| Electrolux Home Products, Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120043874 | RECESSED SHELF AND DRAWER SUPPORT FOR REFRIGERATOR - Provided is a refrigeration appliance ( | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120036879 | REFRIGERATOR AIR DUCT - Provided is a refrigeration appliance ( | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120032569 | Appliance Door Prop Mechanism - A latch plate and striker assembly serve also to prop open the door of a front load laundry washer or other washing or laundry appliance, so as to releasably maintain the door in an open, chamber venting position (regardless of whether the appliance installation is perfectly level). The latch plate also includes a ramped receptacle, and the strike structure includes a prong designed to be guided into the receptacle by the ramp, to align (as necessary) the door strike with the door latch/lock as the door is closed. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20110290231 | SIMMER PLATE ATTACHED TO BURNER - A gas burner includes a burner body and a simmer plate assembly. The burner body includes a central cavity in which at least one flame is provided. The simmer plate assembly includes a plate portion and a base portion configured to support the plate portion. The assembly is configured to be at least partially and removably inserted into the central cavity. The plate portion is configured to act as a barrier between the at least one flame and a heated object placed above the gas burner. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110265498 | MECHANISM FOR ICE CREATION - A refrigerator is provided that includes an apparatus for producing ice comprising a reservoir that contains water, at least one freezing member, a power source, and at least one fin located on the reservoir. The at least one freezing member is located at least partially in the reservoir. The at least one freezing member is configured for forming ice by freezing the water along the periphery of the at least one freezing member. The power source is configured to move the reservoir to create a movement of the water about the at least one freezing member. The at least one fin located on the reservoir is configured for enhancing the movement of the water about the at least one freezing member and for restricting a splashing of water from the reservoir. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110261544 | FLEXIBLE MOUNT SYSTEM - A user panel assembly includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a panel element, a flexible connector and a mounting element. The flexible connector is configured to enable electrical communication between the panel element and the PCB. The mounting element includes a plurality of slots on which the panel element can be mounted. An overlay is configured to conceal a subset of the plurality of slots. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259037 | ICE MAKER WITH ROTATING ICE MOLD AND COUNTER-ROTATING EJECTION ASSEMBLY - An ice maker includes an ice mold and a sweeping element. The ice mold includes a plurality of cavities and is configured to be rotatable about an axis that is spaced apart from the cavities and extends longitudinally with respect to the ice mold. The sweeping element is configured to be rotatable about the axis and includes a shaft with a plurality of fingers radially extending from the shaft. Each of the fingers is configured to extend into a corresponding one of the cavities upon rotation of the shaft about the axis. During a harvesting step, the ice mold is configured to rotate in a first direction about the axis while the sweeping element is configured to rotate in a second direction about the axis that is opposite the first direction. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259033 | MOVEMENT-SENSITIVE ICE AND WATER DISPENSING IN AN APPLIANCE - An appliance for dispensing product is provided including a storage compartment located within the appliance, a dispensing unit located on the exterior of the appliance including a dispensing outlet, and an actuating mechanism located on the exterior of the storage compartment. The actuating mechanism is configured to be moved from a neutral position to at least a first position and a second position. The first position is configured to trigger a release of a first type of product, and the second position is configured to release a second type of product, respectively, from the dispensing outlet. In one example, a switch can be provided to detect the position of the actuating mechanism, and each position triggers the release of a different type of product from within the appliance. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110219807 | TOOL REMOVABLE ADJUSTABLE DIVIDER - Provided is a basket for storing food items in a temperature-controlled environment and a refrigeration appliance including such a basket. The basket includes a substantially-horizontal platform coupled to two or more upwardly-extending walls to form an open container for receiving the food items to be stored in the temperature-controlled environment. A partition is provided for dividing the basket into two or more storage regions. A guide is coupled to at least one of the platform and the walls, and extends substantially parallel to an upper perimeter of at least one of the walls to define a range of adjustment of the partition. A fastener securely couples the partition to the guide to be adjusted to two or more different locations where the partition is to divide the basket. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110210655 | DRAWER ASSEMBLY - A drawer assembly is provided for an enclosure which includes a first interior surface and a second interior surface which are opposite one another. The drawer assembly includes a drawer, a first rack, a second rack, a first linear motion element and a second linear motion element. The drawer is configured to be insertable in the enclosure. The first rack and the second rack are mounted respectively near the first interior surface and the second interior surface. The first linear motion element and the second linear motion element are mounted respectively near the first interior surface and the second interior surface. Each of the linear motion elements is configured to enable movement of the drawer in and out of the enclosure. Each of the linear motion elements includes a pinion configured to rotate along a corresponding rack as the drawer is moved in and out of the enclosure. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110210089 | HALF RACK - A half rack includes a main section having a primary platform area, a secondary platform area, a side support edge, and a cutout portion. The half rack further includes a removable section adapted to be removably secured to the main section, wherein a frame of the main section includes a rear crossbar, and an elongated stiffener is provided across a portion of the primary platform area and a portion of the secondary platform area and coupled to the rear crossbar to provide strength to the main section. The main section of the half rack can include flattened areas on first and second side edges of the main section. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110209493 | REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE WITH HIDDEN USER INTERFACE - Provided is a refrigeration appliance including a cabinet defining a fresh-food compartment and a freezer compartment. The refrigeration appliance includes a refrigeration system that is operable to provide a cooling effect to an interior of the fresh-food and freezer compartments. A pair of doors is pivotally connected to the cabinet with a hinge assembly for restricting access to the interior of the fresh-food compartment. Each door includes a side portion extending between an exterior face and an interior portion of the door. The side portions of the doors generally oppose each other when the doors are closed. A user interface is also provided to the side portion of at least one of the doors comprising an input device to be manipulated by a user for controlling a target temperature within at least one of the fresh-food and freezer compartments. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110209483 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING CLEAR ICE - Provided are a method and refrigeration appliance for making substantially-transparent ice. The refrigeration appliance includes a fresh food compartment in which a refrigeration temperature that is greater than 32° F. and less than 55° F. is maintained, and a water tray disposed within the fresh food compartment and including a bottom surface and an upwardly extending wall forming a reservoir for holding a volume of water. A plurality of fingers are supported adjacent to the water tray to be at least partially submerged in water within the water tray, and an evaporator is in thermal communication with the fingers for chilling an exposed surface of the fingers to a finger temperature that is less than 32° F. Water is introduced into the water tray, and an extent to which the fingers are submerged in the water is repeatedly adjusted. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110203305 | ICE AND WATER SYSTEM IN REFRIGERATOR WITH STIRRING FAN IN ICE CHAMBER - A refrigerator includes a freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment which includes an ice chamber. The ice chamber includes an ice maker which includes a first heat exchanger for producing ice. The ice chamber further includes an ice container, a second heat exchanger, an air moving apparatus, and an enclosed loop passageway. The ice container is for storing ice produced by the ice maker and includes an exterior surface. The second heat exchanger is for controlling temperature at the ice container. The passageway forms an air flow path such that air travels in thermal contact with the second heat exchanger. The air moving apparatus is positioned to move air through the passageway. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110148775 | ANNULAR BAR GRAPH AND MULTI-SEGMENT DISPLAY - Provided is a display comprising a first plurality of light-emitting elements forming an annular bar graph, and a numerical display within the annular bar graph. The annular bar graph displays information graphically, and the numerical display simultaneously displays the same information numerically. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110148773 | USER INTERFACE WITH ANNULAR TOUCH SENSOR ARRAY - Provided is a user interface comprising a substrate having a through-hole, an annular touch sensor array located on the substrate and at least partially surrounding the through-hole, and a display device in alignment the through-hole. