Abstract: An electrolysis device is disclosed for producing alkaline water from water including an electrolysis vessel, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a bipolar membrane element, and at least one cation exchangeable membrane within the electrolysis vessel. The bipolar membrane element has a cation exchangeable side and an anion exchangeable side, the cation exchangeable side being closer to the negative electrode than the anion exchangeable side. The at least one cation exchangeable membrane is arranged between the anion exchangeable side of the bipolar membrane element and the positive electrode, so as to define an alkali chamber between the bipolar membrane element and the cation exchangeable membrane. An ionic exchange resin is associated with the vessel, whereby flow of the water though the vessel and the ionic exchange resin produces alkaline water in the alkali chamber. Various options and modifications are possible. A related washing machine such as a dishwasher is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance is provided having features that allow for the recovery, storage, and use of heat energy present in fluids that have been used in a cycle of the appliance such as for washing or rinsing. Before or during the draining of such fluid from the appliance, the heat is captured as latent heat using a heat transfer pipe containing a phase change material. This heat can be transferred to another phase change material and stored as latent heat. The stored heat is then transferred to air or a clean fluid such as e.g., fresh water for use in another cycle of the appliance.

Abstract: A dishwashing appliance is provided that adjusts the pH during the cleaning process so as to allow for cleaning with both alkaline and acidic wash fluids. Alkali and acidic additives are used to improve the removal of substances that are pH sensitive. Such additives can be provided in predetermined amounts and/or a pH sensor can be used to regulate the amount of such additives that are utilized during the cleaning process.

Abstract: A dishwashing apparatus and a methodology are provided for washing dishware using electrolyzed water to provide alkaline and acidic water for wash and rinse cycles. The water used at the beginning of a pre-wash stage is repeatedly used in plural pre-wash cycles and filtered through sediment and oil filtration between pre-wash cycles. Water from a final rinse cycle is saved for use for future pre-wash cycles. The sediment and oil filtration filter are reversely flushed to regenerate the filtration systems.

Abstract: Embodiments, presented herein are directed to a filtration system including an outer pipe, an inner pipe and a stirrer. The outer pipe is configured to receive a working fluid from a filter inlet. The outer pipe includes a venturi neck and an outer channel. The venturi neck is located downstream of the filter inlet. The outlet channel is located downstream of the venturi neck, wherein the outlet channel is configured to provide an outlet for a first type of impurity. The inner pipe is co-axially positioned with the outer pipe, wherein the inner pipe is configured to receive a second type of impurity. The stirrer is positioned inside the outer pipe, wherein the stirrer rotates with the inner pipe to substantially separate at least the first and the second types of impurities from the working fluid.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a dishwasher appliance that measures the amount of ozone in a wash chamber of the appliance. The appliance is also configured for adjusting the amount of ozone in the wash chamber based upon such measurements. The appliance may adjust the amount of ozone by, e.g., adjusting the flow rate of wash fluid to the wash chamber, adjusting the flow rate of air in the wash chamber, and/or adjusting the temperature of wash chamber. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A spray arm assembly for a dishwashing appliance is provided. The assembly can provide for sprays of fluid at different angles against the articles to be cleaned. For example, the spray arm assembly can have at least two spray bodies rotatable in opposite directions. Because the fluid is sprayed from the spray bodies at different angles and from different directions, more efficient and effective cleaning can be accomplished. In certain embodiments of the invention, one or both spray bodies may be operated at any one time and/or at different flow rates.

Abstract: An appliance for washing objects is disclosed that effectively and energy-efficiently filters oil-based residue from a fluid such as washing fluid that drains from a basin in the appliance. In one illustrative embodiment, an appliance includes a novel filter assembly for filtering oil-based residue out of the washing fluid. The filter assembly includes a filter layer composed of a material that is both oleophilic and hydrophobic. The filter assembly forms part of a fluid distribution system that has different configurations. A first configuration allows for recirculating filtered wash fluid from an outlet of the filter assembly back into the basin of the appliance. A second configuration allows for draining both the washing fluid from the outlet of the filter assembly and the oil-based residue from a bypass zone of the filter assembly to an appliance outlet.

