Abstract: A washing machine agitator includes a vertical barrel having a tapered skirt connected to the lower end thereof. A plurality of lower vanes are connected to the barrel and extend radially outwardly adjacent the tapered skirt. A splash rib extends circumferentially around the barrel adjacent its upper end. A plurality of triangular vanes are connected to the barrel and extend upwardly to abut against the downwardly presented surface of the splash rib. A number of pairs of rectangular ribs are also attached to the barrel between the triangular vanes and extend upwardly to abut the splash rib.

Abstract: A laundry appliance is provided with a pressure responsive switch operable for detecting fluid levels in a fluid container. The switch is secured to mounting bracketry including a guideway within which a slider member is movable. A cam portion of the slider member contacts a switch adjustment lever and movement of the slider member within the guideway moves the cam portion relative to the adjustment lever and determines the fluid level attainable in the container by changing the switch setting. The slider member is removable from the bracketry and is replaceable with other slider members having modified cam surfaces corresponding to different fluid levels.

Abstract: A dishwashing apparatus having a pump arrangement which is belt driven by a laterally disposed drive motor. The apparatus further includes a tub defining a washing chamber and a fluid inlet system including a fill valve for supplying fluid to the washing chamber. The pump recirculates the fluid within the washing chamber to wash the dishes and drains the fluid from the washing chamber. A timer controls the apparatus through a predetermined cycle of recirculation and drain periods for rinsing and washing the dishes. Operation of the fill valve is controlled to provide different levels of fluid for rinsing and washing with the fill valve being operable prior to recirculation in predetermined fills to provide a first fluid level and being operable after recirculation has begun in at least one other fill to provide a second higher fluid level.

Abstract: A dishwasher construction including a generally concentric pump and covered sump construction disposed on a generally vertical axis and driven by a drive belt that is in turn driven by a motor spaced laterally from the axis of the concentric pump. The pump and sump assembly may be placed into the washing chamber or removed as a unit independent of the motor. The motor may be mounted in a first position relatively adjacent the rear of the dishwasher and generally opposite the access door whereby the weight of the motor opposes the weight of the door in the open position when the dishwasher is used as a freestanding appliance and may be mounted in a second location relatively adjacent the front of the dishwasher whereby the drive motor is easily accessible when the dishwasher is installed as a built-in appliance. The pump and sump assembly is isolated vibrationally from the motor by the combination of a polyurethane drive belt and resilient motor mounts.