Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a first refrigeration chamber, a second refrigeration chamber in flow communication with said the first refrigeration chamber, a sealed system for producing desired temperature conditions in the first refrigeration chamber and the second refrigeration chamber, and a controller operatively coupled to the sealed system. The controller is configured to accept a plurality of user-selected inputs including at least a first refrigeration chamber temperature and a second refrigeration chamber temperature, and to execute a plurality of algorithms to selectively control the first refrigeration chamber at a temperature above the second refrigeration chamber and at a temperature below the second chamber. Various control algorithms are provided for maintaining desired temperature conditions in the refrigeration chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature control method for a refrigerator which can minimize a deviation in refrigerant compartment temperature while minimizing the power consumption of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A refrigerator incorporates a variable speed refrigeration system including a variable speed compressor, a variable speed evaporator fan, a variable speed fresh food compartment stirring fan and a variable position damper. Various temperature sensors are provided to sense system parameters which are used by a controller to regulate each of the variable components in order to compensate for temperature changes within at least one refrigerator compartment in a highly effective, energy efficient and synergistic manner.

Abstract: A concentration cooling apparatus for a refrigerator, including a housing which is respectively mounted in one or more cold air guiding paths formed on a side wall of the chilling chamber to guide cold air to the side wall of the chilling chamber, a nozzle which is rotatably supported in the housing, for concentratedly injecting cold air to a region where a high temperature load is occurred in the chilling chamber, a temperature sensor which is mounted at the front of the nozzle, for sensing the region where the high temperature load is occurred, rotating together with the nozzle, and a nozzle driving portion for rotating the nozzle up and down as well as in the circumferential direction of the nozzle, can swiftly maintain a temperature inside of a chilling chamber as a uniform temperature by concentratedly discharging cold air into a region where a high temperature load is occurred inside the chilling chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a sealed system including a variable speed compressor coupled to a controller is described. The method includes establishing a control grid having at least one axis corresponding to a temperature at a specified location, and the axis is divided into a plurality of operating states of the sealed system. Each of the states correspond to a sensed temperature condition at the specified location, and each of the states includes a designated compressor speed parameter. The compressor speed parameter in some of the states is different from the compressor speed parameter in other of the states.

Abstract: A refrigerator, having freezer and fresh food compartments, includes a temperature sensor arranged to sense an average temperature in the fresh food compartment, a multi-position damper interposed in an intake duct leading from the freezer compartment, and a fresh food compartment stirring fan. The stirring fan receives a flow of air from each of the intake duct and a plurality of recirculation ducts exposed to different portions of the fresh food compartment. A control system regulates the stirring fan and the opening of the damper based on the sensed temperature in order to minimize temperature stratification within the fresh food compartment, while maintaining an energy efficient and noise reducing operation.

Abstract: A refrigerator incorporates a variable speed refrigeration system including a variable speed compressor, an evaporator fan, a fresh food compartment stirring fan and a multi-position damper. Various temperature sensors are provided to sense system parameters which are used by a controller to regulate each of the variable components in order to compensate for temperature changes within a refrigerator compartment and, maintain the compartment within a confined temperature band, in a highly effective, energy efficient and synergistic manner.

Abstract: A baffle assembly for an air control device that eliminates the accumulation of ice by utilizing the heat generated by solenoid coils during normal operation. The invention employs one or two solenoid coils attached to a fixed plate, or mounted in a frame that is attached to a fixed plate. An armature, located inside the solenoid coils, is connected to a movable plate, which rests on top of the fixed plate. Energizing a solenoid coil moves the armature, which moves the movable plate relative to the fixed plate. Apertures in the plates are provided to control air flow through the plates. The armature and one or both of the plates are constructed of thermoconductive material, resulting in the conduction of heat generated by the solenoid coils to the plates in order to melt any accumulated ice.

Abstract: An airflow control device has a fixed damper element and a movable damper element. Shape memory wires are connected to the fixed damper element and the movable damper element. The shape memory wires are alternately electrified to cause the contraction thereof to move the movable damper element in opposite directions. A heater can be provided along with the damper elements to overcome frost buildup in cold environments, such as refrigeration systems.

