Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a dishwasher may provide an intensified wash effect. The dishwasher may include a rack defining a bottom and a sidewall, wherein the rack is adapted to receive dishware therein. A dishwashing fluid supply channel may be configured to supply dishwashing fluid to a spray assembly. The spray assembly may comprise at least one nozzle member. Thereby, the spray assembly may be adapted to receive the dishwashing fluid from the dishwashing fluid supply channel and to dispense the dishwashing fluid therethrough. The spray assembly may be coupled to the sidewall of the rack. Further, the nozzle member may be attached to an arm which is moveable between at least a first position wherein the arm is adjacent the sidewall of the rack and a second position wherein the arm is adjacent the bottom of the rack.

Abstract: An assisted-movement system is provided for an appliance, such as a dishwasher including a tub portion defining a forward opening, a door pivotally engaged therewith for selectively engaging the forward opening, and a rack movable into and out of the tub portion through the forward opening. A biasing device is operably engaged between the tub portion and one of the door, via a hinge mechanism, and the rack. The biasing device is extendable between contracted and extended positions. A position control device is operably engaged between the tub portion and one of the door, the rack, and the biasing device, and is configured to cooperate with the one of the door, the rack, and the biasing device to at least one of maintain the door in a closed position and maintain the rack within the tub portion, with the biasing device in the contracted position. Associated dishwashers are also provided.

Abstract: A method for controlling and monitoring operation of a dishwasher appliance is provided and includes directing a first automatic wash cycle within a series of automatic wash cycles to be executed by the dishwasher appliance with a control device associated therewith. Each wash cycle is configured to have an increased energy usage level over a previous automatic wash cycle, and the energy usage level for each wash cycle is determined from at least one operational parameter associated with each respective automatic wash cycle. The method further includes directing a second automatic wash cycle, following the first automatic wash cycle, to be executed by the dishwasher appliance with the control device in response to a selection with an actuator device operably engaged with the control device. The selection may be based on a cleanliness evaluation of dishware washed by the dishwasher appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes first, second and third switches, the first and second of which are in line between an appliance and terminals of the appliance that are connectable to a power source. The first switched is configured to open and close based on closing and opening of a door of the appliance, and the second switch is configured to open and close based on the mode of the appliance. Thus, the appliance may be connected to the power source when the first switch or the second switch is closed, and disconnected from the power source when both the first switch and the second switch are open. The third switch, which includes a sensor, is configured to control the second switch to close upon actuation in response to a detection proximate the appliance, where actuation of the third switch may cause the appliance to enter an operational mode.

