Abstract: In a freezer-equipped refrigerator, a refrigerating chamber or freezing chamber is divided into a plurality of sections having substantially same temperature zone. A temperature element is provided in each section, and an open/close damper and a duct for supplying cool wind for each section are also provided. In such a structure, control is made on whether or not cool wind should be supplied or not in accordance with a detected temperature.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an air conditioning system including at least first and second compressors, at least first and second heat exchangers associated respectively with the at least first and second compressors, at least third and fourth heat exchangers in refrigerant fluid communication respectively with the at least first and second heat exchangers, the at least third and fourth heat exchangers also being in heat exchange communication with a stream of air to be conditioned, an air flow pathway arranged to receive the stream of air downstream of the third and fourth heat exchangers and to direct it to a plurality of enclosures via a plurality of air outlets, and a control system operative to selectably operate the at least first and second compressors, such that none, all or some of the at least first and second compressors operate at a given time.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus containing a thermostat, adapted for use in a food storage compartment potentially containing a flammable gas, includes a thermostat and an enclosure forming a chamber configured to house the thermostat. The enclosure has two umbrella-type check valves configured to permit gas to pass into the chamber or out of the chamber when a predetermined pressure differential exists between the chamber and the food storage compartment. The enclosure forms a seal with the thermostat so that gas only passes through the check valves.

Abstract: A cool air supply system for refrigerators, capable of guiding cool air from the freezer compartment of a refrigerator to the refrigeration compartment door, wherein the cool air supply system includes a distributing duct, designed for guiding cool air circulated through a freezer compartment to a refrigeration compartment door< and a door duct disposed in the door where it can be selectively connected to the distribution duct. The distribution duct has a return duct designed for introducing the cool air to an evaporator and a branch duct which diverges from the return duct. Thus, the cool air, introduced into the door duct from the distribution duct and branch duct is readily discharged from the door to the inside of the refrigeration compartment.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an apparatus for controlling cooling intensity with one fan is disclosed. The refrigerator has ducts for supplying a freezing compartment and a fresh food compartment with cool air from a cooler, and one fan for blowing the cool air into the ducts. The ducts are selectively closed by a plate which pivots by a motor. Since the fresh food compartment is frequently used more than the freezing compartment, the plate is controlled to keep the fresh food compartment in a normal open state so as to supply the fresh food compartment with much more cool air. Thus, the distribution of the cool air in the freezing compartment and the fresh food compartment is effectively carried out.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having a device for dispersing cool air in a cooling compartment. A duct having cool air discharge ports is formed in an inner wall of the compartment. In the duct are installed a horizontal-dispersing blade disposed along a vertical rotational shaft, and a vertical-dispersing blade capable of rotating with respect to a horizontal axis. A worm gear in installed on the shaft, and a worm wheel engaged with the worm gear is installed on the vertical-dispersing blade. As the shaft is rotated by a motor, the blades rotate. Thus, the cool air is uniformly dispersed in the compartment, and the temperature in the compartment is maintained uniform. The angular position of the blades are controlled independently of each other substantially, so concentrative cooling can be performed easily.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigerator with several cooling compartments (1 to 12), each of which can be closed by a flap (1' to 12'). When a door (30) is manipulated into its closed position, the flaps (1' to 12') are moved into their closed state by the door (30).

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the temperature in and the flow of air between freezer and fresh food compartments in a refrigerator is constituted by a pre-assembled control unit including a housing within which is mounted fresh food and freezer compartment control knobs, a thermostatic controller, a temperature sensing capillary tube, a defrost timer, an automatic damper unit for adjusting the opening of an air passageway formed in the housing, and lighting assemblies. The air passageway formed in the housing is adapted to be aligned with an opening leading from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment. The capillary tube has one end attached to the thermostatic controller and another end positioned in the air passageway such that the thermostatic controller receives temperature signals from the capillary tube that are associated with not only the temperature of the freezer compartment, but also the temperature of the fresh food compartment.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a middle fresh food compartment and a relatively large bottom freezer compartment arranged below the fresh food compartment and a relatively small freezer compartment arranged above the fresh food compartment. The bottom freezer compartment preferably supports a drawer including a frame and a removable bin. Cool air can be supplied to the compartments of the refrigerator by employing a two fan control system such that no electromechanical baffles are required. Alternatively, cool air can be directed to the compartments of the refrigerator by use of a baffle which requires only a single electromechanical device to control air flow into three different compartments. The baffle includes a main rotary damper which can be positioned to provide proportional amounts of chilled air to the three separate compartments based on the degree of cooling required.

