Patent ID: 9422661
Filing Date: 2016-08-23
CPC Classification: D06F,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinet; a wash tub received in said cabinet and configured for containing a fluid used in a washing process; a wash basket mounted in said wash tub, said wash basket configured for the receipt of articles during the washing process and for rotation about an axis; a drain configured for directing fluid out of said cabinet; a pump assembly, said pump assembly comprising: a casing that defines a chamber, said chamber extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end, said casing defining an inlet positioned adjacent the first end of said chamber, the inlet configured for receipt of fluid from said wash tub, said casing also defining an opening positioned adjacent the second end of said chamber, the opening configured for permitting selective access to the chamber of said casing; a filter received within the chamber of said casing, said filter extending longitudinally between a labyrinth filter portion and a mesh filter portion; a drain pump in fluid communication with the chamber of said casing and said drain such that said drain pump selectively urges fluid disposed within the chamber to said drain, said drain pump positioned adjacent the labyrinth filter portion of said filter; a recirculation pump in fluid communication with the chamber of said casing and said wash tub such that said recirculation pump selectively urges fluid disposed within the chamber to said wash tub, said recirculation pump positioned adjacent the mesh filter portion of said filter; a cap positioned adjacent the opening of said casing, the cap configured for selectively securing said filter within the chamber defined by said casing, said cap being substantially complementary in shape to the opening of said casing, said cap having: