Abstract: A heat pump water heater and systems and methods for its control. The systems are configured to heat water within a water storage tank of a heat pump water heater wherein a controller within the system is operatively connected to a plurality of heat sources including at least one electric heating element and a heat pump and sensors in order to selectively energize one of the plurality of heat sources. The controller is configure to process data representative of the temperature of water within the tank near the top of the water storage tank, and rate of water flowing out of the water storage tank, in order to automatically selectively energize the heat sources. The selection of heat sources by the controller is determined by a mode of operation selected by the user and the data processed by the controller in view of the selected mode of operation.

Abstract: A cam plate for use with a pump includes at least one camming surface configured to enable an impeller to rotate in a first direction and substantially prevent the impeller from rotating in a second direction opposite the first direction. A ring recess is defined in the cam plate. The ring recess is configured to receive at least a portion of a cam ring that is configured to rotate within the ring recess. A follower recess is at least partially defined by the at least one camming surface and extends from the ring recess. The follower recess is configured to receive at least one cam follower therein.

Abstract: A fan apparency arrangement for an appliance is disclosed. The appliance has a chamber with a first port and a second port. The arrangement includes a fan for moving air in or out of the chamber, and a sail switch disposed adjacent to the second port. When activated, the fan moves air in or out of the chamber through the first port to create a pressure difference between an inside and an outside of the chamber. The pressure difference causes the sail switch to change position and signal that the fan is activated. An appliance incorporating such a fan apparency arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat pump water heater and systems and methods for its control are disclosed. The systems are configured to heat water within a water storage tank of a heat pump water heater wherein a controller within the system is operatively connected to a plurality of heat sources including at least one electric heating element and a heat pump and sensors in order to selectively energize one of the plurality of heat sources. The controller is configure to process data representative of the temperature of water within the tank near the top of the water storage tank, and rate of water flowing out of the water storage tank, in order to automatically selectively energize the heat sources. The selection of heat sources by the controller is determined by a mode of operation selected by the user and the data processed by the controller in view of the selected mode of operation.

Abstract: A gas burner for a cooking appliance having a base portion and a side wall extending from the base portion. A cap is disposed on the side wall. The cap includes a substantially conical interior surface facing the base portion. The substantially conical interior surface is configured to substantially eliminate creation of turbulent flow eddies in a gaseous fuel mixture passing through the gas burner.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for use with a pump includes an impeller having an impeller plate and a cam ring extending from a first surface of the impeller plate and a cam plate positioned proximate the impeller plate. The cam plate includes at least one camming surface. At least one cam follower is positioned between the cam ring and the at least one camming surface. The at least one cam follower is configured to cooperate with at least one of the cam ring and the at least one camming surface to enable the impeller to rotate in a first direction and substantially prevent the impeller from rotating in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A cam plate for use with a pump includes at least one camming surface configured to enable an impeller to rotate in a first direction and substantially prevent the impeller from rotating in a second direction opposite the first direction. A ring recess is defined in the cam plate. The ring recess is configured to receive at least a portion of a cam ring that is configured to rotate within the ring recess. A follower recess is at least partially defined by the at least one camming surface and extends from the ring recess. The follower recess is configured to receive at least one cam follower therein.

Abstract: An appliance with a Venturi based venting system is disclosed. The appliance includes a housing defining an airflow channel in flow communication with outside of the appliance, the airflow channel having a common channel with a diverging section; first and second heating units disposed in the housing; a first duct through which a first cavity of the first unit is in flow communication with the common channel, the first duct having a first outlet end disposed at least partially in the diverging section; a second duct through which a second cavity of the second unit is in flow communication with the common channel, the second duct having a second outlet end disposed in the diverging section; and a fan in flow communication with the common channel.

