Abstract: A dishwasher pump and automatic purge system for a dishwasher having a recirculation pump, a drain pump and a wash chamber having a sump. The recirculation pump includes a main outlet and a secondary outlet wherein wash liquid pumped out through the main outlet is recirculated throughout the dishwasher interior wash chamber during a wash phase. The sump includes a soil collector which receives wash liquid from the secondary outlet. The soil collector includes a filter screen for returning filtered wash liquid back into the sump such that soils are retained in the soil collector. During a first wash phase while the recirculation pump is recirculating wash liquid throughout the wash chamber, the drain pump is energized on and off to drain soils from the soil collector. More specifically, the drain pump is energized on and off during the wash phase in response to the pressure within the soil collector which is sensed by a pressure sensor.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a drying mode with jet-air injection comprising a washing chamber refined by a back wall, a top wall, a bottom floor, a first and second side walls and a dishwasher door; and, a jet-air injection system which injects during the drying mode to a plurality evenly distributed forceful streams of jet-air from an air manifold coupled to the top wall of the washing chamber. The air manifold comprises a plurality of parallelly spaced conduits, perpendicular to the back wall, each of which has formed therein a plurality of spaced air vents which expel downward therefrom the plurality of evenly distributed forceful streams of jet-air. The force of the plurality evenly distributed forceful streams of jet-air forces buildup of water collected in an indentation, cracks and crevices of upside down glasses, cups, and other dishes place in a top rack of the washing chamber out of she indentation, cracks and crevices and downward to the bottom floor of the washing chamber.

Abstract: The dishwasher of the present invention is adapted to skip a drain cycle if the water in the dishwasher is clean enough. The invention uses a turbidity sensor to sense the turbidity of the water. If the sensed turbidity is below a threshold value, the drain motor and the water valve are disabled to prevent the water from being drained and to prevent additional water from being introduced into the dishwasher.

Abstract: A method of selecting a washing cycle for an intelligent appliance uses several factors to make a cycle selection. The first factor is a combination of the water turbidity, conductivity and temperature as well as the wash arm speed. The other factors are the average of previously selected cycles, the number of times the appliance door has been opened, and the time between wash cycles. The appliance also allows the user to bump up the selected cycle to a higher cycle if the user is unsatisfied with the performance of the appliance. If a failure has occurred with any of the sensors or in the communications routine, the appliance selects the average of previously selected cycles as the wash cycle.

Abstract: The dishwasher of the present invention is adapted to skip a drain cycle if the water in the dishwasher is clean enough. The invention uses a turbidity sensor to sense the turbidity of the water. If the sensed turbidity is below a threshold value, the drain motor and the water valve are disabled to prevent the water from being drained and to prevent additional water from being introduced into the dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a fluid recirculation system which operates in a wash mode for spraying liquid onto objects supported on dishwasher upper and lower racks. The dishwasher includes a pump having a pump impeller disposed within a pump chamber for supplying wash liquid to first and second spray devices, associated with the lower rack and upper racks, respectively. The pump impeller draws wash liquid into the pump chamber and imparts a rotary motion to the wash liquid disposed in the pump chamber. A rotatable diffuser or flow director having a plurality of vanes extending into the pump chamber selectively directs the rotating wash liquid toward the spray devices and thereby controls wash liquid recirculation within the dishwasher responsive to the rotational motion of the wash liquid in the pump chamber.

