Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment, and a switching compartment to store food items. Various elements are provided to maintain the three compartments at selected target temperatures. A heater and/or a light source may be provided to rapidly heat the switching compartment when the switching compartment is being changed from a freezing operation to a refrigerating operation.

Abstract: A laundry treating device includes a first laundry treating device and a second laundry treating device adjacent to the first laundry treating device. A first heater provided in the first laundry treating device and a second heater provided in the second laundry treating device can be selectively and alternatively operated to heat washing water.

Abstract: A laundry treating device includes two separate laundry washing mechanisms. Methods of controlling such a laundry treating device include steps for supplying water to a first tub provided in the first laundry treating device and to a second tub provided in the second laundry treating device. The water can be supplied to the two tubs simultaneously or separately. Also, the water supply steps can be alternated. Further individual hot and cold water supply steps can include simultaneously or sequentially supplying the hot and cold water.

Abstract: A laundry treating machine is provided which includes a cabinet that forms an external appearance of the laundry treating machine, a washing tub mounted in the cabinet, a housing mounted in the cabinet below the washing tub, the housing defining a predetermined space, and a movable body received in the housing such that the movable body can move in forward-and-rearward directions with respect to the cabinet.

Abstract: A laundry machine capable of washing or drying laundry is disclosed. The disclosed laundry machine can achieve an enhancement in user convenience and a reduction in the manufacturing costs and weight of the laundry machine.

Abstract: A laundry machine capable of washing or drying laundry is disclosed. The disclosed laundry machine can achieve an enhancement in the convenience of the user, and can provide a beautiful appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam generator. More particularly, the present invention relates to a steam generator which has a compact design to enhance efficiency, and to a drum-type washing machine with this steam generator. The steam generator includes a heater that heats water to generate steam; a lower case that holds water for steam generation, having a heater holding part in which the heater is vertically oriented in the heater holding part, and an upper case coupled to an upper portion of the lower case to form a predetermined space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a damper for a washing machine, comprising: a cylinder; a rod of which one end is inserted in the cylinder; a sliding rod further extending from the inserted end of the rod; a pad holder slidably installed apart from and on an outer side of the sliding rod; a damping pad formed on an outer circumference of the pad holder and being in contact with an inner circumference of the cylinder; and a rotation-preventing part interposed between the pad holder and the rod, for preventing a conical rotation of the washing machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a damper for a washing machine including a cylinder, a rod of which one end is inserted in the cylinder, a sliding rod integrally formed on a proximal end of the rod, a damping part disposed around the sliding rod to perform a damping operation, the damping part having a coupling part contracting/expanding in a radial direction, a seating portion formed on the sliding rode, the coupling part being selectively located on the seating portion, and a magnet formed on the coupling part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a damper for a washing machine, the damper including an external electric source, a movable part for adjusting damping force using the external electric source, a damping pad for varying an exerting state of the damping force in response to an operation of the movable part, a pad holder for supporting the damping pad, a cylinder contacting the damping pad to generate the damping force, a rod inserted in the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to one of a movable part and case of the washing machine, and the rod is connected to the other of the movable part and case of the washing machine. The pad holder is disposed on an outer circumference of the rod.