Patent ID: 8968486
Filing Date: 2015-03-03
Classification: A47L

Abstract:
1. A dishwashing machine, comprising: a tub defining a washing chamber, a number of dish racks positioned in the washing chamber, a pump operable to circulate fluid during a dishwashing cycle, at least one sprayer to spray fluid from the pump onto the number of dish racks during the dishwashing cycle, a dispenser for introducing a rinsing aid into the washing chamber for a rinsing stage of the dishwashing cycle, a turbidity sensor operable to measure turbidity of fluid in the washing chamber and generate an electrical output signal indicative thereof, and an electronic controller electrically coupled to the turbidity sensor, the controller comprising (i) a processor, and (ii) a memory device electrically coupled to the processor, the memory device having stored therein a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, is configured to cause the processor to: (a) communicate with the turbidity sensor to determine a first turbidity level of fluid in the washing chamber while fluid is being sprayed into the washing chamber of the dishwashing cycle, (b) generate a control signal to operate the dispenser for the rinsing stage, (c) determine a second turbidity level of fluid in the washing chamber while fluid is being sprayed into the washing chamber, (d) determine a presence of rinse aid in fluid in the washing chamber based on a difference between the first and second turbidity levels, and (d) modify a drying stage of the dishwashing cycle when rinse aid is present in the fluid.