| WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20160141078 | SHELF BRACKETS TO CONDUCT ELECTRICITY TO REFRIGERATOR SHELVES - Shelf brackets to conduct electricity to refrigerator shelves are disclosed. An example shelf bracket includes an end configured to engage a support rail, the end having a first area to conduct electricity from the support rail to the shelf bracket, an arm extending from the end to support the shelf, the arm comprising a second area to conduct electricity from the shelf bracket to the shelf, a non-electrically conductive coating applied to substantially all of the shelf bracket except in the first and second areas, a first electrically conductive material applied to at least a portion of the first area, and a second electrically conductive material applied to at least a portion of the second area, wherein the shelf bracket is formed from a third electrically conductive material, the third electrically conductive material to conduct electricity between the first and second areas. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160138844 | ROTATIONAL ICE MAKER - An ice maker has an ice mold that includes a metallic piece and an insulated piece. A cooling source is thermally coupled to the metallic piece. A cavity is within the ice mold and has a first reservoir in the metallic piece and a second reservoir in the insulated piece. The first and second reservoirs align to substantially enclose the cavity. An intake aperture in the insulated piece extends to the cavity for receiving water. A drive body rotatably coupled to the ice mold that operates in an ice-making cycle, wherein the drive body repeatedly rotates the mold from an injection position to a tilted position. The cavity receives an incremental amount of water in the injection position and moves to the tilted position to freeze at least a portion of the incremental amount of water over a side surface of the cavity to make an ice piece. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160137480 | SELECT FILL SENSOR SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERATOR DISPENSERS - A refrigerator includes a dispenser having a dispenser well, a control for regulating a product dispensing operation, and an optical sensing system includes a camera within the dispenser well in communication with a controller for controlling the filling of a container within the dispenser well based on image data. The image data can used to detect at least one of a presence of a container in the dispenser well, a height of liquid within the container, a height of ice within the container and a shape of the container within the dispenser well, as well as to adjust a dispensing rate of product. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160134431 | CLIENT FOR AN APPLIANCE NETWORK - A client having at least one memory location is provided for use with an appliance network. The client includes an arbitrary software component for performing a useful function, a software architecture or a software architecture driver configured to generate or enable transmission of messages, and means to communicate by message over a network. Thus, the client can have full capability to act as an accessory to an appliance to communicate with and to enhance or alter the operation of the appliance. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160134087 | REFRIGERATOR MODULE UTILITIES ENABLED VIA CONNECTION - A connection system includes a feature module that supplies various functionalities, a portable countertop stand having an upright section that selectively receives the feature module and an umbilical connecting the portable stand to an external appliance to deliver utilities to the portable countertop stand. A utility port selectively delivers at least one utility to the feature module when engaged with the upright section. A utility receiver removably engages the utility port by hand without the use of tools and selectively receives a predetermined set of utilities when the feature module engages the upright surface. A connection interface detects when the feature module is engaged with the upright section and the predetermined utility set required by the engaged feature module. After the feature module is engaged, the connection interface prompts the utility port to release the predetermined utility set to the feature module. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160131416 | LINER SHELF SUPPORT STRUCTURES FOR REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS - An example shelf support structure integral to a refrigerator or freezer liner includes a first feature defined in a liner and extending inward from the liner, the first feature having a first portion at a first height, and a second portion at a second height different from the first height; and a second feature defined in the liner and extending inward from the liner, the second feature spaced-apart from the first feature along a front to back direction and together with the first feature providing support for a shelf, the second feature having a third portion at a third height and a fourth portion at a fourth height different from the third height. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160131407 | MODULAR BUCKET AND DOOR ARCHITECTURE TO DELIVER THREE ICE FUNCTIONS - 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. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160129409 | THIN-WALLED GLASS-LINED BLENDER JARS - Thin-walled glass-lined blender jars are disclosed. An example thin-walled glass-lined blender jar includes a thin-walled glass liner, and a plastic structural shell around the glass liner providing structural support for the glass liner. In some embodiments, a rib of a side wall of the plastic shell is positioned in a rib of a side wall of the glass liner. In some embodiments, side walls of the glass liner and plastic shell may taper inward from bottom to top retaining the glass liner within the plastic shell. In some embodiments, the plastic shell comprises a non-structural member selected for at least one of ornamentation, decoration, and/or aesthetics. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160128517 | FOOD PROCESSING DEVICE WITH AN EXTERNALLY OPERATED ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM - A food processor includes a base and 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 driven by a motor. The cutting assembly is adjustable to vary the thickness of the cut food items. An adjustment assembly positioned in the base is operable to adjust the cutting thickness of the cutting assembly while the cutting assembly is driven by the motor. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160128516 | HIGH-SPEED BLENDING BLADE FOR A FOOD PROCESSING APPLIANCE - A high-speed blending blade for a food-processing appliance includes two opposing upwardly arcuate blades, wherein each of the upwardly arcuate blades defines a continuously-curved downward top surface, two opposing downwardly arcuate blades, wherein each of the downwardly arcuate blades defines a continuously-curved upward top surface, a central blade portion having a central top surface, wherein the top central surface is co-planar with a portion of each downward top surface and each upward top surface and a pair of opposing top blades extending at a predetermined angle from proximate the central top surface. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160124539 | INTEGRATED USER INTERFACES HAVING DECORATIVE, TOUCH AND LIGHTING ELEMENTS - Integrated user interfaces having decorative, touch and lighting elements are disclosed. An example integrated user interface includes a base formed of an opaque material defining a cavity, the cavity having a light output at the top of the cavity, a panel disposed on the top of the base, a touch sensitive pad disposed within the panel above the light output, a light source disposed on the bottom of the panel at least partially within the cavity, and a material containing phosphor substantially filling the cavity and encompassing at least a portion of the light source. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160123655 | UNIVERSAL FIXING SYSTEM FOR A RANGE OF MODULAR REFRIGERATOR COMPONENTS - A modular component fixing system for an appliance including a refrigerating appliance having an inner liner defining a plurality of modular attachment slots, each having an upturned flange defining an angular recess. Each modular attachment slots includes a downwardly angled channel in communication with the angular recess. Each of a plurality of modular components includes an abutment surface and a supporting flange extending from the abutment surface at a predetermined angle, the predetermined angle of the supporting flange being substantially similar to a recess angle define by the angular recess, wherein each modular component is configured to be removably engaged with any one of the plurality of modular attachment slots by inserting the supporting flange into a corresponding angular recess of the one of the plurality of modular attachment slots such that the abutment surface is substantially flush with an interior surface of the inner liner. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160123602 | ECONOMICAL AND VERSATILE SYSTEM FOR FIXING A HOB IN A WORKTOP - A cooking hob retention system includes a support element having a major surface and a pocket disposed therealong and defining a strip having a first opening and a second opening on vertically opposite sides thereof. The system also includes a fastening member including an engagement end and a free end resiliently compressible toward the engagement end about a central fold disposed therebetween. The engagement end is coupled with the support element by a deformable portion opposite the central fold received within the first opening and a protruding element extending toward the deformable portion and received within the second opening. The free end includes a body defining an acute angle with respect to the engagement end. A tab extends from the body generally parallel to the engagement end, and a first countering element extends from the body beyond the tab to an end thereof. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160116756 | LIGHT COLLIMATORS AND METHODS FOR HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACES - Light collimators and methods for human machine interfaces are disclosed. An example human machine interface includes a top surface having a decorative element to be illuminated, a light source, and a plurality of parallel light collimators that collimate visible light emitted by the light source and direct the collimated light toward the bottom side of the decorative element. An example method of illuminating a decorative element of a human machine interface includes emitting light, passing the light through a plurality of collimators defined in the human machine interface, and directing the collimated light toward the decorative element. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160116199 | IN DOOR ICE BIN FOR AN AUTOMATIC ICE MAKER - A refrigerator is provided that includes a cabinet defining an interior volume and at least one door for providing access to the interior volume. An automatic ice maker assembly is disposed within the interior volume and configured to harvest a plurality of ice cubes. The automatic ice maker assembly has an automatic ice maker, a mounting plate and an ice maker receiving space. The mounting plate defines a plurality of engagement features extending into the ice maker receiving space. A rail system is disposed on opposite sides of the ice maker receiving space and an ice storage bin is removably positioned within the ice maker receiving space. The ice storage bin has an ice bin wall positioned on an ice bin base, and a latch slidably disposed along a bottom surface of the ice bin base. The latch has a plurality of retention features, configured to engage the engagement features. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160116198 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING RATE OF ICE PRODUCTION IN AN AUTOMATIC ICE MAKER - A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an interior volume and a door for accessing the interior volume. An ice maker is disposed within the interior volume harvesting ice. The ice maker includes a frame and a motor. An ice tray includes a first end engaged with the motor, a second end engaged to the frame and a plurality ice wells defined by a plurality of weirs including first and second sets of weirs positioned proximate the first and second ends respectively, and interior weirs positioned therebetween. Each of the first and second sets of weirs and the internal weirs include a passage bifurcating each weir into first and second weir portions. Each of the passages defined by the first and second sets of weirs have a cross-sectional area that is greater than a cross-sectional area of any one of the passages defined by the internal weirs. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160109166 | COOLING SYSTEM FOR ICE MAKER - An ice maker having an ice tray horizontally suspended within a housing and a drive body rotatably coupled to a transverse axis of the ice tray and configured to oscillate the ice tray about the transverse axis. The cold side of a thermoelectric device is thermally coupled with a bottom surface of the ice tray, and a hot side opposes the cold side. A barrier extends around the periphery of the ice tray within the housing, and separates the housing into a first chamber and a second air chamber. A heat sink is thermally coupled with the hot side of the thermoelectric device and extends into the second air chamber. An intake duct member is coupled with the housing proximate the second air chamber, and is configured to dispense a cold air flow over the heat sink. The barrier restricts the cold air flow from entering the first chamber. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160107819 | METHOD TO CREATE VACUUM INSULATED CABINETS FOR REFRIGERATORS - A method of forming a vacuum insulated refrigerator cabinet, the method comprising providing first and second sheets of material. The first sheet of material is thermoformed over a first forming tool forming a first intermediate structure. The first intermediate structure is then thermoformed over a second forming mold to create a second intermediate structure. The second sheet of material is then sealing connected with the second intermediate structure forming an annular space. A vacuum is created in the annular space creating a vacuum insulated cabinet. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160102907 | REFRIGERATOR DIVIDER ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS - Refrigerator dividing assemblies and methods are disclosed. An example refrigerator dividing assembly includes a pair of dividers configured to be selectively positionable in a refrigerator, each of the dividers having a respective engaging feature; and a spacer having a first dimension along a first axis, a second different dimension along a second axis, a first pair of engaging features near ends of the spacer along the first axis, the first pair of engaging features configured to engage respective ones of the divider engaging features to fixedly hold the dividers apart by generally a first distance, and a second pair of engaging features near ends of the spacer along the second different axis, the second pair of engaging features configured to engage the respective ones of the divider engaging features to fixedly hold the dividers apart by generally a second distance. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160100738 | ROTATING FILTER FOR A DISHWASHER - 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 filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160097149 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO DETECT TREATING CHEMISTRIES IN LAUNDRY APPLIANCES - An example laundry treating appliance includes a tub, a rotatable drum disposed in the tub and defining a treating chamber in which laundry is received for treatment according to a cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser having an outlet and a cup having a siphon, configured to dispense a treating chemistry into at least one of the tub or the drum, a sensor, and a controller configured to at least: introduce a predetermined amount of liquid into the cup sufficient to activate the siphon if a predetermined amount of the treating chemistry is present in the cup; detect whether the siphon activates in response to the predetermined amount of liquid based on an output of the sensor; and modify cycle of operation based on whether the siphon activates in response to the predetermined amount of liquid. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160095497 | DISHWASHER UTENSIL CADDIES - Dishwasher utensil caddies are disclosed. A disclosed example utensil caddy for a dishwasher having a tub and a door at least partially defining a treating chamber, and dish rack in the treating chamber, includes an attachment member configured to attach the utensil caddy to a side of the dish rack in a space between the dish rack and the tub or the door, and a slot oriented at an angle relative to the dish rack, and configured to receive a handle of a cooking utensil. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160095495 | DISHWASHER - A dishwasher for treating dishes according to at least one automatic cycle of operation comprises a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a chassis supporting the tub and defining a space below the tub a junction box located within the space. The junction box includes a base and a cover configured to receive an electrical connection for the dishwasher. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160095494 | DISHWASHER WITH CONTROLLED ROTATION OF LOWER SPRAY ARM - A dishwasher for treating dishes according to at least one cycle of operation and methods for operating a dishwasher. The dishwasher may have a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a rotatable sprayer, a drive system operably coupled to the rotatable sprayer to effect movement of the rotatable sprayer, and a liquid recirculation system for recirculating sprayed liquid. The dishwasher may have a sump including a sensor enclosure, a first sensor element located within the sensor enclosure and configured to sense at least a portion of the rotatable sprayer, and a controller configured to receive output from the first sensor element and control the drive system and the liquid recirculation system to rotate the rotatable sprayer while selectively supplying liquid to the rotatable sprayer. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160095493 | DISHWASHER WITH INTEGRATED CLOSURE ELEMENT HAVING AN ANTENNA - A dishwasher with an integrated closure element, such as a pivoting door or sliding drawer front, having a metallic front panel extending from an upper edge to a lower edge of the closure element includes a user interface located on an upper face of the closure element such that when the closure element is in a closed position, the user interface faces upwardly and is inaccessible to a user. A radio system for the dishwasher includes an upwardly facing antenna located on the closure element adjacent the user interface. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160095469 | POWERED COOKING ACCESSORY FOR AN OVEN CAVITY - A powered cooking accessory for use in an oven includes a body receivable within an interior of the oven and a first electronic device received within a portion of the body. The accessory further includes a device coupling extending from the body and having a power coupling exposed thereon and electrically connected with the electronic device. The device coupling has an identification element encoded with information regarding at least one characteristic of the accessory and is coupleable with the oven to receive electrical power from the oven and to communicate the information encoded with the identification element to the oven. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160086747 | REFRIGERATORS, METHODS AND APPARATUS TO PASS ELECTRICAL SIGNALS THROUGH REFRIGERATOR LINERS - An apparatus to pass an electrical signal within a refrigerator having a liner partially defining an interior compartment and having an opening, and a moveable member, includes first and second members not passable through the opening when the apparatus is at a first rotational orientation, at least one of the first and second members passable through the opening when the apparatus is at a second rotational orientation, a planar third member between the first and second members fitting in the opening at the first rotational orientation, an electrically conductive contact to conduct the electrical signal to the moveable member when the moveable member is at a predetermined position relative to the apparatus, and a electrical conductor electrically coupled to the contact and passing through the apparatus to conduct the electrical signal from the exterior of the liner to the contact. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160084558 | THERMOELECTRIC ICE MAKER - An ice maker has a mold with a first piece and a second piece. A cavity within the mold includes a first reservoir in the first piece and a second reservoir in the second piece that align to substantially enclose the cavity. A fluid intake aperture in the first piece extends to the cavity for injecting water therein. A thermoelectric device has a cold side thermally coupled to the exterior surface of the second piece. The thermoelectric device transfers heat from the cold side to a hot side to provide a first temperature to the mold. A removable cooling source is thermally coupled to the hot side of the thermoelectric device. The cooling source is configured to reduce the temperature of the hot side to allow the cold side to provide a second temperature that is cooler than the first temperature to freeze the water in the cavity. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160083888 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH A SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY AND A SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY - A laundry treating appliance having a cabinet, a wash tub located within the cabinet and defining an interior, a wash basket mounted within the wash tub and defining a laundry treating chamber, and at least one suspension assembly operably coupled to a portion of the cabinet and a portion of the tub such that the tub is suspended from the cabinet and where the suspension assembly includes a suspension rod for attaching to a portion of the tub in a lower part of the cabinet. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160076803 | MULTI-PART ICEMAKER BAIL ARMS AND ICEMAKERS - Example multi-part icemaker bail arms are disclosed. An example multi-art icemaker bail arm includes a first member having a first end rotationally attached to the icemaker, and a second member attached to an opposite end of the first member, the second member moveable relative to the first member in response to a lateral force applied to the second member. An example icemaker includes a bail arm, a power source monitor to provide a signal representative of a power source state, a direct-current motor to retract the bail arm when the signal represents a power source interruption, and a battery to power the motor. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160069601 | Ice Maker - A stand alone ice making appliance or an ice maker within an appliance is provided including a water inlet, a water inlet valve disposed within the water inlet configured to allow water passage when in an open position and configured to prevent water passage when in a closed position, a reservoir in fluid communication with the water inlet, a water level sensor disposed in the reservoir, and a control unit in electrical communication with the water level sensor and the water inlet valve. The control unit is configured to calculate a fluid flow rate using the time between the water inlet valve opening and the water level sensor communicating when a first predetermined water level has been reached within the reservoir, and use the calculated flow rate to calculate a total water inlet valve open time to fill the reservoir to a second predetermined water level. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160066766 | DISHWASHER DOORS WITH MULTIPLE SILVERWARE BASKETS - Dishwasher doors with multiple silverware baskets are disclosed. A disclosed example dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber having an opening, a door movably mounted to the tub to selectively open and close the opening, and two or more silverware baskets mounted one above the other on an interior of the door. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160060803 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE LIQUID FILLING IN A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - Disclosed is a method of operating a horizontal axis laundry treating appliance to correct for an error in sensing an amount of supplied liquid caused by a determined change in the attitude of an associated wash tub. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160060801 | METHOD OF BRAKING A ROTATING DRUM - A method of braking a rotating drum in a laundry treating apparatus having a rotating drum rotatably driven by a single-phase permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor includes energizing a first winding of the PSC motor to apply a first rotational force to the drum to effect a rotation of the drum in a first direction and energizing a second winding of the PSC motor to apply a braking force. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160060800 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE AND METHOD OF CONTROL - A cycle of operation for a laundry treating appliance having a tub and a rotatable, perforated drum located within the tub and operably coupled with a motor for rotating the drum, the drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment according to a cycle of operation, the cycle of operation comprising an anti-stain setting phase and a pre-wash phase. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160059163 | ELECTRONIC INTERFACE FOR WATER FILTER - A water filter includes a filter unit having a body portion adapted to be rotatingly received into a filter head assembly. An engagement protrusion extends from the body portion and is adapted for reception in a complementary receiver in the filter head assembly. An electronic device is disposed on the filter unit having a memory storage unit. A laterally extending key member is disposed on the body portion between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. The laterally extending key member is adapted to reposition an interference member from an interference position, whereby the body portion can be fully inserted into the filter head assembly to a non-interference position, whereby the body portion can be fully inserted into the filter head assembly. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160047153 | OVEN DOOR OPENING MAGNETIC HINGE - A hinge for rotatably coupling an appliance door with an appliance body includes an input arm affixable with the body and a housing affixable within the door and coupled with the input arm so as to be rotatable through a range of motion between a closed position and an open position. The hinge further includes a spring engaged between the housing and the input arm and deformable to apply a balancing torque to the housing relative to the input arm and a first magnet coupled with one of the housing and the input arm and magnetically applying a closing torque between the housing relative and the input arm when the housing is within a predetermined range of the closed position. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160042901 | METHODS, APPARATUS AND ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE TO REGULATE RELAY COIL SWITCHING - Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to regulate relay coil switching are disclosed. A disclosed example method of regulating switching times of a relay having a pair of contacts to selectively and electrically couple an analog alternating current (AC) power source and a load includes forming a digital pulse train representative of an AC signal at the load, determining a first value corresponding to a representative pulse width of the digital pulse train, providing a first relay switching signal to the relay at a first time relative to a zero crossing of the AC signal, selecting a second time for providing a second relay switching signal to the relay based the first value and a second value representative of the width of a first pulse of the digital pulse train associated with the first relay switching signal at the first time, and providing the second relay switching signal to the relay at the second time. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160039652 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO CHILL DISPENSED BEVERAGES IN REFRIGERATORS - Example methods and apparatus to chill beverages in refrigerators at a faster rate than existing solutions, which use a tank in a refrigerating compartment for chilling, are disclosed. An example refrigerator includes a freezing compartment, a refrigerating compartment, a dispenser, a first tank in the freezing compartment fluidly coupled to a supply, and a second tank in the refrigerating compartment fluidly coupled to the first tank and to the dispenser. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor associated with the first tank, and a controller configured to transfer a beverage in its liquid state from the first tank to the second tank when the temperature sensor indicates the temperature of the beverage in its liquid state in the first tank meets a criterion. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160037996 | DISHWASHER SYSTEM WITH A REUSE TANK - A method of operating a dishwasher having a wash tub and a reuse tank for storing liquid for subsequent reuse, wherein the condition of the water in the reuse tank may be monitored and/or acted upon to limit the likelihood of undesired effects associated with the growth of micro-organisms in the liquid. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160037589 | INDUCTION COOKTOP - The present disclosure relates to an induction cooktop. The induction cooktop comprises a ceramic cooking surface in connection with a housing. A plurality of inductors is disposed in the housing and each of the inductors is in communication with an automatic control system. The automatic control system is configured to check for the presence of a cooking pan on the cooktop in order to prevent the inductors from activating in the absence of the cooking pan. The automatic control system is activated upon receiving an activation command. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160033195 | Power Supplies for Lighted Shelves in a Refrigerator - Illustrative embodiments of systems and methods for powering lighted shelves in refrigerator appliances are disclosed. In one embodiment, a refrigerator appliance may comprise a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, a shelf ladder disposed at least partially in the temperature-controlled compartment and providing a plurality of shelf mounting positions, the shelf ladder comprising an electrical bus including first, second, and third conductors, the second conductor configured to supply power at a first current level when electrically coupled to the first conductor, the third conductor configured to supply power at a second current level when electrically coupled to the first conductor, and a first adjustable shelf carrying a first lighting device, the first adjustable shelf being removably mountable in one of the plurality of shelf mounting positions such that the first lighting device is electrically coupled between the first conductor and the second conductor. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160033187 | ICE CUBE MANIPULATION VIA HEAT - An ice making device includes heating and cooling elements that control the formation of ice within a cavity. The ice making device may include one or more fluid inlets that supply liquid water to the cavity, and one or more fluid outlets that drain water from the cavity after formation of ice having a desired shape. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160023882 | BEVERAGE SYSTEM ICE MAKER AND ICE AND WATER RESERVOIR - A beverage dispensing apparatus including a storage tank. At least one ice body is formed proximate the top portion of the storage tank. The ice body is formed in an icemaker configured to produce an ice body through direct contact with an evaporator coil and does not use cold air, or formed directly on a portion of the top portion of the storage tank using evaporator coils extending around a perimeter of the storage tank. The water is then configured to be carbonated and then dispensed to a user upon a user command. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160022116 | DISHWASHER - A dishwasher includes a tub having an air outlet, an airflow conduit fluidly coupling the tub air outlet to ambient air, a blower assembly forcing air to flow from the tub and through the tub air outlet into the airflow conduit, a first reservoir associated with the airflow conduit and collecting liquid condensed from the air forced through the airflow conduit, the first reservoir fluidly coupled to the tub for draining the collected liquid into the tub, and a second reservoir associated with the airflow conduit downstream of the first reservoir and collecting liquid condensed from the air prior to the exhaustion of the air to the ambient air, wherein any liquid not collected by the first reservoir is collected by the second reservoir for evaporation. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160022115 | DISHWASHER WITH AIR SYSTEM - A dishwasher may include a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, an airflow conduit, and a blower assembly fluidly coupled to the airflow conduit. The blower assembly may include a first impeller effecting a flow of ambient air to the treating chamber and a second impeller effecting a flow of mixed air from the treating chamber exhausting the mixed air from the treating chamber. Additionally, at least one of the first and second impellers may effect a flow of ambient air that bypasses the tub and combines with the mixed air before being exhausted from the dishwasher. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160003513 | SYNCHRONOUS TEMPERATURE RATE CONTROL FOR REFRIGERATION WITH REDUCED ENERGY CONSUMPTION - Methods of operation for refrigerator appliance configurations with a controller, a condenser, at least one evaporator, a compressor, and two refrigeration compartments. The configuration may be equipped with a variable-speed or variable-capacity compressor, variable speed evaporator or compartment fans, a damper, and/or a dual-temperature evaporator with a valve system to control flow of refrigerant through one or more pressure reduction devices. The methods may include synchronizing alternating cycles of cooling each compartment to a temperature approximately equal to the compartment set point temperature by operation of the compressor, fans, damper and/or valve system. The methods may also include controlling the cooling rate in one or both compartments. Refrigeration compartment cooling may begin at an interval before or after when the freezer compartment reaches its lower threshold temperature. Freezer compartment cooling may begin at an interval before or after when the freezer compartment reaches its upper threshold temperature. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20150376029 | DRINKING WATER FILTER WITH INTEGRAL SELF-DISINFECTING DELIVERY SYSTEM - An aspect of the present invention is generally directed toward an appliance that includes a water source inlet that receives intake water from a water source and a water outlet proximate a water dispensing location on a door of the appliance in fluid communication with one another via one or more water conduits spaced within the appliance. The appliance also includes a removable water filter and dispenser assembly configured to be removably engaged and disengaged with the water outlet of the appliance by hand without the use of tools. The removable water filter and dispenser assembly includes: (1) a housing that includes at least one water treatment media; and (2) a treated water dispensing outlet configured to deliver water treated by the at least one water treatment media for use or consumption. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150374203 | DISHWASHER UTENSIL BASKET - A dishwasher utensil basket includes a mechanism for unloading multiple utensils at once without the user having to directly handle the utensils. The mechanism can include a grid that is loaded with utensils for treatment. The basket can include multiple zones for loading utensils, each provided with an individually-operable unloading mechanism. A user can unload the basket by holding a handle of the basket in one hand and squeezing an actuator of the mechanism toward the handle using the thumb of the same hand. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150374200 | DOOR ASSEMBLY FOR A DISHWASHER - A dishwasher includes a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to a cycle of operation and a door assembly selectively moveable to close an access opening to the treating chamber, the door assembly comprising a window assembly comprising first and second spaced window panes defining an intervening vacuum sealed chamber, a window assembly support frame provided on the door panel, and a seal provided between the window assembly support frame and the first and second panes and encapsulated by the window assembly support frame. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150368844 | METHOD FOR DETECTING SATELLIZATION SPEED OF CLOTHES LOAD IN A HORIZONTAL AXIS LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - A laundry treating appliance may include a rotatable treating chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment, and a motor for rotating the treating chamber, and may be operated such that during the acceleration of the laundry load toward a satellizing speed, the satellizing of the laundry load may be detected, whereby subsequent operation of the laundry treating appliance may be controlled based on the detection. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150368841 | WASHER AND WASHER CONTROL WITH CYCLES FOR LAUNDRY ADDITIVES AND COLOR SAFE BLEACHES/IN-WASH STAIN REMOVERS - A washer and a control for an automatic washer to operate the washer through a wash cycle selected based upon a range of conditions of a fabric load to be washed. The control has a plurality of selectable stain type entrees, each with a particular dedicated wash cycle. The control also has dispensing control over at least two wash liquor additives, one being a detergent and the other being an oxidizing agent. The control operates the dedicated wash cycles, as selected, using both the detergent and the oxidizing agent; however, the detergent and the oxidizing agent may be dispensed differently, depending on the stain type selected. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150368605 | COMPOST SYSTEM WITH ERROR DETECTION - A controller for a compost system configured to identify an error condition is disclosed. The controller comprises at least one control output. The control output is configured to measure a load current of the at least one control output and generate a load value. The at least one control output is in communication with a compost device and is configured to control an environmental condition of a compost chamber of the compost system. The controller is operable to compare the load value to a predetermined value to determine an error condition of the compost system. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150360848 | PRESSURE-DRIVEN METERED MIXING DISPENSING PUMPS AND METHODS - An example pressure-driven metered mixing dispensing pump includes a housing, a fluid inlet, a piston disposed in the housing at least partially defining first, second and third chambers, the first and second chambers each in fluid communication with the third chamber, the piston to, in response to first fluid entering the first chamber via the fluid inlet, move in a first direction to decrease the volume of the second chamber thereby ejecting second fluid from the second chamber into the third chamber, a spring to move the piston in a second direction to decrease the volume of the first chamber thereby ejecting at least some of the first fluid from the first chamber into the third chamber thereby mixing the at least some of the first fluid and the second fluid to form a mixture, and an outlet to discharge the mixture from the third chamber. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150359412 | HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE WITH BULK UNIT-DOSE DISPENSER AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A household appliance, such as dishwasher, includes a bulk unit-dose dispenser configured to hold multiple unit doses of treating chemistry and dispense the treating chemistry at the appropriate time in a cycle of operation. The bulk unit-dose dispenser can include a multiple compartments moveable along a track, and the compartments can be sequentially moved into registry with a dispensing opening of the appliance. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150354874 | AIR CONDITIONER WITH SELECTIVE FILTERING FOR AIR PURIFICATION - A split air conditioner has a cabinet with a fan and evaporator for mounting within a structure. The cabinet includes one or more movable dampers or movable filters positioned in the flow path between the air inlet and the outlet for selectively filtering contaminants from the air to provide a greater or lesser degree of filtration of the air. The movable filters include sliding and/or pivot mounting structure which may accommodate stacking multiple filters with different filtering characteristics. The system may operate in a filtering only mode with no cooling, a cooling only mode with no filtering, or a combination of cooling and selective filtering. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150354872 | AIR CONDITIONER WITH SELECTIVE FILTERING FOR AIR PURIFICATION - A split air conditioner has a cabinet with a fan and evaporator for mounting within a structure. The cabinet includes a filter or a stacked filter system positioned in the flow path between an air inlet and an air outlet for filtering contaminants from the air. Movable filters are provided for selectively bypassing the filters to provide a greater or lesser degree of filtration of the air. Preferably, the filters are high performance HEPA-like filter having substantially less pressure drop . | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150354871 | AIR CONDITIONER WITH SELECTIVE FILTERING FOR AIR PURIFICATION - A split air conditioner has a cabinet with a fan and evaporator for mounting within a structure. The cabinet includes a filter or a stacked filter system positioned in the flow path between an air inlet and an air outlet for filtering contaminants from the air. Movable dampers are provided for selectively changing the airflow path to selectively bypass the filter to provide a greater or lesser degree of filtration of the air. Preferably, the filter is a high performance HEPA-like filter having substantially less pressure drop . | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150354838 | AIR CONDITIONER WITH SELECTABLE SUPPLEMENTAL COMPRESSOR COOLING - An outdoor unit (ODU) for an air conditioning system includes a baffle or other airflow direction control such that the cooling air from a condenser is at least partially directed over the compressor to provide air movement around the compressor to assist in thermal transfer of heat from the compressor. In one system, curvilinear frustoconical baffles are positioned in a conventional barrel-type outdoor unit to direct airflow toward the compressor before being discharged from the unit. When any of the ODUs is part of a heat pump system for providing heating and cooling, a retractable or movable air diverting system is employed when in the heating mode to prevent airflow through the condenser from reaching the compressor. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150354124 | APPLIANCE AND METHOD FOR REMOVING NOISE FROM A MOTOR CHARACTERISTIC SIGNAL IN A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - An apparatus and method of sensing a motor characteristic signal in a laundry treating appliance having a drum rotated by a motor about a rotational axis, sampling the motor characteristic signal, filtering the motor characteristic signal, and evaluating the filtered motor characteristic signal for the presence of a predetermined condition corresponding to the motor characteristic signal. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150353337 | Hands Free, Controlled Autofill for a Dispenser - A dispensing system includes one or more digital image capture devices for capturing images in a dispenser well and a digital image analyzer operatively coupled to the digital image capture device(s) for analyzing the images for use in regulating a dispensing operation. The digital image analyzer evaluates digital images captured by the digital image capture device(s) to determine various characteristics of a container placed in the dispensing well, such as the height and position of the container. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150351579 | METHOD OF REGULATING TEMPERATURE FOR SOUS VIDE COOKING AND APPARATUS THEREFOR - A method of regulating the temperature of a cooking liquid during sous vide cooking in a cooking vessel on a burner of a cooktop includes setting a desired cooking temperature and measuring the temperature of the cooking liquid inside the sous vide cooking vessel at a plurality of predetermined time intervals with a first temperature sensor mounted on an interior surface of a wall of the sous vide cooking vessel. The temperature of the cooking liquid is compared to the desired cooking temperature at each of the predetermined time intervals. The energy output of the burner is controlled based on the difference between the temperature of the cooking liquid and the desired cooking temperature. A cooking vessel and system for sous vide cooking using this method are also disclosed. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150345194 | OVEN DOOR OPENING MAGNETIC HINGE - A hinge for rotatably coupling an appliance door with an appliance body includes a housing affixable within the door. An input arm is rotatably coupled to the housing and is affixable with the appliance body. A spring is operably engaged between the housing and the input arm to apply a balancing torque to the input arm relative to the housing. A first magnet is fixed relative to the housing and a second magnet is operatively coupled with the input arm such that rotation of the input arm with respect to the housing moves the second magnet axially with respect to the first magnet. The magnets have a mutual attraction between each other that is operable to apply a closing torque to the input arm relative to the housing. The balancing force decreases with movement of the input arm from the second position toward the first position. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150345067 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH DYNAMIC BALANCER - A dynamic balancer device for mounting to and balancing a rotatable drum in a laundry treating appliance comprises an enclosed non-metal annular housing having a radial circumferential wall, an annular metal race within the non-metal annular housing disposed against the radial circumferential wall, and a mass disposed in the annular race and movable therein. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150345066 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE AND TUB ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF FORMING - A laundry appliance for treating a load of laundry according to a cycle of operation comprises a cabinet and a tub assembly housed within the cabinet and comprising a front tub section, a rear tub section and at least one middle tub section provided between the front and rear tub sections. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150342438 | DISHWASHER WITH UNITARY WASH MODULE - An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber and a housing physically separate from the tub and defining a sump to receive liquid sprayed into the tub, the housing having an inlet fluidly connected to a liquid outlet of the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to a sprayer located within the tub to define a recirculation path for the sprayed liquid. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150342350 | REFRIGERATOR SHELVES - Refrigerator shelves are disclosed. An example refrigerator shelf includes a substantially planar member, trim along a first edge of the planar member, and a bent continuous wire support rod. The bent rod having a first portion extending along and beneath the trim, a second portion perpendicular to the first portion and extending from the first edge to a point between the first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, and a third portion extending from the point and extending substantially perpendicularly from a plane defined by the first and second portions. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150338149 | IN THE DOOR ICE MAKER - A refrigerator that has a refrigerating compartment and a freezer compartment. A refrigerating compartment door covers at least a portion of the refrigerating compartment. An ice compartment located in the refrigerating compartment is located on the refrigerating compartment door. An ice maker is located in the ice compartment and a dispenser is located on the refrigerating compartment door. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150337475 | CONTROLLED MOISTURE REMOVAL IN A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - An apparatus and method for reducing humidity both within laundry and within a laundry treating appliance in response to a door being opened or closed are disclosed. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150337474 | CLOTHES MOVER FOR AN AUTOMATIC WASHER - A washing machine for treating laundry comprising a basket rotatable about a first rotational axis, having a peripheral side wall extending upwardly from a bottom wall to at least partially define a treating chamber; a clothes mover proximate the bottom wall, having a base with a centrally located hub concentric with a second rotational axis about which the clothes mover reciprocally rotates; and at least one vane having an elongated body extending away from the hub and projecting upwardly from the clothes mover to terminate in a tip. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150335038 | REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH APPLIANCE - A refrigeration appliance comprises a cavity in which an ozone generating device is placed. The ozone generating device is configured to maintain in the cavity a concentration of ozone between 0.04 and 0.12 ppm, more preferably between 0.06 and 0.1 ppm. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150330013 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USING GRAVITY TO PRECISELY DOSE DETERGENT IN A WASHING MACHINE - An appliance for washing clothes includes a detergent storage tank and a drum. Between the detergent storage tank and the drum is a diverter valve which has a detergent inlet connected to the detergent storage tank, an air vent connected to ambient air, and a detergent outlet. The diverter valve has an energized state wherein the detergent inlet is open and the air vent is closed, and a de-energized state wherein the detergent inlet is closed and the air vent is open. The appliance also has a flow meter connected to the diverter valve and the drum. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330009 | APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE EXTRACTION DURATION IN A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - An apparatus for monitoring a characteristic of the motor for use in determining the duration of the extraction phase of the cycle of operation in a laundry treating appliance. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150327747 | DISHWASHER HAVING SPRAY MANIFOLD - A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially forming a treating chamber, a dish rack provided within the wash chamber, and a spray manifold. The spray manifold can have multiple apertures and/or sprayers for emitting wash liquid to define a spray zone. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150322615 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH INTEGRATED DYNAMIC BALANCER - A laundry treating appliance includes a rotatable drum for receiving a laundry load. The rotatable drum includes a cylindrical body with a cylindrical wall about a longitudinal axis, and a metal cover at one end thereof, the metal cover having an annular groove formed by a first wall, a second wall spaced from the first wall, a third wall extending between the first and second walls, and a fourth wall extending from the second wall. A first land is secured to the third wall and has a leg extending toward the second wall adjacent to the third wall, and a second land is secured to the fourth wall. A non-metal adjoining piece is coupled with the first and second land. A hollow annular raceway is defined by the second wall, the leg, the first adjoining wall, and the second adjoining wall and includes a moveable mass disposed therein. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150322614 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH DYNAMIC BALANCER - A dynamic balancer device for mounting to and balancing a rotatable drum in a laundry treating appliance comprises an enclosed non-metal annular housing having a radial circumferential wall, an annular metal race within the non-metal annular housing disposed against the radial circumferential wall, and a mass disposed in the annular race and movable therein. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150322613 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH INTEGRATED DYNAMIC BALANCER - A laundry treating appliance includes a rotatable drum for receiving a laundry load. The rotatable drum includes a cylindrical body with a cylindrical wall about a longitudinal axis, and a metal cover at one end thereof, the metal cover having an annular groove formed by a first wall, a second wall spaced from the first wall, a third wall extending between the first and second walls, and a fourth wall extending from the second wall. A metal adjoining piece having a first adjoining wall is coupled with the third wall and a second adjoining wall is coupled with the fourth wall, wherein a hollow annular raceway is defined by the second wall, the third wall, the first adjoining wall, and the second adjoining wall. A sound dampener is disposed adjacent at least one of the walls. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150322611 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH TUMBLE PATTERN CONTROL - An apparatus and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance treating laundry according to a cycle of operation including determining a rotational speed of the drum corresponding to a predetermined movement of the laundry within the drum and setting an operating parameter for the cycle of operation based on the determined rotational speed of the drum corresponding to the predetermined movement of the laundry. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150315735 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE AND METHOD USING INERTIA DETECTION TO CONTROL LIQUID EXTRACTION - A laundry treating appliance has a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment according to at least one cycle of operation and operated such that the extraction of liquid from the laundry load is controlled based on the inertia of the laundry load. A method for operating the laundry treating appliance to control the liquid extraction based on the detected inertia. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150315009 | BLADDER PUMP FOR LIQUID DISPENSING - A refrigerator includes a main refrigeration loop and a canister configured in a parallel circuit with the main refrigeration loop between the compressor and evaporator, with a liquid-filled bladder within the canister. The canister is pressurized by high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor, which forces the liquid within the bladder out of the bladder and to a pressurized water reservoir in fluid communication with the bladder and configured to house the evaporator and then out to a dispenser. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150314249 | CARBONATION VIA A CARBON FILTER MEDIA - An appliance for dispensing a chilled, carbonated liquid includes a mixer connected to a water source and a carbon dioxide source. A highly activated carbon filter is placed downstream from the mixing chamber between the mixing chamber and a dispenser. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150308031 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING INERTIA OF A LAUNDRY LOAD - A laundry treating appliance for treating a laundry load according to at least one cycle of operation including a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber in which a laundry load is received for treatment, a motor rotatably driving the drum in response to a motor control signal, and a controller outputting a motor control signal to rotate the drum according to a speed profile having at least a constant speed phase, where the drum is rotated at a constant speed, and an acceleration phase, where the drum is accelerated to the constant speed and a method of operating a laundry treating appliance to determine an inertia of the laundry load. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150308029 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AN INERTIA OF A LAUNDRY LOAD IN A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - An apparatus and method for determining an inertia of a laundry load for a laundry treating appliance during an acceleration phase, wherein the rotational speed of a rotatable drum of the laundry is controlled based on the determined inertia. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150305593 | EASIER LOADING AND UNLOADING SILVERWARE BASKETS FOR AUTOMATIC DISHWASHERS - Easier loading and unloading silverware baskets for automatic dishwashers are disclosed. A disclosed example silverware basket includes four side walls defining a basket having a top opening and a bottom opening, a moveable first member dimensioned to fit within the top opening and selectively moveable between a first position near the top opening and a second position between the top opening and the bottom opening, and a moveable second member dimensioned to fit within the bottom opening and selectively moveable between a third position near the bottom opening and a fourth position between the top opening and the bottom opening. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150305565 | LOW PROFILE MOTOR FOR PORTABLE APPLIANCES - A blending appliance includes a housing having a jar receiving portion defined between an upper housing and a base portion laterally extending from the housing. A blender jar is adapted to be laterally received within the jar receiving portion and includes a jar base and a receptacle portion. A stator is disposed in the base portion of the housing and is adapted to create an electromagnetic field to drive a rotatable magnetic coupler disposed in the jar base as part of a magnetic coupling system. The rotatable magnetic coupler is coupled to a drive shaft that is further coupled to a blade assembly disposed within the receptacle portion of the blender jar. The blade assembly is configured to process ingredients within the receptacle portion of the blender jar as coupled to the rotatable magnetic coupler. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150300651 | POWER MANAGEMENT FOR HOME APPLIANCES - The present disclosure includes a system for power management of a plurality of heating sources for an electric range. The system includes a cooktop element, an oven element, and a switch in electrical connection with the cooktop element. The switch is configured to supply a first voltage or a second voltage to the cooktop element from a voltage source. The system further includes a controller in communication with the oven element and configured to control the at least one switch. The controller is configured to control the switch in a first state and a second state. In the first state, the controller controls the switch to supply the first voltage to the cooktop element in response to an off-state of the oven element. In the second state, the controller controls the switch to supply the second voltage to the cooktop element in response to an on-state of the oven element. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150296087 | PRODUCT SERVICE SYSTEM AND METHOD - An appliance is configured to establish a communications link through the appliance between a user and a service representative as part of installing, diagnosing and servicing the appliance. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150292796 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A REFRIGERATING UNIT - A method for controlling a refrigerating unit that includes the steps of providing a freezing compartment, a user interface and a refrigeration circuit with a compressor; and setting a controlling routine through the user interface for avoiding freezer burns on food products to be stored in the freezing compartment, upon the setting changing the set temperature of the freezing compartment to a value from 2° C. to 10° C. lower than the previously set value, and changing the on/off control or the cooling capacity of the compressor so that temperature oscillations in the freezing compartment are limited to a range from 1° C. to 0.1° C. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150289528 | FRUIT AND VEGETABLES GREEN SANITIZING COMPARTMENT - A compartment of a refrigerator for storage of fruits and vegetables is disclosed. The compartment comprises a photo-catalytic element, a source of UV light, a bottom, and an open upper part defining an inner chamber open upwards. The photo-catalytic element is housed on the bottom, and the photo-catalytic element comprises at least a portion extending along or being superimposed to the peripheral portion of the bottom of the chamber. The source of UV light comprises a plurality of UV lamps arranged above the photo-catalytic element, so that the UV light emitted by the lamps hits directly the photo-catalytic element. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150284898 | METHOD TO CONTROL A DRYING CYCLE OF A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - An apparatus and method for controlling a drying cycle of a laundry treating appliance by monitoring a temperature of the exhaust air flow. | 10-08-2015 |
| 20150282672 | INGREDIENT ATTACHMENT JAR FOR STAND MIXER ATTACHMENT HUB - An operable measuring attachment for a mixing appliance includes a mixing bowl defining a mixing interior, a housing having a protrusion attachable to the appliance and a plurality of containers each having an interior volume. Each container is alternatively operable between a measuring position engaged to a top of the housing, and a disengaged position distal from the housing. The operable measuring attachment also includes a magnetic coupler having a first magnetic member disposed proximate the base of each of the plurality of containers and a second magnetic member disposed proximate the top of the housing. The selective magnetic engagement of the first magnetic member of any one of the plurality of containers and the second magnetic members further defines the measuring position. A scale is disposed within the housing that is in communication with the interior volume of the container in the measuring position. | 10-08-2015 |
| 20150276306 | SYNCHRONOUS TEMPERATURE RATE CONTROL AND APPARATUS FOR REFRIGERATION WITH REDUCED ENERGY CONSUMPTION - A refrigerator appliance configuration, and associated methods of operation, for an appliance with a controller, a condenser, at least one evaporator, a compressor, and two refrigeration compartments. The configuration may be equipped with a variable-speed or variable-capacity compressor, variable speed evaporator or compartment fans, a damper, and/or a dual-temperature evaporator with a valve system to control flow of refrigerant through one or more pressure reduction devices. The controller, by operation of the compressor, fans, damper and/or valve system, depending on the appliance configuration, synchronizes alternating cycles of cooling each compartment to a temperature approximately equal to the compartment set point temperature. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150276305 | INTERACTIVE LIGHTING IN A REFRIGERATOR - A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a light system associated within an interior of the refrigerator cabinet, the light system including a light source, a reflector having a first position wherein light from the light source is directed in a first direction and a second position wherein the light from the light source is directed in a second direction, and wherein the refrigerator is configured to move the reflector between the first position and the second position based on interactions between a user of the refrigerator and the refrigerator. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150276298 | APPARATUSES AND METHODS TO IMPROVE AIR FLOW IN ON-THE-DOOR ICEMAKERS - On-the-door icemakers having improved air flow are disclosed. An example icemaker includes an ice mold configured to produce ice by removing heat from the ice mold using supplied cold air, and a shaped air flow redirection member disposed at least partially between the icemaker and the door to redirect at least a portion of the cold air away from the door toward the freezer compartment. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150276289 | SYNCHRONOUS COMPARTMENT TEMPERATURE CONTROL AND APPARATUS FOR REFRIGERATION WITH REDUCED ENERGY CONSUMPTION - A refrigerator appliance configuration, and associated methods of operation, for an appliance with a controller, a condenser, at least one evaporator, a compressor, and two refrigeration compartments. The configuration may be equipped with a variable-speed or variable-capacity compressor, variable speed evaporator or compartment fans, a damper and/or a dual-temperature evaporator with a valve system to control flow of refrigerant through one or more pressure reduction devices. The controller, by operation of the compressor, fans, damper and/or valve system, depending on the appliance configuration, controls the cooling rate in one or both compartments to synchronize, alternating cycles of cooling the compartments to their set point temperatures. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150271877 | SOLID-STATE MICROWAVE DEVICE - A solid-state microwave generator for applying energy to a load disposed in a cavity is provided. The microwave generator comprises an oscillator, a preamplifier coupled to the oscillator, a power amplifier coupled to the preamplifier; a radiating element coupled to the power amplifier and in communication with the cavity; and a passive, microstrip bandpass filter with a predetermined passband in the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum connected in a line between the oscillator and the power amplifier. The output of the passive, microstrip bandpass filter is connected to an input of the power amplifier to limit the energy transmitted by the radiating element into the cavity at frequencies outside of the passband. | 09-24-2015 |
