Abstract: A beverage system includes an ingredient module and an ingredient dispensing valve dispensing an ingredient into a beverage container. The ingredient module comprises a housing, an ingredient container disposed within the housing, a first ingredient conduit disposed between the ingredient container and the ingredient dispensing valve, and a pumping device that causes the ingredient to move from the ingredient container, through the first ingredient conduit, and through the ingredient dispensing valve under pressure. A valve receives the ingredient from the pumping device and passes the ingredient to the dispensing valve. The valve includes a second ingredient conduit, where the valve controls the size of the second ingredient conduit, such that the size of the second ingredient conduit is reduced during dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve and enlarged when the dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve is terminated.

Abstract: A washing appliance is provided, having a circulation pump for circulating a washing fluid. A monitoring device is capable of monitoring a condition of the circulated washing fluid. A control device is in communication with the monitoring device and is configured to direct execution of one of a plurality of automatic wash programs by the washing appliance, wherein each automatic wash program includes a plurality of serially-conducted wash segments, each including at least one pre-wash segment and at least one post-wash segment. The control device is further configured to direct the monitoring device to dynamically monitor the washing fluid condition during at least one of the at least one pre-wash segment and the at least one post-wash segment, and to direct an alteration of the washing fluid in response to the monitoring device determining that the washing fluid condition exceeds a threshold. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A beverage system includes an ingredient module and an ingredient dispensing valve dispensing an ingredient into a beverage container. The ingredient module comprises a housing, an ingredient container disposed within the housing, a first ingredient conduit disposed between the ingredient container and the ingredient dispensing valve, and a pumping device that causes the ingredient to move from the ingredient container, through the first ingredient conduit, and through the ingredient dispensing valve under pressure. A valve receives the ingredient from the pumping device and passes the ingredient to the dispensing valve. The valve includes a second ingredient conduit, where the valve controls the size of the second ingredient conduit, such that the size of the second ingredient conduit is reduced during dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve and enlarged when the dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve is terminated.

Abstract: A support member is provided that includes a body defining a first channel configured to engage a main spine of a folding rack and a second channel perpendicularly disposed with respect to the first channel and configured to engage a wire member of a dishwasher rack so as to secure the folding rack thereto. The body further defines an aperture configured to receive therethrough one of a plurality of tines of the folding rack. The aperture can define horizontal and vertical support portions configured to support the tine when the folding rack is in folded and unfolded positions, respectively. The aperture can further define an arcuate channel extending between the horizontal support portion and the vertical support portion, the arcuate channel being configured to axially displace the tine along the longitudinal axis as the tine is moved between the horizontal support portion and the vertical support portion.

Abstract: A screening arrangement is provided for a dishwasher having a tub portion defining a sump about a lower end thereof. The dishwasher further includes a heating element disposed proximate to the lower end of the tub portion and defining laterally-opposed inner and outer peripheries. A screen element is arranged adjacent the sump and is configured to screen a dishwashing fluid entering the sump from the tub portion. The screen element extends laterally inward of the inner periphery of the heating element and laterally outward of the outer periphery of the heating element. The screen element is also configured to be heat-resistant so as to protect one of the lower end, the sump, and a lower spray arm from heat emitted by the heating element. An associated apparatus and method are also provided.

Abstract: A washing accessory is provided for supporting an article. The washing accessory includes a basket and can include an article positioning device adapted to be at least partially located within the reception area of the basket. If provided, the article positioning device comprises a first positioning element adapted to be removably attached with respect to the basket. The washing accessory can also comprise an optional cantilever support structure for supporting the washing accessory relative to a dishwasher rack.

