Abstract: Reversibly expanding covering elements for truss structures made up of scissor-assemblies that are connected together by hub elements structures. These covering elements are comprised of a folded sheet of flexible material such as cardboard or a plastic sheet, or alternatively, comprised of planar panels that are hinged together. As the truss structure expands and contracts, the covering element is compressed and expanded along with it.

Abstract: A window well protective cover. The cover has a nonskid surface, and is formed of plastic or fiberglass reinforced plastic in a suitable color. Trimmable cubes are provided along a rear extension of an edge flange, and a trimmable shoulder is provided along a rear extension of the top surface. The trimmable cubes and trimmable shoulder portions allow the cover to be trimmed for tight fitting engagement with an adjacent building structure.

Abstract: A durable, secure small storage device that protects small vehicles from the elements and theft, as well as provides a platform upon which sponsors can advertise. Sponsors can include any entity that seeks to advertise or convey a specialized message such as corporations, universities, non-profit organizations, individuals, or governmental entities. The storage device includes a frame having a cross rod component and an upwardly extending rod component for laterally supporting a vehicle. A rigid shell is pivotally connected to the frame at the cross rod component and provides shelter and protection for the vehicle stored inside. The invention further includes an advertising means for displaying advertisements of sponsors. In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of providing site owners with such small vehicle storage devices at little or no cost using funds received from advertisers in return for advertising space in conjunction with the devices.

Abstract: A system for skirting manufactured homes or similar buildings with modular concrete panels. The concrete panels are placed in edge-to-edge relationship about the perimeter of the building, and are secured to the rim joist by metal keys that interfit with adjoining edges of the panels. The lower edges of the panels are secure to the ground by cast-in tie-down straps through which stakes or other fasteners are driven. Each panel includes a wire rod reinforcement frame embedded in the concrete, and recessed areas for reducing weight. The panels may also include vent grills, flood vents and other openings. The panels are cast in pairs using a mold assembly having a stationary inner bulkhead and hinged outer bulkheads that pivot outwardly to release the panels when the concrete is set.

Abstract: Purpose of cover is to seal basement stairwell opening when basement is not in use. Benefit of cover over basement stairwell is to seal out of living space any and all dampness or cold air drafts, especially in winter climates that come up from basement. Also to save on energy usage, during cold winter months of the year, due to cold air drafts coming up from basement.

Abstract: An inner accessible commutering enterprise structure is interfaced with one or more workplace, vehicle or home commutering centers, providing extended battery life for wireless devices with enhanced commutering capabilities for using the enhanced power of commutering devices within the inner accessible commutering enterprise structure. An enterprise interlaced integrated fiber, broadband fiber, electronic, and electrical power network comprising an enterprise communications and computing network of conductors, electronic, electrical and mechanical devices, components, appliances, and equipment is accommodated in the interstitial spaces of the ceilings, walls, partitions, columns, and floors of the wired and wireless inner accessible commutering enterprise structure.

Abstract: An improved method of forming an insulated poured concrete wall, a system for forming an insulated poured concrete wall, and an insulated poured concrete wall are provided. The system includes spaced-apart wall forms defining a cavity, a plurality of insulating panels adjacent at least one of the opposing wall surfaces, and a plurality of the elongate retaining strips between adjacent insulating panels, wherein each of the elongate retaining strips includes a portion that projects into the cavity and/or each of the elongate retaining strips has at least one notch through which a wall tie passes. The system allows building materials such as drywall, siding, paneling, and the like, as well as heavier objects, such as cabinets to be more stably and durably secured to an insulated poured concrete wall, and facilitates construction of an insulated concrete wall using fewer components and less labor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite panel for raised floors comprising a core bonded on its top to a tile of stony material and bonded on its bottom to a base of metallic material, wherein the stony material tile has a bottom surface comprising a peripheral portion and a central portion, and has a perimeter recess formed at the bottom surface, wherein the core is bonded to the stony material tile through the central portion of the bottom surface, and wherein the base of metallic material consists of a metallic sheet having upturned edges to form a tray that is bonded to the core, the end portions of the upturned edges being folded up to bond the stony material tile at the peripheral portion of its bottom surface and in the perimeter recess.

