Abstract: A cooking engagement system and methods for providing recipe content to a user are provided. The system includes a cooking appliance and an interactive assembly positioned above the cooking appliance. The interactive assembly includes a display device that presents various content to a user, e.g., recipe content. In one example aspect, a user submits a recipe request. The recipe request is routed to one or more third party recipe content providers. A controller of the interactive assembly obtains recipe content from the recipe content providers and causes a display device of the interactive assembly to present the recipe content to the user.

Abstract: A system and a method for generated synchronized audible communications are provided. In one aspect, a system includes a suite of appliances, including at least a first and second appliance. Each appliance has a speaker operable to generate one or more audible communications. The system includes one or more controllers that output one or more sound commands that cause the speakers of the appliances to generate their respective audible communications. One or more of the appliances include a proximity device operable to detect whether a user is within a proximity range thereof. In some instances, the speakers can generate audible communications to amplify their audible communications. In other instances, the speakers can generate audible communications to create localization cues for directing a user's attention to a particular appliance.

Abstract: A system and a method for generated synchronized audible communications are provided. In one aspect, a system includes a suite of appliances, including at least a first and second appliance. Each appliance has a speaker operable to generate one or more audible communications. The system includes one or more controllers that output one or more sound commands that cause the speakers of the appliances to generate their respective audible communications. One or more of the appliances include a proximity device operable to detect whether a user is within a proximity range thereof. In some instances, the speakers can generate audible communications to amplify their audible communications. In other instances, the speakers can generate audible communications to create localization cues for directing a user's attention to a particular appliance.

Abstract: A cooking engagement system and methods for providing recipe content to a user are provided. The system includes a cooking appliance and an interactive assembly positioned above the cooking appliance. The interactive assembly includes a display device that presents various content to a user, e.g., recipe content. In one example aspect, a user submits a recipe request. The recipe request is routed to one or more third party recipe content providers. A controller of the interactive assembly obtains recipe content from the recipe content providers and causes a display device of the interactive assembly to present the recipe content to the user.

Abstract: A method for providing electronic assistance to a user within a kitchen is provided. The method may include continuously sensing for user input voice command, receiving a trigger input in response to an action by a user within the kitchen, and receiving a user input voice command from the user. The method may then interpret the received user input voice command in light of the received trigger input to more accurately determine the substance of the user input voice command and, for example, respond accordingly if appropriate.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an extendable tray that can be moved into a retracted position and an extended position away from a recess surface, and a cover with a surface positioned in conjunction with the extendable tray so as to bridge a gap between the recess surface and the tray when the tray is in the extended position to provide a uniform appearance. Also included is a latch apparatus that includes a latch arm that engages a stop to limit horizontal translation of the tray past an extended position, a handle that, when depressed, disengages the latch arm, enabling removal of the tray past the extended position, a pivot that provides a rotational axis by which the handle is attached to the tray, and a spring arm that controls a pivot angle of the handle, ensuring that latch arm engages the stop. A refrigerator incorporating the structures is also disclosed.

Abstract: An illuminated dispenser assembly may include a dispenser recess area defined by walls, such as a bottom wall, two side walls, a back wall and a top wall. A dispenser has an outlet extending through one of the walls of the dispenser recess area to dispense a substance from an interior area to the dispenser recess via the outlet. A lighting element is located for illuminating the dispenser recess. The lighting element includes at least one light source and at least one light pipe for transmitting light from the light source to the dispenser recess. The light source may be placed in different states and/or may illuminate with different colors depending on status, user selection, time of day, etc.

Abstract: An illuminated dispenser assembly for a consumer appliance panel includes a dispenser recess area located in the panel. The dispenser recess area is defined by walls including a bottom wall, a back wall and a top wall. The bottom wall has a top surface. A dispenser is located in the panel. The dispenser has an outlet extending through one of the walls of the dispenser recess area to dispense a substance from an interior of the consumer appliance to the dispenser recess via the outlet. A lighting element includes a light source located below the top surface of the bottom wall for illuminating a target area in the bottom wall of the dispenser recess. The target area is located relative to the dispenser outlet so as to identify a location for placement of a receptacle for receiving the substance from the dispenser. A related refrigeration appliance incorporating such an illuminated dispensing target is also disclosed.