Abstract: Ventilation systems and methods are provided. A method for operating a ventilation system includes receiving a fan speed of a first fan of a range appliance, the first fan operable to flow air through a first conduit of an air curtain assembly of the range appliance, the first conduit defined in a cabinet of the range appliance. The method further includes determining a corresponding fan speed for a second fan, the second fan operable to flow air through a second conduit of a vent appliance. The method further includes outputting the corresponding fan speed to the second fan. The corresponding fan speed for the second fan is correlated with the fan speed of the first fan such that a volumetric flow rate through the second conduit is greater than or equal to a volumetric flow rate through the first conduit.

Abstract: Appliances having improved panel assemblies are provided. An appliance includes an appliance body and a panel assembly disposed on or within the appliance body. The panel assembly includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The panel assembly further includes a first layer including the outer surface, wherein the first layer is a glass, and a second layer at least partially in contact with and bonded to the first layer, wherein the second layer is a polymer.

Abstract: Ventilation systems and methods are provided. A method for operating a ventilation system includes receiving a fan speed of a first fan of a range appliance, the first fan operable to flow air through a first conduit of an air curtain assembly of the range appliance, the first conduit defined in a cabinet of the range appliance. The method further includes determining a corresponding fan speed for a second fan, the second fan operable to flow air through a second conduit of a vent appliance. The method further includes outputting the corresponding fan speed to the second fan. The corresponding fan speed for the second fan is correlated with the fan speed of the first fan such that a volumetric flow rate through the second conduit is greater than or equal to a volumetric flow rate through the first conduit.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a dishwashing appliance is provided. An actuator that is activated by heat provided by operation of the dishwasher is used to move a gate so as to provide an open position where one or more openings are created though which heat and fluid may be vented from the wash chamber. Upon cooling the actuator, it allows the gate to move to a closed position blocking the flow of heat and fluid from the wash chamber. The application of heat or cooling changes the shape of the actuator so as to provide for the positioning of the gate.