Abstract: A fluid additive dispenser for a washing machine appliance is provided. The dispenser includes a platform have a receiving surface. The receiving surface is elevated relative to a bottom of the dispenser and is positioned in view of an opening in the top of the dispenser. As fluid additives are drained or siphoned from the dispenser and off of the platform, the receiving surface will become visible through the opening even as some residual fluid additives may remain in the dispenser. The user is thereby provided with a more desirable appearance inside the dispenser with regard to e.g., residues or remains of fluid additives that would otherwise be visible.

Abstract: A fluid additive dispenser is provided. The fluid additive dispenser includes a fluid additive collector that is disposed below containers configured for receipt of fluid additives. The fluid additive collector receives fluid additives from the containers and directs the fluid additives to a spout. By directing the fluid additives to the spout, spilling and leaking of the fluid additives can be reduced, e.g., during operation of a washing machine appliance.

Abstract: A steam-augmented washing machine includes a casing, a tub disposed within the casing, and a basket configured for receipt of articles to be washed. A steam generator is disposed within the casing and is in communication with the tub to introduce steam into the wash basket. A plurality of fluid vanes are circumferentially spaced around the side wall adjacent the top end of the wash basket. The fluid vanes have a radial aspect so as to extend radially from side wall, wherein upon rotation of the wash basket within the tub, the fluid vanes generate a circulating vertically oriented steam flow path through the wash basket.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a fluid additive dispensing system of an appliance such as e.g., a washing machine is provided. For example, the system can calibrate for significant differences in the pressure of the water supply provided to the appliance during operation. Calibrations can also be implemented for significant differences in viscosity and/or density of the fluid additives.

Abstract: A bulk fluid dispensing system that can detect when priming has occurred is provided. The system can prime itself so as to remove e.g., air gaps that might affect the metering of a proper amount of a fluid such as laundry detergent or fabric softener into a wash chamber or wash bin of the appliance. A pressure sensor can be used to determine when such priming has occurred. Other features can be provided as well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the level of fluid present in a dispenser, such as a detergent or fabric softener dispenser, of a washing machine appliance and to detecting an out of balance condition for such appliance is provided. A pressure sensor is used to determine the level of fluid present and to provide indications of the same at various levels of use of the fluid. One or more pressure sensors can also be used to detect an out of balance condition when the appliance is a washing machine.

Abstract: A steam-augmented washing machine includes a casing, a tub disposed within the casing, and a basket configured for receipt of articles to be washed. A steam generator is disposed within the casing and is in communication with the tub to introduce steam into the wash basket. A plurality of fluid vanes are circumferentially spaced around the side wall adjacent the top end of the wash basket. The fluid vanes have a radial aspect so as to extend radially from side wall, wherein upon rotation of the wash basket within the tub, the fluid vanes generate a circulating vertically oriented steam flow path through the wash basket.

Abstract: A washing appliance, such as a consumer washing machine, has a casing and a tub disposed within the casing. The tub includes a basket configured for receipt of articles to be washed. A vertically oriented additive storage tank is disposed between the casing and the tub. The storage tank includes a first vertical storage component disposed at a first location between the casing and tub, and a second vertical storage component disposed at a second location between the casing and the tub spaced from the first location. The storage tank further includes a bottom transversely extending storage component that extends between the first and second vertical storage components below the tub.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a casing, a tub disposed within the casing, and a basket configured for receipt of articles to be washed. An additive pack dispenser is disposed within the casing above the tub and included a pack receiver configured for receipt of an additive pack therein. The receiver is biased to a first position wherein the additive pack is stored and is movable to a second position wherein the additive pack is dispensed by gravity from the receiver into the tub. An actuator is disposed proximate to the receiver and is oriented so as to move the receiver at a defined time to cause the receiver to move to the second dispense position and deposit the additive pack into the tub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lid or a door for a washing machine and, more particularly, to a door that provides magnification of the interior of the washing machine. The door provides a magnified view of the washing chamber of the appliance to improve consumer perception of the capacity of the washing chamber while also allowing the consumer to view the washing chamber when the machine is operating.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recirculating wash fluid in a washing machine are disclosed. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a wash basket rotatably supported within the wash tub. The washing machine can include a jet pump for recirculation of wash fluid through the wash basket and wash tub. The inlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with a wash fluid supply line and the outlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump includes a suction port coupled to a recirculation line in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump draws wash fluid from the wash tub through the recirculation line and returns the wash fluid through the outlet of the jet pump to the wash basket according to the Venturi effect when wash fluid flows through the inlet of the jet pump.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recirculating wash fluid in a washing machine are disclosed. The washing machine includes a wash tub and a wash basket rotatably supported within the wash tub. The washing machine can include a jet pump for recirculation of wash fluid through the wash basket and wash tub. The inlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with a wash fluid supply line and the outlet of the jet pump is in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump includes a suction port coupled to a recirculation line in fluid communication with the wash tub. The jet pump draws wash fluid from the wash tub through the recirculation line and returns the wash fluid through the outlet of the jet pump to the wash basket according to the Venturi effect when wash fluid flows through the inlet of the jet pump.