Abstract: A washing appliance is provided, having a circulation pump for circulating a washing fluid. A monitoring device is capable of monitoring a condition of the circulated washing fluid. A control device is in communication with the monitoring device and is configured to direct execution of one of a plurality of automatic wash programs by the washing appliance, wherein each automatic wash program includes a plurality of serially-conducted wash segments, each including at least one pre-wash segment and at least one post-wash segment. The control device is further configured to direct the monitoring device to dynamically monitor the washing fluid condition during at least one of the at least one pre-wash segment and the at least one post-wash segment, and to direct an alteration of the washing fluid in response to the monitoring device determining that the washing fluid condition exceeds a threshold. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A noise-reducing device for a drain pump of a dishwasher is provided, wherein the drain pump includes a pump motor operably engaged with a pump mechanism disposed within a pump body. The drain pump is adapted to remove dishwashing fluid from a sump of the dishwasher. Such a noise-reducing device comprises a cover member adapted to substantially conformally-encompass the pump body of the drain pump, exclusively of the pump motor, to reduce transmission therethrough of noise generated by the pump mechanism during operation of the drain pump. An acoustic liner is disposed between the cover member and the pump body of the drain pump, in substantial correspondence with the cover member and exclusively of the pump motor. The acoustic liner is configured to further reduce transmission therethrough of noise generated by the pump mechanism during operation of the drain pump. Associated devices and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A screening arrangement is provided for a dishwasher having a tub portion defining a sump about a lower end thereof. The dishwasher further includes a heating element disposed proximate to the lower end of the tub portion and defining laterally-opposed inner and outer peripheries. A screen element is arranged adjacent the sump and is configured to screen a dishwashing fluid entering the sump from the tub portion. The screen element extends laterally inward of the inner periphery of the heating element and laterally outward of the outer periphery of the heating element. The screen element is also configured to be heat-resistant so as to protect one of the lower end, the sump, and a lower spray arm from heat emitted by the heating element. An associated apparatus and method are also provided.

Abstract: A support member is provided that includes a body defining a first channel configured to engage a main spine of a folding rack and a second channel perpendicularly disposed with respect to the first channel and configured to engage a wire member of a dishwasher rack so as to secure the folding rack thereto. The body further defines an aperture configured to receive therethrough one of a plurality of tines of the folding rack. The aperture can define horizontal and vertical support portions configured to support the tine when the folding rack is in folded and unfolded positions, respectively. The aperture can further define an arcuate channel extending between the horizontal support portion and the vertical support portion, the arcuate channel being configured to axially displace the tine along the longitudinal axis as the tine is moved between the horizontal support portion and the vertical support portion.

Abstract: A filter device for a dishwasher and associated apparatus and method are provided. The filter device includes an elongate housing having opposed ends, with one of the ends defining a fluid inlet. The housing is configured to define a channel therein extending between the opposed ends and has an upper wall and substantially vertical opposing side walls extending therefrom. The upper wall comprises a solid member, and at least one of the side walls comprises a fine mesh filtering screen, wherein washing fluid directed into the fluid inlet is filtered by the fine mesh filtering screen such that soil suspended therein is retained within the channel while the washing fluid passes through the fine mesh filtering screen and out of the channel.

Abstract: A dishwasher pump apparatus includes a liquid pump member, a motor operably connected to the liquid pump member and a cooling fan configured to cool the motor. The cooling fan includes an outer fan housing. Example dishwasher pump apparatus can further include an outer sound absorbing layer at least partially encapsulating at least one of an outer motor housing and the outer fan housing. Further examples, the outer fan housing can include an exhaust portion defining an exhaust path. An inner sound absorbing layer can line an inner area of the exhaust portion.

Abstract: A remote sensing and indicating apparatus for a conventional two-stage changeover gas regulator having a mechanical full/empty indicator and at least one inlet for receiving gas from at least one gas storage container. The apparatus includes a housing, retrofittable to the regulator, for accommodating a sensor. The sensor converts the mechanical movement of a pressure sensitive diaphragm and an indicating member biased thereagainst, of the full/empty indicator, into an electrical signal indicative of the “full/empty” status of the supply container. Within the housing, the sensing apparatus includes a plunger movably arranged therein, and biased against the indicating member such that the plunger is collectively movable with the indicating member and diaphragm in response to a change in gas pressure.