Abstract: A door locking device for an electrical apparatus, in particular a household appliance, including a lock having a locking slide, supported in the lock and movable back and forth between an opening position and a closing position, having a blocking device for arresting the locking slide in its closing position, and having a locking tang (1, 51) which drops into the lock as the appliance door is being closed and once the appliance door is in its closed state is in engagement with the locking slide, in which a gear mechanism is permanently operative between the locking slide and the locking tang, for converting the drop-in motion of the locking tang upon closure or the dropping-out motion of the locking tang upon opening of the appliance door into a displacement motion of the locking slide (9, 69) once the blocking device is deactivated, and having a compulsory guidance of the locking tang in the lock in such a way that every opening motion of the appliance door from any arbitrary door position, once the blockin

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented for opening an access door having a latch opposite a hinge. The latch locks the access door in a closed position, and may include a pair of parallel locking pins and a connecting member joining the locking pins. The locking pins extend outwardly from the access door and into a pair of holes in an adjacent portion of a frame surrounding the access door. The latch may also include one or more resilient members (e.g., springs) urging the locking pins into the pair of holes. The connecting member and an adjacent fixed portion of the access door are separated by a distance d, and the locking pins extend a distance l into the pair of holes. The present method includes providing a prying member having a first lateral dimension s where s.gtoreq.(d+l) and a second lateral dimension w where w.ltoreq.d. Dimension w of the prying member is inserted between the connecting member and the adjacent fixed portion of the access door.

Abstract: The device includes a housing having an aperture for the introduction of an engagement member fixed to the door, a retainer member mounted movably in the housing and movable between a working position in which it holds the engagement member when the door is closed and enables the domestic electrical appliance to operate, and a rest position in which it allows the engagement member to be released when the door is open and the engagement member to enter the aperture when the door is closed. An electromechanical control device includes a movable locking element movable under predetermined conditions, into a locking position in which it prevents the retainer member from moving from the working position to the rest position. The device further includes stop elements which lock the retainer in the rest position when the door is open, and release this retainer member when the door is closed.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for use with an oven having a door, the latch mechanism including a base plate which pivotably supports a latch member about a pivot point. The latch member is rotatable between a latched and unlatched position and includes a drive surface offset from the pivot point. An actuator pin is supported by the base plate for rectilinear movement wherein the actuator pin has an outer end extending beyond the base plate for engaging the oven door upon closure and an inner end drivingly engaging the drive surface for rotating the latch member into a latched position against a spring bias. The base plate is a molded plastic member having a boss including snap connection means for rotatably supporting the latch member and a sleeve for slidingly supporting the actuator pin for rectilinear movement. A solenoid is mounted to the base plate and has a locking pin selectably movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A dishwasher lock includes a first component adapted to be secured to the underside of a counter top directly above the forward upper edge of a dishwasher and a second component slidably and detachably secured to the first component. The second component includes an L-shaped plate adapted to be disposed in overlying engagement with the front of a dishwasher to prevent opening of the dishwasher door when the second component is secured to the first component.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking an access door of an appliance includes a spring biased catch member preferably attached to the door and a latching housing insert fixed to a cabinet shell of the appliance. Upon closing the door, the catch member is caused to ride up a ramped retaining element mounted in a latching cavity, while simultaneously pivoting a first locking element between release and set positions. When the door is fully closed, the catch member drops behind the retaining element to releasably hold the door closed. When it is desired to maintain the door in a securely locked position, a linear actuator is activated to shift a second locking element into engagement with the first locking element. Preferably, the first and second locking elements are engaged through a ratchet connection which enables continued rotation of the first locking element to only further lock the catch member in the latching cavity.

Abstract: An improvement for a combination steamer and convection oven is described. The improvement includes double access doors in the front of the oven for controlling access to the cooking cavity within. The doors are cam actuated between a closed position, a first open position wherein the doors are cracked to release hot gases from within the cavity and a second open position wherein the doors are fully open. The admission of steam to the cavity is controlled by a positive displacement flapper valve and one or a pair of the ovens can be used, and if a pair is used a single steamer provides steam for either or both cooking cavities.

