Abstract: A combination rotating/tipping mechanism for an agitator arranged in an inner tub of a washing machine includes a drive member, a tipping member fixedly mounted to the agitator and pivotally mounted to the drive member, and a pivot link interconnecting the tipping member and the inner tub of the machine. In operation, rotation of the drive member imparts an oscillating/rotating motion to the tipping member about a rotational axis. Simultaneously, the pivot link is caused to pivot about a pivotal axis, thereby restricting the movement of the tipping member and causing the tipping member to pivot about another pivotal axis.

Abstract: A sheathed electric resistive heating element support bracket constructed in accordance with the present invention includes first and second mounting portions interconnected through a transverse web portion. The web portion includes at least one heating element receiving journal and an edge portion along which is arranged a plurality of substantially circular lances. The substantially circular lances define a bore through which a mechanical fastener can pass to secure the bracket in a desired position. In this manner, the mechanical fastener and support bracket collectively serve as an electrical ground and an RF energy shield for the heating element. The heating element is secured into the journal through a snap-fit connection, while a crimping finger is also deformed over a portion of the heating element to fixedly maintain the heating element in the journal.

Abstract: A cooking appliance employing rapid cook technology includes an electronic oven control system employing an alpha-numeric data entry and display arrangement. The cooking appliance includes a display which incorporates a series of vertically spaced information display zones, with each of the zones being capable of displaying both alpha and numeric data to a user of the appliance. Text and numeric data can be entered by the user through a ten-digit keypad provided on a control panel of the appliance. Each labeled numeric key (0–9) can be used to input a corresponding numeric data symbol, as well as additional text information. This arrangement advantageously makes purchasing and operating a sophisticated cooking appliance more appealing and less intimidating to a consumer.

Abstract: A delay flow water reservoir for a clothes dryer cabinet and method of use is provided. The delay flow reservoir has a container having an opening and a cap engaging the opening. The cap has a delay chamber with a drain opening, a seal covering the opening with first and second seal holes, and the delayed flow reservoir. The delay chamber fills with water from the container before draining into the clothes drying cabinets. The method of using the delay flow water reservoir permits the user to fill a container while in an upright position and then moving the delay flow water reservoir to an overturned dispense position. The method permits water to drain into the delay reservoir rather than out the drain opening while the user moves the reservoir into operational communication in the clothes drying cabinet.

Abstract: A hanger rod is provided for a clothes drying cabinet. The rod includes a plurality of notches, each adapted to receive a hanger. Each notch is V-shaped, with opposite side walls which converge downwardly to a substantially pointed apex. The rod has front and rear walls defining a thickness ranging between 30%-75% of the hanger hook diameter. The notches provide four contact points on the hanger hook to prevent rotation of the hanger hook on the rod during the drying process.

Abstract: A washing machine lid assembly is provided with a metal porcelain-coated outer lid and a plastic inner lid. The inner lid is retained on the outer lid by retainer brackets which are held in place by the perimeter flange of the outer lid. No holes are required in the outer lid for mounting the inner lid. A detergent dispenser is removably mounted on the inner lid and has compartments for both liquid and powder detergent. Water channels formed in the detergent dispenser flush the detergent from the respective compartments. Water channels are also provided on the inner lid to direct water to bleach and fabric softeners compartments in the washing machine cabinet.

Abstract: A combination tumble and cabinet dryer appliance includes a housing with a tumble dryer and a cabinet dryer therein. The tumble dryer and cabinet dryer are operable independently of one another. Separate sources of hot air are provided to each of the tumble and cabinet dryers. The cabinet dryer extends over and along one side of the tumble dryer. A portion of the cabinet dryer extends substantially along the height of the housing so as to receive long hanging clothes, such as a dress. Removable shelves are provided in the cabinet dryer for drying sweaters and the like.