Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a wash tub that defines a wash chamber, a sump for collecting wash fluid, a wash pump assembly in fluid communication with the sump for circulating the wash fluid, a diverter assembly fluidly coupled to the wash pump assembly for selectively directing the wash fluid, and a hydraulic manifold assembly fluidly coupled to the diverter assembly. The hydraulic manifold assembly includes a lower portion positioned over a diverter housing of the diverter assembly to at least partially define a diverter chamber of the diverter assembly and an upper portion joined to the lower portion to define a filter cleaning manifold and one or more spray arm channels.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance or pump assembly may include a fluid pump and a vibration damper. The fluid pump may define a center of gravity. The vibration damper may be attached to the fluid pump. The vibration damper may include first and second spring beams and first and second damper masses. The first spring beam may extend longitudinally between a fixed end and a free end and be offset from the center of gravity at a first radial side. The first damper mass may be disposed on the free end of the first spring beam. The second spring beam may extend longitudinally between a fixed and a free end and be offset from the center of gravity at a second radial side. The second damper mass may be disposed on the free end of the second spring beam.

Abstract: A soluble N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) protein construct includes one or more NMDAR autoantibody epitopes. The construct includes an extracellular domain (ECD) of the NMDAR subunit GluN1 or a fragment of the subunit and an ECD of at least one of the NMDAR subunits GluN2A, GluN2B, GluN2C or GluN2D, or fragment of these subunits. An in vitro method for the detection of NMDAR autoantibodies in a sample includes providing a sample suspected of including NMDAR autoantibodies, providing the NMDAR protein construct as a capture molecule, contacting the sample with the NMDAR protein construct, thereby binding NMDAR autoantibodies from the sample to the NMDAR protein construct, and determining the presence and optionally the amount of bound NMDAR autoantibodies. The method is applied for the diagnosis, prognosis, disease monitoring, patient stratification and/or therapy monitoring of a medical condition associated with autoantibodies against the NMDAR, preferably anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A sump is a sump positioned at a bottom of the wash chamber for receiving fluid from the wash chamber. A circulation pump is connected to the sump. The dishwashing appliance also includes a mounting cable extending from the circulation pump. The circulation pump is suspended by the mounting cable.

Abstract: A modular audio system which includes an acoustic module configured to be removably engaged with a head-worn peripheral device. In some examples, the head-worn peripheral device is a pair of eyeglass frames and the acoustic module is configured to removably secure to a socket arranged on the inside face of the temples of the eyeglasses. The acoustic module can slidingly, pivotably, and/or magnetically engage with the socket such that, when secured, the acoustic module is configured to generate acoustic energy in the form of audible sound proximate a user's ear while the user is wearing the head-worn peripheral device. In other examples, the temples of the head-worn peripheral device are configured to slidingly engage with a sleeve, where the sleeve includes a pocket configured to slidingly engage with the acoustic module.

Abstract: An audio system and methods for detecting proximity between or engagement between a removable open-ear acoustic module and a host device. Upon detection of proximity or engagement, the audio system may adjust at least one device setting of the devices in the system. In some examples, the devices of the audio system are capable of obtaining specific identifying information about the other devices, and can be configured to adjust the at least one device setting based on device identity. For example, adjusting the device settings can include an adjustment to power state of the open-ear acoustic module, an audio equalization (EQ) setting, a volume setting, a bass level setting, a treble level setting, an Active Noise Reduction (ANR) setting, a user profile setting, selection of an algorithm of a plurality of algorithms related to data collection, a sensor calibration setting, and a user interface control setting.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance or variable spray assembly, as provided herein, may include a manifold body, a diverter valve, and a driver. The manifold body may define a fluid inlet, a first flow path, a second flow path, a first spray outlet, and a second spray outlet. The first and second flow paths may be downstream from the fluid inlet. The second flow path may be in fluid parallel to the first flow path. The second spray outlet may be spaced apart from the first spray outlet. The diverter valve may be mounted within manifold body and movable between a first zone position directing wash fluid to the first flow path and a second zone position directing wash fluid to the second flow path. The driver may be disposed outside of the manifold body to motivate the diverter valve between the first zone position and the second zone position.

Abstract: Dishwashing appliances and methods, as provided herein, may include features or steps such as detecting a pressure (P1) at a pressure sensor upstream from a pump while maintaining the pump in an inactive state and activating the pump from the inactive state for an activation period during which the pump remains active to motivate a continuous fluid flow. Dishwashing appliances and methods may further include features or steps for detecting a pressure (P2) at the pressure sensor upstream from the pump during the activation period and initiating a response sequence at the pump based on P1 and P2.