Abstract: A dishwasher pump and automatic purge system which includes a wash impeller supported for rotation within a pump chamber wherein the pump chamber has a main outlet and a sample outlet port. Wash liquid pumped out through the main outlet is recirculated throughout the dishwasher interior wash chamber. A soil collector receives wash liquid through the sample outlet port. The soil collector includes a filter screen for returning filtered wash liquid back into the sump such that soils are retained in the soil collector. Pressure within the soil collector is sensed by a pressure sensor. The soil collector is purged by a drain pump when the pressure within the soil accumulator exceeds a predetermined limit level such that soils are cleared from the collector and the filter screen. When the pressure within the soil accumulator is reduced to below the predetermined limit level, the drain pump is deenergized.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cabinet having an opening, a door provided to open/close the cabinet opening, a washing chamber member provided in the cabinet and forming a washing chamber facing the opening, a washing nozzle provided facing in a certain direction of the washing chamber, a circulation pump coupled to the washing nozzle, the bottom portion of washing chamber and an external drain outlet, a driving source provided outside the washing chamber, a power transmission mechanism provided at a corner on one side in cabinet behind and outside the washing chamber, and a control circuit controlling the circulation pump and driving source. By the power transmitting mechanism, a dish washing basket placed in the washing chamber is rotated. Since the power transmitting mechanism is placed in a corner behind the washing chamber, the dishwasher can be made smaller.

Abstract: A quiet fill water system for a washing machine comprises a washing tub having an outer wall and an entry port disposed within the outer wall and a valve having a water inlet and a water outlet. A water reservoir is coupled to the outer wall, the water reservoir having a tube entry port, a cup-shaped bottom portion and a water outlet wherein the water outlet is mated with the outer wall entry port so as to provide fluid communication between the water reservoir and the washing tub. A capillary tube having a first end, a second end and a tip portion is disposed such that the first end is coupled to the water outlet of the valve and the second end is positioned within the tube entry port so that the tip portion is disposed within the cup-portion of the water reservoir at a lower position relative to the water outlet such that a quiescent reservoir of water is formed during a fill period so as to decrease the level of noise of the fill period.

Abstract: An automatic dishwashing machine includes enhanced drying and draining cycles. Toward the end of the rinse and hold cycle when the water is draining, a second quantity of water is added to the machine resulting in a purging action which reduces the concentration of soil in the wash pump. During the normal wash cycle, if the dishwashing machine determines that the water is sufficiently dirty, a second drain is initiated to remove any dirty water that is present in the bottom of the pump after the first drain. During the dry cycle, the machine senses the temperature of the water and the presence of a rinse aid to select an appropriate dry cycle. The possible dry cycles include a delayed dry cycle and a pulsed dry cycle.

Abstract: A method for washing objects automatically provides the taking of turbidity measurements before and after a portion of water is removed from the dishwasher. This partial drain allows first and second magnitudes of turbidity characteristics, taken before and after the partial drain, to be compared to each other for an analysis of the degree and/or character of particulates within the water of a dishwasher. In certain applications of this method, the turbidity characteristics can be the absolute magnitude of turbidity, the rate of change of turbidity, the absolute magnitude of turbidity variability and the rate of change of the absolute magnitude of turbidity variability. The portion of water removed between the two sets of readings that yield the first and second magnitudes of the selected characteristics is less than the total amount of water within the dishwasher.

Abstract: An automatic dishwashing machine includes enhanced drying and draining cycles. Toward the end of the rinse and hold cycle when the water is draining, a second quantity of water is added to the machine resulting in a purging action which reduces the concentration of soil in the wash pump. During the normal wash cycle, if the dishwashing machine determines that the water is sufficiently dirty, a second drain is initiated to remove any dirty water that is present in the bottom of the pump after the first drain. During the dry cycle, the machine senses the temperature of the water and the presence of a rinse aid to select an appropriate dry cycle. The possible dry cycles include a delayed dry cycle and a pulsed dry cycle.

Abstract: A continuous-flow pot and pan washing system comprising a frame; a substantially rectangular tub mounted on the frame, where the side walls of the tub are shorter in length than the back and front walls of the tub; a pump mounted to the frame; a tub outlet channel coupled between the back wall of the tub and an inlet port of the pump, providing fluid communication between the tub interior and the pump; a manifold mounted to a first one of the sidewalls, having a manifold inlet coupled to, and a fluid communication with, the outlet port of the pump; and an array of outlet nozzles extending from the manifold, through the sidewall and into the tub interior, where a substantial portion of the outlet nozzles are angled towards one of the front or back walls such that the nozzles are adapted to jet fluid in a whirlpool-like manner substantially about the perimeter of the tub. Preferably the nozzle array includes nozzles positioned at least two vertical levels.

