Abstract: A method and a dishwasher utilize a dock detection system to determine when a connector of a spray device is docked to a docking port provided on a manifold of the dishwasher. A dock detector is coupled to the docking port and is electrically coupled to a controller of the dishwasher through electrical conductors that extend along the manifold, thereby enabling a dishwasher controller to detect when spray devices are coupled to the manifold, e.g., to optimize a wash cycle to use a particular spray device docked to the docking port.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a modular docking system supporting the docking of one or more spray containers at various locations within a dishwasher. Each spray container includes a container body capable of retaining utensils along with one or more nozzles supplied with fluid by the modular docking system to direct a spray of fluid at utensils retained by the container body.

Abstract: A dishwasher and silverware basket therefor include an interior sprayer integrated into the silverware basket and capable of directing a spray of fluid within one or more compartments of the silverware basket to assist in cleaning utensils such as silverware, cutlery, etc. housed within the silverware basket.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a drinkware spray container capable of directing a spray of fluid against one or more drinkware articles retained by the spray container. The drinkware spray container may be configured as a cup tree including a vertical member or trunk and a plurality of branches that extend from the trunk and support a drinkware article, with nozzles disposed on the branches to direct a spray of fluid into the supported drinkware articles. The drinkware spray container may also be configured as a drinkware basket including a container body defining one or more compartments along with one or more spray members capable of directing a spray of fluid onto interior surfaces of drinkware article retained within the container body.

Abstract: A method and dishwasher utilize a spray basket that includes a container body that defines a compartment for retaining utensils as well as multiple sets of nozzles, a portion of which are configured to direct a spray of fluid into the compartment, and another portion of which are configured to direct a spray of fluid external from the container body. The spray of fluid directed external from the container body may be used, for example, to provide a power wash zone adjacent to the spray basket to assist in cleaning other utensils in a dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwasher rack for a dish washing appliance. The dishwasher rack may be positionable between a variety of height positions. A drive mechanism may assist the dishwasher rack between the vertical positions. A worm screw may be coupled to a motor and may be positioned within the dishwasher tub.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cabinet having a wash chamber defined therein, a tub positioned within the wash chamber, a door coupled to the cabinet, and a fan positioned within the cabinet. An air conduit is positioned within the dishwasher and includes a conduit body configured to be mounted onto the door. The conduit body includes an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet is configured to be coupled in flow communication with the fan. The air conduit body is configured to channel air from the wash chamber through the conduit to an outside of the dishwasher, isolate the air within the conduit body from contacting the door, and provide a receptacle for condensed water other than a wash chamber tub.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a door for providing access to a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance. A low voltage electrical component is mounted within the door and is in electrical communication with a low voltage power source. By utilizing the low voltage power source and the low voltage electrical component, the reliability of the dishwasher appliance can be improved.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current cost of supplied energy. The controller operates the dishwasher in one of a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode based on the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the dishwasher in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: An energy management system is provided for an appliance comprising: an interface to receive a schedule having an off-peak time segment and an on-peak time segment; a control to determine an operation to be performed by the appliance; a mode selecting device to select between an energy management mode and an immediate start mode. A controller includes a memory for storing the schedule and firmware to determine whether there is any off-peak time segments and other time sub-segments between a current time and a deadline for completing the operation. Upon selection of the energy management mode, the controller is arranged to initiate the operation, including a reduction in power consumption to complete the operation, when an amount of time required to complete the operation maximizes the off-peak time segment and sub-segments between the current time and the deadline.

Abstract: An energy management system is provided for an appliance comprising: an interface to receive a schedule having an off-peak time segment and an on-peak time segment; a control to determine an operation to be performed by the appliance; a mode selecting device to select between an energy management mode and an immediate start mode; and a controller connected to the interface, the control, and the mode selecting device; the controller includes a memory for storing the schedule and firmware to determine whether there is any off-peak time segments and overnight time periods between a current time and a deadline for completing the operation; wherein upon selection of the energy management mode, the controller is arranged to initiate the operation when an amount of time required to complete the operation maximizes the off-peak time segment between the current time and the deadline; and upon selection of the immediate start mode, the controller is arranged to initiate the operation immediately; and, deactivating an e

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub, a fluid circulation assembly, and a water flow blocking mechanism. The assembly includes a pump, which is in flow communication with a lower spray arm via a water passage and at least one other spray arm via a conduit. The water flow blocking mechanism includes a water flow blocking device, a magnet, and a magnet positioning device. The water flow blocking device is normally positioned in a pocket in the conduit. The magnet positioning device is configured to move the magnet from a first position to a second position. When the magnet is in the first position, the water flow blocking device is maintained in the pocket by magnetic forces from the magnet. When the magnet is in the second position, the water flow blocking device is not retained in the pocket by magnetic forces of the magnet.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a fill operation of a dishwasher having a pump and a pump motor driving the pump, and the dishwasher having a valve for controlling the flow of water to the dishwasher includes a monitoring device configured to be coupled to at least one of the pump and the pump motor. The monitoring device generates an output relating to at least one of an operating current and a speed of the pump motor. The control system also includes a controller configured to be operatively coupled to the valve, wherein the controller receives the output and is configured to operate the valve based on the output. The output relates to a fill condition of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current cost of supplied energy. The controller operates the dishwasher in one of a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode based on the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the dishwasher in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cabinet, an upper rack and a lower rack disposed within the cabinet. The upper and lower racks support articles to be cleaned. The dishwasher also includes a first spray arm and a second spray arm rotatably mounted within the cabinet. The first and second spray arms are operated based on a wash cycle. A controller is operatively coupled to the first and second spray arms for controlling the wash cycle. The controller is configured to operate the first and second spray arms independently of one another, and the controller is configured to control the wash cycle based on a usage condition of the water being washed.