Abstract: A multi compartment refrigeration appliance is provided wherein each compartment is to be maintained at an independently selected temperature. The appliance includes a temperature selection input device for each compartment, at least one compressor, at least one evaporator, at least one fan for creating an air flow over the evaporator, a temperature sensor located in each compartment, and a control circuit to receive an input from said temperature selection input device for each compartment and a temperature signal for each temperature sensor and to produce an error condition signal with a magnitude dependent on a difference between the selected temperature and the sensed temperature for each compartment. The control circuit also controls a speed of the fan in response to a greater of the error condition signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a snap-in locking device for a multistage rotary switch with a switch spindle that is connectable with a rotary knob. The switch spindle is connected with an axle part that is snapped into an inner receptacle of a built-in switch panel part. The axle part rests on the switch panel part and is lock-in adjustable between snap-in receptacles with cams that are each limited by two radially-aligned connector links. The snap-in receptacles cover the entire circumference of the inner receptacle of the switch panel part. The axle part can be set into rotary motion with the switch spindle by a rotary knob, which is attachable to the switch spindle, and that modifiable limit stops define the number of switch positions, then a snap-in locking device for a operating unit is created with simple and cost-effective production and assembly parts that is coupleable with other components of the operating unit and can be equipped with an over-rotation safeguard.

Abstract: A removable food support element in a refrigerator, for example a shelf, drawer or the like, comprising a body to be positioned on supports present on opposing walls of a refrigerator compartment; there being provided, associated with the body of the element, setting means enabling the internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment to be set and the set temperature information to be transferred to control means for the refrigerator refrigeration circuit. The refrigerator provided with such a compartment is also claimed.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance is provided having a first compartment to be cooled, at least one evaporator in heat transfer association with the first compartment, a defrost heater associated with the evaporator, a temperature sensor associated with the evaporator, and a control circuit. The control circuit is arranged to selectively energize the defrost heater during a defrost cycle, selectively deenergize the defrost heater during the defrost cycle, generate a timing signal while the defrost heater is deenergized during the defrost cycle, and the control circuit is arranged to receive an input from the temperature sensor, and an accumulation of time from the timing signal.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser and self-filling container system, including a liquid supply line, a liquid container, a liquid dispenser positioned to deliver a supply of liquid to the container from the liquid supply line, a valve positioned in the liquid supply line to selectively deliver liquid to the liquid dispenser, an optical sensor positioned relative to the liquid container to detect the presence of the container and a level of liquid in the container, and a control circuit connecting the optical sensor and the valve to open the valve when the sensor detects the presence of the container and a level of liquid below a maximum desired liquid level in the container and to close the valve when the sensor detects at least one of the absence of the container and a maximum desired liquid level in said container. Such a liquid dispenser may be a water dispenser in a refrigerator.

Abstract: A dynamic balancer for an automatic washer includes an annular hollow first chamber. A first fluid is held within the first chamber and only partly fills the first chamber. An annular hollow second chamber is disposed adjacent to the first chamber and includes a plurality of objects disposed therein which are movable along the chamber. A second fluid is also held in the second chamber and, in combination with the solid bodies, only partly fills the second chamber. The first fluid in the first chamber produces a first balancing characteristic of the dynamic balancer. The movable objects within the second chamber produce a second balancing characteristic of the dynamic balancer. The second fluid held in the second chamber also produces a third balancing characteristic of the dynamic balancer.

Abstract: A beverage container holder that is adjustable to accommodate various sizes of beverage containers, including containers of different heights and diameters for both tapered-wall containers and straight-wall containers. The beverage container includes a convection air flow generator for supplying conditioned air around the beverage.

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.