Abstract: A microwave oven and a method for heating a load which is placed therein. According to the invention a predetermined mode in the cavity of a microwave oven is fed by means of an associated feeding port which is arranged to feed essentially the intended mode only, the feeding of a mode other than the intended, predetermined mode being essentially prevented.

Abstract: The invention provides a water heater system having a water heater, a mixer valve, and a controller. The water heater includes a thermostat connected to a heating element. The water heater is connected to a cold in pipe and a hot out pipe. The mixer valve is positioned between the cold in pipe and the hot out pipe and provided an output of mixed hot and cold water. The controller is coupled to the thermostat.

Abstract: A foreign objects trap is provided for an automatic washer, wherein the washer has a wash tub with an outlet leading to a recirculation pump and drain pump. The trap comprises a container having a water inlet in communication with said tub outlet for defining an initial flow path for water from said wash tub into said container. The trap also includes a first wall positioned in an impact orientation relative to the initial flow path downstream of said inlet, at least one quiet zone downstream of the first wall, at least one baffle downstream of the quiet zone, the baffle extending substantially perpendicular to a direction of flow of said water, an outlet leading to the drain pump downstream of the baffle, and an outlet leading to the recirculation pump downstream of the baffle. A heater can be inserted in the trap as can an air dome and pressure sensor. A second quiet zone and baffle, between the first baffle and the outlets may also be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an approximate mass of a fabric load in an automatic clothes dryer wherein the dryer utilizes a motor including a centrifugal switch which closes upon the motor achieving a predetermined speed at a start of the motor. A timer device is provided which is capable of timing intervals of time measured in milliseconds. A current detecting mechanism is arranged in a current supply line for the dryer motor and is arranged to start the timer upon detecting a start of the dryer motor. A voltage measuring mechanism is arranged at a power supply for the motor to provide a voltage measurement. An arrangement is provided to detect the closure of the centrifugal switch of the motor and is arranged to stop the timer upon detecting the closure of the centrifugal switch to provide a start time. A calculating device is provided for receiving the start time and the voltage measurement and for providing a calculated mass of the fabric load in the dryer.

Abstract: A power bus, connected to a 24V isolated power supply, is provided in a refrigerator where removable shelves can be selectively connected to it. Each shelf has a user interface and a circuit to control a microenvironment within the refrigerator, partially bounded by the shelf. Data between the shelf and a control circuit in the refrigerator can be transmitted over the power bus, or by other methods.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink having a bowl with an open top for providing access to the bowl. A rack for holding dishes is provided and is received within the bowl and a liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid onto the dish rack to effect the cleaning of any dishes along the rack. The lid is mounted to the sink and is movable to selectively cover the open top of the bowl. A cutting board is positioned on top of the lid and a releasable coupling secures the cutting board to the lid to limit relative movement of the cutting board and the lid.

Abstract: A vehicular tailgating system typically for mounting in or to a rear hatchback portion of a passenger-type vehicle is selectively interconnectable to a power source. In one aspect, the system described herein has a housing defining several temperature-specific chambers therein which are adapted to receive one of several interchangeable modules to provide a wide range of functionality to the system.

Abstract: A slotwall panel storage system has a slotwall panel with a plurality of generally “T” shaped slots forming a plurality of generally “T” shaped slats and a hanger bracket for removably mounting a device on the slotwall panel. The hanger bracket includes a support portion, a first generally “J” shaped hook on one edge of the support portion and a second generally “J” shaped hook on an opposite edge of the support portion. A hook or storage device is attached to the support portion of the hanger bracket. The hanger bracket can have a spring arm for frictionally locking the hanger bracket on the slotwall panel.

Abstract: An illuminating device for an appliance is provided. The illuminating device is in communication with a sensor that measures an environmental condition. During operation of the appliance, the illuminating device is continually operated at a light level greater than or equal to a minimum light level. Preferably, the light level of the illuminating device is adjusted based upon measuring or detecting an environmental condition.

Abstract: An appliance is protected against ground faults by a ground fault interrupter (GFI) that sends a signal to an AND gate between the GFI and a controlling microprocessor on one side and a load relay for operating a load device in the appliance on the other side. The GFI signals a ground fault directly to the load relay causing it to deactivate the load device. The appliance is also protected against reverse polarity by a flow detector circuit that signals the load relay to deactivate the load device in a reverse polarity condition.