Abstract: An automatic dishwashing machine includes enhanced drying and draining cycles. Toward the end of the rinse and hold cycle when the water is draining, a second quantity of water is added to the machine resulting in a purging action which reduces the concentration of soil in the wash pump. During the normal wash cycle, if the dishwashing machine determines that the water is sufficiently dirty, a second drain is initiated to remove any dirty water that is present in the bottom of the pump after the first drain. During the dry cycle, the machine senses the temperature of the water and the presence of a rinse aid to select an appropriate dry cycle. The possible dry cycles include a delayed dry cycle and a pulsed dry cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for programming a detergent controller to vary the detergent concentration set-point according to the time of day and to achieve detergent concentration levels quickly without incurring overshoot. Thus, the present invention insures that the warewashing machine is operated at optimum efficiency and cost. To vary the set-point according to the time of day, the invention combines the features of a microprocessor, a clock and a controller into one unit. The user enters the time setting and set point into the controller. The microprocessor then compares the real-time clock signal with the user time settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller.

Abstract: A torsion bar assembly for a dishwasher door having a stainless steel torsion bar enclosed in an elongated stainless steel tube such that the bar rotates within the tube as the door is moved between an open and a closed position. One end of the bar and tube are fixedly disposed in a rectangular boss which is fixedly attached to the dishwasher door; and a second end of the tube and bar are releasably disposed in a cylindrical boss which is welded to a door hinge. The bosses are attached on opposite sides of the interior door panel, so that the torsion bar extends substantially the width of the door. The torsion bar is protected from water by the corrosion-resistant tube, and by a pair of quad-rings which are disposed in recesses in the cylindrical boss. The quad-rings prevent water from seeping through the boss and reaching the torsion bar. When the ends of the torsion bar are disposed in the bosses, the bar is spaced within the tube to permit the bar to rotate independently of the tube.

Abstract: A detergent dispenser controller for use with a washing device, such as a dishwasher, that measures detergent concentration in a water tank by measuring the conductivity of the detergent solution in the water tank. The detergent controller automatically learns the feed rate of the detergent dispenser used, regardless of the type of detergent dispenser being used. For each detergent feed cycle, the controller computes a Feed Factor equal to the amount of detergent feed on time required for each unit increase in the detergent concentration, which is the inverse of the detergent feed rate. The controller stores the computed Feed Factor for the last N feed cycles in a non-volatile memory, and computes a running average of the N feed factors stored in the non-volatile memory. Whenever the detergent dispenser is powered on, it determines the difference between the measured wash tank detergent concentration and a specified detergent concentration set point value.

Abstract: A dishwasher sump is divided into a collection chamber and a pump chamber by a filter. Food particles collect in the collection chamber while filtered wash liquid collects in the pump chamber. The filtered wash liquid is recycled and sprayed on objects in the dishwasher. A venturi jet pump has a suction gap located in the collection chamber and an outlet connected to a drain. At the end of a wash cycle, the wash liquid is pumped through the jet pump thereby entraining fluid and particles from the collection chamber to be carried to the drain.

Abstract: In a commercial dishwashing machine the temperature of the final hot fresh rinsing water is sensed and sanitizer is injected into the rinsing water in a predetermined amount when the temperature of the hot rinsing water is sensed to be below a predetermined threshold minimum. The temperature sensing is accomplished with an electrical sensing device. The electrical temperature sensing device energizes the sanitizer for injection of sanitizer into the rinse water preferably within a predetermined temperature range of the hot rinsing water defined at a bottom limit by a threshold minimum and at an upper limit by a threshold maximum temperature.

