Abstract: A process for controlling a cooking operation in a microwave oven as well as a microwave oven therefor. Subsequent to a heating step at full power for bringing cooking liquid to the boil, foodstuff which is to be cooked is added, whereupon continued moisture sensor controlled heating begins, initially at full power, until boiling resumes, whereupon moisture sensor controlled simmering/boiling takes place during a cooking time. During an initial time period of the continued moisture sensor controlled heating, the moisture sensor action is inhibited.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for operating a front-loading washing machine with a washing aggregate comprising of a tub holding a rotatably-mounted drum suspended in the machine housing so as to be able to oscillate with a midaxis descending from front to back and equipped with an imbalance sensor that changes the rotation of the drum by means of a control program when an imbalance occurs in the spin cycle. In many cases of operation involving small amounts of sensitive types laundry an improved spin result can be achieved, by attending to the preset optimum filling amounts, taking into account the weight and absorbency, and by disabling the imbalance sensor and running the spin cycle at maximum speed.

Abstract: The invention provides a freezer system having a freezer, a thermoelectric device, and a controller. The freezer may include a compressor and a compartment, where the compartment may store subfreezing air. The thermoelectric device may be a temperature sensor positioned in thermal communication with the compartment. The controller may be coupled to the compressor and the thermoelectric device. The controller is configured to deliver power to the compressor based on a temperature signal and a control signal. The temperature signal may be from the thermoelectric device and the control signal may be selected from an off/on peak signal and an override signal.

Abstract: A method for constructing a plastic door for a household electrical appliance such as a refrigerator having an outer door shell to which is assembled an inner door liner. The outer shell is formed into a concave dished shape having a continuous side wall. Following forming, the edge of the shell side wall is heated and bent to form a flange extending toward the inner cavity of the shell. Heating and bending of the edge is implemented while maintaining the shell in a mould and acting on the free edge of the side wall. A door outer shell made by this method includes a side wall with the edge of the side wall bent towards the interior of the shell, and when a door liner is secured to the outer shell, the bent continuous edge of the side wall is exposed to view and has an attractive appearance.

Abstract: A dispenser device for refrigerated drinks (carbonated or not) for domestic refrigerators, the drinks being drawn from containers (bottles and vessels in general) removably coupled to the device and dispensed via valve means forming part of the device, said device comprising a removable component to be connected to the container and forming part of a pneumatic path valve-controlled between the atmosphere and the container, said dispensing valve means being linearly movable against elastic means, both the valving control of the pneumatic path and the operation of the valve means being effected by a single mechanical control member.

Abstract: A cutlery device is provided having a blade with a sharpened edge and an opposite, unsharpened back. The cutlery device also includes a tang extending from the blade which is at least partially enclosed in a handle. The tang has a tapered thickness to produce a cutlery device that is balanced when grasped with some fingers on the handle and some fingers on the blade. The back of the blade is curved so that a finger may be comfortably pressed against the back. The handle is curved for comfort and pieces of the handle are secured on the tang with rivets of varying length to accommodate the shape of the handle. A sharpening aid is also provided for the cutlery device which has at least one angled wall for positioning a sharpening surface at a sharpening angle, permitting the cutlery device to be held with the blade positioned vertically during a sharpening operation.

Abstract: A method of determining a dish load for an automatic dishwasher and a method of operating the automatic dishwasher based on the dish load. The dish load is determined by determining a first temperature corresponding to the temperature of the dishes, determining a second temperature corresponding to the temperature of a charge of water prior to a time when the charge of water contacts and transfers heat to the dishes, determining a third temperature corresponding to the temperature of the second charge of water when the temperature of the second charge of water and dishes have equalized, and calculating a temperature ratio of the difference between the second and third temperatures and the difference between the third and first temperatures.

Abstract: A reversible rack for an electric toaster oven that includes a frame and a plurality of support wires. At least some of the support wires have a plurality of projections on a first side of the rack. When the rack is positioned in the oven with the first side up, the projections carry food items placed on the rack substantially out of contact with the support wires. When the rack is positioned with the first side down the rack is arranged to support items on the substantially flat surface of the second side of the rack. The rack frame can have end members offset from the plane of the rack in the opposite direction of the projections. When the rack is positioned in the toaster oven with the projections up the rack is higher in the oven than when rack is positioned in toaster oven with the projections down.

Abstract: A low cost method and apparatus for indicating when to replace a water filter in a water and ice delivery system for a refrigerator. The invention uses a low cost microprocessor and senses the operational condition of an ice maker water valve, a water dispenser valve to monitor and track water usage. The microprocessor has a built-in memory to retain water usage and other data during a power outage. The invention also senses the status of a door switch to permit user input of a reset message indicating that the filter has been changed as well as an input indicating a different type of filter has been installed. The microprocessor controls a tri-color light emitting diode to display the status of the filter as “good”, “order” or “change” which is determined based on the selection of the type of filter system, the amount of time since the last filter change, and the amount of water usage since the last filter change.

Abstract: A device for determining the location of cooking utensils on a cooking hob comprising a plurality of thermal cells distributed in matrix formation below a heat-resistant surface on which the cooking utensil can be located in random manner, the determination of its location, form and dimensions enabling those thermal cells lying below the utensil to be energized, the same thermal cells being also individually used for this determination.

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 parts.