Abstract: To fill a container with a predetermined volume of liquid, initially the time required to fill the container with an elemental volume is measured and the filling is continued for a multiple of the measured time, the multiple corresponding to the predetermined volume as a function of the elemental volume. Accordingly, any variations in inlet pressure are adapted to and compensated for.

Abstract: This washing machine is provided with an electro chemical cell (4) having a brine tank (9) provided with a metering piston (16a, b 16b) actuated by an electro magnet (21) and connected by an electro valve (14) controlling a connection conduit (3) to a water supply conduit (1). The inlet opening of such connection conduit into the cell (4) is controlled by a float valve (11). The electro valve is a two-way valve (14, 14a) and controls simultaneously the outlet conduit (13) which opens into the washing tub of the washing machine. The power supply of the cell (4) is controlled by the program selector (8) of the machine.

Abstract: An overflow control system for use with home appliances such as washing machines, incorporating conventional stand pipe which receives the outlet conduit from the appliance, the stand pipe being provided with an attachment having a displacement, conductivity or a pressure sensor installed for sensing the height of liquids in the stand pipe. This stand pipe may be vertically connected to the sewage line outlet found in a home and the signals from the sensors may be used to shut off the power to the appliance and to excite an alarm. Connected in parallel with the sensors may be a moisture sensor deployed under the appliance which again shuts the power off whenever the machine is inadvertently filled beyond its limits or when leakage occurs.

Abstract: A dishwasher structure having a centrifugal pump for providing dishwashing liquid to a spray arm thereof. The swirling motion of the dishwashing liquid effected by operation of the pump is utilized to divert a portion of the liquid to an accumulator wherein soil material is collected from the liquid. The cleansed liquid is returned to the pump chamber to be repumped with additional dishwashing liquid. A drain is provided for draining the dishwashing liquid and collected soil at the end of the dishwashing cycle and is controlled by a pressure-responsive drain valve which is operated by differing pressure conditions automatically during dishwashing and drain cycles respectively.

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 control system for an apparatus having a plurality of selectable functions, with each function including a plurality of predetermined operational steps, providing a control element for controlling the performance of each operational step, an input to the control element for selecting one of the functions, circuitry for interfacing the control element with the apparatus for allowing direct control of the operational steps by the control element, and an instruction program located within the control element for effecting the control function of the control element, the instruction program including a first instruction group for distinguishing a selected function from the other selectable functions, a second instruction group for registering the function distinguished by the first instruction group, a third instruction group for initiating performance of the predetermined operational steps of the registered function and for registering a period of performance for the initiated operational step, and a fourth in

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 chemically sanitizing rinse solution is prepared in batches of variable sizes, but with a preselected substantially constant proportion of water and chemical sanitizing agent, in a rinse solution mixing tank, for demand consumption on a continuous duty basis, by delivering the sanitizing agent to, and by admitting fresh water into, the mixing tank in response to predetermined level changes of the solution therein.

Abstract: A dishwasher employing a float assembly positioned in a centrally located sump in close proximity laterally and vertically to a horizontally rotating circulation pump impeller inlet area for accurately terminating fill when the liquid level rises slightly above the dynamic prime level thereby enabling lower water usage by eliminating the need to overfill to compensate for inaccuracies in liquid level control. A baffle partially encloses the float to prevent nuisance trips resulting from liquid turbulence in the sump caused by pump operation. A cover is provided over the float mechanism to prevent nuisance trips caused by overspray striking the float. In its preferred form the float assembly comprises a multi-chambered open bottom float portion and an inverted U-shaped stem portion. One end of the U-shaped stem is connected to the float. The free end is slidably supported in a vertical standpipe formed in the bottom of the sump.

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.