Abstract: A vertical intersecting lightweight steel frame composes of several main frames and side frames, which are connected with each other vertically. A first oblique fold is formed on two sides of the main frame and a protrusion is on the bottom of the side frame. The angle of the first oblique fold on both side of the indention of the main frame is less than 45 degree, a second oblique fold above the first oblique fold with angle of 45 degree. The angle of the protrusion of the side frame is also 45 degree. The whole structure is stronger and easier to assemble, the darken area of the vertically connected between the main frame and side frame is kept undisclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a siding system for buildings and other structures. Specifically, this invention relates to an improved siding system that prevents the collection of moisture between the vinyl siding and the wall of the building.

Abstract: A multi-layered shingle adapted to be positioned with other similar shingles in an overlapping arrangement on a roof to yield a simulated wooden shake roof covering comprising a headlap portion and a butt portion. The butt portion comprises a series of multi-layered tabs. All the tabs have the same number of layers and each multi-layered tab (a) is separated from the next adjacent multi-layered tab or tabs by a space or spaces, respectively, and (b) comprises an uppermost layer and at least two layers underlying the uppermost layer. Each underlying layer is laminated to the layer above it to form a multi-layered laminated composite. The laminated composite is integral with the headlap portion and the top surface of the uppermost layer of each tab is coplanar with the top surface of the headlap portion. The invention also includes an apparatus and a process for the continuous manufacture of the shingles of the invention.

Abstract: A structural forming assembly comprises wall molding panels for forming laterally spaced, opposed molding surfaces that define a wall mold cavity for forming a wall structure. The wall panels are vertically disposed and laterally spaced to provide the molding surfaces along opposed sides of the wall mold cavity. Reinforcement rod suspending grid elements attached to the opposed wall forming panels are for freely positioning and retaining horizontally and freely disposed reinforcement rods at a preselected horizontal location spaced inwardly from each opposed molding surface within the mold cavity, and at spaced preselected vertical locations between the molding surfaces. The rod suspending elements are effective to retain reinforcement rods in place at the preselected horizontal and vertical locations while the hardenable material is being poured into an upwardly directed top mold opening and allowed to harden within the wall mold cavity.

Abstract: A system and method for the rapid protection of freshly placed concrete. The system includes a mat which extends the full width of the freshly placed concrete and is mounted to be displaced and positioned so that it is located at approximately 4 inches above the top surface of the freshly placed concrete for a set period of time and then placed on the top surface of the freshly placed concrete for a further set period of time.

Abstract: A system for retrieving building structure data. The system includes a building structure data base which stores building structure data and a retrieval unit for retrieving the data base. The building structure data includes a plurality of house plan data and a plurality of attribution information, each of which corresponds to each of the plurality of house plan data. The retrieval unit further includes an extraction unit for referring the plurality of attribution information to a house plan information entered externally, and extracting at least one house plan data which has an attribution information which is identical or similar to the house plan information.

Abstract: A modular apparatus is provided for the purpose of packaging an article in a special wrap (such as a single or double twist wrap, an envelope wrap, a bunch wrap, or other special wrap). The modular apparatus has a receiving portion, arranged to receive a partially-wrapped article (such as a tube-wrapped article) into a predetermined location, from another machine, and a special-wrap assembly that forms the desired special wrap. For a double twist-wrap, the special-wrap assembly has rotatable twist grippers that grip the ends of the tube-wrapped article, and twist the ends to form a twist-wrapped article, and includes a twist-wrap drum and Geneva wheels that drive the twist grippers. The modular apparatus is used with a flow-wrap packaging line for wrapping a series of individual articles, which has a first section, in which a film is formed into a tubular wrap about the articles, and a cut-and-seal section, in which the tubular wrap is cut between each two successive articles.

Abstract: The modular turret cage is used with a capping machine adapted to apply closures to containers, such as beverage, food, or water containers. The capping machine includes a stationary cap. The modular turret cage has a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the turret cage is rotatably received in the stationary cap. The turret cage includes a top mounting plate at the top end of the turret cage and a base mounting plate at the bottom end of the turret cage. A plurality of panel sections extends between and connects the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate. The panel sections are fixedly connected to the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate and are separately removable from the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate.