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110143295 | BURNER DESIGNED FOR WIDE RANGE OF INPUT RATES - A gas burner is provided with multiple fuel rings for a cooking appliance, including an inner flame ring with a plurality of inner flame ports and an outer flame ring with a plurality of outer flame ports. At least one partition wall is disposed between the inner flame ring and the outer flame ring to define an inner fuel plenum and an outer fuel plenum. A fuel port is provided to one of the inner fuel plenum and the outer fuel plenum for providing a combustible fuel-air mixture thereto. The fuel-air mixture is transferred between the inner fuel plenum and the outer fuel plenum via at least one transfer aperture. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110132348 | GLIDE RACK - A rack for an appliance includes a main section having a support frame, and at least one arm coupled to the support frame. The arm is movable relative to the support frame between a first position and a second position. The rack further includes a release member operatively connected to the at least one arm, actuation of the release member causing the at least one arm to move from the first position to the second position. In one example, the rack includes pair of arms coupled to the support frame. In another example, actuation of the release member causes both of the arms to move to the second position. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110120194 | Washer with Drive Shaft Doubling As Tub Drain Path - An automatic washing machine includes a wash basin having a plurality of apertures and an annular liquid reservoir formed at an upper portion of the basin. A plurality of flow channels are arranged around the exterior surface of the wash basin. The plurality of flow channels includes upward flow channels, configured for directing wash liquid extracted from the wash basin into the reservoir under centrifugal force generated in a spin cycle. The plurality of flow channels also includes downward flow channels configured for directing wash liquid from the reservoir to a central drain following the spin cycle. The arrangement avoids the need for an outer wash tub, and at the same time provides stabilization to the wash basin during high speed spins. In another aspect, the wash basin may include wash action ramps provided on a bottom surface of the wash basin and at an upper sidewall of the wash basin. The wash action ramps, in conjunction with a sequence of wash basin acceleration and deceleration cycles, induce an effective wash action, and circulation of the wash load, in lieu of a conventional central agitator. In yet another aspect, a drive system of the washing machine comprises a drive shaft that doubles as a drain pipe for draining wash liquid from the wash basin. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110087987 | APPLIANCE INTERFACE SYSTEM - An appliance includes a user interface and a controller. The user interface comprises a plurality of selector buttons. Each selector button respectively comprises a display and a touch sensitive input area. The display can render an image thereupon for the selector button. Further, the display of the selector button can be separate from disparate displays of disparate selector buttons of the user interface. Moreover, the touch sensitive input area can be operable to receive an input selection that corresponds to the image rendered by the display of the selector button. The input selection received by the touch sensitive input area can cause the display of the selector button to change the image rendered thereupon and/or the disparate displays to change corresponding respective images rendered thereupon. The controller can respectively choose images rendered upon a plurality of displays and control operation of the appliance in response to the input selection. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110050064 | ROLLERBALL LEVELING LEG - A leveling leg for an appliance is provided, including a main shaft and a foot coupled to the main shaft. A recess extends at least partially into the foot and includes an opening through a bottom surface of the foot. A ball is adapted to be received within the recess. The opening substantially surrounds at least a portion of the ball and is configured to inhibit removal of the ball from the recess. In one example, the ball is adapted to be received within the recess by a snap-fit engagement with the at least one arm. In another example, a plurality of arms are at least partially disposed within the recess and cooperate at one end thereof to engage the ball at an area below a great circle of the ball to inhibit removal of the ball from the recess. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20100307474 | BROIL BURNER - A cooking apparatus includes a cooking cavity and a heat source located within the cooking cavity. A shield is mounted relative to the heat source wherein the shield includes at least one side edge with an undulating pattern. The undulating pattern is configured to deflect heat from the heat source to different sections of the cooking cavity to provide a substantially uniform distribution of heat within the cooking cavity. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100283364 | AUTO-RACKS - A rack system for an appliance is provided. The rack system includes a door link, a first coupler link, a first rack, a bracket, a second coupler link, and a second rack. The bracket has a plurality of sites for attachment with the second coupler link. The door link is attached to an appliance door. The first coupler link is attached to the door link and connected to the first rack. The bracket is attached to either the first rack or the second rack. The second coupler link is attached to the bracket at one of the sites for attachment and connected to whichever one of either the first or second racks to which the bracket is not attached. The rack system translationally couples angular displacement of the appliance door to linear movement of the first rack and the second rack. The linear movement of the first and second racks can be non-staggered or staggered depending on the attachment site of the bracket to which the second coupler link is attached. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100251621 | DOOR SEAL CLIP - A door seal assembly includes a gasket and at least one door seal clip. The gasket includes an inner core and an outer jacket. The at least one door seal clip is formed from a wire segment and is adapted to be mounted to the gasket. The door seal clip includes an attachment portion and a base portion. The attachment portion is formed as a first loop extending along a longitudinal axis of the door seal clip. The attachment portion is capable of undergoing elastic deformation transversely about the longitudinal axis. The base portion is formed as a second loop oriented in a substantially perpendicular manner about the first loop. The base portion is adapted to be mounted between the inner core and the outer jacket. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100251521 | DOOR HINGE ASSEMBLY - A hinge assembly for a door enclosing a compartment includes a first housing, a second housing, a mounting member, a link member, a locking member, and a biasing member. The first housing includes an opening in a front wall leading to a channel. An upper stop and a lower stop are located in the channel. The mounting member includes a distal end including a first abutting portion, a second abutting portion and a slot. The distal end of the mounting member is configured to be inserted in the opening so that the first abutting portion engages the upper stop, the second abutting portion engages the lower stop and the slot engages a lower edge of the opening. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20100236762 | CONDENSER ASSEMBLY FOR AN APPLIANCE - A condenser assembly for an appliance is provided. The condenser assembly can include a horizontally extending condenser coil assembly that has a plurality of supporting connectors that are arranged at an angle to the flow direction of cooling air. Cooling air is drawn through the refrigerator and across a length of the condenser coil by an air mover. Additionally, a baffle works in conjunction with the air mover to direct cooling air through the condenser coil and connectors. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100236589 | CLOSURE SYSTEM FOR A DISHWASHING APPLIANCE AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS - A closure system for a dishwasher and associated apparatus is provided. A door is pivotably engaged with a tub, and defines a latch pocket, configured as a grasping member, having a latch aperture in communication therewith and extending therethrough to the tub. A latch actuation member is received by the latch pocket, and a latch device engaged therewith extends through the latch aperture to releasably secure the door to the tub, the securement being releasable by actuation of the latch actuation member. A pull-latch is receivable by the latch aperture, in place of and interchangeably with the latch device and latch actuation member, and releasably secures the door to the tub, the securement being releasable by exertion of an outward force on the grasping member. A latch pocket insert member operably engages the latch pocket to separate the latch aperture therefrom, when the pull-latch is received by the latch aperture. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100229345 | APPLIANCE DOOR HINGE - An appliance hinge assembly includes: a support member configured to be secured to an appliance; a claw pivotally coupled to the support member; and a lock member pivotally coupled to the claw, wherein the claw and the lock member can be coupled together to create a bounded space therebetween. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100229344 | DOOR HINGE ASSEMBLY WITH INTERMEDIATE STOP POSITION - A hinge assembly includes a housing member, a lever member, a traveling member and a biasing member. The housing member includes a channel and a pivot. The lever member includes an outer portion, an inner portion, and a first intermediate point located therebetween. The lever member is pivotally coupled to the pivot at the first intermediate point. The traveling member includes a main portion that is configured to extend substantially along the housing member. A second intermediate point is located on the main portion, and the inner portion of the lever member is pivotally coupled to the second intermediate point. The main portion includes a sliding block and at least one grooved wheel at an end. The sliding block is configured to travel the channel sliding between the side walls, and at least one of the sidewalls includes a rail area for the at least wheel to roll against. