Patent Publication Number: US-2023151527-A1

Title: Self cleaning sump cover

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/235,983 filed Apr. 21, 2021, entitled SELF CLEANING SUMP COVER, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/600,781 filed Oct. 14, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,035,073, entitled SELF CLEANING SUMP COVER, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/830,540 filed Dec. 4, 2017, entitled SELF CLEANING SUMP COVER, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,480,117, which claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/464,055, filed on Feb. 27, 2017, entitled SELF-CLEANING LINT FILTER FOR A LAUNDRY APPLIANCE HAVING A HEAT PUMP SYSTEM, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/561,901, filed on Sep. 22, 2017, entitled SELF-CLEANING LINT FILTER FOR A LAUNDRY APPLIANCE HAVING A HEAT PUMP SYSTEM, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/572,794, filed on Oct. 16, 2017, entitled SELF-CLEANING LINT FILTER FOR A LAUNDRY APPLIANCE HAVING A HEAT PUMP SYSTEM, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DEVICE 
     The device is in the field of laundry appliances, more specifically, a laundry appliance that includes a self-cleaning lint filter for removing lint from process air before reaching a heat pump system. 
     SUMMARY 
     In at least one aspect, a fluid flow system for a laundry appliance includes a blower that delivers process air along an airflow path. A heat exchanger dehumidifies the process air and removes condensate therefrom. A drain channel receives the condensate from the heat exchanger and fluid spray from a spray nozzle for directing lint particles to the drain channel. A sump collects fluid from the drain channel. The fluid at least partially includes the condensate. A sump cover includes a pump seat, and a fluid outlet that are integrally formed in the sump cover. A pump directs the fluid from the sump and to the fluid outlet. A fluid level sensor detects at least a minimum capacity and a maximum capacity of the fluid in the sump. When the fluid is below the minimum capacity, the pump defines an idle state. When the fluid reaches the minimum capacity, the pump defines an active state. When the fluid exceeds the maximum capacity, the pump directs a flow of the fluid to the fluid outlet of the sump cover. 
     In at least another aspect, a fluid flow system for a laundry appliance includes a blower that delivers process air along an airflow path during performance of a drying operation. A heat exchanger dehumidifies the process air and removes condensate therefrom. A lint filter is included for capturing lint particles from the process air, wherein a fluid spray system removes the lint particles from the lint filter. A sump collects the condensate from the heat exchanger and lint particles from the fluid spray system to define sump fluid within the sump. A sump cover has a pump that directs the sump fluid from the sump and to a fluid diverter valve, and a fluid level sensor that at least partially operates the pump. The pump and the fluid level sensor are directly attached to the sump cover. The pump activates when a level of the sump fluid reaches a maximum capacity within the sump. The pump remains idle when the level of the sump fluid is below a minimum capacity. 
     In at least another aspect, a method for operating a fluid flow system for an appliance includes performing a drying operation. Sump fluid is delivered to a sump. The sump fluid includes condensate from a heat exchanger and lint particles from a fluid spray system. A level of the sump fluid in the sump is detected, wherein a sump pump remains idle during the drying operation when the level of the sump fluid is below a minimum capacity. A spray sequence is performed after the level of the sump fluid reaches the minimum capacity. The spray sequence directs the sump fluid to remove the lint particles from a surface and direct the lint particles and the sump fluid to the sump. The sump fluid containing the lint particles is recirculated during the spray sequence. The sump fluid is directed from the sump, to a spray nozzle via a fluid diverter valve, and back to the sump. The method also includes completing the spray sequence, completing the drying operation and operating a drain phase of the pump to deliver the sump fluid to a removable bottle after completion of the drying operation. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a laundry appliance incorporating an aspect of a heat pump system; 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of the appliance of  FIG.  1    taken along line II-II; 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of the appliance of  FIG.  1    taken along line III-III; 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic view of a laundry appliance incorporating an aspect of the heat pump system and an aspect of the self-cleaning lint filter; 
         FIG.  5    is a top perspective view of a heat pump system for a laundry appliance; 
         FIG.  6    is a second top perspective view of the heat pump system of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a top plan view of the heat pump system of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a top perspective view of the heat pump system of  FIG.  5    with the heat exchangers removed; 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view of the heat pump system of  FIG.  7    taken along line IX-IX; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view of the heat pump system of  FIG.  7    taken along line X-X during activation of the first spray nozzle; 
         FIG.  11    is a top plan view of a condensate flow system for a laundry appliance; 
         FIG.  12    is a top perspective view of an aspect of a heat exchanger support plate for use in connection with a heat pump system for a laundry appliance; 
         FIG.  13    is a top perspective view of the heat exchanger support plate of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIG.  14    is a top perspective view of a fluid nozzle for use in conjunction with the self-cleaning lint filter; 
         FIG.  15    is a top plan view of the fluid nozzle of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a side elevational view of the fluid nozzle of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a rear elevational view of the fluid nozzle of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  18    is a schematic diagram illustrating operation of the pump and diverter valve for the condensate flow system and lint removal system; 
         FIG.  19    is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating a spray sequence for cleaning a lint filter within a heat pump system; 
         FIG.  20    is a top perspective view of an aspect of the diverter valve for use in connection with the heat pump system; 
         FIG.  21    is a top plan view of an aspect of the diverter valve for use in connection with the heat pump system; 
         FIG.  22    is a cross-sectional view of the diverter valve of  FIG.  20   , taken along line XXII-XXII and showing the diverter valve in a cleaning phase; 
         FIG.  23    is a cross-sectional view of the diverter valve of  FIG.  20    taken along line XXIII-XXIII and showing the diverter valve in a drain phase; 
         FIG.  24    is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for operating a lint removal system for an appliance; 
         FIG.  25    is a top perspective view of a basement for a laundry appliance and showing an aspect of a sump cover for housing a sump pump of the appliance; 
         FIG.  26    is a partially exploded view of the sump cover of  FIG.  25    shown removed from a sump portion of the basement for the laundry appliance; 
         FIG.  27    is a bottom perspective view of an aspect of a sump cover that incorporates a fluid level sensor; 
         FIG.  28    is a top perspective view of the sump cover of  FIG.  27   ; 
         FIG.  29    is a partially exploded side perspective view of the sump cover of  FIG.  27   ; 
         FIG.  30    is a top perspective view of a basement for a laundry appliance and showing an aspect of a lint filter positioned upstream of a heat exchanger; 
         FIG.  31    is a rear perspective view of an aspect of a basement for the appliance showing the heat exchangers removed and illustrating an aspect of the lint filter; 
         FIG.  32    is a top perspective view of an aspect of the lint filter; 
         FIG.  33    is a front elevational view of the lint filter of  FIG.  32   ; 
         FIG.  34    is a rear elevational view of the lint filter of  FIG.  32   ; 
         FIG.  35    is a schematic perspective view of a front side of the lint filter; 
         FIG.  36    is a schematic perspective view of a rear side of the lint filter of  FIG.  35   ; 
         FIG.  37    is a cross-sectional view of the lint filter of  FIG.  30    taken along line XXXVII-XXXVII; 
         FIG.  38    is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lint filter of  FIG.  37    taken at area XXXVIII; 
         FIG.  39    is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lint filter of  FIG.  37    taken at area XXXIX; 
         FIG.  40    is a cross-sectional view of the lint filter of  FIG.  30    taken at line XL-XL; 
         FIG.  41    is a cross-sectional view of the lint filter of  FIG.  31    taken at line XLI-XLI; 
         FIG.  42    is a side perspective view of a basement for a laundry appliance showing an aspect of a lint filter positioned upstream of a heat exchanger; 
         FIG.  43    is a partially exploded view of the basement of  FIG.  42    showing the lint filter removed from the lint filter receptacle; 
         FIG.  44    is a cross-sectional view of the basement of  FIG.  42    taken along line XLIV-XLIV; 
         FIG.  45    is a perspective view of an aspect of a sump cover incorporating a multi-component fluid level sensor for operating a sump pump; and 
         FIG.  46    is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sump for a laundry appliance that includes an aspect of the multi-component fluid level sensor and exemplifying operation of the pump in relation to the multi-component fluid level sensor. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , reference numeral  10  generally refers to a heat pump system for use in a laundry appliance  12 , typically a laundry drying appliance  12 . The laundry appliance  12  can include a drum  14  for processing laundry articles  16  contained therein. The drum  14  is rotationally operable within a cabinet  18  that serves as a housing for the components of the laundry appliance  12 . An airflow path  20  is included within the cabinet  18  and includes a blower  22  that moves process air  24  through the airflow path  20  and also through the drum  14 . Accordingly, process air  24  can be moved through the drum  14  for drying or otherwise processing damp or wet articles  16  that may be contained within the drum  14 . The heat pump system  10  is at least partially positioned within the airflow path  20 . The heat pump system  10  can include at least one heat exchanger  26  that receives process air  24  from the drum  14  through operation of the blower  22 . The blower  22  can be located upstream of the heat exchangers  26  such that operation of the blower  22  pushes the process air  24  toward and through the heat exchangers  26 . The blower  22  can also be located downstream of the heat exchangers  26 . In this configuration, operation of the blower  22  draws the process air  24  through the heat exchangers  26 . One or more blowers  22  may be located either upstream or downstream of the heat exchangers  26 . There may also be multiple blowers  22  that can be located both upstream and downstream of the heat exchangers  26 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , during a performance of a drying function  30  of the appliance  12 , the at least one heat exchanger  26  can receive moisture-laden air  32  from the drum  14 . The heat exchanger  26 , typically an evaporator  34 , can reduce the temperature of the moisture-laden air  32 . By reducing the temperature of the moisture-laden air  32 , the process air  24  is dehumidified and condensate  36  is precipitated out of the moisture-laden air  32 . Once precipitated, this precipitated moisture is removed from the moisture-laden air  32  as condensate  36  that falls from the heat exchanger  26 . A drain channel  38  is positioned below the heat exchanger  26  and serves to capture the condensate  36 . After the condensate  36  has been removed, the process air  24  continues through the airflow path  20  back to the drum  14  to continue the drying function  30  of the laundry appliance  12 . 