Abstract: An air flow damper assembly is provided. The assembly includes a duct member comprising a first air flow opening therethrough, and a damper disposed within the duct member and including a substantially cylindrical rim for regulating air flow through the first opening.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a first refrigeration chamber, a second refrigeration chamber in flow communication with said the first refrigeration chamber, a sealed system for producing desired temperature conditions in the first refrigeration chamber and the second refrigeration chamber, and a controller operatively coupled to the sealed system. The controller is configured to accept a plurality of user-selected inputs including at least a first refrigeration chamber temperature and a second refrigeration chamber temperature, and to execute a plurality of algorithms to selectively control the first refrigeration chamber at a temperature above the second refrigeration chamber and at a temperature below the second chamber. Various control algorithms are provided for maintaining desired temperature conditions in the refrigeration chambers.

Abstract: In a cold air supply apparatus of a refrigerator, by forming a cold air path for discharging cold air from the rear and side surfaces of a chilling chamber to distribute cold air from the rear and side surfaces of the chilling chamber selectively by using a damper, the apparatus includes a cold air discharge duct installed at the upper portion of a chilling chamber; a side cold air path connected with a certain side of the cold air discharge duct, formed at the side wall of the chilling chamber and guiding cold air to the side of the chilling chamber; and a damper installed on a certain side of the cold air discharge duct in order to open/close the cold air supply hole, the side cold air path and both the side cold air path and the cold air discharge duct selectively.

Abstract: Closed loop cooling is provided by means of a mechanical air conditioner combined with an air-to-air heat exchanger. Three basic modes of operation maximize cooling while minimizing energy consumption, depending on ambient air temperature. In the first mode the air-to-air heat exchanger or economizer provides all required cooling to a closed circuit enclosure air stream, transferring heat to the cold ambient air stream. In the second mode the air-to-air heat exchanger precools the closed air circuit stream using moderate temperature ambient air, in the same manner as in the first mode, followed by further removal of heat by passing enclosure air through refrigeration condenser coils. The heat taken in at the evaporator is transferred to the ambient air stream as it passes through a condenser coil after passing through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a refrigeration control system that is modular and contains an algorithm to control the energy and temperature performance of side-by-side, top mount, and bottom mount type refrigerators. The control algorithm uses a two-dimensional control grid to determine the state of the refrigeration system based on the temperature of the freezer compartment and the fresh food compartment. The control algorithm then controls the rate of the fresh food fan, evaporator fan, and the damper and to bring the refrigerator-freezer to a desired state and maintain that state.

Abstract: An evaporator fan control system is provided for a multi-compartment refrigerator that coordinates operation of the evaporator fan among a cooling cycle for a freezer compartment, a cooling cycle for a fresh food compartment, and an adaptive defrost cycle. An adaptive defrost timer control module is utilized to coordinate operation of the evaporator fan. This control module includes an embedded electronic controller having control logic programmed to operate the evaporator fan whenever either of the thermostats requires cooling, and to lock out operation of the evaporator fan whenever the system is performing a defrost cycle.

Abstract: An evaporator fan control system is provided for a multi-compartment refrigerator that coordinates operation of the evaporator fan among a cooling cycle for a freezer compartment, a cooling cycle for a fresh food compartment, and an adaptive defrost cycle. An adaptive defrost timer control module is utilized to coordinate operation of the evaporator fan. This control module includes an embedded electronic controller having control logic programmed to operate the evaporator fan whenever either of the thermostats requires cooling, and to lock out operation of the evaporator fan whenever the system is performing a defrost cycle.

Abstract: An air flow controlling device for refrigerators and freezers, comprising an evaporator (3) in selective fluid communication with at least two air flow heating environments (1, 2, 4), said device comprising an inlet nozzle (12) in fluid communication with a respective airflow heating environment (1, 2, 4), and an outlet nozzle (13) in fluid communication with the evaporator (3), and a respective obturator (20), which is operatively associated with the inlet and outlet nozzles (12, 13) and displaceable between opening and closing positions, respectively permitting and blocking the fluid communication between said inlet and outlet nozzles (12, 13).

Abstract: A food storage system mounted in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator includes an enclosure, as well as a food receptacle slidably positioned in the enclosure. A thermoelectric (TE) device is employed to establish a flow of temperature controlled air for establishing a desired temperature in the food receptacle. In accordance with one embodiment, the thermoelectric device is positioned in a chamber defined behind the food receptacle. In another embodiment, the thermoelectric device comprises a module located atop the enclosure.

Abstract: A method for controlling a damper having a closed position and an open position for providing flow communication between a first cooled compartment and a second cooled compartment is provided. The method includes toggling the damper from an initial position of the damper to a position different from the initial position and then back to the initial position on a periodic basis.

