Abstract: A microwave oven is described herein. In some instances, such a microwave oven may include a housing; a rotating turntable assembly disposed in a cooking cavity of the housing; a probe powered by the turntable assembly, where the probe is configured to measure an environmental condition during a cooking cycle and where the probe is configured to transmit a signal regarding the environmental condition; and a controller disposed in the housing and configured to receive the signal regarding the environmental condition from the probe. A method of operating a microwave oven for sous vide cooking is also disclosed.

Abstract: The specification discloses a basin disposed in a top portion of a drying appliance, the basin having a fluid drain therein connected to a basin drain line. The appliance includes a water valve in fluid communication with a water source having an outlet in fluid communication with the basin and a tee connector disposed in a drain line of a washing appliance for draining fluid from the basin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of a storage compartment for detergent items in a dish washing appliance. The dish washing door may include one or more storage compartments in a variety of locations. The storage compartment may be out of registry with a dispenser for the dish washing tub. The storage compartment may include a safety feature. The storage compartment may include a sealing mechanism.

Abstract: A sous vide device and method of using the same may include a body that is fully submergible in a container of water and may wirelessly communicate with an external device, e.g., to control an external heating element during sous vide cooking. Further, a sous vide device may include a rechargeable battery capable of being wirelessly recharged from a charging dock. In addition, a sous vide device may include a moisture sensor for use in changing the activation state of a heating element and/or a turbidity sensor for use in changing the activation state of a water circulator of the sous vide device.

Abstract: A fixture for appliance manufacturing and transport of the assembled appliance supports vertically movable components of the appliance at differing elevations during manufacturing and continues to at least partially support the components during the transport after assembly. A particular use of the fixture is in the manufacture of a washing machine which has a suspended wash tub and drive assembly and an outer cabinet. The fixture is composed of a main support and a cabinet support with the main support being vertically movable relative to the cabinet support, yet held by the cabinet support in a fixed horizontal position. The wash tub and drive assembly is supported during use by a suspension system connected between the wash tub and cabinet and with the use of the fixture, a portion of the weight of the wash tub is supported at all times during the assembly process and during shipping, relieving the cabinet from bearing that weight.

Abstract: An automatic washer is provided which includes a control for automatically operating an agitator drive motor at a speed or other parameter of agitator operation, dependent upon a selected liquid level for the wash cycle. Such an arrangement results in a uniform wash action at varying wash liquid levels.

Abstract: A hose retainer is provided for removably securing hoses within a cabinet of the appliance. The retainer includes a hook for securing the apparatus to a structure inside the appliance, a slit for receiving an end of a hose, and in one embodiment at least one aperture for receiving an end of a second hose. In a second embodiment the apparatus includes an arm and projection for securing an end of the second hose. The appliance includes access ports for affording access to a portion of the hoses.

Abstract: A hose retainer is provided for removably securing hoses within a cabinet of the appliance. The retainer includes a hook for securing the apparatus to a structure inside the appliance, a slit for receiving an end of a hose, and in one embodiment at least one aperture for receiving an end of a second hose. In a second embodiment the apparatus includes an arm and projection for securing an end of the second hose. The appliance includes access ports for affording access to a portion of the hoses while they are in their stored position and further includes an electrical plug storage aperture for holding the electrical cord in a stored, yet accessible location during shipping.

Abstract: A shipping restraint system for an appliance having movable suspension components is provided which includes a plurality of locking pins engagable in apertures in the components to prevent their movement during shipping. The locking pins are held in place by cotter pins which are attached to a cord directed to the exterior of the appliance. Removal of the cotter pins will cause the locking pins to fall under gravity bias from the apertures into receiving cups thereby unlocking the movable components.