Patent Publication Number: US-9414736-B2

Title: Dishwasher with directional spray

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/570,488, filed Aug. 9, 2012, and entitled Dishwasher with Spray System, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/537,595, filed Sep. 22, 2011, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Contemporary automatic dishwashers for use in a typical household include a tub and at least one rack or basket for supporting soiled utensils within the tub. A spraying system may be provided for recirculating liquid throughout the tub to remove soils from the utensils. The spraying system may include various sprayers including a rotatable spray arm. 
     SUMMARY 
     An embodiment of the invention relates to a dishwasher having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving utensils for cleaning, a spraying system for supplying liquid to the treating chamber and having a spray arm comprising an elongated body having an interior and rotatable about an axis of rotation, a liquid passage provided in the interior, at least one outlet located on a length of the elongated body such that it is spaced away from the rotational axis and extending through the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage, a valve body movable relative to the body to fluidly couple different portions of the at least one outlet to the liquid passage to alter a direction of liquid emitted from the at least one outlet, and an actuator operably coupled to the valve body to move the valve body to control the direction of liquid emitted from the outlet. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a dishwasher having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving utensils for cleaning, a spraying system for supplying liquid to the treating chamber and having a rotatable sprayer comprising a body having an interior and rotatable about an axis, a liquid passage provided in the interior, at least one outlet extending through the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage and located away from the axis of rotation of the body, and a valve body located within the liquid passage and having an opening corresponding to the at least one outlet to collectively form an effective opening, with the valve body moveable to adjust the relative positions of the outlet and opening to alter the shape of the effective opening to control the direction of liquid emitted from the outlet. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a dishwasher with a spray system according to a first embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a rotatable spray arm of the spray system of the dishwasher of  FIG. 1  and illustrating a valve body for the rotatable spray arm. 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  are schematic views of the valve body in various positions within the rotatable spray arm of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a lower spray arm, which may be used in the dishwasher of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a lower spray arm, which may be used in the dishwasher of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  are cross-sectional views of a valve body in various positions within the rotatable spray arm of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7A  is a schematic view of a rotatable spray arm of the spray system of the dishwasher of  FIG. 1  and a valve body for the rotatable spray arm according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 7B and 7C  are schematic views of the valve body in various positions within the rotatable spray arm of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7D  is a close-up view of a portion of the rotatable spray arm and a portion of the valve body of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  is a schematic view of a rotatable spray arm of the spray system of the dishwasher of  FIG. 1  and a valve body for the rotatable spray arm according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8B  is a close-up view of a portion of the rotatable spray arm and a portion of the valve body of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIGS. 8C and 8D  are schematic views of the valve body in various positions within the rotatable spray arm of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic view of a rotatable spray arm similar to that of  FIG. 8  with an alternative nozzle and valve body according to a sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 10A  is a schematic view of a rotatable spray arm of the spray system of the dishwasher of  FIG. 1  and a valve body for the rotatable spray arm according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10B  is a close-up view of a portion of the rotatable spray arm and a portion of the valve body of  FIG. 10A . 
         FIGS. 10C and 10D  are schematic views of the valve body in various positions within the rotatable spray arm of  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view of a rotatable spray arm similar to that of  FIG. 10  with an alternative nozzle and valve body according to an eighth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated as an automatic dishwasher  10  having a cabinet  12  defining an interior. Depending on whether the dishwasher  10  is a stand-alone or built-in, the cabinet  12  may be a chassis/frame with or without panels attached, respectively. The dishwasher  10  shares many features of a conventional automatic dishwasher, which will not be described in detail herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of the invention. While the present invention is described in terms of a conventional dishwashing unit, it could also be implemented in other types of dishwashing units, such as in-sink dishwashers, multi-tub dishwashers, or drawer-type dishwashers. 
     A controller  14  may be located within the cabinet  12  and may be operably coupled with various components of the dishwasher  10  to implement one or more cycles of operation. A control panel or user interface  16  may be provided on the dishwasher  10  and coupled with the controller  14 . The user interface  16  may include operational controls such as dials, lights, switches, and displays enabling a user to input commands, such as a cycle of operation, to the controller  14  and receive information. 
     A tub  18  is located within the cabinet  12  and at least partially defines a treating chamber  20  with an access opening in the form of an open face. A cover, illustrated as a door  22 , may be hingedly mounted to the cabinet  12  and may move between an opened position, wherein the user may access the treating chamber  20 , and a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein the door  22  covers or closes the open face of the treating chamber  20 . 
     Utensil holders in the form of upper and lower racks  24 ,  26  are located within the treating chamber  20  and receive utensils for being treated. The racks  24 ,  26  are mounted for slidable movement in and out of the treating chamber  20  for ease of loading and unloading. As used in this description, the term “utensil(s)” is intended to be generic to any item, single or plural, that may be treated in the dishwasher  10 , including, without limitation; dishes, plates, pots, bowls, pans, glassware, and silverware. While not shown, additional utensil holders, such as a silverware basket on the interior of the door  22 , may also be provided. 
     A spraying system  28  may be provided for spraying liquid into the treating chamber  20  and is illustrated in the form of an upper sprayer  30 , a mid-level sprayer  32 , a lower rotatable spray arm  34 , and a spray manifold  36 . The upper sprayer  30  may be located above the upper rack  24  and is illustrated as a fixed spray nozzle that sprays liquid downwardly within the treating chamber  20 . Mid-level rotatable sprayer  32  and lower rotatable spray arm  34  are located, respectively, beneath upper rack  24  and lower rack  26  and are illustrated as rotating spray arms. The mid-level spray arm  32  may provide a liquid spray upwardly through the bottom of the upper rack  24 . The lower rotatable spray arm  34  may provide a liquid spray upwardly through the bottom of the lower rack  26 . The mid-level rotatable sprayer  32  may optionally also provide a liquid spray downwardly onto the lower rack  26 , but for purposes of simplification, this will not be illustrated herein. 
     The spray manifold  36  may be fixedly mounted to the tub  18  adjacent to the lower rack  26  and may provide a liquid spray laterally through a side of the lower rack  26 . The spray manifold  36  may not be limited to this position; rather, the spray manifold  36  may be located in virtually any part of the treating chamber  20 . While not illustrated herein, the spray manifold  36  may include multiple spray nozzles having apertures configured to spray wash liquid towards the lower rack  26 . The spray nozzles may be fixed or rotatable with respect to the tub  18 . Suitable spray manifolds are set forth in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,445,013, filed Jun. 17, 2003, and titled “Multiple Wash Zone Dishwasher,” and U.S. Pat. No. 7,523,758, filed Dec. 30, 2004, and titled “Dishwasher Having Rotating Zone Wash Sprayer,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     A liquid recirculation system may be provided for recirculating liquid from the treating chamber  20  to the spraying system  28 . The recirculation system may include a sump  38  and a pump assembly  40 . The sump  38  collects the liquid sprayed in the treating chamber  20  and may be formed by a sloped or recessed portion of a bottom wall  42  of the tub  18 . The pump assembly  40  may include both a drain pump  44  and a recirculation pump  46 . 
