Abstract: Provided in this disclosure is a latch assembly including a hook for securing a door of an appliance in a closed position. The hook includes a hook shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and a hook end configured at an angle to the longitudinal axis. A hook guide is provided for receiving and retaining the hook. The hook guide is configured to engage the hook shaft for rotation upon linear advancement in the direction of the longitudinal axis. A mechanical linkage is connected to the hook for transmitting the linear advancement to the hook from a motor. An engagement surface is configured to receive the hook end upon rotation. The engagement surface and the hook end are configured for the securing of the door to the appliance in the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for latching a door having a latching member; a retention cam wherein the retention cam further comprises an extended face and is rotatable about its axis; a spring; a locking member; an actuator; a push out member; and a driving member; wherein the actuator drives the driving member to remove the locking member from contact with the retention cam and the driving member drives the push out member to push the latching member away from the retention cam. The apparatus is capable of assisting both in the latching and unlatching of the device.

Abstract: Provided is an electric motor assembly and method for assembling an electric motor assembly within an appliance. The electric motor assembly eliminates the use of a rigid or flexible circuit board. It also eliminates the need for soldering contacts between the electrical switches, circuit board and motor which can increase the possibility of operational failures. The electric motor assembly further provides a single power point wiring connection between the switch and motor terminals and connector port allowing the motorized device to communicate with an appliance controller. Furthermore, by positioning certain mechanical components for operating electrical switches on the baseplate of the electric motor assembly and eliminating secondary components on adjacent brackets, a reduction in the dimensional tolerance stack-up among the electrical switches can be obtained.

Abstract: Provided is a locking mechanism for a consumer appliance comprising a lid or door position sensing feature incorporating two magnets in a repelling relationship. One magnet is incorporated into a lid pawl and the other magnet is incorporated into a switch actuating component inside of the locking mechanism such that their like poles are facing each other to repel each other when the pawl is moved into the actuation zone of the locking mechanism. By nature, magnets tend to seek attraction alignment, therefore a repelling alignment is contrary to the natural tendency of magnets. Structural rigidity is required in the locking mechanism to hold the magnets in the repelling state. Consequently, it is not easy or intuitive for a user to defeat this sensing method with another magnet.

Abstract: Provided is a locking mechanism incorporating a cost-effective, non-contact lid or door sensing switch that is housed in a hydrophobically sealed enclosure. The lid or door position sensing feature is quiet in operation. The lid or door position sensing switch and the lock position sensing switch both carry high electrical power without the need for additional electrical components. The design also incorporates a spring-loaded lid or door pawl or a breaking pawl that protects the latch from catastrophic failure from a force open event making the appliance inoperable after the occurrence of such an event, thus requiring either the user (or a technician) to replace the pawl in order to operate the appliance.

Abstract: Provided is an electric motor assembly and method for assembling an electric motor assembly within an appliance. The electric motor assembly eliminates the use of a rigid or flexible circuit board. It also eliminates the need for soldering contacts between the electrical switches, circuit board and motor which can increase the possibility of operational failures. The electric motor assembly further provides a single power point wiring connection between the switch and motor terminals and connector port allowing the motorized device to communicate with an appliance controller. Furthermore, by positioning certain mechanical components for operating electrical switches on the baseplate of the electric motor assembly and eliminating secondary components on adjacent brackets, a reduction in the dimensional tolerance stack-up among the electrical switches can be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for latching a door having a latching member; a retention cam wherein the retention cam further comprises an extended face and is rotatable about its axis; a spring; a locking member; an actuator; a push out member; and a driving member; wherein the actuator drives the driving member to remove the locking member from contact with the retention cam and the driving member drives the push out member to push the latching member away from the retention cam. The apparatus is capable of assisting both in the latching and unlatching of the device.

Abstract: A socket of a fluid coupling device includes a housing with a cavity centered on an axis. A pawl, attached to the housing, is pivotable about a pivot location relative to the housing, and has a catch section located axially outward from the pivot location. A spring biases the catch section radially inward. A plug is configured to move axially into the cavity while sliding against the catch section to move the catch section radially outward, against bias of the spring, out of the way of the plug. After an axially-outwardly facing catch surface of the plug passes the catch section, the catch section can pivot radially inward and abut the plug catch surface to capture the plug in the socket.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a wall defining an opening. A first bracket is connected to the wall and defines a first channel. A second bracket is located across the wall opening from the first bracket and defines a second channel. A hinge connects the second bracket to the wall such that the second bracket can pivot from a first position in which the second channel is open toward the wall opening to a second position in which the second channel is open toward the first channel. The brackets are configured to retain the lens in an installed position in which the lens extends across the wall opening, the first bracket captures a first end of the lens, the second bracket is in its second position, and the second channel captures a second end of the lens.

Abstract: A portable welder includes a welder housing. The housing has front and rear vertical end surfaces and left and right side surfaces. The housing further has a horizontal top surface extending forward from the rear surface. An inclined surface faces upward and forward and extends from a front end of the top surface to a top end of the front surface. A front post, equidistant from the side surfaces, extends upward from the inclined surface. A rear post, equidistant from the side surfaces, extends upward from the top surface. A handle, spaced above the top surface, extends from the front post to the rear post. The welder is configured for a user to carry the welder by lifting the handle such that the housing is suspended from the handle by the posts.