Abstract: An insulating structure for an appliance includes an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein an insulating cavity is defined therebetween. A plurality of hollow nano-spheres are disposed within the insulating cavity, wherein each of the hollow nano-spheres includes a diameter in the range of from approximately 50 nanometers to approximately 1000 nanometers and has a wall that defines the internal space, and wherein the wall of each hollow nano-sphere has a thickness that is in a range of from approximately 0.5 nanometers to approximately 100 nanometers. A fill material is disposed in the insulating cavity and wherein the fill material is disposed in the space defined between the plurality of hollow nano-spheres, and wherein the fill material includes at least one of powdered silica, granulated silica, other silica material, aerogel and insulating gas.

Abstract: A knob assembly for a gas cooktop may include a knob configured to control a flow of gas from a burner of a cooktop starting at a resting position, the knob defining a hollow interior and having a support cylinder extending vertically through the hollow interior, wherein the support cylinder includes a projection flap protruding therefrom, an inner lock ring arranged at least partially within the hollow interior of the knob and having a chamfered region defining a ring opening adjacent an inclined portion, where the opening is configured to selectively receive the projection flap in response to depression of the knob and where the projection flap slides along the inclined portion in response to subsequent rotation of the knob, the inclined portion imparting frictional resistance on the projection flap to prevent against unintentional rotation of the knob.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an insulated cabinet structure and a cooling system. A door assembly includes a perimeter structure that is movably mounted to the insulated cabinet structure and an outer door that is movably mounted to the perimeter structure whereby the outer door can be moved between open and closed positions relative to the perimeter structure when the perimeter structure is in its closed position The outer door may comprise a vacuum insulated structure including porous core material disposed in a cavity of the outer door.

Abstract: A method of measuring pressure includes the steps of (1) providing a vacuum cabinet with a storage compartment and an insulating space, and three temperature sensors; (2) sensing a first temperature level of an interior wall of the storage compartment; (3) sensing an ambient temperature level within the storage compartment; (4) sensing a second temperature level of an exterior wall of the storage compartment; (5) calculating an overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) using the ambient temperature level, the first temperature level, and a convective heat transfer coefficient for the interior wall of the storage compartment; (6) calculating a temperature differential between the second and first temperature levels; (7) determining a conductivity level (K) using the temperature differential, the overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) and a thickness of the insulating space; and (8) determining a pressure level (P) within the insulating space using the conductivity level (K).

Abstract: A stirring assembly includes a turntable configured to rotate about a central axis. A cooking vessel is configured to engage a top surface of the turntable. A bar is disposed proximate a bottom surface of the turntable. The bar maintains a fixed position relative to the turntable. A stirrer is magnetically attracted to the bar. The stirrer is configured to generally maintain a fixed orientation within the cooking vessel as the cooking vessel rotates with the turntable.

Abstract: A method for forming a super-insulating material for a vacuum insulated structure for an appliance includes disposing hollow glass spheres within a rotating drum, wherein a plurality of interstitial spaces are defined between the hollow glass spheres. An anchor material is disposed within the rotating drum. The hollow glass spheres and the anchor material are rotated within the rotating drum, wherein the anchor material is mixed with the hollow glass spheres to partially occupy the interstitial spaces. A silica-based material is disposed within the rotating drum. The silica-based material is mixed with the anchor material and the hollow glass spheres to define a super-insulating material, wherein the silica-based material attaches to the anchor material and is entrapped within the interstitial spaces. The silica-based material and the anchor material occupy substantially all of an interstitial volume defined by the interstitial spaces.

Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A rotating drum is positioned within the cabinet. A blower directs process air through an airflow path. The airflow path includes the drum. A motor is coupled to the cabinet via a retaining bracket. The motor includes a drive shaft operably coupled to one of the drum and the blower. A damping ring is positioned about the drive shaft and between the motor and the retaining bracket. Damping apertures are defined within a body of the damping ring. The damping apertures define respective voids that absorb operational vibrations generated by the motor in an activated state.

Abstract: A method of cooling an oven door assembly having an inner frame and an outer frame together forming a portion of an oven door for an oven, the method comprising sealing an inner glass panel against the inner frame of the oven door and spacing an outer glass panel from the inner glass panel to define an air gap between the inner glass panel and the outer glass panel.

Abstract: A refrigerator water dispenser includes a shelf having a lower surface. A water dispenser tube is disposed adjacent to the shelf for dispensing water into a container. An actuator support is operably coupled to the lower surface of the shelf. A load cell is disposed on the actuator support, wherein the load cell sends a signal in response to movement by the actuator support. A controller is operably coupled to the load cell, wherein the controller activates a water dispensing sequence to dispense water via the water dispenser tube in response to the signal from the load cell.

