Abstract: An apparatus includes a first transverse conveyor, first and second pairs of foldable parallel ramps, and first and second foldable longitudinal conveyors. The transverse conveyor moves material in a first direction. The first pair of foldable parallel ramps extend from a first side of the transverse conveyor. The first foldable longitudinal conveyor is positioned between the ramps of the first pair, and is configured to move material toward the transverse conveyor in a second orthogonal direction. The second pair of foldable parallel ramps extend from a second side of the transverse conveyor and are in alignment with the ramps of the first pair. The second foldable longitudinal conveyor is positioned between the ramps of the second pair and is configured to move material in a third direction that is substantially opposite the second direction.

Abstract: Dishwashing appliances and methods, as provided herein, may include features or steps such as detecting a pressure (P1) at a pressure sensor upstream from a pump while maintaining the pump in an inactive state and activating the pump from the inactive state for an activation period during which the pump remains active to motivate a continuous fluid flow. Dishwashing appliances and methods may further include features or steps for detecting a pressure (P2) at the pressure sensor upstream from the pump during the activation period and initiating a response sequence at the pump based on P1 and P2.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance equipped with leak detection features and a method of detecting leak conditions during an operation cycle of a dishwasher are provided. In one aspect, the dishwasher appliance includes a tub having a sump. A pressure sensor is mounted to the sump and is configured to monitor the sump pressure during an operation cycle. If the sump pressure falls below a pressure threshold during a circulation cycle, corrective action can be taken. For instance, a circulation pump circulating wash fluid through the tub can deactivated and a static pressure reading can be taken by the pressure sensor. The static pressure reading can be compared to a static pressure reading taken prior to the circulation cycle. In response to whether the static pressure is within a predetermined range of the static pressure reading taken prior to the circulation cycle, the circulation cycle can be recommenced or aborted.

Abstract: A fluid circulation assembly for a dishwasher appliance includes a pump, a diverter, and a valve. The diverter includes an inlet and a plurality of outlet ports. The inlet of the diverter is in fluid communication with the pump for receiving fluid from the pump. The valve is in fluid communication with the diverter via one or more of the plurality of outlet ports. The valve includes a housing, a dual check valve assembly mounted in the housing and a plurality of conduits. The dual check valve assembly selectively directs fluid from the diverter to one or more of the plurality of conduits.

Abstract: Methods of operating a dishwashing appliance are provided herein. A method may include measuring a temperature at a temperature sensor and identifying a runaway heat condition within a wash chamber based on the measured temperature. The method may also include directing a volume of water to the wash chamber in response to identifying the runaway heat condition and circulating the volume of water within the wash chamber for a recirculation period.

Abstract: A flood detection sensor for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The flood detection sensor includes features that allow for detection of flood events or tub overfills without sacrificing performance or efficiency of the dishwasher during normal operating conditions and for secure mounting to a tub lip of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A fluid circulation assembly for a dishwasher appliance includes a pump, a diverter, and a valve. The diverter includes an inlet and a plurality of outlet ports. The inlet of the diverter is in fluid communication with the pump for receiving fluid from the pump. The valve is in fluid communication with the diverter via one or more of the plurality of outlet ports. The valve includes a housing, a dual check valve assembly mounted in the housing and a plurality of conduits. The dual check valve assembly selectively directs fluid from the diverter to one or more of the plurality of conduits.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance and viewable cleaning agent assembly are disclosed herein. The dispensing assembly may include an internal wall, a front cover, a light guide, and a light source. The internal wall may define a storage volume for the receipt of a wash fluid therein. The front cover may selectively cover the storage volume to restrict access thereto. The front cover may be positioned between the storage volume and the wash chamber when the door is in the closed position. The light guide may extend along an axial direction from a forward display surface in front of the storage volume to a rearward contact surface within the storage volume. The light source may be directed through the internal wall toward the rearward contact surface within the storage volume.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first transverse conveyor, first and second pairs of foldable parallel ramps, and first and second foldable longitudinal conveyors. The transverse conveyor moves material in a first direction. The first pair of foldable parallel ramps extend from a first side of the transverse conveyor. The first foldable longitudinal conveyor is positioned between the ramps of the first pair, and is configured to move material toward the transverse conveyor in a second orthogonal direction. The second pair of foldable parallel ramps extend from a second side of the transverse conveyor and are in alignment with the ramps of the first pair. The second foldable longitudinal conveyor is positioned between the ramps of the second pair and is configured to move material in a third direction that is substantially opposite the second direction.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance equipped with flood protection features that proactively attempt to prevent, stop, and/or mitigate flood events is provided. The dishwasher appliance may also include features for determining the cause of the flood event. Moreover, methods for flood protection of the dishwasher appliance are also provided.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a spray nozzle having a housing defining a spray chamber in fluid communication with a fluid circulation assembly. A diversion element is positioned within the spray chamber and is movable between a lowered position and a raised position where it contacts a discharge orifice. The diversion element defines a plurality of flow paths that are randomly oriented relative to the discharge orifice every time the diversion element is moved into the raised position, such as when the fluid circulation assembly cycles off and then on again.

