| WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120132292 | VACUUM COMPARTMENT IN REFRIGERATOR - A refrigerator comprises a vacuum source and a food storage compartment including a drawer unit having a storage space. The food storage compartment is operable between a substantially air-tight retracted position and an open extended position. A vacuum source is in communication with the storage space of the drawer unit and is operable to reduce air pressure inside the drawer unit during an evacuation event. A sealing unit includes a base connected to the drawer unit. A sealing bracket is hingedly-connected to the base and operable between a raised position and a lowered position, the sealing bracket adapted to abut the base when in the lowered position. A heat sealing bar is disposed on one of the base and the sealing bracket. A control system is operable to activate the vacuum source and initiate the evacuation event when the drawer unit is in the air-tight retracted position. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120128855 | LIQUID FLOW CONTROL AND BEVERAGE PREPARATION APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120128847 | LIQUID FLOW CONTROL AND BEVERAGE PREPARATION APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125830 | PORTABLE OZONATION APPARATUS FOR STORING AND PURIFYING LIQUID - A portable ozonation apparatus for storing and purifying liquids includes a container having an opening for receiving a liquid and a treatment cap. The treatment cap is preferably detachably mounted to the container at the opening. Preferably, the treatment cap includes a main body portion having provided therein an electricity generating device and an ozone generating device. With this arrangement, un-purified liquid, such as water, is introduced into the container. The container is then inverted to bring the un-purified liquid into contact with the ozone generating device. At this point, the electricity generating device is activated to deliver an electrical current to the ozone generating device. Once powered, the ozone generating device produces ozone which is introduced into the liquid container. The ozone gas transforms un-purified liquid into a purified liquid suitable for consumption. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125384 | HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE HAVING A SIGNAL RELAY - A household appliance for performing a useful cycle of operation on a physical article may have a treating chamber for holding the physical article during performance of the useful cycle of operation. The household appliance may include a temporary controllable device located within the treating chamber where the temporary controllable device may be communicated with. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125383 | DISHWASHER WITH MOVABLE LIQUID CONDUIT - A dishwasher includes a compartment in the form of a drawer or pull-out treating chamber slidably mounted in a chassis is provided with one or more liquid supply and draining conduits for supplying and draining liquid to and from the treating chamber. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125382 | DISHWASHER - A dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber and at least one dish rack located within the wash chamber. The dishwasher also has at least one spray arm assembly located in the wash chamber, and at least one nozzle located in the wash chamber beneath the dish rack. A diverter valve controls the supply of liquid from a liquid supply to the at least one nozzle. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125381 | DISHWASHER - A dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber and at least one dish rack located within the wash chamber. The dishwasher also has at least one spray arm located in the wash chamber and at least one nozzle located in the wash chamber and configured to provide a spray of liquid into the dish rack. A diverter valve controls the supply of liquid from a liquid supply to the at least one nozzle. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125366 | NON-INTEGRATED BULK DISPENSER AND METHOD OF OPERATING A DISHWASHER HAVING SAME - A removable non-integrated treating chemistry dispensing cartridge assembly may emit a signal in response to a predetermined amount of treating chemistry being detected and in response to a predetermined amount of illumination being detected. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120118336 | DISHWASHER WITH FILTER CLEANING ASSEMBLY - A dishwasher having a filter system to remove soils from the recirculated liquid and a heating element for pyrolytically cleaning the soils from the filter system. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118330 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISHWASHER WITH COMMON HEATING ELEMENT FOR MULTIPLE TREATING CHAMBERS - A dishwasher with multiple, physically separate treating chambers includes a liquid supply system supplying liquid to the treating chambers, an air supply system supplying air to the treating chambers, and a common heating element for simultaneously heating the air and liquid. A method for operating a dishwasher including simultaneously heating the air and the liquid with a common heating element is also provided. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118323 | METHOD TO REMOVE FATTY SOILS IN A DISHWASHER - A method of operating a dishwasher by controlling the use of hot liquids to dissolve fatty soils. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120118022 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING LAUNDRY LOAD SIZE - A method and apparatus according to one embodiment for operating a laundry treating appliance includes determining a parameter representative of a rotational speed of laundry in a drum and determining a laundry load size based on the parameter. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120111366 | APPLIANCE WITH HANDLE INTERFACE - An appliance having a handle for grasping and moving a movable element of the appliance, with a user interface mounted to the handle. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111363 | METHOD OF REUSING WASH AND RINSE LIQUID IN A DISHWASHER - A method of operating a dishwasher having a treating chamber for washing utensils includes draining, capturing, and storing a portion of a wash liquid multiple times within a single cycle to optimize water savings. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111047 | REFRIGERATOR WITH INTERMEDIATE TEMPERATURE ICEMAKING COMPARTMENT - An icemaking compartment is provided in the refrigerator compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. An icemaker is within the icemaking compartment. A cold air duct supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaker. The cold air duct is formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator. A fan controls the flow of air through the cold air duct. A return air duct is provided to direct a portion of the air from the icemaker back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaker directs another portion of air into the refrigerator compartment. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120110869 | END OF CYCLE DETECTION FOR A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable treating chamber for receiving laundry to be dried according to a predetermined cycle of operation and determining when the laundry is dry. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120107453 | BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATED WATER FILTER RECOMMENDATION - A device and mechanism for recommending a water filter in a beverage dispenser is described. A sensor senses qualities of unfiltered water. Another sensor senses qualities of a flavorant container, such as the flavorant contained within the container. Based on the quality of the unfiltered water and the particular flavored beverage desired, the device will recommend a water filter to optimize the flavor of the beverage. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104028 | REFRIGERATOR BEVERAGE FLAVOR DISPENSER WITH FLAVOR STRENGTH ADJUSTMENT - A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a door for providing access to within the refrigerator cabinet, and a beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser may be positioned at the door. The beverage dispenser includes a water source for supplying water, a beverage flavor source containing a flavor medium and having a flavor source opening with and adjustable size, and a user interface. The user interface is connected to the beverage flavor source to control the amount of flavor medium dispensed by the beverage flavor source through the flavor source opening. The amount of flavor medium dispensed will determine the flavor strength of a flavored beverage after the flavor medium has mixed with water or another liquid. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104026 | BEVERAGE-MAKING INSERT WITH BUILT-IN WATER BYPASS - An apparatus, method, and system of dispensing beverages. A dispensing module includes a body, a mixing chamber in the body, and a conduit in the body whereby the mixing chamber and conduit have separate inlets and outlets. The separate inlets can be translated selectively between a discharge end of a diluent source such that from the single module either diluent directly from the diluent source can be dispensed or diluent through the mixing chamber can be dispensed to a container. The mixing chamber can be pre-loaded with concentrate or flavoring for mixing with the diluent or concentrate or flavoring can be added to the mixing chamber from a separate source. Thus, the two flow paths are isolated from one another but allow at least two beverage choices through the same module. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104025 | MULTI-SINGLE SERVE BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM - A multi-single serve beverage dispensing apparatus, method and system is disclosed. Storage, management and delivery of a desired liquid enhancement cartridge to a beverage preparation positioned in a refrigerator or other liquid dispensing appliance is provided. A liquid dispensing cartridge is inserted and retrieved through a cartridge loading/unloading interface associated with a cabinet body of a liquid dispensing appliance. A storage system having multiple cartridge holding positions for storing and staging a variety of liquid enhancement cartridges is included. An indexing system has a means for moving one or more of the cartridges into a beverage preparation position for preparing and dispensing a beverage. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104024 | REFRIGERATOR WITH BEVERAGE DISPENSER CLEANING SYSTEM - A refrigerator is provided which includes a cabinet. A first compartment and second compartment are disposed within the cabinet. A first door provides access to the first compartment and a second door provides access to the second compartment. A beverage dispensing system is disposed within the cabinet. The beverage dispensing system has a fluid line, a fluid enhancement line, and a cleaning subsystem for cleaning the fluid component line and the fluid enhancement line. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104023 | BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH MACHINE VISION - A refrigerator is provided which includes a cabinet. A first compartment and second compartment are disposed within the cabinet. A first door provides access to the first compartment and a second door provides access to the second compartment. A beverage dispensing system is operatively connected to the cabinet. A machine vision system associated with the beverage dispensing system. The machine vision system has an imaging device. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104022 | APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING AND DISPENSING LIQUID ENHANCEMENT COMPONENTS FROM A REFRIGERATOR - A refrigerator or liquid dispensing appliance adapted for receiving, storing, managing, processing and dispensing a liquid enhancement component for preparation of a finished beverage is disclosed. Delivery, processing and management of the liquid enhancement component includes loading a solid liquid enhancement component at a product interface, and managing the transfer of the liquid enhancement component through various systems of the invention including processing to provide a processed liquid enhancement component for discharging for preparing a finished beverage. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104021 | BEVERAGE SYSTEM ARCHITECTURES FOR REFRIGERATORS - A refrigerator with a liquid conditioning system providing a variety of levels and types of conditioned liquid streams for outputting to a refrigerator dispenser is disclosed. A liquid conditioning circuit having means for outputting ambient, cold, heated, filtered, and carbonated liquid streams for use in combination with a refrigerator is also disclosed. A finished beverage made from a conditioned liquid stream or combination of conditioned liquid streams is enhanced with one or more liquid enhancements components provided by a liquid enhancement system. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120104020 | LIQUID DISPENSER WITH COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER - A liquid dispenser utilizes a collapsible container that contains a supply of liquid. The collapsible container is received within a chamber that has a stationary wall. A moveable member is adjustable into contact with the collapsible container within the chamber. An indicator displays an estimated amount of liquid remaining in the collapsible container based on a position of the moveable member. The moveable member may squeeze the collapsible container against the stationary wall to thereby increase pressure within the liquid in the collapsible container to urge an outlet valve towards an open position in order to resolve any clogs in the valve. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103197 | BEVERAGE DISPENSER WITH MULTI-CHAMBERED CAROUSEL AND AUTOMATIC COORDINATION OF FLAVORANT FLOW RATE - An appliance includes a dispenser for dispensing a mixture of a diluent and a consumable. The mixture may be a beverage wherein the diluent is water and the consumable is a flavorant. The dispenser includes a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the diluent at the inlet. The rate at which the consumable is added to the diluent is dependent upon the pressure of the diluent at the inlet. The consumable may be provided in a single container, or a user may specify a particular type of consumable from a plurality of containers provided on a rotation carousel. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120103071 | STREAM DETECTION AND/OR CHARACTERIZATION FOR BEVERAGE DISPENSING IN A REFRIGERATOR - A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet and a refrigerating compartment within the refrigerator cabinet. A beverage dispensing system is operatively connected to the refrigerator cabinet, the beverage dispensing system configured to dispense a stream of a beverage. The beverage dispensing system includes a light source and a light sensor positioned on opposite sides of the stream of the beverage. The beverage dispensing system is configured for detecting if dispensement of the beverage is occurring and characterizing the volume or amount of the beverage being dispensed. