Abstract: A sink side dishwasher is designed to use the same faucet of the water sink as its water source. It comprises an oscillating spray arm equipped with improved nozzles, an improved soap dispenser, a specially designed dish rack, and a specially designed washing house to cooperate with the unique structure of the dishwasher and other components to achieve of manufacturing an useful and operative dishwasher.

Abstract: A mechanical coupling mechanism links an access door, a push-to-start button, and a switch controlling power to machinery behind the access door. The coupling mechanism permits the door to be open and the switch to be open, the door to be closed and the switch to be open, and the door to be closed and the switch to be closed, while forbidding the door to be open and the switch to be closed. The coupling precludes an operator shifting from a condition with the door open and the switch open to that in which the door is closed and the switch is closed with a single action.

Abstract: A switch for a washing machine lid or the like detects welded load contact through an auxiliary set of contacts which shunt the load when the first set of contacts should be open and thus provide a high-current path when those contacts are welded. A series fusible link mechanically activates a set of disconnect contacts which disconnects the washing machine motor. The resulting switch has a single operator that may be collapsible to be self-adjusting permitting the switch to snap in place without the need for a separate adjustment step in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: In a conventional dishwashing machine having a front door biased to closed position by a pair of tension springs connected to rearwardly-extending arms of the door hinges, the addition of a pair of spring-loaded pushers acting on said arms through a restricted stroke and with a door-opening force overcoming the door-closing force of said tension springs. A solenoid-operated latch releasably locks the door in closed position. Said latch is operated by the timer controlled switching assembly of the machine, so as to release the door at the end of the rinsing cycle. Thus, the drying cycle is effected solely through free circulation of ambient air within the washing compartment through the partially-open door opening.

Abstract: A latch for a warewasher effects manual movement of a bolt between a retracted position which permits the door to be fully closed and an extended position which either latchingly engages a keeper to secure the door in the closed position, or abuttingly engages the keeper to prevent the door from being inadvertently fully closed. In addition to manual operation, the latch is operated by gravity to extend the bolt from its retracted to its extended position as the door of the warewasher is moved from a horizontal opened position to a vertical position. In this way, the bolt of the latch is extended to abut the keeper of a warewasher if the door is simply moved from the horizontal opened position to the vertical position, but may be easily and quickly closed by manual operation of the latch to retract the bolt followed by complete closure of the door, and then extension of the bolt to secure the door in the fully-closed position.

Abstract: A control system is provided for operating a washing machine through a cycle of operations and for ensuring that an access door is closed and locked during predetermined portions of the cycle and for ensuring that sensor switches are properly operable. A microcontroller-based programmer controls the washing machine through the cycle of operations. A first switch is actuatable by the access door for enabling energization of the washing machine upon movement of the access door to the closed position and a latch mechanism is energizable by the programmer for positioning the latch mechanism to effect the locking of the access door in the closed position if the first switch is closed. A second switch is in circuit with the programmer and is operable from a first to a second posture upon locking of the access door to provide a door-latched signal to the programmer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a limited use dishwasher which comprises a housing. Within the housing are a plurality of compartments for receiving dishes to be washed. Each compartment has a movable platform. Each platform is mechanically joined to a separate motor through the means of a lever arm. Conduits are provided to channel water and soap to each compartment and radiant drying is also provided in connection with each compartment. By inserting a dish within the compartment and pressing down on the platform, a switch is closed. Upon the closing of the entrance door to the dishwasher, a second switch is closed, which thereby couples the motor to a source of electrical energy. The motor causes the lever arm to move the platform upward during the washing cycle. Each motor is a rocker arm motor having an elliptical gear which engages the lever arm. On the gear are a series of bosses which contact and close switches at various points during the washing cycle.

Abstract: A switch and latch arrangement for use in a washing appliance of the type providing for user selection of one of two dry cycle options in which option selection is coupled to the door latch mechanism in such a manner that movement of the door latch means from a latched to an unlatched position assures that a predetermined one of said options is automatically selected, requiring manual override at that selection by the user after latching the door if the other option is desired. In an illustrative embodiment, the switch and latch arrangement is used in a dishwasher which provides for user selection of a non-heated dry option or a heated dry option. An option selection button, movable between a first portion for enabling the non-heated option and a second position for enabling the heated dry option is provided.

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: The environment of the invention comprises work degreasing apparatus wherein a tank contains liquid solvent to be vaporized by a heater for degreasing contact with work introduced into the tank, the vapor being subject to condensation, there also being a tank cover having open and closed positions. The inventive improvement comprises means responsive to closing of the cover to control the heater to reduce heat transfer to the liquid solvent, and also responsive to opening of the cover to control the heater to increase heat transfer to the liquid solvent.