Abstract: An air flow damper assembly is provided. The assembly includes a duct member comprising a first air flow opening therethrough, and a damper disposed within the duct member and including a substantially cylindrical rim for regulating air flow through the first opening.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a refrigeration control system that is modular and contains an algorithm to control the energy and temperature performance of side-by-side, top mount, and bottom mount type refrigerators. The control algorithm uses a two-dimensional control grid to determine the state of the refrigeration system based on the temperature of the freezer compartment and the fresh food compartment. The control algorithm then controls the rate of the fresh food fan, evaporator fan, and the damper and to bring the refrigerator-freezer to a desired state and maintain that state.

Abstract: A food storage system mounted in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator includes an enclosure defined by inner and outer housings, as well as a food receptacle slidably positioned in the inner housing. The inner and outer housings are spaced so as to define a zone therebetween within which air is forced to flow in order to cool the contents of the receptacle. Inlet vents are provided in the inner housing to permit a portion of the cooling air to flow directly into the food receptacle, while the remainder of the air flow is directed about the inner housing for indirect cooling of the contents in the food receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator comprising a main body formed with at least one cooling chamber and an evaporator, and a cool air duct forming a cool air path guiding cool air from the evaporator into the fresh food compartment, the refrigerator further comprising a damper plate rotatably installed in the cool air duct, opening and closing the cool air path; a damper driving motor rotating the damper plate; a temperature sensor sensing an inner temperature of the cooling chamber; and a controller controlling the damper driving motor so as to open and close the damper plate, based on an open degree of the damper plate predetermined according to the inner temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. With this configuration, there are provided a refrigerator efficiently controlling the inner temperature of the cooling chamber and a method for controlling the same.

Abstract: A food storage system mounted in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator includes an enclosure defined by inner and outer housings, as well as a food receptacle slidably positioned in the inner housing. The inner and outer housings are spaced so as to define a zone therebetween within which air is forced to flow in order to cool the contents of the receptacle. A temperature sensor is mounted within the inner housing, with signals from the sensor being sent to a control unit used to regulate the operation of a damper for controlling the flow of cooling air into the food storage system and a fan for distributing the cooling air within the food storage system. The control system also operates the damper and fan based on signals indicative of the opening and closing of the receptacle, the opening and closing of a door associated with the fresh food compartment and also the overall operation of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A damper for refrigerators is disclosed. The damper of this invention effectively vaporizes moisture drops, condensed on a higher temperature surface of a damper's baffle due to a dewing phenomenon caused by a difference in temperature between opposite surfaces of the baffle, thus allowing the baffle to be almost free from freezing. In order to expose the moisture drops on the higher temperature surface of the baffle to cool air flowing through the cool air passage for the fresh compartment when the baffle is opened, the baffle is rotatably held by a rotating shaft installed on the central portion of the baffle or by a hinge pin spaced apart from the baffle by a distance.

Abstract: In a double-damper apparatus 1 including a driving portion (2), two frame portions (3 and 4) arranged on both sides of the driving portion, and two open/close members (5 and 6) which are coupled with the driving portion (2) and perform the operation of opening/closing the openings (31 and 41) formed in the frame portions respectively by the driving force of the driving portion, a steps(s) &bgr; is formed between the flat portions (37b and 47b) of the two frame portions (3 and 4). A labyrinth structure is formed between both flat portions (37b and 47b) to prevent leakage of fluid between both fluid channels.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, and a low-temperature storage chamber formed in the refrigerator compartment and having a temperature lower than that of the refrigerator compartment. The refrigerator includes a compressor, a condenser, a first throttling device, a channel control valve, a refrigerator cooling unit, and a freezer cooling unit connected in series to form a refrigerating cycle. The refrigerator cooling unit and the freezer cooling unit are accommodated in the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment, respectively.

Abstract: A cooling air distributing structure for refrigerators is disclosed. The cooling air distributing structure for refrigerators has a grille panel. The grille panel defines the rear wall of the freezer compartment. The grille panel has a cooling air passageway connected to the refrigerator compartment at its lower end and is provided with a cooling air outlet for discharging a cooling air to the freezer compartment. A cooling air regulator controls a cooling air supply to the refrigerator and is mounted near to the cooling air outlet. In another embodiment, the cooling air passageway may consist of a protrusion formed by projecting a middle portion of the grille panel, and a cover plate covering the rear of the protrusion.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a new temperature zone of freezer compartment as a compartment having a new temperature zone not higher than a lower limit of a maximum ice forming temperature zone and higher than a freezing temperature zone. The new temperature zone may be added as one of selective temperature zones for a switchable compartment which can be switchable so as to have a refrigerating compartment temperature zone, an icing temperature zone, a vegetable compartment temperature zone and a freezer compartment temperature zone.