Abstract: An assisted-movement system is provided for an appliance, such as a dishwasher including a tub portion defining a forward opening, a door pivotally engaged therewith for selectively engaging the forward opening, and a rack movable into and out of the tub portion through the forward opening. A biasing device is operably engaged between the tub portion and one of the door, via a hinge mechanism, and the rack. The biasing device is extendable between contracted and extended positions. A position control device is operably engaged between the tub portion and one of the door, the rack, and the biasing device, and is configured to cooperate with the one of the door, the rack, and the biasing device to at least one of maintain the door in a closed position and maintain the rack within the tub portion, with the biasing device in the contracted position. Associated dishwashers are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes first, second and third switches, the first and second of which are in line between an appliance and terminals of the appliance that are connectable to a power source. The first switched is configured to open and close based on closing and opening of a door of the appliance, and the second switch is configured to open and close based on the mode of the appliance. Thus, the appliance may be connected to the power source when the first switch or the second switch is closed, and disconnected from the power source when both the first switch and the second switch are open. The third switch, which includes a sensor, is configured to control the second switch to close upon actuation in response to a detection proximate the appliance, where actuation of the third switch may cause the appliance to enter an operational mode.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a dishwasher may provide an intensified wash effect. The dishwasher may include a rack defining a bottom and a sidewall, wherein the rack is adapted to receive dishware therein. A dishwashing fluid supply channel may be configured to supply dishwashing fluid to a spray assembly. The spray assembly may comprise at least one nozzle member. Thereby, the spray assembly may be adapted to receive the dishwashing fluid from the dishwashing fluid supply channel and to dispense the dishwashing fluid therethrough. The spray assembly may be coupled to the sidewall of the rack. Further, the nozzle member may be attached to an arm which is moveable between at least a first position wherein the arm is adjacent the sidewall of the rack and a second position wherein the arm is adjacent the bottom of the rack.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided, and includes a control device configured to direct one of a series of automatic wash cycles to be executed by the dishwasher appliance. Each successive wash cycle within the series having an increased energy usage level over a previous automatic wash cycle, wherein each energy usage level is determined from at least one operational parameter associated with the respective automatic wash cycle. An actuator device is operably engaged with the control device, and is configured to be responsive to the user to select a subsequent automatic wash cycle to be executed by the dishwasher appliance as directed by the control device, the subsequent automatic wash cycle comprising one of a previous automatic wash cycle and a successive automatic wash cycle in the series of automatic wash cycles, with respect to the one of the series of automatic wash cycles. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A method and associated device and appliance for controlling a washing fluid level in a dishwashing appliance are provided. A sump assembly of a dishwashing appliance is filled with washing fluid to a predetermined fluid level determined by a fluid level sensing device directly engaged with the sump assembly. The sump assembly is operably engaged with a tub portion at a lower end thereof. Washing fluid is circulated between the sump assembly and the tub portion. After circulating the washing fluid, an operational fluid level within the sump assembly is determined by the fluid level sensing device. When the operational fluid level differs from the predetermined fluid level by more than a threshold level, one of a washing fluid drain valve and a washing fluid fill valve is actuated to substantially restore the washing fluid to the predetermined fluid level.

Abstract: A lock assembly for use with a bolt movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The lock assembly includes an exterior assembly and an interior assembly having an interior actuator manually operable to move the bolt between the retracted position and the extended position. The exterior assembly includes an exterior actuator manually operable to cause the bolt to move from the retracted position to the extended position and inoperable to move the bolt from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: An assisted-movement system is provided for an appliance, such as a dishwasher including a tub portion defining a forward opening, a door pivotally engaged therewith for selectively engaging the forward opening, and a rack movable into and out of the tub portion through the forward opening. A biasing device is operably engaged between the tub portion and one of the door, via a hinge mechanism, and the rack. The biasing device is extendable between contracted and extended positions. A position control device is operably engaged between the tub portion and one of the door, the rack, and the biasing device, and is configured to cooperate with the one of the door, the rack, and the biasing device to at least one of maintain the door in a closed position and maintain the rack within the tub portion, with the biasing device in the contracted position. Associated dishwashers are also provided.

Abstract: A lock assembly for use with a bolt movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The lock assembly includes an exterior assembly and an interior assembly having an interior actuator manually operable to move the bolt between the retracted position and the extended position. The exterior assembly includes an exterior actuator manually operable to cause the bolt to move from the retracted position to the extended position and inoperable to move the bolt from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: A door strike construction and installation method is provided for aid in locating and installing a door strike in a door frame. The door strike of the present invention comprises a strike plate for coupling to a door frame, an opening in the strike plate adapted for receiving a door latch bolt, a dust box coupled to the strike plate at a boundary or perimeter of the opening and adapted to receive the door latch bolt, and one or more center point apertures formed on a generally flat, innermost portion of the dust box and positioned to provide center points for marking one or more positions for drilling into the door frame to provide a space for receiving the dust box and installing the dust box in the door frame.

