Abstract: A varying cross-sectional area capillary tube for a refrigeration system. The capillary tube comprises at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a cross-sectional area that is effectively smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second portion. By doing so, any contaminants contained in the refrigerant will deposit themselves within the second portion of the capillary tubes, but because of the increased cross-sectional area, will not clog the capillary tube.

Abstract: An outer shell for a refrigerator a cabinet formed from a plurality of vertically arranged panels each having opposed vertical edges, a top edge and a bottom edge. A plurality of dovetail-like, linear joints interlock the vertical edges of the vertically arranged panels without requiring additional fasteners or welding. A top panel is interconnected with the top edges of the vertically arranged panels and a bottom panel is interconnected with the bottom edges of the vertically arranged panels. Each of the linear joints comprise a channel having a fan shaped cross-section provided along one edge of a panel and a connecting flange formed along the edge of a second adjacent panel wherein the connecting flange is received into the channel such that the first and second panels are interconnected. The outer shell is easily assembled by joining adjacent panels via the interlocking joints. Moreover, the joints provide strength to the outer shell and are well suited for use in insulation foaming.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a middle fresh food compartment and a relatively large bottom freezer compartment arranged below the fresh food compartment and a relatively small freezer compartment arranged above the fresh food compartment. The bottom freezer compartment preferably supports a drawer including a frame and a removable bin. Cool air can be supplied to the compartments of the refrigerator by employing a two fan control system such that no electromechanical baffles are required. Alternatively, cool air can be directed to the compartments of the refrigerator by use of a baffle which requires only a single electromechanical device to control air flow into three different compartments. The baffle includes a main rotary damper which can be positioned to provide proportional amounts of chilled air to the three separate compartments based on the degree of cooling required.

Abstract: An automatic washer having a wash tub in which a rotatable wash basket is disposed. A wash plate is rotatably mounted in the wash basket and is capable of independently rotating or co-rotating with respect to the wash basket. The wash plate has at least two ripples integrally formed in its surface whereby upon the rotation of the wash plate, any clothing in contact with the ripple will be directed vertically to impart mechanical energy to the clothing instead of carrying the clothing with the wash plate as it is rotated.