Abstract: A refrigerator includes a first storage compartment defining a first interior volume. A first evaporator is configured to cool air that flows past. A first plenum includes a first air outlet, a second air outlet and a first air inlet disposed between the first and second air outlets. The first air inlet is configured to receive air into the first plenum from the first interior volume. The first plenum is configured to flow the air received in the first air inlet over the first evaporator to cool the air. The first and second air outlets are configured to flow the cool air from the first plenum into the first interior volume.

Abstract: A soft freeze assembly for a refrigerator including a freezer storage compartment having a first temperature includes a second storage compartment positioned within the freezer storage compartment. A heat source is positioned with respect to the second storage compartment and configured to heat air within the second storage compartment to a second temperature greater than the first temperature within the freezer storage compartment. A controller is in operational control communication with the heat source and configured to operate the heat source.

Abstract: An ice producing apparatus for a refrigerator includes a storage tank configured to store a cooling medium. A first heat exchanger is disposed downstream of the storage tank and is configured to have the cooling medium flow therethrough to be cooled. An ice mold includes at least one cavity that is configured to retain water therein. A second heat exchanger is disposed downstream of the first heat exchanger and is configured to have the cooling medium flow therethrough to freeze the water in the ice mold to produce ice.

Abstract: A method of switching refrigerant flow between a path to a fresh food evaporator in a fresh food compartment and a path to a freezer evaporator in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator, wherein the fresh food evaporator is coupled to a first fan and the freezer evaporator is coupled to a second fan, and wherein the method includes providing a three way valve with at least three operational positions in flow communication with the fresh food path and the freezer path, switching the three way valve between the operational positions, activating the first fan, deactivating the second fan, and delivering the refrigerant.

Abstract: A refrigerator condenser includes a spiraled tube and wire member construction to form a substantially longitudinal and rounded passage between a first end and a second end. The second end of the condenser is closed, thereby preventing longitudinal airflow through the passage and producing airflow into the passage in a substantially perpendicular direction to the condenser surface. Heat transfer to the air is thereby maximized and efficiency of the condenser is increased.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigeration compartment having an upper region and a lower region, a first evaporator positioned in the upper region, a second evaporator, positioned in the lower region, and a fan disposed between the first and second evaporators. The fan is configured, such that air flows past first and second evaporators and is discharged into said upper and lower regions when said fan is energized.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigeration compartment having an upper region and a lower region, a first evaporator positioned in the upper region, a second evaporator, positioned in the lower region, and a fan disposed between the first and second evaporators. The fan is configured, such that air flows past first and second evaporators and is discharged into said upper and lower regions when said fan is energized.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerating compartment configured to preserve food, the compartment including a plurality of walls forming a cavity, a door coupled to the compartment configured to cover the cavity when in a closed position, and a passageway positioned on at least one of the walls and the door such that air within the cavity is in flow communication with air outside the cavity when the door is in the closed position.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerating compartment configured to preserve food, the compartment including a plurality of walls forming a cavity, a door coupled to the compartment configured to cover the cavity when in a closed position, and a passageway positioned on at least one of the walls and the door such that air within the cavity is in flow communication with air outside the cavity when the door is in the closed position.

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: 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: Described are an air conditioning and heat pump system and methods for conditioning air. The system is provided with valve means, control means, and an auxiliary refrigerant coil in airflow communication with an evaporator. The system operation for cooling and dehumidification air comprises of two separate modes: a cooling mode and a dehumidification mode. In the cooling mode the valve means direct refrigerant to the auxiliary coil a way to absorb heat by refrigerant from conditioning air in the auxiliary coil, and in the dehumidification mode the valve means direct refrigerant to the auxiliary coil a way to reject heat to the air from refrigerant in the auxiliary coil. Thus, refrigerant in the dehumidification mode is subcooled and capacity of the evaporator is increased. In addition, the system is provided with a restrictor to expand refrigerant before the auxiliary coil and to reduce refrigerant evaporating pressure in the evaporator in the dehumidification mode.