     The drain pump  44  may draw liquid from the sump  38  and pump the liquid out of the dishwasher  10  to a household drain line  48 . The recirculation pump  46  may draw liquid from the sump  38  and pump the liquid to the spraying system  28  to supply liquid into the treating chamber  20 . While the pump assembly  40  is illustrated as having separate drain and recirculation pumps  44 ,  46  in an alternative embodiment, the pump assembly  40  may include a single pump configured to selectively supply wash liquid to either the spraying system  28  or the drain line  48 , such as by configuring the pump to rotate in opposite directions, or by providing a suitable valve system. While not shown, a liquid supply system may include a water supply conduit coupled with a household water supply for supplying water to the sump  38 . 
     As shown herein, the recirculation pump  46  has an outlet conduit  50  in fluid communication with the spraying system  28  for discharging wash liquid from the recirculation pump  46  to the sprayers  30 - 36 . As illustrated, liquid may be supplied to the spray manifold  36 , mid-level rotatable sprayer  32 , and upper sprayer  30  through a supply tube  52  that extends generally rearward from the recirculation pump  46  and upwardly along a rear wall of the tub  18 . While the supply tube  52  ultimately supplies liquid to the spray manifold  36 , mid-level rotatable sprayer  32 , and upper sprayer  30 , it may fluidly communicate with one or more manifold tubes that directly transport liquid to the spray manifold  36 , mid-level rotatable sprayer  32 , and upper sprayer  30 . Further, diverters (not shown) may be provided within the spraying system  28  such that liquid may be selectively supplied to each of the sprayers  30 - 36 . The sprayers  30 - 36  spray water and/or treating chemistry onto the dish racks  24 ,  26  (and hence any utensils positioned thereon) to effect a recirculation of the liquid from the treating chamber  20  to the liquid spraying system  28  to define a recirculation flow path. 
     A heating system having a heater  54  may be located within or near the sump  38  for heating liquid contained in the sump  38 . A filtering system (not shown) may be fluidly coupled with the recirculation flow path for filtering the recirculated liquid. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lower rotatable spray arm  34  comprising a body  56  having an interior  58 . A liquid passage  59  may be provided in the interior  58  and fluidly couples with the outlet conduit  50  and recirculation pump  46 . A plurality of outlets  60  extend through the body  56  and may be in fluid communication with the liquid passage  59 . As illustrated, the interior  58  defines the liquid passage  59 . However, a separate liquid passage  59  may be located within the interior  58 . 
     Nozzles, such as nozzles  62  and  64 , may be provided on the body  56  and may be fluidly coupled with the outlets  60 , which lead to the liquid passage  59 . Multiple nozzles  62  and  64  have been illustrated. The multiple nozzles  62  may correlate to a first subset of the plurality of outlets  60  and the multiple nozzles  64  may correlate to a second subset of the plurality of outlets  60 . Nozzles  62  and  64  may provide different spray patterns, although this need not be the case. It is advantageous to do so to provide for different cleaning effects from a single spray arm. The first nozzle  62  may emit a first spray pattern (not shown), which may be a discrete, focused, and concentrated spray, which may provide a higher pressure spray. The second nozzle  64  may emit a second spray pattern (not shown), which may be a wide angle diffused spray pattern that produces more of a shower as compared to the more concentrated and discrete spray pattern produced by the first nozzle  62 . The shower spray may be more suitable for distributing treating chemistry whereas the higher pressure spray may be more suitable for dislodging soils. It has been contemplated that the nozzles  62  and  64  may be arranged differently such that each type of nozzle  62 ,  64  may be included in both the first and second subsets of outlets  60 . 
     A valve body  70  is illustrated as being located within the interior  58  and may be operable to selectively fluidly couple at least some of the plurality of outlets  60  to the liquid passage  59 . The valve body  70  may be reciprocally moveable within the body  56 . More specifically, the valve body  70  has been illustrated as including a slidable plate  72  having multiple openings  74 . The slidable plate  72  may be slidably mounted within the interior  58  of the body  56  of the rotatable spray arm  34  for movement between at least two positions. One position may allow the multiple openings  74  to fluidly couple the first subset of outlets  60  to the liquid passage  59  and the second position may allow the multiple openings  74  to fluidly couple the second subset of outlets  60  to the liquid passage  59 . In this way, the different nozzles  62 ,  64  and/or different spray patterns may be selected with the sliding of the plate  72 . Alternatively, the different subsets of outlets  60  may be located on different portions of the arms such that the selection of a particular subset of outlets  60  controls the location of the spray, regardless of whether the spray pattern is different. For example, one subset of outlets  60  may be located at the ends of the spray arm to direct liquid solely into the hard to reach areas of the treating chamber. 
     An actuator  80  may be operably coupled with the valve body  70  and may move the valve body  70  between the at least two positions based on the rotation of the rotatable spray arm  34 . The actuator  80  may be any suitable mechanism capable of moving the valve body  70  between the at least two positions based on the rotation of the rotatable spray arm  34 . By way of a non-limiting example, the actuator  80  may include a drive system  82  operably coupled with the rotatable spray arm  34  and the valve body  70  such that rotation of the spray arm  34  moves the valve body  70  between the at least two positions. The drive system  82  has been illustrated as including a gear assembly  84  operably coupling the rotatable spray arm  34  and the valve body  70  such that rotation of the rotatable spray arm  34  moves the gear assembly  84  which in turn moves the slidable plate  72  between the at least two positions. Thus, the gear assembly  84  helps convert the rotational motion of the spray arm  34  into sliding motion for the slidable plate  72 . The gear assembly  84  has been illustrated as including a gear chain having a first gear  85 , second gear  86 , third gear  87 , fourth gear  88 , and a fixed gear  89 . A fixed shaft  90  may extend through a portion of the body  56  such that the rotatable spray arm  34  is rotationally mounted on the fixed shaft  90 . Further, the fixed gear  89  may be fixedly mounted on the fixed shaft  90 . 