     The heat pump system  10  can also include a condenser  40  that serves to heat the now dehumidified process air  24  after moving through the evaporator  34 . Accordingly, the heat pump system  10  can serve to modify the temperature of the process air  24  to perform various cooling and heating operations through use of the evaporator  34  and condenser  40 , respectively, to dry the damp articles  16  within the drum  14 . Additional heaters, such as electric heaters, can also be included to modify the temperature of the process air  24 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , after the condensate  36  is removed from the moisture-laden air  32  and is moved to the drain channel  38 , a pump  50  connected to the drain channel  38  is adapted to deliver the condensate  36  from the drain channel  38  to separate locations. These separate locations can be in the form of various spray nozzles  52  for cleaning one or more internal lint filters  54 , an internal removable bottle  56  that can be removed after operation of the laundry appliance  12 , as well as others. This location can also be in the form of an external drain where condensate  36  and other material can be moved by the pump  50  from the drain channel  38  to the exterior drain. 
     Where the condensate  36  is moved to the spray nozzles  52  and to the removable bottle  56  contained within the cabinet  18 , a diverter valve  58  is connected to the pump  50 . This diverter valve  58  serves to deliver the condensate  36  to various locations within the appliance  12  depending on the position of the diverter valve  58 . As will be described more fully below, the diverter valve  58  is operable to define a cleaning phase  60 , where condensate  36  is moved to the spray nozzles  52  for cleaning the internal lint filter  54 . The diverter valve  58  can also be moved to a drain phase  62  where condensate  36  from the drain channel  38  as well as lint particles  64  and other particulate matter are moved through the pump  50  and through the diverter valve  58  for disposal of the condensate  36  and lint particles  64  into the removable bottle  56 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , as the process air  24  moves through the drum  14  for drying the damp articles  16  contained therein, the process air  24  can also pick up lint particles  64 , such as fluff and other particulate matter, along with the moisture removed from the damp articles  16  within the drum  14 . Accordingly, the moisture-laden air  32  moved from the drum  14  and toward the evaporator  34  also contains a certain amount of lint particles  64 . In order to prevent, or substantially prevent, these lint particles  64  from reaching the evaporator  34  or other parts of the heat pump system  10 , one or more air filters  70  are disposed within the airflow path  20  for cleaning the moisture-laden air  32  before it reaches the evaporator  34 . 
     One such air filter  70  can include a removable lint filter  72  that is positioned proximate a door  74  of the cabinet  18 . The removable lint filter  72  is typically positioned within an opening  76  for the door  74  of the appliance  12  and is adapted to be removed from a filter housing  78  by hand and without the use of tools. This removable lint filter  72  can include a single lint filtering layer  80  that captures lint particles  64  from the moisture-laden air  32  and entraps the lint particles  64  within a filtering material  82 . This filtering material  82  can take the form of a mesh screen, foam-type filter, combinations thereof and other similar filtering material  82 . 
     The removable lint filter  72  can include a single filtering layer  80  or can contain a plurality of filtering layers  80 . Where a plurality of filtering layers  80  are included within the removable lint filter  72 , each of the filtering layers  80  can contain an identical filtering material  82  with the same filtering capability. Alternatively, the filtering layers  80  can be oriented such that each successive filtering layer  80  contains a decreasing mesh size or pore size. In this manner, each successive layer of filtering material  82  of the removable lint filter  72  can entrap progressively smaller lint particles  64  from the moisture-laden air  32 . Through the use of the removable lint filter  72 , a majority of the lint particles  64  contained within the moisture-laden air  32  is designed to be entrapped by the removable lint filter  72 . The removable lint filter  72  can include a single planar filter, multiple planar filters, planar filters oriented in a “V” or “U” configuration, as well as other similar configurations adapted to allow moisture-laden process air  24  to pass therethrough for entrapping lint particles  64  within the filtering material  82  of the removable lint filter  72 . 
     In various embodiments of the device, the filtering material  82  can be in the form of a fluid that is sprayed through a portion of the airflow path  20 . As this fluid is sprayed from the airflow path  20 , the fluid wets portions of the lint particles  64  within the moisture-laden air  32 . This moistened particulate matter increases in weight and may fall from the moisture-laden air  32  into a separate area defined within or attached to the airflow path  20 . These wetted lint particles  64  can then be moved from the drain channel  38  for further disposal. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  2 - 11   , the lint removal system  90  can include an internal lint filter  54  that is positioned within the airflow path  20  and between the removable lint filter  72  and the evaporator  34  of the heat pump system  10 . The internal lint filter  54  includes a filtering material  82  with a mesh size or pore size that is typically smaller than the corresponding mesh size or pore size of the filtering layers  80  included within the removable lint filter  72 . Accordingly, the removable lint filter  72  and the internal lint filter  54  cooperate to filter out and remove progressively smaller sized lint particles  64  as the moisture-laden air  32  moves toward the evaporator  34 . The use of progressively smaller mesh sizes or pore sizes of the filtering material  82  within the lint removal system  90  allows for the capturing of larger lint particles  64  at the initial filter, typically the removable lint filter  72 . Because the mesh size of the removable lint filter  72  is only adapted to capture lint particles  64  of a particular size, smaller lint particles  64  are allowed to pass through the filter material of the removable lint filter  72 . This serves to limit excessive blockage by lint particles  64  and other particulate material within any one air filter  70  of the lint removal system  90 . Typically, the removable lint filter  72  is adapted to catch the largest amount of lint particles  64 . Each subsequent air filter  70  from the moisture-laden air  32  is designed to capture smaller lint particles  64  and, in turn, smaller quantities of lint particles  64 . Through this system, each air filter  70  is designed to capture an appropriate quantity of lint particles  64  that prevents a total blockage of any one of the air filters  70  along the lint removal system  90 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  2 - 11   , the internal lint filter  54  can include a single filtering member, typically, a single lint screen  100  that is positioned upstream of the evaporator  34 . The internal lint filter  54  can also include multiple lint screens  100 . As discussed above, each subsequent lint screen  100  is designed to capture smaller lint particles  64 . In this manner, substantially all of the lint particles  64  from the moisture-laden air  32  can be captured within at least one of the air filters  70 , either the removable lint filter  72  or an internal lint filter  54 , of the lint removal system  90 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  2 - 11   , the removable lint filter  72  is adapted to be removed by hand and without the use of tools after each drying cycle performed by the appliance  12 . Conversely, the internal lint filter  54  is typically designed to stay in a fixed position during regular use. While periodic cleaning of the internal lint filter  54  is provided for, such cleaning is typically designed to be performed by a professional technician. Such professional cleaning may be necessary for maintaining the heat pump system  10  and the lint removal system  90  and may occur annually, every two or more years, every six months, or other time period. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 11   , the internal lint filters  54  are adapted to be cleaned through operation of the appliance  12  by using the condensate  36  that is collected within the drain channel  38 . As discussed above, this condensate  36  is moved from the drain channel  38  by activation of a pump  50  coupled to the drain channel  38 . The pump  50  moves this condensate  36  to the diverter valve  58 . When the diverter valve  58  is in the cleaning phase  60 , the condensate  36  moves through the diverter valve  58  and is directed to a fluid spray system  110  that sprays condensate  36  onto a surface of the internal lint filter  54 . This fluid spray  112  from the nozzles of the fluid spray system  110  serves to push lint particles  64  off from a front surface  114  of the internal lint filter  54 . The fluid spray  112  also pushes the lint particles  64  downward and into the drain channel  38 . 
     Typically, the internal lint filter  54  will be served by at least two separate spray nozzles  52  for directing the fluid spray  112  to a surface of the internal lint filter  54 . Additionally, where multiple internal lint filters  54  are included, each internal lint filter  54  will typically be served by at least two spray nozzles  52  for directing the fluid spray  112 . During operation, the internal lint filter  54  will be sprayed by only one of the two spray nozzles  52 , being first and second nozzles  116 ,  118 , at any one time. As condensate  36  is sprayed from one of the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118 , condensate  36  may become temporarily entrapped within a portion of the filter material. This temporarily trapped condensate  120  can cause a temporary blockage of process air  24  moving through that portion of the internal lint filter  54 . The unsprayed portion  122  of the internal lint filter  54  remains substantially unblocked such that moisture-laden process air  24  is allowed to continue to pass therethrough. The temporarily trapped condensate  120  within the sprayed portion  124  of the internal lint filter  54  is eventually pushed out by the process air  24 , evaporated, or otherwise removed from the lint screen  100  such that process air  24  can move therethrough to continue filtering lint particles  64 . After operation of the first nozzle  116  to clean the first portion  126  of the internal lint filter  54 , and removal of any trapped condensate  120  therefrom, the second nozzle  118  is then activated to remove lint particles  64  from the second portion  128  of the internal lint filter  54 . As with the first nozzle  116 , the second nozzle  118  sprays condensate  36 , in the form of a fluid spray  112 , to push lint particles  64  downward and into the drain channel  38  for ultimate removal from the appliance  12 . 
