Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and apparatus for spraying water in a dishwasher. A dishwasher may include a wash chamber and at least one dish rack. The dishwasher may include a water inlet selectively connected to a dish spray device, which may connect a dish spray conduit with the wash chamber. The dish spray device may be oriented towards the at least one dish rack, such that the spray device may be configured to direct water onto the dishes for washing. The water inlet may be selectively connected to a fill device, which may connect the fill conduit with the wash chamber. The fill device may be configured to provide water to the circulation assembly without impinging the at least one dish rack. The one or more valves may selectively direct water from the water inlet to one or both of the dish spray device and the fill device.

Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and apparatus for spraying water in a dishwasher. A dishwasher may include a wash chamber and at least one dish rack. The dishwasher may include a water inlet selectively connected to a dish spray device, which may connect a dish spray conduit with the wash chamber. The dish spray device may be oriented towards the at least one dish rack, such that the spray device may be configured to direct water onto the dishes for washing. The water inlet may be selectively connected to a fill device, which may connect the fill conduit with the wash chamber. The fill device may be configured to provide water to the circulation assembly without impinging the at least one dish rack. The one or more valves may selectively direct water from the water inlet to one or both of the dish spray device and the fill device.

Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and apparatus for spraying water in a dishwasher. A dishwasher may include a wash chamber and at least one dish rack. The dishwasher may include a water inlet selectively connected to a dish spray device, which may connect a dish spray conduit with the wash chamber. The dish spray device may be oriented towards the at least one dish rack, such that the spray device may be configured to direct water onto the dishes for washing. The water inlet may be selectively connected to a fill device, which may connect the fill conduit with the wash chamber. The fill device may be configured to provide water to the circulation assembly without impinging the at least one dish rack. The one or more valves may selectively direct water from the water inlet to one or both of the dish spray device and the fill device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump plate (60) for conditioning the flow of a fluid before the fluid enters an inlet (51) of a circulation pump (50) of a dishwasher. The pump plate (60) may have a plate portion with a number of holes (62) dispersed across its surface such that fluid may flow through the holes (62). The pump plate (60) may also include one or more upper guide vanes (63) extending outwardly from the plate portion and configured to reduce the turbulence in the fluid flow. A dishwasher (10) including a pump plate (60) and a method for manufacturing such a dishwasher are also provided. A dishwasher (10) that includes a pump plate (60) to condition the fluid flow within the dishwasher may be configured to function efficiently while requiring less water to complete a rinse or wash cycle than a dishwasher that does not include a pump plate.

Abstract: Method for operating a shortened dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher, dishwasher configured for running the shortened dishwashing cycle and computer program product for operating a shortened dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher. The dishwasher (10) includes a tub (12) configured to hold dishware during a dishwashing cycle, at least one circulation pump (50, 250), at least one heating element (230), and a controller (40, 240) configured to operate the dishwasher. The controller (40, 240) is configured to operate the dishwasher (10) according to at least one of a normal dishwashing cycle or the shortened dishwashing cycle. The method includes providing a first amount of warm water to the tub (12). The first amount of warm water is greater than a standard amount of water provided to the tub (12) for the normal dishwashing cycle.

Abstract: Method for operating a shortened dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher, dishwasher configured for running the shortened dishwashing cycle and computer program product for operating a shortened dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher. The dishwasher (10) includes a tub (12) configured to hold dishware during a dishwashing cycle, at least one circulation pump (50, 250), at least one heating element (230), and a controller (40, 240) configured to operate the dishwasher. The controller (40, 240) is configured to operate the dishwasher (10) according to at least one of a normal dishwashing cycle or the shortened dishwashing cycle. The method includes providing a first amount of warm water to the tub (12). The first amount of warm water is greater than a standard amount of water provided to the tub (12) for the normal dishwashing cycle.

Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and apparatus for spraying water in a dishwasher. A dishwasher may include a wash chamber and at least one dish rack. The dishwasher may include a water inlet selectively connected to a dish spray device, which may connect a dish spray conduit with the wash chamber. The dish spray device may be oriented towards the at least one dish rack, such that the spray device may be configured to direct water onto the dishes for washing. The water inlet may be selectively connected to a fill device, which may connect the fill conduit with the wash chamber. The fill device may be configured to provide water to the circulation assembly without impinging the at least one dish rack. The one or more valves may selectively direct water from the water inlet to one or both of the dish spray device and the fill device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump plate (60) for conditioning the flow of a fluid before the fluid enters an inlet (51) of a circulation pump (50) of a dishwasher. The pump plate (60) may have a plate portion with a number of holes (62) dispersed across its surface such that fluid may flow through the holes (62). The pump plate (60) may also include one or more upper guide vanes (63) extending outwardly from the plate portion and configured to reduce the turbulence in the fluid flow. A dishwasher (10) including a pump plate (60) and a method for manufacturing such a dishwasher are also provided. A dishwasher (10) that includes a pump plate (60) to condition the fluid flow within the dishwasher may be configured to function efficiently while requiring less water to complete a rinse or wash cycle than a dishwasher that does not include a pump plate.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a dishwasher may provide an intensified wash effect. The dishwasher may include a rack defining a bottom and a sidewall, wherein the rack is adapted to receive dishware therein. A dishwashing fluid supply channel may be configured to supply dishwashing fluid to a spray assembly. The spray assembly may comprise at least one nozzle member. Thereby, the spray assembly may be adapted to receive the dishwashing fluid from the dishwashing fluid supply channel and to dispense the dishwashing fluid therethrough. The spray assembly may be coupled to the sidewall of the rack. Further, the nozzle member may be attached to an arm which is moveable between at least a first position wherein the arm is adjacent the sidewall of the rack and a second position wherein the arm is adjacent the bottom of the rack.

Abstract: According to example embodiments, a dishwasher may include a siphon break apparatus configured to substantially prevent a siphon effect in a fluid conduit configured to drain a fluid from the dishwasher. The siphon break apparatus may include a first check valve in fluid communication with the fluid conduit and exposed to a pressure therein and a second check valve in fluid communication with the first check valve. The first and second check valves may be configured to be substantially closed when pressure in the fluid conduit increases as a result of fluid being pumped through the fluid conduit and substantially open when pressure in the fluid conduit decreases as a result of the fluid no longer being pumped through the fluid conduit. Thereby the siphon effect may be substantially prevented.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for detecting and removing a clogging condition of a filter in a dishwasher. According to one embodiment, the method includes determining a normal water level or a normal rate of water level change for a wash cycle of the dishwasher and monitoring a water level or a rate of water level change during execution of the wash cycle. The method further includes detecting the clogging condition of the filter by detecting a deviation thereof. A current position of the wash cycle being executed may then be determined. The method further includes executing a remedial operation to facilitate removal of the clogging condition and determining if the clogging condition has been removed. Finally, the method includes resuming operation of the dishwasher at a wash cycle position based on the current position if the clogging condition has been removed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for detecting and removing a clogging condition of a filter in a dishwasher. According to one embodiment, the method includes determining a normal water level or a normal rate of water level change for a wash cycle of the dishwasher and monitoring a water level or a rate of water level change during execution of the wash cycle. The method further includes detecting the clogging condition of the filter by detecting a deviation thereof. A current position of the wash cycle being executed may then be determined. The method further includes executing a remedial operation to facilitate removal of the clogging condition and determining if the clogging condition has been removed. Finally, the method includes resuming operation of the dishwasher at a wash cycle position based on the current position if the clogging condition has been removed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a method and an associated system for removing a forming or fully developed clog from a drain hose in a dishwasher. According to one embodiment, the system includes a drain pump configured to remove water from the dishwasher and a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain pump. The system further includes a control device in operable communication with the drain pump and configured to execute a drain routine in response to detecting a clog in the drain hose, wherein the drain routine comprises repeatedly activating and deactivating the drain pump to facilitate removal of the clog.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a detergent dispenser configured to attach to an interior surface of a dishwasher door. The detergent dispenser may comprise a reservoir configured to hold detergent, wherein a portion of the upper wall of the reservoir has been removed to reduce a cross-sectional length thereof such that water flowing down the dishwasher door is encouraged into the reservoir. The detergent dispenser may also comprise a dispenser door comprising a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the dispenser door is configured to cover the reservoir in the closed configuration. The detergent dispenser may be configured to encourage water flowing down the interior surface of the dishwasher door to enter the reservoir when the dispenser door is in the open or closed configuration.

