Abstract: A method for forming a tube coupling includes forming a metallurgical joint between a copper tube and an aluminum tube and annealing the copper tube and the aluminum tube after forming the metallurgical joint. The metallurgical joint has a eutectic region and an intermetallic region after annealing the copper tube and the aluminum tube. The method may assist with improving a performance of the metallurgical joint. A related tube coupling and evaporator are also provided.

Abstract: A method for forming a tube coupling includes forming a metallurgical joint between a copper tube and an aluminum tube and annealing the copper tube and the aluminum tube after forming the metallurgical joint. The metallurgical joint has a eutectic region and an intermetallic region after annealing the copper tube and the aluminum tube. The method may assist with improving a performance of the metallurgical joint. A related tube coupling and evaporator are also provided.

Abstract: A spraying device for a washing machine includes a body including a wall having an outer surface, a water inlet and a channel defined therein. The channel is in flow communication with the water inlet, and a plurality of nozzles extend through the wall and in flow communication with the channel. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a basket mounted within the wash tub. The basket is configured to rotate. The nozzles include an inlet, an outlet, an inner diameter, and an outer diameter. At least a portion of the outlet includes a surface substantially perpendicular to a flow of water through the nozzle, and the nozzles have a length longer than a thickness of the wall. At least a portion of the outlet is unitary with the wall outer surface.

Abstract: A spray fill device for delivering water to a washing machine is provided. The spray fill device includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet port, a mounting port, and a plurality of outlet apertures in flow communication with the inlet. The spray fill device also includes a first valve coupled to the inlet, the valve configured to control a flow rate of water into the inlet. The spray fill device also includes a pressure relief mechanism coupled to the mounting port, the pressure relief mechanism inhibiting flow through the outlet port when a pressure within the body is less than a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A control panel assembly for controlling a home appliance is provided. The control panel assembly includes a control board including at least one functional component. A control panel is coupled to the control board. The control panel forms a central cylinder defining an opening. A knob is positioned within the opening. The knob includes a front side, a rear side, a first cylindrical portion extending from the rear side and coupled to the control panel, and a second cylindrical portion extending from the rear side. The knob is configured to shield the control board from damage.

Abstract: A spraying device for a washing machine includes a body including a wall having an outer surface, a water inlet and a channel defined therein. The channel is in flow communication with the water inlet, and a plurality of nozzles extend through the wall and in flow communication with the channel. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a basket mounted within the wash tub. The basket is configured to rotate. The nozzles include an inlet, an outlet, an inner diameter, and an outer diameter. At least a portion of the outlet includes a surface substantially perpendicular to a flow of water through the nozzle, and the nozzles have a length longer than a thickness of the wall. At least a portion of the outlet is unitary with the wall outer surface.

Abstract: A control panel assembly for controlling a home appliance is provided. The control panel assembly includes a control board including at least one functional component. A control panel is coupled to the control board. The control panel forms a central cylinder defining an opening. A knob is positioned within the opening. The knob includes a front side, a rear side, a first cylindrical portion extending from the rear side and coupled to the control panel, and a second cylindrical portion extending from the rear side. The knob is configured to shield the control board from damage.

Abstract: A control board assembly for controlling a home appliance includes a control board having at least one functional component, a control panel engaged with the control board, and a knob comprising a front side, a rear side, a first cylindrical portion extending from the rear side thereof which is coupled to said control panel, and a second cylindrical portion extending from the rear side thereof. The knob is configured to shield the control board from damage.

Abstract: A spray fill device for delivering water to a washing machine is provided. The spray fill device includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet port, a mounting port, and a plurality of outlet apertures in flow communication with the inlet. The spray fill device also includes a first valve coupled to the inlet, the valve configured to control a flow rate of water into the inlet. The spray fill device also includes a pressure relief mechanism coupled to the mounting port, the pressure relief mechanism inhibiting flow through the outlet port when a pressure within the body is less than a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A washing machine including a tub, a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, and a spraying ring disposed at a top portion of the tub, and including a plurality of nozzles arranged in groups, the nozzles separated by a first distance, the groups separated by a second distance different than the first distance; wherein each of the plurality of nozzles has an opening therein, the openings of the plurality of nozzles of the same group are parallel to each other, and the spray ring is configured to direct water into the tub through the openings.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a structural panel having a predetermined shape in which an inflatable envelope assembly is formed from at least a pair of superplastically formed and diffusion bonded metallic core sheets. The inflatable envelope assembly can be disposed between first and second metallic face sheets which are generally superplastically formed into the predetermined shape prior to being assembled. Thereafter, the assembled face sheets and the inflatable envelope assembly can be superplastically formed and diffusion bonded to form an integral structure, such as structural panel having a compound curvature. Alternatively, the inflatable envelope assembly can be disposed between a pair of reinforced titanium composite sheets. The reinforced titanium composite sheets can also be joined to adjacent face sheets, such as by welding or diffusion bonding, such that an integral structural panel having the predetermined shape can be readily fabricated.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a structural panel having a predetermined shape features forming an inflatable envelope assembly from at least a pair of superplastically formed and diffusion bonded metallic core sheets. The inflatable envelope assembly can be disposed between first and second metallic face sheets which are generally superplastically formed into the predetermined shape prior to being assembled. Thereafter, the assembled face sheets and the inflatable envelope assembly can be superplastically formed and diffusion bonded to form an integral structure, such as structural panel having a compound curvature. Alternatively, the inflatable envelope assembly can be disposed between a pair of reinforced titanium composite sheets. The reinforced titanium composite sheets can also be joined to adjacent face sheets, such as by welding or diffusion bonding, such that an integral structural panel having the predetermined shape can be readily fabricated.