Sub-zero Group, Inc.

Colin M Hasburgh

Sean T Petersen

Keith R Wanta

A controller device is provided that includes an e-field sensor that includes a transmitter electrode formed of a first conductive material, an isolation layer formed of a dielectric material to at least partially cover the transmitter electrode, a first receive electrode formed on the isolation layer of a second conductive material, and a second receive electrode formed on the isolation layer of the second conductive material, wherein the second receive electrode is a mirror image of the first receive electrode on the isolation layer. A gesture performance by a user within a sensing area of the e-field sensor is detected by comparing a received first signal to a received second signal. When an appliance component is responsive to the detected gesture, a control signal is sent to the appliance component indicating that the appliance component perform an action associated with the detected gesture.

Appliance control using e-field gesture sensor measurement

A shelf electrical signal connector is provided that includes a ladder connector and a shelf connector. The ladder connector mounts to a ladder of a shelving system and includes a spring-loaded contact pin formed of an electrically conductive material and electrically connected to a first wire configured to carry an electrical signal. The shelf connector mounts to a shelf bracket and includes a contact pad formed of an electrically conductive material that is connected to a second wire. The contact pad abuts and rests on the spring-loaded contact pin to electrically connect the first wire to the second wire when the shelf bracket is mounted to the ladder of the shelving system.

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Stoughton, WI, United States of America

Colin M Hasburgh