Abstract: A slow open hinge assembly for an associated appliance door includes an arm and a channel including a first end that is pivotally connected to the arm at a first location for pivoting about a first pivot axis. A slide link includes an inner end that is pivotally connected to the arm at a second location for pivoting about a second pivot axis that is offset from the first pivot axis. A fluid damped spring rod assembly includes a cylinder body supported on the channel and includes a spring-biased piston rod assembly engaged with the slide link. A control spring assembly can be connected to the channel and includes a reciprocally movable spring rod assembly including a follower, wherein the follower is engaged with a cam profile defined by a contoured edge of the arm for some but not all angular positions of the channel relative to the arm.

Abstract: A lid hinge assembly for an appliance includes a base with a recess. A cam is rotatably supported in the recess and is adapted for rotation in first and second opposite angular directions. A spring is engaged between the base and the cam and biases the cam. The cam can include a camshaft rotatably seated in the recess, and the cam can include an enlarged head located on a first end of the camshaft on an inner axial end of the cam. The cam arm can project outwardly from a second end of the camshaft on a second outer end of the cam such that the central portion of the camshaft located between the enlarged head and the cam arm is seated in the recess. An optional damper can be located on the base and engaged by the cam to slow movement of the cam.

Abstract: An appliance lid hinge includes a base and an arm connected to the base. An arm control system includes a spring rod that moves relative to the base. A spring exerts a biasing force on the spring rod that urges the spring rod toward an extended position, and the spring rod is movable against the biasing force toward a retracted position. The arm is engaged with the spring rod through a linkage such that: (i) movement of the arm in an opening direction corresponds with movement of the spring rod toward the extended position; and, (ii) pivoting movement of the arm in a closing direction corresponds with movement of the spring rod toward the retracted position. An optional damper can be connected to the base and can exert a damping force on the spring rod or other part of the arm control system.

Abstract: A slow open hinge assembly for an associated appliance door includes an arm and a channel including a first end that is pivotally connected to the arm at a first location for pivoting about a first pivot axis. A slide link includes an inner end that is pivotally connected to the arm at a second location for pivoting about a second pivot axis that is offset from the first pivot axis. A fluid damped spring rod assembly includes a cylinder body supported on the channel and includes a spring-biased piston rod assembly engaged with the slide link. A control spring assembly can be connected to the channel and includes a reciprocally movable spring rod assembly including a follower, wherein the follower is engaged with a cam profile defined by a contoured edge of the arm for some but not all angular positions of the channel relative to the arm.

Abstract: A door hinge assembly includes a hinge plate including: (i) an inner portion adapted to be connected to an associated structure; and, (ii) an outer portion adapted for pivoting connection of an associated door thereto. The hinge assembly also includes a damper system with a damper connected to one of: (i) the hinge plate; (ii) the associated door. The damper is adapted to be activated by pivoting movement of the associated door in a closing direction toward a closed position of the associated door such that said damper slows movement of the associated door toward the closed position when the damper is activated.