Abstract: In order to complete a water fill phase, an electromagnetically actuated water fill valve (11) enables water from a supply source to flow into a dishwasher tank, this water being at the same time taken in by a circulation pump (3). Both the valve and the pump are controlled by a timer switch arranged to be energized from a power supply source (4, 5) through a normally open pressure-responsive switch (14) that is arranged to close when the pressure at the delivery side of said circulation pump (3) rises beyond a pre-determined value (P2). At the beginning of the water fill phase, the valve (11) is opened by the timer switch until the latter has been energized for a pre-determined total period of time (T) where T equals the summation of times T1-T6.

Abstract: An improved float to prevent over-filling of a dishwashing machine including a cylindrical main float body, a skirt attached to the main float body and extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom, and a float stem. The main float body includes a lower portion which extends downwardly beyond a lower terminal portion of the skirt, and serves as a suds stop to prevent suds created during operation of the dishwasher from rising up within the hollow interior of the main float body and flowing down a stand pipe upon which the float is mounted. The lower portion of the main float body includes a slotted opening which serves as a vacuum breaker to prevent a vacuum from being created within the main float body which would cause the float to adhere to bottom wall of the dishwasher tub.

Abstract: A method for washing institutional crockery in a dishwashing machine having at least three washing zones with at least three wash tanks in which the crockery is contacted with wash liquor having an increased concentration of surfactant by introducing make-up surfactant into the penultimate wash tank and bypassing a portion of the fresh water feed from the last wash tank around the penultimate wash tank.

Abstract: A convection air inlet and suds control device is provided for a dishwasher. The dishwasher has a washing chamber with a bottom wall, a chimney extending through the bottom wall with opposite upper and lower ends positioned on opposite sides of the bottom wall. A chimney cap is spaced in covering relation over the upper end of the chimney. A container having an inner cup and an outer cup is mounted adjacent the bottom wall such that the inner cup surrounds the lower extension of the chimney. The outer cup includes an opening such that air may flow by convection into the outer cup, into the inner cup and upwardly through the chimney into the washing chamber so as to dry the articles in the dishwasher. In oversudsing conditions, the suds flow downwardly through the chimney for collection in the inner cup. Excess suds filling the inner cup will spill over into the outer cup. The inner cup and lower extension of the chimney cooperate to function as a valve.

Abstract: A dishwasher whose drying system works by condensation, having a washtub (3) in heat-exchange contact with a duct (8) that may be closed by a non-return valve and having a fan (14) suitable for causing a flow of cooling air to circulate. The dishwasher also includes a circulation pump (4) and a discharge pump (5), whose rotors are connected to the driveshaft (6) of a reversible motor (7), to pump water to their corresponding force ducts when the shaft is rotating in one direction or the other, respectively. The valve plug (15) is pneumatically switchable by the fan (14) between a closed position and an open position of the duct (8) when the shaft (6) rotates in one direction or the other, so that the flow of air circulates only when the discharge pump (5) is operating.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing compartment defined in a cabinet for containing tableware and reserving a predetermined amount of wash liquid on the bottom, a wash pump sucking the wash liquid reserved in the washing compartment and feeding the liquid, a spray nozzle mounted in the washing compartment so as to be vertically moved, to receive the wash liquid fed from the wash pump and to spray the wash liquid to the tableware, and feed liquid pressure changing means for changing a pressure of the wash liquid fed to the spray nozzle during washing the tableware with the wash liquid sprayed from the spray nozzle so that the wash liquid pressure is increased and decreased at a plurality of times, thereby reciprocally driving the spray nozzle vertically at a plurality of times.

Abstract: An air flow control for a dishwasher is provided in which a spray pump motor has a blower wheel mounted thereon to provide cooling to the spray pump motor. The motor is positioned within an enclosed housing having an air inlet and two air outlets. One of the air outlets is provided with an air passage leading to an exit opening in a sump of the dishwasher. The sump communicates with the wash cavity of the dishwasher through a conduit and, during the wash and rinse portions of a washing cycle receives and retains a predetermined level of wash liquid. The air passage exit opening is positioned at an elevation below the predetermined wash liquid level in the sump so that during the wash and rinse portion of the wash cycle, air will be prevented from moving through the air passage into the wash cavity. However, once the wash liquid level drops below the predetermined level, air will be forced through the wash cavity.