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102999 | REFILLABLE CONSUMABLE BEVERAGE FLAVORING CARTRIDGE - A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a freezer compartment, a fresh food compartment, a door providing access to the refrigerator, and a beverage dispensing system. The beverage dispensing system includes a beverage cartridge. The beverage cartridge includes a filter, a pump, and a beverage medium, wherein the beverage medium is combined with water to produce a flavored beverage. The beverage medium may be a powder or a syrup, which when mixed with water, produces a desired flavored beverage. The beverage cartridge is combined and connected with the beverage dispensing unit to filter and pump water in to pass through and mix with the flavor medium to produce a flavored beverage which may be passed through the refrigerator to an output where a user can fill a container with the flavored beverage. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102998 | MULTIPLE INLET DISPENSING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR PREPARING BEVERAGES - A liquid dispensing apparatus and system for controlling the delivery of liquid additives is disclosed. In one aspect, liquid additives are delivered to a beverage preparation system through a multiple inlet pump for preparing a finished beverage. In another aspect, additives from liquid additive containers are delivered to a beverage preparation system through a multiple inlet and pumping section pump for preparing a finished beverage. Other additives are communicated through the beverage dispensing system for maintaining and cleaning the system and the multiple inlet pump for ensuring the hygienical integrity of the system throughout its use. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102993 | BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM WITH USER CUSTOMIZABLE INPUTS - A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a first compartment, a second compartment, a first door providing access to the first compartment, a second door providing access to the second compartment, and a beverage dispensing system operatively connected the cabinet. The refrigerator further includes a user interface operatively connected to the cabinet, the user interface having a display and being configured to identify a user of the beverage dispensing system and customize beverage settings and preferences associated with the user. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120102716 | METHOD OF ASSEMBLING A HANDLE TO A SELECTIVE ONE OF A FRONT FACE AND A SIDE EDGE OF A REFRIGERATOR DOOR - A method of assembling allows a refrigerator handle to be selectively mounted to a front face portion or a side edge of a refrigerator door. The handle includes first and second ends separated by an intermediate portion, wherein each of the handle ends includes a recessed section. Each of the recessed sections includes a mounting arrangement formed therein, which is adapted to receive either a bracket for mounting the handle to the side edge of the door or a clip for mounting the handle to the front face portion of the door. The method includes selectively attaching the handle to the front face of the door through the clip, or to the side edge with the mounting bracket. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120098521 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH VOLTAGE DETECTION - A method of determining a voltage and phase across an electric heating element in a laundry treating appliance, such as a clothes dryer. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097667 | Microwave Heating Apparatus and Method of Operating Such a Microwave Heating Apparatus - A microwave heating apparatus and a method of operating a microwave heating apparatus are provided. The microwave heating apparatus comprises a load receiving cavity, at least one microwave source, a plurality of feeding ports connected to the microwave source and the cavity for feeding microwaves to the cavity, a measuring unit and a control unit. The measuring unit measures, for at least one frequency or within a frequency range, the power of microwaves reflected back to the microwave source for at least part of the plurality of feeding ports. The control unit selects at least one of the feeding ports based on the measured powers of the reflected microwaves in order to feed microwaves to the cavity via the at least one selected feeding port during operation of the microwave heating apparatus at the at least one frequency or within the frequency range. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097200 | DISHWASHER WITH CONTROLLED ROTATION OF LOWER SPRAY ARM - An automatic dishwasher having first and second sprayers located within a washtub, a diverter valve to selectively divert liquid flowing from the wash chamber between the first and second sprayers, and a drive system moving the first sprayer in the wash chamber. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097199 | DISHWASHER WITH WASH LOAD DETECTION - A method of operating a dishwasher having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving utensils and a spraying system spraying liquid in the treating chamber, to determine at least one parameter of the cycle of operation based on the set of load condition by selectively spraying liquid in multiple portions of the treating chamber. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096738 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH INLET TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION - A method for operating a laundry treating appliance, such as a clothes dryer, having a treating chamber, an air system for supplying and exiting air from the treating chamber, a heating element for heating the air to the treating chamber, and a controller determining an inlet temperature used as a control input for a cycle of operation. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096737 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MOISTURE SENSOR NOISE IMMUNITY - A method of controlling the operation of a clothes dryer with a moisture sensor having a conductivity circuit with spaced contacts. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096736 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH CONTROLLED CYCLE TIME - A method of operating a clothes dryer having a treating chamber for receiving a laundry load, an air system for supplying and exhausting air from the treating chamber, a heating element for heating the air supplied to the treating chamber, and a controller implementing a cycle of operation, wherein the controller estimates a cycle time of a drying cycle of operation. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120090643 | DISHWASHER DETERGENT DISPENSER - In a dishwasher having a washing chamber capable of accommodating kitchenware for washing, a detergent dispenser includes a housing defining a chamber for receiving detergent. A lid is pivotally connected to the housing for selectively pivoting between a closed position for sealing the detergent chamber and an open position which permits washing fluid to enter the detergent chamber in connection with dispensing of detergent. The detergent chamber is provided with at least one washout port enabling washing fluid to enter the chamber, even if the lid can only pivot through a limited range to a partial open position due to an obstruction. A raised shield guard, which is spaced from the lid, extends in front of the lid to ensure that a potentially obstructing object within the washing chamber does not prevent the lid from moving to at least the partial open position during a wash cycle. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090191 | METHOD FOR DRYING CLOTHES IN A DRIER AND A MOISTURE ESTIMATION CONTROL TO OBTAIN AN AUTOMATIC CYCLE TERMINATION - The power P of the heater of a dryer is regulated in order to heat up the air used to dry washed articles placed in the drying chamber to a temperature close to a set point temperature T | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090098 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO DETECT AN OVER-SUDS CONDITION - A method for determining an over-sudsing condition during a wash cycle of operation in a laundry treating appliance containing a foamable liquid. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120085846 | UNDER-SINK WASTE PROCESSING APPLIANCE - An under-sink waste processing appliance includes a waste separator which extracts liquid from organic waste and passes such extracted liquid to a residential drain line. The remaining solid, in the form of organic pulp, is dried in a dryer and deposited in a removable collection receptacle. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120084997 | METHOD TO DETECT AN END OF CYCLE IN A CLOTHES DRYER - A method for determining an end of cycle in a clothes dryer having a drying chamber with an air inlet, an air outlet and operable according to a predetermined cycle of operation. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120084996 | METHOD TO DETECT AN EMPTY LOAD IN A CLOTHES DRYER - A method for determining an empty load in a clothes dryer having a drying chamber with an air inlet, an air outlet and operable according to a predetermined cycle of operation. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120081993 | STAND MIXER WIPING BEATER WITH ADDITIONAL FEATURES - A mixing beater for a stand mixer includes a metallic frame having an arm, a plastic shell extending over the arm, and a scraper that extends over the plastic shell. The scraper has a wiping blade configured to contact an inner surface of a mixing bowl of the stand mixer. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120081992 | STAND MIXER WIPING BEATER - A mixing beater for a small appliance includes a metallic frame including an arm; a rigid plastic shell extending over the arm; and only one scraper. The scraper extends over the rigid plastic shell and has a flexible blade configured to contact an inner surface of a mixing bowl when viewed in a first plane. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120079664 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A CYCLE OF OPERATION IN A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - A method for controlling a laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber for treating laundry may provide a wash liquid including an enzyme into the treating chamber to effect an enzymatic reaction having at least one constituent product, monitor the concentration of the at least one constituent product, and alter the control of the laundry treating appliance in response to the concentration reaching a plateau. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120075635 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A CHARACTERISTIC OF A CONSUMABLE - The embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for determining at least one characteristic of a physical resource for use in a physical resource consuming apparatus. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120075305 | GRAPHIC FOR USE IN DETERMINING A CHARACTERISTIC OF A CONSUMABLE - A graphic may include a consumable and having optically encoded information. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120074224 | REMOVABLE COMPONENT FOR A CONSUMABLE WITH IDENTIFYING GRAPHIC - A removable component for dispensing a physical resource from a dispensing system may include a body defining a reservoir in which a physical resource may be stored, a graphic provided on the removable component having information. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073335 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A CHARACTERISTIC OF A CONSUMABLE - The embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for determining at least one characteristic of a physical resource for use in a physical resource consuming apparatus. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073062 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE BASED ON A FLOOR PARAMETER - A method for controlling the operation of a laundry treating appliance resting on a floor and having a rotatable drum defining a treating chamber that includes creating an imbalance in the drum, rotating the drum at least one predetermined speed, determining an out of balance parameter, determining a floor parameter of the floor based on the out of balance parameter, and setting at least one operating parameter based on the floor parameter. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073061 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH CLEANING SYSTEM FOR RESIDUAL TREATING CHEMISTRY - A method and apparatus for at least partially removing residual treating chemistry on an interface between a removable treating chemistry reservoir and a dispensing system of a laundry treating appliance. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120066842 | METHOD FOR DEFLECTING A SPRAY OF WASH LIQUID TO A DESIRED LOCATION IN A CLEANING APPLIANCE - A method for deflecting a spray of wash liquid to a desired location in either a drum or tub of a cleaning appliance along different flow paths and/or flow patterns according to the velocity of the wash liquid. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120043339 | LINER WITH ELECTRICAL PATHWAYS - A liner for an appliance is formed by a plastic sheet formed into a three dimensional shape corresponding to at least a portion of a compartment of the appliance. A plurality of electrically conductive ink pathways are applied on a surface of the plastic sheet, and a sealer material is applied to the plastic sheet to cover said pathways | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120036901 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE HAVING A DISPENSING DRAWER - A dispensing system for a laundry treating appliance may include a drawer slidable between a closed position and an open position, a cartridge recess formed in a portion of the drawer configured to receive the cartridge of treating chemistry, and an aperture through which the cartridge is viewable and formed in the portion of the drawer. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120031432 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ZONAL WASHING IN A DISHWASHER - A method for controlling the operation of an automatic dishwasher including receiving input for a zonal wash cycle from a user interface to a controller indicating a selection of a first cleaning cycle corresponding to a first wash zone and a second cleaning cycle, different from the first cleaning cycle, corresponding to a second wash zone, and implementing a zonal wash cycle by implementing each of the first and second cleaning cycles during a single cycle of operation of the dishwasher to define the zonal wash cycle. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120031112 | TURBO-CHILL CHAMBER WITH AIR-FLOW BOOSTER - An appliance system including an appliance and a turbo-chilling chamber is provided. The turbo-chilling chamber has a main body portion that typically includes: a rigid distal wall surrounding a foodstuff receiving space that accommodates variously sized foodstuffs (beverage containers); a rigid inner wall having at least one aperture along the length thereof and surrounding the foodstuff when the foodstuff is within the foodstuff receiving space; and a rigid intermediate wall between the rigid inner wall and the rigid distal wall that defines a coolant chamber between the rigid distal wall and the rigid intermediate wall and also defines an air cooling channel between the rigid intermediate wall and the rigid inner wall. A fan moves air through the air cooling channel and the at least one aperture and past the foodstuff. A method of turbo-chilling a foodstuff/beverage container/beverage within the turbo-chilling chamber is also provided. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120031111 | DIRECT CONTACT TURBO-CHILL CHAMBER USING SECONDARY COOLANT - An appliance system that includes an appliance and a turbo-chilling chamber is provided. In one embodiment, the turbo-chilling chamber for chilling a beverage within a beverage container or a foodstuff is operably engaged to an interior surface of the appliance and typically includes a rigid outer wall; a flexible inner wall defining a coolant chamber; and at least one coolant spaced between the rigid outer wall and flexible inner wall in the coolant chamber. The flexible inner wall defines a receiving space, accommodates various sized beverage containers or foodstuffs, and moves between a first position and a second position. The coolant within the coolant chamber is typically at higher than atmospheric pressure when the flexible inner wall is in the second position and a lesser pressure when the flexible inner wall is in the first position. The method of turbo-chilling a beverage container/beverage/foodstuff within the turbo-chilling chamber is also provided. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120018559 | FOOD PROCESSOR WITH CLEANING TOOL - A food processor having a dicing tool and a cleaning tool to clean out the dicing tool. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120017647 | LAUNDRY APPLIANCE - A laundry machine configured to supply a first amount of water to the wash tub wherein a wash plate can be oscillated such that clothes items directly above and in contact with the impeller are frictionally dragged in a oscillatory manner with the wash chamber while continuing to oscillate said wash plate, an additional supply of water is added to said wash tub such that as cloth items lost frictional engagement with the wash plate, the cloth items continue to move along an inverse toroidal rollover path at higher water levels. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120012137 | METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY FLUSHING A BULK DISPENSING SYSTEM IN A CLEANING APPLIANCE - A household cleaning appliance includes a bulk dispensing system configured to receive a removable cartridge containing multiple doses of treating chemistry and configured to deliver a charge of treating chemistry from the cartridge to a treating chamber and a water supply configured to be selectively coupled to the bulk dispensing system to flush at least a portion of the bulk dispensing system. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120012093 | GRAPHIC COOKTOP COVER - A cooking appliance including a glass cooktop having a plurality of spaced heating elements is provided with a cover in the form of a sheet which clings to the upper surface of the cooktop, about the heating elements, to protect the cooktop from spills, scratches and the like during use, while also preferably providing a decorative, graphic appearance. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120011738 | VARIABLE AIRFLOW IN LAUNDRY DRYER HAVING VARIABLE AIR INLET - A laundry treating appliance and a method for operating the appliance to supply air into a treating chamber through an air inlet and controlling the supplied air by varying the effective area of the air inlet. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120011662 | CONTROL AND WASH CYCLE FOR ACTIVATION AND DEACTIVATION OF CHEMISTRY IN THE WASH BATH OF AN AUTOMATIC WASHER - A control for an automatic washer to operate the washer through a wash cycle determined based upon various soils and stains in the substrate load to be washed with a wash liquor in a wash zone of the washer. The control has a plurality of stain/soil type entrées, which can be at least one of selected and detected, and cleaned with a particular wash cycle. The control has dispensing control over at least one wash liquor additive. The control has operational control over activators and deactivators for members of the additives group. The control has operational control over the particular wash cycles using the dispensing control to dispense additives to the wash liquor at selected times during the wash cycle and operating the activators and deactivators at selected times during the wash cycle. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120006829 | FREEZE-TOLERANT WATERLINE VALVE FOR A REFRIGERATOR - An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006778 | LEVER LOCK SLOTWALL STORAGE DEVICE - A mounting bracket is provided for removably mounting a storage device on a slot track or slotwall panel having a plurality of slots having undercut sidewalls that form generally “T” shaped slats. The mounting bracket includes a support surface having a first “J” shaped hook to hook over the edge of a slat and into the undercut sidewall and a second “J” shaped hook to hook into a second slot and into the undercut sidewall. The mounting bracket includes a storage device connector attached to the support surface at a first end and has a second end. The storage device connector can include a lock rotatably mounted on the top wall adjacent the first “J” shaped hook having a locking member and an operator that is rotatable between locked and unlocked positions. A storage device can be coupled to the second end of the storage device connector. The storage device can be an actuatable holding system for a bicycle, or other storage device such as a basket or a storage shelf. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120005841 | METHOD OF DETECTING AN OFF-BALANCE CONDITION OF A CLOTHES LOAD IN A WASHING MACHINE - An off-balance detection method comprises a plurality of off-balance detection schemes that utilize wash basket speed to detect an off-balance load condition at speed ranges that span the entire spin cycle and include speeds corresponding to natural frequencies of a mass comprising a wash tub and a wash basket. The schemes can be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other schemes. The off-balance detection method can further comprise a power limiting method to prevent motor overload when an off-balance condition is present. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120000086 | INTEGRATED HANGING SOLUTION - A laundry apparatus comprising a housing having an exterior and defining a recess opening to the exterior and a hanging assembly slidably disposed in the recess. In a stored position the hanging assembly is disposed at least partially in the recess and in a use position the hanging assembly is disposed at least partially exteriorly of the recess. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110315693 | INSULATION PANELS APPLIED TO OR AS A FEATURE MODULE - A refrigerator includes a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall that are permanently attached to define a cabinet. The cabinet includes an interior liner and an exterior wrapper. A door is pivotally connected with the cabinet and includes an interior liner and an exterior wrapper. A pocket is disposed in at least one of the rear wall, first side wall, second side wall, top wall, bottom wall, and door between the interior liner and the exterior wrapper. The pocket includes an access opening disposed at an edge of one of the rear wall, first side wall, second side wall, top wall, and bottom wall. A removable insulation panel is disposed in the pocket. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110308103 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DRYING LAUNDRY WITH DRYING UNIFORMITY DETERMINATION - An apparatus and method of drying laundry in a treating chamber with a partially dry laundry load determination. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110303693 | SINGLE OR MULTIPLE DISPENSE OF BEVERAGES FROM A BULK CONTAINER ON A REFRIGERATOR - A system, apparatus, and method for single or multiple dispensing of beverages from a bulk container in a refrigerator includes a support or receiver for an interchangeable bulk liquid container on the inside of a refrigerated compartment door. A fluid conduit is adapted to be installed into the bulk container inside the refrigerator and extend through the door to a dispensing station accessible by a user from the exterior of the door. A pumping mechanism can be actuated to move liquid from the bulk container through the door to the dispensing station. Upon user choice or exhaustion of liquid from the bulk container, the conduit can be removed from the container, a new container substituted, the conduit reinserted, and a new source of single or multiple dispension is available at the exterior dispensing station of the refrigerator. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110303250 | SPRAY ASSEMBLY FOR A DISHWASHER - A dishwasher includes a spray assembly positioned in the wash chamber of the dishwasher's tub. The spray assembly includes a spray arm that is driven by an input shaft. The input shaft is operable to both drive the spray arm and selectively divert wash fluid to the fluid nozzles associated with the wings of the spray arm. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110302968 | ROLLER ASSEMBLY FOR A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - A roller assembly for a laundry treating appliance, such as a clothes dryer, may have an axle, a wheel having a hub defining an axle opening, a tire coupled with the wheel and having an outer surface in contact with the drum, and a lubricant reservoir configured to communicate with the axle opening such that lubricant in the reservoir may lubricate the axle. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110302950 | ICE MAKER AND ICE STORAGE COMPARTMENT AIR FLOW SYSTEM - A refrigerator has an air duct that brings a supply of chilled air to an air flow pathway that leads to an ice maker. A low profile impeller within the pathway forces the chilled air toward the ice maker. A curved vane guides the flow of air towards the ice maker. An impinger with a plurality of nozzles focuses the air flow from the impeller onto the ice maker. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110302935 | LIQUID DISPENSING AND AUTOMATIC ICEMAKING ON NON-PLUMBED REFRIGERATOR - The present invention is directed towards a refrigerator including a door, a liquid reservoir, a dispenser mounted at the door for dispensing liquid, the dispenser having an outlet located above the liquid reservoir, and a pump in communication with the dispenser. Further provided is a method of operating a refrigerator including the steps of providing a refrigerator comprising a refrigerator cabinet, a door attached to the refrigerator cabinet, a liquid reservoir, and a dispenser mounted at the door for dispensing liquid through the door, the dispenser having an outlet located above the liquid reservoir, providing a pump having an inlet in communication with the liquid in the liquid reservoir and an outlet in communication with the dispenser, and providing a user interface in communication with the pump, whereby selectively entering a dispensing function input into the interface actuates the pump. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110297672 | VERSATILE MICROWAVE HEATING APPARATUS - A microwave heating apparatus for heating a load by means of microwaves is provided. The microwave heating apparatus comprises a cavity arranged to receive a piece of food to be heated, a first microwave supply system configured to supply microwaves at the cavity bottom for energizing a browning function in the cavity, a second microwave supply system configured to supply microwaves into the cavity for exciting cavity modes and a control unit configured to control the first and second microwave supply systems based on a food category and/or a cooking program. The first supply system comprises at least one microwave source and at least one antenna arranged in a lower part of the cavity and the second microwave supply system comprises at least one microwave source and at least one feeding port arranged in an upper part of the cavity. The present invention is advantageous in that a microwave heating apparatus with an improved crisp function is provided. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297671 | MICROWAVE HEATING APPARATUS WITH ROTATABLE ANTENNA AND METHOD THEREOF - A microwave heating apparatus and a method for heating/browning a piece of food by means of microwaves are provided. The microwave heating apparatus comprises a cavity arranged to receive, in a substantially horizontal browning region, a piece of food to be browned. The microwave heating apparatus further comprises a microwave source for generating microwaves and a rotatable antenna arranged at the cavity bottom for supplying the generated microwaves. The antenna is configured to produce at least one radiating lobe pointing towards the browning region such that the intersection between the radiating lobe and the browning region forms a hot spot, thereby forming a ring-shaped heating pattern in the browning region under rotation of the antenna. The present invention is advantageous in that a microwave heating apparatus with an improved crisp function is provided. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110297241 | DEVICE AND METHOD TO PRODUCE A MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE FOR FOOD PRESERVATION - An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space. A method of modifying the atmosphere in a food storage space for food includes the steps of: providing a module capable of being removably engaged to an appliance and typically receiving power from the appliance and at least one removable gas canister; operatively connecting or otherwise engaging the module with the appliance; operatively connecting or otherwise engaging the module to a food storage area having an existing atmosphere; and removing at least a portion of the existing atmosphere from the food storage space and replacing it with a modified food storage atmosphere using at least one of the at least one removable gas canisters to supply the modified atmosphere to the food storage area. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110290782 | DUAL HEATING ELEMENT OF A COOKING APPLIANCE - A cooking appliance including a plurality of separately controlled cooking areas, a first heating element positioned below one of the plurality of separately controlled cooking areas, a second heating element positioned below the same separately controlled cooking area as the first heating element, and an infinite switch electrically coupled with the first heating element and operable to energize the first heating element to supply heat to the separately controlled cooking area when the infinite switch is located at a first position. The switch has an operational tolerance, and the first heating element is sized such that the separately controlled cooking area is maintained below a target cooking temperature when the infinite switch is located at the first position and is operating at an upper limit of the operational tolerance. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110285266 | RACK AND PINION REFRIGERATOR STORAGE SYSTEM - A rack and pinion storage system for use in a refrigerator compartment defined by a liner includes a pair of supports attached to opposing sidewalls of the liner. First and second gear covers snap-fittingly connect first and second gear wheels to respective first and second mounting brackets extending from a storage basket, such that the gear wheels are rotatably connected to the storage basket and have equal rotational and linear motion along the respective supports. Retaining bars extending from the storage basket are held within channels defined between the bottom walls of the supports and top walls of opposing telescoping slide assemblies used to movably support a door of the compartment. Tabs extending from the supports limit the sliding movement of the storage basket. A removable divider connects to the storage basket, sectioning the basket into multiple storage compartments. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110284518 | OVEN CONTROL UTILIZING DATA-DRIVEN LOGIC - A method of controlling a cooking appliance is disclosed which includes receiving an input corresponding to a staged cooking function, retrieving a preselected parameter set from a data library, the preselected parameter set defining the staged cooking function and including a first heating element behavior parameter and a first temperature parameter, selecting a first heating element behavior from a control library based upon the first heating element behavior parameter, and operating one or more heating elements according to the first heating element behavior and the first temperature parameter. An oven and a tangible, machine-readable medium are also disclosed. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110284096 | WATER FILTER REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION TOOL - The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a water filter, a water filter housing, a water filter cap, and a tool for rotating the water filter cap. Engagement of the tool and the water filter cap and subsequent rotation of the tool thereby rotates the water filter cap and water filter. The tool includes a head portion and a body portion and the head portion is an inverse surface of at least a portion of the water filter cap for mating with the water filter cap. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110273375 | DEAD-FRONT USER INTERFACE - A capacitive touch switch is disclosed which includes a transparent insulating panel, a filtering layer having an opaque color, a transparent icon being defined in the filtering layer, a transparent substrate including a capacitive electrode, the transparent substrate being tinted to substantially match the opaque color of the filtering layer, and a light source configured to transmit light through the transparent substrate, the transparent icon, and the transparent insulating panel when energized. A user interface and a method of manufacturing a capacitive touch switch are also disclosed. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110272393 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING A TRIPLE HEATING ELEMENT OF A COOKING APPLIANCE - A cooking appliance and method of operating the same is disclosed. The method includes energizing each of a first heating element, a second heating element, and a third heating element to a maximum power level to supply heat to a separately controlled cooking area, maintaining the second heating element at the maximum power level after a predetermined time interval has elapsed, and selectively energizing the first heating element and the third heating element to the maximum power level after the predetermined time interval has elapsed. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110271984 | ADAPTING DISHWASHER OPERATION TO EXTERNAL FACTORS - A method of operating a dishwasher includes receiving a user-input signal indicative of a hidden operating mode, selecting the hidden operating mode of a dishwasher based on the user-input signal, accessing a plurality of pre-programmed dishwashing cycles associated with the selected hidden operating mode, and operating the dishwasher in accordance with one of the plurality of pre-programmed dishwashing cycles. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110271896 | USER INTERFACE FOR A CONTROLLER - A user interface for a controller may include a panel having multiple indicia, a parameter selector configured to move relative to the multiple indicia, and an indicator to indicate which of the multiple indicia is selected by the selector. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110271547 | CLOSED CYCLE DRYER AND PROCESS FOR DRYING CLOTHES USING SUCH DRYER - A closed cycle dryer comprises a drum, an air blowing unit wherein the air is conveyed to the drum, a heating unit used to heat the air that is blown into the drum, and a condensing unit upstream the heating unit for removing moisture. The dryer further comprises a by-pass between a first portion of the air circuit downstream the condensing unit and a second portion downstream the drum in order to increase the energy efficiency of the drying process. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110266935 | SLIDE ASSEMBLY FOR A DISHWASHER RACK - A dishwasher includes a tub having a retractable upper dish rack secured to the tub by a slide assembly. The slide assembly includes a pair of telescoping cylinder assemblies, each of which includes a number of hollow, cylindrical, metal rods. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110266271 | OVEN WITH LOW-TEMPERATURE SELF-CLEANING MODE - An oven having one or more low-temperature self-cleaning modes has an interior cavity and at least two heating elements in the interior cavity. A sump is formed in the bottom wall of the cavity. The oven has an electronic control unit, which activates and deactivates the heating elements during operation of the low-temperature self-cleaning mode. The electronic control unit may disable an oven door lock during a low-temperature self-cleaning mode. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265666 | ADJUSTABLE FOOD PROCESSOR WITH GUIDE RAMP - A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting blade. A rotating disk is adjustable relative to the blade assembly to vary the thickness of the food items cut by the blade assembly. A mounting arm is positioned below the cutting blade and has a ramp defined therein. The food processor includes an adjustment assembly operable to move the rotating disk relative to the cutting blade. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265665 | FOOD PROCESSOR WITH A LOCKABLE ADJUSTABLE BLADE ASSEMBLY - A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a blade assembly. A rotating disk is adjustable relative to the blade assembly to vary the thickness of the food items cut by the blade assembly. A user-operated pin is positioned below the rotating disk and is moveable between a first position in which the rotating disk is prevented from moving upwardly and downwardly, and a second position in which the rotating disk is permitted to move upwardly and downwardly. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265664 | FOOD PROCESSOR WITH CUTTING BLADE ASSEMBLY SUPPORT - A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a blade assembly. A rotating disk is adjustable relative to the blade assembly to vary the thickness of the food items cut by the blade assembly. The rotating disk includes a blade support having a plurality of slots that receive a flange of the blade assembly. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110259870 | TERMINAL BLOCK COOLING APPARATUS FOR AN ELECTRIC COOKING RANGE - An electric cooking range includes an oven having an electric baking element and a back panel positioned behind the oven. A spacer bracket is positioned between the back panel and an electrical terminal block. A bottom panel is positioned below the bracket and spaced apart from a number of mounting feet so as to create a gap between the bottom panel and the mounting feet. The bracket has a passageway positioned over an opening formed in the bottom panel such that when the baking element is energized, air from the gap is drawn into the passageway and advanced upwardly along the passageway. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259041 | HIGH EFFICIENCY CONDENSER - A high efficiency condenser, in one embodiment, includes a phase change material in thermal contact with the condenser to assist in cooling the condenser during operation and particularly during pull-down operation to improve the cooling capacity of a compressor. In a preferred embodiment of such a system, a coaxial tube carrying the refrigerant through the condenser includes an inner conduit for the refrigerant and a coaxially arranged outer jacket with phase change material for extracting heat from the compressed refrigerant. In another embodiment, a secondary condenser is provided in a secondary coolant circuit and is in thermal contact with the primary condenser. Variable speed fans are associated with the condenser(s) and can be operated in the high speed (turbo) mode during pull-down of a refrigeration system for providing sufficient cooling capacity during a pull-down mode of operation. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110252835 | HEAT PUMP (SERVER) COUPLED WASHER AND DRYER PAIR - An appliance system that includes an appliance group containing at least two appliances, a first appliance designed to perform a first consumer function related to the first appliance and a second appliance that is separate from the first appliance and designed to perform a second consumer function related to the second appliance. The appliance system also includes a thermal energy generator, typically a heat pump, where the thermal energy heats at least one thermal energy bearing fluid and is operably connected to the first and second appliances to deliver thermal energy to the first and second appliances simultaneously or at different times via one or more of the thermal energy bearing fluids. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110252816 | REFRIGERATOR ICEMAKER MOISTURE REMOVAL AND DEFROST ASSEMBLY - An icemaker moisture removal and defrost assembly is provided in a refrigerator. Cooled refrigerant is provided to a refrigerant loop within an icemaker to cool an ice making cavity and a moisture removal portion of the icemaker. Moisture laden air from a refrigerator compartment is directed through airflow channels defined by a plurality of fins extending from the moisture removal portion of the icemaker, whereby moisture condenses on the fins in the form of ice. Dry air exiting the airflow channels is directed across an evaporator and back into the refrigerator compartment. During a defrost event, a heater within the icemaker is used to melt the ice formed on the fins. Alternatively, hot gas from a compressor is used to heat a refrigerant line flowing through the evaporator and/or the icemaker to melt ice formed on the evaporator and/or the icemaker during a defrost event. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110248611 | APPLIANCE CABINET AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING SAME - An appliance cabinet, such as a laundry treating appliance cabinet, having a chassis and a cover removably mounted to the chassis, and a labyrinth coupler connecting the cover and the chassis, wherein the coupler is physically configured to define a path requiring a specific sequence of movements between the cover and the chassis to couple or uncouple the cover from the chassis. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110248021 | MOVABLE COOKING APPLIANCE - A movable cooking appliance comprises a structure which is adapted to be placed on a kitchen worktop appliance or inside a cooking oven appliance and includes a heating element and releasable connector assembly for making electrical connection with power supply connectors. The heating element is an induction heating element and an electronic driving unit is mounted on the appliance. The releasable connector assembly comprising a plug connector having a plurality of terminals designed in order to provide a disconnection signal to the electronic unit before the power supply connectors are fully extracted. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110247374 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH FORCE DAMPING FEET - A laundry treating appliance having a cabinet, a rotatable drum, and at least one foot extending from and supporting the cabinet, with the foot being configured to dampen the vibrations of the laundry treating appliance. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110247373 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH TUB RING - A laundry treating appliance having a tub with a tub ring and a drum located within the tub having a balance ring. The tub ring may extend radially inward and be spaced above the balance ring. The tub ring and balance ring may have an angled portion to provide for a generally constant space between the tub ring and balance ring during rotation of the drum within the tub. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110247372 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEM - A suspension system for a laundry treating appliance having a cabinet and a tub comprises a rod coupled to the cabinet and a shock absorber coupled between the rod and the tub. A socket interface on the rod reduces side loading forces on the shock absorber. The socket interface may be separate from the shock absorber. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110247148 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH LOAD AMOUNT DETECTION - A method and apparatus determines a load size of a laundry load located in a laundry treating appliance having a drum defining a treatment chamber that is rotated by a motor based on a given amount of energy applied to the motor, and a measurement of coast time after the given amount of energy is removed. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110247147 | FABRIC TREATING APPLIANCE WITH DETERGENT DISPENSER - A laundry treating appliance having a detergent dispenser that may be flushed with a water flow for removal of residual powder while reducing sudsing. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110247146 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AN UNBALANCE CONDITION IN A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - An apparatus and method for determining an unbalance condition in a laundry treating appliance having a rotating drum based on the rotational speed of the drum. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110247145 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH AUTOMATIC PUMP SHUTOFF - A laundry treating appliance having a pump, such as a drain pump, with an automatic shutoff, and a method for controlling the shut off of the pump. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110236840 | ATTACHMENT SYSTEM FOR AN IGNITER ELECTRODE FOR A GAS BURNER - System for attaching the flame igniter electrode to a burner for gas hobs, boilers or the like. The system comprises a deformable seal of substantially annular shape mounted in a groove in the electrode which makes it possible to attach the electrode reversibly to a seat attached to the body of the burner. Attachment takes place through the application of an axial force inserting the electrode into the seat. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110236544 | ATOMIZATION OF FOOD PRESERVATION SOLUTIONS - Certain embodiments of the presently described technology provide methods for providing an atomized food preservation solution to food stored in a refrigerator. The methods include dissolving a soluble food preservative in water to form a food preservation solution and delivering the food preservation solution to an atomizer which atomizes the food preservation solution to distribute the solution to food stored in the refrigerator. Also, described are embodiments of a food preservation solute dispenser for use in the methods. The food preservation solute dispenser is adapted for placement along an atomizer fluid supply path at a location where fluid will flow over the food preservation solute dispenser. The food preservation solute dispenser provides a food preservative to be dissolved in water along the fluid supply path as fluid flows over the food preservation solute dispenser. Food preservatives that can be dissolved and atomized include anti-microbial agents, such as citrus essential oils, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110234527 | TOUCH SCREEN COUPLING HAVING TACTILE RESPONSE CAPABILITY - The presently described technology relates to an appliance control panel system having a control panel interface comprising at least one capacitive touch key, and a circuit board assembly comprising at least one input receiver pad. The control panel interface and the circuit board assembly are not in direct contact with each other. The input receiver pad can be comprised of a conductive material. Certain embodiments also provide a control panel having at least one conductive extender. The extender can be situated between the control panel interface and the circuit board assembly. The capacitive touch key is in electrical connection with the input receiver pad. An method for controlling an appliance with a control panel is also disclosed. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110234429 | CAPACITIVE TOUCH MULTI-FUNCTION KEYS - The presently described technology relates to an appliance control panel having multi-function keys. The multi-function keys have multiple regions. A control panel operation module is provided for regulating the control panel system between multiple operation input modes. When the control panel system is in one operation input mode, activation of the first key region executes a first appliance function, and activation of the second key region executes a second appliance function. When the control panel system is in another operation input mode, activation the first key region and activation of said second key region execute the same appliance function. A method for operating an appliance control panel system having multi-function keys is also disclosed. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110234074 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ROUTING UTILITIES IN A REFRIGERATOR - Disclosed in this application is a u-shaped grommet for use in a refrigerator. The grommet is fixed so as to allow wires to be routed towards an opening in the liner of the refrigerator, pass through the opening in the liner, and exit the grommet in the opposite direction as the wires entered. The grommet is preferably molded to the wires so that the combined product is inseparable from the wiring which it protects. The grommet is also described as a single piece grommet, although multiple piece grommets are anticipated. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110233300 | ATOMIZATION UNIT WITH NEGATIVE PRESSURE ACTUATOR - An atomization unit is described that employs a negative pressure actuator to reduce the fluid pressure acting on the atomizer in order to minimize or prevent fluid leakage from the atomizer. Methods of minimizing or preventing fluid leakage from an atomizer through use of a negative pressure actuator are also described. The atomization unit is particularly suitable for use in a refrigerator to cool and humidify at least a portion of the refrigerator. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110233289 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ULTRASOUND-BASED ATOMIZER FOR HUMIDITY CONTROL IN REFRIGERATORS - A system and method is provided for monitoring the humidity inside a refrigerator and increasing the humidity when desired. In an embodiment, the humidifier is an ultrasonic atomizer that receives supply water from a removable tank that is refilled by a consumer. An adaptive control system monitors the humidity level inside the refrigerator and actuates the ultrasonic atomizer when an increase in humidity is desired. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232322 | UPPER FREEZER BASKET GUIDED BY LOWER FREEZER BASKET DIVIDER - A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, a freezer door for providing access to the freezer compartment, a lower freezer basket, an upper freezer basket, a divider operatively connected to the lower freezer basket to divide the lower freezer basket, and guide surfaces on a top portion of the divider to allow for guiding the upper freezer basket forward and back. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232321 | ATOMIZATION OF FOOD PRESERVATION SOLUTION - Certain embodiments of the presently described technology provide methods and systems for providing an atomized food preservation solution to food stored in a refrigerator. Certain embodiments provide an atomization unit for a refrigerator for humidifying at least a portion of the refrigerator. The atomization unit comprises an atomizer for atomizing and dispensing fluid to at least a portion of the refrigerator, a water supply for providing water to the atomizer, the water supply providing water along a fluid supply path to the atomizer, a food preservation solute dispenser located along the fluid supply path at a location where fluid will flow over the food preservation solute dispenser. The food preservation solute dispenser provides a food preservative to be dissolved in water along the fluid supply path as fluid flows over the food preservation solute dispenser. The atomizer is provided with a solution including the food preservative and dispenses the solution to the at least a portion of the refrigerator. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232317 | INSULATION FRONT OF ICE STORAGE COMPARTMENT - A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, a door for providing access to the fresh food compartment, and an ice storage bin at the door. The ice storage bin includes an ice storage bin body having a front, a back, a bottom, opposite sides, an open top, and a cover mounted to the top. Insulation is provided between the cover and the front of the ice storage bin. The ice storage bin may be pivotally mounted to the door and configured to tilt open to allow for access to ice disposed within the ice storage bin. The ice storage bin may be removable. The ice storage bin may be accessed directly from within the fresh food compartment. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232312 | FLEXIBLE WICK AS WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM - Certain embodiments of the presently described technology provide methods and systems for providing water for atomization in a refrigerator from a water source to an atomizer via a flexible wick. Certain embodiments provide a refrigerator for cooling and humidifying at least a portion of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main supply fluid tank, a secondary reservoir supplied with fluid from the main supply fluid tank, an atomizer provided with fluid from the secondary reservoir, and a flexible wick for providing fluid transfer from the secondary reservoir to a location proximate to the atomizer. The secondary reservoir has a maximum, controlled height of fluid. The atomizer discharges the fluid provided form the secondary reservoir in an atomized spray to at least a portion of the refrigerator. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110232304 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTI-SENSE CONTROL ALGORITHM FOR ATOMIZERS IN REFRIGERATORS - A method and system is provided which receives a desired humidity level from a user for the refrigeration compartment of a refrigerator, determines the current humidity level, and then activates an atomizer in the refrigeration compartment to increase the humidity level if needed. The humidity in the refrigeration compartment may be determined based at least in part on the temperature of the refrigeration compartment, the defrost timer, the door opening times, and the compressor timer. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110231788 | ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR POWER CONSUMPTION MANAGEMENT OF APPLIANCES - An electronic system for power consumption management of one or more domestic appliances is routinely informed on actual energy tariff through a network control unit or through a predetermined time-table stored in the system. A user interface of the electronic system is provided where the user can set his preference concerning the switch-on time of each appliance and/or function thereof and read the related estimated energy consumption and/or energy cost of the appliance working program. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110226287 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOW TEMPERATURE HYDRATION OF FOOD SOILS - A system and method for low temperature hydration of food soils allows for hydration of food soils between washing cycles in a dishwasher. A user selects a hydration button to actuate a hydration cycle between dishwashing cycles. During the hydration cycle, a plurality of spraying devices are periodically actuated in accordance with a desired amount of hydration selected by the user. Water is supplied from a dedicated water supply line to the spraying devices, preferably without being heated, and is distributed throughout a dishwasher chamber utilizing spray nozzles or fans. The hydration cycle ends when deactivated, or when a dishwashing cycle is initiated. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110219789 | FAST ICE MAKING DEVICE - A refrigerator includes a fast ice making device for quickly producing ice cubes. The fast ice making device includes a mold body having a plurality of ice forming cavities adapted to hold fluid. In an ice making cycle, a vacuum system evacuates air from the cavities, thereby depressurizing the cavities. Then, a liquid delivery system delivers liquid to the depressurized cavities, whereby an initial portion of the liquid bubbles up within the respective cavities. Overall, a cooler fluid is established at the beginning of an ice making cycle, thus accelerating the rate at which ice cubes are formed within the fast ice making device. Once ice cubes have been formed within the cavities, a heat transfer system is utilized to heat the cavities, thereby slightly melting the ice cubes and aiding in the expulsion of ice cubes from the cavities. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110217439 | STEAM OVEN FOR "SOUS-VIDE" COOKING AND METHOD FOR USING SUCH OVEN - A steam oven for cooking food placed in a vacuumized and sealed pouch comprises an user interface and an electronic control unit adapted to select a predetermined heating temperature on the basis of a food category chosen by the user and of a maximum predetermined load of food for each sealed pouch, and to select a heating time according to a predetermined reduction of food pathogens. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110214702 | DISHWASHER WITH SEPARATE SUMP FOR CONCENTRATED FLUID SUPPLY - A dishwasher includes a main sump that holds the main wash fluid supply, and a separate sump formed in the bottom wall of the tub away from the main sump. The separate sump holds a concentrated wash fluid supply. The separate sump supplies wash fluid for washing periods in which a highly concentrated chemistry mixture is desired. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110214695 | DISHWASHER WITH SEPARATE SUMP FOR CONCENTRATED FLUID SUPPLY - A dishwasher includes a main sump that holds the main wash fluid supply, and a separate sump formed in the bottom wall of the tub away from the main sump. The separate sump holds a concentrated wash fluid supply. The separate sump supplies wash fluid for washing periods in which a highly concentrated chemistry mixture is desired. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110214442 | DOOR MOUNTED ICE LEVEL DETECTION DEVICE - An ice level detection device of a refrigerator includes an ice level detection arm and an ice storage container detection arm, the ice level detection arm operatively connected to a mechanical motor for movement between an ice sensing position with the ice level detection arm extending at least partially into the ice storage container and an ice harvest position with the ice level detection arm being clear of the ice storage container, the ice storage container detection arm abutting the ice storage container while the ice storage container is mounted at the door. The ice level detection arm transitions from the ice sensing position to the ice harvest position for ice harvest by the ice maker. Opening the door disables ice harvest by the ice maker. Upon removal of the ice storage container the ice level detection arm transitions to the ice harvest position and disables ice harvest. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110214441 | SELECT-FILL DISPENSING SYSTEM - A select-fill dispensing system and method for a dispenser assembly utilizes a camera to sense a desired fill level based on the location of a user's finger with respect to a container. In use, a consumer places his or her finger along a container to indicate the desired fill level of the container. Image data from the camera is transmitted to a controller and processed for distortion correction, edge based image segmentation and morphological operations are carried out to remove background noise. The processed image data is utilized to detect the presence of the container, as well as the shape of the container, the position of the container opening, and the top and bottom points of the container. The controller provides a means for controlling the dispensing operation, including a fill rate, based on the desired fill level and the shape of the container. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110209729 | USER INTERFACE FOR DISHWASHING CYCLE OPTIMIZATION - A method of operating a dishwashing machine including determining user satisfaction with a dishwashing cycle, adjusting at least one operational parameter of the dishwashing cycle based on the user satisfaction, and incorporating the adjusted operational parameter into a subsequent dishwashing cycle. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110209293 | METHOD FOR TREATING LAUNDRY IN A CLOTHES DRYER - A method for treating laundry in a clothes dryer having a rotating drum defining a treatment chamber that includes applying a treating chemistry, which may include a treating chemistry that benefits from uniform distribution, on the laundry and drying the laundry after the applying of the treating chemistry. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110204762 | MODULAR SYSTEM FOR A DOMESTIC REFRIGERATOR - A domestic refrigerator includes a housing having a refrigerated compartment defined therein, and a sliding drawer positioned in the refrigerated compartment. The sliding drawer has a storage chamber defined therein, and a mounting bracket is secured to the sliding drawer and extends into the storage chamber. The domestic refrigerator also includes a plurality of interchangeable utility modules that are configured to be positioned within the storage chamber of the sliding drawer. Each of the plurality of the interchangeable utility modules includes a mounting bracket sized and configured to be separately mated with the mounting bracket of the sliding drawer. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110203623 | DISHWASHER WITH MULTIPLE WASH ZONES - An automatic dishwasher, comprises a wash chamber, a rotating spray arm having an outer periphery or rotation and having at least one outlet for introducing a stream of liquid into the wash chamber, a disperser located within the wash chamber and exteriorly of the outer periphery of the rotating spray arm where during at least a portion of one revolution of the rotating spray arm the disperser is fluidly connected such that the stream of liquid is transferred to the disperser, and a liquid volume controller to control the volume of liquid transferred from the rotating spray arm to the disperser. Wherein the disperser provides an additional source of water spray to utensils in the wash chamber and the liquid volume controller controls the amount of such additional spray. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110198976 | NON-ENCAPSULATED REFRIGERATOR SHELF - A refrigerator includes support rails which are positioned adjacent a back wall for supporting a plurality of removable shelf assemblies. First and second shelf support brackets project from the rails and include rear shelf support flanges spaced from support arms. A shelf panel has a back frame member including at least one support hook adapted to engage the shelf support flanges such that the back edge portion of the shelf panel is positively engaged with the shelf support brackets. At the same time, a section of a central portion of the shelf panel is supported on the support arms, while both another section of the central portion and a forward portion of the shelf panel extends in a cantilevered manner beyond the brackets. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110197938 | MULTIPLE WASH ZONE DISHWASHER - A dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber for washing dishes and a dish rack located within the wash chamber. The dishwasher also has a spray arm assembly configured to spray a first flow of wash liquid toward the dish rack, thereby providing a first wash zone. A spray manifold provided within the wash chamber is configured to provide a second flow of wash liquid toward the dish rack, thereby providing a second wash zone. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110197937 | MULTIPLE WASH ZONE DISHWASHER - A dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber for washing dishes and a dish rack located within the wash chamber. The dishwasher also has a spray arm assembly configured to spray a first flow of wash liquid toward the dish rack, thereby providing a first wash zone. A spray manifold provided within the wash chamber is configured to provide a second flow of wash liquid toward the dish rack, thereby providing a second wash zone. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110192839 | HINGE MECHANISM FOR A HOME APPLIANCE PROVIDING DOOR MOTION IN A NON-CIRCULAR PATH - A cooking appliance includes a housing forming a food handling compartment, a door positioned at the front of the housing that is configured to rotate about a vertical axis, and a hinge assembly secured to the door. The hinge assembly includes a hinge pin extending along the vertical axis and a double slider-crank mechanism that is coupled to the hinge pin. As the door rotates about the vertical axis, the hinge assembly moves the vertical axis along an elliptical path. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110192430 | LEVER HANDLE MECHANISM FOR A DISHWASHER - A dishwasher includes a tub, a door coupled to the tub, and a hand lever coupled to the door. The tub has an access opening that permits access to a washing chamber defined therein. The door has a closed position in which access to the washing chamber is prevented. When the door is positioned in the closed position, the rotation of the lever in a first direction about a laterally extending axis advances the lever into contact with the tub such that the door is urged away from the tub. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110191964 | ADAPTIVE WATER LEVEL ADJUSTMENT FOR AN AUTOMATIC WASHER - An apparatus and method for determining the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and fabric items during a wash process, and a method for setting the liquid level in the automatic washer based on the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and the fabric items. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110186085 | UPPER SPRAY ARM WATER DEFLECTOR - A dishwashing machine includes a washing chamber, a spray jet, and a spray arm positioned below the spray jet. The spray arm has a deflector fin extending upwardly there from. The spray arm is rotated when the fluid stream generated by the spray jet contacts the deflector fin. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110185762 | LEVER DESIGN VERSION OF "PUSH BUTTON" FILTER - Described in this application is an improved cartridge, such as a water filter, and housing for the filter. The filter is preferably of the push-in type and the filter housing includes an assembly to automatically set the water filter in position as a cover over the filter is closed. According to one embodiment, the assembly consists of a cover and lever linkage which engage complimentary protrusions on the water filter. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110185342 | APPLIANCE DEVELOPMENT TOOLKIT - An appliance development toolkit ( | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110162393 | VARIABLE POSITION AIR DAMPER FOR A REFRIGERATOR - A refrigerator, including a cabinet having top, bottom, rear and opposing side walls that collectively define a freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment, employs a cooling system and an air plenum to deliver a cooling air flow into the freezer and fresh food compartments. The air plenum includes a variable position air damper having a first, substantially straight portion and a second arcuate portion that forms an air scoop. The air damper is slidably mounted within the air plenum between first and second positions. The variable position air damper is selectively arranged in the first position to efficiently deliver a volume of the cooling air flow into the freezer compartment, the second position to deliver the cooling airflow into the fresh food compartment or in an infinite number of intermediate positions to deliver the cooling airflow into both compartments. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110153880 | Mechanically Energized Electromagnetic Service Connector System - A system for communicating an electromagnetic service, such as power or data, with an electromagnetic service communicating device. An electromagnetic service switch is provided for selectively transferring the electromagnetic service from a host or other electromagnetic service source to an electromagnetic service consumer. The electromagnetic service switch is activated to transfer the electromagnetic service from the electromagnetic service source to the electromagnetic service consumer in response to movement of a component associated with the electromagnetic service source. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153871 | Substance Communicating Device with Activatable Connector and Cycle Structure - A substance communicating device for use in conjunction with an appliance or a system including an appliance and a substance communicating device. The substance communicating device has a service connector component operably engageable with a service connector component of the appliance to permit the communication of a substance between the appliance and the substance communicating device. Information related to the substance can be communicated to the appliance and used to affect the physical cycle of operation of the appliance. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153821 | Mechanical Proximity Sensor Enabled eService Connector System - An eService connector system includes an eService consumer for receiving an eService from an eService source. The eService may, for example, be any wave form of illumination, acoustic or thermal service. A service switch is provided for selectively transferring the eService from the eService source to the eService consumer. The service switch is activated to transfer an eService from the eService source to the eService consumer in response to a proximity sensor engaging a proximity target. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153739 | Proximity Sensor Enabled eService Connector System - Systems and components for providing or receiving an eService, such as acoustic, thermal and illumination service. A service switch is provided for selectively transferring the eService from the host or other eService source to the eService consumer. The service switch is activated to transfer an eService in response to detection of a proximity target associated with an eService consumer by a proximity source associated with an eService provider. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153086 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING LOAD SIZE IN A CLOTHES DRYER USING AN INFRARED SENSOR - A method for controlling the operation of a clothes dryer by determining a load size estimation based on at least one of a temperature variation of the laundry load and a delay time wherein the delay time is a time it takes for the temperature variation to satisfy a predetermined threshold. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153085 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system for a fabric treating appliance configured to determine one or more operating parameters of a cycle of operation as a function of a user-selected performance goal weighting. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152024 | Mechanical Power Service Communicating Device and System - A mechanical power communicating device and a modular system of a host and a mechanical power communicating device for communicating a mechanical power service. A first component of the mechanical power communicating device communicates a mechanical power service from host to a second component of the mechanical power communicating device or to a functional device. The mechanical power communicating device may be a functional device, an adapter for coupling a functional device to a host, or a functional unit of an adapter and a functional device. The mechanical power communicating device may include a first component having a first interface connectable to the host, the first component pivotally connected to a second component having a second interface connectable to the functional device. The modular system may include a host having differently oriented mechanical power service interfaces and the mechanical power communicating device. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110151072 | COOKING APPLIANCE WITH PROGRAMMABLE RECIPE SYSTEM - A cooking appliance includes an oven cavity and a control system having a control display adapted to display an interactive sequence of display screens through which a user enters a cooking recipe. The sequence of display screens includes a cooking mode selection screen, a cooking temperature selection screen, a cooking monitoring selection screen from which a user selects from a probe monitoring process or a timer monitoring process, and a review screen for prompting the user to review the cooking mode, cooking temperature, and method of monitoring selections. The system allows a user to add additional stages to create a multi-stage recipe. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110150439 | GLASS-CERAMIC COOKTOP AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING THE SAME - A cooking appliance includes a glass cooktop panel and a cooktop frame. A radiant heating element is positioned between the cooktop frame and the glass cooktop panel. The heating element has an upper surface biased toward a lower surface of the glass cooktop panel. A screwless spring clip is coupled to both the heating element and the cooktop frame so as to secure the heating element to the cooktop frame. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110149485 | Mechanically Energized Substance Communication Coupling System - A system for communicating a substance from between substance communicating devices. A substance switch is provided for selectively transferring the substance from a first substance communicating device, such as a host or other substance source to a first substance communicating device, such as a such as a substance consumer. The substance switch is activated to communicate the substance between the first substance communicating device and the second substance communicating device in response to movement of a component associated with one of the substance communicating devices. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110148651 | Substance Communicating Device with Sensor Enabled Connector - A substance communicating device for use in conjunction with an appliance or a system including an appliance and a substance communicating device. The appliance has a first service connector component and a first proximity system component. The substance communicating device has a second service connector component operably engageable with the first connector component to permit the communication of a service between the first and second service connector components. The substance communicating device further has a second proximity system component operably associated with the second service connector, the second proximity system component being configured to engage the first proximity system component when the first and second service connector components are engaged to selectively permit the communication of the service between the substance communicating device and the appliance. