Abstract: An automatic detergent dispenser for dishwashers allowing transfer of a liquid detergent from a disposable detergent container placed in holders along the sidewall of a dish washing chamber. The storage container includes a membrane that is pierced upon installation with a coupling tube to allow the flow of liquid detergent without the transfer of fluid between containers. Liquid detergent flows by gravity to a dispenser unit where it is stored until the wash cycle and released from the dispenser by use of an electric actuator. The detergent containers include a transparent portion to provide a visual indication of the amount of detergent contained therein.

Abstract: A glass washing and dishwashing machine including an improved oscillating spray mechanism, an improved tank valve/water diversion mechanism, and an improved water tank assembly, which are all incorporated into the glass washing and dishwashing machine. The oscillating spray mechanism directs a spray of wash water or rinse water at glasses, dishes or the like and oscillates the spray mechanism in order to more completely contact glasses or the like with wash water during a washing and rinsing operation. The tank valve mechanism selectively supplies wash water or rinse water from the tank assembly to the spray mechanism. The valve/water diversion mechanism is interconnected with two water reservoir chambers for delivering wash or rinse water to a washing station.

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 glass washing and dishwashing machine including an improved oscillating spray mechanism, an improved tank valve/water diversion mechanism, and an improved water tank assembly, which are all incorporated into the glass washing and dishwashing machine. The oscillating spray mechanism directs a spray of wash water or rinse water at glasses, dishes or the like and oscillates the spray mechanism in order to more completely contact glasses or the like with wash water during a washing and rinsing operation. The tank valve mechanism selectively supplies wash water or rinse water from the tank assembly to the spray mechanism. The valve/water diversion mechanism is interconnected with two water reservoir chambers for delivering wash or rinse water to a washing station.

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 cleaning efficacy indicator system (20) includes a light source (50) and a light receiver (56). A light-transmitting optical indicator element (30) receives light from the source (50) and transmits the light to the receiver (56). The receiver (56) provides at an electrical output signal (82) which varies in accordance with light received from the light source (50). The light-transmitting optical indicator element (30) is purposefully soiled on its outer surface (48) with a soiling agent to inhibit or alter its light transmitting abilities. However, upon effective washing, the indicator element (30) is able to transmit an increased light intensity. The indicator element (30) is washed with a load of soiled articles. Either during washing operations or subsequently, the light transmission through the indicator element (30) is monitored using the light output signal (82) of the light receiver (56). A select change in light transmission is indicative of effective washing operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for carrying out the method for drying crockery in a dishwasher with a rinse container closeable by means of a door. By means of two or three successive different method steps, the drying is improved. The method steps include a drainage phase, a drying phase with blower or condenser and an automatic, partial opening of the door.

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: A bowl cleansing device and a fruit and vegetable cleansing method using the same are provided. The bowl cleansing device comprising: a cabinet for forming a cleansing room; a cleansing basket installed inside the cleansing room, for loading therein articles to be cleansed; a spray nozzle for spraying the cleansing water to the articles loaded in the cleansing basket; a pump for supplying the cleansing water to the spray nozzle; a heater for heating the cleansing water; a mode selector for selecting one of a plurality of modes including a bowl cleansing mode and a fruit and vegetable cleansing mode; and a controller for controlling the heater so that the cleansing water has a temperature suitable for the cleansing mode selected through the mode selector.

