Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus having a cabinet providing a filter holding compartment, a front mounted alcove with a paddle switch having a stepped outer surface to allow activation by small and large diameter containers, and an electrical interlock switch for avoiding inadvertent dispensing of hot water. The cabinet can house a reverse osmosis purifying system or a cartridge filtering system. The cabinet can hold a mechanical refrigeration system including a forced convection condensing coil.

Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus having a cabinet providing a water bottle holding compartment having a deployable ramp to assist in loading an upright water bottle into the cabinet, a front mounted alcove with a paddle switch having a stepped outer surface to allow activation by small and large diameter containers, an electrical interlock switch for avoiding inadvertent dispensing of hot water, and a reserve tank having a low water level alarm switch activating a light annunciator and a vent check valve arrangement for venting the reserve tank during water flow. The cabinet is adapted to receive a filter unit in lieu of a water bottle.

Abstract: An electric control for a water conditioning system includes a solenoid valve which controls water inlet into the system and which is controlled by a flow switch that senses product water flow from a water faucet or other outlet. The flow switch also energizes an indicator lamp for indicating processing of water. The flow switch also controls a second solenoid valve which allows water flow into the pressure or "squeeze" side of a bladder type product water storage tank. When product water flow occurs, the second solenoid valve opens to permit supply water to flow therein, providing additional pressure to the product water side of the storage tank. Accordingly, product water flow is effected from the storage tank to the product water outlet. When a predetermined low pressure is sensed, a pressure switch located on the product water side of the storage tank opens the first solenoid valve to supply water to the system for processing.

Abstract: A flexible exhaust ducting system is provided for a dryer wherein the dryer has more than one opening through its cabinet panels for an exhaust outlet to accommodate differing installation configurations. The ducting system includes a flexible metal tubing which is radially deformed into contact with rigid metallic end pipes to provide a trouble free joint. The end pipes are secured to the cabinet bottom panel at an end connected to the blower and to the panel through which the conduit exits the cabinet at the other end to prevent accidental dislodging of the conduit.

Abstract: A moisture sensor assembly is provided for an automatic dryer wherein sensor strips are secured directly to the drum outlet grill for engagement by the materials being dried. The sensor strips pivotally engage at one end with the grill and have an interference friction fit at an opposite end so that the strips are held in place without additional fasteners. Electrical connection of the sensor strips occurs in a protected zone, physically separated from the moist exhaust air stream.

Abstract: A cabinet construction for a clothes dryer is provided wherein the top panel and the front panel are removable from the cabinet assembly from the front of the appliance for purposes of servicing the mechanisms interior of the cabinet all from the front of the dryer. A pair of brackets are attached at the top front corner of the side panels to which both the front panel and top panel are secured. The front panel screws into a projecting lip on said brackets, and the top panel slides rearwardly on the top edges of the side panels until a return flange on the top panel engages with a tab on the brackets to hold the top panel vertically. The top panel is then removably secured in place with at least one screw along the rear edge thereof which is covered by a pivotable control console.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a front bulkhead to a front cabinet is provided for a clothes dryer in which the front bulkhead and the front cabinet panel have overlying access openings therein and cooperating tab and groove elements provide a hinge connection along one side of the openings and threaded fasteners provide a positive attachment along an opposite side of the opening. The fasteners are accessible from the front of the dryer thus assisting in permitting front serviceability for the dryer.

Abstract: An air actuated lint removing system for cleaning lint filters in clothes dryers includes means for moving the lint filter and an air flow directing means with respect to one another to remove accumulated lint, and lint transporting means to move the lint to a lint collection reservoir.

Abstract: A seal for use in clothes dryers and the like having a carrier web and a fibrous sealing web, wherein the fibrous sealing web has opposite edges thereof folded upon itself and stitched to form first and second loops and a first one of the loops has captured therein an edge of the carrier web. The carrier web is secured to a rotating drum of a clothes dryer and the first and second loops of the fibrous sealing web provide first and second seals at respective planar and cylindrical portions of a stationary bulkhead of the dryer.

