General Electric Company

Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.

David John Coxon

Edward Simeon Chupka

A vertical axis washing machine appliance having a transmission assembly with a planetary helical gear train is provided. The transmission assembly transmits mechanical power from a torque source to an agitation element so that oscillatory motion may be imparted to laundry articles within a wash basket of the washing machine appliance, e.g., during a wash cycle. The transmission assembly includes features that manage axial thrust loads created by helical gears of the gear train. The transmission assembly also includes features that prevent shuttling of the gears and other components of the transmission assembly.

Planetary helical gear train for a transmission assembly of a washing machine appliance

A ball joint for use within a washing machine suspension system may generally comprise a joint body including a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion may define an outer surface having a curved profile. In addition, the joint body may define at least one lubrication inlet port extending between the upper and lower portions and at least one lubrication channel extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the lower portion along the outer surface. The lubrication channel(s) may be in fluid communication with the lubrication inlet port(s) such that, when a lubricant is injected into the lubrication inlet port(s) at the upper portion of the joint body, the lubricant flows from the lubrication inlet port(s) into the lubrication channel(s) and then flows circumferentially within the lubrication channel(s) along the outer surface.

Ball joint for a washing machine suspension system

The present subject matter provides a hinge for an appliance. The hinge is rotatably mounted to a cabinet of the appliance. The hinge includes a foot configured for receipt by a door of the appliance. Specifically, the foot has a tip that is configured for receipt into a cavity of the door and a substantially planar portion configured to be positioned adjacent a pocket of the door.

Hinge for an appliance

A washing machine appliance is provided with a door rotatably mounted to a cabinet of the appliance with a hinge. The hinge is supported by a bracket that extends between a front panel of the appliance and a flange. By extending between the front panel and the flange, the bracket can provide robust support for the hinge.

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Louisville, KY, United States of America

David John Coxon