Abstract: A valve assembly is provided to control the flow of a fluid therethrough. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a pressure-regulating assembly. The valve body defines an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path extending therebetween. The pressure-regulating assembly includes a longitudinally extending piston tube, a venturi element, and a vent. The piston tube is shiftably mounted in the valve body and at least in part defines an outer chamber. The flow path extends through the piston tube. The venturi element is disposed in the flow path. The vent fluidly interconnects the flow path and the outer chamber such that a pressure drop associated with fluid flow through the venturi element draws fluid from the outer chamber through the vent and into the flow path.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided to control the flow of a fluid therethrough. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a pressure-regulating assembly. The valve body defines an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path extending therebetween. The pressure-regulating assembly includes a longitudinally extending piston tube, a venturi element, and a vent. The piston tube is shiftably mounted in the valve body and at least in part defines an outer chamber. The flow path extends through the piston tube. The venturi element is disposed in the flow path. The vent fluidly interconnects the flow path and the outer chamber such that a pressure drop associated with fluid flow through the venturi element draws fluid from the outer chamber through the vent and into the flow path.

Abstract: A spa includes a housing forming a vessel, an opening formed in the vessel, a valve fluidly coupled to the opening, a liquid sensor configured to measure an amount of liquid in the vessel, and a controller operatively connected to the valve and the liquid sensor. The controller operates the valve to drain liquid the vessel through the opening, and operates the valve to fill the vessel with liquid from a liquid source when a predetermined amount of liquid has drained from the vessel.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a water inlet connectable to a water source. A dishwasher element is operable on water received through the inlet. A flow sensor is in fluid communication with the inlet and is operable to generate a control signal indicative of water flow through the inlet. A control apparatus is connected between the dishwasher element and the flow sensor and is operable to inhibit operation of the dishwasher element in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a water inlet connectable to a water source. A dishwasher element is operable on water received through the inlet. A flow sensor is in fluid communication with the inlet and is operable to generate a control signal indicative of water flow through the inlet. A control apparatus is connected between the dishwasher element and the flow sensor and is operable to inhibit operation of the dishwasher element in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a water inlet connectable to a water source. A dishwasher element is operable on water received through the inlet. A flow sensor is in fluid communication with the inlet and is operable to generate a control signal indicative of water flow through the inlet. A control apparatus is connected between the dishwasher element and the flow sensor and is operable to inhibit operation of the dishwasher element in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A control system for monitoring the filling of a washing appliance with liquid. The control system energizes a fault indicator when a no-fill and/or an overfill condition occurs. Specifically, when a no-fill condition occurs at a time when the washing appliance should have a predetermined liquid level therein, the control system energizes a fault indicator and suspends operation so that damage to the washing appliance is prevented and/or minimized. When an overfill condition (i.e., a liquid level above a predetermined level) occurs the control system energizes a fault indicator and suspends operation to prevent and/or minimize damage to the washing appliance and/or the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A water valve assembly includes a valve body having defined therein (i) an inlet, (ii) an outlet, (iii) a central cavity, and (iv) a component access opening, wherein fluid advancing into the valve body through the inlet must pass through the central cavity before exiting out of the valve body through the outlet, and further wherein the component access opening is configured so that a valve component may be advanced into the central cavity through the component access opening. The water valve assembly further includes a retaining bracket having a retaining portion positioned in relation to the valve body so as to block advancement of the valve component from the central cavity to a location outside of the valve body through the component access opening.

Abstract: A water valve assembly includes a valve body having defined therein (i) an inlet, (ii) an outlet, (iii) a central cavity, and (iv) a component access opening, wherein fluid advancing into the valve body through the inlet must pass through the central cavity before exiting out of the valve body through the outlet, and further wherein the component access opening is configured so that a valve component may be advanced into the central cavity through the component access opening. The water valve assembly further includes a retaining bracket having a retaining portion positioned in relation to the valve body so as to block advancement of the valve component from the central cavity to a location outside of the valve body through the component access opening.