Abstract: A programmed sequence fluid distributor system is provided which is particularly adapted for controlling fluid feeding and the maintenance of the detergent concentration in the washing bath of a dish-washing machine or the like. The system basically comprises a fluid source, a conduit arrangement for moving the fluid to a desired location, a pump for controlling the flow of the fluid and a programmer for controlling the pump. The programmer comprises an electronic circuit including at least two stages. These stages each comprise RC type oscillators wherein the resistive branch includes a potentiometer for setting the duration of the cycle associated with that stage. A binary pulse counter counts the pulses produced by the oscillator and ultimately controls the stopping and starting of the pump during the various operating cycles of the machine, by controlling energization of a relay in the pump circuit.

Abstract: A control circuit is disclosed for appliances such as dishwashers and clothes washers. The control circuit employs a microprocessor programmed to respond to user selected options to determine the operating sequence of the appliance. Feedback systems permit the detection and indication of fault conditions, such as overfill or drain blockage, and initiate protective responses from the microprocessor to prevent flooding or damage to the appliance. The circuit includes a diagnostic system having a diagnostic routine which will sequence through the usual operating cycles in response to operator input and which may be advanced through the cycles at the operator's discretion. The operative cycles and applicance malfunctions, if any, are displayed on a control panel as the diagnostic routine is executed thereby facilitating diagnosis and repair.

Abstract: A control circuit is disclosed for appliances such as dishwashers and clothes washers. The control circuit employs a microprocessor programmed to respond to user selected options to determine the operating sequence of the appliance. The control circuit includes an overfill system which permits the microprocessor to detect and identify a flood condition in response to a signal from a float assembly. The flood signal causes the microprocessor to initiate a flood control routine which interrupts the normal operating cycle being executed, if any, and initiates and maintains operation of a drain cycle until the water returns to the normal level for a predetermined period of time. The flood routine overrides all other program control thereby preventing any other machine function until the flood condition has been eliminated and there has been user interaction. The user is advised of the flood condition via an alpha-numeric digital display on the appliance control panel.

Abstract: A control circuit is disclosed for appliances such as dishwashers and clothes washers. The control circuit employs a microprocessor programmed to respond to user selected options to determine the operating sequence of the appliance. The circuit includes a drain feedback system which permits the microprocessor to detect and identify a plurality of drain fault conditions including failure to drain, slow drain and plugged drain. A protective response is initiated by the microprocessor to prevent flooding or damage to the appliance should any of these fault conditions occur, and the user is advised of the specific fault mode via an alpha-numeric digital display on the appliance control panel. In the event a rapid drain occurs, the feedback system immediately terminates pump-out and transfers the time saved to a subsequent time-insensitive cycle, thereby eliminating undesirable operation of pump and motor while maintaining the total cycle time as originally programmed.

Abstract: The solenoid operated water valve has a Venturi on its outlet which aspirates air through the pressure sensing side of a pressure switch until the water level in the washing machine reaches the end of the tube connected to the system through the selection valve. This prevents further aspiration and the Venturi rapidly lowers the pressure in the pressure switch to actuate the switch. The check valve prevents venting the pressure switch to atmosphere long enough for the associated timer to continue the machine program.

Abstract: A float support includes a guide sleeve extending upwardly from a dishwasher chamber sump for slidable reception of a float stem. The support includes a hollow standpipe having an upper portion, partially defined by an external wall of the guide sleeve along part of its axial height, and a lower portion extending down through the sump in an offset manner. The inverted cuplike float includes a plurality of cavities at least one of which is adapted to entrap air to provide buoyance to the float. A remaining one of the cavities defines a combined float damping and overflow cavity which conceals the upper portion of the hollow standpipe such that the standpipe establishes an air break path between the overflow cavity and atmosphere thereby damping the vertical travel of the float.

