Abstract: A pump priming sensing system for managing a filtration system is provided. The sensing system is capable of monitoring the state of the motor that operates the pump in a dishwasher to determine if the pump is receiving enough water to operate at a normal torque level. A filter is provided above the pump inlet to the pump. When a mixture of water and air is received through the pump inlet, the torque level falls. The motor transmits this decrease in torque level to a controller, which activates a filter cleaning system to clean the filter of soil/food/debris loosed from the dishes being cleaned in the dishwasher. Once the filter has been cleaned, normal operation of the dishwasher is resumed with the pump operating at a normal torque level.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically controlling operation of a dishwasher during a cleaning cycle. The method includes detecting a plurality of conditions in the dishwasher during operation, evaluating the plurality of detected conditions to determine a dynamic control response, and sending a signal representing the dynamic control response to at least one component of the dishwasher. The plurality of detected conditions can include some or all of a rate of change of a wash water temperature, an approximate surface area and thermal mass of a plurality of dishes loaded in the dishwasher, an amount of wash water added to the dishwasher and a status of a full flow filter. The control system includes means for detecting a plurality of conditions in the dishwasher during operation, means for evaluating the plurality of detected conditions to determine a dynamic control response, and means for sending a signal representing the dynamic control response to control at least one component of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwasher incorporates a primary filter cleaning system for removing food debris from circulated wash water. The dishwasher having a sump formed in the bottom and a wash pump having an inlet in communication with the sump. A collection chamber is formed through the bottom of the sump and a filter is situated over the top of the sump. The filter has an opening for depositing debris in the collection chamber. A stationary manifold is situated about the upper periphery of the sump and is aligned with the discharge of the pump. The manifold has multiple spaced spray nozzles, with each of the nozzles being aligned for spray contact with the filter. When water is pumped from the sump to the manifold, the water is sprayed across the filter to remove any food debris on the filter. The debris is then swept into the collection chamber.

Abstract: A fill level control system for an article cleaning apparatus is provided. The fill level control system uses a sensor array to monitor a plurality of fill level points within, for example, a dishwasher. The level of water for each wash phase is monitored as a function of its height above the sump of an article cleaning apparatus, and the liquid used in the washing apparatus is introduced as a function of signals produced giving the level of liquid. The fill level control system further includes a low level sensor that turns the pumping system for the article cleaning apparatus off when the sump portion has been completely emptied. A further aspect of the fill level control system is an optional temperature control sensor, integrated with the liquid level sensors, to provide signals for modifying the temperature within the article cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A dishwasher incorporating a food waste disposal system and has a sump formed in its lower portion and a drain pump located in the sump is provided. The drain pump includes a motor driving an impeller and a chopping blade. A fine filter is positioned before the inlet portion of a wash pump in the sump to collect and concentrate food particles held adjacent the drain pump. An electronic controller, which controls the dishwasher cycle and the wash and drain pumps, causes the chopping blade to rotate and chop any food particles held adjacent the drain pump. An electrically controlled valve, operated by the electronic controller, is in the drain line of the drain pump and can be pulsed on and off during operation of the dishwasher to allow removal of some food particles in the wash water at any intermediate point of the cycle.

Abstract: A dishwasher incorporates a primary filter cleaning system for removing food debris from circulated wash water. The dishwasher having a sump formed in the floor of the dishwasher and a wash pump having an inlet in communication with the sump. A collection chamber is formed in the bottom of the sump and comprises at least one wall having filter media. A sprayer is disposed within the collection chamber and is in fluid communication with the pump. The sprayer has at least one nozzle aligned for spray contact with the filter media. When water is pumped from the sump to sprayer, the water is sprayed across the filter media to remove any debris from the filter media.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a speed-controlled induction motor coupled to a pump to drive the pump during dishwasher operation. A motor controller is connected to the induction motor to control the speed of operation of the induction motor. A dishwasher controller is connected to the motor controller for sending signals to, and receiving signals from, the motor controller during operation to control the motor speed. The flow rate of water through the pump discharge to a spray arm is controlled based on the phase of the wash cycle and the condition of the filter that blocks food debris from entering the sump. The motor speed is decreased to decrease the pump flow rate when the flow rate through the filter decreases in an early phase of the wash cycle. The motor speed is increased to increase the pump flow rate during later phases of the wash cycle. In steady state operation, the flow rate through the filter is matched to the flow rate through the pump discharge.