Abstract: One embodiment of a power-generation system includes a convergent-divergent (“con-di”) nozzle, a compressor coupled to the con-di nozzle and adapted to motivate a flow of gas to exit the con-di nozzle, and a kinetic turbine situated to be excited by the flow of gas exiting the turbine, thereby enabling a generation of power from the excitation of the turbine. A method of power generation includes directing a flow of gas through a convergent-divergent nozzle at a speed greater than the speed of sound and causing a turbine to rotate in response to the flow of gas, thereby generating power from the rotating turbine.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A sump is a sump positioned at a bottom of the wash chamber for receiving fluid from the wash chamber. A circulation pump is connected to the sump. The dishwashing appliance also includes a mounting cable extending from the circulation pump. The circulation pump is suspended by the mounting cable.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance or pump assembly may include a fluid pump and a vibration damper. The fluid pump may define a center of gravity. The vibration damper may be attached to the fluid pump. The vibration damper may include first and second spring beams and first and second damper masses. The first spring beam may extend longitudinally between a fixed end and a free end and be offset from the center of gravity at a first radial side. The first damper mass may be disposed on the free end of the first spring beam. The second spring beam may extend longitudinally between a fixed and a free end and be offset from the center of gravity at a second radial side. The second damper mass may be disposed on the free end of the second spring beam.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance equipped with leak detection features and a method of detecting leak conditions during an operation cycle of a dishwasher are provided. In one aspect, the dishwasher appliance includes a tub having a sump. A pressure sensor is mounted to the sump and is configured to monitor the sump pressure during an operation cycle. If the sump pressure falls below a pressure threshold during a circulation cycle, corrective action can be taken. For instance, a circulation pump circulating wash fluid through the tub can deactivated and a static pressure reading can be taken by the pressure sensor. The static pressure reading can be compared to a static pressure reading taken prior to the circulation cycle. In response to whether the static pressure is within a predetermined range of the static pressure reading taken prior to the circulation cycle, the circulation cycle can be recommenced or aborted.

Abstract: An audio system and methods for detecting proximity between or engagement between a removable open-ear acoustic module and a host device. Upon detection of proximity or engagement, the audio system may adjust at least one device setting of the devices in the system. In some examples, the devices of the audio system are capable of obtaining specific identifying information about the other devices, and can be configured to adjust the at least one device setting based on device identity. For example, adjusting the device settings can include an adjustment to power state of the open-ear acoustic module, an audio equalization (EQ) setting, a volume setting, a bass level setting, a treble level setting, an Active Noise Reduction (ANR) setting, a user profile setting, selection of an algorithm of a plurality of algorithms related to data collection, a sensor calibration setting, and a user interface control setting.

Abstract: A modular audio system which includes an acoustic module configured to be removably engaged with a head-worn peripheral device. In some examples, the head-worn peripheral device is a pair of eyeglass frames and the acoustic module is configured to removably secure to a socket arranged on the inside face of the temples of the eyeglasses. The acoustic module can slidingly, pivotably, and/or magnetically engage with the socket such that, when secured, the acoustic module is configured to generate acoustic energy in the form of audible sound proximate a user's ear while the user is wearing the head-worn peripheral device. In other examples, the temples of the head-worn peripheral device are configured to slidingly engage with a sleeve, where the sleeve includes a pocket configured to slidingly engage with the acoustic module.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance and a spray assembly, as provided herein, may include a manifold body, and a cammed diverter valve. The manifold body may be mountable within a wash chamber. The manifold body may define a fluid inlet, a first spray zone, and a second spray zone. The first spray zone may include a first spray outlet. The second spray zone may include a second spray outlet spaced apart from the first spray outlet. The cammed diverter valve may be mounted within the manifold body and be movable between a first zone position and a second zone position. The first zone position may direct wash fluid to the first spray zone and restrict wash fluid to the second spray zone. The second zone position may direct wash fluid to the second spray zone and restrict wash fluid to the first spray zone.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance and a spray assembly, as provided herein, may include a manifold body, and a cammed diverter valve. The manifold body may be mountable within a wash chamber. The manifold body may define a fluid inlet, a first spray zone, and a second spray zone. The first spray zone may include a first spray outlet. The second spray zone may include a second spray outlet spaced apart from the first spray outlet. The cammed diverter valve may be mounted within the manifold body and be movable between a first zone position and a second zone position. The first zone position may direct wash fluid to the first spray zone and restrict wash fluid to the second spray zone. The second zone position may direct wash fluid to the second spray zone and restrict wash fluid to the first spray zone.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance or variable spray assembly, as provided herein, may include a manifold body, a diverter valve, and a driver. The manifold body may define a fluid inlet, a first flow path, a second flow path, a first spray outlet, and a second spray outlet. The first and second flow paths may be downstream from the fluid inlet. The second flow path may be in fluid parallel to the first flow path. The second spray outlet may be spaced apart from the first spray outlet. The diverter valve may be mounted within manifold body and movable between a first zone position directing wash fluid to the first flow path and a second zone position directing wash fluid to the second flow path. The driver may be disposed outside of the manifold body to motivate the diverter valve between the first zone position and the second zone position.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a spray nozzle having a housing defining a spray chamber in fluid communication with a fluid circulation assembly. A diversion element is positioned within the spray chamber and is movable between a lowered position and a raised position where it contacts a discharge orifice. The diversion element defines a plurality of flow paths that are randomly oriented relative to the discharge orifice every time the diversion element is moved into the raised position, such as when the fluid circulation assembly cycles off and then on again.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance equipped with flood protection features that proactively attempt to prevent, stop, and/or mitigate flood events is provided. The dishwasher appliance may also include features for determining the cause of the flood event. Moreover, methods for flood protection of the dishwasher appliance are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first transverse conveyor, first and second pairs of foldable parallel ramps, and first and second foldable longitudinal conveyors. The transverse conveyor moves material in a first direction. The first pair of foldable parallel ramps extend from a first side of the transverse conveyor. The first foldable longitudinal conveyor is positioned between the ramps of the first pair, and is configured to move material toward the transverse conveyor in a second orthogonal direction. The second pair of foldable parallel ramps extend from a second side of the transverse conveyor and are in alignment with the ramps of the first pair. The second foldable longitudinal conveyor is positioned between the ramps of the second pair and is configured to move material in a third direction that is substantially opposite the second direction.