Abstract:
A cooking appliance includes an oven cavity, an electric heating system having a plurality of electric heat loads for heating the oven cavity, and a controller. The controller includes a memory module having stored therein at least first and second control algorithms for operating the electric heating system based upon an available current supply. If the cooking appliance is connected to a low current rated circuit, the controller will operate according to the first control algorithm and cycle activation of the plurality of heat loads in a manner not to overload the available current supply. Conversely, if the appliance is connected to a high current rated circuit, the control unit will operate according to the second control algorithm and enable activation of multiple heating loads simultaneously. Preferably, the appliance includes a switch or sensor for toggling between the first and second control algorithms.
Abstract:
A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash arms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber receives washing fluid through a sampling port that interconnects with the flow conduit. The filter chamber can be fluidly connected to a drain based on the position of a valve which opens when washing fluid recirculation ceases.
Abstract:
A combination rotating/tipping mechanism for an agitator arranged in an inner tub of a washing machine includes a drive member, a tipping member fixedly mounted to the agitator and pivotally mounted to the drive member, and a pivot link interconnecting the tipping member and the inner tub of the machine. In operation, rotation of the drive member imparts an oscillating/rotating motion to the tipping member about a rotational axis. Simultaneously, the pivot link is caused to pivot about a pivotal axis, thereby restricting the movement of the tipping member and causing the tipping member to pivot about another pivotal axis.
Abstract:
An installation instruction system for an appliance employs an electronic interface screen, such as an LCD touch screen, through which a series of installation inquiries are made to a user when the appliance is initial powered. In the most preferred form of the invention, the appliance constitutes a washing machine and the sequence of installation instructions includes inquiries about the appliance being level, inlet hoses being properly connected, a drain hose being properly installed, and manufacturer supplied items being removed. The screen can also be divided into a number of panels for displaying different sets of information.
Abstract:
A removable, spill-proof refrigerator shelf includes a glass shelf panel, a one-piece molded plastic frame member extending about the periphery of and supporting the glass shelf panel, and an adhesive injected into a channel created by the frame member for sealingly fixing the shelf panel within the frame member. The top of the adhesive is made flush with the top surface of the shelf panel, thereby forming a substantially continuous and easily cleaned surface. An integral outer rim is provided about the periphery of the frame member and acts as a barrier to prevent any liquid spilled on the shelf from flowing onto shelves and/or food below.
Abstract:
A system used to program and coordinate the cooking operations for two or more ovens such that the cooking operations are completed at the same time, independent of particular setting variations. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a single controller is utilized to program each of the ovens, with the controller incorporating an auto sequencing feature which causes the different cooking operations to be automatically performed, while terminating at the same time. Preferably, the system enables a second cooking operation to be programmed and initiated after a first cooking operation, while still providing for the auto sequencing of the cooking operation. Furthermore, a system is provided to enable the refrigerating of food items in one or more of the ovens prior to initiating a respective cooking operation.
Abstract:
Abstract of the Disclosure An improved dishwasher is provided with a lower rack, a middle rack, and an upper rack. Each rack has a spray arm associated therewith. A fourth spray arm may also be provided for enhanced cleaning of objects in the racks. The lower rack is a low profile tineless rack for holding flat and shallow objects. The middle and upper racks have bottom portions sloping in opposite directions so as to accommodate larger items, such as dinner plates, in each rack. The middle and upper racks are independently vertically adjustable with respect to one another.
Abstract:
An apparatus for automatically shifting a bail arm of an automatic ice maker upon repositioning an ice storage bin carried by a slidable freezer drawer or basket includes a wedge member arranged just above a rear wall of the bin, preferably between the bin and a rear wall of the basket. The wedge member defines a frontal wedge portion that generally tapers laterally and rearwardly from a wide section to a narrow section. As the bin is shifted out of the freezer compartment, the bail arm initially engages the wide section of the frontal wedge portion, then rides up the frontal wedge portion, and subsequently rides along an opposing, rear wedge portion of the wedge member. This action is reversed upon sliding the bin back into place beneath the ice maker to gently repositioned the bale arm over the ice bin.
Abstract:
A plastic terminal end section of a refrigerator handle is secured to an upper in-turned portion of a refrigerator door by forming the end section with a lower channel defined, at least in part, by in-turned, tie-down flanges. The overall mounting assembly also incorporates a metal plate which slips into the channel and receives mechanical fasteners such that the fasteners extend into the terminal end section of the handle, through the metal plate, and into the door. With this arrangement, the metal plate functions to clamp down the tie-down flanges to the door when the fasteners are tightened, thereby securing the terminal end section of the handle to the door.
Abstract:
A fan assembly for a convection cooking appliance defines a self-contained unit including a housing, an internal fan unit, and a cover. The cover is provided with a centrally located, unobstructed opening for directing air to an inlet for the fan unit. The area of the inlet opening is equal to or larger than the sum of the cross-sectional inlet area of fan unit. During operation, air is drawn into the fan housing through the opening, directed radially outwardly through housing, and lead out through radial, peripherally spaced holes of the housing. The overall construction of the fan assembly eases manufacture and assembly, while defining a high performance convection system by establishing an efficient recirculating airflow, with relatively high air flow, pressure and velocity operating parameters.