Abstract: A safety door latch 10 has a base 12 with a shaft 24. A venting disc 30 is rotatably mounted on the base shaft. A lever 50 with a strike locking cam 54 is mounted on the base shaft over the venting disc. Lugs 23, 32 provide for limited relative movements of the locking cam with respect to the venting disc in conjunction with spring bias detenting balls 44.

Abstract: A door interlock includes a pivot arm having a door lock position, a door unlock position, and a latch recess. A latch has a door lock position against the pivot arm, a door unlock position releasing the pivot arm, and a latch projection. A latch operating solenoid is the only solenoid mechanically linked to the latch. A capacitor is supplied by a power supply and is arranged to pulse the latch operating solenoid without pulling down the power supply. The pulsing of the latch operating solenoid by the capacitor causes the latch operating solenoid to move the latch projection of the latch into and out of the latch recess of the pivot arm so that a door is locked and unlocked.

Abstract: A lid lock for a washing machine or the like employs a rapid bistable electromagnetic actuator that can be released immediately upon detecting a ceasing of rotation of the spin basket. The actuator is bistable to operate despite possible power failure during which the spin basket may still be coasting, and is driven by circuitry that stores reserved power to unlock the lid in a power failure situation. These same components can provide protection against entrapment in which the lid closure activates the spin cycle and lock because of a previous initiation of the spin cycle signal. Here, for the spin cycle to be initiated, the spin cycle signal must occur after lid closure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device for controlling a door lock, in particular the door lock of an oven, comprising a U-shaped grip (6) mounted on the locking side (11) of the door opposing the hinges of the door and rotatable about a vertical axis (9) relative to the door, the grip having a vertical grip arm (7) arranged at a distance from the rotational axis (9) of the grip (6), a magnet (22) being provided at the lower side of the grip arm, and a magnetic switch (18) fixed in the oven frame and connected electrically via a direct or indirect circuitry with the control members of the locking mechanism. When the door is closed, the magnet (22) and the magnetic switch (18) are opposite one another.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a dishwasher which enables one step initiation of dishwasher operations is described. The latch assembly also provides that the dishwasher does not operate when the dishwasher door is, or can be, opened. In one embodiment, the latch assembly is configured for use in connection with a dishwasher including a door, a tub, and a keeper secured to the tub. The keeper includes a catch and a lock release projection. The latch assembly includes a handle and at least one switch. The handle includes a latch and has a closed position and an open position. The latch is configured to engage the keeper catch when the door is closed and to disengage from the keeper catch when the handle is in the open position. The latch assembly further includes a switch actuator configured to actuate the switch so that the switch is in a conducting state when the door is substantially closed and so that the switch is in a non-conducting state when the handle is substantially in the open position.

Abstract: An oven door locking device includes a male rod fixed to the door and entering a female member fixed to the oven muffle. The female member includes locking members movable radially to engage in an intermediate groove on the male rod when the door is closed. The oven is unlocked by operating a push-button which pushes an internal bearing ring against an unlocking ring which withdraws the locking members from the internal bore of the female member in order to remove them from the groove in the male rod.

Abstract: A lid switch for disabling a top loading washing machine when the lid is raised is provided in which an arcuate arm passing downward from the lid near the hinge of the lid curves around the hinge axis into a space behind the lid under the top surface of the washing machine. A switch positioned above this top surface and having a downwardly extending operator may be actuated by this arm, the arm which serves to trap water from the washing machine tub area and by passing through a rim extending downward into the tub resists tampering with the switch. In one embodiment, the arcuate arm strikes a rocker arm permitting further displacement of the switch away from the tub. The rocker arm may be in two halves which pivot with respect to each other held in angular relationship by a detent.

