Abstract: A method for communicating data is disclosed. The method includes receiving a sequence of electrical pulses during an interval having a pre-determined time period, the sequence of electrical pulses representing a message from one of a plurality of devices, determining the number of received electrical pulses in the sequence of electrical pulses, and decoding the message based on the determined number of electrical pulses received during the interval.

Abstract: A magnetic lid closure sensor uses a magnet sensor element mounted within the washing machine housing below the closed lid. Flux directors conduct flux from a magnet in the lid to the magnet sensor. A lock mechanism employs a hook engaging an aperture in the lid so that opening of the lid does not impart a torque to the hook such as would disengage it, allowing the hook to be activated and deactivated with a simple bi-directional solenoid.

Abstract: A console switch assembly for appliances provides a rotatable electronic switch having a rotational range constrained by a cutout in the control panel to which the switch is mounted. The cutout most simply may be a sector of a circle having a different angular range which constrains a projecting tooth on the shaft of the switch or knob attached to the shaft of the switch.

Abstract: Improved adhesion, electrical connection, and thermal connection between an electrical heater and a wax motor element are obtained by using multiple zones of different adhesives optimized for different properties. The location of the zones and the area of the zones may be a controlled to effect a trade off between different properties and to limit the expression of the conductive adhesive.

Abstract: An agitator mechanism for a clothes finishing cabinet provides a pendulum mounted hanger bar that may reciprocate under the application of a periodic force by an actuator without rigid connection between the cabinet housing and the hanger bar. Quiet operation is obtained by mounting an actuator motor directly on the hanger bar to be isolated by sound absorbing hanger support materials.

Abstract: An illuminated membrane switch employs transparent conductive elements in the region of the button so as to provide passage of light from behind the membrane switch to the user without shadowing by opaque conductive elements.

Abstract: An electrical current is passed through a thermistor to raise its temperature above the temperature of oil flowing in pulses past the thermistor. A change is measured in the temperature of the thermistor occurring with respect to one or more of the pulses. A level of oil flow is determined corresponding to the measured change in temperature. A signal is issued based on the determined flow level.

Abstract: A crimp connector includes an electrically conductive curved member having an inner surface and a leading edge extending away from and back toward the inner surface. The leading edge, curved member, and inner surface define a first volume for receiving a conductive element. The electrically conductive member, in response to an external crimping force, is configured to cause the leading edge to contact and move along the inner surface until the first volume is substantially the same as a second volume defined by the portion of the conductive element received within the first volume.

Abstract: A membrane switch provides a substantially rigid front fascia without the need for flexure limiting standoffs or the like. The membrane switch may use thin, printed insulating dots whose pattern controls the force required to actuate the switch elements as a function of distance from the switch elements preventing multiple activations.

Abstract: A user control generates a heat level input signal responsive to a user of a cooktop heating element. Logic generates an output signal having a duty cycle corresponding to the input signal. An electromechanical device connected to apply power from a source to the heating element in response to the output signal.

Abstract: A fast engage, slow release electrical actuator combines an electromagnetic actuator with a thermal actuator, the latter which retains the electromagnetic actuator after the former has been actuated to delay the release thereof.

Abstract: An electrical current is passed through a thermistor to raise its temperature above the temperature of oil flowing in pulses past the thermistor. A change is measured in the temperature of the thermistor occurring with respect to one or more of the pulses. A level of oil flow is determined corresponding to the measured change in temperature. A signal is issued based on the determined flow level.

Abstract: A laundry aid dispenser for a washing machine allows simple introduction of laundry aids into cups whose volumes are visible to the user and held within the console of the washing machine. A vertically oriented valve and flush chamber arrangement allows for the removal of the cups and the dispensing of viscous laundry aids such as fabric softener with reduced accumulation and buildup. The configuration also allows easy access to critical channels and parts of the dispenser as well as flexible electronic control of the dispensing times. Color-coding, keying and other indicia simplify the consumer's identification of the proper laundry aid for each cup.

Abstract: A lid lock for a washing machine or the like employs a rapid bistable electromagnetic actuator that is released at a predetermined time interval after the cessation of a spin signal, the time interval being selected to allow the spin basket to coast to a stop prior to the lid being unlocked. Because the actuator is bistable, it can remain locked despite possible power failure during which the spin basket may still be coasting yet the driving circuitry stores reserved power to unlock the lid after a suitable time delay. These same components can provide protection against entrapment in which the lid closure activates the spin cycle and lock because of a previous initiation of the spin cycle signal. Here, for the spin cycle to be initiated, the spin cycle signal must occur after lid closure.

Abstract: A vent for a dishwasher provides a valve with dual actuation, either to be electrically actuated according to a cycle of the dishwasher so as to close during periods of high noise generation, typically the wash cycle, and opened during the dry cycle, or to be actuated independently of the cycle under pressure differences such as may be caused by interruption of the dishwasher cycle and opening and closing of the dishwasher door such as may cause a pressure surge as the introduced cool air is rapidly heated in the interior of the dishwasher.

Abstract: The invention features a strip of terminals formed from a single piece of sheet stock. The terminals have a clamp portion connected through a spring section to a base so that the clamp portion is positioned above the base is pressed down and locked against the base to engage a tab of flexible sheet with a conductive surface.

Abstract: A junction block for tap-in connection to a continuous two-conductor line comprises a removably mutually engageable base and a cover, defining axially aligned wire entrance and exit apertures, and a passage admitting a plug. Conductor positioners each define a conductor path between the apertures; insulation displacement means are positioned for cooperative interaction with the positioners. Each displacement means is electrically connected with a contact spring adjacent the passage.A positioner and its cooperating displacement means together define a conductor engagement position generally on a level with the wire apertures, so that tension on the wire external to the block does not tend to pull the conductors out of the displacement means. The block has cooperating alignment means mutually engageable during assembly positively to align the positioners with the displacement means before the conductor insulation is engaged, and to prevent misassembly of the block components.

Abstract: A connector box for coaxial cable includes a metal shell made from a stamping and folded into a box shape, a spacer structure of non-conductor, an inner connector and a cover. Insulation displacement slots in the shell wall with sharpened vee-shaped entries and in-turned edges engage a cable outer conductor. A stepped passage in the spacer structure positions the cable during insertion. Insulation displacement slots with vee-entries in the inner connector are aligned with those of the shell and engage the inner conductor of the cable.

Abstract: A novel automatic multiple wire terminal applying machine which is selectively operable to simultaneously attach to one or both of the adjacent or opposite ends of multiple lengths of wire either a single terminal common to all of the wires or an individual terminal on each wire.

Abstract: A switching assembly for mounting on a pedal has a flat shaped switch actuator constrained to move with a single degree of freedom in a plane parallel to the pedal face. A pressure member at the front of the pedal receives a control force from an operator and as it moves toward the pedal face moves the switch actuator through a cam linkage. The cam linkage includes cam surface extending close to the periphery of the pressure member so that the cam action is effective irrespective of the area of the pressure member pressed by an operator. The switching assembly is effective in changing switch settings of a plurality of switches in a predetermined order as the pedal is pressed irrespective of the point of application of control force to the pressure member.