Abstract: An apparatus includes multiple patch antenna elements configured to transmit multiple electromagnetic beams in multiple beam directions. The apparatus also includes multiple inputs each configured to receive one of multiple input signals, where each input signal is associated with one of the electromagnetic beams. The apparatus further includes multiple phase-tapered splitters each configured to receive one of the input signals, divide the received input signal into a set of sub-signals, and provide a phase taper that adjusts phases of at least some of the sub-signals in the set of sub-signals. Different phase tapers are associated with different ones of the beam directions. In addition, the apparatus includes multiple 90° hybrid transformers each configured to receive sub-signals associated with different ones of the input signals, isolate the received sub-signals from each other, and provide the isolated sub-signals to one of the patch antenna elements.

Abstract: A method of forming a heat spreader on a printed circuit board (PCB), having a power dissipating component operably coupled thereto, includes attaching a thermally and electrically conductive structure, to a first side of the PCB to define a first PCB region that includes the component and a second PCB region without. The underside of the component is underfilled to electrically insulate its solder contacts. A first protective layer is applied to the second region of the PCB. A conductive plating membrane is deposited to the first region, the second region, and to the structure. A second protective layer is applied over a portion of the conductive plating membrane that overlays the second region, leaving exposed the rest of the conductive plating membrane. An electrically and thermally conductive layer is electroplated over the exposed areas of the conductive plating membrane, to form a heat exchanger within the first region.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet and a storage compartment with a drawer assembly disposed therein. One or more storage compartment doors are pivotally coupled to the cabinet to restrict or gain access to the storage compartment. At least one of the doors defines an opening that is shaped and dimensioned to enable the drawer assembly to be extended and retracted through the opening.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet and a storage compartment with a drawer assembly disposed therein. One or more storage compartment doors are pivotally coupled to the cabinet to restrict or gain access to the storage compartment. At least one of the doors defines an opening that is shaped and dimensioned to enable the drawer assembly to be extended and retracted through the opening.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a refrigerator appliance includes a providing step of providing a liner and a refrigerator component. The liner defines a compartment for storing food items and includes a liner contact structure. The refrigerator component includes component contact structure. The method further includes a staging step that includes arranging the liner and refrigerator component such that the liner and component contact structures are in direct contact with each other under pressure, thereby forming a staged assembly. Moreover, the method includes a welding step that includes applying ultrasonic energy to the staged assembly to weld the liner and refrigerator component together at their interface, thereby forming a liner assembly. The method further includes a cabinet assembly step that includes arranging the liner assembly within an outer shell, and then injecting an insulating foam into a space between the liner assembly and outer shell.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a refrigerator appliance includes a providing step of providing a liner and a refrigerator component. The liner defines a compartment for storing food items and includes a liner contact structure. The refrigerator component includes component contact structure. The method further includes a staging step that includes arranging the liner and refrigerator component such that the liner and component contact structures are in direct contact with each other under pressure, thereby forming a staged assembly. Moreover, the method includes a welding step that includes applying ultrasonic energy to the staged assembly to weld the liner and refrigerator component together at their interface, thereby forming a liner assembly. The method further includes a cabinet assembly step that includes arranging the liner assembly within an outer shell, and then injecting an insulating foam into a space between the liner assembly and outer shell.

Abstract: A storage system for storing food items in a temperature-controlled environment includes a rail attached to a liner panel. The rail includes at least one mounting structure that passes through an aperture in the liner panel. A bin has an arm extending from a rear surface of the bin. The bin is placed in a storage position. The arm is placed between the rail and the liner panel when the bin is placed in the storage position. Another example of the storage system and refrigeration appliance includes a foot extending from a rear surface of the bin. Yet another example includes interaction between a bin tab and a plurality of bumps on the rail to prevent side to side motion.

Abstract: An assembly includes an enclosure including an opening providing an access to an interior of the enclosure, a door configured to open or close the opening in the enclosure. The assembly also includes a drawer side assembly supported by the enclosure and coupled to the door to move the door at least in part between an open position and a closed position. The assembly further includes a joining member configured to adjustably couple the door to the drawer side assembly. The joining member includes one or more oversized apertures relative to corresponding fasteners.

Abstract: An assembly includes an enclosure including an opening providing an access to an interior of the enclosure, a door configured to open or close the opening in the enclosure. The assembly also includes a drawer side assembly supported by the enclosure and coupled to the door to move the door at least in part between an open position and a closed position. The assembly further includes a joining member configured to adjustably couple the door to the drawer side assembly. The joining member includes one or more oversized apertures relative to corresponding fasteners.

Abstract: An ice making assembly includes an ice tray extending along a longitudinal axis. The ice tray includes a first section disposed at a longitudinal first end of the ice tray, the first section including a plurality of first cavities projecting into the ice tray. The ice tray further includes a second section disposed at a longitudinal second end of the ice tray that is opposite from the longitudinal first end. The second section includes an elongated second cavity extending in a direction that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the ice tray. The second cavity has a shape that is longer in length than a length of each of the first cavities.