Abstract: The refrigerator includes a plurality of rooms separated by partition walls; an air blower to send cooling air cooled by an evaporator into a refrigerator box; a fan motor 65 to drive the air blower; a damper device 50 to adjust an amount of the cooling air of at least one room, of amounts of cooling air flowing into the rooms; and control means 2 and 93 for driving the fan motor 65 without fail just before the baffle of the damper device 50 is opened. The temperature at which the bimetal thermo-switch 2 moves from one terminal 2a to the other terminal 2b, is set lower than the temperature at which the bimetal thermo-switch 93 moves from the closing terminal 93b side to the opening terminal 93a side, and the bimetal thermo-switch 2 is made to move to the other terminal 2b side before the baffle moves from the close-status to the open-status.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for ventilation systems which include an element for the transfer of heat from warm exhaust air (taken from inside a building) to cooler exterior fresh air which is drawn into the building. The present invention in particular provides an apparatus whereby, during a defrost cycle, interior air may circulate through both of the fresh air and exhaust air paths for delivery back into the building, i.e. the warm interior air, used as defrost air, may be able to circulate from the interior of the building into the ventilation apparatus and back to the interior of the building. The apparatus can thus use interior air as defrost air while diminishing or avoiding the creation of a negative air pressure in the building.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator comprising a main body formed with at least one cooling chamber and an evaporator, and a cool air duct forming a cool air path guiding cool air from the evaporator into the fresh food compartment, the refrigerator further comprising a damper plate rotatably installed in the cool air duct, opening and closing the cool air path; a damper driving motor rotating the damper plate; a temperature sensor sensing an inner temperature of the cooling chamber; and a controller controlling the damper driving motor so as to open and close the damper plate, based on an open degree of the damper plate predetermined according to the inner temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. With this configuration, there are provided a refrigerator efficiently controlling the inner temperature of the cooling chamber and a method for controlling the same.

Abstract: An actuator is provided for controlling temperatures in a multiple compartment device wherein the actuator includes a housing and a linear oscillator disposed within the housing. The linear oscillator is coupled with an integral push rod, wherein the linear oscillator is adapted to reciprocably move the push rod along its longitudinal axis. In addition, the actuator includes a holder including a rigid member and a pin aperture. The sliding member has a knob on one end and first clip connector at an other end, the sliding member having a range of motion limited by the rigid member. The push rod has a second clip connector coupled to the first clip connector. A lever arm has a first end and a second end, the first end including a protruding member and the second end including a lever arm aperture and a lever arm pin. The knob is pivotably engaged with the lever arm aperture and the lever arm pin is pivotably engaged with the pin aperture. The protruding member is adapted to pivotably couple with the damper.

Abstract: A rotary damper assembly for controlling the flow of a fluid includes inner and outer hollow cylinders, each having one or more side wall apertures, the inner cylinder being nested within the outer cylinder in a manner to permit relative axial rotation of the cylinders about a common longitudinal axis, the inner cylinder receiving the fluid flow at an axial inlet, and the flow of fluid through the assembly being proportional to the degree of alignment of the cylinder apertures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for ventilation systems which include an element for the transfer of heat from warm exhaust air (taken from inside a building) to cooler exterior fresh air which is drawn into the building. The present invention in particular provides an apparatus whereby, during a defrost cycle, interior air may circulate through both of the fresh air and exhaust air paths for delivery back into the building i.e. the warm interior air, used as defrost air, may be able to circulate from the interior of the building into the ventilation apparatus and back to the interior of the building. The apparatus can thus use interior air as defrost air while diminishing or avoiding the creation of a negative air pressure in the building.

Abstract: A refrigerator damper control and lighting assembly is mounted to a top wall of a fresh food compartment. The housing includes dials which are accessible from the front of the housing to a user to control thermostat and to control a damper located on a rear wall of the refrigerator. The dial controlling the damper has a post onto which a connecting arm to the damper interconnects the damper with the dial so that rotation of the dial effectively operates the control of the damper. The dial has a peripheral flange that extends around only a portion of the circumference of the dial and is adapted to contact opposing sides of the connecting arm to thereby limit rotational movement of the dial and which in-turn limits opening and closing movement of the damper depending on direction of rotational movement of the dial.

