Abstract: The present invention provides a touch control assembly including a substrate for interfacing with a user and a touch keypad removably connected to the substrate. The touch keypad includes a sensor.

Abstract: A method for protecting a glass-ceramic surface by applying a layer of silicone to the surface is provided. The method involves utilizing an automated spray nozzle or roller device connected to a robotic arm which applies silicone to the glass-ceramic surface in areas prone to scratching. A cooktop including a glass-ceramic cooking surface with a protective layer of silicone applied thereto is also provided. The layer of silicone is provided on only on an underside portion of the cooktop, opposite a top portion designed to receive cooking implements. Further provided is a method for manufacturing the above described cooktop.

Abstract: A method for removing silicone sealant from glass-ceramic surfaces is provided. The method includes heating the sealant to a temperature greater than 325 degrees Celsius so that it thermally degrades and then, mechanically removing the sealant from the glass-ceramic surface. A method of salvaging a glass-ceramic cooking surface from a cooktop including silicone sealant between a cooktop frame and the glass-ceramic cooking surface is also provided. If a defect is detected in the cooktop during manufacturing or distribution, the entire cooktop is heated to a predetermined temperature to allow the silicone sealant to be easily removed without using a knife or other potentially damaging devices. Once the silicone sealant is removed, the glass-ceramic cooking surface may be reused to produce another cooktop assembly.

Abstract: A sealant having luminescent properties for use on various industrial and household products is provided. One luminescent sealant includes a sealant, such as RTV sealant, mixed with a thermoluminescent pigment. When applied to a surface, this thermoluminescent sealant emits light in response to a change in the surface's temperature. Preferably, a change in color of the sealant accompanies the emission of light to warn those who may come in contact with a hot surface on which the sealant is applied. Another luminescent sealant is provided mixed with a photoluminescent pigment to produce a photoluminescent effect. This photoluminescent sealant absorbs and emits light energy. The light produced by the sealant is useful to indicate the location of a product in a darkened environment, or to verify whether the sealant has been properly applied on the product.

Abstract: A gasket for sealing an appliance door and a method for forming the gasket on an appliance surface are provided. The gasket, formed of gasket material with magnetic properties, is attached to an appliance door shell. The gasket material uses the magnetic properties to releasably engage a mating door jamb when the door shell is in a closed position. Alternatively, the gasket includes a magnetic strip covered by formed-in-place gasket material. A method for forming the gasket in-place is also provided.

Abstract: A method for removing silicone sealant from glass-ceramic surfaces is provided. The method includes heating the sealant to a temperature greater than 325 degrees Celsius so that it thermally degrades and then, mechanically removing the sealant from the glass-ceramic surface. A method of salvaging a glass-ceramic cooking surface from a cooktop including silicone sealant between a cooktop frame and the glass-ceramic cooking surface is also provided. If a defect is detected in the cooktop during manufacturing or distribution, the entire cooktop is heated to a predetermined temperature to allow the silicone sealant to be easily removed without using a knife or other potentially damaging devices. Once the silicone sealant is removed, the glass-ceramic cooking surface may be reused to produce another cooktop assembly.

Abstract: A glass/metal laminate for an appliance or the like and a method of fabricating the same. The glass/metal laminate includes a glass sheet, a metal sheet, and an adhesive layer bonding the glass and metal sheets together, whereby the metal sheet is visible through the glass sheet. The laminate is preferably installed on the outer surface of a refrigerator, oven, or other appliance to provide a durable and visually appealing finish surface. The laminate may be fabricated in a batch process, using a sealed curing chamber under reduced pressure to remove entrained air bubbles from the adhesive layer. Alternatively, the laminate may be fabricated in a continuous process using a pair of counter-rotating rollers to remove air from the adhesive layer. A UV light source emits radiation which passes through the glass sheet to cure the adhesive layer.