Abstract: An improved float assembly for a dishwasher liquid fill system includes cam means on the float stem. The cam includes a first portion operative, upon the liquid rising to its normal fill level, to maintain a switch in its circuit closing position allowing the fill valve to be opened at selected intervals during the operational cycle. Upon the float being buoyed upwardly by the liquid level rising above its normal-fill level to an over-fill level the cam means is operative to retain the float at an elevated position permitting the dishwasher to complete its operational cycle after which the float may be manually reset to its lower position to again permit normal operation of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwasher fill system providing a combination fill control system and timer fill sequence that assures a predetermined minimum quantity of water is present in the dishwashing chamber regardless of the water fill flow rate and the household waterline pressure. The system provides two assured fill levels with a predetermined minimum water level fill cycle portion for a rinse fill and an increased minimum level fill cycle portion for a wash fill. If the rinse fill water level is below its minimum quantity after a predetermined run time, first switch means will energize the timer motor and the fill valve will remain open until said rinse fill minimum level is reached. A fill sensor switch at this point will turn off the water valve and energize the timer motor.

Abstract: A domestic dishwasher is provided with a control system having circuitry including timer switch means adapted to insure automatic wash water at a normal set temperature for all cycles with the user having an option to preselect an elevated wash water temperature. During wash periods, power for the heater is provided through timer switch means connected through a first thermostat whereby if the water in the chamber is below its set temperature, the first thermostat will energize a heater to provide auxiliary heat to the wash water. The timer switch means is operative to stop the timer motor until the water is heated to said set temperature. Once the water reaches the minimum set temperature, or if the water supply is initially above said minimum setting the first thermostat will switch, deenergizing the heater.

Abstract: A low wash and rinse temperature (120.degree.-140.degree. F.) warewasher accomplishes the same general washing and rinsing effectiveness as a conventional high temperature (150.degree. F. minimum wash, 180.degree. F. minimum rinse) warewasher without loss of productivity resulting from time lost between completion of washing and commencement of rinsing a given load of ware, through use of independent, dedicated wash and rinse systems, the latter of which includes a holding tank which enables independent batching of a predetermined volume of rinse solution from properly-proportioned fresh water and sanitizing agent while washing a given load of ware. The sanitizing agent is introduced independently into the holding tank and independently of the fresh water line, and is therefore unaffected by a great range of water line pressures and the mineral conditions of the water.

Abstract: A dishwasher utilizing treating liquid for washing dishes in a treating cycle and air for drying the washed dishes in a drying cycle. An electric heater is provided for heating the dish-treating liquid and the drying air. A control is provided for energizing the heater to heat the treating liquid as an incident of the dishwasher operating in the treating cycle and selectively causing energization of the heater as an incident of the dishwasher operating in the drying cycle. The control further includes structure for preventing energizing of the heater notwithstanding the dishwasher operating in the drying cycle.

Abstract: A receptacle such as a dishwasher tub having an improved control for effecting filling of the tub to a preselected full level and protecting the apparatus against undesirable overfill in the event the normal flow control malfunctions. The flow control includes a control valve having two valve elements for cooperatively preventing such undesirable overfill. One of the valve elements may be controlled by an electrically operated solenoid, and the other valve element may be controlled by mechanical control structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically controlled valve element is controlled by a timer, and the mechanically controlled valve element is controlled by a float.

Abstract: A program selector of an electronic programmer, e.g. of a washing machine, in which programs are stored in an integrated circuit store or memory, comprises two manual control switches and two display devices. One switch cooperates with selection circuitry cooperating with a numeric display device to increment a displayed number corresponding to a program number when the first switch is closed or to hold a selected program number displayed when the first switch is open. The second switch enables starting of a stored program corresponding to a displayed program number, the phases of the program carried out being displayed by a symbolic display device.

Abstract: The recirculating pump output is monitored as the pump is operated during each fill cycle, and the fill is terminated just when the desired pump output is reached. The output is less than the pump maximum and results from continuous aspiration of water and air into the pump inlet, thus using only the minimum liquid necessary, and automatically reducing liquid consumption during subsequent fills as the washing operation progresses. The pump inlet faces downwardly at the bottom of the dishwasher tank to control surging.