Abstract: Side by side type refrigerator and method for controlling a temperature in a vegetable box therein, the method including the steps of (1) sensing the temperature in the vegetable box in a lower portion of a refrigerating chamber, and comparing the temperature in the vegetable box to a preset temperature of the vegetable box, under a state operation of the refrigerator is stopped, and (2) opening a damper in an upper portion of the refrigerating chamber when the temperature in the vegetable box is higher than the preset temperature in the vegetable box as a result of the comparison, and closing the damper when the temperature in the vegetable box is lower than the preset temperature in the vegetable box as the result of the comparison, thereby supplying the cold air in the freezing chamber to the vegetable box in the refrigerating chamber by means of natural circulation when the damper is opened, whereby supplying appropriate cold air to the vegetable box without separate cold air duct.

Abstract: A refrigerator crisper system includes an enclosure defined by inner and outer housings, as well as a food receptacle slidably positioned in the inner housing. The inner and outer housings are spaced so as to define a zone therebetween within which air, generated by a fan mounted entirely within the enclosure, is forced to flow in order to cool the contents of the receptacle. The enclosure is formed with various vanes that direct the cooling air flow above, adjacent the sides and below the receptacle. In the most preferred form of the invention, a temperature sensor and a moisture permeable film are provided to further regulate the food storage environment established in the receptacle.

Abstract: Method for preventing formation of ice on a damper in a refrigerator, comprising the steps of (1) driving a compressor and a fan and opening baffles if a freezing room temperature is lower than a freezing room reference temperature and a chilling room temperature is lower than a chilling room reference temperature, (2) comparing the chilling room temperature to the chilling room reference temperature, to close the baffles if the chilling room temperature is lower than the chilling room reference temperature, (3) comparing the freezing room temperature to the freezing room reference temperature, to stop the compressor and the fan if the freezing room temperature is lower than the freezing room reference temperature, (4) comparing an outside temperature of the refrigerator to an outside reference temperature, to return back to the step (1) if the outside temperature of the refrigerator is higher than the outside reference temperature, and determining chilling room door of being opened if the outside temperature

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for selecting damper values in a refrigerator. Performance parameters indicating a desired fresh food temperature and desired freezer temperature are obtained for a plurality of control settings. A fresh food temperature variance limit and a freezer temperature variance limit are also obtained. A transfer function for the refrigerator representing performance of the refrigerator at each of said plurality of control settings is determined. A plurality of damper values are determined to minimize deviation from the desired fresh food temperature and the desired freezer temperature for each of said plurality of control settings.

Abstract: A control circuit for supplying current from an electrical power source to a damper motor and an evaporator fan motor of a two compartment refrigeration unit. The control circuit includes a first and second thermostatic switches to regulate the temperature in respective first and second refrigeration compartments. The control circuit further includes a first mechanically actuated switch having a first common contact electrically connected to the damper motor. A first contact of the first switch connects the damper motor to the power source via the second thermostatic switch in response to a decrease in temperature in the second compartment. A second contact of the first switch connects the damper motor to the power source via the second thermostatic switch in response to an increase in temperature in the second compartment. The control circuit further has a second mechanically actuated switch with a second common contact connected to the evaporator fan motor.

Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed which is capable of preventing heat exchange between an evaporator and an outside air during a defrosting operation and/or when a door is open. The refrigerator has a device for opening/closing cool air discharge ports formed at a cool air duct. The opening/closing device includes opening/closing member for opening/closing the cool air discharge ports and a driving device for driving the opening/closing member. The cooling efficiency is enhanced and the frost caused by the outside air is not generated on the evaporator.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of supplying cold in a refrigerator, wherein respective temperatures at a plurality of different portions of the interior of the refrigerator are sensed so that cold air is selectively supplied to each refrigerator portion based on the sensed temperature associated with the refrigerator portion, thereby effectively maintaining the refrigerating and freezing compartments of the refrigerator at predetermined temperatures, respectively. The apparatus and method are also configured to concentratedly supply cold air to a portion of the refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator in which a new load is stored. When at least one of the sensed temperatures of the freezing compartment and different portions of the refrigerating compartment is higher than an associated set temperature, concentratedly supplying cold air to the compartment or compartment portion exhibiting the temperature higher than the set temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a cool air dispersing operation of a refrigerator for maintaining the temperature in a cooling compartment uniform. Many horizontal dispersing blades and vertical dispersing blades of planar plate shape, which respectively control the horizontal and vertical discharge directions of cool air are installed in a cool air duct. The blades are continuously rotated while a deviation of temperature in the cooling compartment is smaller than a predetermined value, whereby the cool air in the cooling compartment is successively supplied into the respective areas in the cooling compartment. Meanwhile, if the deviation is greater than the predetermined value, the blades are stopped at a specific position so that the cool air is discharged toward an area of which temperature is high. Thus, the temperature in the cooling compartment becomes uniform in a short period of time. Further, no vortex of cool air is generated since the blades are shaped into a planar plate.

Abstract: A refrigerator has an evaporator to discharge cold air into a food storage chamber by rotation of a fan as the cold air is generated during circulation of a coolant, and a temperature detecting unit to detect the temperature of the evaporator and generate a signal related to the evaporator temperature. The fan is controlled to initially rotate at a low speed (when the evaporator is warmest) and then at a progressively increasing speed. The increasing speed is independent of the temperature of the food storage chamber. The speed could be increased in response to detected decreases in the evaporator temperature. Alternatively, the speed could increase automatically for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A refrigerator temperature control system includes a passageway for delivering a supply of cooling air from a freezer compartment to a fresh food compartment. A diverter member is positioned about the passageway in the freezer compartment for channeling the air through the passageway. A freezer compartment temperature sensor is routed from a temperature control unit in the fresh food compartment, through a bore formed in an insert which defines the air passageway, into a specialized chamber formed as part of the diverter member. The chamber is in fluid communication with the flow of air to the fresh food compartment through a bleed hole. To increase its surface area, the sensor is preferably coiled within the chamber and an insulation jacket extends about the sensor from within the fresh food compartment, with the insulation jacket creating a seal within the bore. In addition, a supporting sleeve extends about the sensor between the temperature control unit and the coiled portion of the sensor.

Abstract: A control circuit for a refrigeration system disposed within an outer cabinet having a freezer compartment, a fresh food compartment, a compressor, a condenser fan, an evaporator fan, an evaporator and a freezer thermostat disposed within the freezer compartment to sense temperature therein. Additionally, a fresh food thermostat is disposed within the fresh food compartment to sense temperature therein. A freezer thermostat switch is switched between an open state and a closed state in response to temperature signals generated from the freezer thermostat. A fresh food thermostat switch is switched between an open state and a closed state in response to temperature signals generated from the fresh food thermostat. An energy saver switch is disposed between the fresh food thermostat switch and a power source, which energy saver switch is switched between an open state and a closed state.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying cold air in a refrigerator, wherein respective temperatures at a plurality of different portions of the interior of the refrigerator are sensed so that cold air is selectively supplied to each refrigerator portion based on the sensed temperature associated with the refrigerator portion, thereby effectively maintaining the refrigerating and freezing compartments of the refrigerator at predetermined temperatures, respectively. The apparatus is also configured to concentratedly supply cold air to a portion of the refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator in which a new load is stored. When at least one of the sensed temperatures of the freezing compartment and different portions of the refrigerating compartment is higher than an associated set temperature, cold air is concentratedly supplied to the compartment or compartment portion exhibiting the temperature higher than the set temperature.

Abstract: A motorized damper and a control circuit for controlling the damper motor are described. More specifically, and in one embodiment, the control circuit includes a fresh food compartment cold control (FFCC) thermostatic switch, sometimes referred to herein as the FFCC thermostat. The temperature in the refrigerator fresh food compartment is measured by the FFCC thermostat, and when the FFCC thermostat determines that the temperature in the fresh food compartment is too warm, the FFCC thermostat closes providing a signal which energizes the damper motor. When the damper motor is energized, the motor rotates a cam which moves the damper door from a closed position to an open position. When the FFCC thermostat senses that the temperature in the fresh food compartment is acceptable, the FFCC thermostat opens which causes the motor to rotate the cam to close the damper door.

Abstract: A refrigerator which has a device for opening/closing cool air discharge ports is disclosed. The device includes plates for opening/closing the ports, and an operation member having racks for driving the plates, and a motor for driving the operation member. The heat exchange between an evaporator and the outside warm air is prevented during the defrosting operation and when a door is open. Hence the cooling efficiency is enhanced and the frost caused by the outside warm air is not generated on the evaporated.