Abstract: A cleaning system and dispenser are disclosed which feature a reservoir for retaining a liquid detergent solution; a chamber for retaining a mass of solid, dissolvable detergent; a measurement device for measuring the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution; and a flow control device for circulating the liquid detergent solution from the reservoir into contact with the solid detergent so as to dissolve a portion of the solid detergent and increase the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution. The circulation of the liquid detergent solution is in response to a signal from the concentration measuring device that the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution has fallen below a predetermined minimum. The dispenser also includes a measurement device for measuring the volume of solution in the reservoir and for adding fresh water to the reservoir when the volume of solution is below a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: A liquid level control arrangement for a dishwasher. The dishwasher comprises a tub (10) on which dishes are to be placed and in which liquid is to be circulated by means of a circulation pump (27). The circulation pump (27) communicates via a tube-shaped connection (26) with an inlet (25) which is placed in the lower part of a chamber (23) situated at the bottom of the tub. The chamber is at least partly separated from the tub by means of a filter (20) or the like, and also comprises a heating source (31) for warming the liquid. The connection (26), in addition to said inlet (25), has an opening (32) which at least partly is placed above or at the same level as the heat-emitting parts of the heating source (31). The opening (32) has a shape and size such that the surface thereof exposed to the chamber increases when the liquid level in the chamber sinks.

Abstract: An improved dishwasher and hot water heater system is disclosed in which the dishwasher comprises means for automatically causing the water temperature in the hot water heater storage tank to be raised to a temperature suitable for sterilization of dishes by rinsing upon actuation of the dishwasher. No operator input is required, yet water is not maintained at the rinse temperature when the dishwasher is not being used.

Abstract: A chemical dispenser and controller for industrial dishwashers. The level of detergent concentration in the dishwasher wash water is measured in logarithmically scaled unit, and the target detergent concentration level is specified in similar units. The dishwasher's controller converts wash water conductivity measurements into logarithmically scaled detergent concentration measurements. The unit of measurement for these logarithmically scaled measurements are called "Beta" units. The controller also monitors the detergent concentration level and generates an alarm if the measured detergent concentration fails to increase by at least a predefined amount while the detergent feeding mechanism is turned on. Another feature of the controller is that it generates an alarm if the measured detergent concentration fails to reach its target level after the detergent feeding mechanism has been on for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A dishwasher has a washing chamber having at the top a rotatable wash arm which is supplied with filtered fluid from the dishwasher pump to prevent redeposition of soil particles on the dishes. In one embodiment, the fluid is supplied when the unit is in the recirculate or wash mode at all times by bypassing a certain amount of the pump output through an external filter to the third level wash arm. Fluid is also supplied during the drain cycle as a bypass from the drain outlet. In another embodiment, the fluid is supplied only during the drain portion of the cycle.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine and a method for washing ware therewith are disclosed. The machine includes a wash chamber, a tank for holding a cleansing liquid, a spray system including a selectively operable pump for spraying ware to be cleaned with liquid from the tank, and a heater for heating the liquid within the tank. The heater is regulated to maintain the liquid substantially at a first predetermined temperature whenever the pump is operating, and to maintain the liquid substantially at a second predetermined temperature greater than the first temperature whenever the pump is not operating.

Abstract: A process for automated and improved proteinaceous soil removal in a wash water solution wherein alkali is first added to the wash water solution to bring the pH thereof to slightly below a selected target pH value in the range of 10 to 11 that will be effective to react with and solubilize the proteinaceous soil. To that wash water solution 5 to 50 milligrams of hypohalous halogen per liter of wash water solution and sufficient alkali is added to raise the pH of the wash water solution to the target pH value. The wash water solution is monitored to detect a drop in pH of at least 0.02 pH units occurring after the addition of the hypohalous halogen. If there is no such drop in pH then the process is terminated. If there is at least a 0.02 pH units drop in pH then an incremental amount of hypohalous halogen and sufficient alkali are added to the solution to again raise the pH of the water solution to the target pH. This cycle continues until there is less then 0.