Abstract: An adjustable backset deadbolt assembly providing operational and structural improvements. The deadbolt assembly can provide adjustability between a first backset dimension and a second backset dimension for allowing installation in doors conforming to various industry standards. The deadbolt assembly can provide adjustability between backset dimensions by relative rotation between the inner bolt housing and the outer housing. The inner bolt housing may be provided with a depressible snap finger to allow insertion of a protrusion thereon into a slot in the outer housing. In some embodiments, the slot is provided substantially helically through an angle of 360 degrees to provide common orientation of parts in each backset dimension. The outer housing may be provided to integrally form a cam housing and a bolt housing.

Abstract: A handle catch retainer is preferably for a door handle assembly including a support member coupled with the door and a handle disposed about the support member, the catch being configured to couple the handle and support member. The retainer includes a tubular base disposeable within the support member and an elongated holder connected with the base. The holder is configured to support the catch and is moveable between first and second positions with respect to the base, such that the catch is engageable with the handle when the holder is at the first position and the catch is nonengageable with the handle when the holder is at the second position. Further, the retainer is configured so that the holder is generally biased toward the first position. Preferably, the holder is integrally connected with the base such that the holder is biased to the first position by material forces.

Abstract: A connective device is for a deadbolt lock assembly including a moveable deadbolt, a rotatable spindle connected with the deadbolt, and a handle disposeable about the spindle. The connective device includes a connector, preferably a cylindrical pin, movably coupled with the spindle so as to be linearly displaceable between first and second positions. A biasing member is configured to bias the connector toward the second position. An engagement opening provided within the handle is configured to receive the connector when disposed at the second position so as to couple the handle and the spindle. Preferably, the biasing member includes an arcuate plate disposeable within the spindle, extending circumferentially about an axis and having a carrier portion engageable with the connector. The plate is deflectable to displace the carrier portion in generally radial directions with respect to the axis to move the connector between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A handle catch retainer is preferably for a door handle assembly including a support member coupled with the door and a handle disposed about the support member, the catch being configured to couple the handle and support member. The retainer includes a tubular base disposeable within the support member and an elongated holder connected with the base. The holder is configured to support the catch and is moveable between first and second positions with respect to the base, such that the catch is engageable with the handle when the holder is at the first position and the catch is nonengageable with the handle when the holder is at the second position. Further, the retainer is configured so that the holder is generally biased toward the first position. Preferably, the holder is integrally connected with the base such that the holder is biased to the first position by material forces.

Abstract: A lockset assembly having an external clutching assembly. The external clutch assembly includes a first spindle connected to a door lever. The door lever rotates to move a latch assembly between a locked and an unlocked position. A clutching torsion spring inter connects the first spindle to a hub. A clock spring inter connects the hub to a cage fixedly attached to a door. A second spindle inserts through the cage inter connects the hub and the latch assembly. Rotation of the door lever with the second spindle moves the latch assembly between an unlocked and locked position. The clutch assembly allows the lever and first spindle to rotate when the second spindle is constrained by the latch assembly in the locked position.

Abstract: A reusable container that includes a lid and a chamber adapted for leaktight coupling to the lid, where the chamber includes a base unit attachment to attach the chamber to a base unit, and where two or more of the reusable containers can be attached to the base unit. Also, a method of storing a material in a reusable container that includes the steps of placing the material into the reusable container and leaktightly sealing the container sterilizing the container, attaching the container to a base unit that holds two or more of the reusable containers, where the reusable container includes a lid, and a chamber adapted for leaktight coupling to the lid, and where the chamber includes a base unit attachment to attach the chamber to the base unit.

Abstract: A lockset assembly having an external clutching assembly. The external clutch assembly includes a first spindle connected to a door lever. The door lever rotates to move a latch assembly between a locked and an unlocked position. A clutching torsion spring inter connects the first spindle to a hub. A clock spring inter connects the hub to a cage fixedly attached to a door. A second spindle inserts through the cage inter connects the hub and the latch assembly. Rotation of the door lever with the second spindle moves the latch assembly between an unlocked and locked position. The clutch assembly allows the lever and first spindle to rotate when the second spindle is constrained by the latch assembly in the locked position.