Abstract: A flood detection sensor for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The flood detection sensor includes features that allow for detection of flood events or tub overfills without sacrificing performance or efficiency of the dishwasher during normal operating conditions and for secure mounting to a tub lip of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A turbidity sensor assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The turbidity sensor assembly measures the turbidity of wash fluid in a manner similar to conventional turbidity sensors, but also includes an integral water level indicator. The water level indicator is an opaque buoyant ball that rises and falls with the water level to provide a water level indication that can be used to shut off the drain pump when the sump is empty. More specifically, when the water level drops below a predetermined level, the opaque ball blocks the transmission of light between the emitter and receiver of the turbidity sensor, thus indicating that the sump is almost empty. As a result, the pump operating during a drain cycle need only operate long enough to drain the sump, and this may be achieved without an additional measuring device or complicated control system.

Abstract: A turbidity sensor assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The turbidity sensor assembly measures the turbidity of wash fluid in a manner similar to conventional turbidity sensors, but also includes an integral water level indicator. The water level indicator is an opaque buoyant ball that rises and falls with the water level to provide a water level indication that can be used to shut off the drain pump when the sump is empty. More specifically, when the water level drops below a predetermined level, the opaque ball blocks the transmission of light between the emitter and receiver of the turbidity sensor, thus indicating that the sump is almost empty. As a result, the pump operating during a drain cycle need only operate long enough to drain the sump, and this may be achieved without an additional measuring device or complicated control system.

Abstract: A detergent dispenser module for a dishwashing appliance may generally include a body extending between a top side and a bottom side. The body may include an outer surface extending from the top side and may define a detergent chamber between the outer surface and the bottom side. The detergent chamber may be at least partially formed by an upper sidewall, a lower sidewall and a bottom wall extending between the upper and lower sidewall. In addition, the dispenser module may also include at least one flow diverter extending outwardly from the outer surface at a location adjacent to the upper sidewall of the detergent chamber. The flow diverter(s) may be angled in a direction of a fluid collection opening defined through a top of the upper sidewall such that fluid flowing downwardly along the outer surface of the body is directed into the fluid collection opening.

Abstract: A passive diverter is provided that does not require a dedicated motor to switch between multiple outlet ports. The diverter uses the forces provided by a flow of fluid from a pump to switch between different outlet ports and supply one or more spray assemblies or other fluid-using elements. A separate motor to power the diverter is not required, which allows a savings in costs and space. In addition, a secondary set of ramps may provide a manner in which to “zero” the angular position of the diverter, i.e., place the diverter in a known, home position. This can reduce the additional cost, weight, and complexity of including additional sensors to determine the angular position of the diverter.

Abstract: A variable position diverter that provides wash fluid to selected combinations of outlet ports and spray assemblies. The diverter includes a housing having a first fluid outlet, a second fluid outlet, and a valve disk having four apertures. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the four apertures with one or both of the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through corresponding spray assemblies. Selectively diverting wash fluid in this manner can improve wash performance and reduce cycle time while meeting government regulations regarding water usage.

Abstract: A spray arm assembly includes a spray arm including a plurality of branches connected to each other and arrayed about a center point, each of the plurality of branches defining a passage therethrough and an aperture in fluid communication with the passage. The center point defines a spray arm central axis. The spray arm is rotatable about the spray arm central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes a base conduit defining a passage therethrough, the base conduit defining a base conduit central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes an intermediate conduit connecting the base conduit and the spray arm, the intermediate conduit defining a passage in fluid communication between the passage of the base conduit and the passages of the plurality of branches. The intermediate conduit is rotatable about the base conduit central axis. The spray arm central axis is offset from the base conduit central axis.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a rack assembly disposed within a wash chamber of a tub. First and second spray assemblies are positioned adjacent the rack assembly and configured for directing wash fluid towards the rack assembly. The dishwasher appliance also includes features for selectively directing wash fluid from a supply conduit to the second spray assembly.

Abstract: A variable position diverter that provides wash fluid to selected combinations of outlet ports and spray assemblies. The diverter includes a housing having a first fluid outlet, a second fluid outlet, and a valve disk having four apertures. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the four apertures with one or both of the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through corresponding spray assemblies. Selectively diverting wash fluid in this manner can improve wash performance and reduce cycle time while meeting government regulations regarding water usage.