Abstract: A domestic appliance (1) with a bus (2) is disclosed. A plurality of modules (3) are connected to the bus, each controlling an operational component (4). Initial programming of the modules may take place from a single connection point (61). The modules may be configured to control the domestic appliance jointly and non-hierarchically. Suitably, all modules are identical up to content of a data memory provided therein.

Abstract: A domestic appliance (1) with a bus (2) is disclosed. A plurality of modules (3) are connected to the bus, each controlling an operational component (4). Initial programming of the modules may take place from a single connection point (61). The modules may be configured to control the domestic appliance jointly and non-hierarchically. Suitably, all modules are identical up to content of a data memory provided therein.

Abstract: A turbidity sensor for use in a machine for washing articles, e.g., a washing machine (400). The turbidity sensor comprises a light source (210) for emitting light. The emitted light has a radiant intensity which is variable. The sensor further comprises a light-sensitive element (220) for receiving light emitted from the light source (210). The light source (211) and the light-sensitive element (220) are positioned relative to each other so that, when the light source (210) is in operation, light emitted from the light source (210) can propagate through a washing liquid contained in the washing machine (400) on its way to the light sensitive element (220). The light-sensitive element (220) is configured to measure the radiant intensity of light received at the light-sensitive element (221). Furthermore, the sensor comprises a controller (230) which is communicatively coupled to the light source (210) and the light-sensitive element (220).

Abstract: A domestic appliance (1) with a bus (2) is disclosed. A plurality of modules (3) are connected to the bus, each controlling an operational component (4). Initial programming of the modules may take place from a single connection point (61). The modules may be configured to control the domestic appliance jointly and non-hierarchically. Suitably, all modules are identical up to content of a data memory provided therein.

Abstract: Rapid chilling apparatus for beverages including a receptacle (2) accommodating beverage containers (3) of differing length, and cooling structure cooling said receptacle (2), wherein said receptacle (2) includes a plurality of electrodes (4), an inner surface (5) supporting a container (3) such that the electrodes (4) turn out as being distributed along the whole length of the container (3), the electrodes (4) being connected to circuit structure (6) detecting and measuring the capacitance value on each electrode (4) due to the presence of a container (3) made of a conductive or non-conductive material in proximity of the same electrode (4) so as to determine the actual length of the container (3), control structure (7) operating said cooling structure in response to the capacitance values detected by said circuit structure (6) for a period of time, the duration depending on the so determined length of the container (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capacitive sensor system comprising a sensor circuit connected to a first (15) and a second (11) antenna, the first antenna (15) is arranged on a first object (10) and the second antenna (11) is arranged on a second object (11) movable relative to said first object (10). The first antenna (15) is arranged right next to the second object (11) for the sensor circuit to detect the movement and/or position of the second object (11).

Abstract: A domestic appliance (1) with a bus (2) is disclosed. A plurality of modules (3) are connected to the bus, each controlling an operational component (4). Initial programming of the modules may take place from a single connection point (61). The modules may be configured to control the domestic appliance jointly and non-hierarchically. Suitably, all modules are identical up to content of a data memory provided therein.

Abstract: A domestic appliance (1) with a bus (2) is disclosed. A plurality of modules (3) are connected to the bus, each controlling an operational component (4). Initial programming of the modules may take place from a single connection point (61). The modules may be configured to control the domestic appliance jointly and non-hierarchically. Suitably, all modules are identical up to content of a data memory provided therein.

Abstract: A domestic appliance (1) with a bus (2) is disclosed. A plurality of modules (3) are connected to the bus, each controlling an operational component (4). Initial programming of the modules may take place from a single connection point (61). The modules may be configured to control the domestic appliance jointly and non-hierarchically. Suitably, all modules are identical up to content of a data memory provided therein.

Abstract: A turbidity sensor for use in a machine for washing articles, e.g., a washing machine (400). The turbidity sensor comprises a light source (210) for emitting light. The emitted light has a radiant intensity which is variable. The sensor further comprises a light-sensitive element (220) for receiving light emitted from the light source (210). The light source (211) and the light-sensitive element (220) are positioned relative to each other so that, when the light source (210) is in operation, light emitted from the light source (210) can propagate through a washing liquid contained in the washing machine (400) on its way to the light sensitive element (220). The light-sensitive element (220) is configured to measure the radiant intensity of light received at the light-sensitive element (221). Furthermore, the sensor comprises a controller (230) which is communicatively coupled to the light source (210) and the light-sensitive element (220).

Abstract: Rapid chilling apparatus for beverages comprising a receptacle (2) adapted to accommodate beverage containers (3) of differing length, and cooling means adapted to cool down said receptacle (2), wherein said receptacle (2) comprises a plurality of electrodes (4) arranged in succession one after the other along an inner surface (5) of said receptacle (2), said inner surface (5) being adapted to support a container (3) in such manner that the electrodes (4) turn out as being distributed along the whole length of the container (3), said electrodes (4) being connected to circuit means (6) adapted to detect and measure the capacitance value on each electrode (4) as brought about by the presence of a container (3) made of a conductive material in proximity of the same electrode (4) so as to determine the actual length of the container (3), or, in the case of a container (3) made of a non-conductive material, said capacitance value as brought about by the presence, inside the container, of beverage liquid in proximi

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capacitive sensor system comprising a sensor circuit connected to a first (15) and a second (11) antenna, the first antenna (15) is arranged on a first object (10) and the second antenna (11) is arranged on a second object (11) movable relative to said first object (10). The first antenna (15) is arranged right next to the second object (11) for the sensor circuit to detect the movement and/or position of the second object (11).

Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet comprising an insulated food storage compartment (2), and evaporator (3) and heating means (4) in thermal relation with said compartment (2); the cabinet comprises a thermal conductor member (5) movably arranged within the compartment (2) between a cooling position and a thawing position, actuating means for driving the thermal conductor member (5) between said positions, control means to energize the heating means (4) depending on said positions, in said cooling position the thermal conductor member (5) being in contact with or adjacent to the evaporator (3) to maximize heat transmission therebetween, so that the thermal conductor member (5) is capable of absorbing heat from said compartment (2), in said thawing position the heating means (4) being energized and the thermal conductor member (5) being spaced apart from the evaporator (3) to thermally separate the compartment (2) from the evaporator.

Abstract: A refrigerator or freezer apparatus comprising: a cabinet (1) at least a compartment (2,3) to store food, a box (5) firmly lodged in said cabinet and closable in a vacuum-tight manner, a drawer (6) apt to be extracted and inserted in said box, a vacuum pump (7) connected to said box in the back side of it, a vacuum valve (13) able to selectively equalise the internal pressure in said box, wherein it comprises locking means, and specially a tiltable handle in the front side of said drawer, able to connect or disconnect said drawer to/from said box; said vacuum valve and/or said vacuum pump are operated by the tilting movement of said handle or by the closing movement of said drawer (6).