Abstract: A modular cabinet for a family of drawer appliances including an insulated liner defining a drawer space, a machine compartment, a wiring harness leading from the machine compartment to the drawer space, a passage leading from the machine compartment to the drawer space and an air passage leading from the machine compartment to the front of the cabinet and a drain leading from the liner space to the machine compartment. The family of drawer appliances can include refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, wine and warming drawers. A drawer can have two compartments and can be maintained at two temperatures. The drawers include an insulated front and a bin and can be slidably carried in the drawer space. The modular cabinet and control can be used for each member of the family of drawer appliances.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting an encoded domestic appliance feature module to a utility source and transferring a plurality of utilities between the encoded feature module and the utility source. The connection system includes a utility source that has a coupler capable of removably engaging an encoded domestic appliance feature module to the utility source. Also included is at least one encoded domestic appliance feature module that independently supplies one or more functionalities.

Abstract: A modular utility supply unit that includes a utility supply module housing having removable engageability to a surface of an appliance. Also included is at least one refillable reservoir capable of storing a plurality of utilities and receiving at least one utility from the appliance when the utility supply unit is operably engaged to the appliance. Further included is an interface capable of engaging a plurality of feature modules, where the interface includes a recognition device that prompts the utility supply unit to provide the engaged feature module with at least one of the storage utilities within the utility supply from at least one of the refillable reservoirs.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes the ability to mount a variety of modules requiring utilities, such as electricity and fluids, within adjustable locations in the door of the refrigerator. The door includes a conduit extending in at least one direction and including one or more plug-in connectors for allowing a module with a mating connector to be positioned on the door for supplying operating utilities to the module. This allows the purchaser of the refrigerator to add components and accessories to the refrigerator after purchase or select desired features at the time of purchase.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space. A door is disposed on the cabinet operable between an open position and a closed position. The door includes a forward wall and a rearward wall. An insulation layer is disposed between the forward wall and the rearward wall. An exterior skin is disposed adjacent to the forward wall and substantially covers the forward wall. A plenum is defined by the space between the exterior skin and the forward wall and is adapted to receive utility lines.

Abstract: A door assembly for an appliance includes a door having an interior side and an exterior side. A frame defines an aperture extending through the door from the interior side to the exterior side. A module is disposed in the aperture. The module includes a first component and a second component. The second component disengageably connects with the first component. A pivot member is operably coupled with the module and with the frame. The module is rotatable about the pivot member thereby allowing access to both the first component and the second component from the exterior side of the door body.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door having an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component has a base removably connected to the interior side of the door. A component door is hingedly-connected to the base and includes a viewing area. The component door is operable between an open position and a closed position and the base and the component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. An air hose extends from the modular component. The air hose has a proximal end and a distal end. A fastener system is disposed on one of the component door and the base. The fastener system is adapted to engage with the first fasteners to create a seal between the component door and the base. A heat sealer is disposed on one of the base and the component door.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.

Abstract: A vacuum storage system in a refrigerator includes a bin or drawer unit removably received in a housing. The vacuum storage system may be utilized in a storage configuration or in a vacuum sealing configuration to remove air from one or more food preservation containers having one-way evacuation valves. A switch on a control interface actuates a vacuum source and a front wall of the bin or drawer unit seals against the cabinet. Air is drawn from the storage space via a hose in communication with the vacuum source and air pressure within the storage space is reduced below atmospheric pressure, whereby air is simultaneously evacuated from the containers housed in the storage space. At a predetermined pressure, a control deactivates the vacuum source and an equalizing valve is opened to return the storage space to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hands-free vacuum preservation system mounted on a door of the refrigerator comprising a main body portion having a slot therein for receiving an open end of a plastic bag. Sensors within the slot detect the presence of the bag and a retaining device is actuated to punch holes in the bag and retain the bag in position for a vacuum sealing event. An intake port within the system communicates with a vacuum source to remove air from the bag, and a heat sealer seals the bag closed. In a preferred embodiment, once sensors located on the main body portion detect the presence of a consumer's hand, the retaining device releases the bag. The resultant vacuum sealed bag can be stored in a conventional manner, or by hanging the bag from hooks extending through the holes formed therein by the retaining device.

