Abstract: An overall dishwasher operation cycle includes a washing cycle and a final rinse cycle including steam generation. During the final rinse cycle, a dishwasher tub is filled with fluid, heated and utilized to rinse dishware within the dishwasher. After partially draining the tub, a heating element is actuated so as to transform fluid in the tub into steam for cleansing dishware within the dishwasher. After the steam cycle, the final rinse cycle is completed, with the dishwasher being drained. Optionally, when a heated dry cycle is actuated, the heating element continues to operate to provide drying heat to dishware for a period of time before being deactivated. With this arrangement, a single heating element is utilized for heating washing fluid for washing, rinsing and steam generation, as well as for the heated dry cycle.

Abstract: An overall dishwasher operation cycle includes a washing cycle and a final rinse cycle including steam generation. During the final rinse cycle, a dishwasher tub is filled with fluid, heated and utilized to rinse dishware within the dishwasher. After partially draining the tub, a heating element is actuated so as to transform fluid in the tub into steam for cleansing dishware within the dishwasher. After the steam cycle, the final rinse cycle is completed, with the dishwasher being drained. Optionally, when a heated dry cycle is actuated, the heating element continues to operate to provide drying heat to dishware for a period of time before being deactivated. With this arrangement, a single heating element is utilized for heating washing fluid for washing, rinsing and steam generation, as well as for the heated dry cycle.

Abstract: A steam purge method for a dishwasher includes a washing cycle, a steam purge cycle and a rinse cycle. During the steam purge cycle, a dishwasher tub is filled with fluid to a level below a heating element in a wash chamber, heated and at least partially converted to steam in the wash chamber. After the steam purge cycle, the dishwasher is drained and the rinse cycle commences. Optionally, a heated drying cycle may be performed upon termination of the rinse cycle. A single heating element arranged in the wash chamber is utilized for heating washing fluid during each of washing, purging and steam generation cycles, as well as for the heated drying cycle.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid throughout the wash chamber. A drain conduit can be provided, alone or in combination with the recirculation system, for draining liquid from the wash chamber when the drain is closed. A fill control system is provided to ensure that the dishwashing cycle is not started with liquid in the wash chamber and that the sink drain is properly closed. One or more sensors can be provided for enabling the fill control system. The sensors can be located within the drain above the location where the drain is plugged.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid onto the dish rack to effect the cleaning of any dishes along the rack. The lid is mounted to the sink and is movable to selectively cover the open top of the bowl. A latch is provided to hold the lid in the closed position. The latch comprises a catch and a strike, with the strike having an integrated handle resulting in a small form factor.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid throughout the wash chamber. A drain conduit can be provided, alone or in combination with the recirculation system, for draining liquid from the wash chamber when the drain is closed. A fill control system is provided to ensure that the dishwashing cycle is not started with liquid in the wash chamber and that the sink drain is properly closed. One or more sensors can be provided for enabling the fill control system. The sensors can be located within the drain above the location where the drain is plugged.

Abstract: In a combination switch having both rotary and pushbutton momentary switches, a method for determining which switch has been selected by a user. The method also includes distinguishing between the selection of a rotary switch from a pushbutton switch.

Abstract: In a combination switch having both rotary and pushbutton momentary switches, a method for determining which switch has been selected by a user. The method also includes distinguishing between the selection of a rotary switch from a pushbutton switch.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid onto the dish rack to effect the cleaning of any dishes along the rack. The lid is mounted to the sink and is movable to selectively cover the open top of the bowl. A latch is provided to hold the lid in the closed position. The latch comprises a catch and a strike, with the strike having an integrated handle resulting in a small form factor.

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid throughout the wash chamber. A drain conduit can be provided, alone or in combination with the recirculation system, for draining liquid from the wash chamber when the drain is closed. A fill control system is provided to ensure that the dishwashing cycle is not started with liquid in the wash chamber and that the sink drain is properly closed. One or more sensors can be provided for enabling the fill control system. The sensors can be located within the drain above the location where the drain is plugged.

Abstract: A thermal input system is provided for a dishwasher having an interior wash chamber receiving soiled dishes and wash liquid. A heater is disposed in a sump region of the wash chamber along with a wash pump which operates to recirculate wash liquid through out the wash chamber. A soil collection chamber receives a portion of recirculating wash liquid from the wash pump wherein soils entrained in the wash liquid are captured within the soil collection chamber. A pressure sensor senses fluid pressure within the soil collection chamber. Control means are provided for energizing the heater during a thermal hold period in response to the pressure within the soil collector exceeding a predetermined limit pressure. In particular, the control means operates to sequence the dishwasher through a predetermined period of operation but bypasses the thermal hold cycle when the pressure within the soil collector does not exceed the predetermined limit pressure.

Abstract: The invention is a dishwasher and a control therefore in which the control comprises multiple parallel loads, including a motor. The motor and the other loads are connected to one side of a power source by a motor relay, which is controlled by a processor. All the loads, except the motor, are connected to the other side of a power source by semiconductor switches with each load having a corresponding switch. The motor has an unswitched connection to the other side of the power source. The power to all the loads, including the motor, is controlled by the motor relay. If one of the switches fails in such a way that the circuit for one of the loads is closed, then the load will be shut off when the motor relay is opened to shut off power to the motor. Thus, it is possible to prevent the failed load circuit from operating during the entire wash cycle.