Abstract: A power transfer device is provided. The power transfer device includes a circuit arrangement including a primary side having a primary coil; a secondary side having a secondary coil inductively coupled to the primary coil and a load transformation unit; wherein the load transformation unit includes an inductor and a capacitor; wherein the secondary coil, the inductor and the capacitor respectively includes a first terminal and a second terminal; wherein the first terminal of the secondary coil is coupled to the first terminal of the capacitor, the second terminal of the capacitor is coupled to the first terminal of the inductor, and the second terminal of the inductor is coupled to the second terminal of the secondary coil.

Abstract: A system and a device for wirelessly transferring power without a cable are provided. A wireless electromagnetic receiver includes a first device configured to be magnetized based on an electromagnetic field. The wireless electromagnetic receiver further includes a second device configured to transform the magnetization of the first device into a power, the second device being not in contact with the first device.

Abstract: A system and a device for wirelessly transferring power without a cable are provided. A wireless electromagnetic receiver includes a first device configured to oscillate based on an electromagnetic field. The wireless electromagnetic receiver further includes a second device configured to transform the oscillation of the first device into a power, the second device being in contact with the first device.

Abstract: A system and a device for wirelessly transferring power without a cable are provided. A wireless electromagnetic receiver includes a first device configured to oscillate based on an electromagnetic field. The wireless electromagnetic receiver further includes a second device configured to transform the oscillation of the first device into a power, the second device being in contact with the first device, and the second device including a precharged capacitor.

Abstract: A control architecture for electric vehicle wireless power transmission systems that may be segmented so that certain essential and/or standardized control circuits, programs, algorithms, and the like, are permanent to the system and so that other non-essential and/or augmentable control circuits, programs, algorithms, and the like, may be reconfigurable and/or customizable by a user of the system. The control architecture may be distributed to various components of the wireless power system so that a combination of local or low-level controls operating at relatively high-speed can protect critical functionality of the system while higher-level and relatively lower speed control loops can be used to control other local and system-wide functionality.

Abstract: A system for power transfer is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes an inductive power device, such as a device that transmits or receives power over an inductive coupling. For example, an adjustable impedance is coupled to the inductive power device, where the adjustable impedance is used for dynamically controlling the power gain in the inductive power device, such as by damping power generated by circuit impedances, such as inductances, capacitances or resistances, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An electric household appliance has a low-voltage capacitive power means (10) connected to an electrical power network (3) and is designed to generate a low-voltage (S2,V2). The low-voltage capacitive power means (10) comprise a capacitive dividing circuit (28) comprising a first (30) and second input terminal (31) connected to a first and second power line (3) at a first (V1) and second (VREF) predetermined potential respectively; a first output terminal (32) adapted to generate said low-voltage enabling signal (S2); first (37) and second charge-accumulating means (38) connected between said first and second input terminal; and at least one voltage limiter (40) connected parallel to said second charge-accumulating means (38) and designed to switch from a non-conducting to a conducting state when subjected to a voltage above a predetermined breakdown voltage (VZ).

Abstract: A voltage-stabilizing automatic change-over switch (200) includes a capacitive circuit (202) that receives an input voltage from supply mains, a rectifier with a filter unit (204) that receives an input voltage from the capacitive circuit and converts it to a DC voltage. The voltage drop across the capacitive circuit is directly proportional to the input voltage. Two single-pole relay switches (208) are directly connected to the rectifier with the filter unit (204). A voltage controller (206) maintains a voltage across the single-pole relay switches such that the voltage does not exceed a threshold voltage. The single-pole relay switches select either the supply mains or an input supply from a generator and connect to a load (210). The single-pole relay switches select the supply mains when coils of the single-pole relay switches are energized by the supply mains.

Abstract: A phase changeover switch selects that phase of a three-phase supply system which has the lowest loading for forwarding to a single-phase connection.

Abstract: A circuit breaker module includes an electrically controlled actuator, such as a DC motor, operable to move a breaker contact between open and closed positions. An actuator power supply circuit coupled to an AC power source is configured to selectively energize the actuator, responsive to an actuation input. A processing circuit is configured to control the actuator power supply circuit to activate the actuator in response to breaker command signals, using the actuation input. The processing circuit is further configured to delay activations of the actuator as needed to enforce a predetermined cooling interval between successive actuations.