Abstract: A method of cleaning dishes, utilizing a dishwasher apparatus connected to both hot and cold-water lines, the method includes: beginning with one or more cold-water pre-rinses, then providing a hot-water wash, and, finally, concluding with one or more cold-water post-rinses and a last hot-water rinse. Drying then follows with air being circulated through the dishwasher wash chamber. The drying is aided by the residual heat of the dishes from the last rinse.

Abstract: A dishwasher control circuit including a single-pole, double-throw door interlock switch and a water level sensing means, which sensing means includes a single-pole, double-throw switch. The sensing means switch connects the water inlet valve control solenoid and the drain valve control under normal operating conditions, and connects in series a direct power line and the pump motor and drain solenoid during flooding conditions. The control provides continuous protection against flooding in the dishwasher.

Abstract: A cycle-select switching system for automatic appliances and the like of the type for selectively performing any one of a plurality of distinct operating cycles. The switching system comprises selection means having a plurality of outputs, each corresponding to one of the operating cycles, and a momentary contact switch for producing a control signal of variable time duration. The selection means is responsive to the control signal by sequentially advancing to the output defined by a selected time duration of the control signal and thereby initiating the operating cycle corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A receptacle such as a dishwasher tub having an improved control for effecting filling of the tub to a preselected full level and protecting the apparatus against undesirable overfill in the event the normal flow control malfunctions. The flow control includes a control valve having two valve elements for cooperatively preventing such undesirable overfill. One of the valve elements may be controlled by an electrically operated solenoid, and the other valve element may be controlled by mechanical control structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically controlled valve element is controlled by a timer, and the mechanically controlled valve element is controlled by a float. A heater is provided for heating liquid in the tub and an improved control is provided for controlling the heater so as to prevent energization thereof whenever the sensed liquid volume in the tub is below a preselected minimum.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a washing chamber with upper and lower dishracks disposed therein and having associated therewith upper and lower spray devices supplied with washing liquid respectively by first and second pumping devices. The first and second pumping devices are commonly mounted in a sump of the washing chamber and driven by a single unidirectional motor. The pumping devices are positioned in axial relation to one another with the lower or first pumping device supplying washing liquid at a lesser pressure to the upper spray device and the upper or second pumping device supplying washing liquid at a higher pressure to the lower spray device.

Abstract: An appliance programmer, in particular an automatic washer programmer, employs a memory circuit and sequence control for establishing a predetermined program. The program may be altered by two techniques. A first technique includes the utilization of a circuit for sampling the circuit connections of the programmer so that any number of steps of the program can be varied to alter the entire program. This technique provides for the manufacture of an integrated circuit to establish a predetermined program and application of that circuit in a variety of appliances with different program requirements. A second technique utilizes operator control switches for manually altering the program and includes apparatus for locking out program modifications after a predetermined time interval at the initiation of program selection.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine having a gas-fired heater is provided with a flue structure having wall portions common to the tank and wash chamber of the machine. While the machine is running liquid splashes against these wall portions and exchanges heat therewith. When the water circulation system is stopped, the heater is limited to a standby condition which is predetermined to maintain these wall portions at substantially the same temperature as during running conditions.

Abstract: A low wash and rinse temperature (120.degree.-140.degree. F.) warewasher accomplishes the same general washing and rinsing effectiveness as a conventional high temperature (150.degree. F. minimum wash, 180.degree. F. minimum rinse) warewasher without loss of productivity resulting from time lost between completion of washing and commencement of rinsing a given load of ware, through use of independent, dedicated wash and rinse systems, the latter of which includes a holding tank which enables independent batching of a predetermined volume of rinse solution from properly-proportioned fresh water and sanitizing agent while washing a given load of ware. The sanitizing agent is introduced independently into the holding tank and independently of the fresh water line, and is therefore unaffected by a great range of water line pressures and the mineral conditions of the water.