Abstract: A multiple-fill dishwasher and method includes a wash chamber having a sump at the bottom thereof, a remotely controlled inlet valve for supplying cleansing liquid into the sump, a drain for draining liquid and entrained soil from the sump, and a recirculating pump having a spraying system receiving the output thereof for spraying liquid onto soiled ware contained within the chamber. A control circuit controls the valve, drain means, and pump to perform a selected one of a plurality of different cleansing cycles which are automatically selected according to the extent of soil on the ware. An operator-actuated switch for commencing operating of the control circuit, and a chamber for collecting soil particles in a concentrated fashion during liquid recirculation, are also provided.

Abstract: An improved rotatable dishwasher adapted to be connected to a domestic water supply line including a housing, a rack rotatably mounted within the housing, the rack being adapted to support articles to be washed, a water jet subassembly including a control mechanism for directing a jet of water in the direction of the rack to impart rotational movement thereto, the jet subassembly comprising a first collimated jet for emitting a collimated stream of water in the direction of the rack for initiating rotation thereof and a second spray jet for sustaining rotation of the rack, and safety valving interposed between the unit and the domestic water supply for positively preventing any flow of fluid from the dishwasher in a direction toward the domestic water supply line.

Abstract: A processor of photosensitive material having a plurality of tanks for containing fluids, one of which is a wash tank for containing wash water, and a top cover, including a movable front portion for covering the tanks when the processor is in operation is provided with a spring-loaded valve for controlling draining of wash water from the wash tank. The spring-loaded valve includes a U-shaped spring attached to the top of the wash tank. Connected to the spring is a plunger which extends vertically down into the drain hole. The plunger is equipped with a gasket for sealing the drain hole when the cover is in its lowered closed position. The spring has an adjustable striker extending upward to contact the bottom of the processor cover. When the processor cover is in its normal operating position, the striker is depressed and the spring is compressed. This seals the gasket against the bottom of the tank and prevents draining.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic end-point detection in tripolyphosphate sequestration of hardness are disclosed. A desired approximate 1:1 molar ratio of the hardness elements calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) to sodium tripolyphosphate in a wash water solution is achieved by adding to the wash water solution sodium tripolyphosphate at a preselected rate as the electrical conductivity of the wash water solution is monitored.

Abstract: In a washing appliance, such as a dishwasher, employing a high watt density heater for heating washing liquid in the wash chamber of the appliance, a control circuit which integrates a liquid level sensor employed for positive liquid fill control and heater protection with the sequence controller to prevent damage to the heater in the event of a malfunction of the liquid level sensor which causes the sensor to indicate a full liquid level regardless of the actual liquid level in the wash chamber. The level sensor includes a switch which assumes a reset position when the sensed liquid level is less than a full level and a full position when the sensed liquid level equals the full level. The switch is operative in its reset position to enable liquid fill and prevent heater energization and in its full position to terminate fill and enable heater energization.

Abstract: A control circuit for a dishwashing machine to economize its energy consumption and usage. In order to conserve energy, the dishwashing machine has a control system for automatically actuating the components such as the heating elements of the dishwashing machine. The control system can easily be adapted for utilization with many types of existing dishwashing machines, thereby permitting coupling of the control system with commercially available equipment with minimum installation and alteration of machine components.

