Abstract: Example human-machine interface (HMI) assemblies are disclosed. One example HMI assembly includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and a backer selectively flexible between a first curved state and a second flexed state, and attached to the fascia in the second flexed state to bias the PCB against the fascia.

Abstract: Example human-machine interface (HMI) assemblies are disclosed. One example HMI assembly includes a fascia, a touch film having a first raised contact, a PCB having a second raised contact, and a piercing member passing through the first and second contacts to electrically couple the first and second contacts.

Abstract: Example human-machine interface (HMI) assemblies are disclosed. One example HMI assembly includes a fascia, a touch film having a first raised contact, a PCB having a second raised contact, and a piercing member passing through the first and second contacts to electrically couple the first and second contacts.

Abstract: Example human-machine interface (HMI) assemblies are disclosed. An example human-machine interface assembly can include a fascia. The human-machine interface assembly can further include a printed circuit board (PCB). The printed circuit board can have a light emitting diode (LED) to emit light through the fascia. The human-machine interface assembly can further include a backer that can be attached to the fascia.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus for communicatively coupling internal components and accessories appliances, and appliances with external components and accessories are disclosed herein. A disclosed example method of operating a domestic appliance having at least one of an internal communications network and/or an external communications network among at least two components includes identifying the components, communicating the capabilities of each identified component, communicating the status of each identified component, providing a command interface for operating the components, facilitating communication between the components, and operating the appliance using the command interface and the facilitated communication.

Abstract: Example human-machine interface (HMI) assemblies are disclosed. An example human-machine interface assembly can include a fascia. The human-machine interface assembly can further include a printed circuit board (PCB). The printed circuit board can have a light emitting diode (LED) to emit light through the fascia. The human-machine interface assembly can further include a backer that can be attached to the fascia.

Abstract: Example human-machine interface (HMI) assemblies are disclosed. An example HMI assembly includes a fascia, a touch film having a first raised contact, a printed circuit board (PCB) having a second raised contact, and a backer having an extending member and attached to the fascia, the member configured to press the first contact against the second contact by applying a force to the PCB at substantially the second raised contact.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus for communicatively coupling internal components and accessories appliances, and appliances with external components and accessories are disclosed herein. A disclosed example method of operating a domestic appliance having at least one of an internal communications network and/or an external communications network among at least two components includes identifying the components, communicating the capabilities of each identified component, communicating the status of each identified component, providing a command interface for operating the components, facilitating communication between the components, and operating the appliance using the command interface and the facilitated communication.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus for communicatively coupling internal components and accessories appliances, and appliances with external components and accessories are disclosed herein. A disclosed example method of operating a domestic appliance having at least one of an internal communications network and/or an external communications network among at least two components includes identifying the components, communicating the capabilities of each identified component, communicating the status of each identified component, providing a command interface for operating the components, facilitating communication between the components, and operating the appliance using the command interface and the facilitated communication.

Abstract: Light collimators and methods for human machine interfaces are disclosed. An example human machine interface includes a top surface having a decorative element to be illuminated, a light source, and a plurality of parallel light collimators that collimate visible light emitted by the light source and direct the collimated light toward the bottom side of the decorative element. An example method of illuminating a decorative element of a human machine interface includes emitting light, passing the light through a plurality of collimators defined in the human machine interface, and directing the collimated light toward the decorative element.

Abstract: A touch screen user interface display has a capacitive touch screen with at least one sensing field. A conductive physical element that is external to the capacitive touch screen and electrically coupled to the at least one sensing field of the capacitive touch screen is provided.

Abstract: Example human-machine interface (HMI) assemblies are disclosed. An example HMI assembly includes a fascia, a touch film having a first raised contact, a printed circuit board (PCB) having a second raised contact, and a backer having an extending member and attached to the fascia, the member configured to press the first contact against the second contact by applying a force to the PCB at substantially the second raised contact.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus for communicatively coupling internal components and accessories appliances, and appliances with external components and accessories are disclosed herein. A disclosed example method of operating a domestic appliance having at least one of an internal communications network and/or an external communications network among at least two components includes identifying the components, communicating the capabilities of each identified component, communicating the status of each identified component, providing a command interface for operating the components, facilitating communication between the components, and operating the appliance using the command interface and the facilitated communication.

Abstract: A client having at least one memory location is provided for use with an appliance network. The client includes an arbitrary software component for performing a useful function, a software architecture or a software architecture driver configured to generate or enable transmission of messages, and means to communicate by message over a network. Thus, the client can have full capability to act as an accessory to an appliance to communicate with and to enhance or alter the operation of the appliance.

Abstract: Light collimators and methods for human machine interfaces are disclosed. An example human machine interface includes a top surface having a decorative element to be illuminated, a light source, and a plurality of parallel light collimators that collimate visible light emitted by the light source and direct the collimated light toward the bottom side of the decorative element. An example method of illuminating a decorative element of a human machine interface includes emitting light, passing the light through a plurality of collimators defined in the human machine interface, and directing the collimated light toward the decorative element.

Abstract: A client having at least one memory location is provided for use with an appliance network. The client includes an arbitrary software component for performing a useful function, a software architecture or a software architecture driver configured to generate or enable transmission of messages, and means to communicate by message over a network. Thus, the client can have full capability to act as an accessory to an appliance to communicate with and to enhance or alter the operation of the appliance.

Abstract: An appliance network comprising a networked appliance and capable of communicating with a consumable such that information related to the consumable is communicated to the networked appliance.

Abstract: An appliance network comprising a networked appliance and capable of communicating with a consumable such that information related to the consumable is communicated to the networked appliance.

Abstract: An appliance has a communication network with a plurality of nodes for executing commands to enable operation by components. A firewall is provided to restrict access to the commands by the nodes without a password.

Abstract: A method of enabling adaptable demonstrations of products provides products with an internal communications network among at least two components, and includes distributing the products to vendors in different markets, providing to each vendor at least one smart device capable of assuming control of a component in the products, and distributing demonstration software to the vendors having smart devices. The demonstration software is unique to the vendor and/or the market so that the smart devices in different markets or among different vendors can be uniquely adapted to cause demonstration of the components in the products.