Patent ID: 6138692
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: A47L

Abstract:
A method for operating an automatic dishwashing machine, the dishwashing machine including a tub defining an interior wash chamber for receiving dishware items, a sump being located in the lower portion of the tub, a fill valve connected to an external water supply for supplying liquid into the tub, a pump operable in a recirculation mode for drawing liquid from the sump and recirculating the liquid through the tub via a spray arm and operable in a drain mode for delivering liquid within the tub to drain, a heater located in the lower portion of the tub for heating liquid and air in the tub, the tub having an open front which is selectively closed by a door, the door having a vent aperture, a vent cover associated with an actuator for selectively opening and closing the vent aperture, the method comprising the steps of:supplying a wash charge of liquid into the tub;closing the vent aperture in the door;operating the pump in a recirculation mode for recirculating the wash charge of liquid within the tub during a wash cycle;operating the pump in a drain mode for delivering the wash charge of liquid to drain;supplying a purge charge of liquid into the tub for rinsing the tub, the purge charge being less than 1/4 the amount of the wash charge;operating the pump in a recirculation mode for less than one minute;operating the pump in a drain mode for delivering the purge charge of liquid to drain;supplying a rinse charge of liquid into the tub, the quantity of the rinse charge being substantially equal to the wash charge;operating the pump in a recirculation mode for recirculating the rinse charge of wash liquid within the tub during a rinse cycle;operating the pump in a drain mode to effect a final drain step; andactuating the actuator a predetermined delay period after the end of the final drain step for opening the vent aperture in the door such that the vent remains closed for a predetermined drip period after the final drain step.