Abstract: A three-phase rotary electrical machine including a stator including a stator core including split cores, a rotor, a bobbin attached to each of the split cores, a winding being wound around each split core to which the bobbin is attached, and a bobbin unit including three of the bobbins which are arranged in a circumferential direction of a rotation axis as one unit, wherein the bobbin positioned at a center of the bobbin unit are formed in a bendable manner integrally with the bobbins positioned adjoining to the bobbin positioned at the center, the bobbin unit is sealed with the bobbin unit positioned adjoining thereto, and a cooling passage extending in the axial direction is provided at each clearance between the windings for three phases.

Abstract: In a stator manufacturing method to manufacture a stator in which divided-core assemblies are arranged in a cylindrical shape, each of which includes a divided-core member having a teeth portion on which a coil is wound. In this method, the divided-core assemblies are inserted in the cylindrical shape into a fixed mold, resin sheets containing glass fibers or carbon fibers are disposed on coil-end portions of the cylindrically-arranged divided-core assemblies, and a slide part of a movable mold applies pressure to and molds the resin sheets, thereby combining the divided core assemblies into a single unit. The movable mold is operated to position the divided-core assemblies in place by a cylindrical part and then apply pressure to and mold the resin sheets by the slide part.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module. The module can include a housing, which can define a machine cavity. In some embodiments, a coolant jacket can be at least partially positioned within the housing. In some embodiments, a plurality of coolant apertures can be disposed through at least a portion of the housing to fluidly connect the coolant jacket and the machine cavity. The coolant apertures can comprise a first group configured and arranged to direct a first volume from the coolant jacket. The coolant apertures can comprise a second group configured and arranged to direct a second volume from the coolant jacket. In some embodiments, the first volume can be greater than the second volume.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotary electric machine having a tubular body, in turn having a cylindrical wall; and a plurality of clips formed integrally with the cylindrical wall and configured so that each pair of facing clips defines a seat for housing an active sector.

Abstract: An operating device for a machine includes a shaft having a channel extending through the shaft and includes a fluid mover coupled to the shaft. The fluid mover is in flow communication with the channel to channel a fluid through the channel to facilitate treating the shaft with the fluid.

Abstract: A cooling structure of a generator motor includes: a rotor holder; a rotor core; a first blade; and a second blade, wherein the second blade includes a recessed coolant holding portion, provided on an outer circumference of the second blade on an opposite side to the rotor core and opening inward in the radial direction, for collecting a coolant, and a drain hole radially penetrating an outer circumference of the coolant holding portion for draining the coolant collected in the coolant holding portion.

Abstract: The electric rotating machine includes a cooling means for supplying liquid coolant to the stator winding. The stator winding includes a plurality of conductor segments each having a pair of in-slot portions, a turn portion connecting the in-slot portions and skew portions respectively extending from the in-slot portions. Joint portions where distal end portions of respective corresponding two of the skew portions are joined to each other are formed on one axial end side of the stator core. The joint portions are disposed at a substantially constant pitch and in multiple circular rings. The joint portions are also disposed in a plurality of rows in the axial direction, each row of the joint portions being covered and bridged together by an insulating resin member. A gap is provided between each circumferentially adjacent two of the rows of the joint portions.

Abstract: A magnetic motor generator wherein electric power is produced by rotating a one-piece magnetic floating flywheel assembly that rotates in a rolling motion. The flywheel assembly is operated by linear induction motors and is repelled upward by a stationary natural magnet. The floating flywheel assembly magnetic axel rotates inside double magnetic collar bearings, which have repelling stationary magnets to center the axel at speed while moving along a support frame. The floating flywheel assembly will have no physical contact with other components in order to prevent bearing losses at speed. The moving components are also enclosed in a vacuum chamber in order to prevent wind resistance, or windage losses at speed. The floating flywheel assembly rotors rotate inside generator stators in order to generate electric power.

Abstract: A hybrid driving force transmission device includes a motor generator (9), a multi-plate dry clutch (7), a housing cover (60), a dust seal member (62), and a dust collection structure (63). The multi-plate dry clutch (7) is disposed at a position inner than the motor generator (9). The housing cover (60) is provided to cover the motor generator (9) and the multi-plate dry clutch (7), and divides the internal space into a clutch chamber (64) and a motor chamber (65). The dust seal member (62) is disposed at a position radially outside of a clutch chamber open surface (66) and seals between a rotor (92) and an inner wall (60a) of the housing cover (60). The dust collection structure (63) forms a dust collection space (69) in a region radially between the seal surface (68) formed by the dust seal member (62) and the clutch chamber open surface (66).

