With Fluid Discharge Reaction Nozzle Patents (Class 134/176)
  • Patent number: 11844480
    Abstract: A batch dishwasher is realized as a hood-type dishwasher having a treatment chamber (2) with at least one recirculating wash system for spraying wash liquid in the treatment chamber (2), and has at least one final rinse system for spraying final rinse liquid in the treatment chamber (2). The treatment chamber (2) has a first treatment zone (6) and at least one further, second treatment zone (7), wherein items of washware can be treated independently of one another and at least temporarily at the same time in the first and in the at least one second treatment zone (6, 7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Harald Disch, Adrian Boldt
  • Patent number: 11006811
    Abstract: A rack detection system for a dishwasher, including: a docking system including a plug disposed on a rack, such as a lower rack, and configured to dock with a docking hole of a water supply tube on condition that the lower rack is in an operational position within the dishwasher; and a controller configured to sense a load on the pump motor of a pump for pumping water to the water supply tube and determine if the load on the pump motor is within predetermined operating limits. On condition that the lower rack is removed from the operational position within the dishwasher and the plug is not docked with the water supply tube such that water flows out of the docking hole, the controller is configured to sense that the load on the pump motor is outside the predetermined operating limits and shuts down the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignees: BSH Home Appliances Corporation, BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Shane Blackmon, Deborah Harr, Shaun Jones
  • Patent number: 10738414
    Abstract: A clothes treatment apparatus and a control method thereof are disclosed. The clothes treatment apparatus includes a fixed nozzle device and a moving nozzle device to supply at least one of steam and heated air to clothes. As a result, the clothes may be washed effectively or refreshed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Seung Hyun Song, Hui Jae Kwon, Ki Hyuk Kim, Min Jung You, Ye Ji Um, Eun Young Jee, Ho Il Jeon, Jung Hwan Lee
  • Patent number: 10687684
    Abstract: A dishwasher utilizing one or more sprayer rings disposed proximate to one or more tines of a dishwasher rack, where the sprayer ring(s) are in fluid communication with a fluid supply that is configured to supply a fluid to the one or more sprayer rings to spray fluid onto utensils disposed within the wash tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mark W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10638910
    Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a spraying system for spraying liquid into the treating chamber, and a recirculation system for recirculating liquid sprayed in the treating chamber to the spraying system with a variable filtration system. Method of operating includes recirculating a liquid, supplying a first portion of the liquid through the spraying system, supplying a second portion of the liquid through the filter, and varying the amount of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Mark S. Feddema
  • Patent number: 10610079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a tub (2) having a base (3), a rear wall (4) and two side walls (5) surrounding the base (3); a door (6) providing access to the tub (2), connected to the tub (2) from its lower side and opening by tilting forward; a rack (7) having a washing position wherein it is placed on the base (3) so as to entirely remain inside the tub (2) and a loading position wherein it is positioned on the inner surface of the door (6) by being moved forward when the door (6) is open and wherein loading-unloading can be performed; and a spray arm (8) that extends from the base (3) into the tub (2), that remains under the rack (7) when the rack (7) is in the washing position and that sprays water into the rack (7) by rotating around itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: ARCELIK ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventors: Hasret Gursoy, Orhan Atabey, Uygar Unverdi, Fatih Basaran
  • Patent number: 10405728
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a reservoir for storing washing fluid, and a control device configured for calling up at least one dishwashing program for controlling a washing cycle for washing items to be washed in a washing chamber and at least one preheating program for controlling a preheating cycle for preheating washing fluid for a washing cycle separately from each other. The preheating cycle includes a heating phase during which washing fluid is circulated and the circulated washing fluid is heated. The preheating cycle has downstream of the heating phase a pumping phase during which previously circulated and heated washing fluid is pumped into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Jerg, Michael Georg Rosenbauer, Franz-Josef Wagner
  • Patent number: 10376126
    Abstract: A spray arm assembly for a dishwasher, and the dishwasher are provided. The spray arm assembly includes: a spray arm base (10); a first bevel gear (20); a spray arm provided with a central water-inlet pipe (301); and a water baffling member (40). The first bevel gear (20) is connected onto the spray arm base (10) in a sleeving way. The central water-inlet pipe (301) penetrates through the first bevel gear (20). Spray apertures (302) are formed in the spray arm. A first end of the water baffling member (40) is disposed at one end of the spray arm, and a second end of the water baffling member (40) is provided with a second bevel gear (401). The water baffling member (40) is opposite to at least one of the spray apertures (302).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA WASHING APPLIANCES MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Feng Gao, Dianling Liu