Abstract: A water valve assembly includes a valve body having defined therein a central cavity and a bracket-receiving opening. The valve assembly also includes a first valve component positioned in the central cavity of the valve body. Moreover, the water valve assembly includes a retaining bracket having a flange which has a crimped end portion defined therein. The flange is positioned in the bracket-receiving opening so as to retain the first valve component in the central cavity of the valve opening. The crimped end portion of the flange contacts the valve body so as to retain the flange in the bracket-receiving opening. A method of making an appliance water valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water valve assembly includes a valve body having defined therein a central cavity. The water valve assembly also includes an integrated filter and noise suppressor device having a component body which has defined therein (i) a number of screen members, (ii) a number of fluid channels, and (iii) a first flange secured around a periphery of the component body with each of the number of fluid channels extending through the first flange. The integrated filter and noise suppressor device is positioned within the central cavity of the valve body. A method of operating an appliance water valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water valve assembly includes a valve component having defined therein a central cavity and a bypass channel. The water valve assembly also includes a flow control device positioned in the central cavity. The flow control device has defined therein a fluid passage and a sealing member secured to an outer periphery of the flow control device. The flow control device is positionable between a first pressure orientation and a second pressure orientation based on water pressure in the central cavity of the valve component. The sealing member is adapted to prevent advancement of water through the bypass channel when the flow control device is oriented in the first pressure orientation. The sealing member is adapted to allow advancement of water through the bypass channel when the flow control device is oriented in the second pressure orientation. A method of operating an appliance water valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An appliance water valve assembly includes a valve body and an armature which is movable within the valve body. The armature includes an armature tip. The appliance water valve also has a valve seat which includes a valve seat orifice. The valve seat is positioned in cooperation with the armature tip such that the armature tip contacts the valve seat orifice when the appliance water valve is in a closed position and the armature tip is spaced apart from the valve seat orifice when the valve is an open position. The valve seat further includes a cylindrical ring which is positioned around the valve seat orifice. This cylindrical ring protects the valve seat orifice from damage.

Abstract: A water valve assembly includes a valve body having defined therein (1) a first channel, and (2) a first threaded portion. The water valve assembly also includes a first stop attached to the valve body and a second stop attached to the valve body, the second stop being positioned relative to the first stop such that a recess is defined therebetween. The water valve assembly further includes an attachment mechanism having a base and an arm attached to the base. The attachment mechanism has defined therein (1) a second channel, and (2) a second threaded portion. The arm includes a tab, and the arm is positionable in a first lowered position relative to the base when the tab is located outside of the recess. In addition, the arm is positionable in a second lowered position relative to the base when the tab is located within the recess. Furthermore, the tab contacts the first stop so as to move the arm relative to the base when the arm is moved from the first lowered position to the second lowered position.

Abstract: A fluid valve including a valve body, a flow control member and a cavitation prevention assembly. The valve body has an inlet, an outlet, a fluid passage communicating fluid therebetween, and means for selectively opening and closing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. The flow control member is positioned within the fluid passage and has a central passage through which the fluid advances. The cavitation prevention assembly is positioned within the flow passage and is in flow communication with the inlet and the flow control member. The cavitation prevention assembly controls the pressure of the fluid entering the central passage to a level which is sufficiently low to prevent cavitation of the fluid.

Abstract: A noise suppression assembly including a retainer having (1) a retainer body defining a central cavity therein, (2) a base flange extending outwardly from the retainer body, and (3) a fluid channel defined therein. The noise suppression assembly further includes a flow control member having a central passage through which the flow of water advances, the central passage of the flow control member being offset from the fluid channel of the retainer. Moreover, the noise suppression assembly also includes a suppresser having (1) a suppresser body, (2) a bullet secured to the suppresser body, and (3) a hole defined therein through which the flow of water advances, the hole of the suppresser being offset from the central passage of the flow control member, and further the bullet being aligned with the central passage of the flow control member. The base flange of the retainer has a peripheral edge with the fluid channel being spaced apart therefrom.

Abstract: A fluid flow control disc has a central passage for the flow of fluid. The disc has a peripheral lip seal that insures that the fluid flow will not by pass the central passage.

Abstract: A single, rectangular piece of sheet metal is rolled to form a tube having a split seam. A cylindrical piece of rubber is inserted in the cylinder with the ends of the rubber cylinder flush with the ends of the metal tube. The cylinder is squeezed or crimped to close the ends of the piece of sheet metal at the seam and cause the metal tube to grip the rubber, thereby forming an armature.

Abstract: An armature for a solenoid operated valve in which a magnetically responsive tubular housing has a central aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. Secured within the aperture is a seal component with opposite ends positioned relative to the open ends of the housing so that either of the ends of the seal component are sealingly engageable with a valve seat. The tubular housing has either a split-seam construction or a seamless construction. Both ends of the sealing component extend outwardly beyond the ends of the tubular housing, and may include a disc-shaped portion at either or both ends.