Abstract: A security locking device for coin-operated commercial washers and dryers for articles of clothing, bed linen, and the like, prevents the theft of such articles during the operation of the appliance by locking the door of the appliance. The security locking device functions in cooperation with the coin box and the appliance controls.

Abstract: A lid switch for disabling a top loading washing machine when the lid is raised is provided in which an arcuate arm passing downward from the lid near the hinge of the lid curves around the hinge axis into a space behind the lid under the top surface of the washing machine. A switch positioned above this top surface and having a downwardly extending operator may be actuated by this arm, the arm which serves to trap water from the washing machine tub area and by passing through a rim extending downward into the tub resists tampering with the switch. In one embodiment, the arcuate arm strikes a rocker arm permitting further displacement of the switch away from the tub. The rocker arm may be in two halves which pivot with respect to each other held in angular relationship by a detent.

Abstract: A washing machine has a door mounted for rotation between open and closed positions. An electrical solenoid is connected to the door by means of a wire so that when the wire is pulled by the solenoid, the door is opened from a closed position, or closed from an open position. A torsion spring is connected to the door for storing energy while the door is being opened or closed, and then releasing the stored energy to maintain the door in the open or closed position. The wire is flexible to enable the door to be manually opened without actuating the solenoid.

Abstract: In a door latching and switch contact controlling device, an actuator having first and second radially extending angularly spaced apart members is mounted on a common shaft in a housing with a latching member for the member and actuator to rotate together. A striker fastened to a door strikes the first radially extending member when the door closes to turn the actuator so the second member rotates into an opening in the striker to thereby conceal the first member. An electroresponsive device positions a latching element into the path of a stop on the latching member when the device is energized, thereby preventing the actuator from turning reversely if an attempt is made to open the door.

Abstract: A device is presented which converts longitudinal motion in a first axis to longitudinal motion in a second axis. The device is comprised of a push-rod having an inclined plane. A probe engages the inclined plane causing said push-rod to longitudinally move in the first axis when said probe moves longitudinally in the second axis.

Abstract: A microwave oven having a cavity and a door for closing off the cavity. The oven is fitted with a pressure actuated safety catch device which prevents opening of the door as a consequence of a sudden pressure increase in the cavity. The sudden pressure increase in the cavity is used to activate the safety catch device which catches the locking device of the door.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus, a latching construction therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the latching construction comprising a frame carrying a movable latch member and a drive unit operatively interconnected to the latch member to move the latch member between the latching and unlatching positions thereof, the drive unit comprising a cylinder having opposite ends and a movable piston extending from one of the opposite ends and being operatively interconnected to the latch member, the drive unit having an actuator to extend the piston so as to be adapted to move the latch member from its non-latching position thereof to its latching position thereof when the actuator is first actuated for a door locking operation thereof, the drive unit having a rotatable cam operatively interconnected to the piston and to the latch member so as to be adapted to permit the piston to be retracted after the latch member has been moved to the latching position thereof by the first actuation of the actuating unit while

Abstract: A cooking apparatus, a latching construction therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the latching construction comprising a frame carrying a movable latch member and a drive unit operatively interconnected to the latch member to move the latch member between the latching and unlatching positions thereof, the drive unit comprising a cylinder having opposite ends and a movable piston extending from one of the opposite ends and being operatively interconnected to the latch member, the drive unit having an actuator to extend the piston so as to be adapted to move the latch member to its latching position thereof and to retract the piston so as to be adapted to move the latch member to the non-latching position thereof.