     The drive system  82  further comprises a pin  92  operably coupled with and extending from an upper portion of the fourth gear  88  and received within a channel  94  located in the valve body  70  to operably couple the gear assembly  84  with the slidable plate  72 . The channel  94  may be a depression in a bottom portion of the slidable plate  72  or as illustrated may be formed between two opposing walls  95 ,  96  extending downwardly from the bottom of the slidable plate  72 . 
     A bracket  97  may be located within the interior  58  and houses at least a portion of the gear assembly  84  to provide support for the gear assembly  84 . Portions of the gear assembly  84  may also be held within supports  98  formed by the body  56  of the spray arm assembly  34 . 
     The operation of the dishwasher  10  with the described spray arm structure will now be described. The user will initially select a cycle of operation via the user interface  16 , with the cycle of operation being implemented by the controller  14  controlling various components of the dishwasher  10  to implement the selected cycle of operation in the treating chamber  20 . Examples of cycles of operation include normal, light/china, heavy/pots and pans, and rinse only. The cycles of operation may include one or more of the following steps: a wash step, a rinse step, and a drying step. The wash step may further include a pre-wash step and a main wash step. The rinse step may also include multiple steps such as one or more additional rinsing steps performed in addition to a first rinsing. During such cycles, wash fluid, such as water and/or treating chemistry (i.e., water and/or detergents, enzymes, surfactants, and other cleaning or conditioning chemistry) passes from the recirculation pump  46  into the spraying system  28  and then exits the spraying system through the sprayers  30 - 36 . 
     The lower rotatable spray arm  34  may rely on liquid pumped from the recirculation pump  46  to provide hydraulic drive to rotate the lower rotatable spray arm  34 , which through the actuator  80  affects the movement of the valve body  70 . More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , a hydraulic drive  99  may be formed by an outlet in the body  56  being oriented such that liquid emitted from the hydraulic drive outlet  99  effects the rotation of the lower rotatable spray arm  34 . The lower rotatable spray arm  34  has been illustrated as having two hydraulic drive outlets  99  and these hydraulic drive outlets  99  are located such that when the recirculation pump  46  is activated, the lower rotatable spray arm  34  rotates regardless of the position of the valve body  70 . It has also been contemplated that such hydraulic drive outlets  99  may be located on various portions of the body  56  including a side or bottom portion of the body  56 . Alternatively, one or more of the multiple nozzles  62 ,  64  may form such hydraulic drive outlets. 
     As the lower rotatable spray arm  34  is hydraulically rotated about the fixed shaft  90 , the first gear  85 , which is mounted between the fixed gear  89  and the second gear  86 , is rotatably mounted within the support  98 , and moves with the rotation of the lower rotatable spray arm  34 , may be driven around the fixed gear  89 . Thus, the first gear  85  is also hydraulically driven and may be caused to circle about the fixed gear  89  as the lower rotatable spray arm  34  rotates about the fixed shaft  90 . As the first gear  85  is driven about the fixed gear  89 , it in turn causes the rotation of the second gear  86 , the third gear  87 , and the fourth gear  88 . 
     As the fourth gear  88  rotates, the pin  92  rotates within the interior  58  of the lower rotatable spray arm  34 . As the pin  92  rotates, it moves within the boundaries of the channel  94  and causes the slidable plate  72  to be moved back and forth within the interior  58  of the lower rotatable spray arm  34 . More specifically, as the pin  92  rotates with the fourth gear  88 , the pin  92  pushes on the wall  95  for a first portion of a full rotation of the fourth gear  88  and pushes on the wall  96  for a second portion of the full rotation of the fourth gear  88 . When the pin  92  pushes on the wall  95  it moves the slidable plate  72  to the first position illustrated in  FIG. 3B . The slidable plate  72  may stay in the first position until the pin  92  is rotationally advanced to a point where it begins to push on the wall  96 . When the pin  92  pushes on the wall  96  it moves the slidable plate  72  in the opposite direction until it reaches the second position illustrated in  FIG. 3C . The slidable plate  72  may stay in the second position until the pin  92  is rotationally advanced to a point where it begins to again push on the wall  95 . As the fourth gear  88  continues to rotate, the pin  92  continues to alternatively push against one of the walls  95  and  96  and continues to move the slidable plate  72  into the first and second positions. In this manner, the movement of the pin  92  within the channel  94  operably couples the gear assembly  84  to the slidable plate  72  such that the rotation of the gear assembly  84  may be converted into translational movement of the slidable plate  72 . Essentially, the actuator  80  allows the valve body  70  to move between the at least two positions based on a rotational position of the rotatable spray arm  34 . 
     As the slidable plate  72  moves side to side inside the lower rotatable spray arm  34 , the valve body  70  closes the fluid path to one of the first and second subsets of outlets  60  and opens a fluid path to the other of the first and second subsets of outlets  60 . More specifically, as the slidable plate  72  moves within the lower rotatable spray arm  34 , the multiple openings  74  may align with either the first and second subset of outlets  60 . When the slidable plate  72  is in the first position, the multiple openings  74  are aligned with the first subset of outlets  60  correlating to the multiple nozzles  62  and in the second position the multiple openings  74  are aligned with the second subset of outlets  60  correlating to the multiple nozzles  64 . Thus, as the valve body  70  moves relative to the lower rotatable spray arm  34 , each of the first and second subsets of outlets  60  are sequentially fluidly coupled and uncoupled as the lower rotatable spray arm  34  rotates. 
     It has been contemplated that the valve body  70  may have additional openings or alternative openings such that the second subset of the plurality of outlets which are fluidly coupled with the liquid passage may only differ from the first subset by one of the outlets. It has also been contemplated that when the valve body  70  is located intermediately of the first and second positions, water may be still be sprayed from the plurality of outlets  60  if at least a portion of the multiple openings fluidly couples a portion of the plurality of outlets  60 . It has also been contemplated that the valve body  70  may be shaped such that there may be a point where the outlets in the valve body  70  do not allow for the fluid to enter any of the plurality of outlets  60  except for the hydraulic drive outlets  99 . 
     The gear chain of the gear assembly  84  is illustrated as forming a reduction gear assembly. That is the valve body  70  is moved between the at least two positions by the actuator  80  over multiple rotations of the lower rotatable spray arm  34 . As illustrated, the reduction gear assembly may provide a 40:1 gear reduction such that the valve body  70  will slide to the first and second positions over forty revolutions of the lower rotatable spray arm  34 . The gear ratios of the gear assembly  84  may be selected to control the relative movement of the valve body  70  to the lower rotatable spray arm  34 . The gear ratio of the gear assembly  84  is a function of the ratios of gears forming the gear assembly  84 . Thus, the gears may be selected to provide a desired ratio to provide a desired fluid coupling time between the fluid passage  59  and the first and second subsets of outlets  60 . The gear reduction ratio may also be selected to aid in allowing the hydraulic drive outlets  99  to overcome the friction created by the valve body  70 . 
