Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a dishwasher rack in a dishwasher includes a base, a slider and a lock for raising and lowering a dishwasher basket between an up and down position, respectively. The slider is connected in a fixed engagement with the dishwasher basket. The base includes two or more rollers for engagement with dishwasher slide rails and is slideably engaged relative to the slider. The lock is biased into a locked position when the base is fully upwardly extended relative to the slider and is released to permit the basket to be lowered downwardly.

Abstract: A wash-aid dispenser (20) for dispensing dishwasher detergent and rinse-aid employs a DC motor (46) and drive train (43) to separately actuate a door (23) for the release of detergent and a valve (21) for the release of rinse-aid allowing reduced noise and reduce energy operation using a single electric actuator.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a dishwasher rack in a dishwasher includes a base, a slider and a lock for raising and lowering a dishwasher basket between an up and down position, respectively. The slider is connected in a fixed engagement with the dishwasher basket. The base includes two or more rollers for engagement with dishwasher slide rails and is slideably engaged relative to the slider. The lock is biased into a locked position when the base is fully upwardly extended relative to the slider and is released to permit the basket to be lowered downwardly.

Abstract: A wash-aid dispenser (20) for dispensing dishwasher detergent and rinse-aid employs a DC motor (46) and drive train (43) to separately actuate a door (23) for the release of detergent and a valve (21) for the release of rinse-aid allowing reduced noise and reduce energy operation using a single electric actuator.

Abstract: A tab terminal for quick-disconnect type connections is formed by bending a single strip of metal back upon itself. The strip includes inward embossments allowing the desired tab thickness to be obtained with less material while using material suitable for spring contacts or internal device conductors.

Abstract: A damper suitable for use in a refrigerator provides for linear motion of a damper plate toward and away from a damper seat. The damper plate may be driven by an axial lead screw attached to a small DC motor and may employ a non-foam gasket to reduce water absorption and possible formation of obstructing ice.

Abstract: A tab terminal for quick-disconnect type connections is formed by bending a single strip of metal back upon itself. The strip includes inward embossments allowing the desired tab thickness to be obtained with less material while using material suitable for spring contacts or internal device conductors.

Abstract: A magnetic lid closure sensor uses a magnet sensor element mounted within the washing machine housing below the closed lid. Flux directors conduct flux from a magnet in the lid to the magnet sensor. A lock mechanism employs a hook engaging an aperture in the lid so that opening of the lid does not impart a torque to the hook such as would disengage it, allowing the hook to be activated and deactivated with a simple bi-directional solenoid.

Abstract: A magnetic lid closure sensor uses a magnet sensor element mounted within the washing machine housing below the closed lid. Flux directors conduct flux from a magnet in the lid to the magnet sensor. A lock mechanism employs a hook engaging an aperture in the lid so that opening of the lid does not impart a torque to the hook such as would disengage it, allowing the hook to be activated and deactivated with a simple bi-directional solenoid.

Abstract: A transportation-robust bi-stable latch mechanism preserves low actuation forces by means of an auxiliary mechanism blocking the effects of shock forces during transportation.

Abstract: A magnetic lid closure sensor uses a magnet sensor element mounted within the washing machine housing below the closed lid. Flux directors conduct flux from a magnet in the lid to the magnet sensor. A lock mechanism employs a hook engaging an aperture in the lid so that opening of the lid does not impart a torque to the hook such as would disengage it, allowing the hook to be activated and deactivated with a simple bi-directional solenoid.

Abstract: An actuator suitable for a washing machine lid lock employs a shape memory alloy wire indirectly heated by a temperature regulating heater that provides a sliding coupling to the wire and that may be driven, for example, directly by line voltage without the need for temperature regulation circuitry.

Abstract: A mechanized vent for a dishwasher employs a vent plate moving about a hinge axis as driven by a cam mechanism at a surface of the vent plate removed from the hinge axis.

Abstract: A damper suitable for use in a refrigerator provides for linear motion of a damper plate toward and away from a damper seat. The damper plate may be driven by an axial lead screw attached to a small DC motor and may employ a non-foam gasket to reduce water absorption and possible formation of obstructing ice.

Abstract: A fast engage, slow release electrical actuator combines an electromagnetic actuator with a thermal actuator, the latter which retains the electromagnetic actuator after the former has been actuated to delay the release thereof.

Abstract: A magnetic lid closure sensor uses a magnet sensor element mounted within the washing machine housing below the closed lid. Flux directors conduct flux from a magnet in the lid to the magnet sensor. A lock mechanism employs a hook engaging an aperture in the lid so that opening of the lid does not impart a torque to the hook such as would disengage it, allowing the hook to be activated and deactivated with a simple bidirectional solenoid.

Abstract: A self-adjusting lid switch for a laundry apparatus provides a switch assembly attached to the housing of the machine and an actuator arm attached to the lid. The actuator arm includes an actuating surface pressing an operator of the switch assembly when the lid is sufficiently closed to allow operation of the machine. Problems of manufacturing tolerance and wear that might displace the actuator arm and switch assembly are accommodated by providing each of the actuator arm and switch assembly with alignment surfaces that upon closing of the lid, align the respective components prior to actuation of the switch. The alignment surfaces may be pins extending from the actuator arm received by a corresponding funnel-shaped channel between fingers flanking the operator of the switch that receive the pins.