Abstract:
A rack assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The rack assembly includes one or more modular baskets placed in a primary rack. These baskets are easily removable and portable for loading and prewashing if desired. In addition, each of the modular baskets may have at least one sidewall that is collapsible. The collapsible sidewalls may be collapsed and adjacent baskets may be linked together using clips as needed based on the size of the dishware to be washed. In this manner, the rack assembly and modular baskets provide a convenient, configurable rack system that enables simple and effective loading, unloading, and prewashing of dishware.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for determining an out of balance condition of a washing machine are provided. In particular, a plurality of angular positions of a motor associated with a washing machine can be determined. The washing machine can include a wash tub, and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub. The motor is configured to rotate the wash basket within said wash tub. Data indicative of at least a single phase of motor current being applied to the motor can be obtained while the wash basket rotates. The data can be spatially sampled over at least a subset of the plurality of angular positions of the motor. An out of balance condition associated with the washing machine can be determined based at least in part on the sampled data.
Abstract:
A rack assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The rack assembly includes one or more modular baskets placed in a primary rack. These baskets are easily removable and portable for loading and prewashing if desired. In addition, each of the modular baskets may have at least one sidewall that is collapsible. The collapsible sidewalls may be collapsed and adjacent baskets may be linked together using clips as needed based on the size of the dishware to be washed. In this manner, the rack assembly and modular baskets provide a convenient, configurable rack system that enables simple and effective loading, unloading, and prewashing of dishware.
Abstract:
Clothes dryer wireless moisture data transfer systems and energy-efficient methods of operation thereof are provided. One example method of operating a near field communication (NFC) tag includes determining whether a rotatable drum of a clothes dryer appliance is currently rotating. The NFC tag is secured to the drum. The method includes operating the NFC tag in an ultra-low power mode when it is determined that the drum is not currently rotating. The method includes periodically switching the NFC tag between a normal mode and a low power mode when it is determined that the drum is currently rotating.
Abstract:
A washing machine appliance is provided having one or more features to improve the airflow in the washing machine appliance during a spin cycle and/or an overnight drying cycle. The appliance uses one or more one way valves in an inlet duct and/or an exhaust duct to direct the airflow through the washing machine appliance during spin cycles. Additionally, or alternatively, the appliance provides ambient air through an inlet port positioned proximate to an opening in a wash drum and exhausts the air to the ambient through an exhaust port positioned at a rear end of a wash tub.
Abstract:
An additive dispensing assembly for providing wash liquid to a wash tub of a washing machine appliance is provided. The additive dispensing assembly includes a water supply conduit configured to provide a flow of water to the wash tub. An additive reservoir is connected to the water supply conduit such that the flow of water through the water supply conduit draws in and entrains the wash additive prior to delivery of the wash liquid into the wash tub. The resulting wash liquid has an optimal additive concentration that is proportional to the amount of water delivered to the wash tub.
Abstract:
Methods and systems are provided for operating a wireless communications device powered by a rechargeable battery and for providing charging of the rechargeable battery. More particularly methods are provided for recharging a battery used to provide operating power to a communications device, particularly a near field communications (NFC) device in a clothes dryer. The method and system determine whether the drum of the clothes dryer is rotating and if not rotating is in a proper alignment to enable charging of the battery. Battery charging may take place when the a battery charger, located at a stationary position in the dryer, is aligned or rotated to be aligned, with the communications device. The battery charger may correspond to a reader of the communications device, an inductive charger separate from the reader, or a slip ring arrangement.
Abstract:
A clothes dryer with improved moisture sensing and wireless data transfer is provided. An example drying appliance includes a plurality of sensors positioned inside a drum of the drying appliance. The plurality of sensors are wired together to provide a combined output signal indicative of one or more parameters of clothing inside the drum. The drying appliance includes a near field communication (NFC) tag mounted on an exterior surface of the drum. The NFC tag receives the combined output signal from the plurality of sensors. The drying appliance includes an NFC reader positioned on a stationary member of the drying appliance and receiving external utility power. The NFC reader receives sensor data from the NFC tag and provides the sensor data to a controller, such that the controller can control the drying appliance based on the one or more parameters of the clothing inside the drum.
Abstract:
A lower rack assembly for a dishwasher appliance includes a lower rack configured for receipt of articles for washing, and a lift assembly connected to the lower rack. The lift assembly includes a first arm extending between a first end and a second end, the first end of the first arm pivotally coupled to the lower rack, and a first bracket defining a first slot, the second end of the first arm movably coupled to the first slot. Movement of the lower rack along the vertical direction causes movement of the second end of the first arm relative to the first slot along the transverse direction and pivotal rotation of the first end of the first arm.
Abstract:
Clothes dryer wireless moisture data transfer systems and energy-efficient methods of operation thereof are provided. One example method of operating a near field communication (NFC) tag includes determining whether a rotatable drum of a clothes dryer appliance is currently rotating. The NFC tag is secured to the drum. The method includes operating the NFC tag in an ultra-low power mode when it is determined that the drum is not currently rotating. The method includes periodically switching the NFC tag between a normal mode and a low power mode when it is determined that the drum is currently rotating.