Abstract: An improved turbidity sensor is provided with a pair of spaced apart arms respectively housing a light transmitter and a light receiver, with the receiver adapted to sense the light from the transmitter and generate a corresponding output signal. The opposing surfaces of the arms adjacent the transmitter and receiver are flame treated for approximately one second each so as to raise the surface energy such that bubble-induced noise is reduced or eliminated for a more accurate output signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a dishwasher having variable fill times. The dishwasher includes a fill volume sensor for sensing that the dishwasher has reached a known fill volume, a timer for timing a period of time between a beginning of fill and the known fill volume being reached, and an intelligent control electrically connected to the fill volume sensor and operatively connected to the timer and adapted for calculating a dishwasher fill rate. According to the present invention, once filling of the dishwasher begins, a sensor is triggered when a known water level and/or fill volume of the dishwasher is reached. The amount of time between initiating the fill and triggering the sensor is measured. A fill rate for the dishwasher is then calculated based on the known fill volume of the dishwasher and the amount of time.

Abstract: A control panel is retractably received within a recess in an appliance housing. The panel may be moved from an extended position wherein the control panel is exposed outside the cabinet to a retracted position wherein the control panel is enclosed within the recess. A spring urges the control panel to its extended position, and a latch is provided for releasably holding the control panel in its retracted position.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring detergent and soil in wash water of a dishwashing or clothes washing appliance. A turbidity sensor is used to sense or measure the soil in the water in a static state, and to sense or measure the detergent in the water during a dynamic state. The turbidity sensor generates a corresponding output signal which is sent to a microprocessor to automatically adjust machine cycles to increase operational efficiencies.

Abstract: An improved turbidity sensor is provided with a pair of spaced apart arms respectively housing a light transmitter and a light receiver, with the receiver adapted to sense the light from the transmitter and generate a corresponding output signal. The opposing surfaces of the arms adjacent the transmitter and receiver are flame treated for approximately one second each so as to raise the surface energy such that bubble-induced noise is reduced or eliminated for a more accurate output signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a dishwasher having variable fill times. The dishwasher includes a fill volume sensor for sensing that the dishwasher has reached a known fill volume, a timer for timing a period of time between a beginning of fill and the known fill volume being reached, and an intelligent control electrically connected to the fill volume sensor and operatively connected to the timer and adapted for calculating a dishwasher fill rate. According to the present invention, once filling of the dishwasher begins, a sensor is triggered when a known water level and/or fill volume of the dishwasher is reached. The amount of time between initiating the fill and triggering the sensor is measured. A fill rate for the dishwasher is then calculated based on the known fill volume of the dishwasher and the amount of time.

Abstract: A control panel is retractably received within a recess in an appliance housing. The panel may be moved from an extended position wherein the control panel is exposed outside the cabinet to a retracted position wherein the control panel is enclosed within the recess. A spring urges the control panel to its extended position, and a latch is provided for releasably holding the control panel in its retracted position.