Abstract: A power supply having an input, a rectifier, a voltage dropping resistor coupled in the circuit to provide a voltage drop between the input and an output of the power supply, a smoothing circuit having at least two capacitors to stabilise the output voltage, whereby a switching network switches the capacitors between a first configuration with a first effective voltage rating, and a second configuration with a second effective voltage rating.

Abstract: An appliance fault monitor for protecting electrical appliances against fault currents flowing. The alternating current to an appliance load controlled by a phase angle conduction controlled switching device is monitored. The intended non-conduction angle is determined and any current flowing in that angle is indicative of a fault. Repeated indications cause a circuit breaker to disconnect the load.

Abstract: A transformerless non-switched mode power supply for use with whiteware appliances having a water heating element. A high power voltage dropping resistor is used in series with a rectifier and a switching device phase controls the mains half waves to produce a variable voltage direct current supply for an appliance motor. The voltage dropping resistor is formed by the water heater element and the DC supply voltage is controlled by the appliance controller to vary the motor torque as required.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a cabinet and wash chambers in the form of drawers which slide in and out of the cabinet. Rigid and flexible closures are disclosed for sealing off the wash chambers when retracted into the cabinet. A detergent dispenser for the dishwasher is provided in one wall of a wash chamber in the wash water discharge path into the wash chamber so that detergent powder is flushed out of the dispenser and mixed with the wash water prior to the latter being discharged into the wash chamber. A wash program for a dual wash chamber dishwasher is also disclosed which minimizes total water consumption by transferring water from one chamber to the other.

Abstract: A transformerless non-switched mode power supply for use with whiteware appliances having a water heating element A high power voltage dropping resistor is used in series with a rectifier and a switching device phase controls the mains half waves to produce a variable voltage direct current supply for an appliance motor.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a cabinet and wash chambers in the form of drawers which slide in and out of the cabinet. Rigid and flexible closures are disclosed for sealing off the wash chambers when retracted into the cabinet. A detergent dispenser for the dishwasher is provided in one wall of a wash chamber in the wash water discharge path into the wash chamber so that detergent powder is flushed out of the dispenser and mixed with the wash water prior to the latter being discharged into the wash chamber. A wash programme for a dual wash chamber dishwasher is also disclosed which minimizes total water consumption by transferring water from one chamber to the other.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a cabinet and wash chambers in the form of drawers which slide in and out of the cabinet. Rigid and flexible closures are disclosed for sealing off the wash chambers when retracted into the cabinet. A detergent dispenser for the dishwasher is provided in one wall of a wash chamber in the wash water discharge path into the wash chamber so that detergent powder is flushed out of the dispenser and mixed with the wash water prior to the latter being discharged into the wash chamber. A wash programme for a dual wash chamber dishwasher is also disclosed which minimises total water consumption by transferring water from one chamber to the other.