Abstract: The instant invention is an automatic detergent dispenser for residential dishwashers allowing transfer of liquid from a store purchased container or an integrated storage receptacle. The invention allows an individual to determine the amount of detergent to be transferred with provisions to operate the detergent transfer only upon demand preventing operation of the dishwasher if an insufficient amount of detergent is available. An alternative embodiment allows positioning of a storage container beneath the dishwasher chamber with provisions to fill the container.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine having a reservoir (6) communicating with the washing tank (1) through a lower aperture (7) connected to the delivery side of a drain pump (3). The reservoir (6) comprises an upper aperture (9) capable of communicating with the outside ambient through a valve (10) which is controlled by the program sequence control switch (13) of the machine so as to open during a pre-determined water discharge phase to enable the reservoir (6) to be filled by the water being let out from the tank (1); to temporarily close so as to prevent said reservoir (6) from emptying after said water discharge phase; and to finally open again so as to enable the water stored in the reservoir (6) to flow back into the washing tank (1), through the lower aperture (7) and the pump (3), to be used during said subsequent phase of the washing process.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and assembly for sanitizing foodware in a sanitizing zone of a high temperature warewashing machine. The method comprises providing a source of fluid sanitizing material that is effective to sanitize foodware and sensing the temperature of final rinse water being used to sanitize foodware disposed within the sanitizing zone during a final rinse operation of the warewashing machine. An actuating signal is produced when a sensed temperature of the final rinse water is outside the preselected sanitizing temperature range. A sufficient amount of the fluid chemical sanitizing material is then provided in the final rinse water to sanitize foodware disposed in the sanitizing zone when the sensed temperature of the final rinse water is outside a preselected sanitizing temperature range. The specific embodiment is directed to a warewashing pot and pan sink assembly.

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 control system for a dishwasher (10) utilizing a turbidity sensor (24) to achieve an optimum fill cycle water level in a sealable chamber (12) into which soiled dishes are loaded. An electronically actuable fill valve (20) is controlled by a microprocessor (22) in response to signals received from the sensor (24) indicative of the turbidity of water in the chamber (12) during the fill cycle. Once turbidity of the water in the chamber stabilizes or drops to a predefined level, the fill water is determined to have reached an optimum level and the flow of supply water is shut off.

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: The invention includes a warewasher comprising a wash chamber, a tank at the bottom of said chamber for supplying recirculated heated water through a pump to wash arms in said chamber, a primary water heating system comprising a heat exchange tube entering said tank through a first port or inlet in said tank, traversing the base of the tank, and exiting said tank through a second port or outlet, said tube being at a height in said tank such that the tube is submerged when said tank is filled with water, said tube having a first end and a second end located outside of the tank and providing a passageway between the ends, a gas-fired infrared burner located in said tube adjacent said first end to which an air/gas mixture is supplied and combusted by said burner, at least one secondary labyrinthine heat exchanger in intimate heat transfer relationship with at least one of the walls of said tank below the water level, and controls for automatically operating the heating system in response to a need to increase th

Abstract: A dishwasher controlling apparatus and method in which account is taken of the temperature of the supply water which is input to the dishwasher for washing and/or rinsing purposes. Washing/rinsing of articles commences at the time water is supplied to the dishwasher, and the time taken for the water to be heated to a certain temperature is measured to determine the effectiveness of the washing/rinsing while the water is heated. Accordingly, the washing/rinsing duration which takes place when the water reaches a desired washing/rinsing temperature can be shortened without reducing washing/rinsing effectiveness, resulting in a time efficient washing and/or rinsing cycle.

Abstract: A program controlled dishwasher in which magnetic sensors provided adjacent to the dishwasher door respond to magnetic fields of predetermined polarization provided by permanent magnets in a catenulate magnetic key mounted on a dishwasher caddy in a position adjacent the magnetic sensors when the caddy is in the tub of the dishwasher, for generating a verifiable code pattern readable against dishwasher stored programs for the selection and actuation of a program specific to the articles which are stored in the caddy for washing. The polarization patterns on the caddies are specific to the kind of articles stored therein and may be readily altered to accommodate different articles.

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.

Abstract: A dishwasher having spray arm, motor and pump components configured and mounted so as to occupy very low height. In one form the complete wash system is arranged as a drawer which slides in and out of a cabinet. The cabinet opening is stiffened against racking forces by incorporating an inverse portal frame in the opening flange. A synchronous AC motor is used with the rotor running within the wash chamber driving a wash pump integrated with a rotating spray arm.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided with a probe for measuring pH the value of a wash liquid. A corresponding wash program is run that is dependent on the pH value of the wash liquid measured by the probe. The wash program is selected from several programs stored in the program controls. The pH can be controlled by adding detergent as necessary. Extra functions can be selected by an operator.