Abstract: A refrigerator having an apparatus for distributing a chilled air. The apparatus has an impeller for sucking and impelling the chilled air generated by an evaporator, a chilled air distributing member for properly distributing the chilled air impelled by the impeller into ducts communicated with a freezer and refrigerating compartments, and motors for driving the impeller and the chilled air distributing member. The chilled air distributing member is formed at a circumferential outer wall thereof with an opening so as to control an amount of the chilled air flowing into the ducts respectively when the member rotates. The refrigerator can effectively distribute a chilled air generated from an evaporator, thereby properly maintaining temperatures of the freezer and refrigerating compartments. Since the refrigerator has only one fan, an inner structure inside of a space section is simple so that the refrigerator can be easily produced and assembled.

Abstract: A refrigeration and active damper control circuit uses a single-pole thermostatic switch to control the damper motor for the fresh food compartment of a refrigeration unit. When the thermostatic switch is closed, the control circuit connects current from the electrical power source directly to the damper motor through the thermostatic switch; when the thermostatic switch is open, the control circuit connects current from the electrical power source through the evaporator fan motor and then through the damper motor. The damper motor has an electrical resistance substantially larger than that of the evaporator fan motor, so that during the latter series connection of the evaporator fan motor and damper motor, a sufficient voltage drop develops across the damper motor so that the damper will be closed by the damper motor.

Abstract: A motor damper arranged in a passage in a refrigerator through which the cold air flows comprises a frame constituting a part of the passage, a cold air gate formed at the center of the frame, a baffle rotatably secured on a rotation shaft formed on the frame for opening and closing the cold air gate and a rotation mechanism for swinging the baffle between open and closed positions of the cold air gate. The baffle is arranged to enclose a neighboring region by the frame at the position it closes the cold air gate. The rotation mechanism includes a motor arranged outside the frame and in the vicinity of the rotation shaft of the baffle. The motor damper also includes an output shaft of the motor which is rotatably secured to the rotation shaft of the baffle.

Abstract: A system for controlling temperatures in and the flow of air between freezer and fresh food compartments of a refrigerator incorporates a thermal mass that is adapted to receive a flow of air directed from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment. The thermal mass is associated with a temperature sensor that is connected to a manually adjustable thermostat unit. In the preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor comprises a capillary tube which is wrapped around an outer surface portion of the thermal mass. Structure is provided in the air passageway between the freezer and fresh food compartments to regulate the flow of air over the thermal mass. By regulating the flow over the thermal mass, as well as establishing a desired thermal mass size and location, the control system can achieve desired operational cycles in order to minimize energy consumption and to minimize any variance of the number of cycles over a given period of time between various refrigerator units.

Abstract: The disclosed refrigeration appliance includes a fresh-food compartment and a freezer compartment with a plenum or duct therebetween housing a single evaporator and at least one fan for establishing air flows through the plenum in opposite directions, an air flow pattern through the plenum and the fresh-food compartment alternating with an air flow pattern through the plenum and the freezer compartment. A condenser, a single compressor and a refrigerant circuit serve to complete the refrigeration system. One-way air valves are located at opposite ends of the plenum, on opposing sides of the fan, and provide communication between the food compartments and the plenum. Two one-way air valves are located at each end of the plenum, one in a wall of the freezer compartment and the other in a wall of the fresh-food compartment. The one-way air valves allow an air flow to be established, selectively, either through the plenum in the fresh-food compartment or through the plenum and the freezer compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the temperature in a refrigerating chamber of a refrigerator by supplying appropriate cooled air to each of the compartments of the refrigerating chamber according to a temperature in each of the compartments. A cooled air controlling plate is provided for controlling the size of the cooled air discharge outlet according to the individual temperatures in the compartments. The cooled air controlling plate is moved in an up and down direction in multiple stages depending on the temperature in the refrigerating chamber to control the cooled air discharge rate to each of the compartments of the refrigerating chamber so as to make the temperature in the refrigerating chamber uniform.