     As the rotatable spray arm  34  turns, the valve body  70  continues to move between the first and second positions and continues to selectively fluidly couple the first and second subsets of outlets  60 . The amount of time that the multiple openings  74  are fluidly coupled with each of the first and second subsets of outlets  60  controls the duration of the time that each of the nozzles  62 ,  64  spray liquid. The time of fluid coupling may be thought of as a dwell time. With the above described valve body  70  and actuator  80 , the dwell time may be controlled by the gear ratio, the spacing between the two opposing walls  95 ,  96  extending around the pin  92 , and the flow rate of liquid. The movement of the lower rotatable spray arm  34  and the valve body  70  ends when fluid is no longer pumped by the recirculation pump  46  to the lower rotatable spray arm  34  such that the lower rotatable spray arm  34  is no longer hydraulically driven. 
     It has also been contemplated that a drive system may be included to control the rotation of the lower rotatable spray arm  34 . Such a drive system may be motor-driven. For example, an electric motor (not shown) may be provided externally of the tub  18  and may be operably coupled to a portion of the lower rotatable spray arm  34  to rotate the lower rotatable spray arm  34 . Such a motor-driven spray arm is set forth in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,113,222, filed Dec. 16, 2008, and titled “Dishwasher with Driven Spray Arm for Upper Rack” and U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,260, filed Apr. 16, 2010, and titled “Dishwasher with Driven Rotatable Spray Arm,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If the lower rotatable spray arm  34  is motor operated, the valve body  70  may be moved as the lower rotatable spray arm  34  rotates regardless of the flow rate provided by the recirculation pump  46 . A motor driven lower rotatable spray arm  34  may be useful in instances where no hydraulic drive outlets are provided. Such a motor driven lower rotatable spray arm  34  may also allow for longer dwell times. In this manner, zonal washing, may be accomplished within the treating chamber  20  because the motor may have the ability to manipulate the speed of rotation of the lower rotatable spray arm  34  such that the controller  14  may control the spray emitted from the multiple nozzles  62  and  64  in pre-selected areas of the treating chamber  20 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative lower rotatable spray arm  134  according to a second embodiment of the invention. The lower rotatable spray arm  134  is similar to the lower rotatable spray arm  34  previously described and therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the lower rotatable spray arm  34  applies to the lower rotatable spray arm  134 , unless otherwise noted. 
     The differences between the lower rotatable spray arm  34  and the lower rotatable spray arm  134  include that the lower rotatable spray arm  134  has been illustrated as having a lower profile body  156 , an alternative gear assembly  184 , and an alternative bracket  197 , which is configured to accommodate the alternative gear assembly  184 . During operation, the lower rotatable spray arm  134 , valve body  170 , and actuator  180  operate much the same as in the first embodiment wherein as the lower rotatable spray arm  134  is rotated, the gears in the gear assembly  184  are driven and the slidable plate  172  is moved between the first and second positions. However, the gear assembly  184  is configured to provide a larger gear reduction, namely a 73:1 gear reduction, such that the valve body  170  will slide to the first and second positions over 73 revolutions of the lower rotatable spray arm  134 . Thus, the dwell time or fluid coupling time between the fluid passage  159  and the first and second subsets of outlets  160  is greater than in the first embodiment. Further, the lower profile body  156  may increase the space available in the treating chamber  20  for holding utensils to be treated. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative lower rotatable spray arm  234  according to a third embodiment of the invention. The lower rotatable spray arm  234  is similar to the lower rotatable spray arm  34  previously described and therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 200, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the lower rotatable spray arm  34  applies to the lower rotatable spray arm  234 , unless otherwise noted. 
     One difference between the lower rotatable spray arm  34  and the lower rotatable spray arm  234  is that the plurality of outlets  260  form the nozzles for the spray arm  234  and no additional nozzle structures are provided on the body  256 . Further, each of the outlets  260  is illustrated as having an identical configuration, such that there are no first and second subsets of outlets  260  as in the first embodiment. Alternatively however, the outlets  260  can be configured to provide different spray patterns, similar to the first embodiment. Another difference is that the slidable plate  272  of the valve body  270  has the same number of openings  274  as there are nozzle outlets  260 . The slidable plate  272  may be slidably mounted within the interior  258  of the rotatable spray arm  234  for movement between at least two positions, and both positions may result in the multiple openings  274  being fluidly coupled with the multiple outlets  260 . The valve body  270  may be formed such that the multiple openings  274  only partially close off a portion of the outlet  260  as the slidable plate  272  is moved between the first and second positions. In this manner, each paired outlet  260  and opening  274  may collectively form an effective opening or nozzle, and the slidable plate  272  may move to adjust the relative positions of the outlets  260  and opening  274  to alter the shape of the effective nozzle to control the shape of the spray and direction of liquid emitted from the outlet  260 . 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a spray pattern that may be created when the slidable plate  272  is in the first position and  FIG. 6B  illustrates a spray pattern that may be created when the slidable plate  272  is in the second position. During operation, the lower rotatable spray arm  234 , valve body  270 , and actuator  280  operate much the same as in the first embodiment wherein as the lower rotatable spray arm  234  is rotated, the gears in the gear assembly  284  are driven and the slidable plate  272  is moved between the first and second positions. Alternatively, the rotatable spray arm  234  can be provided with a gear assembly similar to that of the second embodiment to achieve a higher gear reduction and longer dwell time. 
     As the slidable plate  272  is moved, the spray pattern from the outlets  260  is altered by the translation of the openings  274 , which acts to change the flow of liquid from the outlet  260  by both reducing the size and changing the shape of the effective nozzle formed by the outlet  260  and opening  274 . One result is that the direction of the liquid spraying from the outlets  260  is varied with the movement of the slidable plate  272 . When the plate  272  is in the first position as shown in  FIG. 6A , liquid may be sprayed out of the outlets  260  in a first direction generally toward one distal end of the spray arm  234  for a fixed number of revolutions. Likewise, when the plate  272  is in the second position as shown in  FIG. 6B , liquid may be sprayed out of the outlets  260  in a second direction, different than the first direction, generally toward the other distal end of the spray arm  234  for a fixed number of revolutions. The first direction is generally opposite the second direction. Depending on the configuration of the outlets  260  and openings  274 , the first and second directions may be separated by an arc ranging between 45° and 120°. Furthermore, while not illustrated herein, as the plate  272  transitions between the first and second positions, liquid may be sprayed out of the outlets  260  in at least one, and possibly many, intermediate direction, generally upward from the spray arm  234  for a fixed number of revolutions. The actual time or amount of revolutions that the liquid is sprayed in each direction may be altered based on the design of the lower rotatable spray arm  234 , valve body  270 , spacing between the walls  295 ,  296 , pin location  292 , slot length  274 , and gear assembly  284 . For example, the actuator  280  may be configured to move the valve body  270  to a third position where a third portion of the outlet  260 , different from the first and second portions, is fluidly coupled to the liquid passage  259  to effect an emitting of liquid through the outlet in a third direction, different from the first and second directions. 