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110148650 | Mechanical Proximity Sensor Enabled Electromagnetic Service Connector System - An electromagnetic service connector system includes first and second electromagnetic service connector components for communicating an electromagnetic service between an electromagnetic service provider and an electromagnetic service consumer. The electromagnetic service may be any form of electrical power or data. An electromagnetic service switch is provided for selectively transferring the electromagnetic service from the electromagnetic service provider to the electromagnetic service consumer in response to a proximity sensor engaging a proximity target. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110148649 | Proximity Sensor Enabled Electromagnetic Service Connector System - An electromagnetic service connector system and components for providing or receiving an electromagnetic service, such as power or data. An electromagnetic service switch is provided for selectively transferring the electromagnetic service from the host or other electromagnetic service source to the electromagnetic service consumer. The electromagnetic service switch is activated to transfer an electromagnetic service in response to detection of a proximity target associated with an electromagnetic service consumer by a proximity source associated with an electromagnetic service provider. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110148262 | LOAD LIMITING HINGE WITH SPRING LOADED GATE FOR FREESTANDING APPLIANCE - A home appliance including an oven, a door pivotably coupled to the oven that is configured to rotate relative to the front of the oven about a first axis, and a rod pivotably coupled to the oven. The rod has a pin secured thereto that is configured to move along a second axis extending perpendicular to the first axis as the door is rotated about the first axis. A first gate is positioned along the second axis, and a second gate is positioned along the second axis opposite the first gate. When the door is rotated to a predetermined position about the first axis, the first gate and the second gate are moved apart such that movement of the pin along the second axis is permitted. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110148223 | Mechanically Energized eService Connector System - A system for receiving an eService, such as a thermal service, an illumination service or an acoustic service, from an eService source. A service switch is provided for selectively transferring the eService from a host or other eService source to an eService consumer. The service switch is activated to transfer the eService from the eService source to the eService consumer in response to movement of a component associated with the eService source. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110148216 | Apparatus and System for Communicating Electromagnetic Service - An electromagnetic service communicating device for coupling to a host in at least two distinct orientations as well as a modular system including a host and a functional device. The electromagnetic service communicating device provides electromagnetic service from the host to the functional device. The electromagnetic service communicating device includes a first member having a first interface connectable to the host and that is pivotally connected to a second member having a second interface connectable to the functional device. The hosts can have differently oriented electromagnetic service interfaces. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147499 | UNDER-SINK WASTE PROCESSING APPLIANCE - An under-sink waste processing appliance includes a waste separator which extracts liquid from organic waste and passes such extracted liquid to a residential drain line. The remaining solid, in the form of organic pulp, is dried in a dryer and deposited in a removable collection receptacle. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147417 | Substance Communicating Device for Coupling to a Host - A substance communicating device for coupling to a host in at least two distinct orientations, as well as a modular system comprising a host, and a functional device in addition to the substance communicating device. The substance communicating device provides a substance from the host to the functional device. The substance communicating device may be an adapter for coupling the functional device to the host, or a functional unit of an adapter and a functional device. The substance communicating device may include a first member having a first interface connectable to the host, and a second member pivotally connected to the first member and having a second interface connectable to the functional device. The modular system may include a plurality of hosts having differently-oriented substance communication service interfaces and the substance communicating device. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147366 | ROTARY SWITCH WITH IMPROVED SIMMER PERFORMANCE - A cooking appliance has a cooktop including a plurality of separately controlled cooking areas. A first heating element and a second heating element are positioned below one of the separately controlled cooking areas. A control switch is electrically coupled to the first heating element and the second heating element and is operable to selectively energize the first heating element with single-phase AC power and selectively energize the second heating element with two-phase AC power. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147161 | Mechanically Energized Mechanical Power Coupling System - A system for communicating a mechanical power service between mechanical power service communicating devices. A service switch is provided for selectively transferring the mechanical power service from a first mechanical power service communicating device, such as a host or other mechanical power service provider or source, to a second mechanical power service communicating device, such as an accessory device or other mechanical power service consumer. The service switch is activated to communicate the mechanical power service between the first mechanical power service communicating device and the second mechanical power service communicating device in response to movement of a component associated with one of the mechanical power service communicating devices. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147160 | Proximity Sensor Enabled Mechanical Power Coupling System - Systems and components for providing or receiving a mechanical power service through a mechanical power coupling system. A mechanical power service switch is provided for selectively communicating the mechanical power service between a first mechanical power service communicating device, such as a host or other mechanical power service source and a first mechanical power service communicating device, such as a mechanical power service consumer. The mechanical power service switch is activated to transfer a mechanical power service in response to detection of a contactless proximity target associated with one of the mechanical power service communicating devices by a proximity sensor associated with the other of the mechanical power service communicating devices. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147159 | Mechanically Energized Mechanical Power Communication Coupling System - A mechanical power coupling system including a mechanical power connector component for communicating a mechanical power service with another mechanical power connector component. A mechanical power service switch is provided for selectively permitting communication of the mechanical power service between the mechanical power connector components. The mechanical power service switch is activated to transfer a mechanical power service from a mechanical power service source to a mechanical power service consumer in response to a proximity sensor engaging a proximity target. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146819 | Substance Communicating Device with Mechanically Energized Connector System - Systems and components for providing or receiving a service through a service connector system. A first substance communicating device has a first service connector component and a first switch component. A second substance communicating device has a second service connector component operably actuatable by the first service connector component to permit the communication of a service between the first and second service connector components. One of the substance communicating devices further has a second switch component operably associated with the second service connector component, the second switch component being configured to be actuatable by the first switch component when the first service connector component is adjacent the second service connector component to selectively draw the first and second service connector components into engagement to permit the communication of the service between the substance communicating devices. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146734 | SPRAY ARM ASSEMBLY FOR A DISHWASHER - A dishwasher includes a spray arm assembly positioned in the wash chamber of the dishwasher's tub. The spray arm assembly includes a corner arm that is driven by a gear train. The transfer gear assembly of the gear train is operable to decouple the gear train from its input when rotation of the corner arm is obstructed. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146733 | MAGNETIC DRIVE CONTROLLED ROTATION FOR DISHWASHER SPRAY ARM - A motorized system drives rotation of a rotatable sprayer of a dishwasher. The drive system includes a magnetic coupler. The magnetic coupler includes a first portion that resides inside the wash chamber of the dishwasher, and a second portion that resides outside the wash chamber, such that the motor and the output shaft of the drive system are located entirely outside of the wash chamber. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146731 | ROTATING DRUM FILTER FOR A DISHWASHING MACHINE - A dishwasher with a tub and a recirculation pump, which includes a housing defining a chamber and having an inlet fluidly coupled to the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to the tub, an impeller rotatably mounted within the chamber and expelling liquid from the chamber through the outlet, and a filter fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet and operably coupled to the impeller for co-rotation. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146730 | ROTATING DRUM FILTER FOR A DISHWASHING MACHINE - A dishwashing machine includes a housing in fluid communication with a washing chamber and a cylindrical filter positioned in the housing that is operable to rotate about a longitudinal axis. A flow diverter is positioned within the inner chamber at a location between the housing and the rotary filter and is spaced apart from the rotary filter so as to create a gap. During rotation of the filter, the angular velocity of fluid advanced through the gap is increased relative to the angular velocity of the fluid prior to entering the gap. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146716 | DISHWASHER WITH DYNAMICALLY CONTROLLED CYCLE OF OPERATION - An automatic dishwasher having a sensor that indicates a degree of turbidity of liquid in the dishwasher is dynamically controlled. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146715 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF CONTROLLING THE RELEASE OF CLEANING AGENTS INTO A DISHWASHER CYCLE - A dishwashing machine includes a dispenser configured to receive a dishwashing tablet having a cleaning agent and a sensor operable to identify the dishwashing tablet in the dispenser. An electronic controller selects a dishwasher cycle based on the identity of the dishwashing tablet. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146714 | ROTATING FILTER FOR A DISHWASHING MACHINE - A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filter system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146657 | DUCT FREE RE-CIRCULATING DOWNDRAFT EXHAUST ACCESSORY - An exhaust accessory for a downdraft cooktop includes an air filter cartridge configured to be positioned below a blower of the downdraft cooktop. The air filter cartridge is configured to be in fluid communication with the blower such that air containing cooking vapors may be drawn from a room and advanced into the air filter cartridge prior to being recirculated back into the room. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146655 | HYDRAULIC HINGE FOR FREESTANDING APPLIANCE - A home appliance including an oven and a door positioned at the front of the oven that is configured to rotate about an axis. A fluid housing is coupled to the door and has a cylinder housing with a rod extending therefrom. A relief valve is fluidly coupled to the cylinder housing and is configured to release fluid from the cylinder housing when fluid pressure in the cylinder housing exceeds a predefined threshold. The fluid pressure in the cylinder housing exceeds the predefined threshold when the door is moved to a predetermined position about the axis. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146654 | LIMITED LOAD HINGE FOR FREESTANDING APPLIANCE - A home appliance includes an oven and a door positioned at the front of the oven. A hinge assembly secured to the door is configured to move the door about an axis relative to the front of the oven. The hinge assembly includes a shear pin and a spring configured to exert a shear force. The shear force exerted by the helical spring increases as the door is moved about the first axis, and the shear pin is configured to fracture when the door is moved to a predetermined position about the axis. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146354 | FOREIGN OBJECT TRAP FOR AN AUTOMATIC WASHER - An automatic washing machine having a foreign object trap located in a portion of a wash basket defines a foreign object passageway for retaining foreign objects. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146353 | WASHING MACHINE WITH AIR TRAP - A washing machine having a cabinet, a pressure sensor located in the cabinet, and an air trap having at least one baffle to substantially block water at the air trap. The air trap may have an inlet in communication with a sump of the washing machine and an outlet in communication with a hose coupled to the pressure sensor. The at least one baffle may be partially traversing the air trap to substantially block water from entering the outlet when the cabinet is in a horizontal orientation. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146330 | Mechanically Energized Substance Communication Coupling System - A substance communication coupling system includes a substance connector component for communication of a substance with another substance connector component. A substance switch is provided for selectively permitting communication of the substance between the substance connector components. The substance switch is activated to transfer a substance from a substance source to a substance consumer in response to a proximity sensor engaging a proximity target. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146329 | Proximity Sensor Enabled Substance Communication Coupling System - Systems and components for providing or receiving a substance through a substance communication coupling system. A substance switch is provided for selectively communicating the substance between a first substance communicating device, such as a host or other substance source and a second substance communicating device, such as a substance consumer. The substance switch is activated to transfer a substance in response to detection of a contactless proximity target associated with one of the substance communicating devices by a proximity sensor associated with the other of the substance communicating devices. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146328 | Substance Communicating Device with Mechanically Energized Connector - A substance communicating device for use in conjunction with an appliance or a system including an appliance and a consumable holder. The appliance has a first substance service connector component and a first service switch component. The substance communicating device has a second substance service connector component operably engageable with the first substance connector component to permit the communication of a substance between the first and second substance service connector components. The substance communicating device further has a second service switch component operably associated with the second substance service connector component, the second service switch component being configured to engage the first service switch component when the first and second substance service connector components are engaged to selectively permit the communication of the substance between the substance communicating device and the appliance. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146102 | FABRIC TEMPERATURE ESTIMATION FOR A LAUNDRY DRYER - A method for estimating the temperature of a laundry load in a treating chamber of a laundry dryer. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110146101 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A CLOTHES DRYER USING LOAD TEMPERATURE DETERMINED BY AN INFRARED SENSOR - A method for controlling a clothes dryer based on a characteristic of the load determined by temperatures provided by an infrared sensor. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110145999 | LAUNDRY TREATMENT APPLIANCE CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system for a fabric treatment appliance configured to control the operation of the fabric treatment appliance as a function of a user-selected system input weighting. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110142998 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING ROTISSERIE OVEN - An oven for performing a rotisserie cooking operation includes an oven cavity having a door for selectively accessing the oven cavity, at least one heating element for heating the oven cavity and a rotisserie arm adapted to support a food product within the oven cavity. A motor is operatively coupled to the rotisserie arm for rotating the rotisserie arm and a food product. The oven also includes a control interface having a rotisserie cooking mode input and a control system for controlling the rotisserie motor and the heating element. In addition to other functions, the control system automatically causes the rotisserie motor to cycle on and off to allow for intermittent rotation of the food product supported on the rotisserie arm when the oven door is opened. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110140935 | ICON ILLUMINATION FOR CAPACITIVE TOUCH SWITCH - A capacitive touch switch is disclosed which includes a substrate having a channel formed between a first surface and a second surface thereof, thereby defining a flexible section of the substrate. The capacitive touch switch also includes an insulating panel having a first face and a second face, the second face adapted to be touched by a user. The capacitive touch switch may further include a capacitive electrode disposed on the flexible section, a light source coupled to the first surface of the flexible section, and one or more spacers secured to the first surface of the flexible section. Either the light source or the one or more spacers cause the flexible section of the substrate to be deflected away from the insulating panel when the substrate and the insulating panel are urged into contact. Deflection of the flexible section creates a gap which allows the light source to illuminate an icon disposed on the insulating panel. A method of manufacturing a capacitive touch switch is also disclosed. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110139304 | ICE GUIDE FUNNEL - An appliance dispenser includes a housing defining a recess. The housing includes a receptacle support member and a fixed funnel. An ice dispensing passage extends through the fixed funnel and operably connected with an ice bin. A variable funnel includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is adjacent the fixed funnel. The distal end is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110139017 | FOOD PROCESSOR WITH AN EXTERNAL CONTROL FOR ADJUSTING CUTTING THICKNESS - A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly is adjustable to vary the thickness of the cut food items. A user-operated control device adjusts the cutting thickness of the cutting assembly. The control device is located outside of the bowl. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110138842 | HIGH CAPACITY ICE STORAGE IN A FREEZER COMPARTMENT - A refrigerator including a cabinet having a cabinet door pivotally connected thereto. A primary ice bin is disposed on one of the cabinet and the cabinet door and includes a primary gate operable between a closed position and an open position. A secondary ice bin is disposed on the other of the cabinet and the cabinet door. The secondary ice bin includes a secondary gate operable between a closed position and an open position. The secondary gate operably engages with the primary gate to form an ice overflow route when the primary gate and the secondary gate are in the open position. An ice maker is disposed inside the cabinet and adapted to dispense ice into the primary ice storage bin. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110138837 | MODULAR BUCKET AND DOOR ARCHITECTURE TO DELIVER THREE ICE FUNCTIONS - An appliance including a module-receiving cavity disposed in the appliance. Also included is a removable module disposed in the module-receiving cavity, and at least one ice modification member disposed inside the removable module. A motor is operably connected with the removable module and includes an output shaft that extends into the removable module. An impeller is connected with the output shaft proximate to the at least one ice modification member, the impeller being operable between a first ice manipulating condition defined by a first directional rotation of the impeller, and a second ice manipulating condition defined by a second directional rotation of the impeller. An ice chute is located proximate the ice modification member for dispensing ice. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110138836 | THREE FUNCTIONS IN A SINGLE WELL - An appliance including an ice manipulation reservoir capable of receiving ice having a base, wherein the base includes a first level and a second level, with the first level descending gradually to the second level. A first ice modification member is disposed inside the ice manipulation reservoir adjacent the first level of the base, and a second ice modification member is disposed inside the ice manipulation reservoir adjacent the second level of the base. A motor is operably connected with the ice manipulation reservoir and includes an output shaft. An impeller is connected with the output shaft proximate to the plurality of ice modification members, with the impeller being operable between a first directional rotation, and a second directional rotation. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110138828 | MEGA ICE BIN - An ice collection area is disposed inside the cabinet proximate an ice maker. An ice storage area is disposed inside the cabinet. A first relocatable ice bin is disposed inside the cabinet. The first relocatable ice bin is disposed in one of the ice collection area and the ice storage area. A second relocatable ice bin is disposed inside the cabinet. The second relocatable ice bin is disposed in the other of the ice collection area and the ice storage area. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110138821 | ROTATING RAMP AND METHOD FOR FILLING AN ICE BIN - An appliance includes a cabinet and a cabinet door and an ice maker. A primary ice bin is disposed in the cabinet door of the appliance. A secondary ice bin is disposed in the cabinet of the appliance. A routing device is disposed inside the cabinet. The routing device includes a stationary base that supports an adjustable ramp. The ramp is operable between a first position that directs ice to the primary ice bin and a second position that directs ice to the secondary ice bin. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110138541 | METHOD FOR DISPENSING AN ENZYME IN A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - A method for treating laundry in a laundry treating appliance including the application of a lipase solution to the laundry during a cycle of operation. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110132021 | MULTIFUNCTION DISPENSER ACTUATION PAD - A refrigerator includes refrigerator cabinet, a door attached to the refrigerator cabinet, an ice and water dispenser mounted at the door for dispensing ice and water through the door, the ice and water dispenser including a multifunction dispensing actuation pad having a plurality of actuation points and wherein ice or water is dispensed upon selectively applying a pressure to one of the plurality of actuation points on the dispensing actuation pad. A method of operating a refrigerator includes the steps of providing a refrigerator and selectively applying pressure to at least one of a plurality of actuation points on a dispensing actuation pad of the refrigerator to select an ice and water dispenser function. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110127896 | UNIVERSAL CRISPER FRAME ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE A VARIETY OF CRISPER CONFIGURATIONS - A refrigerator which includes a refrigerator cabinet, a door attached to the refrigerator cabinet, a refrigerator drawer assembly disposed within the cabinet, the assembly including: (a) a refrigerator drawer body with a bottom and a plurality of upright walls operatively connected to the bottom; (b) a perimeter frame with front, back and opposite portions; (c) a support member having a first end, a second end, a bottom, a top, and a plurality of walls, the support member interchangeably connected to the front and back portions of the perimeter frame; and (d) a refrigerator drawer subassembly configured to support and allow for movement of the refrigerator drawer. A method for manufacturing a refrigerator with refrigerator drawer assembly includes providing a perimeter frame and a support member, connecting the support member to the perimeter frame to create a first position, disconnecting the support member from the perimeter to create a second position, selecting one of a plurality of refrigerator drawer bodies for insertion into the perimeter based on the position of the support member, and selecting one of a plurality of refrigerator drawer subassemblies for connection to the perimeter frame, support member, or refrigerator drawer body. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110126823 | SMART GAS BURNER SYSTEM FOR COOKING APPLIANCE - A cooking appliance having a gas burner operable to generate a quantity of heat is disclosed. The cooking appliance also includes a pressure sensor operable to measure the pressure of gas supplied to the gas burner from a gas valve. The gas valve is programmed to adjust the supply of gas to the gas burner based on the measured pressure of the gas. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110126822 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ULTRA LOW GAS BURNER PERFORMANCE FOR A COOKING APPLIANCE - A cooking appliance a gas burner configured to generate a quantity of heat is disclosed. The cooking appliance also includes a pressure sensor operable to measure the pressure of gas supplied to the gas burner from a gas control valve. The gas control valve is operable to adjust the supply of gas to the gas burner based on the measured pressure of the gas. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110120446 | DIFFUSION CAP BURNER FOR GAS COOKING APPLIANCE - A gas burner for a cooking appliance includes a frustoconically-shaped crown having a plurality of gas ports defined therein, a cover positioned above the crown, and a shell secured to the cover and positioned on the crown. The shell defines a hollow chamber positioned between the crown and the cover. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110119839 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH CONTROLLED OSCILLATING MOVEMENT - Disclosed is a laundry treating appliance having a drum and a torsionally flexible drive mechanism. The drum simultaneously rotates in a first rotational direction and oscillates about an axis of rotation. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110114633 | MICROWAVE OVEN AND RELATED METHOD - A method of operating a microwave oven and a microwave oven are disclosed. The microwave oven comprises a magnetron for providing microwave power to heat a load placed in the microwave oven, and a solid-state microwave generator for providing microwave power to sense presence and/or determine nature of the load in the microwave oven. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110114632 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN INDUCTION HEATING SYSTEM - A method for controlling an induction heating system, particularly an induction heating system of a cooktop on which a cooking utensil with a certain contents is placed for heating/cooking purposes, comprises the steps of carrying out a predetermined number “n” of electrical measurements of a first electrical parameter of the heating system on the basis of a predetermined electrical value of a second electrical parameter, “n” being ≦2, repeating the above set of measurements at a predetermined time after the first measurements, and estimating at least one thermal parameter of the heating system, particularly of the contents of the cooking utensil, on the basis of the above set of measurements. | 05-19-2011 |