Abstract: An operation control device for a refrigerator which can maintains freshness of food and drink for a long time by supplying a cold-storage room with cool air remaining in an evaporator by opening a cold-storage room damper and driving a fan motor until a present temperature of the evaporator sensed by an evaporator temperature sensor is above the temperature of the evaporator sensed while the driving of a compressor motor is stopped, by a predetermined temperature if the present temperature of the cold-storage room sensed by a cold-storage room temperature sensor is above a predetermined temperature set in the cold-storage room while the driving of the compressor motor is stopped.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a plurality of cold air inlet openings formed in a rear wall of the refrigerating compartment for directing cold air in respective directions into the refrigerating compartment. A motor-driven rotary damper is provided to control which of the inlet openings receives cold air, as well as the quantity of air introduced into the refrigerating chamber, and its direction of introduction. The cold air is supplied by a variable speed fan controlled so that in a first mode (cubic cooling) of cooling operation the amount of air supplied corresponds to the number of air inlet openings opened by the damper. In a second cooling mode (concentrated cooling), the damper is oriented to cause the air to be introduced into the refrigerating chamber in a specific direction where cooling is needed. In a third cooling mode (automatic swinging), the damper is oscillated while the cold air is being supplied.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes refrigerating and freezing compartments and a cooling cycle mechanism having only one evaporator. When either of the compartments needs to be cooled, the cooling cycle mechanism is started-up and operated to cool the refrigerating compartment, but not the freezing compartment, until refrigerant pressure in the evaporator reaches a steady state condition. Then, if the freezing compartment needs cooling, it is cooled. Thereafter, if the refrigerating compartment needs cooling, it is cooled. During periods when neither of the compartments needs cooling, the cooling cycle mechanism is shut down, and air from the refrigerating compartment is conducted through the evaporator to defrost the evaporator.

Abstract: A cool air regulator structure of a refrigerator regulates the quantity of cool air supplied into a freezing compartment and a fresh food compartment by driving a driving part. Cool air return ducts are formed within a separating plate between the freezing compartment and fresh food compartment, and an air variable blade swinging by the driving part is provided to the rear side of the cool air return ducts. When a temperature of the freezing compartment is higher than a preset temperature and a temperature of the fresh food compartment reaches a preset temperature, temperature sensors sense the current temperature status to drive the driving part, thereby swinging the air variable blade downward. The quantity of cool air is adjusted by the swinging of the air variable blade upward in the contrary manner; otherwise, the air variable blade maintains the neutral position thereof.

Abstract: A control mechanism for simultaneously supplying air to a refrigerated compartment in two separate air streams includes a housing having an inlet communicating with first and second outlets. A first valve seat interconnects the inlet and first outlet and a second valve seat interconnects the inlet and second outlet. A unitary valve member rotatably mounted in the housing is movable between a closed condition engaging both of the valve seats to block air flow from the inlet to both of the outlets and an open condition out of engagement with both of the valve seats to permit air flow from the inlet to both of the outlets. A temperature responsive mechanism senses the temperature in the compartment and controls the condition of the valve member in response to the sensed temperature.

Abstract: An air conditioner having a fan motor brown-out control algorithm for increasing the air conditioner fan speed upon sensing a brown-out under-voltage condition is provided. The air conditioner has a power supply connected to an AC line voltage, a fan motor, a multispeed fan driven by the fan motor and means for sensing a brown-out condition of the AC line voltage. The sensing means is connected to the power supply and provides a signal indicative of a brown-out condition. The air conditioner also has means for increasing the speed of the fan in response to the sensed brown-out condition signal provided by the sensing means. In an embodiment, the air conditioner further has a microprocessor and related circuitry for adjusting the speed of the fan. In another embodiment, logic circuitry is provided instead of a microprocessor. A brown-out control algorithm for an appliance having a multispeed fan and components for operating the fan is also provided.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a temperature sensor in a freezing compartment, a temperature sensor in a cooling compartment, an adjustable damper controlling the flow of cooled air from the freezing compartment to the cooling compartment and variable speed drives for fan motors and a compressor motor. The desired set point temperatures for the compartment are compared with the actual sensed temperatures through a controller that controls the speed of the compressor and fan motors, to achieve the desired temperature in a fast and efficient manner. When excessive ice is detected on freezing compartment coils, the controller reverses the heat transfer cycle of the refrigerant to defrost the freezing compartment coils.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a kimchi storage temperature in a refrigerator such that it is equal to the atmospheric temperature in the winter season. The control apparatus includes a chaos signal pattern storing unit for storing a chaos signal pattern corresponding to an atmospheric temperature variation pattern, and a microprocessor for fetching a chaos signal value previously stored in the chaos signal pattern storing unit and comparing a sensing signal value indicative of a temperature of a kimchi seasoning chamber equipped in the refrigerator with the fetched chaos signal value, and controlling the kimchi seasoning chamber temperature on the basis of the result of the comparison.