Abstract: A spray arm assembly for a dishwasher system is disclosed. The spray arm assembly includes a spray arm which has an internal chamber, a liquid inlet in flow communication with the internal chamber to supply the internal chamber with liquid from a source of liquid, an outlet passageway in flow communication with the internal chamber for discharging liquid from the internal chamber, an air inlet in flow communication with the outlet passageway, and a region adjacent the air inlet and defining part of the outlet passageway. The region is configured to create a venturi effect at the air inlet when the liquid passes through the region so that air is drawn into the outlet passageway from the air inlet and a mixture of air and liquid is discharged from the outlet passageway. A dishwasher system incorporating such a spray arm assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a rotatable spray arm assembly disposed to discharge water supplied by a pump, with the spray arm assembly having arms that extend radially from a hub. A plurality of spray nozzles are provided along each of the arms to discharge the water at an angular orientation such that a rotational torque is induced to rotate the arms and hub. The spray nozzles are variably positionable on the arms as a function of the degree of centrifugal force on the spray nozzles from the induced rotation of the arms such that angular orientation of the spray nozzles changes as a function of the rotational speed of said arms.

Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher containing a volume of liquid for prewashing includes the steps of spraying items in the dishwasher by operating a circulation pump assembly to achieve prewashing with only the volume of liquid; filtering the volume of liquid with a filter assembly to remove particles from the items by operating the circulation pump assembly; and flushing the particles out of the filter assembly using at least some of the volume liquid by operating a drain pump assembly. Related filter assemblies and dishwasher designs are also disclosed.

Abstract: A separation module utilizing a feed spacer and a method for forming such a separation module are provided. A gasket comprising a flexible waterproof material is disposed on at least part of one or more edges of the feed spacer. A membrane layer is disposed on a first surface of the feed spacer. A permeate carrier is disposed on a surface of the membrane element opposite the feed spacer.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis element is provided. The reverse osmosis element includes a plurality of permeate tubes arranged to form a core frame. The reverse osmosis element further includes a plurality of leaves wound over the core frame. Each leaf of the plurality of leaves is coupled to one permeate tube of the plurality of permeate tubes. A retentate channel is defined by the plurality of permeate tubes of the core frame, and sealed by the plurality of leaves wound over the core frame. The reverse osmosis element includes first and a second end caps coupled to the plurality of permeate tubes. At least one of the first and the second end caps includes a retentate discharge port, and at least one of the first and second end caps includes one or more permeate discharge ports.

Abstract: A method of operating a dishwasher containing a volume of liquid for prewashing includes the steps of spraying items in the dishwasher by operating a circulation pump assembly to achieve prewashing with only the volume of liquid; filtering the volume of liquid with a filter assembly to remove particles from the items by operating the circulation pump assembly; and flushing the particles out of the filter assembly using at least some of the volume liquid by operating a drain pump assembly. Related filter assemblies and dishwasher designs are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments, presented herein are directed to a filtration system including an outer pipe, an inner pipe and a stirrer. The outer pipe is configured to receive a working fluid from a filter inlet. The outer pipe includes a venturi neck and an outer channel. The venturi neck is located downstream of the filter inlet. The outlet channel is located downstream of the venturi neck, wherein the outlet channel is configured to provide an outlet for a first type of impurity. The inner pipe is co-axially positioned with the outer pipe, wherein the inner pipe is configured to receive a second type of impurity. The stirrer is positioned inside the outer pipe, wherein the stirrer rotates with the inner pipe to substantially separate at least the first and the second types of impurities from the working fluid.

Abstract: A spray device and method for operating an appliance for washing objects, such as spray dishwashers, wherein the spray device rotates in two directions (e.g., clockwise and counterclockwise) to improve spray coverage of the objects.

Abstract: A spray device for a dishwasher is provided. The spray device includes a hub and a first spray arm mounted to the hub and having a first set of nozzles configured to introduce a solvent within the dishwasher in a first mode of operation. The spray device also includes a second spray arm mounted to the hub and having a second set of nozzles configured to introduce the solvent within the dishwasher in a second mode of operation, wherein the second spray arm is transverse to the first spray arm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling air temperature in an appliance. The apparatus includes an air cooling unit disposed in an airflow path and an air heating unit disposed in the airflow path and fluidically coupled to the air cooling unit by a refrigerant. The apparatus also includes a de-heater fluidically coupled to the air cooling unit and the air heating unit by the refrigerant to controllably dissipate heat from the refrigerant.