Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a liner positioned within a cabinet, the liner having an inner liner surface that defines a chilled chamber and an aperture that passes through the liner. A light assembly is mounted to the liner and includes a light source positioned within a light housing in the insulated space between the liner and the cabinet. A lens is mounted to the light housing and is positioned within the aperture, the lens defining an outer lens surface that sits flush with the inner liner surface and an inner lens surface defining a plurality of refractive grooves.

Abstract: A damped closure assembly for a microwave oven includes a catch element mounted to a cabinet of the microwave oven. A striker defined on a door of the microwave oven engages the catch element which is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. A spring mechanism and a damping element are operably coupled to the catch element to slowly urge the catch element and the door toward the closed position to prevent slamming, loud noises, and potential wear on one or more components of the microwave oven when the door is closed.

Abstract: An oven appliance includes a cabinet having a chamber defined therein. The chamber is accessible through an opening. The oven appliance also includes a first door having a first side and a second side. The first side of the first door is rotatably mounted to one side of the cabinet proximate the opening. A second door includes a first side and a second side. The first side of the second door is rotatably connected to the second side of the first door by a hinge comprising a pivot. The first door and the second door are movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively sealingly enclose the chamber. The first door and the second door define a gap therebetween in the closed position.

Abstract: A damped closure assembly for a microwave oven includes a catch element mounted to a cabinet of the microwave oven. A striker defined on a door of the microwave oven engages the catch element which is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. A spring mechanism and a damping element are operably coupled to the catch element to slowly urge the catch element and the door toward the closed position to prevent slamming, loud noises, and potential wear on one or more components of the microwave oven when the door is closed.

Abstract: An oven appliance includes a cabinet having a chamber defined therein. The chamber is accessible through an opening. The oven appliance also includes a first door having a first side and a second side. The first side of the first door is rotatably mounted to one side of the cabinet proximate the opening. A second door includes a first side and a second side. The first side of the second door is rotatably connected to the second side of the first door by a hinge comprising a pivot. The first door and the second door are movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively sealingly enclose the chamber. The first door and the second door define a gap therebetween in the closed position.

Abstract: A control panel for an appliance includes a tactile switch positioned on a PCB. An elastic spacer sheet is positioned over the PCB, and the tactile switch is disposed within an opening of the elastic spacer sheet. A rigid backer plate is positioned over the elastic spacer sheet, and a plastic film is positioned on the rigid backer plate. A related method for forming a control panel for an appliance is also provided.

Abstract: A control panel for an appliance includes a tactile switch positioned on a PCB. An elastic spacer sheet is positioned over the PCB, and the tactile switch is disposed within an opening of the elastic spacer sheet. A rigid backer plate is positioned over the elastic spacer sheet, and a plastic film is positioned on the rigid backer plate. A related method for forming a control panel for an appliance is also provided.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub mounted within the cabinet, and a basket rotationally mounted within the tub for relative rotation therewith. A suspension assembly supports the tub within the cabinet. A variable speed motor is included for rotating the basket about a rotation axis, and an inverter is operatively coupled to the motor. A controller is operatively coupled to the inverter and the motor and is configured to control the motor based on a drag torque on the basket.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes an inner shaft rotatably driven about a longitudinal axis of rotation, an outer shaft concentric with the inner shaft for selective rotation about the longitudinal axis, a coupling element movable between a first position engaging the inner shaft to the outer shaft for rotation therewith, and a second position disengaging the inner shaft from the outer shaft for relative rotation therebetween, and an actuating element connected to the coupling element and operable to move the coupling element between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a washing machine in a rinse cycle is provided for a washing machine including a rotatable basket and a fresh water spraying device. The method comprises rotating the basket at a first rate of rotation, spraying water into the basket while the basket is rotating at the first rate, and rotating the basket at a second rate of rotation, the second rate of rotation greater than the first rate of rotation.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes an inner shaft rotatably driven about a longitudinal axis of rotation, an outer shaft concentric with the inner shaft for selective rotation about the longitudinal axis, a coupling element movable between a first position engaging the inner shaft to the outer shaft for rotation therewith, and a second position disengaging the inner shaft from the outer shaft for relative rotation therebetween, and an actuating element connected to the coupling element and operable to move the coupling element between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a washing machine in a rinse cycle is provided for a washing machine including a rotatable basket and a fresh water spraying device. The method comprises rotating the basket at a first rate of rotation, spraying water into the basket while the basket is rotating at the first rate, and rotating the basket at a second rate of rotation, the second rate of rotation greater than the first rate of rotation.