Abstract: A lock for a door latch which includes a bolt moveable from a first position where the door is unlatched to a second position where the latch engages the door to hold the latch in the second position at selected temperatures.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus, a latching construction therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the latching construction comprising a frame carrying a movable latch member and a drive unit operatively interconnected to the latch member to move the latch member between the latching and unlatching positions thereof, the drive unit comprising a cylinder having opposite ends and a movable piston extending from one of the opposite ends and being operatively interconnected to the latch member, the drive unit having an actuator to extend the piston so as to be adapted to move the latch member from its non-latching position thereof to its latching position thereof when the actuator is first actuated for a door locking operation thereof, the drive unit having an additional unit adapted to cause the piston to be retracted after the latch member has been moved to the latching position thereof by the first activation of the actuating unit while maintaining the latch member in its latching position until the actuating

Abstract: An oven safety door latch has a pair of elongated latch arms pivotably connected to each other and to a base at a point intermediate their length. The arms project beyond the base and have end portions with opposed latching noses. A pawl is rotatably mounted on the base adjacent an end of the arms and has a blocking element engageable with the arms. A spring biases the latch arms and thereby the noses towards each other, and a stop element limits this movement of the noses towards each other. A thermally responsive element is operatively connected to the pawl to rotate it between a first position in which the blocking element is spaced from the arms, and a second position in which the blocking element is engaged with the end portions of the arms to limit their movement and thereby the movement of the noses away from each other to maintain the latch in engagement with the oven door.

Abstract: A furnace of the type for supplying circulating heated air to an comfort space, the furnace being contained within a cabinet, having a door allowing access to the interior thereof, which is set in a door frame, wherein the furnace is capable of operating in at least any vertical orientation, an improvement comprising. The bottom end of the door is removably retained against a bottom portion of the door frame, via a hinge, when the furnace is any vertical orientation. At least one latch is located adjacent the top end of the door when the furnace is in any vertical orientation, the latch being constructed to engage a mated door strike; and at least one door strike is located in both a top portion and a bottom portion of the door frame.

Abstract: An out-of-balance condition detecting system with a lid actuated switching assembly for interrupting operation of a washing machine upon detection of an out-of-balance (OOB) condition or upon a lid of the washing machine being open. The system includes pneumatic generating units for generating a predetermined fluidic pressure in response to excursions of a tub of the washing machine during a spin cycle; an actuator which is fluidly coupled to such generating units for providing an actuating position corresponding to the OOB condition; and a switching assembly which includes a switch responsive to the actuator in its actuating position to interrupt the OOB condition. The switch is further responsive to the lid to deenergize the motor upon the lid being in an open position. The switch which can be either mechanically or magnetically actuated may be designed such that once the OOB condition has been detected, a user is required to open the lid in order to reset operation of the washing machine.

Abstract: A device is provided for locking a compartment lid such as the hood of a motor vehicle. The device comprises an element adapted to sit on a portion of the hood and a portion of an adjacent fender surface, a strap attached to the element and extending through a gap between the hood and fender into the compartment interior, a hook on the strap to attach the strap to the vehicle in the compartment, and a mechanism such as a reel to remove slack from the strap and hold the element securely against the hood and adjacent fender surface.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine including a washing tub containing a drum and a door for closing the drum provided with a door interlock arrangement. The door interlock arrangement includes an electromagnet (1), a main sliding element (4), a door catch (5), a spring (6) forcing said main sliding element back to its resting position, an inclined plane (9) of the door catch, a switch (2) actuated by the main sliding element (4), a device (10) that is electrically energized during spin-extraction phases only, a peg (11) projecting from the device (10) when the latter is not energized, and a recess (12) for accommodating the projecting peg (11) in the main sliding element (4). The main sliding element (4) also includes a recess (8) for accommodating the door catch (5). A secondary sliding element (3) is provided so as to be able to slide transversely with respect to the main sliding element (4).