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 wiring assembly for an appliance is disclosed. The appliance has a main body and a door movably attached to the main body. The wiring assembly includes a base attachable to the door and having a first end and a second end; a slide slidably mounted on the base so that the slide is moveable between a first position where the slide is adjacent to the first end and a second position where the slide is adjacent to the second end; a tensioning or biasing member engaging the slide with the base and biasing the slide to the first position; and a cable assembly including a power/communication cable attachable to the main body and connected to the slide. An appliance incorporating such a wiring assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dryer drawer system is provided comprising a generally multisided drying chamber having opposed side walls, a rear wall, and at least one access door, wherein the door is sealable to the chamber. The dryer drawer further comprises a heater for heating air circulating in the chamber and at least one fan for circulating air in the chamber. The multisided drying chamber includes an air inlet and an air outlet, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the air in the chamber, a first damper for selectively opening and closing the air inlet, a second damper for selectively opening and closing the air outlet, and a controller for controlling operation of the fan, the heater and the dampers. The controller is operative in a first operational mode to open the air inlet and the air outlet to provide air flow through the chamber and in a second operational mode to close the air inlet and the air outlet to provide a recirculating air flow within the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus including a frame forming an internal cavity, the frame having an opening for accessing the internal cavity, a first door and a second door mounted to the frame and a door coupling mechanism for effecting a substantially simultaneous movement of the first door and second door relative to the frame, the door coupling mechanism including a first door link, a second door link and at least one ternary link, the first door link being rotatably coupled to the first door and the at least one ternary link, the second door being rotatably coupled to the second door and the at least one ternary link.

Abstract: A heat pump water heater and systems and methods for its control. The systems are configured to heat water within a water storage tank of a heat pump water heater wherein a controller within the system is operatively connected to a plurality of heat sources including at least one electric heating element and a heat pump and sensors in order to selectively energize one of the plurality of heat sources. The controller is configure to process data representative of the temperature of water within the tank near the top of the water storage tank, and rate of water flowing out of the water storage tank, in order to automatically selectively energize the heat sources. The selection of heat sources by the controller is determined by a mode of operation selected by the user and the data processed by the controller in view of the selected mode of operation.

Abstract: A laundry appliance or washer for washing an associated laundry item includes a housing and an integrated agitator/basket assembly received in the housing. A drive assembly is operatively associated with the agitator and the basket for activating movement of the agitator and the basket in unison.

Abstract: An appliance includes a housing having an airflow channel communicating with outside of the appliance; a first chamber in the housing and having a first opening; a first door for selectively closing the first opening, the first door having a first airway communicating with the outside of the appliance; a second chamber in the housing and having a second opening; a second door for selectively closing the second opening, the second door having a second airway communicating with the outside of the appliance; and a fan in the airflow channel. The airflow channel includes a central segment disposed between the first and second chambers and communicating with the first and second airways. When activated, the fan causes ambient air to pass through the first and second airways before entering the central segment so that the first and second doors are cooled off by the ambient air.

Abstract: A hinge assembly and a refrigerator using the assembly are disclosed. The assembly rotatably mounts an access door for a compartment of the refrigerator to part of refrigerator that defines the compartment. The hinge assembly has a body coupled to the part and a hinge manifold supported by the body and slidably received in the access door. The manifold has a first supply conduit for supplying a working medium to an icemaker disposed in the access door and a first return conduit for returning the working medium from the icemaker. The hinge assembly can be manufactured as a separate module to be assembled with the refrigerator or retrofit into an existing refrigerator.

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: An appliance is disclosed. The appliance includes a main body defining a cavity and an air channel which is in flow communication with an outside of the appliance; an access door supported by the main body for selectively closing the cavity, the access door having an airway in flow communication with the outside of the appliance and the air channel; a fan disposed in the air channel; and an Human Machine Interface disposed on or in the access door. When activated, the fan causes ambient air from the outside of the appliance to pass through the airway before entering the air channel so that the access door is cooled off by the ambient air.

Abstract: A gas burner for a cooking appliance having a base portion and a side wall extending from the base portion. A cap is disposed on the side wall. The cap includes a substantially conical interior surface facing the base portion. The substantially conical interior surface is configured to substantially eliminate creation of turbulent flow eddies in a gaseous fuel mixture passing through the gas burner.

Abstract: A dryer drawer system is provided comprising a generally multisided drying chamber having opposed side walls, a rear wall, and at least one access door, wherein the door is sealable to the chamber. The dryer drawer further comprises a heater for heating air circulating in the chamber and at least one fan for circulating air in the chamber. The multisided drying chamber includes an air inlet and an air outlet, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the air in the chamber, a first damper for selectively opening and closing the air inlet, a second damper for selectively opening and closing the air outlet, and a controller for controlling operation of the fan, the heater and the dampers. The controller is operative in a first operational mode to open the air inlet and the air outlet to provide air flow through the chamber and in a second operational mode to close the air inlet and the air outlet to provide a recirculating air flow within the chamber.