Abstract: The present invention relates to a support device for holding dishing goods in a dishwasher comprising at least one basket. The support device comprises: support means for arranging the support device on the at least one basket; and holding means for holding the dishing goods in a position vertically displaced from the basket. The present invention furthermore relates to a dishwasher comprising the support device according to the invention. The invention furthermore relates to a dishwasher comprising said support device.

Abstract: A method for controlling and monitoring operation of a dishwasher appliance is provided and includes directing a first automatic wash cycle within a series of automatic wash cycles to be executed by the dishwasher appliance with a control device associated therewith. Each wash cycle is configured to have an increased energy usage level over a previous automatic wash cycle, and the energy usage level for each wash cycle is determined from at least one operational parameter associated with each respective automatic wash cycle. The method further includes directing a second automatic wash cycle, following the first automatic wash cycle, to be executed by the dishwasher appliance with the control device in response to a selection with an actuator device operably engaged with the control device. The selection may be based on a cleanliness evaluation of dishware washed by the dishwasher appliance.

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: An actuator assembly, adapted to move a movable member between a first position and a second position, is provided. Such an actuator assembly comprises an actuator device configured to selectively provide an actuation signal, and an actuatable member operably engaged with the actuator device. The actuator member is operably engaged with a fixed member and extends therefrom into communication with the movable member. The actuatable member is further configured to receive the actuation signal and to change in dimension in response thereto, so as to provide a linear force for moving the movable member, with respect to the fixed member, between the first and second positions. Associated apparatuses are also provided.

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 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 dishwasher appliance is provided, and includes a control device configured to direct one of a series of automatic wash cycles to be executed by the dishwasher appliance. Each successive wash cycle within the series having an increased energy usage level over a previous automatic wash cycle, wherein each energy usage level is determined from at least one operational parameter associated with the respective automatic wash cycle. An actuator device is operably engaged with the control device, and is configured to be responsive to the user to select a subsequent automatic wash cycle to be executed by the dishwasher appliance as directed by the control device, the subsequent automatic wash cycle comprising one of a previous automatic wash cycle and a successive automatic wash cycle in the series of automatic wash cycles, with respect to the one of the series of automatic wash cycles. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A shelf accessory for a dishwasher rack is provided, comprising a spine extending in parallel with a structural member of the rack. A plurality of loops extends perpendicularly from the spine, and the loops are spaced apart in relation to each other along the spine, and cooperate therewith to define a shelf member. A clip member is operably engaged between the shelf member and the structural member, and is configured to be capable of rotating about the structural member such that the shelf member correspondingly orbits about the structural member. The clip member further comprises at least one retention member operably engaged therewith. The at least one retention member is configured to cooperate with the rack so as to retain and support the shelf member in at least one of a plurality of angular positions with respect to and about the structural member. Associated apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: An actuator assembly, adapted to move a movable member between a first position and a second position, is provided. Such an actuator assembly comprises an actuator device configured to selectively provide an actuation signal, and an actuatable member operably engaged with the actuator device. The actuator member is operably engaged with a fixed member and extends therefrom into communication with the movable member. The actuatable member is further configured to receive the actuation signal and to change in dimension in response thereto, so as to provide a linear force for moving the movable member, with respect to the fixed member, between the first and second positions. Associated apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: A lower rack for a dishwasher is provided, comprising a rack member movable into and out of the dishwasher along first and second tracks extending from the tub to an interior portion of the dishwasher door. The lower rack includes at least one rack roller mechanism on each laterally-opposed side portion of the rack member, for facilitating movement of the rack member with respect to the lower end of the tub and the interior portion of the open door. One of the rack roller mechanisms includes a leadingly-disposed stop portion, as the rack member is moved out of the lower end of the tub and along the interior portion of the open door for interacting with a stop feature of the corresponding one of the first and second tracks to limit egress of the rack member from the tub along the first and second tracks. Associated apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: A shelf accessory for a dishwasher rack is provided, comprising a spine extending in parallel with a structural member of the rack. A plurality of loops extends perpendicularly from the spine, and the loops are spaced apart in relation to each other along the spine, and cooperate therewith to define a shelf member. A clip member is operably engaged between the shelf member and the structural member, and is configured to be capable of rotating about the structural member such that the shelf member correspondingly orbits about the structural member. The clip member further comprises at least one retention member operably engaged therewith. The at least one retention member is configured to cooperate with the rack so as to retain and support the shelf member in at least one of a plurality of angular positions with respect to and about the structural member. Associated apparatuses 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.