Abstract: A washing machine is provided that may include a cabinet, a basket, and a backsplash. The cabinet may define an opening and include a backsplash bracket having a predefined footprint. The backsplash bracket may include one or more support decks, each having a planar top surface and a bottom surface. The backsplash bracket may define a first aperture extending through one support deck between a corresponding planar top surface and a corresponding bottom surface. The backsplash bracket may also define a second aperture extending through a support deck between a corresponding planar top surface and a corresponding bottom surface. The basket may be mounted within the cabinet and define a wash chamber beneath the opening to receive one or more clothing articles to be washed. The backsplash may be positioned over the predefined footprint and include a first and second engagement hook.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance and control panel is provided herein. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet defining an opening, a basket, a door, a secondary control panel, and a controller. The basket may be mounted within the cabinet and define a wash chamber beneath the opening to receive one or more clothing articles to be washed. The door may be pivotally attached to the cabinet and selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. The secondary control panel may be disposed on the cabinet within a closed footprint of the door. The secondary control panel may be covered beneath the door in the closed position. The controller may be operatively connected to the secondary control panel. The controller may be configured to receive an input signal from the secondary control panel, and initiate an operative step in response to the input signal.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance and control panel is provided herein. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet defining an opening, a basket, a door, a secondary control panel, and a controller. The basket may be mounted within the cabinet and define a wash chamber beneath the opening to receive one or more clothing articles to be washed. The door may be pivotally attached to the cabinet and selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. The secondary control panel may be disposed on the cabinet within a closed footprint of the door. The secondary control panel may be covered beneath the door in the closed position. The controller may be operatively connected to the secondary control panel. The controller may be configured to receive an input signal from the secondary control panel, and initiate an operative step in response to the input signal.

Abstract: An appliance, including an interface and input chassis is provided. Appliance may include a contact plate, a conductive spring, and a support wall. The input chassis may define a connection aperture extending therethrough. The contact plate may be disposed above the connection aperture of the input chassis. The contact plate may include a top surface facing away from the input chassis and a bottom surface facing toward the input chassis. The conductive spring may be coupled the contact plate at the bottom surface of the contact plate. The conductive spring may extend through the connection aperture. The support wall may be attached to the input chassis and disposed about the conductive spring between the contact plate and the connection aperture of the input chassis.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided that may include a cabinet, a basket, and a backsplash. The cabinet may define an opening and include a backsplash bracket having a predefined footprint. The backsplash bracket may include one or more support decks, each having a planar top surface and a bottom surface. The backsplash bracket may define a first aperture extending through one support deck between a corresponding planar top surface and a corresponding bottom surface. The backsplash bracket may also define a second aperture extending through a support deck between a corresponding planar top surface and a corresponding bottom surface. The basket may be mounted within the cabinet and define a wash chamber beneath the opening to receive one or more clothing articles to be washed. The backsplash may be positioned over the predefined footprint and include a first and second engagement hook.

Abstract: Panel assemblies and button trees for panel assemblies are provided. In one embodiment, a button tree includes a frame, and a plurality of arms extending from the frame. At least one of the plurality of arms includes a plurality of branches. The button tree further includes a button connected to the frame by the plurality of arms, wherein each branch of the plurality of branches contacts the button. In another embodiment, a button tree includes a frame, and a plurality of arms extending from the frame. The button tree further includes a button defining a central axis, the button connected to the frame by the plurality of arms, the button including a face surface and an edge surface. The button tree further includes a locating feature extending on the edge surface generally co-axially with the central axis.

