Abstract: A telescoping downdraft ventilator with a system for self-aligning a vent within a housing is provided. The telescoping downdraft ventilator of the present invention comprises a housing with a side panel that includes a channel, a vent sized to fit within the housing, a drive assembly that moves the vent along the channel, and a guide attached to the vent for engaging the channel, wherein the guide is operably coupled with a biasing element. In one embodiment, a pair of guides is respectively coupled with a pair of springs and is positioned on opposite sides of the vent along a line that is substantially perpendicular to a pair of channels.

Abstract: A cooktop is provided that has a downdraft ventilator with a seal arrangement that may include a plenum seal and a vent grate seal. The plenum and vent grate seals may be arranged at interconnections of a plenum, a panel of the cooktop, and a vent grate to provide a layered and substantially airtight interconnection between such components.

Abstract: A telescoping downdraft ventilator with a movable fan and efficient way of removing gases and fumes is disclosed. The telescoping downdraft ventilator has the ability to fit behind a cook top unit beneath a countertop when the cook top unit is located against a wall. The telescoping downdraft ventilator has a fan that may be attached in front of the unit or behind the unit. The ventilator collects and draws in exhaust fumes and smoke, filters it, and re-circulates or expels it through a movable exhaust duct.

Abstract: A cook top having a cooking surface includes a number of heating elements. The cook top includes a number of controls for controlling operation of the heating elements and other components of the cook top. A vent is integrally provided with the cook top and in fluid communication with a ventilation system configured to draw air through the vent. The ventilation system includes a plenum defining a cavity, which may include a filter for removing particulate matter from the exhausted air. A blower assembly is coupled to the plenum for drawing the an from the cooking surface through the vent and the plenum. The blower assembly and the plenum are coupled to one another by a coupling element that is configured to enable an operator or installer of the cook top to selectively direct the exhaust of the blower assembly in a plurality of predetermined directions.

Abstract: A storage container according to the present invention includes a base and a lid hingedly coupled to one another to enable rotation of the lid between a closed position in which the lid is disposed parallel with a bottom wall of the base and an open position in which the lid is rotated with respect to the base between 110 and 230 degrees. A number of hinge assemblies are provided between the base and the lid for rotation of the lid thereabout. The hinge assemblies include a base engaging assembly and a lid engaging assembly for coupling between the base and the lid respectively. The lid engaging assembly includes a receiver configured to engage a pin of the lid for hinged rotation of the lid thereabout. The receiver is configured to enable the lid to break away from the lid as desired or under impact from an external force.

Abstract: An indoor or outdoor induction cook top with a heat management system is disclosed. The cook top controls heat generated by various components, including the electronic controller, mechanical controls, and the induction generators. The heat management system provides precise temperature control and an efficient way of removing heat from the cooktop. The cook top construction provides the ability to incorporate a smooth ceramic glass cook top and a number of induction hobs in multiple arrangements. The cook top also features a reduction in the number of components, the efficient removal of generated heat, the reduction of noise, an increase in performance and a barrier airflow director. Consequently, the cook top may be installed in a countertop without the need for venting above the counter.

Abstract: An induction cook top may include a heat management system. The heat management system controls heat produced both internally by the electronic components within the cook top as well as heat produced above the cook top when cooking. The heat management system provides improved air flow past and around the internal electronic components. The cook top features an efficient removal of generated heat and may optionally provide a vented housing and direct airflow into and out of the housing or provide a thermoelectric cooling device which permits a ventless housing.

Abstract: A storage tote includes a base and a selectively movable lid. A support assembly is secured to the base and movable between a folded position and a deployed position. In the folded position, the support assembly extends generally parallel to the surface upon which it is supported. In the deployed position, the support assembly extends generally downwardly to support the base at a height substantially above the support surface. The support assembly may include a pair of opposing legs. The support assembly may additionally include a one or more pairs of wheels for selective movement of the storage tote from one location to another. A leg retention assembly may be provided for securing the legs in the folded position to prevent accidental or otherwise unwanted movement of the legs from the folded position.

Abstract: A spill-resistant appliance may be constructed to prevent spilled liquids from entering a control housing and contacting electronics with the use of a first sealant preferably formed out of santoprene and a second sealant preferably formed out of a very high bond, double-sided foam tape. The first sealant and the second sealant may be used in various areas of the control housing that contains electronics for operating the appliance. The first and second sealants may also be used to help attach the control housing to other components of the appliance.

Abstract: An electronically controlled warmer drawer for food or non-food items having a housing including a heating element based on several heat-producing technologies, temperature and/or humidity sensor(s), and a fan to effectively warm items placed therein. The system is controlled by way of the user interface that interacts with an electronic control system to operate the heating element and fan. The user interface provides user programmable controls and automatic overrides, can be placed in a variety of locations, and can be concealed by a variety of elements. The interface can also utilize a variety of touch sensitive technologies. As well, the device may have a receptacle for adding fragrance or flavor to the objects within.

Abstract: A storage tote includes a base and a selectively movable lid. A support assembly is secured to the base. The support assembly is movable between a folded position and a deployed position. In the folded position, the support assembly extends generally parallel to the surface upon which it is supported. In the deployed position the support assembly extends generally downwardly to support the base at a height substantially above the support surface. In this manner, the storage tote may be configured in at least two orientations as desired for access by the user thereof. The support assembly may include a pair of opposing legs. The storage tote may be insulated.

Abstract: A cook top having a cooking surface includes a number of heating elements. The cook top includes a number of controls for controlling operation of the heating elements and other components of the cook top. A vent is integrally provided with the cook top and in fluid communication with a ventilation system configured to draw air through the vent. The ventilation system includes a plenum defining a cavity, which may include a filter for removing particulate matter from the exhausted air. A blower assembly is coupled to the plenum for drawing the an from the cooking surface through the vent and the plenum. The blower assembly and the plenum are coupled to one another by a coupling element that is configured to enable an operator or installer of the cook top to selectively direct the exhaust of the blower assembly in a plurality of predetermined directions.

Abstract: A low depth telescoping downdraft ventilator controlled by an electronic controller providing a precisely controlled and efficient way of removing gases and fumes is disclosed. The low depth telescoping downdraft ventilator has the ability to fit behind a built-in oven placed below a cook top unit. The telescoping downdraft ventilator has an almost infinitely selectable range of heights above a cook top with a built in oven. The ventilator collects and draws in exhaust fumes and smoke, filters it and re-circulates or expels it either outdoors or indoors. The inner member of the telescoping ventilator may house the exhaust fans and may move up or down without the use of mechanical switches for elevation detection and stopping. The ventilator may have sensors to detect temperatures, filter change need, fan speeds, telescoping stop points, energy consumption, resistance and voltage, enabling programmable set point operation.

Abstract: An electronically controlled warmer drawer that supports a plurality of products, e.g., towels, in a drawer that is attached to a housing is disclosed. The housing includes a plurality of flow paths constructed to facilitate the passage of a heated gas flow through the cavity defined by the drawer. The drawer further includes a plurality of brackets constructed to support the articles to be heated along with a user interface, vents, blower fan, electrical heating element and two internal chambers. The system is controlled by way of the user interface on the front of the housing that interacts with an electronic control system to operate the heating element and fan. A sensor sends signals to the electronic control system to regulate the heating element and fan.