Abstract: A sump assembly for a dishwasher and associated method are provided. The sump assembly comprises an integrally-formed sump member defining a circulation pump volute receptacle and a drain pump volute receptacle. The circulation pump volute receptacle and the drain pump volute receptacle are adapted to receive respective pump and motor assemblies. Each of the volute receptacles is configured to receive the respective pump and motor assembly along a respective horizontal axis defined thereby. The drain pump volute receptacle includes a washing fluid input in direct communication with the circulation pump volute receptacle for receiving the washing fluid therefrom.

Abstract: According to exemplary embodiments, a dishwasher or other washing appliance includes a siphon break apparatus configured to substantially prevent a siphon effect in a fluid conduit configured to drain fluid from the dishwasher or other washing appliance. The siphon break apparatus may include a body portion that may be divided by a filter into a filter chamber and a flow chamber. The filter chamber may extend perpendicularly from the flow chamber. An aperture may be defined in the filter chamber and sealed shut by a domed closure of a normally-closed umbrella valve. The domed closure may unseal from the aperture and thereby allow air to enter the filter chamber, travel through the filter and into the flow chamber so as to relieve a low pressure region and substantially prevent a siphon effect in the fluid conduit. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an appliance may include operating assemblies configured to employ utilities to perform one or more functions. A controller may be configured to control the operating assemblies. The controller may include a network interface and a user interface. The network interface may communicate utility data relating to the utilities with a network. The user interface may be configured to receive user inputs and output status indicators relating to the utility data received from the network. The utility data may include a utility demand level and a utility unit price. Further, a system is also provided that may include the appliance, an additional appliance, and an intermediate controller. The intermediate controller may be configured to communicate with the network and direct modification of the functions performed by the appliance and the additional appliance based on the utility data. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a method and an associated system for removing a forming or fully developed clog from a drain hose in a dishwasher. According to one embodiment, the system includes a drain pump configured to remove water from the dishwasher and a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain pump. The system further includes a control device in operable communication with the drain pump and configured to execute a drain routine in response to detecting a clog in the drain hose, wherein the drain routine comprises repeatedly activating and deactivating the drain pump to facilitate removal of the clog.

Abstract: According to example embodiments, a dishwasher may include a siphon break apparatus configured to substantially prevent a siphon effect in a fluid conduit configured to drain a fluid from the dishwasher. The siphon break apparatus may include a first check valve in fluid communication with the fluid conduit and exposed to a pressure therein and a second check valve in fluid communication with the first check valve. The first and second check valves may be configured to be substantially closed when pressure in the fluid conduit increases as a result of fluid being pumped through the fluid conduit and substantially open when pressure in the fluid conduit decreases as a result of the fluid no longer being pumped through the fluid conduit. Thereby the siphon effect may be substantially prevented.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a detergent dispenser configured to attach to an interior surface of a dishwasher door. The detergent dispenser may comprise a reservoir configured to hold detergent, wherein a portion of the upper wall of the reservoir has been removed to reduce a cross-sectional length thereof such that water flowing down the dishwasher door is encouraged into the reservoir. The detergent dispenser may also comprise a dispenser door comprising a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the dispenser door is configured to cover the reservoir in the closed configuration. The detergent dispenser may be configured to encourage water flowing down the interior surface of the dishwasher door to enter the reservoir when the dispenser door is in the open or closed configuration.