Abstract: A system and method for automatically applying a de-jamming action in response to a jammed rotating member includes applying a pulsed torque in response to a detected jam, and additionally a reversal in the direction of rotation may be applied.

Abstract: An integrated electric motor and controller assembly includes a motor, a controller mounted to the motor, and a sensor device disposed at an interface between the motor and the controller. The sensor device includes a sensor disposed at the controller and a magnet disposed at the motor. An alignment structure is provided at the interface between the motor and the controller for positioning the sensor relative to the magnet when the controller is mounted to the motor. The magnet is recessed in the motor and the sensor is protected by a controller housing of the controller. This arrangement has the advantages of protecting the sensor device from damage during shipment and assembly and providing a quick assembly and connection of the sensor device to the motor and the controller.

Abstract: A transformerless power controller provides low standby power (milliwatts) for standby circuitry/logic of an appliance when the appliance is not in use. The power controller also provides gradations of power for the appliance based on need of the appliance and/or appliance component(s). In one form, a signal from a processor of the appliance provides control of the power controller. Particularly, a control signal from the processor operates a switch for the gradations of available power. The control signal may further provide timing for application of the power to the appliance and/or appliance component(s).

Abstract: An appliance timer operable in a selection mode and an operation mode includes a shaft assembly, a switch assembly, a cam device, a bi-directional motor, and a display device. The shaft assembly is operable to select an operation cycle and to drive the display device in the selection mode. The motor rotates in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in the operation mode. When the motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the motor drives the cam device to operate the switch assembly to actuate or deactivate a plurality of electrical circuits associated with a plurality of appliance functions. When the motor rotates in the second rotational direction, the motor drives the display device to indicate an operational status of the appliance. The rotation of the motor is controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: An optical communication probe enables a diagnostic tool to optically communicate with an external device, such as an appliance, through a low intensity indicator light of the external device. The communication probe is powered by a battery that is selectively coupled to the communication probe through a switch. The switch is coupled to a diagnostic tool to receive a power status signal from the diagnostic tool. In response to the power status signal indicating user inactivity at the diagnostic tool, the switch de-couples the battery from the communication probe to conserve battery life.

Abstract: A throttle control system for a vehicle includes a suspension sensor that detects suspension amplitudes of a suspension system of the vehicle, a grade sensor that detects an angular position of the vehicle, and a controller that receives first operational data from the suspension sensor and second operational data from the grade sensor and regulates a throttle of the vehicle based on the first and second operational data.

Abstract: An improved capacitive drop power supply is provided for use in home appliances. The power supply circuit includes: a rectifier for converting an AC power source to a DC voltage; a current limiting capacitance interposed between the AC power source and the rectifier; a low voltage output stage and a higher voltage output stage. The low voltage output stage supplies DC voltage from the rectifier to a microcontroller residing in the home appliance. The higher voltage output stage is connected in series with the low voltage stage and supplies DC voltage to the higher voltage loads associated with the home appliance. To reduce power consumption, a shunt circuit path is connected in parallel across the higher voltage output stage which causes a phase shift in the AC power signal and thereby reduce real power consumption when a no load condition is placed on the output stage (e.g., during a standby operating condition of the home appliance).

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat sink for cooling a component. The component may be one of several components on a circuit board. The heat sink includes a tubular body and a plurality of internal fins. The tubular body has an interior surface and an exterior surface. At least a portion of the exterior surface being substantially flat. The plurality of internal fins extend from the internal surface and are generally symmetric around a center line of the tubular body. The substantially flat portion of the tubular body contacts the component to remove heat from the component. The heat sink may further include a plurality of exterior fins extending from the exterior surface of the tubular body.

Abstract: A control device and method for detecting and controlling a water fill level in a dishwasher or other similar appliance that includes a pump motor is provided. The control monitors the pump motor current over time, determines a current change, and compares the current change to a threshold current change that is indicative of the water level.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a controller for controlling operation of an appliance, an indicator light coupled to the controller to provide a visible indication of an operator selection in response to the controller energizing the indicator light, and a driver coupled to the controller and the indicator light so that the controller may communicate data through the indicator light by controlling the driver. The indicator light may be a light emitting diode or a segment of an alphanumeric display of an appliance control panel. A detector LED may also be coupled to the controller so the controller may receive data from an external device that communicates by flashing light on the detector LED. A terminal for communicating with the appliance may include a detector LED and a conductor that couples the detector LED to a diagnostic tool. The detector LED may receive data from an optical transmitter of the appliance control panel.

Abstract: An improved capacitive drop power supply is provided for use in home appliances. The power supply circuit includes: a rectifier for converting an AC power source to a DC voltage; a current limiting capacitance interposed between the AC power source and the rectifier; a low voltage output stage and a higher voltage output stage. The low voltage output stage supplies DC voltage from the rectifier to a microcontroller residing in the home appliance. The higher voltage output stage is connected in series with the low voltage stage and supplies DC voltage to the higher voltage loads associated with the home appliance. To reduce power consumption, a shunt circuit path is connected in parallel across the higher voltage output stage which causes a phase shift in the AC power signal and thereby reduce real power consumption when a no load condition is placed on the output stage (e.g., during a standby operating condition of the home appliance).

