IP Library Granted Patent US 8,337,628
Granted Patent B2
US 8,337,628 · App. 12/952,571 · Granted Dec 25, 2012

Non-integrated bulk dispenser and method of operating a dishwasher having same

Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,337,628
App. No.
12/952,571
Granted
Dec 25, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

A removable non-integrated treating chemistry dispensing cartridge assembly may emit a signal in response to a predetermined amount of treating chemistry being detected and in response to a predetermined amount of illumination being detected.

Claims (9)

1. A method of operating a dishwasher comprising a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an open face, a cover for selectively opening/closing the open face, a liquid system for supplying and recirculating liquid within the treating chamber, and a removable dispensing cartridge provided in the treating chamber, the method comprising:

detecting an amount of treating chemistry in the removable dispensing cartridge provided in the treating chamber;

detecting an amount of illumination in the treating chamber; and

emitting a human-detectable signal from the removable dispensing cartridge when the detected amount of treating chemistry is less than or equal to a predetermined amount and the detected amount of illumination is indicative of the open face being at least partially opened.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein detecting the amount of treating chemistry comprises detecting a level of the treating chemistry in the removable dispensing cartridge.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the amount of illumination is detected with a photo-detector.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the detected amount of illumination is compared to a reference value.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the emitting a human-detectable signal comprises emitting at least one of a visible signal and an audible signal.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising ceasing the emitting of the human-detectable signal after a predetermined time.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 23, 2010
From: BESHEARS, PAUL E., JR.; SUNDARAM, SATHISH A.
To: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 025397/0584 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20120125366A1 · May 24, 2012