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US 9,241,604 B2Granted
Adjustable dishwasher conduit valve system
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorJohn Edward Dries
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A spray arm assembly is provided that is configured for receiving a docking station at two different heights so as to, for example, accommodate an adjustable upper rack in a dishwasher appliance. The spray arm assembly includes a chamber and a check valve plate having two check valves with closure protrusions extending therefrom to provide this functionality.
Claims20
A spray arm assembly, comprising:
- a conduit having a first end;
- a chamber positioned at the first end of said conduit;
- and
- a check valve plate comprising:
- an upper aperture;
- a lower aperture, wherein said upper aperture is positioned above said lower aperture in a vertical direction;
- an upper check valve pivotally attached to said check valve plate adjacent to said upper aperture, said upper check valve being rotatable between an open position and a closed position and comprising an upper closure protrusion extending outwardly from said upper check valve;
- and
- a lower check valve pivotally attached to said check valve plate adjacent to said lower aperture, said lower check valve being rotatable between an open position and a closed position and comprising a lower closure protrusion extending outwardly from said lower check valve, such that opening said lower check valve causes the upper closure protrusion, the lower closure protrusion, or both to move the upper check valve towards the closed position.
6 more elements
An adjustable spray arm assembly for use in a dishwasher appliance, comprising:
- a docking station;
- a conduit having a first end;
- a chamber positioned at the first end of said conduit;
- and
- a check valve plate comprising:
- an upper aperture;
- a lower aperture, wherein said upper aperture and said lower aperture are configured for selective receipt of said docking station, and wherein said upper aperture is positioned above said lower aperture in a vertical direction;
- an upper check valve pivotally attached to said check valve plate adjacent to said upper aperture, said upper check valve being rotatable between an open position and a closed position and comprising an upper closure protrusion extending outwardly from said upper check valve;
- and
- a lower check valve pivotally attached to said check valve plate adjacent to said lower aperture, said lower check valve being rotatable between an open position and a closed position and comprising a lower closure protrusion extending outwardly from said lower check valve, such that moving the lower check valve to the open position causes the upper check valve to move towards the closed position, or moving the upper check valve to the open position ensures the lower check valve is moved towards the closed position.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.