     During operation of the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  of the fluid spray system  110 , condensate  36  can be sprayed onto the front surface  114  of the internal lint filter  54 . In such an embodiment, the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  are directed to push lint particles  64  off from the front surface  114  of the internal lint filter  54 , such that the sprayed condensate  142  and lint particles  64  can be captured within the drain channel  38 . The first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  of the fluid spray system  110  can also be oriented to spray condensate  36  through the back surface  140  of the internal lint filter  54  to push lint particles  64  off from the front surface  114  of the internal lint filter  54  where the sprayed condensate  142  and lint particles  64  can be captured within the drain channel  38 . In various embodiments, a combination of spray nozzles  52  that spray both the front and back surfaces  114 ,  140  of the internal lint filter  54  can also be implemented. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  2 - 11   , to operate the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118 , or any additional spray nozzles  52  that may be included within the fluid spray system  110 , the diverter valve  58  can include a plurality of cleaning phase positions  150 . Each cleaning phase position  150  can correspond to one spray nozzle  52  of the fluid spray system  110 . In this manner, only one spray nozzle  52  of the fluid spray system  110  is operational at any one time. This configuration serves to minimize temporary blockage as a result of condensate  36  being temporarily trapped within the filter material. This configuration also serves to maximize fluid pressure from the fluid pump  50 . Accordingly, substantially all of the suction  260  or fluid pressure generated by the pump  50  during the cleaning phase  60  can direct and force the fluid spray  112  through the diverter valve  58  in one of the cleaning phase positions  150  and through a single spray nozzle  52 . Accordingly, the sprayed condensate  142  from each spray nozzle  52  can have a maximum amount of fluid pressure for projecting the sprayed condensate  142 , in the form of the fluid spray  112 , toward the respective portion of the internal lint filter  54 . 
     After the cleaning phase  60  of the spray sequence  160  is completed for the fluid spray system  110 , lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  are contained within the drain channel  38 . The amount of lint particles  64  contained within the drain channel  38  can vary depending upon certain factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the number of times a particular cleaning phase  60  or spray sequence  160  is performed, the type of drying function  30  performed, the amount of lint particles  64  captured by each internal lint filter  54 , and other similar factors. 
     The spray sequence  160  can include a single operation of each spray nozzle  52  for the internal lint filter  54 . Where multiple lint screens  100  are included within the internal lint filter  54 , various spray sequences  160  can be conducted depending upon the amount of lint particles  64  captured within the internal lint filter  54 . By way of example, and not limitation, where the internal lint filter  54  may include sequential first and second internal lint filters, the first internal lint filter may be adapted to capture greater amounts of lint having a larger size of lint particles  64 . The second internal lint filter may capture smaller amounts of lint. Because the first internal lint filter will typically capture more lint particles  64 , a spray sequence  160  dedicated to this first internal lint filter may operate more frequently than a separate spray sequence  160  for the second internal lint filter. The same may be true for additional lint screens  100  of internal lint filters  54  for the lint removal system  90 . 
     Where lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  are contained within the drain channel  38 , the pump  50  may be activated according to various factors for moving the lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  to the removable bottle  56 . The pump  50  may be activated when a certain volume of lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  are contained within the drain channel  38  after each spray sequence  160  is completed, or activation of the pump  50  may be based upon the amount of space available within the removable bottle  56 . A combination of these initiating events may be incorporated within the fluid spray system  110  to remove the lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  from the drain channel  38  to the removable bottle  56 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  10  and  11   , the drain channel  38  can include an angled bottom  170  that defines a slope to use the force of gravity for moving sprayed condensate  142  and lint particles  64  from a front portion  172  of the drain channel  38  proximate the internal lint filter  54  to a rear portion  174  of the drain channel  38  proximate the fluid pump  50 . In certain aspects of the device, an additional spray nozzle  52  may be included at a front portion  172  of the drain channel  38  to assist in moving the lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  down the angled bottom  170  and toward the fluid pump  50 . The activation of the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  that serve the internal lint filter  54  can be configured to remove lint particles  64  from the front surface  114  of the internal lint filter  54  and also assist in pushing the sprayed condensate  142  and lint particles  64  down the angled bottom  170  and toward the rear portion  174  of the drain channel  38 . In such an embodiment, the front portion  172  of the drain channel  38  may include a curve or chamfer  176  that provides for a substantially laminar path that can assist in pushing the lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  toward the rear portion  174  of the drain channel  38 . The rear portion  174  of the drain channel  38  can include an angled back surface  178 . This angled back surface  178  in conjunction with the angled bottom  170  drain channel  38  provides for a single low point  180  proximate a back corner  182  of the drain channel  38  where the fluid pump  50  is typically located. Accordingly, the drain channel  38  is designed to allow the lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  to flow towards this low point  180  of the drain channel  38  to be removed by the fluid pump  50 . 
     When an initiating signal is provided to the drain pump  50 , the drain pump  50  is activated and sprayed condensate  142  and lint particles  64  are moved by the fluid pump  50  toward the diverter valve  58 . The diverter valve  58 , during this portion of the spray sequence  160 , is moved to a drain phase  62  such that the lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  are moved through the diverter valve  58  and toward the removable bottle  56 . The removable bottle  56  is removable from the appliance  12  for pouring the lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  into an external drain or into a trash receptacle. 
     In certain embodiments, the removable bottle  56  can include an indicator that informs the user when the removable bottle  56  is full of lint particles  64  and/or sprayed condensate  142  such that removal is necessary. Accordingly, the removable bottle  56  can include various sensors that can monitor the amount of lint particles  64  and/or sprayed condensate  142  therein to provide this indicator to the user of the appliance  12 . As discussed above, when the removable bottle  56  becomes sufficiently full such that additional operation of the pump  50  and diverter valve  58  in the drain phase  62  may cause an overflow of the removable bottle  56 , the appliance  12  may prevent operation of certain drying functions  30  until such time as the removable bottle  56  is emptied. 
     After the drain phase  62  is complete, the diverter valve  58  can be repositioned to one of the cleaning phase positions  150  to perform the next cleaning phase operation to spray condensate  36  onto the internal lint filter  54  using one of the spray nozzles  52 . The specific operation of the spray sequences  160  and operation of the diverter valve  58  will be described more fully below. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  8 - 13   , the heat pump system  10  can include a heat exchange plate  190  that serves to support the evaporator  34  and condenser  40  of the heat pump system  10 . Typically, a front region  192  of the heat exchange plate  190  serves to support the evaporator  34  and a rear region  194  of the heat exchange plate  190  supports the condenser  40 . The heat exchange plate  190  can include sidewalls  196  that laterally support the evaporator  34  and condenser  40 . The sidewalls  196  can include one or more shoulders  198  that can at least partially extend between the evaporator  34  and condenser  40  to provide consistent spacing and secure positioning in multiple directions for the evaporator  34  and condenser  40 . 
     The heat exchange plate  190  includes a base  202  that serves to separate the airflow path  20  from the drain channel  38 . This base  202  provides a lateral dividing wall that defines the airflow path  20  above the base  202  and the drain channel  38  below the base  202 . Accordingly, as process air  24  or moisture-laden air  32  moves through the airflow path  20 , the process air  24  moves over the base  202  of the heat exchange plate  190  and through the evaporator  34  and condenser  40 . The process air  24  is substantially prevented from entering the drain channel  38  through the placement of the base  202  of the heat exchange plate  190 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  8 - 13   , the front region  192  of the heat exchange plate  190  includes a sloped area  210  that serves to collect condensate  36  that falls from the evaporator  34  during the performance of a drying function  30 . As this condensate  36  falls on the front region  192  of the heat exchange plate  190 , the condensate  36  is directed through the sloped area  210  by a series of baffles  212  that are positioned at an angle with respect to the flow of process air  24  within the airflow path  20 . As the condensate  36  falls onto the sloped area  210 , the condensate  36  falls in typically small quantities. These small quantities of condensate  36  collect between the baffles  212 . The condensate  36  flows down the sloped area  210  and through a meandering drain  214  that is defined generally below a top edge  216  of each of the baffles  212 . These baffles  212  and the meandering drain  214  serve to block the process air  24  such that the movement of process air  24  does not push the condensate  36  up the sloped area  210  toward the rear region  194  and the condenser  40 . Because the baffles  212  are positioned at an angle along the sloped area  210 , the condensate  36  can flow along a directing surface  218  of the baffles  212  and within the meandering drain  214 . 
