Abstract: An appliance configured to perform an operation cycle to effect a physical operation on an article, the appliance includes at least one component configured to effect the physical operation, and a cycle engine on the component. The cycle engine can access a structure for the operation cycle to enable the component to perform the physical operation.

Abstract: A consumable holder is provided for use in an appliance configured to perform an operation cycle related to a consumable in the consumable holder. The consumable holder has or is enabled to acquire information associated with itself or the consumable, and further includes a converter configured to transform the information to a cycle structure. Thus, the consumable holder can communicate with a cycle engine to create or modify a cycle structure for use by the appliance to perform an operation cycle related to the consumable.

Abstract: A graphical user interface has software configured to communicate with an appliance adapted to perform a physical cycle of operation on an article and to communicate with a consumable holder for use with the appliance where the operation cycle is related to a consumable in the consumable holder. The software is configured to cause the graphical user interface to communicate to a user information associated with an appliance, a cycle of operation, a consumable holder, or a consumable. The software also causes the graphical user interface to communicate to an appliance or to a consumable holder information from a user.

Abstract: An appliance network has a service key accessory to facilitate remote diagnosis and service of an appliance.

Abstract: A clothes dryer has a system for regulating the inlet air temperature. The system includes a first sensor located in an inlet of the dryer and including a thermistor and a thermostat, a heat source located in a heater box adjacent the first sensor, and a second sensor located in an exhaust of the dryer. The thermistor measures the inlet air temperature of the dryer and cooperates with the controller to prevent the thermostat from reaching its trip temperature and turning off the heat source. Thus, damage due to excessive air temperatures in the dryer is prevented.

Abstract: A smart coupler for connecting two networks has a processor, a memory, a means to connect to a first network, a means to connect to a second network, and a power source. The first network has a client, and the memory has information which must be transferred to the client to enable the client to be usefully operable relative to the second network.

Abstract: A network system for an appliance has communication among components with a message protocol that includes a flag set to bind individual messages together for a complete snapshot of the state of an appliance component.

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 configured to perform an operation cycle to effect a physical operation on an article, the appliance includes at least one component configured to effect the physical operation, and a cycle engine on the component. The cycle engine can build a cycle structure for the operation cycle to enable the component to perform the physical operation.

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: An appliance network comprising an appliance in communication with an audio communication accessory to effect communication therebetween.

Abstract: An illuminating device for an appliance is provided. The illuminating device is in communication with a sensor that measures an environmental condition. During operation of the appliance, the illuminating device is continually operated at a light level greater than or equal to a minimum light level. Preferably, the light level of the illuminating device is adjusted based upon measuring or detecting an environmental condition.