  • Patent number: 10349805
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a rack provided with interior and exterior corner nozzles to direct washing fluid onto interior and exterior surface portions of an object placed in a corner of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Walter T. Blanchard, David H. Chen
  • Patent number: 10321797
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pump plate (60) for conditioning the flow of a fluid before the fluid enters an inlet (51) of a circulation pump (50) of a dishwasher. The pump plate (60) may have a plate portion with a number of holes (62) dispersed across its surface such that fluid may flow through the holes (62). The pump plate (60) may also include one or more upper guide vanes (63) extending outwardly from the plate portion and configured to reduce the turbulence in the fluid flow. A dishwasher (10) including a pump plate (60) and a method for manufacturing such a dishwasher are also provided. A dishwasher (10) that includes a pump plate (60) to condition the fluid flow within the dishwasher may be configured to function efficiently while requiring less water to complete a rinse or wash cycle than a dishwasher that does not include a pump plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, David Costa, Ashish A. Verma, Jerry L. Olesen
  • Patent number: 10258216
    Abstract: A sink-type washing machine comprises a case having a sink body; the sink body has a recess at least at the center of the bottom portion; a drain board having a same shape as the recess which is covered on the recess; the drain board has a plurality of drain holes; the recess under the drain board defines into a drain region; the surface of the drain board is flush with the bottom portion of the sink body around the drain board; the water pump is disposed in the drain region for pumping the water in the drain region to above the drain board. By having the water pump arranged in the drain region of the sink body, the water pump is provided with a great water replenishment effect, arrangement of a water outlet component is facilitated, and an improved spraying effect can be acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ningbo Fotile Kitchen Ware Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yangzhong Lian, Hui Xu, Dengguang Zhu, Feng Zheng, Shuai Li, Zhongqun Mao, Yongding Zhu
  • Patent number: 10240609
    Abstract: An impeller fan assembly that includes a housing, a stator, a rotor having a hub and an annular array of non-stationary blades extending from the hub, at least two spaced apart bearings mounted to the stator, and a pump in fluid communication with the bearings to provide fluid to the bearings. A screw pump is provided within the hollow portion of the shaft. Inlet of the screw pump is fluidly coupled to the sump and outlet is in fluid communication with the bearings. Rotation of the screw pump pumps fluid from the sump to the bearings. A de-swirler is provided within the sump to reduce rotational movement of the fluid within the sump. The de-swirler has a hub with fixed curved vanes extending from the centerline of the hub. The curved vanes have curvature in a direction opposite from a rotational direction of the screw pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLC
    Inventors: Sukeyuki Kobayashi, Frank Leslie Sincox, III, Richard George Hext, III
  • Patent number: 10149593
    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 base conduit central axis is offset from the spray arm 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Charles Boyer
  • Patent number: 10098518
    Abstract: A rotary spray arm for a washing device and a washing device, the rotary spray arm comprises a pair of an upper cover and a lower cover attached to the upper cover; a flow channel disposed between the upper cover and the lower cover, the water outlets are disposed on the upper cover; an upper chamber in communication with the flow channel is formed at a center of the lower cover; the flow channel is located at two sides of the upper chamber, and a hole matching to the upper chamber is formed on a bottom surface of the lower cover. The rotary spray arm is provided with a chamber for accommodating the water outlet portion of the water pump and the chamber is communicated to the water outlets, therefore, the rotary spray arm can be manufactured independently of the water pump, and both processing and mounting are very convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ningbo Fotile Kitchen Ware Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui Xu, Yangzhong Lian, Dengguang Zhu, Feng Zheng, Shuai Li, Zhongqun Mao, Yongding Zhu
  • Patent number: 10076224
    Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a spraying system having a manifold with at least one sprayer for spraying wash liquid into the treating chamber, and a recirculation system for recirculating liquid sprayed in the treating chamber to the spraying system. The sprayer of the manifold has multiple apertures which are configured to emit liquid to different areas of the treating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Praveen Poojary, Barry E. Tuller, Chad T. Vanderroest
  • Patent number: 10076225