     In this manner, the valve body  270  may be movable relative to the body  258  to fluidly couple different portions of the outlet  260  to the liquid passage  259  to alter the direction of liquid emitted from the outlet  260 . The actuator  280  operably couples to the valve body  270  to move the valve body  270  to control the direction of liquid emitted from the outlet  260 . The actuator  280  is configured to move the valve body  270  to a first position where a first portion of the outlet  260  is fluidly coupled to the liquid passage  259  to effect an emitting of liquid through the outlet  260  in a first direction. The actuator  280  is configured to move the valve body  270  to a second position where a second portion of the outlet  260 , different from the first portion, is fluidly coupled to the liquid passage  259  to effect an emitting of liquid through the outlet  260  in a second direction, different from the first direction. 
     The force and shape of the pattern of the sprays emitted from the outlets  260  may also change with movement of the slidable plate  272 . As the openings  274  come into alignment with the outlets  260 , the effective nozzle becomes wider, and a more diffused, wide-angle spray pattern may be emitted from the effective nozzle that produces a shower spray of liquid from the spray arm  234 . Conversely, as the outlets  260  are overlapped with the solid plate portion of the slidable plate  272 , the effective nozzle becomes smaller, and a more discrete, focused, and concentrated the spray pattern may be emitted from the effective nozzle, which may provide a higher pressure spray from the spray arm  234 . The shower spray may be more suitable for distributing treating chemistry whereas the higher pressure spray may be more suitable for dislodging soils. The different spray patterns, including the differing directions of spray, created by the third embodiment may provide for different cleaning effects from the single spray arm  234 . Although the lower rotatable spray arm  234  has been described as being similar to the first embodiment it is contemplated that the profile and gear assembly  284  of the spray arm  234  may alternatively be formed like that disclosed with respect to the second embodiment. 
     It will be understood that the slidable plate  272  of the valve body  270  may also be thought of as including a first edge  271 , which is spaced from a first side  261  of the outlet  260  when the valve body  270  is in the first position ( FIG. 6A ) to define a first portion  273  between the first edge  271  and the first side  261 . The slidable plate  272  of the valve body  270  may also be thought of as including a second edge  275 , which is different than the first edge  271 , and which is spaced from a second side  265  of the outlet  260  in the second position ( FIG. 6B ) to define a second portion  277  between the second edge  275  and the second side  265 . In the illustrated example, the opening  274  define the first edge  271  and second edge  275 . This is true for each of the illustrated openings  274 . More specifically, each opening  274  has a periphery, with a first portion of the periphery defining the first edge  271  and a second portion of the periphery defining a second edge  275 . In the above example, the valve body  270  has a direction of travel and the opening  274  is located on the valve body  270  such that as the valve body  270  moves from the first to second positions, the opening  274  is at least temporarily centered on a corresponding outlet  260  and the outlet  260  may emit varying spray patterns, including sprays in different directions and having different intensities during operation. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7A  an alternative lower rotatable spray arm  334  having a valve body  370  according to a fourth embodiment of the invention has been illustrated. The lower rotatable spray arm  334  and valve body  370  are similar to the lower rotatable spray arm  234  and valve body  270  previously described and therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the lower rotatable spray arm  234  and valve body  270  apply to the lower rotatable spray arm  334  and valve body  370 , unless otherwise noted. 
     Like the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment allows for liquid to be sprayed in different directions. However, where the third embodiment allows liquid to be sprayed at various angles in the fore and aft directions, the fourth embodiment additionally allows liquid to be sprayed in a fore direction, an aft direction, and a sideways direction from an additional outlet  361 . The additional outlet  361  extends through the body  356  and may be in fluid communication with the liquid passage  359 . The additional outlet  361  may be shaped in any suitable manner and may be located within the body  356  at any suitable location. 
     The valve body  370  is illustrated as including a planar element or wing  371  that extends from the remainder of the slidable plate  372 . The wing  371  may be operably coupled with the slidable plate  372  in any suitable manner including that the wing  371  may be integrally formed with at least a portion of the slidable plate  372 . The wing  371  includes a first edge  373 , a second edge  375 , different than the first edge  373 . The wing also includes a third edge  377  different than the first edge  373  and the second edge  375 . In the illustrated example, the wing  371  includes an opening  379 , which may at least partially define the third edge  377 . One of the first, second, and third edges  373 ,  375 , and  377  may be arcuate. In this case, the third edge  377  has been illustrated as being arcuate although this need not be the case. Conversely one of the first, second, and third edges  373 ,  375 , and  377  may be linear. In the illustrated example, both the first edge  373  and the second edge  375  are linear although this need not be the case. While the wing  371  has been illustrated as including defined edges it is contemplated that it may be formed in any suitable shape including that the wing  371  may be a planar element in the form of an arc extending from the slidable plate  372 . Although only a single additional outlet  361  and a single corresponding wing  371  have been illustrated for exemplary purposes, it will be understood that any number of additional outlets and corresponding wings may be included within the lower rotatable spray arm  334  and valve body  370 . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a spray pattern that may be created when the wing  371  is in a first position,  FIG. 7B  illustrates a spray pattern that may be created when the wing  371  is in a second position and  FIG. 7C  illustrates a spray pattern that may be created when the wing  371  is in a third position. During operation, the lower rotatable spray arm  334 , valve body  370 , and actuator  380  operate much the same as in the third embodiment wherein as the lower rotatable spray arm  334  is rotated, the gears in the gear assembly  384  are driven and the slidable plate  372  is moved between the first and second positions. Alternatively, the rotatable spray arm  334  can be provided with a gear assembly similar to that of the second embodiment to achieve a higher gear reduction and longer dwell time. The outlets  360  may be fluidly coupled to the liquid passage  359  like the outlets in the previous embodiments. 