Abstract: Dishwashing machine including a valve (7) that is open during a water inlet phase and a circulation pump (11) that is energized during the water inlet phase. A control arrangement is driven by a signal (V) that is proportional to the outlet pressure of the circulation pump so as to close the inlet valve (7) when signal variations decrease below a pre-determined value. The circulation pump (11) is driven by a single-phase asynchronous motor (14) with a phase-shift capacitor (15) from which the signal (V) is derived. A further signal (U) can be derived from the capacitor (15) to drive the control arrangement so as to determine the correct de-energization of a discharge pump (18).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for programming a controller to vary the concentration set-point of an additive as a function of time. The present invention insures that the additive is injected to the machine at proper times to allow for optimum efficiency and lowest cost. To vary the set-point according to the input parameters, the invention combines the features of a data entry device, a microprocessor, a clock, a controller, and sensors into one unit. The user may enter a time setting and set point into the controller, along with control parameters which allow the machine to control the additive injection based on different user-defined scenarios. The microprocessor then reads the settings and outputs an appropriate set-point value from the microprocessor to the controller. Thus, the user can manually or automatically change the response function if and when conditions change.

Abstract: A sensor is provided for sensing operational characteristics of a dishwasher. The sensor includes a microphone mounted within the door of the dishwasher. The microphone is connected through electrical circuitry to a microprocessor mounted within the door. The microphone is adapted to generate a signal in response to impingement of water from the rotating wash arms upon the inside of the door. The signal is sent to the microprocessor, which converts the signal into information regarding the rotational velocity of the wash arm. This information is processed to control the operational parameters of the dishwasher.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and assembly for sanitizing foodware in a sanitizing zone of a high temperature warewashing machine. The method comprises providing a source of fluid sanitizing material that is effective to sanitize foodware and sensing the temperature of final rinse water being used to sanitize foodware disposed within the sanitizing zone during a final rinse operation of the warewashing machine. An actuating signal is produced when a sensed temperature of the final rinse water is outside the preselected sanitizing temperature range. A sufficient amount of the fluid chemical sanitizing material is then provided in the final rinse water to sanitize foodware disposed in the sanitizing zone when the sensed temperature of the final rinse water is outside a preselected sanitizing temperature range.

Abstract: The invention includes a warewasher comprising a wash chamber, a tank at the bottom of said chamber for supplying recirculated heated water through a pump to wash arms in said chamber, a primary water heating system comprising a heat exchange tube entering said tank through a first port or inlet in said tank, traversing the base of the tank, and exiting said tank through a second port or outlet, said tube being at a height in said tank such that the tube is submerged when said tank is filled with water, said tube having a first end and a second end located outside of the tank and providing a passageway between the ends, a gas-fired infrared burner located in said tube adjacent said first end to which an air/gas mixture is supplied and combusted by said burner, at least one secondary labyrinthine heat exchanger in intimate heat transfer relationship with at least one of the walls of said tank below the water level, and controls for automatically operating the heating system in response to a need to increase th

Abstract: A dishwashing machine having a wash tank (1) arranged to be supplied with fresh supply water through an appropriate water supply circuit (8-14). The machine is adapted to perform operational cycles including a washing phase and at least one rinsing phase. A water recovery system (14, 15) is provided to store in a reservoir (11) water from the last rinse for re-using during a subsequent washing cycle. The reservoir (11) is a part of the water supply circuit (8-14) so that the reservoir is capable of being flushed by the fresh water delivered into the tank (1,4) when the supply circuit is opened.

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: Apparatus and methods for providing at least one chemical composition useful to treat, e.g., clean, acidify, sanitize and the like, one or more pieces of equipment are provided. The present apparatus comprise a reservoir, at least one concentrate pump, a flow assembly and a control assembly. The concentrate pump or pumps are adapted to pump, at a controlled, preferably substantially continuously controlled, time rate and at a controlled time the concentrated form of a chemical composition from an associated reservoir. An important feature of the apparatus is the ability of the control assembly to, automatically and independently of the diluent (water) flow, control the time rate at which the concentrated form of the chemical composition exits the reservoir.

Abstract: A turbidity sensor is provided with two light sensitive components or elements. One light sensitive component is displaced from a light source, such as a light emitting diode, so that a fluid can pass therebetween. A second light sensitive component is disposed within a common compartment with the light source so that it can measure the intensity of light provided by the light source. The light source and the second light sensitive components can be individual elements, or chips, within a common component package. A regulator is provided to control the magnitude of current provided to the light source so that its light intensity can be regulated. In this manner, the intensity of light emitted by the light source, such as a light emitting diode, can be controlled regardless of the aging of the LED, the variability of LED characteristics and the temperature surrounding the LED.

Abstract: A turbidity sensing mechanism for a dishwasher is connected in the fluid circulation conduit between the pump and the spray mechanism. The mechanism includes a hollow housing enclosing a hollow transparent tube connected in fluid flow relationship with the conduit. A source of electromagnetic radiation and a radiation-to-frequency sensor are positioned inside the housing on opposite sides of the tube.

Abstract: A household appliance for washing articles with a cleansing liquid includes a cleansing chamber to receive the articles to be washed; a working fluid distribution system coupled to the cleansing chamber to transfer the cleansing liquid to and from the chamber; a pressure signature sensor disposed in the appliance so as to detect output pressure oscillation of a pump in the working fluid distribution system; and an appliance controller coupled to the working fluid distribution system and responsive to the pressure signature sensor so as to control operation of the pump in correspondence with a pressure oscillation signature generated by the pressure signature sensor. The pressure signature sensor includes a resistive elastomer that is disposed to form a diaphragm with electrodes attached on substantially opposite sides of the diaphragm and which is subject to discharge pressure of the pump.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the operating cycle of a cleaning appliance. In the present invention, a controller having a decision system receives turbidity and temperature measurements from a turbidity sensor and a temperature sensor and uses these measurements to adjust the operating cycle of the machine to the level of soil of the articles to be washed, the rate of soil removal, and the temperature of the water used for washing. In its preferred form the decision system is a fuzzy system that includes a fuzzy rule base fired as input values from the liquid temperature and liquid turbidity sensors are received. The decision system matches the rules in the fuzzy rule base to the input values and outputs a confidence value, which is used by the decision system to adjust the operating 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 dynamic temperature compensation method for a turbidity sensor in an appliance for washing articles is provided. The method includes the steps of: retaining substantially particle-free liquid upon completion of cleansing operations in the appliance, reading initial values of temperature and turbidity of the liquid, measuring additional values of temperature and turbidity of the liquid at predetermined time intervals, and calculating a temperature coefficient, based upon respective ones of the initial and the additional values of temperature and turbidity, for characterizing a temperature response of the turbidity sensor over a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: In a dish washing machine according to the present invention, the contents of washing and rinsing are changed depending on dirt to prevent water from being uselessly used particularly if the degree of dirt on the dishes is low. Therefore, in the first drainage process in the latter part of the washing, the drainage is first started IS2-1). If 20 seconds have elapsed since the drainage was started, the drainage is stopped (S2-3). If the degree of dirt on the dishes is relatively high to select a sequence X (S2-4), drainage processing is performed on the basis of the contents of operations in the sequence X, after which the program proceeds to the rinsing process (S2-5 to S2-11).