    Abstract: A dishwasher for washing dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation, includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving dishes for cleaning and a spraying system supplying liquid to the treating chamber and having at least one sprayer having a body mounted within the tub for rotation about a rotational axis and defining an interior, a liquid passage provided in the interior, and at least one moveable nozzle carried by the body and having at least one outlet in fluid communication with the liquid passage and a drive mechanism therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Sujit S. Naik
  • Patent number: 10058226
    Abstract: A dishwasher with a dishwasher spray arm is provided. The dishwasher spray arm may include a washing liquid intake, an inner volume, and at least one opening arranged to dispense washing liquid from the inner volume to a washing chamber. The dishwasher spray arm may also include one or more guide vanes in a vicinity of the at least one opening. The one or more guide vanes may at least partly prevent a rotating movement of washing liquid dispensed via the at least one opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Johan Spång, Finn Svensson, Elianne Lindmark
  • Patent number: 9986884
    Abstract: Provided are a dish washing machine and a controlling method thereof. When water is sprayed from a nozzle while a vane is positioned at a reference position during a drainage operation, since a deflection angle of the vane is bent back and the water is sprayed toward a rear wall of a washing tub, the water forms a fast and strong water current over a bottom plate of the washing tub to remove garbage which remains at a filter while flowing over the bottom of the washing tub. Accumulation at a filter at a top end of a sump and that may block the filter during washing such as preliminary washing, main washing, etc., is washed, thereby eliminating the inconvenience of having to separate and wash the filter, and effectively improves performance by avoiding poor circulation of water that may occur due to a filter blockage or generation of bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung Chan Ryu, Woo Jin Shin, Soo Hyung Yoo, So Jeong Kim, Jun Ho Lee, Jae Man Joo, Sang Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 9962058
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub configured to define a washing space, a rack provided in the tub to provide a space where washing objects are held, a spray arm provided in the tub and located under the rack to spray wash water to the rack, and a noise shield provided between the spray arm and a bottom surface of the tub to reduce a kinetic energy of the wash water falling from above the spray arm toward the bottom surface of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yongho Shin, Sanghoon Lee, Sangheon Yoon, Gapsu Shin
  • Patent number: 9962063
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber, a dish rack, and a spray assembly associated with the dish rack. The spray assembly may include at least one sprayer positioned to spray treating liquid onto dishes received by the rack. The sprayer has two openings and may be movable between a first position where the treating liquid flows through the first liquid opening into the treating chamber and does not flow through the second liquid opening and a second position where the treating liquid flows through the second liquid opening into the treating chamber. The sprayer may be rotatable between positions and may emit spray in both positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Beshears, Jr., David H. Chen, Mark S. Feddema, Deborah L. Gregory, Todd M. Jozwiak, Timothy D. Lee, Antony M. Rappette, Jason A. Sibley, Chad T. Vanderroest, Ameresh B. Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 9888827
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance with a tub that defines a wash chamber is provided. A bottom wall of the tub defines a volute. An impeller is positioned within the volute of the bottom wall, and a motor mounted to the tub at the bottom wall of the tub. The motor is coupled to the impeller such that the motor selectively rotates the impeller within the volute of the bottom wall. A related method for forming a unitary tub for a dishwasher appliance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John Edward Dries, Gregory Owen Miller
  • Patent number: 9867519
    Abstract: A dishwasher is disclosed that includes a tub, an upper rack and a lower rack arranged in the tub and configured to receive objects a lower arm, a water supply pump configured to supply water to the lower arm chamber, a tower nozzle included in the lower rack and configured to inject water to the upper rack, a tower connection part detachable from the detachable pipe chamber and configured to connect and supply water to the tower nozzle based on being detached from the detachable pipe chamber, and a channel change unit provided in the lower arm chamber configured to alternately open (i) the chamber communication hole and (ii) an arm channel communication hole based on water pressure inside the lower arm chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Daegyu Kim, Byeonghyeon Ju, Shinwoo Han, Joonho Pyo, Younghwan Park
  • Patent number: 9795271
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis, Christopher Brandon Ross
  • Patent number: 9700194
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher having a spray arm for spraying water to a lower rack and a tower nozzle for supplying water to an upper rack. The dishwasher may reduce (e.g., prevent) leakage of water from the tower nozzle, and may supply water to either the spray arm or to the tower nozzle through a rotating nozzle depending on a pressure of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Shinwoo Han, Daegyu Kim, Joonho Pyo
  • Patent number: 9615720