| 20150267340 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE DISPENSER - A laundry treating appliance may comprise a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and having an opening at least partially aligned with an opening in the appliance front panel, thus providing access to the treating chamber through the front panel opening and the tub opening. A bellows may connect the front panel and the tub at their respective openings, and a treating chemistry dispenser may be located on the bellows. | 09-24-2015 |
| 20150265129 | AUTOMATIC DISHWASHER WITH PUMP ASSEMBLY - An automatic dishwasher with a tub that at least partially defines a treating chamber, a liquid spraying system that supplies liquid to the treating chamber, and a pump assembly that fluidly couples the treating chamber to the liquid spraying system and where the pump assembly includes a housing having an inlet, a recirculation outlet, and a drain outlet. | 09-24-2015 |
| 20150259848 | METHOD FOR TREATING CLOTHES IN A DRYER - A method for treating clothes in a dryer, particularly for removing wrinkles from clothes at the end of a clothes drying program or a clothes refreshing program, in which the flow rate of process air circulated in a closed loop is decreased by reversing the rotation of the fan. | 09-17-2015 |
| 20150259845 | MODULAR LAUNDRY SYSTEM - A modular laundry system includes at least one laundry appliance and at least one laundry module below the laundry appliance. Both the laundry appliance and the laundry module have a single width. The laundry module has a height that is less than the height of the laundry appliance and performs a washing function to wash laundry. | 09-17-2015 |
| 20150259844 | MODULAR LAUNDRY SYSTEM AND LAUNDRY MODULE - A laundry module performs a washing function to wash laundry and has a height that is less than the height of a laundry appliance. The laundry module can be part of a modular laundry system including the laundry appliance. The laundry module can be vertically arranged with the laundry appliance, such as by supporting the laundry appliance thereupon. | 09-17-2015 |
| 20150258512 | BLENDER JAR SCRAPING UTENSIL - A blending appliance includes a blender jar defining a receptacle portion, an open end, and a closed end. A blender lid is configured to mate with the open end of the bender jar. The lid defines an aperture. A blender has an upper housing defining a cavity configured to accept a funnel. The blender is configured to accept the blender jar such that the funnel and the lid aperture are aligned. A scraping utensil has a scraper portion and a bulge. The bulge is configured to pivotally engage the funnel such that the scraper portion may be adjusted within the receptacle portion. | 09-17-2015 |
| 20150258476 | FILTERING DEVICE WITH MEASURED ACTIVATION OF FLOW REDUCTION - A method of repeatedly indicating to a user of an appliance that a water filter unit operably connected to the appliance has passed its useful life and a filter unit configure for use in connection with the method where the filter unit includes a fluid flow impeding system within a housing of the filter unit; engaging the filter unit with the appliance; measuring the volume of water treated by the filter unit; activating a fluid flow impeding system contained within the housing of the filter unit; and repeatedly indicating to a user that the maximum volume of water the filter unit has been designed to treat has been surpassed and the filter unit should be replaced by repeatedly delivering a normal flow rate of water from the dispenser of the appliance and thereafter slowing the flow of water from the dispenser of the appliance. | 09-17-2015 |
| 20150257623 | DISHWASHER RACK SPRAY ASSEMBLY - A dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber, a dish rack, and a spray assembly associated with the dish rack. The spray assembly may include at least one sprayer positioned to spray treating liquid onto dishes received by the rack. The sprayer has two openings and may be movable between a first position where the treating liquid flows through the first liquid opening into the treating chamber and does not flow through the second liquid opening and a second position where the treating liquid flows through the second liquid opening into the treating chamber. The sprayer may be rotatable between positions and may emit spray in both positions. | 09-17-2015 |
| 20150257602 | MAGNETIC DISK COUPLER FOR BLENDING APPARATUS WITH ENERGY STORAGE - A blending appliance includes a housing having a motor compartment and a jar receiving portion spaced laterally therefrom. The jar receiving portion is disposed below an upper housing. A motor is disposed in the motor compartment is adapted to drive a blade assembly of the jar through a magnetic coupling system. The motor is connected to a blade assembly disposed within the jar through a series of gears or belts, and finally through a magnetic coupler. The magnetic coupler is configured such that it stores kinetic energy while the motor is running at a high speed, and releases the stored energy when the motor is running at a slower speed. | 09-17-2015 |
| 20150257601 | ANTI-ROTATIONAL LATCH FOR A BLENDING APPLIANCE - A jar retainer mechanism for a blending appliance includes an articulating arm pivotally coupled to a housing of the blending appliance. The articulating arm is operable between engaged and disengaged positions and includes a latch member disposed on a first end of the articulating arm. The latch member is configured to engage an engagement tab disposed on a blender jar when the articulating arm is in the engaged position and the blender jar is received laterally in a jar receiving portion. A push member is disposed on a second end of the articulating arm and is configured to displace the blender jar when the articulating arm is moved towards the disengaged position. | 09-17-2015 |
| 20150257433 | HIGH PERFORMANCE ADJUSTABLE JUICER WITH PULP CHUTE - A juicing system with a drive mechanism and a juicer assembly, where the juicer assembly includes a main housing defining a cavity. An auger having a top portion and a bottom portion is within the cavity. The auger is operably connected at one of the top portion or the bottom portion to the drive mechanism to rotate the auger. A rotatable cutting blade is disposed at the top portion of the auger to cut food inserted into the cavity. A juicing basket is disposed within the cavity, radially outwardly from the auger. The juicing basket has at least one screen with apertures therethrough of varying sizes. Food is pressed by the auger against the juicing basket to squeeze juice and pulp through the apertures. The pulp exits through a pulp chute, having a upper portion, lower portion, and check valve therebetween which is easily removable for cleaning and clog removal. | 09-17-2015 |
| 20150255193 | SHELF BRACKETS TO CONDUCT ELECTRICITY TO REFRIGERATOR SHELVES - Shelf brackets to conduct electricity to refrigerator shelves are disclosed. An example shelf bracket includes an end configured to engage a support rail, the end having a first area to conduct electricity from the support rail to the shelf bracket, an arm extending from the end to support the shelf, the arm comprising a second area to conduct electricity from the shelf bracket to the shelf, a non-electrically conductive coating applied to substantially all of the shelf bracket except in the first and second areas, a first electrically conductive material applied to at least a portion of the first area, and a second electrically conductive material applied to at least a portion of the second area, wherein the shelf bracket is formed from a third electrically conductive material, the third electrically conductive material to conduct electricity between the first and second areas. | 09-10-2015 |
| 20150250334 | TRACK FOR SLOTTED WALL SYSTEM | 09-10-2015 |
| 20150247665 | ADJUSTABLE CONNECTOR SYSTEM FOR CONNECTION TO A MODULAR APPLIANCE - An adjustable connector system for use in an appliance is provided, wherein the adjustable connector system includes a channel disposed on a surface of the appliance, an access aperture defined by a surface adjacent the channel, and a utility enabled connector at least partially received in the channel, and extending from the access aperture, wherein the utility enabled connector includes an elongated member configured to at least partially extend along the channel, and extend from the access aperture, and an interface adapted to supply at least one utility to a modular appliance configured to be removably attached to one of a plurality of removable attachment locations on the appliance. | 09-03-2015 |
| 20150247662 | Single Evaporator Refrigeration System For Multi-Compartment Refrigerator Appliance With Isolated Air Flows - A refrigeration appliance has a cabinet having a first compartment, a second separate compartment and a refrigeration system including a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser. The evaporator is associated with the first compartment to lower a temperature of the first compartment air. A heat exchanger is exposed to the temperature of the first compartment and has a surface area exposed to second compartment air. An air moving device is associated with the second compartment to direct a flow of second compartment air over the heat exchanger surface area and circulate the second compartment air within the second compartment. The cabinet, compartments and heat exchanger are configured such that first compartment air is completely isolated from second compartment air. | 09-03-2015 |
| 20150245419 | GLASS PAN HAVING AN ELECTROMAGNETICALLY FORMED INDUCTION LAYER - An induction pan for an induction cooking appliance includes an electromagnetically contoured induction layer, wherein the electromagnetically contoured induction layer is ferromagnetic and electrically conductive. The induction pan includes a vessel having a base, a sidewall extending from the base and defining a rim, an interior surface defining an inner volume, and an exterior surface. The vessel is at least partially translucent. The electromagnetically contoured induction layer is engaged to at least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface of the vessel proximate the base, and is in thermal communication with the inner volume. At least one retaining feature extends from at least one of the interior surface and the exterior surface of the vessel, wherein the electromagnetically contoured induction layer extends at least partially over the retaining feature. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150241119 | LIGHTING UNITS FOR REFRIGERATOR DRAWERS AND BASKETS - Lighting units for refrigerator drawers and baskets are disclosed. An example refrigerator drawer assembly includes a shelf having a divider, the shelf defining at least a portion of a drawer compartment, first and second drawers disposed beneath the shelf, an elongated light source attached to a bottom surface of the divider, the elongated light source having a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) along the length of the elongated light source to provide a source of visible light for the first and second drawers. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150241118 | MULTI-SECTION CORE VACUUM INSULATION PANELS WITH HYBRID BARRIER FILM ENVELOPE - A multi-layer vacuum insulating panel that includes: a first barrier film having at least one polymeric material layer and; a second barrier film having at least one interior polymeric layer, a metal foil layer, and at least one exterior polymeric layer positioned on the opposite side of the metal foil layer as the at least one interior polymeric layer; a sealing junction between the first barrier film and the second barrier film at a sealing section about a perimeter of the first barrier film and the second barrier film where the first barrier film and the second barrier film physically and sealingly engage one another; and a multi-section central core having a first fumed silica region that contains at least one fumed silica compound and at least one fibrous (fiberglass) region that are each discrete regions within the interior volume. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150241117 | REFRIGERATOR PANTRY COMPARTMENT - A compartment for storing items in a mullion wall separating refrigerated compartments is provided. One exemplary embodiment provides a refrigerator with a first refrigerated compartment selectively coverable by a first door and a second refrigerated compartment selectively coverable by a second door. A mullion separates the first and second refrigerated compartments. A storage compartment is located in the mullion and separable from the first refrigerated compartment by a selectively closeable lid. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150241114 | VACUUM PACKAGED 3D VACUUM INSULATED DOOR STRUCTURE AND METHOD THEREFOR USING A TOOLING FIXTURE - A method for creating a vacuum insulated panel including preforming a continuous insulation member having male and female engaging surfaces and providing a barrier film envelope having an opening. The insulation member is disposed within the barrier film envelope and a tooling fixture is pressed against the barrier film envelope to press the barrier film envelope against the male and female engaging surfaces to remove gas from between the barrier film envelope and the male and female engaging surfaces. Substantially all gas is removed from within the barrier film envelope so that the barrier film envelope substantially conforms to an exterior surface of the insulation member. The opening of the barrier film envelope is then hermetically sealed, wherein the barrier film envelope forms a continuous layer over the core insulation member to form a vacuum insulated panel. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150241112 | FOLDING APPROACH TO CREATE A 3D VACUUM INSULATED DOOR FROM 2D FLAT VACUUM INSULATION PANELS - An appliance door includes a vacuum insulated structure having a plurality of core sections that are folded to form an ice and/or water dispensing cavity on an outer side of the appliance door. The vacuum insulated door structure may be positioned between an outer door member and a door liner. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150241106 | ICE IMAGING SYSTEM - A refrigerator includes a sensing system for detecting multiple physical characteristics of ice cubes produced therein. The system includes a digital image capture device coupled to a digital image analyzing system which captures digital images of the ice in the refrigerator and analyzes the images to detect characteristics associated with the ice. A notification arrangement can be employed to convey information about the ice to a user of the refrigerator. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150241103 | CLAD METAL ICE CUBE TRAY - A clad metal ice forming tray assembly for a refrigerator is disclosed. The ice forming tray includes a clad metal comprised of at least a first alloy sheet and a second alloy sheet different from the first and having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The tray also includes ice recesses stamped in the clad bi-metal. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150241098 | COOLING SYSTEM HAVING DUAL SUCTION PORT COMPRESSOR - A cooling system for appliances, air conditioners, and other spaces includes a compressor, and a condenser that receives refrigerant from the compressor. The system also includes an evaporator that receives refrigerant from the condenser. Refrigerant received from the condenser flows through an upstream portion of the evaporator. A first portion of the refrigerant flows to the compressor without passing through a downstream portion of the evaporator, and a second portion of the refrigerant from the upstream portion of the condenser flows through the downstream portion of the evaporator after passing through the upstream portion of the evaporator. The second portion of the refrigerant flows to the compressor after passing through the downstream portion of the evaporator. The refrigeration system may be configured to cool an appliance such as a refrigerator and/or freezer, or it may be utilized in air conditioners for buildings, motor vehicles, or other such spaces. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150240407 | HOUSEHOLD CLEANING APPLIANCE WITH A NON-BULK DISPENSING SYSTEM CONVERTIBLE TO A HOUSEHOLD CLEANING APPLIANCE WITH A BULK DISPENSING SYSTEM - A household cleaning appliance having a treating chamber and a non-bulk dispensing system coupled with the treating chamber and having a portion of material configured to be removable wherein the non-bulk dispensing system is configured to receive a removable cartridge containing a treating chemistry when such material is removed | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150239723 | 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. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150223665 | DISHWASHER WITH BOOSTER AGENT DISPERSAL SYSTEM - A dishwasher includes a shiftable rack provided with a washing agent dispersal system including a housing into which washing fluid is delivered. When the rack is shifted to a retracted position within a tub of the dishwasher, a tube feed system is employed to selectively distribute washing fluid from a pump assembly to each of multiple spray arms, the housing of the washing agent dispersal system and an auxiliary spray unit carried by the upper rack. | 08-13-2015 |