Abstract: A rigid divider in a refrigerated drawer is pivotably mounted between the side walls of the drawer and is movable between a first vertical position and a second horizontal position. In the second position, the divider acts as a shelf to support food items.

Abstract: An air cleaner assembly for use with a conventional household air conditioning system with a duct having an opening sized to receive a standard panel filter comprises a peripheral frame sized to be received within the opening in the return duct and sized to receive a standard panel filter. The air cleaner assembly is adapted to move a filter element inserted into the recess to a position exterior of the recess so that multiple filter elements can be mounted inside the duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor standing treatment device that has a front panel and a mainframe assembly adapted to be removably attachable to the front panel. The mainframe assembly has an integrally molded latching mechanism having a latch and one or more L shaped guides configured to cooperate with one or more pairs stops for limiting lateral movement of the latch. The latch is adapted to engage a portion of the front panel for securely attaching the front panel to the mainframe assembly. The air purifier may also have a cavity positioned along a bottom edge of a back housing to house an electrical cord provided with the air purifier. Additionally, the air purifier may also have an elongated slot positioned at the apex of the mainframe assembly for allowing one or two handed carrying of the air purifier.

Abstract: A water dispenser in a refrigerator door can include a filter casing in the door opening into the bottom of the dispenser housing. The filter casing can include a top wall positioned in the bottom of the dispenser housing, a head assembly at the bottom of the filter casing connected to the water supply and to a water outlet in the dispenser, and can include a filter casing drain. A filter cartridge in the filter casing can connect to the head assembly. The filter casing can include a filter retainer mounted adjacent the opening into the filter casing and can hold the filter cartridge connected to the head assembly in a first position and can release the filter cartridge in a second position. The filter casing can include a drain line leading from the filter casing drain to a pan outside the refrigerated space.

Abstract: A modular cabinet for a family of drawer appliances including an insulated liner defining a drawer space, a machine compartment, a wiring harness leading from the machine compartment to the drawer space, a passage leading from the machine compartment to the drawer space and an air passage leading from the machine compartment to the front of the cabinet and a drain leading from the liner space to the machine compartment. The family of drawer appliances can include refrigerator, freezer, ice maker, wine and warming drawers. A drawer can have two compartments and can be maintained at two temperatures. The drawers include an insulated front and a bin and can be slidably carried in the drawer space. The modular cabinet and control can be used for each member of the family of drawer appliances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor standing treatment device that has a front panel and a mainframe assembly adapted to be removably attachable to the front panel. The mainframe assembly has an integrally molded latching mechanism having a latch and one or more L shaped guides configured to cooperate with one or more pairs stops for limiting lateral movement of the latch. The latch is adapted to engage a portion of the front panel for securely attaching the front panel to the mainframe assembly. The air purifier may also have a cavity positioned along a bottom edge of a back housing to house an electrical cord provided with the air purifier. Additionally, the air purifier may also have an elongated slot positioned at the apex of the mainframe assembly for allowing one or two handed carrying of the air purifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor standing treatment device that has a front panel and a mainframe assembly adapted to be removably attachable to the front panel. The mainframe assembly has an integrally molded latching mechanism having a latch and one or more L shaped guides configured to cooperate with one or more pairs stops for limiting lateral movement of the latch. The latch is adapted to engage a portion of the front panel for securely attaching the front panel to the mainframe assembly. The air purifier may also have a cavity positioned along a bottom edge of a back housing to house an electrical cord provided with the air purifier. Additionally, the air purifier may also have an elongated slot positioned at the apex of the mainframe assembly for allowing one or two handed carrying of the air purifier.