Abstract: An appliance includes a cabinet that has an inner surface. A frame is coupled to the inner surface of the cabinet. The frame includes a frame boss that extends from a bottom surface thereof. A panel is positioned within the frame. The frame extends along a perimeter of the panel. An inner trim member has a flange that extends therefrom. The flange defines an aperture configured to align with the frame boss. A fastener is configured to extend through the aperture and engage the frame boss to couple the inner trim member with the frame. An outer trim member is disposed over the inner trim member. The inner trim member is configured to slidably receive the outer trim member.

Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a tub with a terminal edge and a dual-wall basket, with outer and inner walls, the inner wall having perforations above the terminal edge, and the basket located within the tub and having at least one drain opening in a bottom of the basket. The method comprising altering a level of liquid in the tub to correspondingly alter a height of a float valve in the tub to selectively open/close the drain opening to effect a filling of liquid in the basket above the tub terminal edge when the float valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: A water reclamation system includes a collection basin that collects greywater from non-toilet sources. The collection basin is part of a fluid path of the greywater. A plurality of sensors are disposed within the fluid path. The plurality of sensors monitor a particulate level within the greywater. The plurality of sensors include at least a turbidity sensor and a conductivity sensor. A coagulation and filtration system separates particulate from the greywater to define filtered greywater. A staging basin is included, where the filtered greywater is delivered from the coagulation and filtration system to the staging basin to define flush water.

Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A door is coupled to the cabinet. The door is operable between an opened position and a closed position. An audio interface is disposed on the door. The audio interface includes a microphone for receiving a voice command and a speaker for projecting an audio output. A visual interface is disposed on the door. The visual interface is configured to display a message in response to at least one of the voice command and the audio output. A microcontroller is disposed on the door. The microcontroller is operably coupled to the audio interface and the visual interface. A proximity sensor is configured to communicate sensed information to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to activate at least one of the audio interface and the visual interface in response to the sensed information.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance includes a first basket assembly including a first basket defining a first treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment in a first wash environment. A balance ring forms an upper periphery of the first basket assembly and is operably coupled to the first basket. A second basket is selectively receivable within at least a portion of the first treating chamber. The second basket defines a second treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment in a second wash environment.

Abstract: A dishwasher comprising a tub, a reuse tank, and a controller for implementing a wash cycle in the tub, the controller comprising a clock, the controller operably coupled to a recirculation pump and a drain pump, the controller configured (a) to cause the recirculation pump to supply liquid used during the wash cycle to the reuse tank, (b) to monitor via a clock a period of time that the liquid is within the reuse tank, and (c) when the period of time is greater than a predetermined period of time, (i) to cause a control valve in an outlet conduit to open and allow the liquid to flow from the reuse tank to a sump and (ii) to cause a drain pump to drain the liquid from the sump and out of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A rack assembly for a cooking appliance includes a rack operable between a stowed position and a deployed position. At least one telescoping actuator is operable between a retracted position and an extended position. At least one connector has a first end coupled to a distal end of the telescoping actuator and a second end coupled to the rack. The rack is adjusted from the stowed position to the deployed position as the telescoping actuator adjusts from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: A combination gas burner assembly includes a first burner forming a first profile shape and a second burner positioned above the first burner. The second burner forms a second profile shape different from the first profile shape. The first burner and the second burner form a perimeter of the gas burner assembly. The first profile shape overlaps with the second profile shape forming an overlapping portion of the perimeter.

Abstract: A trim breaker includes first and second opposing vertical portions, a top portion, and a bottom portion. An outer rim extends about a periphery of the trim breaker. An inner edge is spaced interiorly from the outer rim. The trim breaker further includes a first surface proximate the inner edge and a second surface proximate the outer rim. A pair of parallel ribs extend from the outer rim toward the inner edge. Further, the first surface extends outward from the second surface, thereby forming a plateau.

Abstract: A countertop appliance includes a base, a drive shaft, a first coupler, a first engagement feature, a secondary coupler assembly, a first jar assembly, and a second jar assembly. The secondary coupler assembly includes a second coupler, a gearset coupled to the second coupler, and a second engagement feature coupled to the gearset. The secondary coupler assembly is operable between a disengaged condition, wherein the second engagement feature is disengaged from the first engagement feature, and an engaged condition, wherein the second engagement feature is engaged with the first engagement feature. The second coupler is generally rotationally stationary during drive shaft rotation at a first speed in the disengaged condition of the secondary coupler assembly, and the second coupler rotates at a second speed that is less than the first speed during drive shaft rotation at the first speed in the engaged condition of the secondary coupler assembly.