Actuator assembly and associated apparatuses
AssigneeElectrolux Home Products, Inc.
InventorsMichael Bryan Pike, Fred Dennis Kedjierski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An actuator assembly, adapted to move a movable member between a first position and a second position, is provided. Such an actuator assembly comprises an actuator device configured to selectively provide an actuation signal, and an actuatable member operably engaged with the actuator device. The actuator member is operably engaged with a fixed member and extends therefrom into communication with the movable member. The actuatable member is further configured to receive the actuation signal and to change in dimension in response thereto, so as to provide a linear force for moving the movable member, with respect to the fixed member, between the first and second positions. Associated apparatuses are also provided.
Claims17
An actuatable apparatus for a dishwashing appliance, comprising:
- a plurality of movable members each configured to be movable between a first position and a second position;
- an actuator device configured to selectively provide an actuation signal;
- and
- an actuatable member operably engaged with at least one fixed member and extending therefrom into communication with each of the movable members, the actuatable member being configured to receive the actuation signal, and to change in dimension in response thereto, so as to provide a linear force for moving the movable members, with respect to the at least one fixed member, between the first and second positions.
A dishwashing appliance, comprising:
- a tub portion defining a forward access opening;
- a door assembly pivotably engaged with the tub portion and movable between an open position and a closed position, the door assembly in the closed position cooperating with the tub portion to cover the forward access opening, the door assembly defining an upper end opposed to a lower end with respect to the forward access opening;
- and
- at least one actuatable apparatus associated with one of the tub portion and the door assembly, each actuatable apparatus comprising:
- a movable member configured to be movable between a first position and a second position;
- an actuator device configured to selectively provide an actuation signal;
- and
- an actuatable member operably engaged with a plurality of fixed members and extending therefrom into communication with the movable member, a distance between the fixed members being less than a distance between each of the fixed members and the movable member, the actuatable member being configured to receive the actuation signal, and to change in dimension in response thereto, so as to provide a linear force for moving the movable member, with respect to the fixed members, between the first and second positions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.