Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a compartment for storing food items in a refrigerated environment, the compartment being illuminated by at least one modular LED illumination device. The portion of the illumination device disposed within the compartment is generally flush with a mounting section and includes an LED lighting module arranged in a housing. The module has a board member, two or more LED light sources electrically connected to one another and to the board member, and two or more electrical edge connections for allowing electrically parallel connection between two or more modules being interchangeable with one another. A concave reflecting surface is positioned adjacent the module with a majority of light emitted from the LED light sources being incident thereon for reflection into the compartment. A liner defining the compartment has the mounting section to which the housing is mounted, where the mounting section has an inward draft angle.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a compartment for storing food items in a refrigerated environment, the compartment being illuminated by at least one modular LED illumination device. The portion of the illumination device disposed within the compartment is generally flush with a mounting section and includes an LED lighting module arranged in a housing. The module has a board member, two or more LED light sources electrically connected to one another and to the board member, and two or more electrical edge connections for allowing electrically parallel connection between two or more modules being interchangeable with one another. A concave reflecting surface is positioned adjacent the module with a majority of light emitted from the LED light sources being incident thereon for reflection into the compartment. A liner defining the compartment has the mounting section to which the housing is mounted, where the mounting section has an inward draft angle.

Abstract: A control and display system for an appliance that includes a first interactive display for providing a first electronic control interface, at least one other interactive display for providing an additional electronic control interface and which is positioned proximate the first interactive display, and at least one inactive zone between the first interactive display and the at least one other interactive display. The interactive displays are configured to provide a continuous flow of common information across the inactive zones to give the appearance of a single interactive display.

Abstract: A refrigerator water dispenser (10) is disclosed which includes a mounting bracket (11) and a plastic housing (12). The housing houses a water dispensing nozzle (21). The nozzle includes a control valve (22) which is operationally controlled by an electronic switch (23). The housing includes a front panel (27) having a peripheral space (28) which separates the front panel between a peripheral portion (30) and a central portion (31). Hinges (32) allow for the depressed, pivotal movement of the central portion and provides a spring like effect which aids in returning the central portion to its neutral position after it has been manually depressed. A resilient rubber touch pad (34) is coupled to the front side of the housing which includes a peripheral flange (35) that extends into the space of the housing so as to completely seal the entirety of space and therefore the front face of the housing.

Abstract: A control and display system for an appliance that includes a first interactive display for providing a first electronic control interface, at least one other interactive display for providing an additional electronic control interface and which is positioned proximate the first interactive display, and at least one inactive zone between the first interactive display and the at least one other interactive display. The interactive displays are configured to provide a continuous flow of common information across the inactive zones to give the appearance of a single interactive display.

Abstract: Methods and systems using the method of calculating and charging for utility usage are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of, on a processing unit, obtaining a utility bill from a utility company for a multi-unit property, obtaining a reading from at least one submeter monitoring the usage of the utility for each unit of the multi-unit property, totaling the submetered usage, calculating a percent usage of the utility for each unit, calculating a charge for each unit based on the percentage usage for each unit, and billing each unit for the charge calculated for that unit.

Abstract: A selectable and interchangeable accessory insert system for an appliance is disclosed. The appliance includes at least a handle or a knob. The handle includes at least a base portion and a first insert, with the first insert being separable from the base portion. The base portion being sized to receive a second insert after the first insert is separated therefrom. In an appliance with multiple knobs or handles, each knob or handle can include exchangeable inserts to allow the inserts to be exchanged to have similar appearances or features.

Abstract: A charcoal grill assembly including a body housing a top or lid pivotally attached to a bottom portion. A charcoal grate is received within the bottom portion, with a cooking grate received over the charcoal grate. The cooking grate includes a hingedly attached portion that can be pivoted upwardly to provide access to the charcoal grate therebelow. An ash collection system is mounted below the bottom portion of the grill body for discharge and collection of ashes from the grill. The grill body further is mounted on a series of legs that support the grill.

Abstract: An electronic control for a range including a control panel with a display surface, at least one control, and a display module. The display surface is substantially reflective, but allows transmission of light from an inside to an outside of the range. The display module includes an augmentation element to illuminate a display and transmit the illuminated display through the display surface. The display module can be disposed at an angle to the display surface. The display surface mimicking the surrounding material to allow the display surface to blend into the surface of the display module, with the surface being illuminated through designed to be camouflaged into the background. The at least one control can be a knob, a button, or a series of buttons or knobs. The display can provide function status of an item in the range.