Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the drying cycle of a dryer by utilizing fuzzy logic control. Control is accomplished by first monitoring the moisture level of a clothes load in the dryer. From the monitored moisture information, variables such as the elapsed time from the start of the drying cycle to a point when no significant moisture is detected for a specified time period and the number of times higher moisture registrations occur during another specified time period are determined. Based on the determined variables, fuzzy logic is used to determine characteristics particular to the clothes load being dried, such as size of the load. Using the determined characteristics in conjunction with user settings more accurate control of the time of drying heat application, reduced drying heat application and cool down time can be accomplished.

Abstract: An air treatment appliance having an external body at least partially constructed of a translucent material. 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. At least some components of the interior of the air treatment appliance having a condition capable of visibly changing during an operation of the appliance, such as the filter mechanism and the fan, are visible from the exterior through the translucent material of the external body such that the condition is visible from the exterior of the external body through the translucent material. The translucent material may be clear, colored, or a predetermined combination of colors.

Abstract: A microwave oven for heating foodstuffs, comprising an oven cavity (4), a loading zone for the foodstuffs arranged in the oven cavity, a microwave unit for feeding microwaves to the oven cavity, and a browning device (13) having a radiation means (17) for generating infrared (IR) radiation. The browning device also comprises a reflector (16) adapted to reflect IR radiation essentially towards the loading zone. At least a surface layer of the reflector is made of a non-metallic, reflective and heat-resisting material.

Abstract: A wash basket alignment system for an automatic washing machine having a wash basket with a drive block partially inserted through a central aperture in the bottom wall of the wash plate. A spin drive tube extends longitudinally through the central aperture in the drive block and through the wash plate bottom wall. A hold down nut is threadingly engaged to the drive block from the inside chamber of the wash basket to position the wash basket within the wash tub. Concentric alignment of the wash basket along a central longitudinal axis decreases basket runout. Therefore, the drive block has a spherical outside surface where it abuts the conical shaped outer surface of the wash basket. The radius of the spherical outside surface intersects the central axis at a point. This configuration facilitates the sliding or moving of this juncture from a first position out of concentricity to a second position that is concentric about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a wash chamber or tub including a sump and a side wall. A pump is fluidly connected with the sump and a supply tube is supported adjacent the tub side wall and receives wash liquid from the pump, the supply tube has a manifold portion including a plurality of outlet openings. A coupling retainer is connected to the supply tube and has a plurality of funnel shaped coupling ports corresponding in number and spacing to the outlet openings of the supply tube. Each of the coupling ports includes a center opening which is provided with a sealing surface. A valve member supports a plurality of valve elements for sealing the outlet openings and is captured between the coupling retainer and the supply tube such that the valve elements generally align with the coupling ports. At least one adjustable height basket is supported within the tub and a spray arm is associated with the adjustable height basket and has a feed tube extending toward the supply tube.

Abstract: A fluid supply and reservoir is proved which may be used in conjunction with a clothes refreshing appliance. A fluid cartridge has a top wall to which the nozzle assembly may be secured, and a supply of pressurized air is connected to the nozzle assembly to draw fluid from the reservoir into the nozzle assembly through a siphon tube by a venturi action. The air supply may be provided through an air supply arrangement which includes guide walls for positioning the nozzle assembly relative to the air supply, and a resiliently mounted air supply tube for mating with an air supply opening in the nozzle assembly. An arrangement may also be provided in the reservoir to assure a constant fluid pressure therein to provide a constant flow of fluid through the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A device for electrically powering user devices present on a part of a household electrical appliance movable relative to a fixed main structure of this latter, such as a door, for example of a refrigerator, openable away from the refrigerator cabinet, electrical conductors being present in said movable part and in said fixed structure. The device comprises a magnetic induction transformer arranged to connect said electrical conductors together, said induction transformer being positioned between said movable part and said fixed structure.