Abstract: When a user manually sets a desired (target) temperature for a refrigerator chamber, a control mechanism automatically determines a range of target temperatures having upper and lower limits. Actuation and deactuation of the refrigeration cycle is controlled in response to a comparison of the chamber temperature with the upper and lower limits, respectively. When an outside temperature surrounding the refrigerator rises above a reference temperature, those upper and lower limits are automatically lowered. Also, the control mechanism compares the manually set temperature with a range of temperatures which the refrigerator is capable of achieving and automatically selects an achievable temperature if the manually selected temperature lies outside the achievable range. Moreover, a quick-freeze operation of the control mechanism enables a freezing chamber to be brought rapidly to a cold temperature.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a cabinet defining a first compartment and a second compartment separated from each other by a divider wall wherein the divider wall has an air passage for communicating between the first and second compartments. A baffle is positioned within the air passage and is positionable in an open or closed position for selectively opening and closing the air passage. A motor drives a cam which is coupled to the baffle such that rotation of the cam operates to selectively move the baffle to the open or closed position. A thermostat senses temperature within the fresh food compartment. First and second switches selectively energize the motor such that the baffle may be opened when the thermostat indicates the fresh food compartment requires cooling and closed when the thermostat indicates the fresh food compartment does not require cooling, respectively.

Abstract: Energy efficient independent temperature control is achieved in refrigerators by minimizing system run time. A freezer thermostat activates the refrigeration system when the freezer compartment requires cooling and a fresh food thermostat which controls a damper between the two compartments. The two thermostats are operatively connected so that the freezer thermostat is prevented from switching off whenever the fresh food thermostat calls for cooling in the fresh food compartment. Thus, only the freezer thermostat is able to activate the refrigeration system, while either of the thermostats can inactivate the system.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a cabinet defining a first compartment and a second compartment separated from each other by a divider wall wherein the divider wall has an air passage for communicating between the first and second compartments. The refrigerator further includes an evaporator disposed in the first compartment, a compressor fluidly connected with the evaporator for moving refrigerant therethrough, and an evaporator fan for moving air over the evaporator. A first thermostat senses temperature within the first compartment and a second thermostat senses temperature within the second compartment. An evaporator fan and baffle control system is provided including a baffle disposed within the air passage and being positionable in an open or closed position for selectively opening and closing the air passage.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a temperature sensor in a freezing compartment, a temperature sensor in a cooling compartment, an adjustable damper controlling the flow of cooled air from the freezing compartment to the cooling compartment and variable speed drives for fan motors and a compressor motor. The desired set point temperatures for the compartment are compared with the actual sensed temperatures through a controller that controls the speed of the compressor and fan motors, to achieve the desired temperature in a fast and efficient manner. When excessive ice is detected on freezing compartment coils, the controller reverses the heat transfer cycle of the refrigerant to defrost the freezing compartment coils.

Abstract: A refrigerator system, a control device therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a housing having a valve seat and a movable valve member being adapted to open and close the valve seat, the housing having a substantially straight angled edge and the valve member having an end edge that is adapted to pivot on the angled edge, the end edge of the valve member comprising a pair of pivot parts respectively disposed at the opposite ends of the end edge thereof in spaced apart relation and being the only parts of the end edge thereof that engage the angled edge of the housing to pivot thereon.