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber, a dish rack located within the wash chamber, and pump assembly for recirculating wash liquid is further provided with a spray assembly and a spray manifold with multiple nozzles each having at least one aperture emitting wash liquid into the wash chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Carlson, Vincent P. Gurubatham, Jay C. Landsiedel, Edward L. Thies, Chad T. Vanderroest
  • Patent number: 9474434
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber, and upper and lower dish racks located within the wash chamber. The dishwasher also has upper and lower rotating sprayers beneath the upper and lower dish racks, and a manifold with at least one nozzle having at least one aperture located in the wash chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Carlson, Vincent P. Gurubatham, Jay C. Landsiedel, Edward L. Thies, Chad T. Vanderroest
  • Patent number: 9462927
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a nozzle assembly for a dishwasher capable of evenly spraying wash water in a wash tub and a dishwasher having the same. The dishwasher includes a sump to pump wash water, a supply pipe to which the wash water from the sump is supplied, and a nozzle assembly connected to the supply pipe. The nozzle assembly includes a lower rotor arm connected to the supply pipe, an upper rotor arm having a portion rotatably received in the lower rotor arm and having a first rotation center of an upper end thereof and a second rotation center of a lower end thereof positioned eccentrically from the first rotation center, and a nozzle rotatably connected to the upper rotor arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Wook Lee, Hyung Kwen Ham, Seung Oh Kim, Jung Yoon Hahm, Seung Gee Hong, Jea Won Lee
  • Patent number: 9440266
    Abstract: A washer having a plurality of water inlet diffusers, each diffuser connected to a water inlet line for directing the flow of fluid into the washing chamber. The water is directed, i.e., sprayed against the surfaces of the washing chamber to modify (adjust) the temperature of the washing chamber gradually prior to the start of a particular phase of a washing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: STERIS INC.
    Inventors: Louis Martineau, Maxime Robert
  • Patent number: 9402526
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a spraying system for supplying liquid to the treating chamber. The spraying system includes a sprayer having a body with an interior, a liquid passage provided in the interior, and a plurality of outlets extending through the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Bertsch, Mark S. Feddema, Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 9392924
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a shiftable rack provided with a washing agent dispersal system including a housing into which washing fluid is delivered. When the rack is shifted to a retracted position within a tub of the dishwasher, a tube feed system is employed to selectively distribute washing fluid from a pump assembly to each of multiple spray arms, the housing of the washing agent dispersal system and an auxiliary spray unit carried by the upper rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Bertsch, David H. Chen
  • Patent number: 9326657
    Abstract: A spray arm assembly for a dishwashing appliance is provided. The assembly can provide for sprays of fluid at different angles against the articles to be cleaned. For example, the spray arm assembly can have at least two spray bodies rotatable in opposite directions. Because the fluid is sprayed from the spray bodies at different angles and from different directions, more efficient and effective cleaning can be accomplished. In certain embodiments of the invention, one or both spray bodies may be operated at any one time and/or at different flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ramasamy Thiyagarajan
  • Patent number: 9119521
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a spray assembly positioned in the wash chamber of the dishwasher's tub. The spray assembly includes a spray arm that is driven by an input shaft. The input shaft is operable to both drive the spray arm and selectively divert wash fluid to the fluid nozzles associated with the wings of the spray arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kristopher L. Delgado, Sathish A. Sundaram
  • Patent number: 8905053
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a rotatable spray arm assembly disposed to discharge water supplied by a pump, with the spray arm assembly having arms that extend radially from a hub. A plurality of spray nozzles are provided along each of the arms to discharge the water at an angular orientation such that a rotational torque is induced to rotate the arms and hub. The spray nozzles are variably positionable on the arms as a function of the degree of centrifugal force on the spray nozzles from the induced rotation of the arms such that angular orientation of the spray nozzles changes as a function of the rotational speed of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ramasamy Thiyagarajan
  • Patent number: 8857452
    Abstract: A spray device for cleaning residue from a filter member. In one embodiment, the spray device includes a tubular stem telescopically slideable in a sleeve. A coil spring surrounds the stem and resists movement of the stem out of the sleeve. A tubular halo with nozzles is fastened to the end of the tubular stem so that when a pressurized fluid is applied to the stem, the stem is forced out of the sleeve against the spring force, thereby causing the halo to travel along a cylindrical filter surface. The pressurized fluid is also jetted from the nozzles and cleans the cylindrical surface. When the pressurized fluid is removed from the spray device, the spring retracts the stem and the halo back to a rest position. In another embodiment, the halo is replaced with a nozzle head that moves within a cylindrical filter surface to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: John D. Martin