Abstract: A cabinet including a compartment may include a plastic sheet partially defining the compartment and including a formed portion, and a component partially around which the formed portion is set. The component may be embedded within the formed portion.

Abstract: Provided is a storage system and a refrigeration appliance including the storage system for storing food items in a temperature-controlled environment. The storage system includes a rail attached to a liner panel. The rail includes at least one mounting structure configured to pass through an aperture in the liner panel. A bin has an arm extending from a rear surface of the bin. The bin is placed in a storage position. The arm is placed between the rail and the liner panel when the bin is placed in the storage position. Another example of the storage system and refrigeration appliance includes a foot extending from a rear surface of the bin. Yet another example includes interaction between a bin tab and a plurality of bumps on the rail to prevent side to side motion.

Abstract: An alignment guide and method of assembling an apparatus with an alignment guide is provided. The alignment guide comprises a body having a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface. The apparatus comprises a cabinet defining an enclosure, a door, and a coupling mechanism for movably coupling the door to the cabinet to permit translational movement of the door relative the cabinet. The method comprises aligning the door relative to the cabinet with the alignment guide by abutting the first abutment surface of the alignment guide against a surface of the cabinet while abutting the second abutment surface of the alignment guide against a surface of the door. The method further comprises fixedly coupling the door to a support member of the coupling mechanism while the door is aligned to the cabinet with the alignment guide.

Abstract: Provided is a storage system and a refrigeration appliance including the storage system for storing food items in a temperature-controlled environment. The storage system includes a rail attached to a liner panel. The rail includes at least one mounting structure configured to pass through an aperture in the liner panel. A bin has an arm extending from a rear surface of the bin. The bin is placed in a storage position. The arm is placed between the rail and the liner panel when the bin is placed in the storage position. Another example of the storage system and refrigeration appliance includes a foot extending from a rear surface of the bin. Yet another example includes interaction between a bin tab and a plurality of bumps on the rail to prevent side to side motion.

Abstract: An alignment guide and method of assembling an apparatus with an alignment guide is provided. The alignment guide comprises a body having a first abutment surface and a second abutment surface. The apparatus comprises a cabinet defining an enclosure, a door, and a coupling mechanism for movably coupling the door to the cabinet to permit translational movement of the door relative the cabinet. The method comprises aligning the door relative to the cabinet with the alignment guide by abutting the first abutment surface of the alignment guide against a surface of the cabinet while abutting the second abutment surface of the alignment guide against a surface of the door. The method further comprises fixedly coupling the door to a support member of the coupling mechanism while the door is aligned to the cabinet with the alignment guide.

Abstract: Provided is a storage system and a refrigeration appliance including the storage system for storing food items in a temperature-controlled environment. The storage system includes a rail attached to a liner panel. The rail includes at least one mounting structure configured to pass through an aperture in the liner panel. A bin has an arm extending from a rear surface of the bin. The bin is placed in a storage position. The arm is placed between the rail and the liner panel when the bin is placed in the storage position. Another example of the storage system and refrigeration appliance includes a foot extending from a rear surface of the bin. Yet another example includes interaction between a bin tab and a plurality of bumps on the rail to prevent side to side motion.

Abstract: An ice making assembly includes an ice tray extending along a longitudinal axis. The ice tray includes a first section disposed at a longitudinal first end of the ice tray, the first section including a plurality of first cavities projecting into the ice tray. The ice tray further includes a second section disposed at a longitudinal second end of the ice tray that is opposite from the longitudinal first end. The second section includes an elongated second cavity extending in a direction that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the ice tray. The second cavity has a shape that is longer in length than a length of each of the first cavities.

Abstract: A method of assembling a cabinet and an apparatus assembled according to the method are provided. The cabinet includes a shell with internal walls, a first compartment liner and a second compartment liner configured to be housed within the shell. The first compartment liner includes a first liner face and defines a first compartment. The second compartment liner includes a second liner face and defines a second compartment. The method includes the steps of positioning a pair of elongate supports between the first compartment liner and the second compartment liner such that the first liner face and the second liner face are adjacent one another and spaced apart.

Abstract: A drawer assembly is provided for an enclosure which includes a first interior surface and a second interior surface which are opposite one another. The drawer assembly includes a drawer, a first rack, a second rack, a first linear motion element and a second linear motion element. The drawer is configured to be insertable in the enclosure. The first rack and the second rack are mounted respectively near the first interior surface and the second interior surface. The first linear motion element and the second linear motion element are mounted respectively near the first interior surface and the second interior surface. Each of the linear motion elements is configured to enable movement of the drawer in and out of the enclosure. Each of the linear motion elements includes a pinion configured to rotate along a corresponding rack as the drawer is moved in and out of the enclosure.

Abstract: A tappet suitable for use with a fluid pump includes a side wall portion and an end face which define an internal chamber of the tappet, the end face having a drive surface for co-operating with a drive arrangement, in use, and a plurality of vents through the end face for allowing fluid flow between the internal chamber and an area outside the tappet. A plurality of longitudinal grooves are formed in an internal surface of the side wall portion, the grooves communicating with respective the vents to form a flow path for fluid into the internal chamber.