Abstract: A thermal insulating structure comprises a first curved layer, the first curved layer having a first radius of curvature associated therewith, and a second curved layer, the second curved layer having a second radius of curvature associated therewith. The first radius of curvature is different than the second radius of curvature. The first curved layer and the second curved layer are sealed and a vacuum space is formed there between. The first curved layer and the second curved layer substantially maintain their respective shapes without internal support in the vacuum space there between.

Abstract: A motorized damper door assembly for use in freezing temperature applications includes a damper frame, a damper door having, a mounting portion rotatably mounted to the frame, and a seal member having a vertically extending moisture barrier adjacent the mounting portion. The door mounting portion and the moisture barrier together form a reservoir inside the door mounting portion to prevent moisture from seeping directly into the motor housing below the door mounting portion. Consequently, as moisture accumulation in the motor housing is avoided, associated damper jamming and impaired performance issues are also avoided.

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 motorized damper door assembly for use in freezing temperature applications includes a damper frame, a damper door having, a mounting portion rotatably mounted to the frame, and a seal member having a vertically extending moisture barrier adjacent the mounting portion. The door mounting portion and the moisture barrier together form a reservoir inside the door mounting portion to prevent moisture from seeping directly into the motor housing below the door mounting portion. Consequently, as moisture accumulation in the motor housing is avoided, associated damper jamming and impaired performance issues are also avoided.

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.