Abstract: An oven comprises a cooking chamber having a movable door (3) hinged on the forward surface (2) of said oven and provided with a hook (4) comprising a nose (5) and a catch (6). The hook enters an opening (9) in the forward surface to actuate a movable locking element (7). The locking element comprises a wheel (20) pivotally mounted on a plate (14) fixed to the forward inside surface of the oven. This wheel comprises a first surface (A) comprising two abutment lugs (22 and 23), a safety lock constituted by a blocking finger (25) fixed on the second surface (B) of the wheel and controlled by a safety spur (24) that projects through an opening (23') transversely to the first surface (A) and adapted, either to come into abutment with stop boss (26) of the plate, or to permit the rotation of the wheel. Application to all closure devices, particularly to a household microwave oven to prevent operation thereof by e.g. a child, when the door is open.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking a cover to a housing of medium and high speed laboratory centrifuges. The locking mechanism includes an axially moveable locking member which has at least one locking portion adapted to be moved in locking engagement with a locking hole of the cover. The axially moveable locking member is rotatably mounted in the housing and connected with a rotary drive. An advancing mechanism transforms the rotary movement of the locking member into an advancing movement thereof. Preferably said advancing mechanism includes a threaded portion provided on the locking member and in engagement with a projection provided on the housing. The locking member has a portion of reduced cross section which may pass through a slot into the locking hole when the cover is moved to its closed position.

Abstract: An improved latching configuration for a side swing door includes a cabinet enclosure with at least one side wall. An opening is formed in the side wall to provide access to an interior of the cabinet. A door is pivotably attached to the side wall to selectively open and close the opening upon a pivoting movement of the door. A latch assembly is provided on the door and/or the side wall for securing the door to the side wall in a closed position. The latch assembly is positioned between a location of attachment of the door to the side wall and a free edge of the door opposite the attachment location, preferably midway between those points.

Abstract: An oven latch mechanism for heat-cleaning ovens is disclosed. The latch mechanism employs a unidirectional rotating d.c. motor to automatically latch the oven door upon initiation of a heat-cleaning operation and to automatically unlatch the door after a heat-clean operation and after the oven has reached a predetermined lower temperature. The latch mechanism includes a latch arm which moves arcuately through a variety of positions. The latch member senses whether the door is open and follows a different path of motion accordingly. If the latch member senses an open door, it returns to an unlatched position.

Abstract: An appliance door latch assembly includes a strike member pivotally mounted to the door frame of an appliance. A spring yieldably urges the strike member to a latch position, and the strike member is movable against the bias of the spring from the latch position. A fixed bolt is mounted to the appliance door and adapted to engage the strike member and urge the strike member upwardly to its unlatch position and then downwardly to its latch position where it engages a latching shoulder on the fixed bolt. In moving from its unlatch position to its latch position, the strike member also engages a moveable handle on the door and forces the moveable handle into engagement with plungers of switches so as to cause the switches to be moved to their closed position only when the door is latched.

Abstract: A door lock having a first member rigidly affixed adjacent a door and having a second member slidably coupled to the first member for slidably advancing the second member in a first direction into a locked position overlying the door. A latch member is carried by the second member for slidable advance of the latch member in a second direction so as to releasably mate the latch member within a latch aperture on the first member, thereby locking the second member in the locked position. A timer is carried by the seond member for withdrawing the latch member from the latch aperature upon expiry of a pre-determined time interval thereby allowing the slidable withdrawal of the second member from the locked position into an open position away from the door.

Abstract: A portable lid lock includes a base plate having a rotatable drum mounted thereon from which a cable will extend for extension or retraction upon rotation of the drum. A cover plate has a peripheral depending wall and is connected to the base plate to enclose the drum within a hollow cavity between the cover and base plates. The cable extends through an aperture in the base plate and has a hook connected to the free end thereof. A rotatable handle is mounted on the drum. A cover plate has a peripheral depending wall and is connected to the base plate to enclose the drum within a hollow cavity between the cover and base plates. The cable extends through an aperture in the base plate and has a hook connected to the free end thereof. A rotatable handle is mounted on the cover plate and has a portion extending through an aperture therein to connect to the drum in order to permit selective rotation of the drum.

Abstract: An oven door latching system has a latch bolt with a latch arm at one end and its other end pivotably connected to a lever through a resilient connection. The lever in turn is pivotably coupled to a positioning device which has a positioning element which is reciprocatable between spaced positions. When the positioning element is moved, pivotal motion is imparted to the other end of the lever, and the connection enables pivotal motion of the latch bolt. A solenoid acts on the positioning device to move the positioning element between its stable positions and produces concurrent motion of the lever to enable movement of the bolt between an oven door latching position and an oven door unlatching position.