  • Patent number: 8757181
    Abstract: A submersible cleaning robot cleaning a cleaning subject item by jetting high-pressure water from a cleaning nozzle unit towards a submerged cleaning subject item surface while moving along this cleaning subject item surface. The cleaning nozzle unit is mounted on a rotary shaft provided on a robot body so as to be capable of rotating freely and is configured to rotate in unison with this rotary shaft due to a reaction force of the jetting of high-pressure water at the cleaning subject item surface, and a propeller generating a propulsion force for urging the robot body towards the cleaning subject item surface by rotating pursuant to the rotation of the rotary shaft is provided on this rotary shaft. A front edge of each vane of the propeller in the direction of rotation thereof is formed so as to have a sweep-back angle preventing wrapping of foreign matter around the propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takitarou Osaka, Junji Norita
  • Patent number: 8485205
    Abstract: An automatic dishwasher has a rotatable spray arm and at least one rotatable sprayer, a drive link coupling the rotation of the rotatable spray arm and the at least one rotatable sprayer, and a drive for directly driving at least one of the rotatable spray arm and the at least one rotatable sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan Robert Fountain, Sathish Andrea Sundaram, Bryan E. Wagenknecht
  • Patent number: 8377226
    Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic dishwasher, especially for built-in kitchenettes, comprising a cabinet 10 and equipped with a front door 11 that seals the wash tub 18 housing at least one first and one second spray arm 20, 21 for washing the dishes placed in at least one rack 19, said tub being closed on the bottom by a downward sloping panel 22 that directs the wash water into a sump hopper 23 that serves to collect and drain the water, with the horizontal as well as vertical capacity of the dishwasher enhanced in that the first spray arm 20 essentially extends coaxially with the sump hopper 23 while the second spray arm 21 is positioned above the sloped bottom panel 22 with its axis of rotation extending at a right angle to said panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Daniele Favaro, Roberto Pezzetta, Graziano Lazarotto
  • Patent number: 8347898
    Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a rotatable spray arm and at least one rotatable sprayer, with a drive for directly driving at least one of the spray arm and sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan Robert Fountain, Sathish Andrea Sundaram, Bryan E. Wagenknecht
  • Patent number: 8333207
    Abstract: An arm includes a tubular body that is rotatable. The tubular body has a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion is bent in a first direction forming a first angle with the intermediate portion, and the second end portion is bent in a second direction forming a second angle with the intermediate portion. A plurality of nozzles are through the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Jackson MSC LLC
    Inventors: James Scott Calhoun, Walter Ray Lambert, Clifford Ernest Neuman
  • Patent number: 8287660
    Abstract: A dishwashing machine includes a washing chamber, a spray jet, and a spray arm positioned below the spray jet. The spray arm has a deflector fin extending upwardly there from. The spray arm is rotated when the fluid stream generated by the spray jet contacts the deflector fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: David H. Chen, Donald J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8276603
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method of cleaning and/or disinfecting medical equipment. A medical equipment washer system can include an enclosure that receives and substantially surrounds the medical equipment and one or more spray assemblies positioned inside the enclosure. The spray assemblies can automatically emit fluid to clean and/or disinfect the medical equipment. In some embodiments, spray arms of the spray assemblies can oscillate while jets emit fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Stat Medical Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Berklund, Keith Roepke
  • Patent number: 8210191
    Abstract: A spray assembly for an automatic dishwasher is provided comprising a conduit system for receiving pressurized washing liquid, and an elongated spray arm including an upper surface and a lower surface. The spray arm includes a dividing wall between the upper surface and the lower surface. The spray arm includes a plurality of orifices formed in the upper surface and the lower surface for distributing the liquid throughout the dishwasher. The dividing wall and the upper surface define an upper interior compartment and the dividing wall and the lower surface define a lower interior compartment. The conduit includes a water feed system and a water diverting mechanism for selectively diverting water into the upper compartment, the lower compartment, or both the upper and the lower compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Errin Whitney Gnadinger, Mohan Ponnaganti
  • Patent number: 8177917
    Abstract: To achieve complete cleaning of a tank (11) by means of a cleaning head (4, 5) having nozzles (6) mounted on a liquid supply pipe (3), the cleaning head (4) according to the invention is provided with one or more nozzle openings, nozzles (7), which eject a jet/jets (8, 9) against the supply pipe/suspension (3). This ensures that the stationary parts of the cleaning equipment (3, 10) are cleaned effectively during the turning (4a) of the cleaning head (4) and thereby of the nozzle/nozzles (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Tank Equipment A/S
