Abstract: A control device and method for detecting and controlling a water fill level in a dishwasher or other similar appliance that includes a pump motor is provided. The control monitors the pump motor current over time, determines a current change, and compares the current change to a threshold current change that is indicative of the water level.

Abstract: In one application for containing and remediating contaminants in sediments, employing a geocomposite eliminates the need for a thick cap or removal and subsequent ex situ treatment of the sediment. A geocomposite with at least one layer of reactive material is placed over the area to be remediated. A layer of available surcharge materials such as sand, gravel, or riprap covers the geocomposite. The weight of the surcharge materials causes pore water to flow from the sediment through the reactive layer or layers. Contaminants may be trapped in this reactive layer or layers. A top or bottom layer, or both a top and bottom layer, may be provided to inhibit incursion from outside the sediment layer, while permitting appropriate flow direction of pore water into the reactive layer or layers.

Abstract: An improved data recovery system for appliances is provided. The system includes an operating module with operating memory which controls the appliance, a recovery module which recovers operation of the device upon a power disturbance, and a data storage device. During operation, critical data is saved to the data storage device. In the event of a power disturbance causing the operating module to reset, the data storage device is checked for valid saved critical data which, if found, is loaded into the computing device's operating memory upon power restoration. In this way, the system is able to recover operation from the point at which critical data was last saved, without the use of a power loss detection circuit and large capacitor used in traditional systems to detect power loss, and power the system while critical data is saved.

Abstract: A control system for preventing the occurrence of unsafe operating conditions on an appliance load comprises first and second switch elements coupled to said appliance load; first controller means coupled to said first switch element for detecting a first predetermined fault condition and producing a first fault detection signal in response to said detection of said predetermined fault condition, said first fault detection signal deactivating said first switch element and de-energizing said load; and second controller means coupled to said second switch element for detecting a second predetermined fault condition and producing a second fault detection signal in response to said detection of said predetermined fault condition, said second fault detection signal deactivating said second switch element and de-energizing said load.