     As the wing  371  moves along a direction of travel, the wing  371  may be thought of as having a leading edge defining the first edge  373  and a trailing edge defining the second edge  375 . It will be understood that the leading edge and trailing edge may be defined by the other of the first and second edges  373  and  375  when the direction of travel is reversed. As the slidable plate  372  is moved, the wing  371  also moves and the spray pattern from the additional outlet  361  is altered by the translation of the wing  371  and the opening  379  within the wing  371 . Both the wing  371  and the opening  379  act to change the flow of liquid from the additional outlet  361  as both reduce the size and change the shape of the effective nozzle formed by the additional outlet  361 . One result is that the direction of the liquid spraying from the additional outlet  361  is varied with the movement of the wing  371 . 
     More specifically, when the wing  371  is in the first position as shown in  FIG. 7B , liquid may be sprayed out of the additional outlet  361  in a first direction generally toward one distal end of the spray arm  334  for a fixed number of revolutions. In the first position, the first edge  373  is spaced from a first side  363  of the additional outlet  361  to define a first portion  365  between the first edge  373  and the first side  363 . In the first position, the wing  371  would slightly block the right side of the additional outlet  361 , which results in a bending of the liquid spray to the right. From the first position the valve body  370  may travel in the direction of the arrow to a second position and a third position. 
     When the wing  371  is in the second position, as shown in  FIG. 7C , liquid may be sprayed out of the additional outlet  361  in a second direction generally toward the other distal end of the spray arm  334  for a fixed number of revolutions. In the second position, the second edge  375  is spaced from a second side  367  of the additional outlet  361  to define a second portion  369  between the second edge  375  and the second side  367 . In the second position, the wing  371  would slightly block the left side of the additional outlet  361 , which results in a bending of the liquid spray to the left. From the second position the valve body  370  may travel in the direction of the arrow to the first position and the third position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7C  the actuator is configured to move the valve body  370  and the wing  371  to a third position. It will be understood that the third position is between the first position and the second position and thus the wing  371  travels to the third position twice as much as it is at either of the first position or the second position. In the third position, the third edge  377  is spaced from a third side  381  of the additional outlet  361  to define a third portion  383  between the third edge  377  and the third side  381 . In the third position the third portion  383  of the additional outlet  361 , is fluidly coupled to the liquid passage  359  to effect an emitting of liquid through the additional outlet  361  in a third direction, different from the first and second directions. In the third position, the opening  379  is off-center relative to the additional outlet  361  and the opening  379  allows liquid to spray from the third portion  383  of the additional outlet  361  while the wing  371  blocks the remainder of the additional outlet  361 , which results in a bending of the liquid in a sideways or perpendicular direction. Thus, the first direction is generally opposite the second direction, and the third direction is generally perpendicular to the first and second directions. In the illustrated example, first direction is in an aft direction, the second direction is in a fore direction, and the third direction is a sideways direction relative to the fore and aft directions. Depending on the direction of travel of the valve body  370 , from the third position the valve body  370  may travel in one of the directions indicated by the arrows to one of the first position and the second position. 
     Furthermore, while not illustrated herein, as the wing  371  and the opening  379  transition between the first, second, and third positions, liquid may be sprayed out of the additional outlets  361  in at least one, and possibly many, intermediate directions. The actual time or amount of revolutions that the liquid is sprayed in each direction may be altered based on the design of the lower rotatable spray arm  334 , valve body  370 , wing  371 , opening  379 , and additional outlet  361  as well as the spacing between the walls  395 ,  396 , pin location  392 , slot length  374 , and gear assembly  384 . For example, in achieving the first position the liquid may be sprayed sharply to the right and slowly approach a slight bend to the right. 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates an alternative lower rotatable spray arm  434  according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. The lower rotatable spray arm  434  is similar to the lower rotatable spray arm  334  previously described and therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the lower rotatable spray arm  334  applies to the lower rotatable spray arm  434 , unless otherwise noted. 
     Like previous embodiments, the fifth embodiment allows for liquid to be sprayed in different directions. While the spray arm  334  has an additional outlet  361  that allows the bending of the spay from the additional nozzle  361  towards and away from the axis of rotation of the spray arm  334 , the rotatable spray arm  434  includes outlets  461  that allow for spraying in directions that are not within the axis of rotation of the spray arm  434  because the outlets are spaced away from the rotational axis of the spray arm. More specifically, the fifth embodiment includes several outlets  461  along a length of the elongated body  456  such that the outlets  461  are spaced away from the rotational axis. This allows for directional spraying in a direction tangent to the axis of rotation or at an angle that does not pass through the axis of rotation. 
     While the outlets have been illustrated as being towards the ends of the body  456  it will be understood that the outlets  461  may be anywhere along the length of the body  456 . Further, while two outlets  461  have been illustrated it will be understood that any number of outlet(s)  461  may be included including a single outlet  461 . The outlets  461  extend through the body  456  and may be in fluid communication with the liquid passage  459 . The outlets  461  may be shaped in any suitable manner and may be located within the body  456  at any suitable location. A nozzle  463  may be utilized with the outlets  461 . In the illustrated example, the nozzle  463  has a thin triangular profile although it may be shaped in any suitable manner. 
     One difficulty with the outlets  461  is that, in a spray arm driven by the torque provided by drive nozzles, the location of the outlets  461  may create a vector force that drives the spray arm in one position and slows the spray arm in the other. Depending on the design of the outlets  461  and any associated nozzles  463  the spray could stop the spray arm  434  if the force in the drive direction becomes less than the force in the opposite direction. Thus, it may be beneficial to design the spray arm such that the drive nozzles, outlets and any associated nozzles allow the spray arm to rotate even as the nozzle trajectory changes. It is also contemplated that the rotation of the spray arm  434  may be controlled via a motor (not shown) as described above and this would provide for spray arm movement regardless of the direction of spray provided by the outlet  461 . Further, the motor drive could provide additional benefits such as the motor varying the speed of the spray arm  434  as the spray arm  434  rotates. The remainder of this description will describe the spray arm  434  as being motor driven; thus, drive nozzles have not been illustrated on the spray arm  434 . 
     Like the previous embodiment, the spray arm  434  includes a valve body  470  movable relative to the body  456  to fluidly couple different portions of the outlet  461  to the liquid passage  459  to alter a direction of liquid emitted from the outlet  461 . The valve body  470  has been illustrated as including an opening  472  having multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475 . As with previous embodiments, an actuator  480  may be operably coupled to the valve body  470  to move the valve body  470  to control the direction of liquid emitted from the outlets  461 . The actuator may be configured to move the valve body  470  to a first position where one of the multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475  of the opening  472  fluidly couples a first portion of the outlet  461  to the liquid passage  459  to effect an emitting of liquid through the outlet  461  in a first direction and may be configured to move the valve body  470  to a second position where another of the multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475  of the opening  472  fluidly couples a second portion of the outlet  461 , different from the first portion, to the liquid passage  459  to effect an emitting of liquid through the outlet  461  in a second direction, different from the first direction. 
