Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm assembly. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body and includes an outer sheath and a first pivot portion such that the outer sheath and the first pivot portion are integrally formed together with each other as a first unitary piece. The clamp arm assembly includes a clamp arm and a second pivot portion such that the clamp arm and the second pivot portion are integrally formed together with each other as a second unitary piece. The clamp arm assembly is pivotally coupled to the shaft assembly via the first and second pivot portions.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine configured to detect the presence of rinse aid in fluid in a washing chamber of the dishwashing machine. An electronic controller selects the drying stage of the dishwashing cycle based on whether rinse aid is present.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine configured to detect the presence of rinse aid in fluid in a washing chamber of the dishwashing machine. An electronic controller selects the drying stage of the dishwashing cycle based on whether rinse aid is present.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine configured to detect the presence of rinse aid in fluid in a washing chamber of the dishwashing machine. An electronic controller selects the drying stage of the dishwashing cycle based on whether rinse aid is present.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine configured to detect the presence of rinse aid in fluid in a washing chamber of the dishwashing machine. An electronic controller selects the drying stage of the dishwashing cycle based on whether rinse aid is present.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a plurality of electrical wash system components connected to a control system constituted by a user interface controller and a main controller. The user interface controller includes a plurality of user input selectors for establishing model dependent operational parameters for a washing operation. The main controller broadcasts an information packet regarding a desired washing operation in the form of a first set of instructions associated the model dependent operational parameters and a second set of instructions associated with other dishwasher models. The dishwasher is then operated based upon the first set of instructions, while the second set of instructions are automatically filtered out.

Abstract: A multi-compartment dishwasher includes first and second washing units defining corresponding first and second washing tubs or chambers. The dishwasher also includes first and second control boards operatively associated with the first and second washing units respectively. Preferably, the first and second control boards are joined by a communication link that serves as a conduit for sharing data. The dishwasher further includes at least one ID designator that identifies one of the first and second washing units as a primary washing unit and the other of the first and second washing units as a secondary washing unit. The primary and secondary washing units share certain system resources during an overall washing operation, with the primary washing unit having preference over the secondary washing unit.

Abstract: A universal controller is employed in a domestic appliance including a user interface. In order to determine the particular user interface utilized and, correspondingly, the available cycles, features and options of the appliance, a scan of a keypad matrix associated with the user interface is performed to determine the presence and/or absence of shorts used to reflect the existence of permanently closed keys of the matrix. In accordance with the invention, the shorts can be indicated individually, in sequence and/or in combination in order to indicate to the controller which firmware to execute for a particular user interface.

Abstract: An off-line switching power supply for generating negative voltages without a transformer, comprising a line voltage connection for receiving a line voltage, an inductor having a first terminal and a second terminal, a power MOSFET having a drain and a source, the drain electrically connected to the first terminal of the inductor, the drain electrically connected to the first terminal of the inductor, the source electrically connected to the voltage and the second terminal of the inductor providing a negative output voltage.

Abstract: An off-line switching power supply for generating negative voltages without a transformer, comprising a line voltage connection for receiving a line voltage, an inductor having a first terminal and a second terminal, a power MOSFET having a drain and a source, the drain electrically connected to the first terminal of the inductor, the drain electrically connected to the first terminal of the inductor, the source electrically connected to the voltage and the second terminal of the inductor providing a negative output voltage.

Abstract: A universal controller is employed in a domestic appliance including a user interface. In order to determine the particular user interface utilized and, correspondingly, the available cycles, features and options of the appliance, a scan of a keypad matrix associated with the user interface is performed to determine the presence and/or absence of shorts used to reflect the existence of permanently closed keys of the matrix. In accordance with the invention, the shorts can be indicated individually, in sequence and/or in combination in order to indicate to the controller which firmware to execute for a particular user interface.