Abstract: A power generator (1) in a vertical design supplying electrical power comprising a base support assembly (4) for the vertical armature (2). A hydraulic system to a fluid chamber (23) within the base support assembly (4) to raise the armature (2) and then suspend the armature (2) during rotating movement. A sleeve fitting shaft support assembly (5) with a pressurized lubricating system to the sleeve fitting (29). An electrical motor (7) with a clutch (6) to provide rotational drive to the hydraulically suspended armature (2) to supply electric power to an electrical load (21) and to supply electrical power to replace the initial outside power (17) to operate the generator.

Abstract: For an object on a bearing mounting having a magnetic bearing providing a magnetic field generally produced by an electromagnet, the bearing is regulated based on a position of the object relative to the bearing. The position of the object is determined by reference to an estimate of the inductance obtained using a least squares method, in which the electrical resistance of the bearing is taken into account. The resistance is subject to variations, for example due to temperature fluctuations; however, the electrical resistance can be estimated by regulating the inductance error, ?{circumflex over (L)}={circumflex over (L)}2,sLS?{circumflex over (L)}1,sLS down to zero, where the resistance adjustment facility may be a low-pass filter and an integration controller.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention generally relate to a novel magnet arrangement to further enhance the performance of the array. The new arrangement of magnets (for example, five configurations) can result in significantly much higher percentage gain in magnetic flux with respect to the largest magnetic flux of a component magnet, as compared to Halbach array configurations.

Abstract: Permanent magnet electrical machine rotors and construction methods therefor are disclosed. Permanent magnet electrical machine rotors may include at least one magnet and at least one retention element. The at least one magnet may have a surface. An axial relative force maintained between the at least one magnet and the at least one retention element may urge the retention element along the surface to induce a hoop stress in the at least one retention element and a compressive stress within the at least one magnet.

Abstract: A brushless DC motor including a rotor capable of minimizing demagnetization of a magnet even when a short-circuit brake operation is performed by short-circuiting motor coils includes two kinds magnets differing in coercive force from each other which are alternately arranged into an annular shape along a circumferential direction. A magnet having a high coercive force is arranged in the portion where a diamagnetic flux is strongly generated. The portion where a diamagnetic flux is generated is the salient pole portion of a stator. A counter electromotive force becomes greatest when the center of the salient pole portion of the stator comes closer to the border of an N-pole and an S-pole of the magnet. Since the diamagnetic flux has a maximum value in that position, the magnet having a high coercive force is arranged near the border of an N-pole and an S-pole.

Abstract: An ?-wound coil is formed by winding ends on both sides of a predetermined intermediate position of a wire rod from air-core end edges of both the ends toward an outer circumferential side to form two coil portions and superimposing the formed two coil portions to be opposed to each other. When the electromagnetic coil is subjected to bending molding to be adapted to a shape along the cylindrical surface on which the electromagnetic coil is arranged, the circumferential length of a bent-molded shape along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical surface of a first coil portion arranged on the inner circumferential side is set to be smaller than the circumferential length of a bent-molded shape along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical surface of a second coil portion arranged on the outer circumferential side.

Abstract: A method for producing a cage rotor for an asynchronous machine is provided. The method includes providing a rotor body having a conductor bar segment in which conductor bars are provided, producing conductor bar slots in the conductor bar segment, wherein one conductor bar slot is provided for each of the conductor bars and producing short circuit ring recesses for short circuit rings, wherein the conductor bar slots each open into the short circuit ring recesses, pressure die casting cage material in the conductor bar slots, in situ, so that the conductor bars are formed of the conductor bar material in the conductor bar slots and the short circuit rings are formed in the short circuit ring recesses, and generating an area in the conductor bar material and the rotor body material including a metallurgical bond between the conductor bar material and the rotor body material at interfaces between the conductor bars and the rotor body.

Abstract: The vehicular brushless AC generator comprises: a bobbin disposed surrounding the axial end face of the thick ring portion of the yoke and the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion so that an exciting coil can be wound thereon; a plate extending radially outwardly from an end of the cylindrical portion, for joining the bobbin to the yoke; and a stator disposed outside the rotor retaining an air gap, in which magnetic flux produced by the exciting coil propagates; wherein the bobbin is provided with a thick portion for extending a creeping distance, formed along the outer circumferential edge of the bobbin joined to the yoke.

