Abstract: A parcel cart loading system includes: a conveyor; parcel carts for receiving parcels offloaded from the conveyor; a loading station where parcels are offloaded to the parcel carts; and a vision and control subsystem that is operably connected to a plurality of mobile robots. The vision and control subsystem acquires one or more images of parcel carts within a loading area of the loading station and determines if any of the parcel carts are fully loaded based on the image data. Each parcel cart determined to be fully loaded is autonomously transported out of the loading area and to its intended destination by one of the mobile robots within the system. Each parcel cart transported out of the loading area is replaced by another parcel cart from a queue area of the loading station by another mobile robot of the system.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a selected volume of water at a specified temperature. The dispenser includes a source of water at an elevated temperature and a source of water at a lower temperature. An electronic controller determines the volume of water needed from each source in order to arrive at the selected volume and temperature. The dispenser uses a recirculation valve to circulate at least the elevated temperature water in the tank and in the outlet in order to ensure the temperature of the water is as expected throughout the system to achieve the specified temperature.

Abstract: A front door assembly for a beverage dispenser includes a front door, a linkage subassembly, and a piston. The linkage subassembly includes: a first member having a distal end pivotally connected to a cabinet of the beverage dispenser and a proximal end; and a second member having a distal end pivotally connected to the front door and a proximal end pivotally connected to the first member at a position intermediate the distal end and the proximal end of the first member. The piston is pivotally connected to and extends between the front door and the proximal end of the first member, with the piston providing a force that, in combination with the linkage subassembly, creates a torque that partially offsets a weight of the front door, such that the piston effectively assists the user in moving the front door from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering wash fluid to be recirculated by a circulation pump in a dishwasher appliance is provided. The filter assembly includes a first filter member and a second filter member. The first filter member defines a first filter panel and the second filter member defines a second filter panel. The first filter panel is spaced from the second filter panel along an axial direction of the filter assembly and is configured in series flow with the second filter panel. More particularly, the first and second filter panels are configured such that wash fluid is filtered by the first filter panel and by the second filter panel prior to being recirculated by the circulation pump.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance. The spray assembly includes a spray arm, a bearing, and a bracket for mounting the spray assembly to a dishwasher appliance. The spray arm is mounted for rotation relative to the bearing, and the bearing is mounted to the bracket. The spray assembly includes features for rotating the bearing relative to the bracket with the spray arm. Such rotation can assist with mounting of the bearing to the bracket.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering wash fluid to be recirculated by a circulation pump in a dishwasher appliance is provided. The filter assembly includes a first filter member and a second filter member. The first filter member defines a first filter panel and the second filter member defines a second filter panel. The first filter panel is spaced from the second filter panel along an axial direction of the filter assembly and is configured in series flow with the second filter panel. More particularly, the first and second filter panels are configured such that wash fluid is filtered by the first filter panel and by the second filter panel prior to being recirculated by the circulation pump.

Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher system, including monitoring an output pressure of at least one recirculation pump in the dishwasher system, and deactivating at least one fill valve in the dishwasher system when the output pressure satisfies at least one predefined criteria.

Abstract: A cavitation sense fill system for a dishwasher system is disclosed. The dishwasher system includes a fluid circulation system for circulating water in a tub, wherein the fluid circulation system includes at least one recirculation pump and at least one fill valve. The cavitation sense fill system includes a pressure switch for monitoring an output pressure of the at least one recirculation pump, wherein the pressure switch deactivates the at least one fill valve when the output pressure satisfies at least one predefined criteria.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided with a spray arm assembly. The spray arm assembly defines an orifice for directing liquid out of the spray arm assembly. The orifice can selectively receive a nozzle with a particular outlet geometry. By selectively receiving the nozzle, a spray pattern of liquid exiting the orifice can be changed by replacing or modifying the nozzle without remanufacturing or replacing the spray arm assembly.

Abstract: A spray arm assembly for a dishwasher system is disclosed. The spray arm assembly includes a spray arm which has an internal chamber, a liquid inlet in flow communication with the internal chamber to supply the internal chamber with liquid from a source of liquid, an outlet passageway in flow communication with the internal chamber for discharging liquid from the internal chamber, an air inlet in flow communication with the outlet passageway, and a region adjacent the air inlet and defining part of the outlet passageway. The region is configured to create a venturi effect at the air inlet when the liquid passes through the region so that air is drawn into the outlet passageway from the air inlet and a mixture of air and liquid is discharged from the outlet passageway. A dishwasher system incorporating such a spray arm assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher system, including monitoring an output pressure of at least one recirculation pump in the dishwasher system, and deactivating at least one fill valve in the dishwasher system when the output pressure satisfies at least one predefined criteria

Abstract: A cavitation sense fill system for a dishwasher system is disclosed. The dishwasher system includes a fluid circulation system for circulating water in a tub, wherein the fluid circulation system includes at least one recirculation pump and at least one fill valve. The cavitation sense fill system includes a pressure switch for monitoring an output pressure of the at least one recirculation pump, wherein the pressure switch deactivates the at least one fill valve when the output pressure satisfies at least one predefined criteria.

Abstract: Water fill level detection techniques are provided for a dishwasher system. A dishwasher system includes a tub; a fluid circulation system for circulating water in the tub and a cavitation sense fill system. The fluid circulation system includes at least one recirculation pump and at least one fill valve. The cavitation sense fill system monitors an output pressure of the at least one recirculation pump. The cavitation sense fill system deactivates the at least one fill valve when the output pressure satisfies at least one predefined criteria. A pressure wave damper may optionally be employed to ensure stable pressure measurements.

Abstract: A removable multi-stage filter assembly for a dishwasher system is provided, comprising: a plurality of concentric filter stages having a varying degree of filter granularity; and a closed bottom that retains soils for manual collection by an end user, wherein the closed bottom has at least one drain opening. A dishwasher system is also provided that comprises a tub; a fluid circulation system for circulating water in the tub; and a removable multi-stage filter assembly, wherein the removable filter assembly comprises a closed bottom and at least one drain opening, and wherein the removable multi-stage filter assembly retains soils for manual collection by an end user.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a spray assembly for a dishwasher appliance. The spray assembly includes a spray arm, a bearing, and a bracket for mounting the spray assembly to a dishwasher appliance. The spray arm is mounted for rotation relative to the bearing, and the bearing is mounted to the bracket. The spray assembly includes features for rotating the bearing relative to the bracket with the spray arm. Such rotation can assist with mounting of the bearing to the bracket.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance is provided that has a heating element shaped to allow a user to access a filter while avoiding contact with the heating element. The heating element is spaced apart from the filter and shaped or positioned relative to the filter such that a user may access the filter for cleaning or replacement while avoiding contact with the heating element. In one embodiment, the heating element extends in the wash chamber along the lateral direction but without crossing the centerline of the wash chamber in front of the filter.