Cleaning and liquid contact with solids – Apparatus – Having self cleaning means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-15
2001-05-22
Stinson, Frankie L. (Department: 1746)
Cleaning and liquid contact with solids
Apparatus
Having self cleaning means
C134S104400, C134S111000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234184
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to dishwashers. More particularly, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing secondary filtering of wash water in a dishwasher.
2. Problems in the Art
Typical prior art dishwashers include a washing chamber having side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a wash water circulation system mounted in the bottom wall of the washing chamber. The wash water circulation system pumps wash water upwardly through a lower rotating wash arm and downwardly through an upper rotating wash arm for spraying wash water onto the dishes and other articles to be cleaned within the washing chamber. The wash water sprayed from the wash arms typically collects in the bottom of the washing chamber and is strained to remove large food particles from the wash water. The strained wash water is then recirculated by the water circulation system for further spraying onto the dishes.
One problem with prior art wash water circulation systems in dishwashers is that small food particles may pass through the strainer and then through the wash water circulation system. The small food particles recirculate in the wash water circulation system and may become redeposited on the articles being washed.
FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
A general feature of the present invention is the provision of a method and apparatus for providing a secondary filter system for dishwashers which overcomes problems found in the art.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a method and apparatus for providing a secondary filter system for dishwashers which filters wash water that has already been filtered by a primary filter.
Further features, objects and advantages of the present invention include:
A method and apparatus for providing a secondary filter system for dishwashers which includes a hollow chamber having input and output ports and filtering elements.
A method and apparatus for providing a secondary filter system for dishwashers which has the ability to purge filtered particles from the secondary filter.
A method and apparatus for providing a secondary filter system for dishwashers which includes a hollow chamber having input and output ports and a check valve in communication with the output port.
A method and apparatus for providing a secondary filter system for dishwashers which includes a hollow chamber having input and output ports, a check valve in communication with the output port, and a sensor for sensing the position of the check valve.
A method and apparatus for providing a secondary filter system for dishwashers which is incorporated into the dishwasher pump module.
A method and apparatus for providing a secondary filter system for dishwashers which filters the wash water that has already been filtered to further remove small particles.
These as well as other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification and claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A secondary filter system of the present invention is used in a dishwasher to filter debris from the wash water. The invention is comprised of a primary filter and a secondary filter. The secondary filter filters wash water that has already been filtered by the primary filter. A secondary filter of the present invention may optionally be comprised of a chamber having an input port in communication with the pump and an output port in communication with the drain. The chamber may include a plurality of openings with filter elements in communication with the openings for filtering water passing through the openings. The output port includes a check valve for preventing water from entering the chamber from the output port.
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Hruby Daniel
Tuller Barry E.
Maytag Corporation
Stinson Frankie L.
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
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