Abstract: A method for securing the end sections of an annular laminated article, such as a stator core, which includes a plurality of serially joined sections, each section formed of a plurality of stacked, planar laminas. The article is initially manufactured in a liner form, and is then formed into an annular form with the end sections disposed adjacent one another. At least one tab associated with one of the end sections is displaced by a forming tool into a corresponding cavity of the other of the end sections to secure the end sections together. In another embodiment, a pair of tabs each associated with one of the end sections are respectively displaced toward one another and into corresponding respective cavities each associated with the other of the end sections to secure the end sections together.

Abstract: A coil back yoke has laminated structure in which a plurality of annular components are stuck together along the axis direction of a cylinder, the annular component is formed of a soft magnetic body and has structure in which a plurality of divided annular components having a shape divided along the circumferential direction of an annular ring are stuck together in an annular shape, and, to prevent joint portions formed in the annular components by sticking together the divided annular components along the circumferential direction of the annular ring from lining up on a straight line parallel to the axis direction of the cylinder, the joint portions of at least a part of the plurality of annular components are stuck together while being shifted along the circumferential direction of the annular ring with respect to the joint portions of the other annular components.

Abstract: A rotating electrical machine is presented and includes a rotor, rotatable about an axis and is surrounded concentrically by a stator and has a hollow cylindrical rotor laminated core, which includes a layered lamination stack made up of a multiplicity of ring-section-shaped lamination segments which are acted upon by a pressing plate in order to distribute the pressure and are clamped by bolts which pass in an axial direction through the rotor laminated core, and which engages with a concentric central body of the rotor by means of axial slots on the internal radius of the rotor laminated core in order to transmit torque. The machine also includes slots formed in each case by pairs of radially inwardly aligned cams which are arranged on the internal radius of the lamination segments and are separated from one another by the width of the slot.

Abstract: Brush holder (1, 1?) for an electrical swivel, wherein the brush holder (1, 1?) is provided with an electrically conductive body (10), provided with means (11,12) for connecting the body (10) to a feed line (30) for electrical energy and provided with at least one recess (13) for receiving a brush (40) adapted to transfer electrical energy towards a connector (20), wherein the brush (40) is connected to the body (10) by means of a electric wire (14) for the transfer of electrical energy from the body (10) towards the brush (40) and by means of a spring (41) for allowing the brush (40) to be pushed out of the recess (13) and to protrude from the surface (80) of the body (10) adapted to face the connector (20) and for urging the brush (40) against the connector (20).

Abstract: Provided are an actuator that is small, superior in terms of high-speed response, and capable of large displacement, and a manufacturing method that can easily manufacture the actuator. The actuator is configured by a laminated body including multiple electrodes, multiple cation-exchange resin films, and multiple anion-exchange resin films. The cation-exchange resin films and the anion-exchange resin films are stacked alternately, and each of the cation-exchange resin films and the anion-exchange resin films is sandwiched between two of the electrodes. A voltage is applied such that the electrodes between adjacent ones of the cation-exchange resin films and anion-exchange resin films have the same polarity.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a laminated ceramic electronic component enables formation of a plating film as at least a portion of an external electrode which connects exposed ends of internal electrodes. A component main body including a plurality of ceramic layers and a plurality of internal electrodes partially exposed from the component main body is prepared such that the component main body has a conductive region formed by diffusion of a conductive component included in the internal electrodes at the end surfaces of the ceramic layers located between adjacent exposed ends of the plurality of internal electrodes. The ceramic layers are preferably composed of a glass ceramic containing a glass component of about 10 weight % or more. A plating film is formed directly on the component main body by growing the exposed ends of the internal electrodes and the conductive region as nucleuses for plating deposition.

Abstract: An electronic component includes: a substrate; a functional element located on the substrate; a wiring located on the substrate and electrically connected to the functional element; a metal ceiling located above the functional element so that a space is formed between the metal ceiling and the functional element; and a sealing portion located on the metal ceiling, wherein the metal ceiling is electrically connected to a signal wiring that is included in the wiring and transmits a high-frequency signal.