Abstract: Panel assemblies and button trees for panel assemblies are provided. In one embodiment, a button tree includes a frame, and a plurality of arms extending from the frame. At least one of the plurality of arms includes a plurality of branches. The button tree further includes a button connected to the frame by the plurality of arms, wherein each branch of the plurality of branches contacts the button. In another embodiment, a button tree includes a frame, and a plurality of arms extending from the frame. The button tree further includes a button defining a central axis, the button connected to the frame by the plurality of arms, the button including a face surface and an edge surface. The button tree further includes a locating feature extending on the edge surface generally co-axially with the central axis.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a refrigerated cabinet with a cooled storage compartment, a door movable between a closed position closing the cooled storage compartment and an opened position allowing access to an interior of the cooled storage compartment, the door having an outer panel and a thermoformed liner attached to an inside of the outer panel, and an ice box frame attached to the thermoformed liner, the ice box frame being formed of injection molded plastic more rigid than the thermoformed liner and defining an ice compartment therein. At least one of an ice maker, an ice storage bin, and a motor for driving an ice storage bin auger is located in the ice compartment and attached to the door via the ice box frame. A related refrigeration appliance is also disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a refrigerated cabinet with a cooled storage compartment, a door movable between a closed position closing the cooled storage compartment and an opened position allowing access to an interior of the cooled storage compartment, the door having an outer panel and a thermoformed liner attached to an inside of the outer panel, and an ice box frame attached to the thermoformed liner, the ice box frame being formed of injection molded plastic more rigid than the thermoformed liner and defining an ice compartment therein. At least one of an ice maker, an ice storage bin, and a motor for driving an ice storage bin auger is located in the ice compartment and attached to the door via the ice box frame. A related refrigeration appliance is also disclosed.

Abstract: An appliance for washing objects in which is employed a pump system for varying the spray velocity of washing fluid dispensed from spray jets affixed at an angle relative to a spray arm. In one embodiment, the pump system includes a pump having a pump motor such as a synchronous motor responsive to a variable frequency, single-phase alternating current input. The pump system also includes a pump motor control circuit configured to vary the frequency and voltage of the input, which in one example effectuates changes in the rotational speed of the pump motor in accordance with one or more operational cycles. The pump motor control circuit incorporates in one example a rectifier and an inverter that permits operation of the appliance when coupled to supply mains.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a compartment defined by a liner. A door is configured to provide access into the compartment. A sub-compartment is mounted in the door. The sub-compartment has an access door that opens to provide access into the sub-compartment. The access door includes an inner door panel, an outer door panel, and a vacuum insulation panel disposed between the inner and outer door panels.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a compartment defined by a liner, with a door configured to provide access into the compartment. A sub-compartment is mounted in the door and extends into the compartment in the closed position of the door. A cold plate assembly is operably configured within the liner to supply cold air to the sub-compartment. A raised embossment is defined in a compartment side wall of the liner at a location opposite from the cold plate assembly. The embossment is defined by a circumferentially extending ridge and a front face that extends into the compartment in a plane that is spaced from a plane of the compartment side wall. A receiver is configured in a wall of the sub-compartment and seals around the embossment in a closed position of the door.

Abstract: An appliance for washing objects in which is employed a pump system for varying the spray velocity of washing fluid dispensed from spray jets affixed at an angle relative to a spray arm. In one embodiment, the pump system includes a pump having a pump motor such as a synchronous motor responsive to a variable frequency, single-phase alternating current input. The pump system also includes a pump motor control circuit configured to vary the frequency and voltage of the input, which in one example effectuates changes in the rotational speed of the pump motor in accordance with one or more operational cycles. The pump motor control circuit incorporates in one example a rectifier and an inverter that permits operation of the appliance when coupled to supply mains.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing removable storage tanks in an appliance having a pedestal are disclosed. The systems include a storage container located in the pedestal and configured to house an additive. In addition, a cover may be positioned within the pedestal to secure the container within the pedestal. The methods include manufacturing the pedestal such that when a storage container is placed in the pedestal, the storage container will fit in a predetermined orientation. The storage container may be manufactured such that when the storage container is placed in the pedestal the storage container can be secured in the pedestal with a cover.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing removable storage tanks in an appliance having a pedestal are disclosed. The systems include a storage container located in the pedestal and configured to house an additive. In addition, a cover may be positioned within the pedestal to secure the container within the pedestal. The methods include manufacturing the pedestal such that when a storage container is placed in the pedestal, the storage container will fit in a predetermined orientation. The storage container may be manufactured such that when the storage container is placed in the pedestal the storage container can be secured in the pedestal with a cover.