Abstract: The invention concerns an optical sensor for measuring the property of a gaseous or liquid medium, particularly the opaqueness of a washing or rinsing liquid in a washing or rinsing machine, with at least one radiation source, a radiation receiver and a light-transmitting sensor body, with an optical boundary surface, which, depending on the nature of the medium present outside the boundary surface of the sensor body, to a greater or lesser degree transmits to the radiation receiver and/or reflects the radiation directed on to it, resulting at the radiation receiver in different measurement signals which characterise the reflectivity and the refractive index conditions at the boundary surface. Unambiguous measurement signals for process control of a washing or rinsing machine are obtained through separate sensing of the transparency and reflection of the medium.

Abstract: A method for controlling the duration of a self-cleaning operation in an oven responsive to the oven usage. The oven includes a cooking chamber, a heating device for supplying heat into the cooking chamber, an exhaust outlet from the cooking chamber leading to atmosphere, and a heat control device for controlling the heating device for baking, broiling and self-cleaning cycles. The method of controlling the duration includes the steps of maintaining a count at the heat control device of the length of oven operation time performed since a last self-cleaning cycle, accepting an input at the heat control device to begin a self-cleaning operation, and controlling the heating device to heat the oven cavity for a time period based upon the length of oven operation time performed since a last self-cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A load adaptive brake system is provided for an appliance which includes a motor, a drive wheel driven by the motor and a rotatable vessel. A brake surface is fixed relative to a non-movable portion of the appliance and at least one brake shoe carried by the vessel to rotate with the vessel. A biasing mechanism is engageable with the brake shoe to press the brake shoe into engagement with the brake surface. A cam is carried on the vessel, but is rotatable with respect thereto, and engageable with a portion of the brake shoe to overcome a bias of the biasing mechanism when the cam is rotated relative to the vessel in a first direction to disengage the brake shoe from the brake surface.

Abstract: A toaster having a heating enclosure including a first support wall and a second support wall extending outwardly from a base. A pair of opposed racks extend between the first and second support walls along the sides of the heating enclosure. Each rack has a bottom edge hingedly supported by the support walls and a top edge wherein the top edges are biased toward each other. The racks have one end rotatably supported by a plastic bearing and are biased along their axis of rotation against the bearing to provide smooth and quiet rotation. A toast carriage extends from a plastic arm hub which is slidingly supported adjacent the second support wall between an upper and lower limit position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a dehumidifier in a de-ice mode is provided wherein the dehumidifier has an evaporator coil, a fan operated by a fan motor to cause a flow of ambient air over the evaporator coil, and a compressor operated by a compressor motor to cause a flow of refrigerant to the evaporator coil. A control is provided for detecting a characteristic of the dehumidifier associated with the formation of frost on the evaporator coil. Such characteristic could be the temperature of the evaporator coil, the rate of change of the temperature of the coil, a drop in the amp draw of the compressor motor below a predetermined value or a predetermined rate of downward change in the amp draw of the compressor motor. The control terminates power to the compressor motor after detection of the characteristic, either immediately or after a predetermined time, while continuing operation of the fan to provide the melting.

Abstract: A modular cabinet for an ice maker or other refrigeration appliance, having a frame formed from a base, a tub resting on the base, and a pair of opposing side panels affixed to opposing sides of side tub and base assembly and a top panel. The refrigeration appliance has a refrigerated compartment defined by the tub, the top panel and the door. A door hingedly mounted to the frame sealingly closes the refrigerated compartment.

Abstract: An air treatment appliance for treating surrounding air including a body. A spider-mount mounted to the body has a motor mounted thereto in cantilever fashion. A fan attached to the motor may be a radial fan, and is operable to draw in surrounding air and cause it to flow through the appliance. A grommet between the motor and the spider-mount dampens vibrations from the motor. A filtering mechanism in the path of the airflow helps filter out undesirable material from the surrounding air. A radial airflow guide downstream from the fan efficiently guides the airflow to be expelled in a predetermined direction. The motor is at least partially accommodated by the spider-mount and the fan. The apparatus results in reduced noise and vibration during operation of the appliance.

Abstract: An air treatment appliance having an external body with a movable portion and a main portion. An air inlet and an air outlet in the external body permit airflow through the device. A fan inside the body is operable to draw in air through the air inlet and to expel it through the air outlet, and the air may be passed through a filter mechanism in the device. An access mechanism permits convenient access to the filter mechanism and other components in the external body. The device is at least partially disabled when the movable portion is moved relative to the main portion.

Abstract: A central unit for grouping electronic and electrical components of refrigerators, freezers and similar appliances, comprising a housing containing at least one electronic card provided with electrical connection means and socket means for connecting the appliance to the electrical power supply.