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100220460 | FRONT-TO-BACK SHOWCASE LIGHTING FOR A REFRIGERATOR - A refrigeration appliance includes an appliance housing and a liner within the housing, defining an interior storage chamber at least partially enclosed by the liner, and providing a storage chamber rear wall, a first storage chamber sidewall, and a second storage chamber sidewall. The first storage chamber sidewall has a plurality of openings through the first storage chamber sidewall. The second storage chamber sidewall has another plurality of openings through the second storage chamber sidewall. A plurality of lighting devices illuminates the interior storage chamber. Each of the lighting devices is mounted within a respective one of the openings and emits light toward the storage chamber rear wall providing a showcase lighting effect. Each of the lighting devices includes a cover located in the interior storage chamber and a device housing located within the respective one of the openings. An illumination level within the storage chamber, due to light emitted by the plurality of lighting devices, is substantially vertically uniform. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100219731 | PIVOTING LID FOR REFRIGERATOR DOOR - A storage assembly includes a first storage compartment mounted within an interior chamber, a cover, and a slot. The first storage compartment is configured to move in a first direction between a first and a second position. The cover is secured to the first storage compartment and configured to pivot about an axis between a closed and an open position. The slot is located on one of a sidewall within the interior chamber or the cover, where the other one of the sidewall or the cover is configured to engage the slot. The cover moves in a second direction corresponding to a shape of the slot as the first storage compartment is moved between the first position and the second position. A second storage compartment can be provided above the first. The second storage compartment can move in the first direction despite the cover being in an open position. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100219730 | SELECTABLE PRESENTATION OF DUAL-BIN SYSTEM - A refrigerator is provided that includes a compartment, a first container, a second container, a door, and a selection device. The first container is located in the compartment and configured to be movable in a first direction. The second container is located in the compartment and configured to be movable in the first direction. The door is operably connected to the second container and configured to provide access to at least one of the first container and the second container of the compartment when the door is moved to an open position. The door is also configured to inhibit access to the compartment when the door is moved to a closed position. The selection device is located on the refrigerator and configured for inputting a selection of either the first container or the second container. The selected container is presented in an accessible position when the door is moved from the closed position to the open position. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100219147 | ADJUSTABLE PARTITION FOR BOTTOM MOUNT FREEZER - An appliance is provided that includes a storage compartment comprising a storage container, a partition, and at least one fastening mechanism located on the partition configured to secure the partition to a portion of the storage container. The partition is configured to be removably installed at different locations within the storage container. The at least one fastening mechanism includes an area between a first portion and a second portion to secure the portion of the storage container. The at least one fastening mechanism includes a third portion protruding from the first portion and a fourth portion protruding from the second portion. A distance between the first portion and the second portion is less than a second distance between an end of the third portion and an end of the fourth portion which provides an expanded area for locating the at least one fastening mechanism. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218925 | EVAPORATOR FINS IN CONTACT WITH END BRACKET - A refrigerator is provided with an evaporator assembly located in a compartment. The evaporator assembly includes a pipe, a fan assembly, a plurality of fins, a first and second bracket. The pipe is configured to transport a refrigerant that exchanges heat with an air stream from the compartment. The plurality of fins is inserted on the pipe. The brackets each include apertures to receive bent end portions of the pipe. The brackets are configured to hold the pipe and the fins in a specific position, to mount the evaporator assembly within the compartment, and restrict the air stream exiting the evaporator assembly from mixing with the air stream entering the evaporator assembly. The fins include end fins that are placed in direct contact with the first end bracket and are configured to further restrict the air stream from flowing through the plurality of apertures of the brackets. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218545 | BASKET KICK-OUT - An appliance is provided that includes a storage compartment comprising a first storage bin and a second storage bin configured to move relative to the storage compartment along a parallel path of movement, a first tab located on the first storage bin, and a second tab located within a perimeter of a surface of the second storage bin. The second tab is in a location that is configured to interact with the first tab at a point along the parallel path of movement. The second storage bin moves simultaneously with the first storage bin while the first tab interacts with the second tab. Either the first storage bin or the second storage bin can be placed in the storage compartment in at least a first orientation and a second orientation, where the second orientation disables the second storage bin from moving simultaneously with the first storage bin. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218543 | WATER INTRODUCTION INTO FRESH-FOOD ICEMAKER - Provided is a refrigeration appliance that includes a cabinet defining a compartment for storing food items in a temperature-controlled environment. A refrigeration system is operable to provide a cooling effect to an interior of the compartment, and an ice maker is disposed within the compartment for freezing water delivered from a water source into ice pieces. A nozzle is provided in fluid communication with the ice maker for introducing the water from the water source to the ice maker. The nozzle includes an interior passage through which water is to travel when being delivered to the ice maker, and an outlet through which water being delivered to the ice maker exits the nozzle. An inside diameter of the outlet is greater than an inside diameter at another location of the interior passage. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218542 | ICE MAKER CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Provided is an ice maker that includes a mold including a plurality of cavities for receiving water to be frozen into ice pieces, a driver operatively connected to the mold for adjusting a position of the mold to a plurality of different locations during an ice making cycle, and a controller. A limit switch is located at a plurality of different positions along a range of travel of the mold to be actuated and transmit a signal indicative of the mold's arrival at the different locations. The mold can travel along path including first portion having a first axis of rotation and a substantially vertical portion, and can be driven by a motor with a drive shaft rotatable about a single axis of rotation. The motor can drive both the mold and a bail arm, and the mold can be leveled upon reaching a predetermined location. The ice maker can perform a Dry Cycle in response to detecting an anomaly during ice making. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218540 | REFRIGERATION SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE - Provided is a refrigeration appliance including a fresh food compartment for storing food items in a refrigerated environment having a target temperature above zero degrees Centigrade. A freezer compartment is disposed at an elevation vertically below the fresh food compartment for storing food items in a sub-freezing environment having a target temperature below zero degrees Centigrade. The refrigeration appliance also includes one or more of a hand-removable insulated cover, a cool air duct for introducing cooled air adjacent an ice bin, and a rearward-sloped catch pan positioned to catch dripping water in said ice maker and direct the dripping water into a drain. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218535 | REFRIGERATION APPARATUS FOR REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE AND METHOD OF MINIMIZING FROST ACCUMULATION - Provided is a refrigeration appliance including a fresh food compartment for storing food items in a refrigerated environment having a target temperature above zero degrees Centigrade, and a freezer compartment disposed vertically below the fresh food compartment for storing food items below zero degrees Centigrade. A return air duct returns air from the fresh food compartment to the freezer compartment, and a bracket supporting an evaporator includes an air barrier extending between the air duct and a bottom portion of the evaporator to minimize introduction of air returning from the fresh food compartment to a lateral side portion of the evaporator. A fan is rotatable about an axis having a substantially-horizontal orientation to circulate air, and a heater extends along a bottom portion, and beyond the lateral extents of the bottom portion of the evaporator in an upward direction along lateral sides of the evaporator. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218526 | DOOR ASSEMBLY FOR A REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE - Provided is refrigeration appliance that includes a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment for storing food items in a refrigerated environment. The refrigeration appliance also includes at least one door restricting access into at least one of the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. A heated mullion including a substantially-planar, externally-exposed surface is provided to cooperate with a seal provided to the door. An ice chute extends at least partially through the door for dispensing ice through the door. The ice chute includes a fastener for coupling the ice chute to a door liner and maintain the position of the ice chute relative to the door liner during installation of an insulating material in the door. