Abstract: A method of injecting gaseous fuel into an internal combustion engine comprises selecting one of at least two predetermined operating modes as a function of engine load and engine speed. The engine includes a fuel injection valve with an actuator for changing a commanded amplitude for lifting a valve needle during injection, and for changing, from one combustion cycle to the next, the shape of an actuation pulse defined by commanded amplitude plotted against time. In a first operating mode, which corresponds to low load and low speed range, the actuation pulse has a rectangular shape. In a second operating mode, which corresponds to at least one of a greater load and a greater speed range, the actuation pulse includes at least two shape-defining segments with the commanded amplitude for the first segment being less than 90% of the amplitude for a subsequent second segment.

Abstract: A method of operating a gaseous-fueled internal combustion engine comprises selecting one of at least two predetermined operating modes as a function of engine load and engine speed. A first operating mode is selected when said engine is commanded to operate within a first region corresponding to a low load and low speed range, and a second operating mode is selected when said engine is commanded to operate within a second region distinct from said first region and corresponding to at least one of a greater load and a greater speed range compared to said first region. In the first operating mode, the gaseous fuel is introduced in a single injection event with the injection valve commanded to open with a constant amplitude A1. In the second operating mode, the gaseous fuel is introduced in a single injection event and the injection valve is commanded to begin with a constant amplitude A2 for a predetermined time and then to open to an amplitude A3, wherein amplitude A3 is greater than amplitude A2.

Abstract: An electric powered can opener has a housing, a feed gear that is motor connected and rotatably mounted to drive and rotate a can by holding it by its rim. An operating lever is pivoted above the gear on the housing and carries a cutter mechanism to remove the can lid. To this conventional arrangement an improvement is added in the cutter mechanism of a non-round cutter wheel connected to and movable by the lever and having a lobed or flat portion within the periphery and oriented so that the cutter wheel is substantially stationary as it is pulled into the can lid such that the meeting edge of the periphery at the flat and round periphery provides a power pierce whereupon the cutter wheel then rotates for a clean severing of the can lid. The cutter is preferably a dish-shaped cutter with a hollow ground flat or lobe portion. The lever is preferably spring biased for rotation toward the can at all times and has a slidable switch actuator that is linkage-connected to the lever for manual operation.

Abstract: A silverware basket for use in a dishwasher for holding silverware during washing, rinsing and drying operations. The basket has side walls extending upwardly from a generally perforate bottom wall. The bottom wall comprises an open grid formed by a plurality of intersecting undulating ribs. Each rib comprises rib portions extending between points of intersection which are slanted relative to the horizontal and also relative to adjacent rib portions such that each point of intersection is vertically displaced relative to each adjacent point of intersection, so as to provide an uneven bottom surface which reduces silverware nesting, improves drainage from the basket, and provides a relatively large open area for admitting wash water through the bottom wall into the basket. Short upwardly extending pins are distributed along each rib, each being positioned approximately midway between adjacent points of intersection, to further impede sliding and induce separation of silverware items in the basket.

Abstract: A dishwasher employing a float assembly positioned in a centrally located sump in close proximity laterally and vertically to a horizontally rotating circulation pump impeller inlet area for accurately terminating fill when the liquid level rises slightly above the dynamic prime level thereby enabling lower water usage by eliminating the need to overfill to compensate for inaccuracies in liquid level control. A baffle partially encloses the float to prevent nuisance trips resulting from liquid turbulence in the sump caused by pump operation. A cover is provided over the float mechanism to prevent nuisance trips caused by overspray striking the float. In its preferred form the float assembly comprises a multi-chambered open bottom float portion and an inverted U-shaped stem portion. One end of the U-shaped stem is connected to the float. The free end is slidably supported in a vertical standpipe formed in the bottom of the sump.

Abstract: A level control arrangement for dishwashers in which the inflow to the dishwasher tub from the water supply line is automatically terminated when the water level in the tub reaches a predetermined level. The arrangement includes a two-stage level control valve disposed in a valve housing installed downstream of the water fill valve. The valve is moved into and out of engagement with the valve housing in response to a connector which in turn is in operative engagement with a stem of a float positioned in the dishwasher tub. When the water level in the tub approaches a predetermined washing level, the float rises in the tub to a position where the connector permits the valve to move to a sealing position, thereby terminating further flow to the dishwasher tub. When the water is drained from the tub, the float stem moves the connector thereby releasing the pressure exerted against the sealed valve through a port located within the valve.

Abstract: An antisiphon air gap arrangement is disclosed acting as a vacuum breaker for the water supply to a dishwasher, including a partitioned, bilevel standpipe extending upwardly from the dishwasher tub bottom. One section of the standpipe acts as a maximum flood level establishing overflow drain, while the other section extends to a level in the tub above the so-established flood level, and receives a fill tube from the inlet water supply valve. A domed cover mounted to the tub bottom extends over the partitioned standpipe to prevent escape of overspray from the dishwasher through the standpipe, while openings about the bottom enable fill water to pass into the tub. The fill tube passes through the other section of the partitioned standpipe opening with a clearance space, through which air from the exterior of the dishwasher is drawn whenever suction conditions in the house plumbing occur.

Abstract: A rack holder for large diameter items of dishware of varying depths such as plates and bowls, including an arrangement of dish holder wire form elements mounted to a rack frame which efficiently accommodates either shallow depth items such as plates or deeper items such as bowls while maintaining a stable, slightly inclined vertical positioning of these items. The arrangement includes a succession of aligned pairs of dish holder elements of alternate configuration. One is comprised of upwardly extending fingers and the other of diverging substantially shorter elements. Both configurations are spaced and formed so as to securely engage shallow depth plates between successive pairs of elements of either configuration, while the divergent elements accommodate deeper bowl items allowing them to be received between the upwardly extending fingers. Particular dimensions and configuration of the elements accommodate the arrangement to a wide variety of dishware.

Abstract: A fluid coupling for connecting a portable washing machine to a domestic water faucet comprises a housing defining an unobstructed fluid passage having a lateral discharge port normally closed by a tilt type valve. A sliding detent plate latches the coupling to the faucet and includes an actuating arm for opening the discharge valve at least momentarily in its traverse between latched and unlatched positions.