Abstract: In a refrigerator, the inner space of a heat insulated housing is divided to form a refrigerating compartment, a freezer compartment, and a vegetable compartment. A projection which contacts with the back of a cooler cover and divides the space behind the cooler cover into two chambers arranged in a lateral direction is formed on a back wall portion. The space enclosed by the projection, the cooler cover, and the housing is formed as a cold air passage for guiding cold air of the refrigerating compartment to the vegetable compartment. A damper device has a shutter plate, a bias spring which urges the shutter plate toward a cold air duct, and a shape memorizing alloy coil spring on which a heater is wound. A weak current is always supplied from a damper control device to the heater so that the temperature of the shape memorizing alloy coil spring is maintained at the Ms point (martensite phase transition start temperature) or higher under the state where the shutter plate is lifted up.

Abstract: A mechanism to control the temperature in the freezer and fresh food compartments of a side-by-side refrigerator includes an elongated support plate mounted in the upper portion of the fresh food compartment. A fresh food thermostat is mounted under the plate adjacent to the mullion separating the compartments and its control shaft is aligned with an opening in the plate. A pinion gear is connected to the shaft and is positioned above the plate. A freezer thermostat is mounted under the plate at a position more remote from the mullion and its control shaft is aligned with an opening in the plate. A pinion gear is connected to the control shaft and is positioned above the plate. A fresh food rack gear is slidingly mounted on the plate remote from the mullion and includes an elongated arm with teeth that engage the fresh food pinion gear. A freezer rack gear is slidingly mounted on the plate close to the mullion and includes an elongated arm with teeth that engage the teeth on the freezer pinion gear.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for controlling a seasoning of kimchi, capable of meeting maximally the user's taste, includes deriving a seasoning condition by a deduction about the load of kimchi to be seasoned, seasoning the kimchi according to the derived seasoning condition, and varying a seasoning time derived based on the user's taste, in a small range.

Abstract: A mechanism to control air flow between the freezer and fresh food compartments of a refrigerator includes an elongated air flow tube and a flow control housing with mating planar surfaces angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the air flow tube. A mating gasket is positioned between the planar surfaces and joined to each with adhesive. An electrical conductor extends through the air flow passageway in the tube and housing and includes a plug of material around the conductor's protective cover. A recess in the housing mounts the plug with an angled surface of the plug filling a matching interruption in the housing's planar surface to prevent air leaks around the conductor. The housing and plug include cooperating dimples which receive a capillary tube extending through the air passage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a refrigeration appliance having a plurality of compartments in direct communication with a single evaporator wherein the evaporator operates at a plurality of different evaporating pressures for controlling temperature and humidity within each of the plurality of compartments. By controlling the temperature of the evaporator used for cooling a compartment, relative control of humidity within each compartment selected for operation at a temperature greater than substantially below freezing may be obtained. In this fashion, high humidity compartments operating at a freezing temperature may be provided as well as high humidity compartments operating at somewhat above freezing. Furthermore, all compartments, regardless of their selected temperature, may be operated at a relatively low humidity if desired.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance is provided having at least two refrigeration compartments, each compartment having its own access door. The appliance includes a single evaporator located in a plenum which is selectively in communication with each of the compartments, a single compressor, preferably run by a variable speed motor, and a refrigerant circuit including a series of conduits for providing a flow of refrigerant to the evaporator and compressor. A control determines which of the compartments is demanding cooling and operates the refrigeration device until the detected demand for cooling has been satisfied for the particular compartment. Prior to terminating the operation of the refrigeration device, the control determines if the second compartment is demanding cooling or was within a predetermined temperature range prior to demanding cooling. If either condition exists, the refrigeration device is switched to the second compartment until the demand for cooling therein has been satisfied.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for regulating air flow between a cooling unit and a compartment in a refrigeration system includes a first baffle element having an array of first air passages, and a second baffle element having an array of second air passages. The first baffle element and the second baffle element are slidingly engaged and are slidingly positionable with respect to each other. The first air passages and the second air passages cooperate to pass air through the apparatus when the first baffle element and the second baffle element are in a first position, and the first air passages and the second air passages cooperate to substantially block air from passing through the apparatus when the first baffle element and the second baffle element are in a second position. The apparatus further includes an actuator coupled with the first baffle element and the second baffle element for slidingly positioning the baffle elements, the actuator having an actuated state and an idle state.

