The present invention relates to a process for washing fabrics in the drum of an automatic washing machine.

A domestic appliance and a method at the domestic appliance for detecting presence of process water in a pump of the domestic appliance are provided. The method of detecting process water in a pump of a domestic appliance may include operating the pump to rotate in a first direction, recording a first response of the pump rotating in the first direction based on a measured pump operation parameter, operating the pump to rotate in a second direction, and recording a second response of the pump rotating in the second direction based on the measured pump operation parameter. The method may further include comparing the first response and the second response, and determining the presence of water in the pump based on the comparison of the first and second response.

System and method for dispensing product to a washing machine. A chemical dispensing system includes a system controller, machine interface, and pump controller that communicate through serial data buses. The system controller provides a user interface, retrieves washing machine status information from the machine interface, and issues product dispensing commands to the pump controller. The pump controller monitors pump status and dispenses product in response to commands from the system controller. The pump controller: (1) determines pump activation periods based on calibration data stored in a pump controller memory; (2) tracks pump usage and adjusts the activation period to compensate for pump wear as the pump ages; (3) disables the pump if conditions exists that preclude operating the pump; (4) monitors product levels, and (5) reports pump status to the system controller. Integral channels are included in the pump housing to provide stress relief to a squeeze tube.

The invention relates to a method of automatic dishwashing, comprising: placing soiled wares inside a cleaning volume; providing a first cleaning composition comprising a bleach and a second cleaning composition different from the first composition; and delivering the first composition and the second composition separately to the cleaning volume to contact the soiled wares, wherein: the first composition is delivered to the cleaning volume as a mist and the second composition is delivered to the cleaning volume as a jet; and the first and second compositions are delivered to the cleaning volume at a temperature below 100° C. The invention also relates to a dishwasher and a kit for use in the inventive method.

A washing machine such as a dishwashing machine, preferably of the drawer-style or table-top style, or a laundry washing machine, the washing machine having at least one low-height wash liquid conduit connecting the outlet of a sump region of a washing tub to a wash pump. A cover plate is provided for covering a section of the washing tub base and the at least one low-height conduit is formed between the base of the washing tub and the cover plate by a combination thereof. The surface of a heating unit forms a surface of the low-height conduit and the sump is provided with multiple outlets.

A washing machine such as a dishwashing machine, preferably of the drawer-style or table-top style, or a laundry washing machine, the washing machine having at least one low-height wash liquid conduit connecting the outlet of a sump region of a washing tub to a wash pump. A cover plate is provided for covering a section of the washing tub base and the at least one low-height conduit is formed between the base of the washing tub and the cover plate by a combination thereof. The surface of a heating unit forms a surface of the low-height conduit and the sump is provided with multiple outlets.

A household appliance for treating at least one item according to at least one cycle of operation includes a treating chamber for receiving the at least one item for treatment according to the at least one cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser receiving a unit dose container having an electrically conductive element, a physical alteration element located proximate to the treating chemistry dispenser and operable to physically alter at least a portion of the electrically conductive element and a sensor for sensing the physical alteration.

A tubular spray element for a dishwasher is formed in part from a molded elongated tube including one or more elongated slots formed in a sidewall thereof along one or more lengthwise portions of the elongated tube and one or more additional lengthwise portions in which the sidewall extends fully around a circumference of the elongated tube. In addition, one or more elongated caps are secured to the elongated tube and are sized and configured to cover the elongated slot(s).

A wash-aid dispenser (20) for dispensing dishwasher detergent and rinse-aid employs a DC motor (46) and drive train (43) to separately actuate a door (23) for the release of detergent and a valve (21) for the release of rinse-aid allowing reduced noise and reduce energy operation using a single electric actuator.

A dishwasher for treating dishes according to any automatic cycle of operation may comprise a treating chamber having an access opening, a door selectively closing the access opening, and a dispenser for dispensing a treating chemistry into the treating chamber. The dispenser may comprise a treating chemistry compartment defining a cavity with an open face. The dispenser may further comprise a movable element movable within the cavity between retracted and extended positions. An actuator may move the movable element between the retracted and extended positions. When the treating chemistry is placed within the cavity, the movement of the movable element from the retracted to the extended position may expel the treating chemistry from the cavity through the open face.