    Inventor: Aleksander Lindros
  • Patent number: 8118241
    Abstract: A surface cleaner system includes a base assembly having a housing movable along a surface, a pump supported by the housing and operable to pressurize a fluid, and a prime mover supported by the housing. The prime mover is coupled to the pump to drive the pump. The surface cleaner system also includes a spray assembly coupled to the housing. The spray assembly is operable to discharge fluid from the pump toward the surface. The surface cleaner system further includes a spray gun in fluid communication with the pump to receive pressurized fluid from the pump. The spray gun includes an outlet portion that is connectable to the base assembly to direct the pressurized fluid from the pump into the spray assembly. When the outlet portion is disconnected from the base assembly, the spray gun discharges the pressurized fluid from the pump toward the surface without directing the pressurized fluid into the spray assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Techtronic Outdoor Products Technology Limited
    Inventors: Michael Robert Gardner, Klaus Karl Hahn, Charles Keith Long
  • Patent number: 8061373
    Abstract: The surface cleaning apparatus is provided in self-propelled embodiments and in a trailer embodiment. The apparatus draws liquid from a supplied tank. Liquid is pressurized to approximately 4,000 psi, then directly to the surface to be cleaned. All cleaning and cleaning component functions are powered via the same fluid pumps via a supply manifold. Total width limitations dictated the design of the sidewalk capable apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: John R. Storms
  • Patent number: 8016947
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface such as a driveway or a vertical wall which includes converting or retro-fitting a zero-turn radius (ZTR) or other type of mower to a cleaning apparatus. The conversion of the mower includes the steps of adding a water supply tank to the deck area of the mower and providing low pressure and high pressure flow lines. The low pressure flow lines are supplied via a low pressure pump. The high pressure flow lines are supplied by a separate high pressure pump unit. Plural solenoid valves are utilized in the method and system to control the flow of a cleaning solution for various method operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: William Rushin, Charles Rushin
  • Patent number: 7942157
    Abstract: In order to deliver supplies of liquid for irrigation of a cleaning head, a turnable part of the cleaning head housing and a nozzle hub (4) are mounted directly in a stationary part (2) of the housing to the turnable part (3) by forming slide bearings therebetween made of materials such as AISI316L and Nitronic60, preferably with at least one bearing having parts (15, 20) made of the same material. Liquid can flow through gaps (9, 14) provided between the slide bearing parts, reducing the consumption of liquid used for irrigating an exterior of the cleaning head, while creating a strong film of liquid which settles on the exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Tank Equipment A/S
    Inventor: Aleksander Lindros
  • Patent number: 7938339
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spray arm assembly comprised of a tubular member rotatable about a fixed axis. The tubular member has an internal passage and a central axis extending a length of the tubular member. A nozzle assembly is attachable to an end of the tubular member and fluidly communicates with the internal passage of the tubular member. The nozzle assembly is comprised of an insert attachable to the tubular member in a predetermined position. A nozzle body has an aperture therein defining a spray orifice. The nozzle body is mountable to the insert in one of a plurality of positions wherein the spray orifice has an orientation based upon a position of the nozzle body relative to the insert. A fastening means is provided for fastening the insert and the nozzle body together in one of the plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Maxime Robert, Élie Couture, Ghislain Parent
  • Patent number: 7931034
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spray arm bearing (1) with a bearing element (2), for mounting a spray arm (20) and a flow-guide device (3), connected to the bearing element (2), whereby the bearing element (2) comprises a through opening for the passage of fluid. According to the invention, the base area (D2) of the flow-guide device (3) corresponds to the base area (D1) of the through opening or lies within the base area (D1) of the through opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Friedrich Mack, Wolfgang Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7914625
    Abstract: A sequencing diverter valve system in a washing appliance includes a fluid distribution manifold having a fluid inlet for receiving washing fluid and a plurality of fluid outlets. A fluid responsive rotating drive arm is connected to a drive reduction mechanism which, in turn, is operatively connected to a rotating sequencing valve for shifting the valve through a plurality of discrete positions at a rate of rotation less than the rate of rotation of the drive arm. As it rotates, the sequencing valve sequentially directs the washing fluid to a respective one or more of the plurality of fluid outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger James Bertsch, Bruce W. Gillum, Donald Joseph Wilson