Abstract: A refrigerator system, a control device therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a housing having a valve seat and a movable valve member being adapted to open and close the valve seat, the housing having a substantially straight angled edge and the valve member having an end edge that is adapted to pivot on the angled edge, the end edge of the valve member comprising a pair of pivot parts respectively disposed at the opposite ends of the end edge thereof in spaced apart relation and being the only parts of the end edge thereof that engage the angled edge of the housing to pivot thereon.

Abstract: A cooling device has at least one refrigerator compartment and freezer compartment. Cooling of each compartment is controlled by a microprocessor running through a series of basic priorities which may be over ridden by any one in a series of high priorities. Cooling of both compartments is achieved by passing air across a common evaporator and then through separate passageways associated with each compartment.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance is provided having at least two refrigeration compartments, each compartment having its own access door. The appliance includes a single evaporator located in a plenum which is selectively in communication with each of the compartments, a single compressor, preferably run by a variable speed motor, and a refrigerant circuit including a series of conduits for providing a flow of refrigerant to the evaporator and compressor. A first restriction device is provided in the conduit connecting the compressor with the evaporator, the restriction device operating at a first pressure level. A second restriction device is also provided in the conduit connecting the compressor with the evaporator, preferably in parallel with the first restriction device, the second restriction device operating at a pressure level higher than the first pressure level.

Abstract: A combined refrigerator/freezer unit provides a step motor driven damper for adjusting the relationship between the amount of chilled air delivered to the freezer compartment and the amount of chilled air delivered to the refrigeration department. The step motor, and in turn, the damper, is controlled by a integrated circuit which receives signals from temperature sensors in each compartment. The control produces pulses which cause the step motor to readjust the position of the damper to correct temperature imbalances which exist within the two compartments. The step motor functions to move the damper to predetermined adjusted positions without requiring any feedback to establish the actual position of the damper before and after each adjustment. The control also functions during defrost to cause the evaporator temperature to be raised prior to the operation of the defrost heaters.

Abstract: A temperature regulating apparatus for an air-circulated refrigerator is disclosed, capable of keeping the refrigeration room temperature constant by way of closely regulating the flow rate of cold air admitted into the refrigeration room. Also disclosed is a control device for controlling operation of the temperature regulating apparatus. Such a temperature regulating apparatus comprises a core member 50 either extendible to open up the cold air inlet port 12 or retractable to close off the same. A multiple turns of a coil 54 surrounds the core member 50 in order to produce a varying level of inductance i.e. an electrical signal proportional to the axial displacement of the core member 50. This electrical position signal is transmitted to a control device 20 which serves to control the operation of the damper flap actuator based on the temperature signal from a temperature sensor 22.

Abstract: A cold air circulating method and apparatus for an indirect-cooling type refrigerator which supplies the whole cold air from an evaporator only to a freezer compartment, discharges most of the cold air circulated within the freezer compartment into a fresh food compartment, while the rest of the cold air in a small amount is sucked into the evaporator, and returns the cold air circulated within the fresh food compartment into the evaporator. The apparatus includes an air duct for supplying the whole cold air from the evaporator only to the freezer compartment and a guide opening for discharging most of the cold air circulated within the freezer compartment into the fresh food compartment. This method and apparatus enable the effective use of the cold air and enhance freezing efficiency of the refrigerator.

Abstract: A control device, refrigerator system utilizing the control device and methods of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a housing having a valve seat and having an inlet and an outlet interconnected together by the valve seat, a movable valve member carried by the housing and being adapted to open and close the valve seat by being respectively moved to an open position thereof and a closed position thereof, and a shape memory unit carried by the housing and being operatively interconnected to the valve member to move the valve member to one of the positions thereof by the unit sensing a temperature above a first temperature and to move the valve member to the other of the positions thereof by the unit sensing a temperature below a second temperature, the shape memory unit comprising a shape memory wire having opposed ends interconnected to the housing and having an intermediate portion thereof operatively interconnected to said valve member.