Abstract: A planar integrated MEMS device has a piezoelectric element on a dielectric isolation layer over a flexible element attached to a proof mass. The piezoelectric element contains a ferroelectric element with a perovskite structure formed over an isolation dielectric. At least two electrodes are formed on the ferroelectric element. An upper hydrogen barrier is formed over the piezoelectric element. Front side singulation trenches are formed at a periphery of the MEMS device extending into the semiconductor substrate. A DRIE process removes material from the bottom side of the substrate to form the flexible element, removes material from the substrate under the front side singulation trenches, and forms the proof mass from substrate material. The piezoelectric element overlaps the flexible element.

Abstract: An electromechanical rotating actuator arrangement (10) includes a stator (20), a rotor (30), a guide arrangement (50) and an object (40) to be moved. The stator (20) has electromechanically active actuators (22), exhibiting shape changes upon excitation, rigidly attached to a common stator block (24). The rotor (30) has a planar drive surface (32). The electromechanically active actuators (22) have a respective driving surface (26), situated in a common plane (27) parallel to the drive surface (32), for mechanical interaction with the drive surface (32) of the rotor (30). The object (40) to be moved is attached to the rotor (30), giving a rigid mechanical connection between the object (40) and the drive surface (32). The guide arrangement (50) is arranged for restricting translational motions of the rotor (30) perpendicular to the rotation axis (12).

Abstract: Matching layers improve the performance of ultrasonic transducers. Such layers have traditionally required significant effort and expense to be added to ultrasonic transducers. The present invention discloses a method of producing ultrasonic transducers with a matching layer, specifically for ultrasonic transducers utilizing piezopolymer transducer materials. Rather than the conventional method of forming the piezopolymer on a substrate and then attaching a matching layer through which the transducer emits its ultrasound energy, we teach depositing the piezopolymer on a substrate that also serves as a matching layer through which the ultrasound is emitted. Methods of how to select materials and modify their ultrasonic characteristics are also discussed.

Abstract: An energy harvesting device (100) comprises a hollow prismatic body (12) formed of a plurality of faces are coated with a piezoelectric layer thereon, a plurality of elongated cantilevers (14) are arranged spatially from each other and inserted through the faces of the hollow prismatic body (12), the elongated cantilevers (14) are coated with a piezoelectric layer thereon, and at least one inner resilient means (16) of a particular stiffness having one end attached the hollow prismatic body (12) after determined the centre of gravity and mass of the hollow prismatic body (12) and the other end attached to a base (18) in order to be stable on its axis, wherein the device (100) is capable of detecting small amount of environmentally available vibration sources and producing huge vibration to the hollow prismatic body (12) and the cantilevers (14), thereby inducing the device (100) to generate electrical energy. The energy harvesting device (100) is capable of harvesting energy from ambient low scale vibration.

Abstract: A transducer includes a preload adapter having a sleeve portion and an end and a housing including a seating portion and a shaft portion that extends from the seating portion. The transducer also includes a piezoelectric element contained at least partially within a chamber that is at least partially defined by the sleeve portion and shaft portion and a diaphragm coupled to an external side of the end such that motion of the piezoelectric element causes motion of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes: a rectangular piezoelectric element formed of a piezoelectric material, the piezoelectric element having a rectangular excitation portion having an excitation electrode, a frame surrounding a circumference of the excitation portion, a connecting portion connecting one side of the rectangular excitation portion and the frame with a predetermined width; a base plate having a mounting face where a pair of external electrodes electrically connected to the excitation electrode are formed and a base bonding face bonded to one of principal faces of the frame; a lid plate bonded to the other principal face of the frame; and a bonding material for bonding the base plate, the frame, and the lid plate, wherein a trench having a length equal to or more than the predetermined width of the connecting portion is formed in at least one of the frame, the base plate, and the lid plate.

Abstract: A mesa-structure crystal element includes a circumferential portion having a thin thickness, a first convex portion formed on a plane in a center side from the circumferential portion and having a first height from the circumferential portion in a first principal face and a first planar shape, and a second convex portion formed in a center side from the circumferential portion and having a second height from the circumferential portion in a second principal face opposite to the first principal face and a second planar shape, wherein at least one of an area and a planar shape is different between the first planar shape of the first convex portion and the second planar shape of the second convex portion, or the first height of the first convex portion is different from the second height of the second convex portion.