Abstract: A method for wrapping groups of products with stretch film comprises the following steps: forming groups of products having a front and a longitudinal dimension that follows a line of feed; placing a first wrapping on the group of products to form a package that holds the products together; expelling the package thus obtained along the feed line; turning the package through an angle of 90°; placing over the first wrapping a second stretch film wrapping on the package thus obtained, the second wrapping having at least one narrowed strap-like segment surrounding a part of the package. The invention also relates to an apparatus that implements this method and the package obtained using the method.

Abstract: A method for filling insulating glass units with gases other than air by dispensing cryogenic liquids into the inner space of these units which then evaporates to the gaseous state. The method is more efficient and effective accomplishing acceptable gas concentrations in less time, than charging gases directly into the unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically packaging fish at high speeds into horizontally oriented cans. Speeds of approximately 600 cans per minute may be obtained with the preferred configuration of the present invention, wherein two incoming streams of fish are split into eight lanes, to achieve canning speeds of approximately twice the speed of prior art machines. Each incoming stream of fish is split into four separate processing streams or channels, primarily to reduce the operational speeds of the equipment components. Each incoming stream of fish is split by a first dividing knife into two forming chambers carried by an intermittently moving turning wheel. The fish is split again by knives located at second and third work stations of the rotating turning wheel. Four fish cakes are formed simultaneously at the second and third work stations and simultaneously discharged downwardly into horizontally oriented cans.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting separate portions of a food product and inserting dividers between adjacent portions, in which a cutting blade is ultrasonically energized during a first cutting movement, the blade is withdrawn while a divider sheet is inserted between the blade and the food item, and then the blade is driven in a second cutting movement to fold the divider sheet and to insert the thus-folded divider sheet into the cut between the two now separate portions of the food item. A particular feature of the invention is a camming mechanism to provide precise support for and folding of the divider sheet.

Abstract: A method and device for synchronizing the motion between a chassis (master) motor and one or more enclosure feeder (slave) motors in an envelope inserting machine. The motion profile of one motor can be varied with time independently of the others. The displacement mapping method uses encoders, such as optical encoders, to obtain the displacement of each of the associated motors as a function of time. From the actual displacement of the master motor, an electronic computation device or process is used to calculate the theoretical displacement of each slave motor according the motion profile of the slave motor. The theoretical displacement is then compared to the actual displacement. If there is a discrepancy between the theoretical and the actual amount, then the motion of the slave motor will be adjusted so as to eliminate that displacement discrepancy.

Abstract: An endless drive belt storage and display module enables a plurality of endless drive belts of different sizes to be placed circumferentially, one inside the other, in a way that makes optimal use of available space, causes minimal belt bending, enables easy removal and replacement of any given belt, maintains organization among the belts placed therein, and protects the belts from exposure to elements such as dust and sunlight.

Abstract: A packaging material for use in filling baskets and protecting articles during a shipping process. The packaging material includes. a flexible backing having a first surface and a second surface. A mass of individual, thin, flexible strips of material intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient tuft, the mass is connected to a flexible backing so as to substantially cover at least one side of the flexible backing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying seals made of thin material to the open tops of containers, e.g., specimen containers for holding biological fluid that are processed automatically. A measured length of sealing material is advanced across and pressed against the top of the container to effect a seal. Depending on the type of sealing material used, sealing may be accomplished by application of pressure alone, by application of heat and pressure, or by application of ultrasonic energy and pressure. Excess sealing material optionally may be folded against the container sides by means of a folding member adapted to surround a container when the sealing head is lowered. Motor-driven rollers advance the sealing material, while a platen on a movably mounted sealing head presses the sealing material into engagement with the container.

Abstract: A sealing device 30 for a packaging material 10, comprising a linear sealing device 31 for sandwiching layers to be sealed 11A, 12A of plastic sheets 11, 12 are sandwiched by sealing bars 41, 42 narrower than a sealing width, and pressuring the layers to be sealed in a heated state, a surface sealing device 32 for sandwiching the layers to be sealed 11A, 12A of the plastic sheets 11, 12 with sealing bars 51, 52 of a width necessary for sealing by the sealing width, and pressing the layers to be sealed in a melting state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing device and method for an ink cartridge. First, the ink cartridge and a sealing film are placed in an airtight chamber isolated to the atmosphere. Second, a decompression mechanism is used to draw the air off the airtight chamber until the air pressure in the airtight chamber is reduced to a pre-determined pressure. Finally, a sealing mechanism is used to seal the sealing film onto the ink cartridge.