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218521 | DRYER FOR A REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE AND A REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE INCLUDING THE DRYER - Provided is a dryer for minimizing moisture entrained within a refrigerant used to provide a cooling effect to a temperature-controlled environment, and a refrigeration appliance including such a dryer. The dryer includes a housing defining a drying chamber and a desiccant disposed within the drying chamber for removing at least a portion of the moisture from the refrigerant. A first outlet is formed in the housing adjacent a lower region of the drying chamber when the drying chamber is viewed in an operational orientation. A second outlet is also formed in the housing at an elevation vertically above the first outlet when the dryer is viewed in the operational orientation for discharging at least a portion of the refrigerant introduced into the drying chamber to be delivered to a second heat exchanger with a relatively-low internal pressure. The elevation of the second outlet relative to the first outlet promotes the discharge of the refrigerant through the first outlet instead of through the second outlet. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218520 | ICE MAKER FOR FRESH FOOD COMPARTMENT OF REFRIGERATOR - Provided is an ice maker including a mold with two or more cavities for receiving water to be frozen into ice pieces. A bracket defines a track establishing a range of travel of the mold during an ice making cycle and a removable pin projects outwardly from the mold, extending into the track defined by the bracket to support the mold within the ice maker. The mold can be provided with a partition separating the cavities, the partition including an aperture for establishing a substantially-even water level in the cavities below the partitions. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218519 | FRESH FOOD ICE MAKER CONTROL - A refrigeration system is provided with an ice maker chamber within a fresh food compartment. The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration path and an ice maker path. The ice maker path includes an electronic expansion valve for controlling the refrigerant entering an ice maker evaporator and an evaporator pressure regulator. Controlling the refrigeration system includes the steps of sensing a first refrigerant temperature at an exit of the ice maker evaporator and controlling a first control of the electronic expansion valve until the temperature reaches a temperature target. The method of controlling can further include comparing a slope of the temperature to at least one of a minimum, a target, or a maximum setting to adjust the control. Subsequently, a second control for the electronic expansion valve can be repeatedly adjusted by evaluating the first refrigerant temperature and the slope. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218518 | ICE MAKER CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Provided is a method and system for forming ice pieces with an ice maker that includes a mold defining a plurality of cavities for receiving water to be frozen into ice pieces. A processor controls delivery of a refrigerant to freeze water received in the plurality of cavities into ice pieces. A freeze signal transmitted by a temperature sensor embedded within the mold is received by the processor, the freeze signal indicating that a temperature of a portion of the mold adjacent to the temperature sensor has reached a freeze temperature where the water in at least one of the cavities has achieved a frozen state to initiate harvesting of the frozen ice pieces. Defrosting a system evaporator can also be coordinated with operation of the ice maker. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218514 | Controlled temperature compartment for refrigerator - A storage compartment assembly is located within the interior of a compartment of a refrigerator such as a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator. The storage compartment assembly includes a storage container the temperature of which can be controlled independently of the temperature in the fresh food compartment. At least one of the sides of the storage container can be spaced away from a respective interior side of the refrigerator compartment and a housing located in the space between the side of the storage container and the interior side of the refrigerator compartment. The housing can contain components that are configured to function in the operation of the refrigerator, including the storage compartment assembly. The refrigerator can comprise a bottom-mount refrigerator and the fresh food compartment can be provided with double-doors for closing and opening the interior of the fresh food compartment. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218468 | HANGING AIR FILTER - An air filter for filtering air in a refrigerator is provided, comprising a housing having a hollow body including at least a front wall, a pair of side walls, and a top and bottom wall, wherein at least one wall includes at least one aperture for the passage of air, at least one cantilever attaching means for removably securing the housing to the refrigerating apparatus, and a filter element for removable placement within the housing wherein air enters the at least one aperture, makes contact with the filter element, and leaves the air filter. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100218342 | ADJUSTABLE HINGE FOR PIVOTING DOOR - A hinge assembly is provided for a pivoting door mounted about an opening, and may include a hinge plate, an internally threaded adjuster, a locking element, a first cam element, a second cam element, and a limiting plate. The hinge plate is mounted about the opening and includes a pivot projecting therefrom. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100217441 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING MULTIPLE MODEL VARIANTS - According to one aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling operation of a plurality of different model variants of a refrigeration appliance using a commonly-configured control board for the plurality of different model variants. The method includes identifying the first model variant as being one of the plurality of model variants to be controlled; and responsive to this identifying, selecting a suitable control routine from among a plurality of available control routines that are accessible to the control board for controlling operation of the plurality of model variants. The plurality of available control routines includes at least a first control routine to be executed for controlling operation of a portion of a refrigeration circuit provided to the first model variant and a second control routine to be executed for controlling operation of a portion of a refrigeration circuit provided to the second model variant. The first control routine is different than the second control routine. The first control routine is to be executed to control operation of the portion of the refrigeration circuit provided to the first model variant. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100213805 | FOAM INSERTS FOR REFRIGERATOR CABINET - A method of assembling a cabinet and an apparatus assembled according to the method are provided. The cabinet includes a shell with internal walls, a first compartment liner and a second compartment liner configured to be housed within the shell. The first compartment liner includes a first liner face and defines a first compartment. The second compartment liner includes a second liner face and defines a second compartment. The method includes the steps of positioning a pair of elongate supports between the first compartment liner and the second compartment liner such that the first liner face and the second liner face are adjacent one another and spaced apart. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100213184 | HARDWARE IMPROVEMENT TO PROMOTE RELAY LIFE - A heating appliance for elevating a temperature of a food item includes a controller for minimizing arcing experienced by a circuit interrupter when a supply of electric current to a heating element is interrupted. The heating appliance includes an electric heating element that generates heat in response to conducting an electric current. A relay is to be electrically connected to the electric heating element for controlling a supply of the electric current to the electric heating element. A coil of the relay can be energized to actuate a switching element that is operable to open and close a conductive pathway for selectively conducting the electric current for generating heat. A selective conductor is to be electrically connected to the coil for establishing a flyback path that conducts a decaying electric current when the coil of the relay is de-energized. A voltage regulator can be provided for maintaining a voltage across the coil at a level above a minimum flyback voltage in response to electrical disconnection of the coil of the relay from a DC electric power source. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100206293 | GAS BURNER - A gas burner for a cooking appliance includes at least one combustion chamber with a first gas inlet forming a substantially annular outer flame ring and a substantially annular inner flame ring. At least one flame channel is configured to trigger ignition of at least one of the inner flame ring and outer flame ring. In one example, at least one transfer burner port is in gas-flow communication with the combustible gas in the at least one combustion chamber. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100176585 | METHOD FOR ATTACHING TUBE AND FITTINGS - A tube and fitting assembly can be used in a domestic appliance, such as an oven range, and includes a tube provided through an internal bore of a fitting. The tube includes a first end that is outwardly flared against a shoulder of the fitting via plastic deformation. The inner wall of the tube adjacent the outwardly flared portion is threaded and can be fastened to an orifice such that an internal bore of the orifice is in fluid communication with the tube. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100175683 | HIGH EFFICIENCY BURNER - A gas burner for an appliance includes a base and a cover. The base includes a wall peripherally formed about the base. The wall includes a plurality of slits extending through the wall and downwardly from a top of the wall. A cover is configured to be placed on the base and form a chamber in fluid communication with a gas conduit. The cover is configured to bound the slits to define a plurality of ports for releasing combustible gas exteriorly of the gas burner. The ports include an entry section near the inner surface and an exit section near the outer surface. Each of the slits includes a floor that is curved upwards from the entry section to the exit section. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100175402 | ELECTRONIC REFRIGERATION CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING A VARIABLE SPEED COMPRESSOR - A refrigerator is provided having a refrigeration system including a variable speed compressor, a condenser, a condenser fan, an evaporator, a variable speed evaporator fan. The refrigerator further includes multiple temperature sensors that communicate with an electronic microprocessor-based control system that in turn controls the operation of the refrigerator system based on the information provided by the multiple temperature sensors. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100131241 | ENTERPRISE WIDE SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONFIGURING, DIAGNOSING, AND UPDATING APPLIANCES - A system and methods to provide appliance field support personnel with a tool that, together with proper interface modules, simplifies the execution of diagnostic procedures and provides an easy way to configure, reconfigure, or update electronic boards in the home on a client side of an enterprise wide system. The electronic boards serve as electronic controllers in the appliances and are programmable generic service boards. With such a system, it is possible to update and re-configure electronic boards and interact directly with an electronic controller of an appliance while an appliance is operating. Software, configuration data, and control data are downloaded from a server-side configuration of the enterprise wide system to update the electronic boards. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100123379 | REFRIGERATOR DRAWERS WITH TRIM - An appliance that includes a storage compartment is provided. The appliance comprises either a drawer or a wire basket located in the storage compartment, a handle, and a trim portion. The drawer or basket is configured for storing at least one item and the drawer is movable relative to the storage compartment. The handle is snappingly secured to a peripheral edge of the drawer or basket. The trim portion is snappingly secured to at least one edge of the drawer or basket where the trim portion is secured independently of the handle. In another example, a humidity control device is located on the drawer and is configured to control the humidity within the interior portion of the drawer. A knob that controls the humidity control device is received through a cutout in the trim portion. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100109748 | APPLIANCE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH A ZERO CROSSING DETECTING CIRCUIT - A control system includes a zero crossing detecting circuit for detecting a zero crossing of an AC signal. The circuit includes a transformer having a primary portion and a secondary portion. The primary portion receives the AC signal. The secondary portion comprises first and second terminals. The first terminal is biased at a first DC voltage level. An output switch is operatively connected to the second terminal and has an on state and an off state. The output switch selectively activates an output signal of the zero crossing detecting circuit according to an activation voltage level sensed by the output switch and corresponding to the zero crossing. While in the off state, the output switch is biased at a second DC voltage level. A voltage difference between the first and second DC voltage levels substantially equals the activation voltage level. A controller monitors the output signal and controls an operation based on the output signal. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100104992 | OVAL BURNER ALIGNMENT METHOD - An apparatus includes a gas burner assembly which includes a gas burner and a gas supply conduit. The gas burner includes a gas supply opening and a substantially cylindrical socket formed on the exterior of the gas burner around the gas supply opening. The gas supply conduit includes an opening at an end and a substantially tubular adjoining section proximate to the opening. The adjoining section is configured to mate with the socket and includes a substantially radial protrusion. The socket includes a substantially radial depression for receiving the protrusion. As the gas supply conduit is connected with the gas burner to establish fluid communication at the gas supply opening, the protrusion is engaged in the depression thereby aligning the adjoining section in a predetermined manner about the socket and restricting rotational movement of the adjoining section about the socket. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100101754 | COOKING APPARATUS WITH PROTECTIVE SHIELD - A cooking apparatus is provided that comprises a housing structure, an internal heating source, an exit, a control panel, and a protective shield. The internal heating source is located within the housing structure. The exit is located at an exterior portion of the housing structure where the exit is configured to transport heat emissions from the internal heating source. The control panel is located above the exit. The protective shield is coupled to the housing structure where the protective shield is configured to deflect the heat emissions in a direction away from the control panel. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100084355 | BAKING STONE RACK - A rack for an appliance comprises a main section including a support frame having a front wire, rear wire, and opposed side wires. A plurality of intermediate wires are attached to the support frame and at least one cross member is provided across a portion of the intermediate wires. The rack also includes a recessed section defined by a portion of the intermediate wires and adapted to removably receive a baking stone. In one example, the recessed section has a depth sufficient to accommodate a baking stone substantially completely therein. In addition or alternatively, an arrangement for supporting items within an appliance includes a rack having a main section and a recessed section, and a baking stone adapted to be received substantially completely within the recessed section of the rack. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100072189 | COOKTOP WITH FORCED CONVECTION COOLING - A ventilation system for cooling a cooking appliance that can be placed within a kitchen countertop is described. The cooking appliance includes one or more air inlets within the sides of the cooktop, and an air mover that draws air in through the air inlets and over control circuits provided within the frame of the cooking appliance. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100044363 | HYBRID BROIL SYSTEM - ELECTRIC BROIL ELEMENT - A cooking appliance with a cooking cavity includes a reflective tray mounted in the cooking cavity, a vent located on the reflective tray, and a heating element mounted within the reflective tray that is configured to reflect heat emitted by the heating element. The vent is configured to allow at least moisture from the cooking cavity to pass therethrough. The heating element is mounted relative to the vent such that the vent is horizontally spaced at a distance greater than a thickness of the heating element. In another example, a vent is located on a central portion of the reflective tray and a heating element is located on an outer portion of the reflective tray. In yet another example, a heating element is mounted within a reflective tray at a horizontal location and a vent is located at a different horizontal location than the heating element. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100012644 | DUAL FAN CONVECTION PERFORMANCE DIVIDER - An oven includes an interior cavity and a convection heating system for developing a flow of heated air within the interior cavity. The convection heating system includes a plurality of fans to provide a plurality of airflows, and a single convection heating element for heating the plurality of airflows. A shroud is arranged in covering relationship over the convection heating system and includes at least one intake aperture, and a plurality of exhaust apertures for discharging air from the plurality of fans back into the interior cavity. A baffle is located within the shroud and generally between adjacent ones of the plurality of fans. The baffle inhibits mixture of the airflows of each of the fans within the shroud. In one example, a first fan provides a first airflow, a second fan providing a second airflow, and the baffle inhibits mixture of the first and second airflows within shroud. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100007249 | ADJUSTABLE AND SEPARABLE JOINING STRUCTURE - In one aspect, an assembly includes an enclosure with an opening and a door for closing the opening. A first joining member is secured to the enclosure and a second joining member is secured to the door. The first and second joining members can be mechanically joined to one another in any one of a plurality of attitudes relative to one another and to be separated from one another. A third joining member is joined to at least one of the first and second joining members to establish an alignment position for the first and second joining members relative to one another. Following the separation of the first and second joining members, the alignment position established by the third joining member allows the first and second joining members to be rejoined in the same attitude as the attitude in which they were joined prior to being separated. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100006558 | COOKING APPLIANCE AND METHOD OF COOKING A FOOD ITEM - According to another aspect, the subject application involves an oven and a method of controlling an oven for cooking a food item. The oven includes a cooking cavity, a user interface comprising an input device to be actuated with a single actuation event by a cook to select a predetermined cooking mode for cooking the food item, a heating element operable to produce heat required to cook the food item within the cooking cavity, and a control unit. The method includes receiving a cooking signal in response to actuation of the input device with the single actuation event by the cook, and establishing a cooking parameter for the predetermined cooking mode based on the cooking signal. The cooking parameter can be specific to the food item to be cooked according to the predetermined cooking mode of the oven. The method also includes initiating the predetermined cooking mode associated with the input device, and detecting that cooking of the food item according to the predetermined cooking mode is complete. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100000267 | Spin Drain Cycles for Reduction of Load Tangling in Abbreviated or No Central Column Top Load Laundry Washer - In place of a static drain, a final tub spin interval during a wash cycle and/or rinse cycle of a laundry washing machine/process is continued at the time that the main drain of the free liquid in the wash tub is initiated. This spin may continue until completion of the drain and extraction. In one embodiment, the sequence includes a transition from a relatively slow speed spin of a rinse or wash agitation interval to a high speed extraction spin. Thus, the conventional transition from the rinse and/or wash cycle to a static drain is eliminated. In addition, the conventional transition from a static drain to a high-speed extraction spin drain is eliminated. Such a change in the operation sequence of the washer can help reduce tangling and/or balling of the wash load, especially in a washer having an abbreviated or no central column/agitator. Such a change can also reduce associated imbalance during the spin drain, which can benefit machines both with and without a central agitator. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20090323261 | RANGE TOP SUPPORT WITH INTEGRAL POSITIONING CLIPS - An assembly for aligning a top frame with respect to a top portion of a chassis in a home appliance is provided. The assembly includes a top frame and a support plate. The support plate is configured to be secured to a chassis and includes a first set and a second set of protrusions. The first set of protrusions is configured to engage the top frame to align the top frame in fore and aft directions. The second set of protrusions is configured to engage the top frame to align the top frame in transverse directions. A method for aligning a top frame with respect to a top portion of a chassis in a home appliance is also provided. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090322195 | Additive Dispenser Drawer Assembly - An additive dispenser drawer includes roller assemblies located on opposite sides near a rear portion of the dispenser drawer. Each roller assembly moves within a guide rail attached to a side of a housing. Bearing fixtures are attached to the housing near the front and act upon surfaces of the dispenser drawer. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090320823 | COOKTOP SWIRL BURNER - A gas burner for a cooking appliance is described. The gas burner includes a burner with an inner and outer wall positioned on a burner base, and a circular combustion chamber. The burner includes a plurality of angled fuel exit ports in the inner wall that swirl gaseous fuel into the combustion chamber. The burner also includes vanes on the base of the burner that swirl air drawn into the burner by convection. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090320371 | Push-Position Indicator for Appliance Door - A push-push appliance door, e.g., for a front-load automatic laundry washer, includes a peripheral frame having a first cut-out configured to receive a push-position indicator member that designates a push-position for opening the door. The frame may include a second cut-out located on an opposite side of the frame from the first cut-out. The door may further include a cut-out filler piece. The first and second cut-outs may be configured to interchangeably and interlockingly receive the indicator member and the cut-out filler piece, to thereby allow the indicator member to be properly positioned in relation to a selection of a hinge/latch location. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090261697 | Appliance Drawer and Latch Mechanism Therefor - An appliance drawer construction allows, upon the press of a button, the extension of the drawer from a housing. At the same time, inadvertent unintended opening caused, e.g., by a person's body brushing past or up against the appliance, may be avoided. In another aspect, the invention provides a simple and effective latch release linkage which is particularly well suited to a drawer, like a laundry washer additives dispenser drawer, that requires an offset of the latch from the operation push-button, due to the placement of an additive storage compartment portion of the drawer directly behind the front console of the drawer, and the space constraints within the housing that receives the drawer. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090260616 | VENTILATING KITCHEN RANGE SUBFRAME - A kitchen range subframe includes air channels for passively directing air to and/or from an element enclosure within the kitchen range, and a range component shelf that is configured to mount one or more range components to the kitchen range subframe. The kitchen range subframe provides improved ventilation for the kitchen range, and mounting locations for range components such as gas lines and kitchen range controls. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090260614 | GRATES WITH HEAT SHIELD - In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cooking apparatus is provided. The cooking apparatus comprises a cooking surface, at least one grate, and a guard. The cooking surface includes at least one heat source and a control panel. The at least one grate is provided over a portion of the cooking surface. The guard is coupled to the at least one grate. The guard includes a first side and a second side. The first side of the guard is configured to deflect heat radiating from the at least one heat source. The second side of the guard corresponds with a sidewall of the cooking surface to form a channel between the guard and the sidewall. The channel is configured to create a thermal barrier between the at least one heat source and the control panel. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090250451 | AUTO STIR - A cooking method includes operation of a convection fan and a bake heating element to stir heat within an oven cavity. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090250420 | TUCK AND STORE RACK - A rack for an appliance includes a main section including a frame adapted to be supported within a cavity of an appliance, and a primary platform area. The rack also includes an auxiliary section having an auxiliary platform area and being adapted to be movable relative to the main section between a retracted position and an extended position. In one example, a track is coupled to the frame and the auxiliary section is movable about the track. The auxiliary section can include a support bar configured for sliding engagement with the track. In another example, the track includes a first planar support area and a second planar support area for supporting the auxiliary section. In yet another example, the rack further includes a first stop portion to maintain the auxiliary section in the extended position, and a second stop portion to maintain the auxiliary section in the retracted position. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090241605 | Laundering Device Vibration Control - Methods and systems that detect high resonance frequencies as a laundering device (e.g., a washer or dryer) is in a spin cycle, and avoids those frequencies, as well as a band around those frequencies (e.g., 75 rpm on either side of the resonant frequency), in subsequent spin cycles, is described. Aspects of the invention also provide for detecting whether the setup of the laundering device has changed (e.g., resulting from a change in physical location or setup), and provides for the recalibration of a resonance frequency or known high vibration speed when a new setup is detected. Aspects of the invention recognize that solutions to minimize vibration are unnecessary. It is not necessary to optimize or minimize vibration in order for a laundry device to work properly, but rather it is sufficient to ensure that the laundry device does not spin the drum at a speed that causes excessive vibration. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090205630 | BURNER WITH FLAME STABILITY - The present invention concerns a burner assembly that includes a burner body having a combustible gas chamber from which a combustible gas is distributed to a plurality of burner ports at which the combustible gas can be combusted and a stability chamber in gas-flow communication with the combustible gas chamber for maintaining the combustion of the combustible gas in the stability chamber whenever the combustion of the combustible gas at the plurality of burner ports is disturbed, whereby the combustion of the combustible gas at the plurality of the burner ports may be resumed upon the cessation of the disturbance. The burner assembly can also include a burner cap for closing off the top of the burner body so as to substantially preclude the escape of the combustible gas from the combustible gas chamber, the stability gas chamber and the burner ports at the top of the burner body. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090189500 | MAGNETIC FREEZER BASKET PULL - A pull-out drawer assembly for a refrigerator bottom freezer. The assembly includes upper and lower baskets slidably mounted one above the other. The bottom basket has a drawer face mounted to its front edge. The upper basket has a magnet which cooperates with an engagement device that is mounted on the lower basket and is attractable to the magnet so that, when the drawer is pulled out of the freezer compartment, both drawers travel as a unit. The upper drawer can then be pushed back to disengage the engagement device from the magnet and provide access to the lower basket. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090178427 | WINE COOLER WITH INTERNAL LIGHTING - A refrigeration appliance includes an insulated cabinet forming an interior cavity. A refrigeration system cools the interior cavity. A first light source emits light into the interior cavity along a first illumination axis. A second light source for emits light into the interior cavity along a second illumination axis. A bottle storage rack is located within the insulated cabinet. The bottle storage rack includes a first rung pair, a second rung pair, and a third rung pair. The first illumination axis passes between a rung of the first rung pair and a rung of the second rung pair, and the second illumination axis passes between another rung of the second rung pair and a rung of the third rung pair. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090158782 | Methods and Systems for Water Delivery in an Additive Dispenser - A washing apparatus such as an automatic laundry washing machine includes a wash agent dispenser drawer including an additive compartment for storing various additives such as detergent, bleach and fabric softener. One or more water inflow tubes may extend downwardly into the additive compartment and may be configured to deliver water for diluting the additives contained in the compartment. The inflow tubes are of sufficient length to reach a sub-surface portion of additive held in the compartment. Water may simultaneously be delivered to the surface of the additive. Furthermore, inflow tubes have their outlets positioned adjacent to the base(s) of one or more siphon post/cap assemblies located in the additive compartments, such that a churning effect is produced from the injection of water through the tubes and the siphoning action of the siphon post, whereby mixing is enhanced and additive buildup may be avoided and/or removed. