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 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: 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: 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 spray assembly for an automatic dishwasher is provided comprising a conduit system for receiving pressurized washing liquid, and an elongated spray arm including an upper surface and a lower surface. The spray arm includes a dividing wall between the upper surface and the lower surface. The spray arm includes a plurality of orifices formed in the upper surface and the lower surface for distributing the liquid throughout the dishwasher. The dividing wall and the upper surface define an upper interior compartment and the dividing wall and the lower surface define a lower interior compartment. The conduit includes a water feed system and a water diverting mechanism for selectively diverting water into the upper compartment, the lower compartment, or both the upper and the lower compartments.

Abstract: A detergent module for dispensing detergent during a wash-cycle is presented in which a sensor senses and indicates or a user via control input indicates whether the detergent in the module is a solid-type detergent or a liquid-type detergent, and the detergent-type indication is used by a dishwashing machine or a laundry washing machine to select a washing algorithm tailored to exploit the cleaning efficiency of the detergent.

Abstract: An upper rack vertical adjustment system for a dishwasher, including an upper rack first portion, and an upper rack second portion rotatably attached to the first portion to selectively create an opening in the bottom of the rack to provide clearance for items placed in the lower rack. For adjusting the height of the upper rack, a slidable member has two elongated arms extending therefrom each having a wheel attached at an end of the arms is provided on each side of the rack. For each slidable member, a plate is mounted to a portion of the upper rack and the said slidable member is pivotally mounted to the plate. A locking mechanism locks the slidable member in one of several predetermined positions.

Abstract: A detergent module for dispensing detergent during a wash-cycle is presented in which a sensor senses and indicates or a user via control input indicates whether the detergent in the module is a solid-type detergent or a liquid-type detergent, and the detergent-type indication is used by a dishwashing machine or a laundry washing machine to select a washing algorithm tailored to exploit the cleaning efficiency of the detergent.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a washing chamber includes at least one prewash cycle for removing loose soil from associated kitchenware, a steam cycle instituted after the at least one prewash cycle for softening soil not removed in the at least one prewash cycle, a main wash cycle commenced after the steam cycle cleaning the associated kitchenware, and at least one rinse cycle commenced subsequent to the main wash cycle for rinsing detergent and remaining soil off of the associated kitchenware. The dishwasher includes a housing having a wash chamber that receives associated kitchenware therein and a controller for selectively controlling water supply from an associated source, water removal to an associated drain, and energization of a heating element contained in the wash chamber.

Abstract: An upper rack vertical adjustment system for a dishwasher, including an upper rack first portion, and an upper rack second portion rotatably attached to the first portion to selectively create an opening in the bottom of the rack to provide clearance for items placed in the lower rack. For adjusting the height of the upper rack, a slidable member has two elongated arms extending therefrom each having a wheel attached at an end of the arms is provided on each side of the rack. For each slidable member, a plate is mounted to a portion of the upper rack and the said slidable member is pivotally mounted to the plate. A locking mechanism locks the slidable member in one of several predetermined positions.

Abstract: A spray assembly for an automatic dishwasher is provided comprising a conduit system for receiving pressurized washing liquid, and an elongated spray arm including an upper surface and a lower surface. The spray arm includes a dividing wall between the upper surface and the lower surface. The spray arm includes a plurality of orifices formed in the upper surface and the lower surface for distributing the liquid throughout the dishwasher. The dividing wall and the upper surface define an upper interior compartment and the dividing wall and the lower surface define a lower interior compartment. The conduit includes a water feed system and a water diverting mechanism for selectively diverting water into the upper compartment, the lower compartment, or both the upper and the lower compartments.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher is provided with a spray assembly comprising a multi-conduit system for receiving pressurized washing liquid for feeding a plurality of spray arms. The plurality of spray arms includes at least a lower spray arm, a middle spray arm, and an upper spray arm. Each of the spray arms includes at least one radially extending hollow projection. Each of the spray arms includes a plurality of orifices for distributing the liquid throughout the dishwasher. The multi-conduit includes a water feed system and a water diverting mechanism for selectively diverting water into any one of the spray arms, any two of the spray arms, or all three of the spray arms.

Abstract: A method includes using a turbine ratemeter in an appliance to meter delivery of a liquid.

Abstract: A magnetic lid switch assembly includes a first magnetically actuated electrical switch that has a lever arm movable between a first position wherein the first switch is open and a second position wherein the first switch is closed. A second magnetically actuated electrical switch electrically is connected in series with the first switch. The second switch has a lever arm movable between a first position wherein the second switch is open and a second position wherein the second switch is closed. A first actuator is magnetically coupled to the first switch. The first actuator moves the lever arm of the first switch closing the first switch to enable the first switch to pass an electric current when the first actuator is positioned proximate the first switch. A second actuator is magnetically coupled to the second switch.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a diaphragm type solenoid fluid valve assembly of the class used in the on/off control of pressurized fluid flow. The valve assembly has a housing, a solenoid, and a magnetized cylindrical armature engagingly coupled to the solenoid and residing within the hollow center of the solenoid. The armature further has a spring affixed to one end of the armature and affixed to the end of the solenoid, wherein the spring and armature are capable of linear motion within the fluid chamber of the valve housing and within the cylindrical plunger guide of the solenoid. The linear motion is controlled by the magnetic field of the solenoid and the spring so as to enable the magnetized armature to abut against the orifice fluid exit of the orifice plate to prevent fluid flow there-through.

Abstract: A method includes using a turbine ratemeter in an appliance to meter delivery of a liquid.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a diaphragm type solenoid fluid valve assembly of the class used in the on/off control of pressurized fluid flow. The valve assembly has a housing, a solenoid, and a magnetized cylindrical armature engagingly coupled to the solenoid and residing within the hollow center of the solenoid. The armature further has a spring affixed to one end of the armature and affixed to the end of the solenoid, wherein the spring and armature are capable of linear motion within the fluid chamber of the valve housing and within the cylindrical plunger guide of the solenoid. The linear motion is controlled by the magnetic field of the solenoid and the spring so as to enable the magnetized armature to abut against the orifice fluid exit of the orifice plate to prevent fluid flow there-through.