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 liquid chemical dispensing system for dispensing a plurality of liquid chemicals into a dishwasher includes at least a detergent pump and a rinse agent pump, a first switch indicating whether the dishwasher is a door type or a conveyor type dishwasher, a second switch indicating whether the controller is in training mode or in run mode, a non-volatile memory and a data processor. The liquid chemical dispensing system is powered on whenever the dishwasher is spraying rinse water. In the training mode, the data processor enables a user to set values for a rinse run time parameter, a detergent run time parameter, and a rinse delay time, and stores those parameters in the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A device for controlling the operation of a household electrical appliance such as a washing machine, dish-washer, cooking hob, oven or the like including an electronic circuit arranged to control the operation of the electrical appliance in accordance with predetermined program steps selected via a selector. This selector is a knob connected to a position sensing element associated with the electronic circuit and arranged to generate an electrical signal (V.sub.A) on the basis of the angular position of the knob relative to an initial position or zero point. The electrical signal (V.sub.A) is used by the electronic circuit in known manner to execute a predetermine wash program or the like or to control the operation of the electrical appliance. The electronic circuit further controls an actuator for moving the knob, so that the knob is made to move during the execution of the selected operating program and hence display the progress of the program.

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: Improved timing circuits (205), charge dispensing circuits (213,215), and methods and systems (100) for operation of warewashing equipment. According to one aspect of the invention the system operates on both door and conveyor types of machines. The system dispenses both an initial charge amount and a dose amount during normal operations. In door types of systems, only a single power/signal connection (109) needs to be made to the dispensing system; in one embodiment the warewash rinse power connection. Further, the system can dispense detergent at an interval of greater than once per cycle or operation.

Abstract: A dish washing and drying machine according to the present invention determines the sequence of washing conforming the amount of dirt and the quality of dirt on the dishes and executes the same. This dish washing and drying machine finds the amount of dirt from a value MF stored in a buffer MF 47 storing transmittance detected by a transmittance detecting circuit 41. In this case, an output is corrected by a value ME stored in a buffer ME 46 and a reference voltage, to correct the amount of degradation of a light receiving element. In addition, the quality of dirt is found from a value MD stored in a buffer MD 45 and a value MC stored in a buffer MC 44. The sequence of processing is determined from the amount of dirt and the quality of dirt. Accordingly, washing can be done depending on not only the amount of dirt but also the quality of dirt, for example, whether dirt is caused by oil, proteins or the like. As a result, it is possible to sufficiently and completely wash the dishes.

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: A dispenser device (10) for dispensing liquid detergent concentrate or cleaning agent into a washing zone of a washing appliance during a phase of a washing cycle. The washing appliance has a water pump (6) to provide the normal functions associated with washing cycles. Water pressure from the pump is utilised to squeeze or eject a predetermined quantity of concentrate from a container (28) into the washing zone at a desired phase of the washing process. In one adaptation, a container for the concentrate is in the form of a flexible bag (28) including an outlet nozzle (32) sealed until first placed in a receptacle (11) for use. In use, the nozzle (32) protrudes through an opening in a closure (12) of the receptacle into the washing zone. Via a second opening in the receptacle a small volume of water under pressure from the pump is directed under the timed control of a valve (26) at the required phase of the washing cycle into the closed receptacle.

Abstract: The invention is a device that senses the presence of detergent, sanitizer, or rinse agent in chemical feed tubes. More specifically, the device is a non-invasive chemical sensor which alleviates any need for direct contact with fluid or extra connections in the chemical feed tubes.

Abstract: A pump assembly includes a motor having a rotatable motor shaft, and a pump housing having a housing wall with an exterior side and an interior side. Within the pump housing is an impeller which is mounted on the shaft for rotation in unison therewith, and which is free to slide axially along the shaft. A first coupler is rotatably mounted on the shaft outside the housing wall and a second coupler is attached to the impeller. The first and second couplers are retentively and movably engaged and are adapted to cooperate with one another so that they will cause the impeller to move axially on the shaft to a desired position.

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.