Abstract: A flood control arrangement for dishwashers in which the in-flow to the dishwasher tub from the water supply line is automatically terminated in the event the tub water rises to a flood level. The arrangement includes a sealing plunger disposed in a plunger body member housing installed downstream of the water fill valve. The sealing plunger tends to be moved to the sealing position by the line water pressure to shut off in-flow to the dishwasher but is blocked from movement to this position whenever the water level is below the flood level by the stem of a float positioned in the dishwasher tub. When the water level in the tub approaches the flood level, the float rises in the tub to a position whereat the float stem releases the sealing plunger to allow it to move to the sealing position and shut off further flow to the dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwashing apparatus is provided with a float controlled liquid inlet valve. The float includes a centrally located, downwardly extending, stem portion which extends through the inner aperture of a standpipe associated with the bottom wall of the liquid container. A cap portion of the float surrounds and encloses the upper extremity of the standpipe and prevents spraying liquid from escaping the liquid container through the standpipe aperture. A floatation chamber is axially spaced below the cap portion of the float and is connected thereto by a plurality of arms. The spacing of the float chamber from the cap defines openings which allow liquid to wash through the inner section of the float and around the standpipe to remove debris.

Abstract: Soiled foodware is cleaned in a batch-type machine in which the foodware is subjected to a washing cycle and a chemical sanitizing rinsing cycle. A controlled flow of fresh preheated rinse water is supplied to an accumulation tank during the wash cycle while a drying agent is optionally added to the water in the tank. Thereafter, the rinse cycle is initiated by pumping the accumulated fresh water into a rinse line at a predetermined pressure to provide uniform flow in the rinse line. A liquid chemical sanitizing agent is then introduced directly into the uniform flow of water in the rinse line. This sequence of operations provides a desired uniform water pressure, independent of water supply pressure, for effective rinsing action and accurate metering of sanitizing agent into the uniform flow of water in the rinse line.

Abstract: A level control arrangement for dishwashers in which the inflow to the dishwasher tub from the water supply line is automatically terminated when the water level in the tub reaches a predetermined level. The arrangement includes a two-stage level control valve disposed in a valve housing installed downstream of the water fill valve. The valve is moved into and out of engagement with the valve housing in response to a connector which in turn is in operative engagement with a stem of a float positioned in the dishwasher tub. When the water level in the tub approaches a predetermined washing level, the float rises in the tub to a position where the connector permits the valve to move to a sealing position, thereby terminating further flow to the dishwasher tub. When the water is drained from the tub, the float stem moves the connector thereby releasing the pressure exerted against the sealed valve through a port located within the valve.

Abstract: A dishwasher has a cabinet which defines a cavity, an access opening into the cavity, and a door for said opening. A washing fluid reservoir in the cabinet beneath the cavity holds washing fluid for the dishwasher. A drain for the washing fluid reservoir is manually operable between open and closed conditions when the door is open. The drain is also interlocked with a door on the cabinet which covers the access opening such that when the door is closed, the drain, if previously open, is automatically moved to its closed condition to ready the reservoir for filling. Thus, attempting to fill the reservoir with the drain open will be effectively prevented.

Abstract: A washing system combines a dishwashing assembly and a washable kitchen exhaust hood assembly by means of common use of a sump and pump. The pump selectively communicates with the dishwashing assembly and exhaust hood assembly through a bypass valve or diverting valve assembly having an input and two outputs. An exhaust fan connected by means of a duct system to the exhaust hood assembly is disenabled. The sump is filled with a detergent solution and the pump is activated to distribute the detergent solution within the washable exhaust hood assembly. A control means sequences additional valving to operate through a plurality of wash, rinse, and flush cycles. After the hood wash cycles are completed, the exhaust fan is activated and the bypass valve or diverting valve assembly is selectively activated to cause the pump and sump together with additional controlled valving, to sequence and operate the dishwashing assembly.

Abstract: The detergent dispensing apparatus is adapted to be used in a washing appliance of the type having a tub for receiving the articles to be washed. The apparatus comprises a detergent storage hopper having a bottom wall opening whereby the hopper stores the detergent and dispenses the same through the bottom wall opening. The hopper is mounted in overlying relationship to the tub so that the detergent is dispensed into the tub. A slide is movably connected to the hopper and is adapted to be moved into and out of registration with the opening. A control device is provided which moves the slide out of registration with the bottom wall opening at a predetermined point in the cycle of operation of the washing machine to permit the detergent therein to be dispensed into the tub. The hopper is removably connected to the appliance so it can easily be removed for cleaning.