Refrigerator airflow distribution system and method

US6539729B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• General Electric Company · US

Inventors

• Jeffery Allen Tupis · Taylorsville, US
• Martin Christopher Severance · Louisville, US
• Arthur Wilson Scrivener · Louisville, US
• Gerald Eugene Sturgeon · Louisville, US
• Richard DeVos · Goshen, US
• Steven James Gray · Southlake, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 5, 2001
• Grant date: Apr 1, 2003
• Expiry date: Jan 5, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F25D2700/02
• WIPO field: Other consumer goods
• WIPO sector: Other fields

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.