| 20150222120 | ELECTRICAL HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE SYSTEM - A control device for an electrical appliance operatively set between an electrical supply line of the electrical appliance and a corresponding alternating current (AC) voltage supply source, the control device having a digital control system that encodes information via controlled interruptions of the AC voltage of supply of the electrical appliance and has a first controllable switch managing in an ON-OFF mode the AC voltage from the supply source to the electrical appliance, wherein the encoding comprises carrying out a coding of information as sequences of interruptions having fixed duration of the AC voltage of supply of the electrical appliance, said interruptions having fixed duration being separated by a corresponding interval having variable duration, wherein the information to be transmitted is associated to the variable duration of the interval and the fixed duration of the interruptions is such as not to perturb operation of the electrical appliance. | 08-06-2015 |
| 20150219384 | MOISTURE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN APPLIANCE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MOISTURE WITHIN AN APPLIANCE - A moisture control system includes a cabinet having a mullion defining first and second compartments and openings within the mullion to provide selective communication between the compartments. An evaporator is disposed in the first compartment. A cooling bank is disposed in the second compartment in selective thermal communication with the evaporator, and includes cooling and condensing portions separated by a dividing member, and a fluid collector disposed proximate the condensing portion. A first cooling fan is disposed proximate the evaporator and configured to direct air across the evaporator and through the first compartment. A second cooling fan is disposed proximate the cooling bank and operable between an evaporator position in fluid communication with the evaporator and the cooling bank, and a bank position in fluid communication with the cooling bank. A panel assembly is disposed proximate the plurality of openings and operable between a plurality of positions. | 08-06-2015 |
| 20150216389 | DISHWASHER WITH UNITARY WASH MODULE - An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber and a housing physically separate from the tub and defining a sump to receive liquid sprayed into the tub, the housing having an inlet fluidly connected to a liquid outlet of the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to a sprayer located within the tub to define a recirculation path for the sprayed liquid. | 08-06-2015 |
| 20150216300 | METHOD OF ASSEMBLING A RACK SHELVING UNIT - A method of assembling a rack shelving unit including first and second side frames, at least one beam, and one or more tie bars. The beam can be coupled to the side frames, and the tie bar can be resiliently compressed and retained to secure the tie bar to the beam. | 08-06-2015 |
| 20150211786 | SLIDE ASSEMBLY FOR REFRIGERATOR STORAGE DRAWER - A slide assembly for a drawer inside a refrigerator employs both side and central rollers which control both horizontal and vertical movement of the drawer through a first set of rollers employed at front and rear portions at each side of the drawer to control vertical movement within side tracks while the drawer is moved between an extended position and a retracted position. A second set of rollers is mounted along axes which are arranged 90 degrees relative to the first set of rollers and underneath the drawer. This second set of rollers control side-by-side movement of the drawer as it is opened and closed. In one embodiment, the second set of rollers is mounted in a refrigerated compartment and travel within a track or guideway mounted on the bottom of the drawer. | 07-30-2015 |
| 20150211785 | UNDER MOUNT ROLLER FOR CRISPER SYSTEM - A refrigerator is provided that includes a crisper system having one or more moveable and removable drawers. The drawers include rollers extending downwardly and outwardly from the drawers to provide maximum storage volume. The rollers are configured to work with channels formed in a support system, which may be integrally formed with a bottom floor of a compartment of the refrigerator. Therefore, the rollers and channels of the support system provide easy access and removability of the drawers of the crisper system. | 07-30-2015 |
| 20150211780 | SPECIALTY COOLING FEATURES USING EXTRUDED EVAPORATOR - An appliance includes a co-extruded evaporator in thermal communication with a compartment. The co-extruded evaporator includes main and support channels in thermal communication that share a common wall. A main cooling loop is in fluid communication with the main channel. A plurality of co-extruded fins are disposed proximate and in thermal communication with the main and support channels. A coolant is disposed in the main channel and the main cooling loop. A thermally conductive media is selectively disposed in the support channel in fluid and thermal communication with the main channel. The thermally conductive media is chosen from the group consisting of a support channel coolant, wherein the appliance includes a second cooling loop in fluid communication with the support channel, a thermal storage material in thermal communication with the compartment, and a defrost fluid, wherein the appliance includes a defrost circuit in fluid communication with the support channel. | 07-30-2015 |
| 20150211778 | REFRIGERATOR WITH ENERGY CONSUMPTION OPTIMIZATION USING ADAPTIVE FAN DELAY - A method of determining a time delay for turning off an evaporator fan in a refrigerator after a compressor of the refrigerator is turned off includes operating the evaporator fan in the refrigerator for a period of time, operating the compressor of the refrigerator to cool the refrigerator to a predetermined temperature after turning off the evaporator fan, determining a power consumption value for operating the compressor to cool the refrigerator, repeating the previous steps to obtain a plurality of times and a plurality of power consumption values, selecting the time coinciding with a lowest power consumption value, and adapting the refrigerator to use the time as the time delay for turning off the evaporator fan in the refrigerator after the compressor of the refrigerator is turned off. | 07-30-2015 |
| 20150211775 | ON-LINE ENERGY CONSUMPTION OPTIMIZATION ADAPTIVE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION - An appliance includes an appliance housing, an interface adapted to receive power information, a plurality of sensors for sensing environmental conditions, a plurality of controls for controlling operations of the appliance, and an intelligent control. The intelligent control is disposed within the appliance housing and operatively connected to the interface and the plurality of sensors and adapted to dynamically select control values associated with the plurality of controls based on at least one of the power information, the environmental conditions, or a combination thereof to increase energy efficiency of the appliance. | 07-30-2015 |
| 20150210525 | 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. | 07-30-2015 |
| 20150208897 | DISHWASHER - A dishwasher for treating dishes includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a spraying system having a distribution header and at least one aperture provided on the distribution header for spraying wash liquid into the treating chamber, and a recirculation system for recirculating liquid sprayed in the treating chamber to the spraying system. A light assembly is provided on the distribution header, and includes a light source that emits light to a light guide, which in turn distributes light to the treating chamber. | 07-30-2015 |
| 20150204555 | 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. | 07-23-2015 |
| 20150201823 | DISHWASHER - A dishwasher for treating dishes includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a spraying system having a manifold with at least one sprayer for spraying wash liquid into the treating chamber, and a recirculation system for recirculating liquid sprayed in the treating chamber to the spraying system. The sprayer of the manifold has multiple apertures which are configured to emit liquid to different areas of the treating chamber. | 07-23-2015 |
| 20150198359 | PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS FOR REFRIGERATION AND ICE MAKING - A bottom mount refrigerator is provided including a thermal battery or phase change material positioned within the refrigerator or freezer in order to increase energy efficiency and compartment sizes of the refrigerator. The thermal battery can be used with an ice maker to aid in removing heat from the water in the ice maker to produce ice. | 07-16-2015 |
| 20150196187 | DISHWASHER WITH UNITARY WASH MODULE - An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber and a housing physically separate from the tub and defining a sump to receive liquid sprayed into the tub, the housing having an inlet fluidly connected to a liquid outlet of the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to a sprayer located within the tub to define a recirculation path for the sprayed liquid. | 07-16-2015 |
| 20150192348 | LOW ENERGY EVAPORATOR DEFROST - A refrigerator is provided that includes a low energy defrost system and method for melting frost formed on an evaporator of a cooling system for the refrigerator. The low energy defrost system includes using air from the refrigerator compartment or external air adjacent the refrigerator to be directed to the evaporator and passed adjacent the evaporator coils to melt any frost formed thereon. As the air is above freezing temperature, it will melt any frost formed on the coils without the need of use an electrical heater. Re-cooled air from the melted frost may then be directed back into the refrigerator compartment to be used to aid in cooling the refrigerator compartment or keeping the refrigerator compartment at the programmed or predetermined temperature. | 07-09-2015 |
| 20150192339 | DOMESTIC REFRIGERATOR INCLUDING AN ICE DISPENSER - An ice dispenser for a domestic refrigerator includes a lever having a housing with a passageway defined therein and a flapper door configured to pivot between a closed position in which ice is prevented from advancing into the passageway and an open position in which ice is permitted to advance into the passageway. A linkage is coupled to the lever and the flapper door such that movement of the lever causes the flapper door to move from the closed position to the open position. | 07-09-2015 |
| 20150184914 | ICE MAKER WITH HEATLESS ICE REMOVAL AND METHOD FOR HEATLESS REMOVAL OF ICE - An ice making module for an appliance includes a conductive ice tray having an ice forming cavity. An electrical circuit is in electrical communication with the conductive ice tray and includes a power source in electrical communication with the conductive ice tray and a switch. The switch releases an electromagnetic pulse through the conductive ice tray. A water dispensing mechanism disposes water into the ice forming cavity and a cooling apparatus cools the water to form at least one ice piece that is in electromagnetic communication with the conductive ice tray. The electromagnetic pulse released through the conductive ice tray generates an induced electrical current through the ice piece and a repelling electromagnetic force between the conductive ice tray and the ice piece, wherein the repelling force biases the ice piece away from the conductive ice tray, thereby ejecting the ice piece from the ice forming cavity. | 07-02-2015 |
| 20150182097 | FILTER ASSEMBLY FOR A DISHWASHER - A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid. | 07-02-2015 |
| 20150176888 | FOLDED VACUUM INSULATED STRUCTURE - A vacuum insulated cabinet structure includes panels having sheet metal outer side walls and polymer inner side walls. The polymer inner side walls are heat-sealed to a layer of polymer material laminated to a flat sheet metal blank to form vacuum cavities. The blank is then bent along fold lines to form a cabinet structure. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150176179 | APPARATUS FOR REDISTRIBUTING AN IMBALANCE IN A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - An apparatus for detecting an imbalance in the laundry load and effecting a redistribution of the imbalance by reducing the rotational speed of the treating chamber such that part of the load may redistribute while part of the load remains satellized, without ceasing rotation, and increasing the rotational speed back to a spin speed after redistribution. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150176166 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH A STATIC TUB - A method of controlling a laundry treating appliance having a rotatable wash basket defining a treating chamber for receiving laundry items for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation, the method comprising supplying liquid to the wash basket, draining liquid from the wash basket by gravity, and filling the wash basket to a predetermined fill level based on an amount of laundry, a type of laundry, a selected cycle of operation, or combinations thereof. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150175401 | 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. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150173588 | HEIGHT ADJUSTER MECHANISM FOR A DISHWASHER DISH RACK - A dish rack is supported for both selective movement into and out of a washing chamber of a dishwasher tub and vertically relative to the tub, with the vertical adjustment being made by manually grasping and shifting at least one frontal cross bar extending above a front wall of the dish rack to cause pivoting of first and second lever members extending along sides of the dish rack. The side lever members cooperate with latching mechanisms to lift and retain the dish rack in a select raised position. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150173586 | DOOR ASSEMBLY FOR A DISHWASHER - A dishwasher includes a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to a cycle of operation and a door assembly selectively moveable to close an access opening to the treating chamber, the door assembly having an interior door panel, an exterior door panel, a window assembly and a window assembly support frame provided on the interior door panel to support the window assembly. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150162672 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR ADJUSTABLE REFRIGERATOR SHELF - A refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet having a temperature-controlled compartment defined therein, a shelf ladder disposed in the temperature-controlled compartment and providing a plurality of shelf mounting positions, an electrical connector corresponding to each of the plurality of shelf mounting positions, wherein each of the electrical connectors comprises an actuator movable from a first position to a second position and an electrical contact configured to automatically move from a disengaged position to an engaged position in response to the actuator moving from the first position to the second position, and an adjustable shelf removably mountable in one of the plurality of shelf mounting positions such that the actuator of the corresponding electrical connector is held in the second position by a weight of the adjustable shelf and the electrical contact of the corresponding electrical connector engages the adjustable shelf. | 06-11-2015 |
| 20150159949 | METHOD FOR DRYING ARTICLES - A method for drying an article with a radio frequency (RF) applicator having anode elements and cathode elements includes capacitively coupling the anode elements, capacitively coupling the cathode elements, capacitively coupling an anode element to a cathode element, and energizing the RF applicator to generate an RF field between anode and cathode elements wherein liquid residing within the field will be dielectrically heated. | 06-11-2015 |