Abstract: Structure for converting a powered brush vacuum cleaner selectively to define a powder carpet cleaning apparatus. The conversion structure includes a shroud received within the nozzle. In one form, the shroud is movably mounted within the nozzle for selective disposition in a retracted position, permitting use of the nozzle in the normal vacuum cleaning manner, and in an operative position blocking the entrance to the suction passage for permitting the unit to be used as powder carpet cleaner. The shroud defines a smooth inner surface surrounding a portion of the brush for effectively preventing clogging of the space about the brush during the carpet cleaning operation. An opening is provided in the nozzle wall for access to the movable shroud in effecting manipulation thereof between the retracted and operative positions.

Abstract: Structure for converting a powered brush vacuum cleaner selectively to define a powder carpet cleaning apparatus. The conversion structure includes a shroud received within the nozzle. In one form, the shroud is movably mounted within the nozzle for selective disposition in a retracted position, permitting use of the nozzle in the normal vacuum cleaning manner, and in an operative position blocking the entrance to the suction passage for permitting the unit to be used as powder carpet cleaner. The shroud defines a smooth inner surface surrounding a portion of the brush for effectively preventing clogging of the brush during the carpet cleaning operation. An opening is provided in the nozzle wall for access to the movable shroud in effecting manipulation thereof between the retracted and operative positions. In another form, the shroud is fixedly mounted within the nozzle and a closure is removably installed for closing the entrance to the suction passage when it is desired to use the unit as a carpet cleaner.

Abstract: An ice body dispenser arranged to provide preselected different quantities of ice bodies from a storage chamber as a function of the size of a receptacle, or cup, placed in a receiving position below a delivery duct thereof. The dispenser includes one or more control elements selectively insertable into the delivery duct to correspondingly adjust the amount of ice bodies delivered by a concurrent opening of the lower closure member of the device. The device includes control switches which sense the size of the cup placed in the ice body receiving position so as to cause a selective use of the different control elements. The control elements may be fork elements having one or more tines for providing improved column interception with effectively minimal crushing and breaking of the ice bodies in the column.

Abstract: An ice body delivery apparatus having a hopper for storing a plurality of discrete ice bodies and a wall portion defining an outlet opening for passing the ice bodies seriatim outwardly therethrough for dispensing the ice bodies as desired. A rotatable auger is provided in a lower frustoconical portion of the hopper and includes spaced spiral vanes arranged to sweep across the opening so as to dislodge ice bodies which may have become lodged thereacross. The auger is arranged so as to define an effectively open axial portion permitting the dislodged ice bodies to be returned to the outlet opening therethrough and under or behind the rotating vanes back to the outlet opening. The vanes extend arcuately a total of approximately 360 degrees or more. The auger may be driven by a subjacent drive motor.

Abstract: An ice body dispenser arranged to provide preselected different quantities of ice bodies from a storage chamber as a function of the size of a receptacle, or cup, placed in a receiving position below a delivery duct thereof. The dispenser includes one or more control elements selectively insertable into the delivery duct to correspondingly adjust the amount of ice bodies delivered by a concurrent opening of the lower closure member of the device. The device includes control switches which sense the size of the cup placed in the ice body receiving position so as to cause a selective use of the different control elements. The control elements may be fork elements having one or more tines for providing improved column interception with effectively minimal crushing and breaking of the ice bodies in the column.

Abstract: An assembly of vertically spaced ovens with an air passage at the bottom of the upper oven and top of the lower oven having an inlet at the rear, and an outlet at the front of the assembly. An air moving device is provided for causing air flow forwardly through the passage to cool the oven structure. At least one of the ovens may be a microwave oven and the air moving device may serve to draw air from the interior of the microwave oven for delivery forwardly through the passage. At least one of the ovens may be provided with a front door having a vertical air flow passage for convective cooling of the door. The forward passage outlet may be disposed adjacent the upper end of the door vertical passage whereby the forceful air movement from the air moving device may draw air through the vertical passage for improved cooling of the door. A thermostat control may be provided for causing automatic operation of the air moving device.

Abstract: A suction tool for use in a vacuum cleaner including a nozzle defining a suction inlet including a mid-portion and an edge portion and structure for selective blocking of air flow through the mid-portion to provide selectively high suction force at the edge portion.