     Thus, during operation the stepped opening  472  having the multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475  in the valve body  470  travels the length of the triangular nozzle  463  to alter the direction of the liquid as it exits the nozzle  463 . The opening  472  may be shaped such that the opening  472  in combination with the outlet  461  directs the liquid spray from one direction to another. In the illustrated example, the opening  472  is shaped to move the spray from top to bottom and vice versa to get the trajectory of the liquid to change. 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates a spray pattern that may be created when the opening  472  is in a first position,  FIG. 8C  illustrates a spray pattern that may be created when the opening  472  is in a second position and  FIG. 8D  illustrates a spray pattern that may be created when the opening  472  is in a third position. During operation, the spray arm  434 , valve body  470 , and actuator  480  operate much the same as in the third embodiment wherein as the spray arm  434  is rotated, the gears in the gear assembly  484  are driven and the valve body  470  is moved between the first and second positions. Alternatively, the rotatable spray arm  434  can be provided with a gear assembly similar to that of the second embodiment to achieve a higher gear reduction and longer dwell time. The outlets  460  may be fluidly coupled, selectively or otherwise, to the liquid passage  459  like the outlets in the previous embodiments. 
     In the illustrated example, the movement of the valve body  470  is along the length of the elongated body  456 . During operation, the movement of the valve body  470  moves the multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475  of the opening  472  such that the opening  472  is effectively moved in a direction that is not along the length of the elongated body  456 . In the illustrated example, the multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475  of the opening  472  effectively move in a direction perpendicular to that of the movement of the valve body  470 , although this need not be the case. More specifically, as the opening  472  move along the direction of travel of the valve body  470  different portions of the multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475  of the opening  472  operably couple with the outlet  461 . As the valve body  470  is moved, the multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475  of the opening  472  also move and the spray pattern from the outlet  461  is altered by the translation of the multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475  of the opening  472 . The multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475  of the opening  472  act to change the flow of liquid from the outlet  461  as the multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475  change the location of the effective nozzle formed by the outlet  461 . One result is that the direction of the liquid spraying from the outlet  461  is varied with the movement of the multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475  of the opening  472 . The opening  472  effectively moves top to bottom (or bottom to top) as the valve body  470  is moved in its direction of travel. 
     More specifically, when the opening  472  is in the first position as shown in  FIG. 8B  the portion  475  is operably coupled with the outlet  461 . More specifically, the portion  475  is coupled with a first portion of the outlet  461  (an upper portion if one is looking down on the outlet  461 ) such that liquid may be sprayed out of the outlet  461  and the nozzle  463  in a first direction, which may be generally with the direction of rotation of the spray arm  434  for a fixed number of revolutions. In the first position, the valve body  470  blocks the middle and lower portion of the outlet  461 , which results in a bending of the liquid spray in the first direction. From the first position the valve body  470  may travel in the direction of the arrow  477  to other positions including a second position and a third position. 
     When the opening  472  is in the second position, as shown in  FIG. 8C , liquid may be sprayed out of the outlet  461  and nozzle  463  in a second direction opposite the first direction for a fixed number of revolutions of the spray arm  434 . In the second position, the portion  473  is coupled with a second portion of the outlet  461  (a lower portion if one is looking down on the outlet  461  such that liquid may be sprayed out of the outlet  461  in a second direction generally against the direction of rotation for a fixed number of revolutions. In the second position, the valve body  470  blocks the middle and upper portion of the outlet  461 , which results in a bending of the liquid spray in the second direction. From the second position the valve body  470  may travel in the direction of the arrow  478  to other positions including the first position and a third position. 
     The actuator  480  may also be configured to move the valve body  470  to a third position, as shown in  FIG. 8D , where the portion  474  of the opening  472  fluidly couples a third portion, a middle, of the outlet  461  to the liquid passage  459  to effect an emitting of liquid through the outlet  461  and nozzle  463  in a third direction, different from the first and second directions. More specifically, liquid is illustrated as spraying in a generally upward direction from the outlet  461 . Depending on the direction of travel of the valve body  370 , from the third position the valve body  370  may travel in one of the directions indicated by the arrows  479  to one of the first position and the second position. 
     Furthermore, while not illustrated herein, as the multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475  of the opening  472  transition between the first, second, and third positions, liquid may be sprayed out of the outlets  461  in at least one, and possibly many, intermediate directions. The actual time or amount of revolutions that the liquid is sprayed in each direction may be altered based on the design of the lower rotatable spray arm  434 , valve body  470 , the multiple portions  473 ,  474 ,  475  of the opening  472 , and outlets  461  as well as the spacing between the walls  495 ,  496 , pin location  492 , and gear assembly  484 . 
     In this manner, the opening of the valve body  470  and the outlet  461  act to collectively form an effective opening, with the valve body  470  moveable to adjust the relative positions of the opening  472  to alter the shape of the effective opening to control the direction of liquid emitted from the outlet  461 . In this manner, the valve body  470  allows liquid to spray in at least a first direction with the rotation of the spray arm, a second direction against the rotation of the spray arm, and the third upwards direction. Such directional sprays would be able to hit the front side of the dishes when bent one direction and then a back side of the dishes when bent the other direction. Such directional sprays also improve liquids ability to penetrate deep into a glass. 
     For example,  FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative lower rotatable spray arm  534  according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. The lower rotatable spray arm  534  is similar to the lower rotatable spray arm  434  previously described and therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the lower rotatable spray arm  434  applies to the lower rotatable spray arm  534 , unless otherwise noted. The difference is that the outlet  561  and the opening  572  have been rotated slightly as compared to the outlet  461  and the opening  472 , this is to illustrate that the outlet and opening combinations may be oriented in any suitable manner to achieve any desired effective opening and directions of spray. Including that the sprays need not be directly with or against the rotational direction of the spray arm. 
     While the valve bodies  470  and  570  have been illustrated with a sliding plate through which the opening  472  and  572  extend it is contemplated that the valve body may be formed in any suitable manner. Further, while the valve bodies  470  and  570  have been illustrated as not interacting with the outlets  460  and  560  a valve body according to an embodiment of the invention may be designed to selectively couple one or more of the outlets to the liquid passage or to change the direction of spray from the outlets. Further still, while the valve bodies have been illustrated as being located within the body of the spray arm such that it is reciprocally moveably within the spray arm it will be understood that the valve body may be located and operate in any suitable manner so long as the directional spray from the outlets along the length of the body is changed. This includes that the opening in the valve body may be shaped in any suitable geometry including that the opening may be shaped such that the spray directions are not in opposite directions. 