Abstract: A safety door lock for a door of an electrical appliance includes a longitudinally displaceable detent bolt mounted in a door of an appliance, a door lock housing having an opening receiving the free end of the detent bolt, and a longitudinally displaceable switching slide that having a stub end adapted to engage with the free end of the detent bolt. After engagement, further longitudinal displacement of the detent bolt causes movement of the switching slide to its "on" position. A biasing mechanism urges the switching slide toward an "off" position in which a detent mechanism latches the detent bolt in a locking position upon insertion of the detent bolt in the door lock housing. The detent mechanism includes a releasable locking latch which clamps the switching slide in the "on" position.

Abstract: A combination unbalanced load and lid switch assembly for an automatic washing machine. A switch is mounted to the side wall of a box-like housing with a spring clip that has a pair of legs extending through horizontal holes in the switch. The switch housing has a diagonally extending horizontal flange with a downwardly extending pivot portion to which is pivotally mounted a lid lever. One end of the lid lever has an actuator arm which extends in aligment to a wire extension of the lid hinge that moves upwardly as the lid is being closed to push the actuator arm upwardly. A substantially vertical unbalanced load lever is pivotally connected to the opposite end of the lid lever and is pulled downwardly against a biasing spring as the lid is closed. The unbalanced load lever has an actuating finger that depresses the plunger of the switch thereby enabling the washer motor when the lid is closed. The unbalanced load lever also has a downward leg that is engagable by the tub during an out-of-balance excursion.

Abstract: A control system is provided for a fabric washing machine including a controller for controlling the machine through a predetermined cycle of operations and having a first state at which the cycle may be initiated and a second state at the end of the cycle. A lid actuated switch is in circuit with a power supply and the controller and is operable between first and second conductive postures by movement of the lid. First circuitry is connected to the first conductive posture of the switch for energizing the controller in the first state to control the machine through the cycle and terminate operation at the second controller state at the end of the cycle. Second circuitry is connected to the second conductive posture of the switch and is operable with the controller in the second state for initiating modification of the controller to the first state to condition the controller for initiation of a new cycle of operations.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus comprising a frame, a cooking chamber carried by the frame, a heating unit carried by the frame and being adapted to be actuated to heat clean the chamber, a switch for permitting the heating unit to heat clean the chamber only when the switch is actuated, a movable door carried by the frame for opening and closing the cooking chamber, a movable latch member carried by the frame and being movable between a non-latching position thereof that permits the door to be opened and closed and a latching position thereof that locks the door in its closed position if the door is in its closed position at the time the latch member is moved to the latching position thereof, and a drive unit carried by the frame and being operatively interconnected to the latch member to move the latch member between the positions thereof, the latch member being movable from the non-latching position thereof to a third position thereof by the drive unit when the drive unit tends to move the latch member from the non-la

Abstract: An oven door latching system has a latch bolt with a latch arm at one end and its other end pivotably connected to a lever through a resilient connection. The lever in turn is pivotably connected to a positioning device which has a positioning slide reciprocatable in a housing and biased towards the lever. A recessed camming surface in the slide seats a follower arm which is adapted to follow a camming surface therein which define two stable positions for the follower arm which are spaced apart in the direction of motion of the slide and at which the follower arm will seat and releasably lock the slide. When the positioning slide is moved, pivotal motion is imparted to the other end of the lever, and the connecting structure enbables pivotal motion of the latch bolt.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapid locking and delayed unlocking of the door closing mechanisms of machines such as washing machines with internal parts which are subject to inertial rotation. A sliding bar (15) is engaged by the hook (100) of the door-latch and is locked during the rotational part of the cycle by a pin (21) actuated by the mobile contact plate (8) of a microswitch through a rocker arm (6) moved by a bimetallic strip (2) suitably heated by a resistor electrically connected to the starting controls of the machine. The mobile contact plate (8) of the microswitch is subjected to the load of an eccentric ratchet (12) to control the insertion time and delayed opening of the door-lock. The bimetallic strip (2), heating resistor (5), and the rocker arm (6) rest one on another to assure that the curving and straightening times of the bimetallic strip (2) remain stable through time.