| 20150159880 | ADDITIONAL PRIMARY AIR ACCESS FOR SURFACE GAS BURNERS - A gas burner unit for a cooktop having a spreader positioned above the top surface of the cooktop. The spreader has a plurality of gas outlets. A venturi is in fluid communication with the gas outlets. An orifice holder secures a gas orifice in position in a main body of the orifice holder and has a plurality of protrusions extending upwardly and defining a plurality of upwardly directed primary air inlets. The plurality of primary air inlets are in fluid communication with the main body of the orifice holder, and the main body is in fluid communication with the venturi. A general primary air inlet allows ambient air from outside the cooktop to enter the area below the cooktop, and the main body of the orifice holder includes openings allowing fluid communication between the area below the cooktop and the main body of the orifice holder. | 06-11-2015 |
| 20150159313 | APPLIANCES WITH SUDSING-REDUCING FLUSHABLE DETERGENT DISPENSERS - A laundry treating appliance having a detergent dispenser that may be flushed with a water flow for removal of residual powder while reducing sudsing. | 06-11-2015 |
| 20150159311 | 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. | 06-11-2015 |
| 20150157185 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO HEAT LIQUIDS IN DISHWASHERS - Methods and apparatus to heat liquids in dishwashers are disclosed. An example dishwasher includes a tub defining at least partially a treating chamber for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation, at least two sprayers located in the treating chamber for spraying liquid into the treating chamber and a diverter assembly. An example diverter assembly includes a diverter chamber, a diverter configured to sequentially divert the liquid from the diverter chamber to the at least two sprayers, and a heater located within the diverter chamber and configured to heat the liquid as it passes through the diverter chamber. | 06-11-2015 |
| 20150157184 | HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE AND METHOD OF OPENING THE SAME - A method of opening a door of a household appliance having a cabinet with an open face providing access to a treating chamber where an article is received for treatment according to a useful cycle of operation is provided. The method includes: sensing a presence of at least a portion of a person within a predetermined range of the door and out of contact with the door; and automatically opening the door in response to the sensed presence. | 06-11-2015 |
| 20150135762 | REFRIGERATOR WITH EASY ACCESS DRAWER - A bottom mount refrigerator is provided with a pantry compartment that is accessible from outside the refrigerator by pulling open an easy access pantry drawer without the need to first open the fresh food compartment or the freezer compartment. A divider between the pantry compartment and the fresh food compartment is formed by a secondary mullion and a transparent shelf. The secondary mullion is provided with a light source for illuminating the contents of the pantry drawer. A light source at the rear of the pantry compartment shines generally forwardly and upwardly to illuminate the fresh food compartment. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150129408 | CAPACITIVE CONTROL INTERFACES FOR DOMESTIC APPLIANCES - A capacitive control interface for a domestic appliance includes an outer layer configured to be pressed by a user, a first capacitive component, a second capacitive component facing and separated from the first capacitive component, a first layer of insulating material between the outer layer and the first capacitive component, and a second layer of insulating material beneath the first layer of insulating material and in contact with the first capacitive component, the second layer having a thru hole encompassing the second capacitive component, wherein the second capacitive component faces the first capacitive component at the thru hole, and wherein the outer layer is flexibly responsive to pressure and is configured to transfer a flexure to the first capacitive component. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150123910 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE ACTUATION OF A USER INTERFACE - A method of controlling the state of a user interface (UI) having a plurality of discrete touch-sensitive inputs. The method includes detecting inputs and controlling the state of the UI based on the detected inputs. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150117141 | MAGNETIC DISC COUPLER - A blending appliance includes a housing with a jar receiving area defined between an upper housing and a support base. A blender jar includes a base portion and a receptacle portion, and is configured to be laterally received within the jar receiving area of the housing. A magnetic coupling system includes an upper magnetic coupler disposed in the base portion of the blender jar and a lower magnetic coupler disposed in the support base of the housing. The upper and lower magnetic couplers are magnetically coupled to one another for driving a blade assembly disposed in the receptacle portion of the blender jar. A brake mechanism is disposed on the upper magnetic coupler and is configured to stop rotation of the upper magnetic coupler when the blender jar is removed from the jar receiving area. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150117139 | BLENDER JAR ASSEMBLY - A blender jar for use with a blending appliance includes a receptacle portion defined between an open top and a base portion. A flexibly resilient lid is removeably received at the open top and includes a central aperture which opens into the receptacle portion of the blender jar. In assembly, the lid is configured to seal against an upper housing of the blending appliance in which the blender jar is laterally received. The blender jar includes a bearing assembly having radial bearings disposed around a shaft which are biased by a biasing mechanism within a bearing housing. The blender jar may also include a removable base collar having a heating element disposed therein. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150117137 | BLENDER ASSEMBLY - A blending appliance includes a housing with a jar receiving area defined between an upper housing and a support base. A blender jar includes a base portion and a receptacle portion, and is configured to be laterally received within the jar receiving area of the housing. A magnetic coupling system includes an upper magnetic coupler disposed in the base portion of the blender jar and a lower magnetic coupler disposed in the support base of the housing. The upper and lower magnetic couplers are magnetically coupled to one another for driving a blade assembly disposed in the receptacle portion of the blender jar. A brake mechanism is disposed on the upper magnetic coupler and is configured to stop rotation of the upper magnetic coupler when the blender jar is removed from the jar receiving area. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150114895 | FILTER UNIT - A filter unit includes a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end. An engagement protrusion extends from the proximal end. The engagement protrusion includes a first portion that has a first radius of curvature and a second portion opposing the first portion that has a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature. A protruding retention surface is disposed on and extends radially outward from the body portion. The protruding retention surface is adapted to secure the filter unit in a filter head assembly. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150114384 | MODULAR VENT HOOD BLOWER KIT FOR IN-LINE OR EXTERNAL APPLICATION - A vent hood kit comprises a canopy assembly having an intake end and an outlet end, a blower housing selectively and alternatively coupled with the exhaust end of the canopy assembly in an in-line position and an external position, a blower assembly disposed within a blower housing and in communication with the intake end in both the in-line and external positions and an exhaust duct adapter of the blower housing is configured to be in communication with the intake end in both the in-line and external positions. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150113841 | ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAY ASSEMBLY - In one aspect, an alphanumeric display assembly includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a plurality of light reflecting cups. The PCB has a front side and a rear side and includes a plurality of holes extending through the PCB between the front and rear sides. The holes are arranged to form an alphanumeric indicium. The LEDs are mounted to the PCB on the rear side. At least one LED is mounted adjacent to each hole. The plurality of light reflecting cups are mounted to the PCB on the rear side. Each light reflecting cup covers the at least one LED and the adjacent hole, and is spaced from the at least one LED and the adjacent hole to reflect light from the LEDs through the holes so the alphanumeric indicium is visible from the front side. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150110931 | 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. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150107308 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - A laundry treating appliance may include a tub and a basket located at least partially within the tub and at least partially defining a laundry treating chamber. A drive system may operatively couple the tub to the basket and may be operative to rotate the basket about a rotational axis. The tub and the basket may each have a base with an effective stiffness, and the effective stiffnesses may be matched. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150107276 | ICEMAKER WITH SWING TRAY - A clear ice making system and method utilizes an ice forming tray pivotally connected to opposing side walls of an icemaker housing. Ice forming fingers of a dedicated evaporator extend into fluid within the ice forming tray, and are cooled by communication with the refrigerant circulating system of the refrigerator. A motor oscillates the ice forming tray about a longitudinal axis at a frequency of about 0.4-0.6 hertz as fluid channels freezes on the ice forming fingers over time, forming clear ice pieces. During an ice dispensing event, the motor pivots the ice making tray about the longitudinal axis such that fluid remaining within the ice making tray drains into a fluid reservoir below. The ice forming fingers are then heated to release the clear ice pieces for transfer from the fresh food compartment to the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150102801 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AN ENERGIZED E-FIELD - A method for detecting the presence of an energized e-field in a space, wherein the space includes at least one electrically conductive element disposed in the space and coupled with a controller, the method including receiving in the controller a signal from the at least one electrically conductive element, comparing the value to a threshold, and if the value exceeds the threshold, determining that an energized e-field occupies the space, and sending a signal from the controller indicative of the presence of the energized e-field in the space. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150101668 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE AND METHOD OF FILLING A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH LIQUID - A laundry treating appliance having a tub, a drum located within the tub and at least partially defining a treating chamber in which laundry may be received for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation and a liquid supply system for introducing liquid thereto and a method for filling the laundry treating appliance including supplying liquid, determining a load inertia value and stopping the supply of liquid based thereon. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150101207 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRYING ARTICLES - A method for drying laundry with a radio frequency (RF) applicator having a plurality of baffles on a drum rotatable on a non-vertical axis, an anode element in at least one first baffle and a cathode element in at least one second baffle, the method including capacitively coupling the anode element to the cathode element, and energizing the RF applicator to generate a field of electromagnetic radiation (e-field) between the anode element and the cathode element, wherein liquid in the laundry residing within the e-field will be dielectrically heated to effect a drying of the laundry. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150097003 | BEVERAGES DISPENSER AND A METHOD FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGES - A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150096325 | REFRIGERATORS WITH A NON-AZEOTROPIC MIXTURES OF HYDROCARBONS REFRIGERANTS - A refrigerant circuit using a non-azeotropic mixture of hydrocarbons refrigerants comprises a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, a first evaporator downstream the expansion device, a second evaporator downstream the first evaporator, a first heat exchanger to cause heat exchange between refrigerant downstream the condenser and upstream the first evaporator, on one side, and refrigerant downstream the first evaporator and upstream the second evaporator, on the other side, and a second heat exchanger to cause heat exchange between refrigerant downstream the condenser and upstream the first heat exchanger, on one side, and refrigerant downstream the second evaporator and upstream the compressor, on the other side, the expansion device having a capillary tube as part of both heat exchangers as a side of exchangers, the capillary tube being parallel to and in contact with a tube of the circuit or it is wrapped around such tube. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150089979 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE AND METHOD OF OPERATING A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - A laundry treating appliance having a tub having an open face and at least partially defining a treating chamber in which laundry may be received for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation, a door for closing the open face of the tub, a perforated rotatable drum located within the tub and a method of operating such that the rotation of the drum is accelerated at a rate sufficient to cause an inrush of supplied liquid into the treating chamber from the tub via the perforations that locates a unit dose treating chemistry within the treating chamber. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150089829 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRYING ARTICLES - A method and apparatus for drying textile material with a radio frequency (RF) applicator and a controller, the method includes energizing the RF applicator to generate a field of electromagnetic radiation (e-field), measuring a parameter related to the energization of the RF applicator, determining a drying cycle of operation in the controller based on the measured parameter, and controlling the energization of the RF applicator according to the determination of the drying cycle of operation, wherein the textile material is dried. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150089794 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A ROTOR FOR AN ELECTRIC MOTOR FOR A WASHING MACHINE - A method of manufacturing a rotor of an electric motor is disclosed. The method includes securing a plurality of permanent magnets to a sheet to form a magnet chain, bending the sheet to engage an inner surface of each permanent magnet with a curved outer surface of an insert mold, wrapping a metallic strip around an outer surface of the sheet to form a yoke of the rotor, and molding a polymeric material over the magnet chain and the yoke to form a cylindrical shell. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150084495 | DISPENSERS, REFRIGERATORS AND METHODS FOR DISPENSING OBJECTS - Example dispensers, refrigerators and methods to dispense objects are disclosed. A disclosed example dispenser includes a discharging lever to turn on/off discharge of the objects, a discharging shutter to open a discharging hole through which the objects are discharged, a discharge shutter driving part to operate the discharging shutter, a discharge driving part to discharge the objects, and a controller to sense a feedback signal from the discharge shutter driving part, and control the discharge driving part in response to the sensed feedback signal. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150082837 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH INTEGRATED DYNAMIC BALANCER - A laundry treating appliance includes a rotatable drum for receiving a laundry load. The rotatable drum includes a cylindrical body with an cylindrical wall, and a cover at one or both ends. The cover has an annular groove formed by a first, second, and third walls. A fourth wall extends from the second wall. A first land is secured to the third wall and a second land is secured to the fourth wall. An adjoining piece has an adjoining wall that is attached to and extends between the first and second lands. A hollow space is bounded by the adjoining wall and the second and third walls. A movable mass is disposed in the space. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150082812 | INTEGRATED ICE MAKER PUMP - A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, an ice maker disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, a pump fluidly connected to the ice maker and configured for pumping cooling media to the ice maker, and a motor operatively connected to the ice maker and configured to provide oscillating movement to the ice maker. The pump is operatively connected to the motor such that driving of the motor results in the pumping of the cooling media with the pump. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150075229 | DYNAMIC BALANCER IN A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - A dynamic balancer device for a laundry treating appliance includes, among other things, a first raceway piece having an L-shaped cross section defining a first annular channel and a second raceway piece having an L-shaped cross section defining a second annular channel. The first raceway piece is attached to the second raceway piece with the first annular channel facing the second annular channel to define a raceway. The dynamic balancer device also includes a mass disposed in the annular raceway and movable therein. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150075191 | ICE CUBE RELEASE AND RAPID FREEZE USING FLUID EXCHANGE APPARATUS AND METHODS - An ice piece release system that includes a chilled compartment set at a temperature below 0° C., a warm section at a temperature above 0° C., and a tray in thermal communication with the chilled compartment. The tray includes a plurality of ice piece-forming receptacles and a cavity in thermal communication with the receptacles. The ice piece release system also includes a primary reservoir assembly in thermal communication with the warm section and fluid communication with the cavity of the tray. The ice piece release system further includes a heat-exchanging fluid having a freezing point below that of water, and the fluid resides in the primary reservoir assembly and the cavity of the tray. The primary reservoir assembly is further adapted to move at least a portion of the heat-exchanging fluid in the reservoir assembly into the cavity. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150073612 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN OPTIMAL SCHEDULE OF AN APPLIANCE - A method of defining a message to be sent to at least one appliance regarding a schedule for performing a cycle of operation includes a step of acquiring pricing data from a source of information about a resource consumed by the appliance. A projected rate for the use of the resource by the appliance for a future series of time periods is calculated based upon a user preference. A projected schedule for performing the cycle of operation for a future series of time periods is created and then incorporated into the message that is transmitted to the appliance. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150072054 | COOKING APPLIANCE - A method of heating an item in a cavity of a cooking appliance including the steps of detecting the size of the item at a first time during a cooking cycle and detecting the size of the item at a second time during the cooking cycle. The cooking cycle is then controlled at least partially based on the size of the item at the second time during the cooking cycle. A cooking appliance for carrying out the method is also provided. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150059371 | VARIABLE EXPANSION DEVICE WITH THERMAL CHOKING FOR A REFRIGERATION SYSTEM - A refrigeration system including a suction line heat exchanger having a first conduit including a refrigerant liquid which flows inside of the first conduit from the condenser to the evaporator. Also the refrigeration system includes a second conduit in thermal communication with the first conduit and includes a refrigerant fluid, typically a vapor, which flows inside of the second conduit in an opposite direction of flow from the first conduit from the evaporator to the compressor. Additionally, at least one heating device is in thermal communication with at least one of the first conduit and second conduit and is configured to communicate with a refrigeration control system to apply heat along a portion of both the first conduit and the second conduit adjacent to the heating device thereby regulating the flow rate of the refrigerant liquid in the first conduit and the second conduit. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150059366 | STIR STICK AND BREAKER WALLS FOR AN ICE CONTAINER - A refrigerator is provided comprising a cabinet, a door for providing access within the cabinet, an ice maker for making ice operably connected to the cabinet, an ice bin comprising a pair of opposite-facing walls and a bottom wall, disposed within the cabinet and located adjacent the ice maker, and a stir assembly positioned within the ice bin, comprising a stir stick, a cam rod, and a pair of breaker walls; wherein the stir stick is configured to oscillate about an axis of rotation, the cam rod is coupled to the stir stick; and the pair of breaker walls are engaged with the cam rod near the bottom of the breaker walls, and hingedly attached to the pair of opposite-facing walls. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150055680 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO DETERMINE HOME APPLIANCE CABINET TEMPERATURE USING A LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (LED) - Methods and apparatus to determine home appliance cabinet temperatures using light emitting diodes (LEDs) are disclosed. An example home appliance includes a cabinet, a lighting system disposed in the cabinet having one or more LEDs to provide lighting in the interior of the cabinet, and a circuit electrically coupled to the lighting system and programmed to determine a temperature inside the cabinet based on a characteristic of the one or more LEDs of the lighting system. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150053310 | METHOD FOR WELDING A CASE HARDENED COMPONENT - A method for producing a welded part from two components, where at least one of the components has a hardened surface. The method can include case hardening the surface of one of the components using a salt bath nitriding process and then welding the case hardened first component to the second component by gas metal arc welding (GMAW). | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150053094 | MULTI-FUNCTIONAL TOASTING PLATFORM UTILIZING A COATED CLEAR-GLASS HEATING ELEMENT - A partially transparent cooking appliance includes first and second plates defining an externally accessible cavity therebetween. The first and second plates are at least partially translucent. A base is pivotally coupled with the first and second plates. The first and second plates are operable between a horizontal position and a vertical position relative to the base and an electrically resistive coating disposed on at least a portion of the first and second plates. The electrically resistive coating is in thermal communication with the cavity. A cam mechanism is operably coupled with at least one of the first and second plates. The first and second plates are operable between first and second distances relative to one another and a user interface is disposed on an exterior surface of an outer plate. The user interface is in electrical communication with the electrically resistive coating. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150053089 | METHOD OF OPERATING A COFFEE MAKER - A coffee maker and method of operating the same is disclosed. The method includes deactivating a heating plate of the coffee maker when a drip pan is positioned thereon, soliciting a user-selection of a serving size from a plurality of serving sizes when the drip pan is positioned on the base, and operating a pump of the coffee maker to advance fluid to a filter basket in accordance with the selected serving size. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150052954 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH A STATIC TUB AND A WATER TRAP VAPOR SEAL - A washing machine may include a static wash tub, a rotatable vertical axis wash basket in the static wash tub, and a drive motor for rotating the wash basket. A closure may direct wash liquid from the wash basket to a catch basin. A flange may be attached to the closure so that an unattached edge ends within the catch basin. The unattached edge may end below the surface of a first volume of wash liquid to minimize migration of wash liquid and/or vapor from the washing machine. The unattached edge may end above the surface of a second volume of wash liquid less than the first volume to minimize agitation of wash liquid in the catch basin. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150052953 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE WITH A STATIC TUB - A laundry treating appliance having a cabinet, a static wash tub fixed in position relative to the cabinet, a wash basket mounted within the wash tub for rotation about a vertical axis and having at least one drain hole, a drive motor within the cabinet for rotating the wash basket, a catch basin fixed to the wash tub and spaced from the drive motor, a recirculation pump, and a closure between the drive motor and the catch basin. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150052932 | COMBINED REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER APPLIANCES WITH DAMPERS HAVING ICE PREVENTION TREATMENTS - Combined refrigerator/freezer appliances with dampers having ice prevention treatments are disclosed. An example combined refrigerator/freezer appliance includes a cabinet having a first compartment and a second separate compartment, a refrigeration system including a compressor, a single evaporator and a condenser, the single evaporator being associated with the first compartment to lower temperatures of the first and second compartments, and a damper having a first position in which air is prevented from flowing from the first compartment to the second compartment, and a second position in which air is permitted to flow from the first compartment to the second compartment, wherein at least a portion of the damper is treated to prevent ice buildup from forming on the at least portion of the damper when the damper is in the first position. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150052775 | APPLIANCE FOR DRYING ARTICLES - A radio frequency (RF) laundry dryer includes, amongst other things, an RF generator, a drying surface and a Faraday cage enclosing the drying surface. The drying surface on which textiles are supported further includes an RF applicator having an anode and cathode coupled to the RF generator. At least a portion of the cathode substantially encompasses the anode to electrically shield the anode from the Faraday cage ensuring the formation of an e-field between the anode and cathode instead of the anode and the Faraday cage upon energizing the RF generator. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150052774 | METHOD FOR DRYING ARTICLES - An improved method of drying operation for an article using a field of electromagnetic radiation (e-field) generated between an anode element and a cathode element by a radio frequency (RF) applicator between the anode and cathode elements such that liquid in the article will be heated to effect a drying of the article. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150047396 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE AND METHOD OF PREDICTING MECHANICAL DEGRADATION IN A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - A laundry treating appliance having a rotatable container at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation and a motor rotationally driving the rotating chamber and a method of predicting mechanical degradation in a laundry treating appliance where the method includes rotating a rotatable container with a motor, monitoring over time a torque signal during the rotating, repeatedly determining over time a friction value from the torque signal, and predicting mechanical degradation based on a determined change in the friction value. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150047218 | APPLIANCE FOR DRYING ARTICLES - An RF laundry dryer includes, amongst other things, an RF generator, an RF applicator having a perforated body supporting anode and cathode elements, a fan arranged relative to the perforated body to flow or draw air through the perforated body and an electromagnetic shield protecting the fan from the e-field. Both anode and cathode elements are operably coupled to the RF generator to generate an e-field between the anode and cathode upon the energizing of the RF generator. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150047198 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING UNDERCABINET VENTILATION HOOD - A ventilation hood is mounted to an underside of a cabinet by left and right support brackets each including a main body from which depend at least one support tab or hanger, as well as a locator tab. The main body is aligned on the cabinet, while the locator tab appropriately spaces the support bracket from an upstanding rear wall. Thereafter, the ventilation hood is positioned so the support tabs are received in slots formed in a top panel of the hood and, upon sliding the hood rearward, the hood rides upon ramped or tapered surfaces of the support tabs to position the hood against the cabinet while hanging the hood from the support tabs. Thereafter, the support tabs are bent to retain the ventilation hood in an operational position. Employing the distinct aligning, positioning and hanging structure enables a single person to readily mount the ventilation hood. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150047128 | METHOD TO DETECT THE TYPE OF A LOAD IN A LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE - A method of determining load type in a laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber for receiving laundry, a rotatable laundry mover, and a motor operably coupled to the rotatable laundry mover includes steps to apply a perturbation force to the laundry in the treating chamber by rotating the laundry mover with the motor; determine the response of the motor torque to the perturbation force during the rotating of the laundry mover; and determine a load type based on the determined response. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150046234 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING RESOURCES OF UTILITY PROVIDERS - A method and system for managing resources of various types of utility providers. The system includes a user interface configured to allow a consumer to select a rate plan having a limitation on resource usage and allow the consumer to select a level of participation in the rate plan and a server configured to vary a charge rate applied to a consumer's energy usage based on the level of participation selected through the user interface. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150041577 | LOCKING RING - A food processing machine, having a jar with a base and at least one sidewall extending upwardly therefrom to define a top opening. A lid has a bottom surface with a downwardly depending sealing wall. An outer surface of the downwardly depending sealing wall corresponds to the top opening. A resiliently collapsible locking ring is removably positionable radially inward from the sealing wall and applies a radially outwardly directed force against the sealing wall when positioned radially inwardly therefrom. The resiliently collapsible locking ring is collapsed and then positioned in a receiving portion radially inward from the sealing wall. The lid is then positioned at the top opening of the jar, with the sealing wall inserted into the top opening. The sealing wall applies a radially outwardly directed force against the at least one wall to seal the lid to the jar. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150040887 | INNER SWIRLING FLAME GAS BURNER - A gas burner having a combustion chamber with a bottom and a circumferential wall. A plurality of fuel exit ports are disposed in the circumferential wall, and are directed generally inwardly toward the combustion chamber and upwardly from the bottom of the combustion chamber. The fuel exit ports are preferably directed inwardly at an angle that is slightly rotated from a central axis of the burner to create a swirling flame. A plurality of secondary air inlets extend through the bottom of the combustion chamber. An injector orifice is aligned with the central axis of the burner. The injector orifice is secured to the cooktop using a bracket, which has an orifice-securing surface, with two sidewalls extending therefrom and terminating in fastening flanges. The fastening flanges have asymmetrically arranged slots therein to receive tabs extending from the burner to ensure proper alignment of the burner and the injector orifice. | 02-12-2015 |
