Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet, a door, a tub provided within the cabinet, a wireless communication module provided within the cabinet, and a controller in operative communication with the wireless communication module. The controller is configured to perform a series of operations, including receiving an initiation signal for a laundry operation to be performed by the washing machine appliance; sending a wake-up signal to a mobile electronic device via the wireless communication module in response to receiving the initiation signal; emitting a laundry operation trigger prior to initiating the laundry operation; determining that the mobile device is within a predetermined distance from the washing machine appliance in response to generating the laundry operation trigger; and receiving a confirmation signal before beginning the laundry operation.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet, a door, a tub provided within the cabinet, a wireless communication module provided within the cabinet, and a controller in operative communication with the wireless communication module. The controller is configured to perform a series of operations, including receiving an initiation signal for a laundry operation to be performed by the washing machine appliance; sending a wake-up signal to a mobile electronic device via the wireless communication module in response to receiving the initiation signal; emitting a laundry operation trigger prior to initiating the laundry operation; determining that the mobile device is within a predetermined distance from the washing machine appliance in response to generating the laundry operation trigger; and receiving a confirmation signal before beginning the laundry operation.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance is provided including a sump for collecting wash fluid and a pump assembly fluidly coupled to the sump for urging a flow of wash fluid. The pump assembly includes a pump housing, a pump impeller, and a drive motor for selectively rotating the pump impeller. A heat pipe assembly extends between the drive motor and the flow of wash fluid to transfer thermal energy generated by the motor to the wash fluid. For example, an evaporator section of the heat pipe may be in direct contact with the drive motor and a condenser section of the heat pipe may be positioned within pump housing.

Abstract: Dispenser cups for washing machine appliances are provided. A dispenser cup includes a container which includes a side wall and a bottom wall, the side wall having a top end. The container defines a compartment configured to receive a wash material. The dispenser cup further includes a wash liquid inlet positioned on the side wall of the container and in fluid communication with the compartment for providing a flow of wash liquid to the compartment. The dispenser cup further includes a deflector plate positioned at least partially within the compartment. The deflector plate is positioned such that wash liquid exhausted from the wash liquid inlet into the compartment contacts the deflector plate and is redirected towards the bottom wall of the container. The dispenser cup further includes a wall extending from the deflector plate within the compartment such that wash liquid redirected towards the top end contacts the wall.