Abstract: An apparatus assists a user to move a door between closed and open states. The apparatus includes a permanent magnet provided on the door. An electromagnet is located on the door frame adjacent thereto when the door is closed and is energizable to provide a magnetic field which reinforces the permanent magnetic field or to provide a magnetic field in opposition to the permanent magnetic field. A detector detects the state of the door and an interface detects the presence of a user. A controller receives input from the detector and the interface and energizes the electromagnet to provide a reinforcing magnetic field if a user is attempting to open the door and provides an opposing magnetic field to the permanent magnetic field if the door is closed and the user is attempting to open the door.

Abstract: An evaporation tray for a refrigerator or refrigerator/freezer which is adapted in use to contact a heat producing part of the refrigeration system (such as the compressor or condenser). The tray comprises a rigid frame which supports a flexible membrane designed to receive defrost liquid from the refrigerator or refrigerator/freezer. The frame is designed to sit adjacent the heat producing part so that the flexible membrane is in direct contact with the heat producing part. As the membrane is flexible, it easily deforms to the shape of the heat producing part providing increased heat transfer to liquid in the tray.