Abstract: The bag filling and forming machine employs a chute for conveying a flow of loose fill material, a form for enveloping a sheet of plastic film about the chute, a heat-seal roller for sealing the overlapped edges of the film to form a tube and heat-seal bars for sealing the tube at spaced apart positions to form the top and bottom of bags. A pair of conveyors are provided for continuously moving the formed tube relative to the chute and fingers are provided for spreading the tube into a flattened configuration for heat-sealing purposes. A hot wire or cutting knife is provided for cutting off a filled bag after heat-sealing.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes front wheels (2), a pair of right and left rear drive wheels (3), a body frame (1), a mower unit (4) supported by the body frame (1) forwardly of the rear drive wheels (3), a grass catcher (60) attached to a rear end of the body frame (1), an engine (7) mounted on the body frame (1), a left change speed device for changing speed of drive from the engine (7), and transmitting the drive to a left axle (3a) of the left rear wheel, a right change speed device for changing speed of drive from the engine (7), and transmitting the drive to a right axle (3a) of the right rear wheel, and a grass collecting duct (63) connected at one end thereof to the mower unit and at the other end to the grass catcher (60). The left change speed device (15, 17) is disposed in a left region of the body frame to extend upward from the left axle (3a). The right change speed device (15, 17) is disposed in a right region of the body frame to extend upward from the left axle (3a).

Abstract: A disabling feature used with a lawn mower, for disabling the drive wheels of a lawn mower when an obstacle is encountered. Braking, engine kill, blade stopping, and declutching is contemplated upon the tripping of a pivotable contact device which in one embodiment is configured to be tripped when contacting an object while in reverse. A directional extension flap is also provided.

Abstract: The device for measuring the mass and/or the moisture of a material running through a spinning preparation machine is distinguished in that it has a microwave resonator (15, 18) and associated adapted measurement electronics. The method for measuring the mass and/or the moisture of a material running through a spinning preparation machine is distinguished in that the measurement is carried out with the aid of microwaves.

Abstract: A rotary machine having a housing with rotary components disclosed within. The rotary machine is configurable as an internal combustion rotary engine, an external combustion rotary engine, a gas compressor, a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, a drive turbine, or a drive turbine for expandable gases or pressurized liquids. The combustion engine employs a new thermal cycle—eliminating the Otto cycle's internal compression of the combustion products as part of the cycle. The new combustion thermal cycle is intake, expansion and exhaust.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a portable, combustion-engined, power tool and including feeding fuel into the combustion chamber of the power tool, before ignition, several times one after another in accordance with an intermittent metering operational mode, and a power tool including a control device (34, 64) for controlling operation of the fuel feeding device (32, 33) of the power tool so that the feeding device (32, 33) feeds the fuel into the combustion chamber (1) several times in accordance with the intermittent metering operational mode.

Abstract: A method for improving a purge conversion efficiency of a Lean NOx Trap coupled downstream of a lean-burn internal combustion engine is presented. This method recognizes that during a purge of the LNT, its temperature increases due to the exothermic reactions in the LNT. Once the LNT temperature exceeds a certain threshold, further increases lead to a reduction in the NOx storage capacity, and therefore an increase in NOx emissions during the purge of the LNT. Therefore, it is proposed to cool the LNT temperature once the threshold is exceeded. This method improves emission control and fuel economy during purge.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system having a diesel particulate filter to purify particulate matter in the exhaust gas G from a diesel engine, wherein a an exhaust gas passage prevention structure or the like is installed in portions where particulate matter in the exhaust gas is collected and accumulated easily, and, the temperature raises easily by the oxidation of accumulated particulate matter, in said diesel particulate filter.

Abstract: Gases produced by a combustion engine (1), e.g. crankcase gases, are conducted through a separation chamber formed and surrounded by a centrifugal rotor (R), by means of which the gases are caused to rotate, so that particles suspended in the gases are separated by means of centrifugal force. The centrifugal rotor (R) is caused to rotate by means of a pressure fluid that is generated by means of the combustion engine (1).

