Abstract: A dryer drawer system is provided comprising a generally multisided drying chamber having opposed side walls, a rear wall, and at least one access door, wherein the door is sealable to the chamber. The dryer drawer further comprises a heater for heating air circulating in the chamber and at least one fan for circulating air in the chamber. The multisided drying chamber includes an air inlet and an air outlet, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the air in the chamber, a first damper for selectively opening and closing the air inlet, a second damper for selectively opening and closing the air outlet, and a controller for controlling operation of the fan, the heater and the dampers. The controller is operative in a first operational mode to open the air inlet and the air outlet to provide air flow through the chamber and in a second operational mode to close the air inlet and the air outlet to provide a recirculating air flow within the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided herein. The apparatus includes, a clothes basket rotatable about an axis, a motor coupled to the clothes basket, an additive tank, a Venturi component comprising a hole connecting to a water inlet, a hole connecting to the additive tank, and a hole connecting to the clothes basket, a first valve, a second valve, and a processor coupled to the first valve and the second valve, the processor being operative to carry out a dispensing phase of the apparatus, wherein the dispensing phase comprises dispensing additive to the clothes basket, and carry out a self-cleaning phase of the apparatus, wherein the self-cleaning phase comprises washing the additive tank.

Abstract: A laundry appliance or washer for washing an associated laundry item includes a housing and an integrated agitator/basket assembly received in the housing. A drive assembly is operatively associated with the agitator and the basket for activating movement of the agitator and the basket in unison.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recirculating wash fluid in a washing machine are disclosed. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a wash basket rotatably supported within the wash tub. The washing machine can include a jet pump for recirculation of wash fluid through the wash basket and wash tub. The inlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with a wash fluid supply line and the outlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump includes a suction port coupled to a recirculation line in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump draws wash fluid from the wash tub through the recirculation line and returns the wash fluid through the outlet of the jet pump to the wash basket according to the Venturi effect when wash fluid flows through the inlet of the jet pump.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recirculating wash fluid in a washing machine are disclosed. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a wash basket rotatably supported within the wash tub. The washing machine can include a jet pump for recirculation of wash fluid through the wash basket and wash tub. The inlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with a wash fluid supply line and the outlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump includes a suction port coupled to a recirculation line in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump draws wash fluid from the wash tub through the recirculation line and returns the wash fluid through the outlet of the jet pump to the wash basket according to the Venturi effect when wash fluid flows through the inlet of the jet pump.

Abstract: An appliance for drying or warming associated laundry items includes a housing having a wall forming a stationary cavity dimensioned to receive the associated laundry items. At least one article support member is preferably contained within the cavity. A heater increases a temperature of associated air within the cavity and a fan circulates the heated air within the cavity. A vent is dimensioned to allow air to exit the housing cavity, and a controller regulates circulation of the associated heated air within the cavity.

Abstract: A washing machine including a suspension system is provided. The suspension system includes a wash tub, a basket rotatably coupled within the wash tub, and a drive and motor assembly. The washing machine further includes a controller configured initiate a spin cycle by increasing a spin speed of the basket to a target spin speed, identify an out-of-balance load prior to reaching the target spin speed, and limit the spin speed of the basket to a spin speed lower than a natural frequency of the suspension system for a predefined period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and techniques for detecting unbalanced load in a washing machine are provided. A clothes basket containing a load of clothing and rotatable about an axis is accelerated. As the clothes basket passes a first predetermined rotational speed, one of power and torque applied to the clothes basket is limited. It is determined whether the clothes basket accelerates from the first predetermined to a second predetermined rotational speed within a predetermined time. Failure to reach the second predetermined rotational speed within the predetermined time signifies an out-of-balance condition as to the load of clothing. No resonance of the machine lies between the first and second predetermined rotational speeds. In another aspect, a similar technique can be employed, with or without limiting power or torque, wherein a resonance does lie between the first and second predetermined rotational speeds.

Abstract: A dryer drawer system is provided comprising a generally multisided drying chamber having opposed side walls, a rear wall, and at least one access door, wherein the door is sealable to the chamber. The dryer drawer further comprises a heater for heating air circulating in the chamber and at least one fan for circulating air in the chamber. The multisided drying chamber includes an air inlet and an air outlet, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the air in the chamber, a first damper for selectively opening and closing the air inlet, a second damper for selectively opening and closing the air outlet, and a controller for controlling operation of the fan, the heater and the dampers. The controller is operative in a first operational mode to open the air inlet and the air outlet to provide air flow through the chamber and in a second operational mode to close the air inlet and the air outlet to provide a recirculating air flow within the chamber.