embodiments are exemplary only and are not to be considered limiting. The embodiments of the apparatus and configuration are not limited to dynamic chilled mini-bars. For example, embodiments of the apparatus and configuration may be adapted for a refrigerator, freezer, and other food storage and cooking devices. As another example, embodiments of the apparatus and configuration may be adapted to fit within other sizes or areas in an aircraft or vehicle. Various embodiments may thus be used in any vehicle, including aircraft, spacecraft, ships, buses, trains, recreational vehicles, trucks, automobiles, and the like. Embodiments of the apparatus may also be used in homes, offices, hotels, factories, warehouses, garages, and other buildings where it may be desirable to use a dynamic chilled mini-bar. 
     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference has been made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language has been used to describe these embodiments. However, no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended by this specific language, and the invention should be construed to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the description of the embodiments, certain detailed explanations of related art are omitted when it is deemed that they may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. 
     The apparatus described herein may comprise a processor, a memory for storing program data to be executed by the processor, a permanent storage such as a disk drive, a communications port for handling communications with external devices, and user interface devices, including a display, touch panel, keys, buttons, etc. When software modules are involved, these software modules may be stored as program instructions or computer readable code executable by the processor on a non-transitory computer-readable media such as magnetic storage media (e.g., magnetic tapes, hard disks, floppy disks), optical recording media (e.g., CD-ROMs, Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), etc.), and solid state memory (e.g., random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static random-access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, thumb drives, etc.). The computer readable recording media may also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. This computer readable recording media may be read by the computer, stored in the memory, and executed by the processor. 
     Also, using the disclosure herein, programmers of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains may easily implement functional programs, codes, and code segments for making and using the invention. 
     The invention may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, the invention may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, where the elements of the invention are implemented using software programming or software elements, the invention may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as C, C++, JAVA®, assembler, or the like, with the various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements. Functional aspects may be implemented in algorithms that execute on one or more processors. Furthermore, the invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for electronics configuration, signal processing and/or control, data processing and the like. Finally, the steps of all methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
     For the sake of brevity, conventional electronics, control systems, software development and other functional aspects of the systems (and components of the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections or logical connections may be present in a practical device. The words “mechanism”, “element”, “unit”, “structure”, “means”, and “construction” are used broadly and are not limited to mechanical or physical embodiments, but may include software routines in conjunction with processors, etc. 
     The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined not by the detailed description of the invention but by the following claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the invention. 
     No item or component is essential to the practice of the invention unless the element is specifically described as “essential” or “critical”. It will also be recognized that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” and “having,” as used herein, are specifically intended to be read as open-ended terms of art. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, it should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms, which are only used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.