     The condensate  36  is directed along the sloped area  210  and toward a condensate drain  230  positioned proximate a filter seat  232  of the heat exchange plate  190 . The filter seat  232  receives a bottom portion  234  of the internal lint filter  54  and secures the internal lint filter  54  thereto to prevent inadvertent removal of the internal lint filter  54  during operation of the drying appliance  12 . The condensate drain  230  is typically positioned immediately behind or downstream of the filter seat  232  such that condensate  36  moving down the sloped area  210  and between the baffles  212  of the heat exchange plate  190  can drop into the drain channel  38  behind the internal lint filter  54 . The bottom portion  234  of the internal lint filter  54  can also serve to block a portion of the process air  24  from pushing the condensate  36  up the sloped area  210  and toward the condenser  40 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  8 - 13   , the baffles  212  within the front portion  172  of the heat exchange plate  190  are typically oriented in a diagonal configuration. These baffles  212  can be disposed in a similar angular configuration or can be disposed in various angles so long as the baffles  212  serve to define the meandering drain  214  and at least partially block the movement of process air  24  within the baffles  212 . In this manner, the condensate  36  can drain down the sloped area  210  of the heat exchange plate  190  to the condensate drain  230 . 
     The condensate drain  230  can be defined by a slot that extends between the sloped area  210  of the heat exchange plate  190  and the filter seat  232 . This condensate drain  230  can also be in the form of a series of apertures defined within the base  202  of the heat exchange plate  190 . To assist in supporting the internal lint filter  54 , the filter seat  232  can be supported at least partially by the sloped area  210  of the heat exchange plate  190  through one or more support structures  240  that extend across or through the condensate drain  230 . In this manner, the heat exchange plate  190  can support and fix the position of the internal lint filter  54  as well as the evaporator  34  and condenser  40  for the heat pump system  10 . 
     This unitary base  202  that forms part of the heat exchange plate  190  can minimize wobble, vibration, and other noise that may emanate from the evaporator  34 , condenser  40 , internal lint filter  54 , spray nozzles  52  or other component positioned within the basement  242  of the appliance  12  during performance of a drying function  30 . While the heat exchange plate  190  includes the condensate drain  230  and opening  250 , the drain channel  38  can be at least as wide, if not wider, than the heat exchange plate  190 , such that condensate  36  that may flow outside of the condensate drain  230  and/or the condensate opening  250  may still fall into the drain channel  38  to be delivered to the fluid pump  50 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  8 - 13   , in front of the filter seat  232 , the heat exchange plate  190  defines a lint and condensate opening  250  through which the lint particles  64  can be pushed by the sprayed condensate  142  and into the drain channel  38 . Through the condensate drain  230  and the lint and condensate opening  250 , all of the condensate  36  and lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  are moved into the common drain channel  38  for removal through a single fluid pump  50 . The inclusion of a single fluid pump  50  and a single diverter valve  58  for removing condensate  36  as well as lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  through the appliance  12  minimizes the amount of motors  270  and operational components needed for moving the material through the appliance  12 . 
     The base  202  of the heat exchange plate  190  serves to position the evaporator  34  and a condenser  40  within the airflow path  20 . The heat exchange plate  190  also elevates the evaporator  34  and the condenser  40  over the drain channel  38 . Accordingly, the drain channel  38  can be placed at a low elevation within the basement  242  of the appliance  12  to efficiently capture condensate  36 , lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  while minimizing the amount of space necessary within the basement  242  for accomplishing these functions. The sidewalls  196  of the heat exchange plate  190  also define the sides of the airflow path  20  that serve to direct the movement of process air  24  and moisture-laden process air  24  through the airflow path  20  and through the heat pump system  10  of the appliance  12 . This efficient movement of process air  24  through the heat exchange plate  190  also provides for an efficient thermal transmission of heat between the evaporator  34 , the condenser  40 , the process air  24 , and heat exchange material contained within the heat pump system  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  20 - 23   , the diverter valve  58  that apportions condensate  36  from the pump  50  between the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  to define the cleaning phase  60  can include multiple separate cleaning phase positions  150  for sequentially delivering condensate  36  from the drain channel  38  to a first nozzle  116  for serving a first portion  126  of the internal lint filter  54  and then to a second nozzle  118  for serving a second portion  128  of the internal lint filter  54 . During this cleaning phase  60 , the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  project the condensate  36  pumped by the fluid pump  50  onto a surface of the internal lint filter  54  to direct the captured lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  to the drain channel  38 . 
     The condensate  36  that is sprayed during the cleaning phase  60  is typically free of or substantially free of lint particles  64 . These lint particles  64  are typically removed during a previous drain phase  62  of the diverter valve  58 . During operation of the appliance  12  some minimal amounts of lint particles  64  may be present within the condensate  36  sprayed through the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118 . These minimal lint particles  64  will typically be able to flow freely through the spray nozzles  52 . In various aspects, fluid from an external fluid source, such as a faucet, may be used to supplement the condensate  36 . The external fluid may also be used instead of condensate  36  in certain aspects of the device. 
     As discussed above, after the cleaning phase  60  is complete, the drain channel  38  contains both washed lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  therein. This material is then moved toward the location of the pump  50 , through at least the force of gravity to the low point  180  proximate the fluid pump  50 . Activation of the fluid pump  50  causes a suction  260  within the drain channel  38  to remove the lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  through the fluid pump  50  and toward the diverter valve  58 . Before the lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  from the fluid pump  50  reaches the diverter valve  58 , the diverter valve  58  is manipulated to define a drain position corresponding to the drain phase  62 . In this manner, the lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  are moved through the diverter valve  58  in the drain phase  62  for movement of the lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  to the removable bottle  56 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  20 - 23   , the diverter valve  58  can include a dedicated motor  270  that is attached to a rotating disk  272  within a mixing chamber  274  of the diverter valve  58  via a shaft  276 . The position of the disk  272  is detected by a sensing mechanism  278 , such as a reed switch, Hall sensor, or other similar sensing mechanism  278  that activates and deactivates the motor  270  based upon the position of the disk  272  within the mixing chamber  274 . When a particular position of the disk  272  is required to define one of the cleaning phase positions  150  or the position of the drain phase  62 , the motor  270  can be activated. The sensing mechanism  278  proximate the motor  270  detects when the disk  272  or a valve opening  282  in the disk  272  is at the appropriate position and deactivates the motor  270  such that the disk  272  is maintained at the appropriate position. Accordingly, only one outlet  280  is adapted to receive either condensate  36  or lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  for removal through the diverter valve  58 . Accordingly, the diverter valve  58  can be used to specifically direct the movement of material through the diverter valve  58  to appropriate positions within the appliance  12 . As a consequence, the diverter valve  58  can also segregate material within the appliance  12  so that it is kept away from certain portions of the appliance  12 , such as keeping lint particles  64  away from the spray nozzles  52 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  20 - 23   , the diverter valve  58  can include a single inlet  290  that receives material from the fluid pump  50 . The inlet  290  delivers this material into the mixing chamber  274  to be delivered through the valve opening  282  and to only one outlet  280  of a plurality of outlets  280  of the diverter valve  58 . The plurality of outlets  280  include a first nozzle outlet  292  and a second nozzle outlet  294  that correspond to the cleaning phase  60  and a bottle outlet  296  that corresponds to the drain phase  62 . As discussed previously, the internal disk  272  is rotated about the shaft  276  such that the valve opening  282  in the disk  272  allows for fluid to pass from the mixing chamber  274  through only one of the outlets  280 . Each outlet  280  corresponds to one spray nozzle  52 , such as in the case of a cleaning phase  60 , or a path to the water bottle  56 , in the case of the drain phase  62 . Where additional spray nozzles  52  beyond the first and second nozzle  116 ,  118  are included, additional cleaning phase positions  150  can be included within the diverter valve  58  to account for each spray nozzle  52  within the fluid spray system  110 . In various aspects of the device, where multiple lint screens  100  are included, the diverter valve  58  described herein can define a primary diverter valve  58  and secondary diverter valves can be positioned downstream for serving the spray nozzles  52  of a particular internal lint filter  54 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  20 - 23   , the mixing chamber  274  and disk  272  are configured such that the drain phase  62  defines a smooth and substantially laminar fluid path to limit the ability of lint particles  64  to clog the diverter valve  58  during use. Accordingly, the configuration of the mixing chamber  274  is free of or is substantially free of accumulation points of fluid that may capture and retain lint particles  64  during use. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  18 - 23   , the pump  50  and diverter valve  58  can work in conjunction with one another to perform various spray sequences  160  for moving condensate  36  and lint particles  64  through the appliance  12 . These spray sequences  160  can include various active and idle states or sequences that can be incorporated sequentially for removing lint particles  64  from the internal lint filter  54  and also for moving collected lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  from the drain channel  38  to the water bottle  56 . After a drying function  30  of the appliance  12  is initiated, process air  24  moves through the damp articles  16  within the drum  14  and defines moisture-laden air  32  that is moved through the lint removal system  90  and into the evaporator  34 . Condensate  36  is precipitated from the moisture-laden air  32  and is collected within the drain channel  38 , as described in the various aspects of the device included above. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  18  and  19   , a method  800  for operating an exemplary spray sequence  160  is disclosed. According to the method  800 , a drying function  30  is performed to collect condensate  36  in the drain channel  38  and to clean lint particles  64  from the moisture-laden air  32  (step  802 ). Before operating one of the spray sequences  160  using the collected condensate  36  within the drain channel  38 , a sensor or monitor within the drain channel  38  determines the amount of condensate  36  within the drain channel  38  (step  804 ). Only when a sufficient amount of condensate  36  is collected therein is the spray sequence  160  activated. Until such time as this amount of condensate  36  is collected, the heat pump system  10  continues to deliver condensate  36  to the drain channel  38  and the pump  50  will typically remain idle (step  806 ). Once the appropriate amount of condensate  36  is contained within the drain channel  38 , the diverter valve  58  is moved to a first cleaning phase position  150  that corresponds to the first spray nozzle  52  (step  808 ). Typically, lint particles  64  from a previous spray sequence  160  has been moved to the water bottle  56  such that all or substantially all of the lint particles  64  from the previous spray sequence  160  has been removed and only captured condensate  36  remains within the drain channel  38 . 
     During the cleaning phase  60 , the pump  50  is activated and condensate  36  from the drain channel  38  is moved through the diverter valve  58  in the first cleaning phase position  150  and is moved through the first spray nozzle  52  (step  810 ). The pump  50  is activated for a predetermined time to clean the front surface  114  of a first portion  126  of the internal lint filter  54 . The time period of this first active sequence  310  can vary in length of time. By way of example, and not limitation, the first active sequence  310  can be for a period of approximately 15 seconds. After completion of the first active sequence  310 , a first idle sequence  312  is initiated where a pump  50  is deactivated and the flow of condensate  36  to the first nozzle  116  is substantially stopped (step  812 ). This idle sequence  312  can last for various lengths of time. This idle sequence  312  can allow time for the fluid sprayed during the first active sequence  310  to soak into various portions of the lint particles  64  and make the lint particles  64  heavier and easier to move during a subsequent active sequence. 
     After completion of the first idle sequence  312 , which may last from approximately two seconds to approximately 10 seconds, and typically approximately five seconds, a second active sequence  314  is activated with respect to the first nozzle  116 . Accordingly, the pump  50  is reactivated to initiate the second active sequence  314  and condensate  36  is moved from the drain channel  38 , through the first nozzle  116 , and onto the first portion  126  of the internal lint filter  54  (step  814 ). This second active sequence  314  can last for a predetermined amount of time. Such time can be in the range of from approximately five seconds to approximately 20seconds. Typically, the time period of the second active sequence  314  will be substantially similar to that of the time period for the first active sequence  310 . After the second active sequence  314  is complete, the pump  50  is deactivated and the flow of the condensate  36  to the first spray nozzle  52  is substantially stopped (step  816 ). 
     Through this sequence of the first active sequence  310 , idle sequence  312  and second active sequence  314 , substantially all of the lint particles  64  captured on the front surface  114  of the internal lint filter  54  are typically removed and pushed toward or into the drain channel  38 . The pump  50  remains deactivated for a certain amount of time to allow for trapped condensate  120  that may be entrapped within the first portion  126  of the internal lint filter  54  to become dislodged, evaporate, or otherwise be removed from the filter material of the first portion  126  of the internal lint filter  54 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  18 - 23   , after the cleaning phase  60  is complete with respect to the first portion  126  of the internal lint filter  54 , the diverter valve  58  operates to move the disk  272  to the second cleaning phase position  150  that corresponds to the second spray nozzle  52  (step  818 ). Once in this position, the pump  50  is again activated to define the first active sequence  310  to move condensate  36  through the diverter valve  58  and into the second spray nozzle  52  for cleaning the second portion  128  of the internal lint filter  54  (step  810 ). After the first active sequence  310  is complete with respect to the second portion  128  of the internal lint filter  54 , the idle sequence  312  is initiated and the pump  50  is deactivated (step  812 ). After the predetermined time is complete, the pump  50  is reactivated to initiate the second active sequence  314  to complete the cleaning of the second portion  128  of the internal lint filter  54  by moving condensate  36  through the second spray nozzle  52  (step  814 ). After the spray sequence  160  is complete with respect to the second portion  128  of the internal lint filter  54  (step  820 ), the diverter valve  58  is then moved to the drain phase  62  position (step  822 ). As discussed above, in this position, lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  are contained within the drain channel  38  and are moved via the fluid pump  50  through the diverter valve  58  in the position corresponding to the drain phase  62  and up to the removable bottle  56  typically positioned at a top portion  436  of the appliance  12  (step  824 ). In the drain phase  62 , the pump  50  may be activated through various active phases and intermittent idle phases to move the lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  into position for being removed from the drain channel  38  by the fluid pump  50 . Typically, the drain phase  62  may be a single operation of the pump  50  for a predetermined period of time. This period of time may be within a range of from approximately 20 seconds to approximately 60 seconds and typically will last approximately 30 seconds. 
     The exemplary spray sequence  160  identified above in method  800  can be modified based upon the particular drying function  30  being performed by the laundry appliance  12 . By way of example, and not limitation, a towel drying function may collect more lint particles  64  than a delicates drying function. Accordingly, the time periods for the spray sequence  160  may be adjusted based upon a particular drying function  30  being performed. Additionally, where greater amounts of lint particles  64  may be captured within the internal lint filter  54 , a spray sequence  160  corresponding to the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  and the bottle  56  may include additional active sequences that are separated by additional idle sequences  312  such that three or more active sequences may be separated by corresponding idle sequences  312 . Various lint monitors can also be included proximate the internal lint filter  54  to monitor whether lint particles  64  have been fully removed from the front surface  114  of the internal lint filter  54  or from the drain channel  38 . Where a greater amount of lint particles  64  may require additional active sequences, the lint monitor may recognize that lint particles  64  remain on a portion of the internal lint filter  54  and may automatically override a predetermined sequence to reinitiate an additional active sequence to spray a surface of the internal lint filter  54  an additional time. Such monitors can include, but are not limited to, airflow monitors, visual monitors, weight sensors, lasers, sensors that monitor an efficiency level of a compressor for the heat pump system  10 , combinations thereof, and other similar sensors that may be used to monitor an amount of lint particles  64  entrapped in a surface of the internal lint filter  54 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  9 - 11  and  14 - 17   , the internal lint filter  54  can include first and second spray nozzles  116 ,  118  that are adapted to spray condensate  36  onto respective first and second portions  126 ,  128  of the internal lint filter  54 . Each spray nozzle  52  can include a centrally positioned fluid inlet  320  that is defined within an attachment surface  322  of the spray nozzle  52 . Within the fluid inlet  320 , a substantially planar surface  324  extends through the fluid inlet  320  and empties into a wide and multi-faceted deflecting surface  326  that includes two diverging lateral faces  328 . These diverging lateral faces  328  are connected by an expanding curved fluid deflecting face  330 . The fluid deflecting face  330  and the planar surface  324  define a substantially continuous and laminar flow path  332  through the spray nozzle  52 . The deflecting face  330  is positioned at an angle with respect to the fluid inlet  320  of the spray nozzle  52  to produce a generally flat fluid spray  112  that can be directed toward a surface of the internal lint filter  54 . The internal lint filter  54  can include additional portions other than the first and second portions  126 ,  128  such that the internal lint filter  54  may be divided into three or more sections. These sections can be defined by interior frame members of the internal lint filter  54  that add structural rigidity to the internal lint filter  54  and resist deflection due to the flow of process air  24  and fluid spray  112  during operation of the appliance  12 . These various divided portions of the internal lint filter  54  can be sprayed by dedicated spray nozzles  52  wherein each divided portion of the internal lint filter  54  is served by a dedicated spray nozzle  52 . The various divided portions may also be served by the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118 . In such an embodiment, the frame members may be located at the back surface  140  of the internal lint filter  54 . In this manner, these frame members may be positioned to be free of interference with the operation of the fluid spray  112  projecting from the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  onto the two or more divided portions of the internal lint filter  54 . 
     The fluid deflecting face  330  and the diverging lateral faces  328  are adapted to produce a flat and laminar spray that is positioned at an angle with respect to the internal lint filter  54 . This angle can be various angles from parallel with the internal lint filter  54  or can be angled with respect to the internal lint filter  54 . One such angle can be approximately 150° from horizontal or approximately 60° into the surface of the internal lint filter  54 . As discussed above, the spray nozzles  52  can be directed to spray fluid through the laminar flow path  332  and onto a front or back surface  114 ,  140  of the rear filter. In certain aspects of the device, both the front and back surfaces  114 ,  140  of the internal lint filter  54  may be sprayed. The path of the fluid being sprayed from the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  can take various shapes. These shapes can include, but are not limited to, fan-shaped, conical, arcuate, combinations thereof, and other shapes that are adapted to push the lint particles  64  off from the front surface  114  of the internal lint filter  54  toward the drain channel  38 . 
     The first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  can include the fluid inlet  320  that extends from an attachment surface  322  of each spray nozzle  52 . The attachment surface  322  of the spray nozzle  52  can include a concentric sealing geometry  340  that extends outward from the inlet  290 . This concentric sealing geometry  340  is integral with the attachment surface  322  and provides a self-sealing attachment. Accordingly, no separate sealing member is typically disposed between the inlet  290  of each spray nozzle  52  and the sidewall  196  to which it is attached or at the tube  342  through which the condensate  36  is delivered to the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118 . Each spray nozzle  52  can be attached to a sidewall  196  of the airflow path  20  such that the first and second spray nozzles  116 ,  118  can be in a fixed position relative to the internal lint filter  54 . Threaded receptacles  344  that are integral with the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  can receive fasteners for attaching the attachment surface  322  of each spray nozzle  52  to an interior surface  346  of the sidewall  196  airflow path  20 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  14 - 17   , the fluid inlet  320  can be defined by a substantially consistent opening  76  that extends through the inlet  290  and to the deflecting surface  326 . At least one narrowed portion  350  of the inlet  290  can be included. This narrowed portion  350  serves to at least partially increase the pressure of the condensate  36  being projected from the first and second spray nozzles  52 . This narrowed portion  350  can be a rib  352  that extends around a portion of the fluid inlet  320 . The narrowed portion  350  can also be a generally conical shape of fluid inlet  320  that gradually narrows toward the deflecting surface  326  for gradually increasing the pressure of the condensate  36  being moved through the first and second spray nozzles  52 . Where a narrowed portion  350  is included, the planar surface  324  extending through the inlet  290  is typically not interrupted by the narrowed portion  350 . Accordingly, the planar surface  324  can extend through the narrowed portion  350  to maintain the laminar flow path  332  through the entire fluid inlet  320  and toward the fluid deflecting face  330 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 24   , having described various aspects of the fluid spray system  110  and the lint removal system  90 , a method  900  is disclosed for operating the laundry appliance  12  having the fluid spray system  110  and the lint removal system  90 . According to the method  900 , a drying function  30  is activated (step  902 ). During performance of the drying function  30 , damp or wet articles  16  contained within the drum  14  are dried by passing process air  24  through the drum  14 . This process air  24  captures moisture from the damp articles  16 . This moisture defines moisture-laden air  32  that is then moved toward the lint removal system  90  (step  904 ). The moisture-laden air  32  is then moved through a first removable lint filter  72  (step  906 ). Within the removable lint filter  72 , larger lint particles  64  are typically captured. Additionally, the largest amount of lint particles  64  are typically captured within the removable lint filter  72  that is positioned at the opening  76  for the door  74  of the laundry appliance  12 . The moisture-laden air  32  is then moved further down the airflow path  20  toward the internal lint filter  54 . The moisture-laden air  32  is then moved through the internal lint filter  54  to remove additional lint particles  64  (step  908 ). After passing through the internal lint filter  54 , very little, if any, lint particles  64  remain within the moisture-laden air  32 . These lint particles  64  are entrapped within the removable lint filter  72  and the internal lint filter  54 . 
     According to the method  900 , the moisture-laden air  32  is then moved through the evaporator  34  of the heat pump system  10  (step  910 ). The evaporator  34  reduces the temperature of the moisture-laden air  32  to dehumidify and precipitate condensate  36  from the moisture-laden air  32  (step  912 ). This condensate  36  then falls onto a base  202  of the heat exchange plate  190  and is moved through the baffles  212  of the sloped portion toward the drain channel  38  (step  914 ). This condensate  36  is then captured within the drain channel  38  and is moved down the slope of the angled bottom  170  of the drain channel  38  toward the fluid pump  50  (step  916 ). Once a sufficient amount of condensate  36  is contained within the drain channel  38 , the fluid spray system  110  is ready to initiate a spray sequence  160  for cleaning the internal lint filter  54  at the predetermined time. This predetermined time for initiating the spray sequence  160  can be at any one of various occurrences. Such occurrences can include, but are not limited to, the ending of a drying function  30 , a certain time into a particular drying function  30 , a time at which a sensor monitoring the internal lint filter  54  senses that an appropriate amount of lint particles  64  are entrapped within the internal lint filter  54 , a reduced efficiency of a component of the heat pump system  10 , such as a reduced efficiency of the compressor serving the evaporator  34  and condenser  40 , a reduced amount of heat exchange within the heat pump system  10 , combinations thereof, and other similar occurrences. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 24   , at the appropriate time, the fluid pump  50  is activated and the diverter valve  58  is moved to a cleaning position. The fluid pump  50  then delivers the condensate  36  from the drain channel  38  through the diverter valve  58  and to, sequentially, the first and second spray nozzles  52  (step  918 ). Through the spray sequence  160 , condensate  36  is sprayed through the first and second spray nozzles  52  onto the first and second portions  126 ,  128  of the internal lint filter  54 , respectively, to push the lint particles  64  from the surface of the internal lint filter  54  into the drain channel  38  (step  920 ). As discussed above, activation of the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  can push the lint particles  64  off the front surface  114  of the internal lint filter  54  and can also assist in pushing the lint particles  64  down the slope of the angled bottom  170  of the drain channel  38  toward the fluid pump  50 . After completion of the cleaning phase  60  of the spray sequence  160 , the diverter valve  58  is then moved to a drain phase  62  and the fluid pump  50  is again activated to move the lint particles  64  and sprayed condensate  142  from the drain channel  38 , through the diverter valve  58  in the drain phase  62  and up to the removable water bottle  56  (step  922 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  5 - 11  and  25 - 29   , within a rear portion  174  of the basement  242 , a sump  410  is positioned downstream of the drain channel  38 . This sump  410  is adapted to receive condensate  36  from the heat exchangers  26 . The sump  410  is also configured to receive the fluid spray  112  and lint particles  64  from the spray nozzles  52  in the form of a fluid and lint mixture  412 . This condensate  36  and the fluid and lint mixture  412  is then distributed from the sump  410  to various portions of the appliance  12 . A sump pump  414  is disposed within a sump cover  416  that at least partially seals the sump  410  so that condensate  36  and the fluid and lint mixture  412  can be pumped through a fluid outlet  418  of the sump cover  416  into a separate location of the appliance  12 . This sump cover  416  includes a plate member  430  having a perimeter seal  432  that engages a cover seat  434  disposed at a top portion  436  of the perimeter walls  438  of the sump  410 . At this location, the engagement of the sump cover  416  and the cover seat  434  seals the sump  410  to allow for efficient operation of the sump pump  414 . The sump cover  416  also includes a cup  440  that connects with the plate member  430  and includes an enlarged pump inlet  442  for accommodating passage of the fluid and lint mixture  412  without clogging the sump pump  414 . The cup  440  forms a pump flow path  446  from the pump inlet  442 , through an impeller chamber  444  of the cup  440  and to the fluid outlet  418 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  27 - 29   , the sump pump  414  including the impeller  450  sits within the cup  440  such that the impeller  450  of the sump pump  414  rotates within the impeller chamber  444  of the cup  440 . Through operation of the impeller  450 , condensate  36  and the fluid and lint mixture  412  can be moved from the sump  410  upward into the pump inlet  442  positioned at a bottom of the cup  440  and through a fluid outlet  418  defined within the sump cover  416 . The cup  440  has a generally circular shape that allows for rotational operation of the impeller  450  to provide for movement of the condensate  36  and the fluid and lint mixture  412  through the fluid outlet  418  of the sump cover  416 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  18 - 29   , operation of the impeller  450  within the cup  440  of the sump cover  416  can deliver the condensate  36  and the fluid and lint mixture  412  to and through the diverter valve  58  for delivery to various portions of the appliance  12 . The diverter valve  58  can be operated to move at least condensate  36  as well as the fluid and lint mixture  412  up to the removable bottle  56  positioned within an upper area of the appliance  12 . As discussed previously, the sump pump  414  can also be operated within the sump cover  416  to move condensate  36  to various spray locations such as spray nozzles  52  (shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   ) for cleaning lint particles  64  from air filters  70  disposed within the appliance  12  and also for cleaning other portions of the appliance  12 , such as heat exchangers  26  and the like. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  25 - 29   , in operation, the sump cover  416  includes a fluid level sensor  460  that is typically integrated within the plate member  430  of the sump cover  416 . In at least one aspect of the device, the fluid level sensor  460  can include a pair of sensor contacts  462  that are installed within the plate member  430  of the sump cover  416 . The fluid level sensor  460  delivers a signal when the level of the condensate  36  and/or fluid and lint mixture  412  within the sump  410  reaches at least one of the sensor contacts  462 . The sensor contacts  462  then deliver a signal to activate and potentially deactivate the sump pump  414 . These sensor contacts  462  can project downward into the sump  410  at different elevations. A lower contact  464  can be used to activate the sump pump  414  when the condensate  36  and the fluid and lint mixture  412  come into contact with this lower contact  464 . An upper contact  466  can be used as a shut-off contact when the removable bottle  56  needs to be emptied, as will be more fully described below. When activated, the sump pump  414  operates the impeller  450  to move material within the sump  410  to the diverter valve  58  and onto various portions of an appliance  12 . 
     The sensor contacts  462  can be injection molded within a portion of the sump cover  416 . The sensor contacts  462  can also be attached as separate members to a portion of the sump cover  416  for operation of the fluid level sensor  460 . While a pair of metal plates or metal contacts are shown as the sensor contacts  462 , additional fluid sensing mechanisms can be incorporated within the sump cover  416  for detecting the amount of material within the sump  410  and activating and deactivating the sump pump  414  at the appropriate time to remove material from the sump  410 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  5 - 8  and  25 - 29   , the sump cover  416  can also include an overflow port  470  that receives an overflow conduit  472  that extends from the removable bottle  56  to the sump cover  416 . During operation of the appliance  12 , the removable bottle  56  will fill with material that includes condensate  36  and the fluid and lint mixture  412 . It is necessary to remove this material periodically. If this material is not removed on a regular basis, the material will tend to overflow out of the removable bottle  56 . To prevent this overflow, the overflow conduit  472  is attached to a portion of a removable bottle  56  and extends down to the overflow port  470  defined within the sump cover  416 . During operation of the appliance  12 , as the removable bottle  56  reaches its full capacity of material, the overflow conduit  472  will direct this overflow of material back down to the sump  410  via the overflow port  470  of the sump cover  416 . 
     In certain conditions, where the removable bottle  56  remains at capacity and the appliance  12  continues to be operated, ultimately, the sump pump  414  may direct a sufficient amount of condensate  36  and the fluid and lint mixture  412  to fill both the removable bottle  56  and the sump  410 . In this condition, both of the sensor contacts  462  of the fluid level sensor  460  will be in contact with material in the sump  410 . At this point, portions of the appliance  12 , or the entire appliance  12 , can be deactivated until such time as the removable bottle  56  is removed from the appliance  12  and the material included therein is emptied. In various operating conditions, the entire appliance  12  can be shut down when both the removable bottle  56  and the sump  410  are filled to capacity with material. The appliance  12  may also be operated in a condition where the heat pump system  10  is deactivated so that no condensate  36  is added to the drain channel  38  or to the sump  410 . 
     During operation of the appliance  12 , the appliance  12  may also shut down when the sump pump  414  runs continuously and substantially uninterrupted for a certain amount of time. This condition will be activated where the sump  410  is at or near its maximum capacity and a removable bottle  56  is filled to a level where material is continually being moved to the overflow conduit  472  and returned to the sump  410  via the overflow port  470 . This condition forms a feedback loop that may result in the deactivation of the appliance  12  until such time as the removable bottle  56  is emptied of the material contained therein. Again, this material typically includes condensate  36  and/or the fluid and lint mixture  412 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  25 - 29   , the sump cover  416  can include a perimeter seal  432  that directly engages the perimeter walls  438  of the sump  410 . This perimeter seal  432  defines a sealed engagement, such that suction  260  generated by the sump pump  414  can be efficiently moved through the pump inlet  442  rather than suction  260  being lost at the perimeter walls  438  of the sump  410 . Additionally, the cup  440  of the sump cover  416  can define a sealing engagement between the sump pump  414  and the sump cover  416 . Accordingly, operation of the impeller  450  of the sump pump  414  can generate sufficient suction  260  for moving condensate  36  as well as the fluid and lint mixture  412  from the sump  410  and to the diverter valve  58  to be delivered to various portions of the appliance  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  4 - 6  and  27 - 29   , the overflow port  470  can be positioned through a bottom portion  480  of a plate member  430  from the sump cover  416 . In this manner, the bottom edge  482  of the overflow port  470  is positioned below the lower contact  464  of the water level sensor. Accordingly, the bottom edge  482  of the overflow port  470  will typically be positioned below the level of material within the sump  410  when the sump  410  is activated. In this manner, when the level of the condensate  36  and/or the fluid and lint mixture  412  reaches the lower contact  464  of the fluid level sensor  460 , the sump pump  414  is activated and the bottom edge  482  of the overflow port  470  is positioned below the level of this material. Accordingly, when suction  260  is generated by the sump pump  414 , the suction  260  can direct the material through the pump inlet  442  at the bottom portion  480  of the cup  440  of the sump cover  416 . Through this configuration, the suction  260  is not lost through the overflow port  470 . Accordingly, the bottom edge  482  of the overflow port  470  is typically positioned below the water level during operation of the sump pump  414  so that air cannot pass into the overflow port  470  to create a condition where suction  260  from the sump pump  414  is lost and the system is made less efficient. 
     Typically, as exemplified in  FIGS.  5 - 8  and  25 - 29   , the overflow conduit  472  from the removable bottle  56  that extends to the overflow port  470  of the sump cover  416  is a direct run of conduit that does not pass through any check valve or other similar diverting mechanism. In this manner, overflow material  490  from the removable bottle  56  can be fed by gravity through the overflow conduit  472  and into the sump  410  via the overflow port  470 . Typically, the overflow inlet  492  for the overflow conduit  472  is positioned in engagement with the removable bottle  56  at a higher location of the removable bottle  56 . Through this configuration, solid material such as lint particles  64  can settle to the bottom of the removable bottle  56  so that primarily fluid is moved through the overflow conduit  472 . By moving primarily fluid through the overflow conduit  472 , clogging as a result of lint particles  64  can be minimized so that the overflow conduit  472  and the overflow port  470  of the sump cover  416  can remain substantially unobstructed. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  27 - 29   , in forming the sump cover  416 , the cup  440  that forms the pump inlet  442  for the sump cover  416  can be made as a separate piece that is subsequently attached to the remainder of the sump cover  416 . By forming the cup  440  having the pump inlet  442  as a separate piece, the impeller chamber  444  formed by the cup  440  can include a larger pump inlet  442 . This larger pump inlet  442  provides for movement of lint particles  64  as well as fluid through the pump inlet  442 , past the impeller  450 , and through a fluid outlet  418  to be directed to the diverter valve  58  for the appliance  12 . The cup  440  that forms the pump inlet  442  also includes an enlarged portion  452  that extends from the impeller chamber  444  and toward the outlet aperture  454  of the fluid outlet  418 . This enlarged portion  452  also allows for movement of the lint particles  64  and fluid through the fluid outlet  418 , past the impeller  450 , and into the fluid outlet  418 , without substantially clogging the sump cover  416  with the lint particles  64 . The sump cover  416  can be made of various materials that can include, but are not limited to, plastic, metals, composite materials, various polymers, combinations thereof, and other similar materials. 
     In various aspects of the device, the appliance  12  can include a pair of fluid outlets  418  that are utilized through bi-directional operation of the sump pump  414 . In such an embodiment, clockwise rotation of the impeller  450  can move material to a first fluid outlet  418 . Conversely, counter-clockwise rotation of the impeller  450  can move the material to a second fluid outlet  418  for delivery to a separate location of the appliance  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  25 - 29   , the sump cover  416  can include integral portions that are each formed within various portions of the sump cover  416 . By way of example, and not limitation, each of the pump inlet  442 , fluid outlet  418 , overflow port  470 , pump seat  494 , perimeter seal  432  and fluid level sensor  460  can each be incorporated within portions of the sump cover  416 . It is contemplated that some or all of these features can be injection molded within various portions of the sump cover  416  to define a unitary assembly that can be attached as a single unit onto the cover seat  434  defined at the perimeter wall  438  of the sump  410  to define a sealed connection between the sump cover  416  and the sump  410  defined within the basement  242  of the appliance  12 . Additionally, the pump seat  494  defined within the sump cover  416  can define a specific seat within which the sump pump  414  can be disposed and secured. Accordingly, the sump pump  414  and sump cover  416  can be manufactured at a single assembly, and attached over the sump  410 . During manufacture, an electrical connection can be made between the sump pump  414  and the electrical system of the appliance  12 , so that the sump pump  414  and sump cover  416  can be installed as a single assembly within the basement  242  of the appliance  12 . By installing this single assembly, the integral features of the sump cover  416  that can include the fluid inlet  320 , fluid outlet  418 , overflow port  470 , fluid level sensor  460 , impeller chamber  444 , pump seat  494 , and other features can be integrally formed within this single assembly and installed as a single unit within the basement  242  of the appliance  12 . This can save time and resources during manufacture, maintenance and repair, as the sump cover  416  and its component parts can be manufactured separately and installed as a single piece within the basement  242  of the appliance  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  30 - 41   , a lint filter  510 , and, in various embodiments, a fixed and substantially non-removable lint filter, can be disposed within the airflow path  20  upstream of the heat exchangers  26 . In this position, the lint filter  510  can be disposed within a filter receptacle  512  defined within the inside surface  514  of the airflow path  20 . Accordingly, various securing features  516  are defined within the airflow path  20  for maintaining a position of the lint filter  510  in a secured and fixed position upstream of the heat exchanger  26 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  31 - 36   , the lint filter  510  can include a continuous outer blocking flange  518  that extends outward from a top side  520  and opposing vertical sides  522  of the lint filter  510 . The continuous blocking flange  518  serves to secure the lint filter  510  within the airflow path  20 . The blocking flange  518  also prevents process air  24  from escaping around the lint filter  510 . As process air  24  moves toward the lint filter  510 , the continuous blocking flange  518 , through its engagement with the airflow path  20 , at the filter receptacle  512 , creates a seal  524  that prevents leakage of process air  24  around the outer frame  542  of the lint filter  510 . In this manner, the process air  24 , which is typically laden with lint particles  64 , is funneled through the filtering material  526  of the lint filter  510 . Accordingly, substantial amounts of lint particles  64  can be captured within the lint filter  510  during operation of the appliance  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  30 - 41   , as process air  24  is moved from the drum  14  (shown in  FIG.  2   ) and toward the heat exchangers  26 , the process air  24  is moved through an upstream surface  540  or front side of the lint filter  510 . By securing the lint filter  510  within the filter receptacle  512 , vibration, wobbling, and other movement that might generate noise resulting from the passage of process air  24  through the lint filter  510  can be mitigated or substantially eliminated. To further resist this vibration, the lint filter  510  can include the outer frame  542  that extends around a perimeter  544  of the filtering material  526 . One or more internal frame members  546  can also extend within an interior portion  548  of the lint filter  510 . These internal frame members  546  can provide additional strength and rigidity to the lint filter  510 . This additional rigidity serves to prevent vibration and other movement of the lint filter  510  and within the lint filter  510  during operation of the appliance  12 . 