Abstract: A control device, refrigerator system utilizing the control device and methods of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a housing having a valve seat and having an inlet and an outlet interconnected together by the valve seat, a movable valve member carried by the housing and being adapted to open and close the valve seat by being respectively moved to an open position thereof and a closed position thereof, and a shape memory unit carried by the housing and being operatively interconnected to the valve member to move the valve member to one of the positions thereof by the unit sensing a temperature above a first temperature and to move the valve member to the other of the positions thereof by the unit sensing a temperature below a second temperature, the shape memory unit comprising a shape memory wire having opposed ends interconnected to the housing and having an intermediate portion thereof operatively interconnected to said valve member.

Abstract: A condensing unit has a housing with a pair of compartments separated by a common wall. Within each compartment is a coil, a fan for passing air over said coil and a compressor operatively interconnected with the coil. There is an opening in the common wall that is opened and closed by a damper. The damper is rotatably or pivotally secured to the common wall to open and close the opening therein. A damper motor is provided for actuating the damper is response to attainment of a predetermined refrigerant pressure in the refrigeration system in the first compartment. Opening of the damper allows air to be drawn from the inoperative second compartment through the first compartment, resulting in a reduced pressure differential across the coil in the first compartment and a reduction in the air flow across the coil in the first compartment. With the reduced air flow, the pressure in the refrigeration system in the first compartment will rise to a predetermined level and the damper motor will be deenergized.

Abstract: According to this invention, cold is conveyed into a cooling chamber by means of convectors, and fresh air of a higher temperature is supplied in a controlled manner so that the temperature decreases. To avoid power loss due to the quantity of heat supplied, the displaced cold air is channeled towards a heat exchanger in the condenser of the cooling machine. Since the fresh air which circulates is always above 0.degree. C., the humidity content of the fresh air supplied can be controlled and be filtered to remove odors.

Abstract: An internal air damper for a combination refrigerator-freezer which serves to maintain a preset and/or desired temperature within the refrigerator by selective passage of colder air from the freezer. The arrangement is in the form of a rotatable baffle or door which opens in response to a temperature demand. The amount of colder air passage can be made available through either of two modes, i.e. by stopping the baffle at an open position to allow cool air flow into the refrigerator until the thermostat is satisfied, and, prior to reaching a freezing thermostat temperature, reenergizing the motor for baffle movement to closed position, or moving the baffle to an open position, and continuing baffle movement for gradual and better distribution of the colder air until the thermometer is satisfied and the baffle stops at a closed position.

Abstract: A control device, refrigerator system utilizing the control device and methods of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a housing having a valve seat and having an inlet and an outlet interconnected together by the valve seat, a movable valve member carried by the housing and being adapted to open and close the valve seat by being respectively moved to an open position thereof and a closed position thereof, a coiled compression shape memory spring carried by the housing and being operatively interconnected to the valve member to move the valve member to one of the positions thereof by the spring axially expanding from a closed coil bound condition thereof upon the spring sensing a temperature above a first temperature and to move the valve member to the other of the positions thereof by the spring axially contracting into the closed coil bound condition thereof upon the spring sensing a temperature below a second temperature, and an electrically operated heater having at least a portion

Abstract: A carbonator refrigeration system for use in a conventional refrigerator for dispensing a chilled carbonated liquid such as water or a beverage from the front door of the refrigerator. The system includes a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a carbonator and a valve member wherein the valve member is responsive to conditions detected within the refrigerator for selectively directing a source of cooling fluid to or away from a heat exchange device provided in connection with the carbonator. The carbonator refrigeration system enables cooling of the carbonator for home dispensing use in a time-share manner with the remaining mechanical refrigeration components.

Abstract: A retractable temperature control for refrigeration units includes a control panel pivoted for movement between an extended, accessible position and a retracted position in which it is enclosed within one of the insulated walls of the unit. Mounted on the panel are two operators, one of which controls the temperature of a thermostat and the other of which controls the position of a damper. Adjustment of the operator associated with the thermostat controls the temperature of one compartment in the refrigeration unit and adjustment of the other operator controls the position of a damper, and in turn controls the differential temperature between the two compartments provided by the refrigeration unit. The thermostat and the damper control are structured so that movement of the control panel between the retracted and extended positions does not affect the adjustment thereof.