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.

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.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing a safety arrangement for an integrated heater, circulation pump, and motor for an appliance are provided. In an example safety arrangement, the circulation pump assembly includes a heater, a pump, and a motor integrated into a single unit. The circulation pump assembly defines a first end, a second opposite end, and a housing extending therebetween. The safety arrangement includes a hub configured to at least partially surround the first end of the circulation pump assembly and a first shield configured to at least partially surround the housing of the circulation pump assembly. The safety arrangement further includes a second shield configured to at least partially surround the housing of the circulation pump assembly. The hub, the first shield, and the second shield are configured to cooperate with one another to protect the circulation pump assembly from one or more hazardous conditions.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing a safety arrangement for an integrated heater, circulation pump, and motor for an appliance are provided. In an example safety arrangement, the circulation pump assembly includes a heater, a pump, and a motor integrated into a single unit. The circulation pump assembly defines a first end, a second opposite end, and a housing extending therebetween. The safety arrangement includes a hub configured to at least partially surround the first end of the circulation pump assembly and a first shield configured to at least partially surround the housing of the circulation pump assembly. The safety arrangement further includes a second shield configured to at least partially surround the housing of the circulation pump assembly. The hub, the first shield, and the second shield are configured to cooperate with one another to protect the circulation pump assembly from one or more hazardous conditions.

Abstract: A sump assembly for a dishwasher and associated method are provided. The sump assembly comprises an integrally-formed sump member defining a circulation pump volute receptacle and a drain pump volute receptacle. The circulation pump volute receptacle and the drain pump volute receptacle are adapted to receive respective pump and motor assemblies. Each of the volute receptacles is configured to receive the respective pump and motor assembly along a respective horizontal axis defined thereby. The drain pump volute receptacle includes a washing fluid input in direct communication with the circulation pump volute receptacle for receiving the washing fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A filtration system for a dishwasher, and an associated apparatus and method, are provided, comprising a macerator chamber adapted to house a macerator device. The macerator chamber is configured to receive washing fluid for the macerator device to comminute contaminants within the washing fluid. A drain chamber is in fluid communication with the macerator chamber and is configured to receive the washing fluid and comminuted contaminants therefrom via a fluid port therebetween. The drain chamber has a vented member associated therewith, which defines at least one first vent providing fluid communication between the drain chamber and the washing fluid circulation system. The vented member is spaced apart from the fluid port, and is configured to strain the comminuted contaminants from the washing fluid so as to retain the comminuted contaminants within the drain chamber while allowing the washing fluid to pass therethrough to the washing fluid circulation system.

Abstract: A filtration system for a dishwasher, and an associated apparatus and method, are provided, comprising a macerator chamber adapted to house a macerator device. The macerator chamber is configured to receive washing fluid for the macerator device to comminute contaminants within the washing fluid. A drain chamber is in fluid communication with the macerator chamber and is configured to receive the washing fluid and comminuted contaminants therefrom via a fluid port therebetween. The drain chamber has a vented member associated therewith, which defines at least one first vent providing fluid communication between the drain chamber and the washing fluid circulation system. The vented member is spaced apart from the fluid port, and is configured to strain the comminuted contaminants from the washing fluid so as to retain the comminuted contaminants within the drain chamber while allowing the washing fluid to pass therethrough to the washing fluid circulation system.

Abstract: A sump assembly for a dishwasher and associated method are provided. The sump assembly comprises an integrally-formed sump member defining a circulation pump volute receptacle and a drain pump volute receptacle. The circulation pump volute receptacle and the drain pump volute receptacle are adapted to receive respective pump and motor assemblies. Each of the volute receptacles is configured to receive the respective pump and motor assembly along a respective horizontal axis defined thereby. The drain pump volute receptacle includes a washing fluid input in direct communication with the circulation pump volute receptacle for receiving the washing fluid therefrom.