Abstract: This invention relates a control for an automatic washer incorporating a spray pretreatment or stain care cycle. In order to manage the occurrence of the condition of suds lock, the state of the washing machine related to the suds lock condition during spray pretreatment is determined by one or more of a number of methods. With this information concerning the state of the spray pretreatment process, the occurrence of suds lock can be ascertained and the cycle can be controlled accordingly to minimize negative effects resulting from a prolonged suds lock condition. Additionally, with certain information related to the occurrence of suds lock, steps can be taken during the spray pretreatment portion of the cycle to avoid the condition of suds lock altogether. Using the same primary process for measuring suds lock, load size can also be ascertained. Information about load size can be used to control the wash cycle.

Abstract: An oven capable of being operated in a self-cleaning cycle wherein the time period of the self clean cycle is responsive to the amount of soil accumulation in the oven. The oven includes a cooking chamber, a heating device for supplying heat into the cooking chamber and an exhaust flue extending from the cooking chamber leading to atmosphere. A heat control device is provided for controlling the operation of the heating device and an input device is used for signaling the heat control device to initiate the self-cleaning cycle. A gas sensor communicates with the exhaust flue for measuring a concentration of a gas component produced from combustion of food soils within the cooking chamber. The gas sensor has a signal output indicative of the measured concentration of the gas component during the self-cleaning cycle. The heat control device receives successive gas concentration signals from the gas sensor and calculates a gas concentration versus time curve.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism to secure a console onto an appliance is provided in which the console is mounted without the use of threaded fasteners and, one mounted, the attachment mechanism is hidden from view from the exterior of the appliance. A projection on one of the appliance and console mates with an opening in the other of the appliance and console and a clip extends from one of the appliance and console to mate with an opening in the other of the appliance and console, such that the projection serves to align the two parts and the clip serves to secure the parts together. Preferably the projection and clip, or more than one of each, are located on a mating surface between the appliance and console such that when the console is mounted onto the appliance, the projection and clip can no longer be seen from the exterior of the appliance.

Abstract: An automatic washer includes a control which allows the user to observe the operation of the washer under a set condition or conditions. When these conditions are met, the user may open the door or lid of the washer and observe, for a predetermined period of time, the wash activity. After reclosing the door or lid, the washer may be restarted to continue the wash cycle.

Abstract: A system for protecting optical elements from moisture and/or ice build up when used in freezing environment, such as a freezer compartment of a refrigerator. The system includes a hood or sleeve which can be assembled to an optical element such as a light emitting or receiving elements used in a freezer compartment. The sleeve acts to trap air about the optic element such that warm humid air does not readily move into contact with the optic element. Moreover, the warm, humid air that does flow toward the optic element may be cooled by the sleeve such that moisture condenses out of the air and onto the sleeve. A heater may be provided adjacent the sleeve for heating the sleeve if the optic element is impaired due to ice or moisture build up.

Abstract: A water inlet assembly for mounting adjacent an opening provided in a tub of an automatic dishwasher wherein the tub defines a cavity having a volume for washing dishes. The water inlet assembly includes a housing forming a venting chamber and having an outlet opening mounted in sealed relationship about the opening provided in the tub. The venting chamber has a vent opening which may be located above the outlet opening. The housing further includes an inlet nozzle for receiving wash liquid and a conduit for guiding liquid from the inlet nozzle to the venting chamber from which wash liquid can flow through the outlet opening into the tub. A water trap is formed into the housing and is located along the conduit. The conduit has a siphon opening located upstream of the water trap.

Abstract: A soil separator for a dishwasher includes a centrifugal soil collection wall surrounded by a spill over guide channel, surrounded by a shallow annular soil accumulator channel. The soil accumulator channel is open to the dishwasher chamber but covered by a filter screen. The accumulator channel is shallow beneath the screen and empties downwardly into an accumulator sump where accumulated soil is periodically drained. The shallow accumulator channel allows water to flush an inside of the screen to carry soil to the accumulator sump.