Abstract: A power controller for an appliance, especially a washing machine, is operative to place the appliance into a hyperspin mode. When in the hyperspin mode, the washing machine rotates its washing basket at a higher speed in relation to a traditional spin mode for the washing machine. In order to prevent damage to the washing machine that could result from spinning heavier, unbalanced loads at higher speeds (i.e. hyperspin speeds), a controller detects vibration of the washing machine basket while the items are being spun at a lower speed (i.e. at the speed of the traditional spin mode). If the washing basket vibration is less than a predetermined threshold vibration value, the washing machine controller operates to cause the washing machine to rotate its washing basket at a higher speed. This results in removal of more water from the clothes being spun dried.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for an appliance having a container in which liquid flows, and associated method. The sensor comprises a radio frequency oscillator and an antenna array connected to an input port of the oscillator. The antenna array comprises a longitudinal strip and a plurality of conductive fingers extending therefrom. The antenna array is mounted on the appliance in the proximity of the container such that each finger corresponds to a respective level in the container. The sensor includes an output port interconnected with the radio frequency oscillator and outputting a frequency step indicative of the container level to which liquid has reached.

Abstract: An artificial firelog and firestarter chip producing apparatus comprising a cutting assembly, a compression conveyor auger assembly and a die. The apparatus converts standard waxed corrugated cardboard boxes into artificial firelogs by first slicing cardboard sheets into cardboard strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments in the cutting assembly. The cardboard segments are compressed and in the compression conveyor auger assembly and extruded in the die to form generally circular, longitudinally-shaped sections of a firelog. Firestarter chips are fabricated by the cutting assembly, which slices cardboard sheets in conjunction with paper sheets into cardboard and paper strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments and the paper strips into paper mix.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the temperature in an oven includes a circuit and software algorithm that reads the voltage across a standard resistive temperature device (RTD) or thermistor to determine temperature measured by the device. Using an unregulated high voltage supply to increase the gain and resolution, it overcomes the problems of small changes in resistance with respect to temperature. An additional input to measure the unregulated supply voltage is used as a reference voltage input. The apparatus includes resistor dividers for both the temperature sensor and reference voltages, a microprocessor having analog inputs, and additional components for noise suppression and open sensor protection.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for an appliance having a container in which liquid flows, and associated method. The sensor comprises a radio frequency oscillator and an antenna array connected to an input port of the oscillator. The antenna array comprises a longitudinal strip and a plurality of conductive fingers extending therefrom. The antenna array is mounted on the appliance in the proximity of the container such that each finger corresponds to a respective level in the container. The sensor includes an output port interconnected with the radio frequency oscillator and outputting a frequency step indicative of the container level to which liquid has reached.

Abstract: An artificial firelog and firestarter chip producing apparatus comprising a cutting assembly, a compression conveyor auger assembly and a die. The apparatus converts standard waxed corrugated cardboard boxes into artificial firelogs by first slicing cardboard sheets into cardboard strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments in the cutting assembly. The cardboard segments are compressed and in the compression conveyor auger assembly and extruded in the die to form generally circular, longitudinally-shaped sections of a firelog. Firestarter chips are fabricated by the cutting assembly, which slices cardboard sheets in conjunction with paper sheets into cardboard and paper strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments and the paper strips into paper mix.

Abstract: A power controller for an appliance, especially a washing machine, is operative to place the appliance into a hyperspin mode. The power controller implements a method of operating a washing machine that comprises operating a washing machine motor at a first speed to rotate a laundry receptacle coupled to the washing machine motor at the first speed, collecting rotation velocity data regarding the laundry receptacle during rotation of the laundry receptacle, comparing the rotation velocity data to a parameter threshold, and operating the washing machine motor at a second speed in response to the comparison between the rotation velocity data and the parameter threshold indicating that the laundry receptacle is balanced. If the rotation velocity data does not indicate that the laundry receptacle is balanced, the motor remains at the first speed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an appliance control panel and a controller. The appliance control panel is disposed on an appliance. The appliance control panel has first and second optical communication devices that are in communication with an external surface of the appliance control panel. The controller is secured within the appliance. The controller is operably connected to the first and second communication devices to provide communication signals thereto, the communication signals including diagnostic information.

Abstract: A continuous bulk polymerization and esterification process includes continuously charging into a reaction zone at least one ethylenically unsaturated acid-functional monomer and at least one linear or branched chain alkanol having greater than 11 carbon atoms. The process includes maintaining a flow rate through the reaction zone sufficient to provide an average residence time of less than 60 minutes and maintaining a temperature in the reaction zone sufficient to produce a polymeric product incorporating at least some of the alkanol as an ester of the polymerized ethylenically unsaturated acid-functional monomer. The polymeric product is used in various processes to produce water-based compositions including emulsions and dispersions such as oil emulsions, wax dispersions, pigment dispersions, surfactants and coatings which contain the polymeric product.