Abstract: Differential pressures across flow control valves 6a, 6b and 6c are controlled by pressure compensating valves 7a, 7b and 7c to be held at the same value, i.e., a differential pressure &Dgr;PLS, and the differential pressure &Dgr;PLS is maintained at a target differential pressure &Dgr;PLSref by a pump displacement control unit 5. For changing the target differential pressure depending on change in revolution speed of an engine 1, a flow detecting valve 31 is disposed in a delivery line 30a, 30b of a fixed displacement hydraulic pump 30, and a differential pressure &Dgr;Pp across a variable throttle portion 31a of the flow detecting valve 31 is introduced to a setting controller 32. A selector valve 50 operable to shift between a fully closed position and a throttle position is disposed in parallel to the flow detecting valve 31 and is shifted by a control lever 51.

Abstract: A hybrid machine with a hydraulic drive device having hydraulic actuators allowed to operate against and by external loads is provided. To this end, the hybrid machine comprises hydraulic cylinders (7), first hydraulic pumps (P1) connected, with closed circuits, to head side pressure receiving chambers (7S) and bottom side pressure receiving chambers (7L) of the hydraulic cylinders (7), and second hydraulic pumps (P2) connected, with open circuits, to the bottom side pressure receiving chambers (7L) and an external oil chamber (10), wherein the first and second hydraulic pumps (P1, P2) are connected to electric motors (M) so as to be driven.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting waste heat from a low temperature heat source, such as an electrical component, to work energy and for efficiently transferring unconverted or remaining waste heat away from the heat source. The apparatus includes a chamber having a first location adapted to receive heat from the heat source, and a second location adapted to dissipate heat transferred via an acoustic wave in the chamber. The acoustic wave may be produced by a first vibration member coupled to an interior surface of the chamber and disposed at an end of the chamber, where the first vibration member is adapted to vibrate at a resonant frequency of the chamber. Alternatively, a first and a second vibration member that are both adapted to vibrate at the resonant frequency of the chamber may be disposed equidistant from opposing ends of the chamber to produce a standing acoustic wave within the chamber.

Abstract: A method for converting low temperature dissipated heat to other useful energy and apparatus therefor. Heat energy is transferred to a shape memory alloy using natural conduction of the heat. The kinetic energy of the shape memory alloy resulting from cyclic temperature variations is transferred to another type of energy such as electrical energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated power plant, which burns fuel using an oxygen-enriched stream in a combustion furnace and converts emissions of air pollutants and carbon dioxide into byproducts. The combustion flue gas stream, after leaving an economizer of a steam generation system, splits into stream A and stream B. Stream A recirculates back to the combustion furnace through the first flue gas recirculation fan for combustion temperature control. Stream B, after passing through a dust collector for fly ash removal, a series of condensers for byproduct recovery, and the second flue gas recirculation fan, mixes with an oxygen-enriched stream from an air separation unit and flows back to the combustion furnace. The plant does not need an exhaust stack and does not discharge combustion flue gases into the atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for cooling the inflow area (37) of the shaft of a steam turbine (10). According to the invention, a partial mass flow m1 is branched off upstream of a feed device (23) that supplies the steam to the steam turbine (10). Said partial mass flow is cooled and then guided to the feed device (23), from where it is supplied to the steam turbine (10)t together with the remaining mass flow m2. The inventive method and device allow for a simplified control and design of the turbine.

Abstract: An apparatus for subliming or condensing a water-containing fluid, which apparatus is provided with a tubular holder (1) having a longitudinal direction and at east one tube (2) extending in that longitudinal direction at least within the holder (1), wherein the holder is provided with at least one inlet (5) and at least one outlet (6), there being further provided at least one supply (3) and at least one discharge (4), which are in communication with the interior of the at least one tube (2), which on one side extends through a wall of the holder an is sealingly secured therein an don the other side within the holder terminates with a free end, closed with respect to the interior of the holder, which free end is guided so as to be slidable in longitudinal direction, by guide means which are located at a distance from the wall in which the tube is scalingly secured.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, apparatus is provided for producing power comprising a reformer for reforming a hydrocarbon material and producing syngas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a combustion chamber of a gas turbine unit that receives the syngas and combusts the syngas and produces flue gases comprising carbon dioxide and other gases that are supplied to the gas turbine contained in the gas turbine unit. In addition, the apparatus includes a bottoming cycle unit of a combined cycle power plant that produces power and from which combustion gases exit. A carbon dioxide separator is also included in the apparatus that receives combustion gases exiting the bottoming cycle unit and separates carbon dioxide from the other combustion gases. A compressor is provided that supplies the separated carbon dioxide to the reformer for reforming of the hydrocarbon material.