Abstract: An upper corner cabinet includes front and rear frames separated from each other, first and second lateral panels each extending from the front frame to the rear frame and including an end pivotally joined to the front frame and another end joined to the rear frame and being foldable, a bottom panel selectively abutted against the front and rear frames and the first and second lateral panels, and a top panel selectively positioned above the bottom panel and abutted against the front and rear frames and the first and second lateral panels. Moreover, the upper corner cabinet is operable in an extended position and a collapsed position and able to be changed therebetween without the aid of a tool.

Abstract: A protective case for an electronic device includes a main housing and a lid. The main housing and lid are removably joined to define an air and water tight volume receiving an electronic device. Air trapped within the protective case transfers acoustic energy from a sound source within the case to at least one membrane wherein the membrane vibrates in response to an air pressure differential transmitting sound to an exterior of the case.

Abstract: An electronic device enclosure includes a rear panel and a blocking board. The rear panel comprises a front surface and a back surface opposite to the front surface. A through opening is defined in the rear panel. The blocking board comprises a main body, a first flange and a second flange opposite to the first flange. A first stopping piece is extends from the first flange. A second stopping piece is extended from the second flange. A latch portion is located on the first flange. A first protrusion is located on the second flange. The latch portion and the second protrusion extend through the through opening by being elastically deformed, the latch portion and the second protrusion abut on the front surface, and the first stopping piece and the second stopping piece abut on the back surface.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes a panel, a first mounting part and a second mounting part. The first mounting part and the second mounting part each include buckling pieces. Part of buckling pieces are moveable mounted on the first mounting part for mounting the first mounting part on a side of a cabinet. The another buckling pieces are immovable mounted on the second mounting part for mounting the second mounting part on an opposite side of the cabinet. When the buckling pieces of the first mounting part are in a free state, the buckling pieces of the first mounting part are attached on the other one of the two opposite sidewalls of the cabinet. When the buckling pieces of the first mounting part are pushed to move towards the second mounting part, the first mounting part are detached from the other one of the two opposite sidewalls of the cabinet.

Abstract: The instant invention is a multi-purpose, adjustable voting booth adapted to provide a single structure which is can be used as a standard sized voting booth as well as a voting booth that is usable by wheel chair bound individuals. The voting booth in accordance with the instant invention therefore, provides for a privacy booth that can be adjusted in a vertical, angular, or combination, manner. The voting booth is also adapted to be nestable with like shaped voting booths therefore eliminating the need for excessive storage.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for monitoring and/or controlling access to interior portions of consumer-operated kiosks and other enclosures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a consumer-operated kiosk includes an enclosure having a door movable between a closed position that prevents access to the enclosure and an open position that permits access to the enclosure. In this embodiment, an identifier, such as an RFID transponder or tag, is mounted to one of the enclosure or the door, and a reader, such as an RFID reader, is mounted to the other of the enclosure or the door. When the door is closed, the reader detects the identifier. Conversely, when the door moves away form the closed position, the reader ceases to detect the identifier and can generate/send a signal indicating that the door is open.

Abstract: We disclose interactive furniture having a solid translucent surface that produces a light or sound output in response to a signal generated from an external stimulus. Preferably, at least a portion of the solid surface lights up when touched, and remains lit as programmed. The device is particularly useful in public spaces, such as restaurants, museums, and waiting rooms and has developmental and entertainment value.

Abstract: A lower corner cabinet includes front and rear frames, front panel, first and second lateral panels, and a door panel. The rear frame is separated from the front frame. The front panel extends from the front frame. The first lateral panel includes an end pivotally joined to the front frame and another end pivotally joined to the rear frame and is foldable. The second lateral panel includes an end pivotally joined to the front panel and another end pivotally joined to the rear frame and is foldable. The bottom panel is selectively abutted against the front and rear frames and the first and second lateral panels and pivotally movable. The door panel extends from the front panel to the front frame. Moreover, the lower corner cabinet is operable in an extended position and a collapsed position and able to be changed therebetween without the aid of a tool.

Abstract: A consumer appliance has a soft open door mechanism. The mechanism may include a damping device with a first end mounted to the cabinet and a second end mounted so as to move with the door. The damping device includes a partial fill damper activatable by an opening movement of the door toward the horizontal position to provide an opposing force to slow the door motion. The damper may be configured so as to initiate the opposing force only when the door has moved at least about 45 degrees from the upright position toward the horizontal position, and/or may be configured so that the damper includes a damping coefficient of about 200 to about 240 lb*s/ft.