Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090293511 | APPLIANCE FEATURE MODULE ENABLED BY ENERGY OR MATERIALS SOURCED FROM THE HOST APPLIANCE - A modular utility supply unit that includes a utility supply module housing having removable engageability to a surface of an appliance. Also included is at least one refillable reservoir capable of storing a plurality of utilities and receiving at least one utility from the appliance when the utility supply unit is operably engaged to the appliance. Further included is an interface capable of engaging a plurality of feature modules, where the interface includes a recognition device that prompts the utility supply unit to provide the engaged feature module with at least one of the storage utilities within the utility supply from at least one of the refillable reservoirs. | 12-03-2009 |
20090293553 | MODULAR LAUNDRY SYSTEM WITH SEGMENTED WORK SURFACE - A modular laundry system comprises at least two horizontally arranged laundry appliances, and a worksurface formed by multiple interconnected pieces laterally connected to each other, wherein the worksurface is mountable to the laundry appliances to span a gap between the laundry appliances and form a continuation surface above the discontinuous upper surface collectively defined by the laundry appliances. | 12-03-2009 |
20090302724 | PARK PLACE REFRIGERATOR MODULE UTILITIES ENABLED VIA CONNECTION - A connection system for connecting an encoded domestic appliance feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the encoded feature module and the utility source. The connection system includes a utility source that has a coupler capable of removably engaging an encoded domestic appliance feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one encoded domestic appliance feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities. Further included is an interface between the utility source and the feature module, where the interface includes a detection and recognition device that operates to detect when the encoded feature module is connected to the utility source, where one or more predetermined utilities are transferred between the utility source and the feature module based upon which feature module is connected to the utility source, and where the detection and recognition device may be a reed switch, a DIP switch, and a comparator circuit | 12-10-2009 |
20100295435 | REFRIGERATOR MODULE MOUNTING SYSTEM - An elongated spine extends vertically within a refrigerated cabinet, freezer cabinet, or doors and includes ductwork for the transmission of fluids within the spine as well as operating power and/or electrical control or data signals. The spine includes a mounting channel having inwardly extending edges. Modules mate with the spine for the physical mounting of the modules at any desired location within the continuously extending channel and are provided with a flange which fits within the spine and mounts the module in a cantilevered fashion to the refrigerator. Such construction facilitates the distribution of fluids, such as hot or cold air within the refrigerator, and the manufacturing of a refrigerator by providing a readily attached spine and allowing modular construction of a refrigerator with infinite adjustability for the user. | 11-25-2010 |
20110010923 | METHOD OF MAKING AN APPLIANCE DOOR - A method of making an appliance door includes inserting a door pan into a fixture having first and second forming molds. An inner door liner is placed over the door pan. The first and second forming molds are pressed together. A mold cavity is formed between the door pan and the inner door liner. An insulative material is injected into the mold cavity defined by the space between the door pan and the inner door liner. The inner door liner is secured to the door pan to form a base door. A removable decorative exterior skin is extended over the base door. | 01-20-2011 |
20120137501 | METHOD OF FORMING CONDUIT RECEIVING PASSAGEWAYS IN A REFRIGERATOR - A method of forming a passageway in an insulated door of a refrigerator includes the steps of forming a conduit by inserting a mandrel in the space between a door liner and outer skin, filling the space with foam insulation, and removing the mandrel. In one embodiment, the mandrel is encased with a polymeric skin prior to the inserting step, such that, when the mandrel is removed, the skin remains at the boundary of the passageway so formed. In another embodiment, the method includes mounting fluid and/or electrical conduits to an inside surface of the door liner and subsequently injecting the foam insulation to surround the conduits. In yet another embodiment, fluid and/or electrical conduits are mounted to an outer surface of the door liner. A cover is then positioned over the conduits. | 06-07-2012 |
20120227323 | METHOD OF MAKING AN APPLIANCE DOOR - A method of making an appliance door includes inserting a door pan into a fixture having first and second forming molds. An inner door liner is placed over the door pan. The first and second forming molds are pressed together. A mold cavity is formed between the door pan and the inner door liner. An insulative material is injected into the mold cavity defined by the space between the door pan and the inner door liner. The inner door liner is secured to the door pan to form a base door. A removable decorative exterior skin is extended over the base door. | 09-13-2012 |
20130256318 | VACUUM INSULATED STRUCTURE TUBULAR CABINET CONSTRUCTION - A refrigerator includes a vacuum insulated cabinet structure having side walls that are formed from a tube that has been folded/deformed into a structure having an “O” shape with vertically enlarged front and rear openings. The interior of the tube may be filled with silica powder or other filler, and a vacuum is formed within the tube. An insulated rear panel may be utilized to close off the rear opening of the vacuum insulated cabinet structure. | 10-03-2013 |
20130257256 | VACUUM PANEL CABINET STRUCTURE FOR A REFRIGERATOR - A vacuum panel cabinet structure comprising a frame having side and back framing members defining a frame opening and panel receptacles, framing edges, at least one outwardly expanded framing member, and an inner surface. A plurality of vacuum panels disposed in the panel receptacles. A barrier layer disposed on the vacuum panels. An outer enclosure having at least one extruded channel engaging the at least one outwardly expanded framing member, at least one outwardly contoured hinge, and an inward surface defining a frame receptacle into which the frame is disposed. A liner having at least four sidewalls, a back panel, a liner outer facing surface, and a liner perimetrical flange, wherein the liner outer facing surface is disposed within the frame opening proximate the frame inner surface. The liner perimetrical flange is disposed to the outer enclosure and includes a hermetically sealed infrastructure notch. | 10-03-2013 |