Abstract: An aircraft engine turbine frame includes a first structural ring, a second structural ring disposed co-axially with and radially spaced inwardly of the first structural ring about a centerline axis. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart struts extend between the first and second structural rings. Forward and aft sump members having forward and aft central bores are fixedly joined to forward and aft portions of the turbine frame respectively. A frame connecting means for connecting the engine to an aircraft is disposed on the first structural ring. The frame connecting means may include a U-shaped clevis. The frame may be an inter-turbine frame axially located between first and second turbines of first and second rotors of a gas turbine engine assembly. An axial center of gravity of the second turbine passes though or very near a second turbine frame bearing supported by the aft sump member.

Abstract: A heating and cooling apparatus to be applied to an object to control the temperature of the object. A number of thermoelectric modules are adapted to be positioned in contact with the object in a pattern. A voltage source is adapted to apply a voltage to the thermoelectric modules to cause a temperature change in each thermoelectric module so as to control the temperature of the object in accordance with the pattern and with the voltage applied to thermoelectric modules.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for actively reducing the temperature gradient of a substrate. The substrate is placed in thermal contact with a heat dissipation structure so as to dissipate heat from the substrate. Current is passed through a thermoelectric device, so as to provide cooling to at least one hot spot on the substrate.

Abstract: A high pressure pump and delivery system mating to LNG storage and suited for natural gas powered trucks and buses, but also suitable for other cryogenic liquid fuels. The reciprocating pump is comprised of a liquid pumping portion and a vapor compressing portion, operating in concert so that it is possible to locate the pump above a source of saturated LNG and to reliably supply high pressure LNG. The delivery system provides a method of utilizing both the pumped LNG and the compressed NG in a Diesel type fuel injection system, and also to scavenge NG vapor from the LNG storage container so as to extend it's storage life. While especially useful for trucks and buses, the present invention is not limited thereto, as it is also useful for locomotives, automobiles and other vehicles designed to operate through combustion of natural gas, as well as stationary applications.

Abstract: A shaft of a planetary gear mechanism is connected via a lock mechanism to an air-conditioner compressor. A shaft is connected to an engine, and a shaft is connected to a motor-generator. The shaft or the shaft of the motor-generator is linked to the shaft through a clutch mechanism. A control unit reduces shock by changing the rotation speed of the motor-generator on the basis of the engine speed and reducing a speed difference between the input shafts of the clutch mechanism and a speed difference between the input shafts of the lock mechanism before engaging of the clutch mechanism and releasing of the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A control unit for a clutchless variable displacement compressor with a solenoid is used in an air conditioning system for vehicles. The control unit includes a solenoid drive for adjusting a current flowing in the solenoid, a voltmeter for detecting a voltage applied to the solenoid, an ammeter for detecting the current of the solenoid, and a control for supplying current to the solenoid drive during a first predetermined time period when the air conditioning system is not in operation, and current has been prevented from flowing to the solenoid during a second predetermined time period. A resistance of a coil of the solenoid is calculated from the detected voltage and the detected current.

Abstract: A refrigerator with a multipurpose storage chamber and a control method. In the refrigerator, the flow of cool air to the multipurpose storage chamber is selectively controlled in accordance with a variety of operational modes. In order to accomplish such a cool air flow control, a refrigerating compartment fan and a damper are provided at positions above a refrigerating compartment evaporator. In addition, a flap, controlled at an open angle thereof, is provided at the inlet of an air guide path guiding the cool air to the multipurpose storage chamber. The multipurpose storage chamber of this refrigerator can thus effectively be used to store a variety of foods in accordance with storage characteristics of the foods. In addition, a thawing mode operation of the refrigerator is performed under the condition that it is not necessary to perform a refrigerating compartment cooling operation.