Abstract: A safety device associated with a heating element of a glass ceramic cooking hob and arranged to prevent overheating of the cooking hob, the element comprising an insulating body defining a seat containing at least one heat generator, the device comprising a measuring member arranged to measure the temperature of the heating element and to deactivate the operation of the heat generator whenever this temperature exceeds a predetermined value, the measuring member being associated externally with a side wall of the insulating body and having a measuring part connected to a body passing through said wall and projecting to a limited extent above the heat generator.
Abstract: A support arrangement for a fan motor in a refrigerator. The fan motor includes first and second axial damper elements which extend from opposite sides of the fan motor, respectively. A cavity is provided in the inner liner of the refrigerator for forming a seat to receive one of the damper elements of the fan motor. A bracket is attached to the inner liner and has a cavity forming a seat for the other damper element such that the fan motor is captured between the bracket and the inner liner. The bracket further includes end projections to which a volute casing can be attached such that the volute casing is positioned in correspondence with the fan motor.
Abstract: A vacuum release valve for use in a refrigerated compartment such as a domestic refrigerator which allows a small amount of outside air to enter the refrigerated compartment to prevent a vacuum from forming in the refrigerated compartment caused by warm air entering the compartment during door access into the compartment and then contracting by being cooled. The vacuum release valve includes a tubular valve body which penetrates through a floor of the compartment and a cap which is loosely captured to an end of the tubular body and which normally closes the tubular body but which can be lifted from the tubular body by a vacuum formed within the compartment.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 29, 1997
Date of Patent:
November 17, 1998
Assignee:
Whirlpool Corporation
Inventors:
Travis M. Perkins, Brian P. Kelley, Armon A. Adler