Abstract: The double action latch employs a strike with two latches and a stop on the opposite side of the latches. The handle actuates a pivotally mounted bracket unit to cause a roller to ride over the first latch while moving a plate into a plate into engagement with the stop. This brings the door into a partially opened position, for example, for venting an oven. The handle is returned to the upright position and then a second pull is effected to move the roller over the second latch so as to permit the door to be fully opened.

Abstract: A washer/dryer lock device (10) to be used in both front loading (101) and top loading (102) machines, wherein the device comprises a sleeve member (14) dimensioned to receive a toothed shaft member (18) and an over-center spring biased lock unit (13) attached to the sleeve member (14) and adapted to releasably engage the shaft member (18) such that a flange element (15) on the sleeve member (14) and a friction pad element (21) on the shaft member (18) can engage opposed surfaces on a machine (101) (102) so as to prevent the machine door (100) from being opened.

Abstract: In a conventional dishwashing machine having a front door biased to closed position by a pair of tension springs connected to rearwardly-extending arms of the door hinges, the addition of a pair of spring-loaded pushers acting on said arms through a restricted stroke and with a door-opening force overcoming the door-closing force of said tension springs. A solenoid-operated latch releasably locks the door in closed position. Said latch is operated by the timer controlled switching assembly of the machine, so as to release the door at the end of the rinsing cycle. Thus, the drying cycle is effected solely through free circulation of ambient air within the washing compartment through the partially-open door opening.

Abstract: A latch for a combination vent and escape hatch for buses and mobile homes. The latch can be used to hold the hatch door in a closed position that is rain-tight. Alternately, with just a push on the hatch door, it can be opened to a vent position and held there by the latch. When the user pushes on a release mechanism, the hatch door can be opened completely to allow an emergency exit from the vehicle. In addition, a release handle located on the outside of the hatch allows rescue workers to gain easy access.

Abstract: A locking device for a door of a washing machine, a spin dryer or the like comprises a locking plate (10a) disposed on the machine and having the opening (11). A catch member (12) disposed on the door is insertable in the opening. In its locking position the catch member engages with an edge (14) bounding the opening in order to keep the door closed. An electrically operable blocking means (19) is provided to prevent the catch member from moving from the locking position as long as a rotatable drum or the like in the machine is operating. A releasing means (22,24,25) is provided to release the blocking means (19) as soon as the rotational movement has ceased. An electrical drive means (22) is provided to move the blocking means (19) to a blocking position against the action of a biasing means (21) which strives to move the blocking means to a lock releasing position.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus, a door latching construction therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the cooking apparatus including a frame, a cooking chamber carried by the frame, a heating unit carried by the frame and being adapted to be actuated to heat clean the chamber, a switch for permitting the heating unit to heat clean the chamber only when the switch is actuated, a movable door carried by the frame for opening and closing the cooking chamber, a movable latch member carried by the frame and being movable between a non-latching position thereof that permits the door to be opened and closed and a latching position thereof that locks the door in its closed position if the door is in its closed position at the time the latch member is moved to the latching position thereof, and a drive unit carried by the frame and being operatively interconnected to the latch member to move the latch member between the positions thereof, the latch member being movable from the non-latching position thereof to a th

Abstract: A door interlock arrangement for an appliance such as a self-cleaning electric oven has an operating lever manually movable in a limited arc to move a door bolt into and out of door latching position and provide further motion to close the door very securely, and has a lock arranged in a novel cooperative relationship with an electrical interlock unit to permit certain appliance operations only when the door is latched and to permit opening of the door after the end of those appliance operations only when a selected appliance zone has cooled to a safe temperature.