Abstract: A thermal input system is provided for a dishwasher having an interior wash chamber receiving soiled dishes and wash liquid. A heater is disposed in a sump region of the wash chamber along with a wash pump which operates to recirculate wash liquid through out the wash chamber. A soil collection chamber receives a portion of recirculating wash liquid from the wash pump wherein soils entrained in the wash liquid are captured within the soil collection chamber. A pressure sensor senses fluid pressure within the soil collection chamber. Control means are provided for energizing the heater during a thermal hold period in response to the pressure within the soil collector exceeding a predetermined limit pressure. In particular, the control means operates to sequence the dishwasher through a predetermined period of operation but bypasses the thermal hold cycle when the pressure within the soil collector does not exceed the predetermined limit pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drying clothes wherein a clothes dryer is operated at a low level of energy input for a major portion of a drying cycle, followed by a high energy input for a short period near the end of the drying cycle. A single heater provides both levels of energy input, and has associated control means to operate the heater at the different input levels. For example, an electric heater element is controlled by cam actuated switches to operate at two levels of voltage input or a gas burner is provided with two solenoid actuated valves which are also controlled by cam actuated switches to operate the burner at two different levels of fuel input.