     For example,  FIGS. 10A-10D  illustrate an alternative lower rotatable spray arm  634  according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. The lower rotatable spray arm  634  is similar to the lower rotatable spray arm  434  previously described and therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 200, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the lower rotatable spray arm  434  applies to the lower rotatable spray arm  634 , unless otherwise noted. The opening  672  is illustrated as having a different geometry from the opening previously described. Thus, the multiple portions  673 ,  674 , and  675  also include a different geometry. In the illustrated examples, it can be seen that the spray still emits in a first direction ( FIG. 10C ), in a second direction ( FIG. 10D ), and in a third direction ( FIG. 10B ). While these directions are also with the direction of rotation ( FIG. 10C ), against the direction of rotation ( FIG. 10D ), and upwards ( FIG. 10A ) it will be understood that the outlet  661  and the opening  672  may be shaped in any suitable manner to spray in any directions. 
     By way of further example,  FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative lower rotatable spray arm  734  according to an eighth embodiment of the invention. The lower rotatable spray arm  734  is similar to the lower rotatable spray arm  634  previously described and therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the lower rotatable spray arm  634  applies to the lower rotatable spray arm  734 , unless otherwise noted. The difference is that the outlet  761  and the opening  772  have been rotated slightly as compared to the outlet  661  and the opening  671 , this is to illustrate that the outlet and opening combinations may be oriented in any suitable manner to achieve any desired directions of spray. Further, both the outlet and the opening may have any suitable geometry to create any desired effective opening and directions of spray. This may include that the first and second directions need not be opposite from each other. In the illustrated examples, the first and second directions are opposite to provide better cleaning to plates although this need not be the case. 
     There are several advantages of the present disclosure arising from the various features of the apparatuses described herein. For example, the embodiments described above allow for additional coverage of the treating chamber  20  with multiple spray patterns and do not rely on randomness to achieve coverage of the treating chamber. The first and second embodiments allow for multiple types of spray nozzles having multiple spray patterns, which may be used during a cycle of operation, which in turn may result in better cleaning of utensils within the treating chamber with no additional liquid consumption. Further, because the lower rotatable sprayers have multiple subsets of outlets and each multiple subset has a smaller total nozzle area than current spray arm designs, lower flow rates may be used and this may result in less liquid or water being required. This may increase the velocity of the spray emitted from each of the first and second subsets of nozzles while not sacrificing coverage or individual nozzle size. Further, with less liquid flow needed, a smaller recirculation pump having a smaller motor may also be used which may result in a cost and energy savings. The third embodiment described above allows for a single type of nozzle, which emits varying spray patterns, including sprays in different directions and having different intensities, which may result in additional coverage of the treating chamber and better cleaning of utensils within the treating chamber with no additional liquid consumption. The fourth embodiment described above allows for an additional nozzle to be included, which emits spray in three different directions and having different intensities, which may result in additional coverage of the treating chamber and better cleaning of utensils within the treating chamber with no additional liquid consumption. 
     While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. For example, it has been contemplated that the valve body and actuator may be located in other rotatable spray arms such as a mid-level rotatable spray arm. Further, other actuators may be used to control the movement of the valve body based on the rotation of the lower rotatable spray arm and the illustrated actuators including gear assemblies are merely exemplary. Further, although both gear assemblies illustrated include the same number of gears, it has been contemplated that the gear assembly may include any number of gears. Further, even though the gear assemblies are shown in a stacked configuration they could organized in a more horizontal layout. Further, while the valve body has been illustrated and described as moving in a linear motion it is contemplated that the valve body may alternatively be moved in an orbital motion. Such a motion could be created in a variety of ways including, by way of non-limiting example, replacing the pin described above with a pivot pin, which is mounted to the valve body slightly off center of the final gear, which would allow the plate to orbit. Alternatively, one end of the valve body may have a pin in a short longitudinal slot defining one end, while the other end orbits. As yet another non-limiting alternative, an additional gear may be added in the same plane as the fourth gear and may be of the same size and thus rotate at a synchronized speed with the fourth gear. A pin may be included on this additional gear and may orbit in unison with and retain a constant distance from the other pin. Since the valve plate is engaged to both pins the entire plate would be caused to orbit. With the valve body, or a portion of the valve body, capable of orbital motion the multiple openings may be dispersed in a two-dimension plane in a wider variety of ways such that the outlets could be changed when the valve body orbits. Further, the valve body could be made to orbit around the multiple openings to allow for sprays in all directions. 
     Further still, while the sprayer has been illustrated and described as a rotatable spray arm that is rotatable about an axis of rotation it will be understood that any suitable sprayer may be used. For example, a non-rotatable spray arm may be used and the actuator may move the valve body within the spray arm. Further, a sprayer having a different body shape may be used and may be either rotatable or non-rotatable. Similarly, while the valve body has been described and illustrated as a slidable plate it is contemplated that the valve body may take any suitable form and that the slidable plate may take any suitable form. For example, the slidable plate may include a rigid plate, a flexible plate, or a thin film plate, which may be either flexible or rigid. Further, the valve body may include a moveable element and at least a portion may conform to the shape of the sprayer. Such a conformable valve body is set forth in detail in application Ser. No. 13/570,577, filed Aug. 9, 2012, and titled “Dishwasher with Sprayer,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further, it will be understood that any features of the above described embodiments may be combined in any manner. 
     Yet further still, while some of the above examples, have illustrated changing the directional spray in a spray arm it will be understood that the sprayer need not be a spray arm having an elongated body. In such an instance, the outlet may extend through the body in a position where it is located away from the axis of rotation of the body. It is also contemplated that the valve body may include an opening having multiple portions and that the when the valve body moves the multiple portions of the opening fluidly coupled to the outlet change to alter the shape of the effective opening to control the direction of liquid emitted from the outlet. For example, the valve body may be moved to a first position where one of the multiple portions of the opening fluidly couples a first portion of the outlet to the liquid passage to define a first effective opening that emits liquid in a first direction. By way of further example, the valve body may be moved to a second position such that another of the multiple portions of the opening fluidly couples a second portion of the outlet to the liquid passage to define a second effective opening that emits liquid in a second direction, different from the first direction. As with the previously described embodiments, the first direction may be in a direction with the rotation of the body of the sprayer and the second direction may be in a direction against the rotation of the body of the sprayer. 
     To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments may be used in combination with each other as desired. Some features may not be illustrated in all of the embodiments, but may be implemented if desired. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described. All combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure. 
     The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.