Abstract: A method and device for managing the operating conditions of a refrigerator unit using a single sensor are disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining a sensor temperature of a refrigerator unit, determining to which a plurality of disjoint temperatures regions the temperature lies within and setting an operating condition of each of a plurality of components of the refrigerator unit based on the determined temperature region.

Abstract: A flow controlling assembly configured to permit air flow between a first chamber and a second chamber. A frame member includes a damper contacting surface at least partially surrounding a frame opening configured to permit the air flow therethrough. A damper plate includes a frame contacting surface configured to contact the damper contacting surface when the damper plate is in a closed position. A hinge assembly is disposed between the frame member and the damper plate. The hinge assembly is configured to permit the damper plate to rotate on a rotational axis relative to the frame member and to permit the rotational axis to translate relative to the frame member.

Abstract: A method and device for managing the operating conditions of a refrigerator unit using a single sensor are disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining a sensor temperature of a refrigerator unit, determining to which a plurality of disjoint temperatures regions the temperature lies within and setting an operating condition of each of a plurality of components of the refrigerator unit based on the determined temperature region.

Abstract: A flow controlling assembly configured to permit air flow between a first chamber and a second chamber. A frame member includes a damper contacting surface at least partially surrounding a frame opening configured to permit the air flow therethrough. A damper plate includes a frame contacting surface configured to contact the damper contacting surface when the damper plate is in a closed position. A hinge assembly is disposed between the frame member and the damper plate. The hinge assembly is configured to permit the damper plate to rotate on a rotational axis relative to the frame member and to permit the rotational axis to translate relative to the frame member.

Abstract: A refrigerator airflow distribution assembly includes an airflow diverter in flow communication with freezer compartment air. The diverter includes a primary flow path and at least one diverter opening therethrough, and together with a cover forms a secondary flow path in flow communication with the first flow path through the diverter opening. Freezer compartment air is directed to the primary flow path, and a portion of the air in the primary flow path flows through the diverter openings and into the secondary flow path, and is introduced to the fresh food compartment through one or more vents in the cover. Metered airflow through the diverter reduces temperature gradients in the refrigerator, as well as provides a regulated temperature source for a storage drawer in the fresh food storage compartment.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a vertically extending airflow distribution assembly for reducing vertical temperature gradients therein, and laterally extending air passages are in flow communication with the air distribution assembly for reducing horizontal temperature gradients therein. A single fan simultaneously directs freezer compartment air into the air distribution assembly, the laterally extending passages and into a storage drawer for temperature regulation therein. A damper is located in flow communication with a light assembly and is selectively positionable to cool the refrigeration compartment through the air distribution assembly and the laterally extending passages, as well as to remove heat from the light assembly that may damage a refrigeration compartment liner.

Abstract: A refrigerator airflow distribution assembly includes an airflow diverter in flow communication with freezer compartment air. The diverter includes a primary flow path and at least one diverter opening therethrough, and together with a cover forms a secondary flow path in flow communication with the first flow path through the diverter opening. Freezer compartment air is directed to the primary flow path, and a portion of the air in the primary flow path flows through the diverter openings and into the secondary flow path, and is introduced to the fresh food compartment through one or more vents in the cover. Metered airflow through the diverter reduces temperature gradients in the refrigerator, as well as provides a regulated temperature source for a storage drawer in the fresh food storage compartment.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a vertically extending airflow distribution assembly for reducing vertical temperature gradients therein, and. laterally extending air passages are in flow communication with the air distribution assembly for reducing horizontal temperature gradients therein. A single fan simultaneously directs freezer compartment air into the air distribution assembly, the laterally extending passages and into a storage drawer for temperature regulation therein. A damper is located in flow communication with a light assembly and is selectively positionable to cool the refrigeration compartment through the air distribution assembly and the laterally extending passages, as well as to remove heat from the light assembly that may damage a refrigeration compartment liner.