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090144109 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING AN ORDER STATUS - A computerized system and method for monitoring an order placed by a customer for a product produced by a supplier to be delivered to a retail location. The method includes presenting an order-entry interface to collect order information about the order to be transmitted to the supplier and store the order information in a computer-accessible order database. Warehouse information authorized by the supplier and transmitted to the warehouse is also stored. A carrier database stores a shipping rate of carriers for transporting the product ordered by the customer to the retail location, and a report generation subsystem collects at least a portion of the order information, the warehouse information and the shipping rate and generates a report displaying the collected information in a single display to be substantially simultaneously reviewed by a supervisor. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090139108 | DRYER DRUM VANE - A dryer has complex angled surfaces and a plurality of grip elements thereon. The angled surfaces have varying angles of inclination relative to a base of the dryer vane and the characteristics of the grip elements vary in relation to the angle of inclination of the surface portions upon which they are disposed. The grip elements may protrude from the vane surfaces and the height of the grip elements may vary in relation to the varying angle of inclination of the surfaces. Taller grip elements may be provided on the less inclined surfaces and shorter grip elements may be provided on the more inclined surfaces. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090134143 | ELECTRONIC POWER CONTROL FOR COOKTOP HEATERS - An electronic cook top control system has a cooktop including a heating element. An electronic controller is operatively connected to the cooktop. A rotary position input is operatively connected to the electronic controller. The electronic controller controls a heating level of the cooktop in a first manner in response to rotation of the rotary position input in a first direction. The electronic controller controls the heating level of the cooktop in a second manner in response to rotation of the rotary position input in a second direction. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090126417 | LAUNDRY APPLIANCE OVER-MOLDED METAL PORTHOLE DOOR FRAME - A laundry appliance door frame provides an integrated, flame resistant and aesthetic alternative to conventional laundry appliance door frame assemblies, with the benefits of both plastic and metal. The laundry appliance door frame assembly includes a first frame member forming a first peripheral portion of a laundry appliance door about a window pane and a second frame member forming a second peripheral portion of a laundry appliance door about the window pane. The frame members provide a seat to support the window pane on one side and interlocks with reversible hinge and latch components that become part of the frame. Each frame member includes an elongated metal bracket which is at least partially encapsulated within a casing formed of plastic material over-molded onto the metal bracket. The metal brackets have exposed tabs on their ends forming a capture mechanism that provides flame resistant structural support to the side of the window pane opposite the seat. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090119849 | Sequenced Water Delivery in an Additive Dispenser - An automatic washing machine includes a wash additive dispenser for dispensing detergent and one or more additives into a wash tub. Water is delivered to a first wash agent chamber in the wash additive dispenser for delivery into a wash tub during a wash cycle. Water is subsequently delivered to a second wash agent chamber to flush from that chamber any unintended collection of water or additive residue therein, as may result from the water delivery to the first wash agent chamber and/or from an earlier dispensing of additive from the second wash agent chamber. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090100880 | Additive Dispenser - An additive dispenser includes a fluid-retaining chamber. A siphoning post extends upward from a lower surface of the fluid-retaining chamber and cooperates with a cap or other structure so as to form a siphon chamber. When water is added to the chamber and a liquid level rises above an inlet to the siphoning element, a siphoning effect draws fluid from the chamber. When the siphoning effect is interrupted, any unsiphoned fluid remaining in the chamber exits by permeation through one or more porous elements located in a base of the chamber. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090087804 | BURNER CAP FLAME STABILIZATION CHAMBER - A gas burner cap for a cooking appliance includes a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side of the cap is configured to face a corresponding burner body. One or more flame-stabilization chambers are located on the bottom side of the cap. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090071464 | HANDLE RACK - A handle rack includes a frame having first and second side edges and front and rear crossbars. A plurality of bar extend between portions of the frame. A handle cross-member is disposed rearwardly of the front crossbar and has a first end secured to the first side edge of the frame and a second end secured to the second side edge of the frame. At least one strengthening bar is provided which has a first portion coupled to the front crossbar and a second portion coupled to the handle cross-member. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090064707 | FAST FREEZE SHELF - A refrigeration appliance includes an insulated cabinet forming an interior cavity and a refrigeration system for cooling the interior cavity. A thermally conductive shelf forms a support surface within the interior cavity, and a thermal sink is operatively coupled to the conductive shelf. The thermal sink is adapted to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy from the thermally conductive shelf. In one example, the thermal sink includes a plurality of thermal sinks operatively coupled to the conductive shelf. In another example, the thermal sink is removable from the interior cavity. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090058248 | OFFSET WEIGHT SUPPORTING SLIDE - An appliance is provided that includes a storage compartment with a shelf within the storage compartment. A support apparatus is configured for supporting the shelf. The support apparatus can include a first support, a second support, three track surfaces and three bearings. The first support is configured to be attached to an interior wall of the storage compartment. Each of the track surfaces is located on the first support. The second support is configured to engage the first support by the bearings of the second support being received within a respective track surface located on the first support. The shelf can be attached to the second support of the support apparatus. The shelf and the second support are movable into a plurality of positions relative to the interior wall of the storage compartment by a movement of the shelf with respect to the track surfaces located on the first support. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090058247 | DROP-DOWN SHELF - Storage systems are provided with a first shelf and a drop-down shelf. In one example, the storage system includes first and second link members that are each slidably and pivotably attached with respect to the first shelf. Each of the link members is also pivotably attached with respect to the drop-down shelf. In another example, the storage system includes first and second stationary track guides that each extend away from the first shelf. The drop-down shelf includes first and second support structures that are each slidably received in a respective one of the stationary track guides. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090039068 | ELECTRIC CURRENT CONDUCTION SYSTEM FOR APPLIANCE - An appliance is provided with an electric current conduction system. The appliance includes a main body portion including an interior cavity, and a door mounted for movement between an open position and a closed position. A driven component is coupled to the door and disposed at least partially exterior of an outer face thereof. In one example, the driven component is a light. An electric current conduction system includes a first conductor connected to the main body a second conductor connected to the door and configured to selectively engage the first conductor based upon the position of the door. Electric current is conducted between the first and second conductors when the first conductor is enaged with the second conductor. The driven component is operatively connected to the second conductor, such that electric current is conducted between the main body portion and the driven component for driving the driven component. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090021927 | REFRIGERATOR SHELF LED LIGHTING - An illumination device for illuminating an interior space of a refrigerator includes a panel and an illuminator for introducing light into the panel. The illuminator introduces light into the panel along an edge of the panel. A surface of the panel includes a plurality of lines for diverting introduced light to a region that is outside of the panel. The plurality of lines form a grid. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090013708 | REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE DISPENSER - A refrigeration appliance has an access door in which is located a recess containing a dispensing unit. The recess can include an upper surface, a rear surface and opposed side surfaces. The dispensing unit includes at least one of a dispensing outlet for dispensing a fluid such as water and a dispensing outlet for dispensing ice. The dispensing unit also includes at least one emitting source for emitting a beam of light and a respective receiver for receiving the beam of light from each of the at least one emitting source. Each of the at least one emitting source and the respective receiver comprise a light couple. The emitting source and receiver of each light couple are arranged so that the light passing between the emitting source and the receiver passes substantially vertically beneath at least one of the at least one of a dispensing outlet for dispensing a fluid and a dispensing outlet for dispensing ice. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090001246 | ANTI-TIP DEVICE FOR AN APPLIANCE WITH AN INTERLOCK SWITCH - An appliance includes a leg for support upon a support surface, an interlock switch mechanically coupled to the leg and electrically coupled to control circuitry of the appliance, an anti-tip bracket having an aperture configured to receive a portion of the leg, and means for operating the interlock switch when the leg is properly positioned within the aperture. In one example, an actuator is coupled to the leg and is movable relative to the leg when the leg is positioned within the aperture. In another example, the interlock switch includes a first and second electrode, and selective electrical contact occurs between the first and second electrodes when the actuator is moved. In another example, a member projects from the appliance and the anti-tip is configured to receive a portion of the member. A method is also provided for preventing use of an appliance due to improper installation of the appliance. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090000461 | APPLIANCE AUDIO NOTIFICATION DEVICE - A flexible audio tone-generating device for use in a consumer appliance. The device generates pleasing musical tones. The device uses two outputs of a software-executing processor utilizing stored tone data associated with status events of the appliance to drive a tone circuit for outputting a melody using the tones to notify the user of the existence of one of the status events. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090000321 | HOT GAS DEFROST METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method of and apparatus for defrosting an evaporator in a cooling system are provided. The cooling system includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and a refrigerant that is circulated in sequence from the compressor to the condenser, to the evaporator and back to the compressor during routine operation of the cooling system. The method and apparatus comprise shutting off the flow of the refrigerant from the compressor to the evaporator through the condenser while continuing to operate the compressor so as to apply suction to the refrigerant in the evaporator and thereafter directing compressed refrigerant from the compressor to the evaporator while bypassing the condenser and continuing to shut off the flow of the refrigerant from the compressor to the evaporator through the condenser. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080302441 | STORAGE COMPARTMENT - A storage compartment comprises an external enclosure having an opening and a holding compartment that is capable of being inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure through the opening in the external enclosure. Stored articles are contained within the holding compartment. The external enclosure and the holding compartment have coacting surfaces, and a seal is interposed between those coacting surfaces for sealing off the interior of the holding compartment to the entry of gases when the holding compartment is inserted into the external enclosure and the coacting surfaces of the external enclosure and the holding compartment are brought together in a sealing relationship with the seal. Complementary surfaces at the holding compartment and at the exterior of the external enclosure are in engagement with one another and provide surfaces along which the holding compartment travels when it is inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080302125 | TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED COMPARTMENT - The invention concerns a storage unit that is adapted to be located in a refrigeration appliance. The storage unit includes a holding compartment for holding articles the temperature of which is to be controlled. The holding compartment is adapted to be placed in air flow communication with a source of cold air whereby the cold air may be delivered to the holding compartment. An air-flow passageway for recirculating air discharged from the holding compartment back to the holding compartment is provided along with a mixing area where the cold air and the recirculated air may be mixed in selected quantities. A user interface providing for the selection of a temperature-control procedure from a group of available temperature-control procedures for application to the interior of the holding compartment is included. The storage unit can include a controller for controlling the implementation of the temperature-control procedure selected by the user. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080302114 | STORAGE SYSTEMS - A system for storing articles can have at least two operating modes. In the first mode, gases are evacuated from the system whereby the articles are stored at a pressure less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. In the second mode, gases are evacuated while the system is open to the admittance of gases from the exterior of the system whereby the articles are ventilated by the admitted gases. The system also can have a third operating mode wherein both the first and second modes are rendered inoperative. The storage system can function so that when the articles are stored in the first mode, gases are intermittently removed from the system whereby the pressure at which the articles are stored is maintained at less than the pressure at the exterior of the system. The storage system can be located in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080282714 | REFRIGERATOR DEFROSTING AND CHILLING COMPARTMENT - A defrosting and chilling compartment that can be incorporated into the fresh food compartment of a refrigerator includes separate and independent pathways for selectively conducting warming or cooling air, respectively, to a holding section in the compartment where an item to be defrosted or chilled is located. Certain of the pathways are used to conduct warming air and certain other pathways are used to conduct cooling air. A heating device is associated with the pathways that conduct warming air, and the pathways that conduct cooling air are associated with a source of cooling air. Separate air-moving devices, such as fans for example, can be provided for the separate pathways. The pathways can include a closure device for selectively and variably opening and closing the pathways. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080272072 | HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM FOR A DISHWASHER RACK AND ASSOCIATED METHOD - A height adjustment mechanism for a dish rack of a dishwasher is provided, having an attachment channel for attaching the dish rack to the dishwasher. A wheel assembly slideably engages the attachment channel at first and second spaced apart locations. The wheel assembly includes engagement features corresponding to a plurality of dish rack heights. A rack mounting assembly is attached to the dish rack and slideably attached to the wheel assembly. A lever is pivotably engaged relative to the rack mounting assembly and is configured to selectively engage one of the engagement features. A biasing element is configured to urge the lever into selective engagement with the engagement features, and the rack mounting assembly may be moved from a first to a second dish rack height position by applying a force to the rack mounting assembly generally perpendicular to the attachment channel. An associated method and system are also provided. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080237212 | CONVECTION PREHEAT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RADIANT BAKING - A cooking appliance includes a cabinet forming an oven cavity, a broil heating element, a bake heating element, a convection heating system and a controller. The convection heating system develops a flow of heated air into the oven cavity, and includes a fan and a convection heating element. The controller controls activations of the broil, bake and convection heating elements during an oven cavity preheating operation in which the broil heating element and the bake heating element are alternately activated while the convection heating element is activated. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080237166 | GLIDE RACK - A rack for an appliance includes a main section having a support frame, and an arm coupled to the support frame and movable relative to the support frame between a first position and a second position. In one example, the arm is movable towards the first position and is configured for engagement with a stop portion of an appliance cavity for inhibiting removal of the main section therefrom. In another example, the appliance cavity includes at least one stop portion, and the arm is movable towards engagement with the stop portion for inhibiting removal of the main section from the appliance cavity. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080236638 | DISHWASHER PUMP APPARATUS WITH A SOUND ABSORBING LAYER - A dishwasher pump apparatus includes a liquid pump member, a motor operably connected to the liquid pump member and a cooling fan configured to cool the motor. The cooling fan includes an outer fan housing. Example dishwasher pump apparatus can further include an outer sound absorbing layer at least partially encapsulating at least one of an outer motor housing and the outer fan housing. Further examples, the outer fan housing can include an exhaust portion defining an exhaust path. An inner sound absorbing layer can line an inner area of the exhaust portion. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080217266 | TURNTABLE OVEN RACK - A rack for an appliance is provided. The rack includes a main support platform having a first support frame, an auxiliary support platform having a second support frame, and a plurality of elongated support members attached to the second support frame for form an auxiliary support surface. The auxiliary support platform is rotatable relative to the main support platform. In one example, the auxiliary support platform is rotatably connected to the main support platform. In addition or alternatively, a rotational drive member is operatively attached to the main support platform and operatively attached to the auxiliary support platform for causing rotational movement of the auxiliary support platform relative to the main support platform. Further, an appliance is provided including a main body having an interior cavity bounded by at least one wall section, and the main support platform is configured to be supported within the interior cavity. | 09-11-2008 |