     According to various aspects of the device, the filtering material  526  can be separated into filtering sections  560  that are separated by the internal frame members  546 . Accordingly, the filtering material  526  can be included as three separate filtering sections  560  that extend between the outer frame  542  and the internal frame members  546 . Alternatively, the filtering material  526  can be a single piece of filtering material  526  that extends within the frame of the lint filter  510 . In such an embodiment, the internal frame members  546  are typically positioned against a downstream surface  562  of the filtering material  526 . By placing the internal frame members  546  on the downstream surface  562  of the filtering material  526 , the internal frame members  546  can oppose deflection of the filtering material  526  that may be experienced as the process air  24  moves through the upstream surface  540  of the filtering material  526 . The process air  24  may tend to bias the filtering material  526  towards the heat exchangers  26 . The placement of the internal frame members  546  serves to oppose this tendency of the filtering material  526  to move toward the heat exchangers  26  and limit vibration and other movement within the lint filter  510 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  37 - 41   , the lint filter  510  can be positioned and secured within the filter receptacle  512  within the airflow path  20 . The outer blocking flange  518  is typically not included within a bottom edge  570  of the lint filter  510 . This configuration makes the bottom edge  570  of the frame for the lint filter  510  have a thinner profile that can seat within a bottom recess  572  of the filter receptacle  512  defined within a bottom wall  574  of the airflow path  20 . Through this thinner configuration, the bottom edge  570  of the lint filter  510  is disposed at a lower position with the inside surface  514  of the airflow path  20 . In this manner, the filtering material  526  of the lint filter  510  extends from near top edge  576  of the bottom recess  572  that is substantially at the level of the inside surface  514  and extends upward through the airflow path  20 . By seating the outer frame  542  of the lint filter  510  within the bottom recess  572 , the outer frame  542  can be positioned within the filter receptacle  512  so that a maximum amount of the filtering material  526  of the lint filter  510  can be exposed for capturing lint particles  64  as process air  24  moves through the airflow path  20  and through the filtering material  526  of the lint filter  510 . Additionally, because the blocking flange  518  of the lint filter  510  is not contained within the bottom edge  570  of the lint filter  510 , the lint filter  510  is able to sit lower within the airflow path  20  so that the bottom edge  570  of the lint filter  510  can be entirely or substantially seated within the bottom recess  572  of the filter receptacle  512 . By seating the bottom edge  570  of the outer frame  542  within the bottom recess  572 , this engagement also substantially forms a seal  524  at the bottom edge  570  of the lint filter  510  so that process air  24  is substantially unable to circumvent the lint filter  510 . The process air  24  is thereby directed through the filtering material  526  of the lint filter  510 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  32 - 41   , the blocking flange  518  extends upward along the opposing vertical sides  522  of the lint filter  510 . The filter receptacle  512  defined within the airflow path  20  includes vertical walls  590  that engage a forward surface  592  of the blocking flange  518 . Similarly, the top area of the filter receptacle  512  includes a top recess  594  that engages the forward surface  592  of the blocking flange  518 . To secure the forward surface  592  of the blocking flange  518  against the vertical walls  590  and top recess  594  of the airflow path  20 , the filter receptacle  512  can include a plurality of tabs  596  that engage a rearward surface  598  of the blocking flange  518 . Accordingly, the blocking flange  518  is secured between the vertical walls  590  and top recess  594  of the airflow path  20  on the forward side. The various tabs  596  that extend at least along the top and bottom of the airflow path  20  engage the rearward surface  598  of the lint filter  510 . Accordingly, the forward and rearward surfaces  592 ,  598  of the lint filter  510  are secured in the filter receptacle  512 . This secure engagement that defines the filter receptacle  512  is configured to maintain the lint filter  510  in a fixed position. The filter receptacle  512  is further configured to minimize and/or substantially eliminate vibration experienced by the lint filter  510  within the lint filter receptacle  512  during operation of the appliance  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  9 - 13 ,  39  and  41   , the lint filter  510  can be seated within the filter seat  232  of the heat exchange plate  190 . The filter seat  232  is typically configured to define the bottom recess  572  of the lint filter receptacle  512 . The various tabs  596  can be defined by the support structures  240  that extend across or through the condensate drain  230  that is positioned downstream of the lint filter  510 . These support structures  240  can maintain the position of the filter seat  232  and also secure the lint filter  510  within the filter seat  232  to minimize vibration or other movement. The support structures  240  acting as the tabs  596  for the filter receptacle  512  also maintain the positioning of the lint filter  510  in relation to the condensate drain  230  downstream of the lint filter  510  and the condensate opening  250  upstream of the lint filter  510 . Through this configuration, the movement of condensate  36  and the fluid and lint mixture  412  can be substantially unimpeded through the fixed positioning of the lint filter  510  within the filter seat  232  and the filter receptacle  512  of the airflow path  20 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  9 ,  10 ,  18  and  37 - 40   , the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  of the fluid spray system  110  can also define a portion of the filter receptacle  512 . In such an embodiment, a body  610  of each of the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  can engage a front surface  612  of the outer frame  542  for the lint filter  510 . This engagement between the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  and the lint filter  510  serves to further secure the position of the lint filter  510 . This configuration also sets the positioning of the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  in relation to the filtering material  526  contained within the lint filter  510 . By fixing the position of the first and second spray nozzles  116 ,  118  with respect to the lint filter  510 , the spray sequence  160  performed by the fluid spray system  110  can be maintained as a substantially consistent fluid spray  112  that is directed to a surface of the filtering material  526  of the lint filter  510 . Typically, the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  direct the fluid spray  112  toward the upstream surface  540  of the lint filter  510 . However, other spray configurations can be implemented, such as spraying the fluid spray  112  through the downstream surface  562  of the lint filter  510 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  9 ,  10  and  37 - 40   , the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118 , during operation of the particular spray sequence, direct a flow of fluid spray  112  onto a surface of the lint filter  510 . The inclusion of the internal frame members  546  serves to provide support to the filtering material  526  and maintains the positioning of the filtering material  526  during the spray sequence  160 . During a particular spray sequence  160 , the force of the spray fluid  112  emanating from the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  may tend to push or otherwise bias the filtering material  526  toward the heat exchangers  26 . By including the internal frame members  546  against a downstream surface  562  of the filtering material  526 , the position of the filtering material  526  can remain substantially consistent over the life of the appliance  12 . This consistent positioning of the filtering material  526  also provides for a substantially consistent fluid spray  112  during a spray sequence  160  for effective removal of lint particles  64  from the upstream surface  540  of the filtering material  526 . 
     While the term “non-removable” may be used to describe the nature of the lint filter  510 , the term “non-removable” is used to describe the lint filter  510  as being held in place and not removed for cleaning after each drying cycle. Rather, the lint filter  510  may be periodically removed during service calls that are conducted by a service professional working on the appliance  12 . Through the fixed location of the lint filter  510  within the lint filter receptacle  512 , the lint filter  510  can be removed from the lint filter receptacle  512  by removing a portion of the airflow path  20  that defines the lint filter receptacle  512 . By way of example, and not limitation, a cover member  620  of the airflow path  20  near the heat exchangers  26  for the airflow path  20  may be removed and the lint filter  510  can be separated from the lint filter receptacle  512  for maintenance, repair, routine cleaning or replacement. 
     Additionally, in various aspects of the device, the lint filter  510  can be a removable-type lint filter that can be separated from the lint filter receptacle  512  by a user of the appliance  12 . In such an embodiment, this removal of the lint filter  510  may be accomplished by separating various portions of the lint filter receptacle  512  so that the lint filter  510  can be removed from the airflow path  20 . Typically, the lint filter  510  is substantially non-removable and is configured for periodic removal from the airflow path  20  by a service professional during maintenance of the appliance  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  30 - 41   , in order to fix the position of the lint filter  510  within the filter receptacle  512 , either the outer frame  542  for the lint filter  510  or a portion of the lint filter receptacle  512  can include an elastomeric member. This elastomeric member may act as a damper to absorb vibration or other movement that may be experienced by the lint filter  510  during operation of the appliance  12 . Such an elastomeric member can typically be made of a heat-resistant material that can withstand temperatures experienced within the airflow path  20  during a particular drying operation. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  32 - 41   , the lint filter  510  includes the blocking flange  518  that extends outward from a top side  520  and the opposing vertical sides  522  of the lint filter  510 . As discussed previously, this blocking flange  518  is not included within the bottom edge  570  of the lint filter  510  so that the bottom edge  570  can seat lower within the lint filter receptacle  512  to maximize the amount of the filtering material  526  that extends across the airflow path  20  for capturing lint particles  64  present within the process air  24  being directed from the drum  14  and to the heat exchangers  26 . 
     According to various aspects of the device, the lint filter  510  can include a unitary plastic frame that includes the outer frame  542 , the continuous blocking flange  518  and the internal frame members  546 . The filtering material  526  can be attached to the perimeter frame and can extend across the internal frame members  546  as a single piece of a filtering material  526 . It is also contemplated that the internal frame members  546  can be separate members that are attached to the outer frame  542 . Additionally, the lint filter  510  can be made of various materials that can include, but are not limited to, plastic, metals, composite materials, various polymers, combinations thereof, and other similar materials. The filtering material  526  can be made of various filtering media that can include, but is not limited to, metallic wire mesh, plastic wire mesh, a perforated member, fibrous filtering media, and other similar filtering material  526  that can capture lint particles  64  and also be washed by the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  through operation of the fluid spray system  110 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  9 ,  10  and  31 - 41   , the lint filter  510  is separated into three filtering sections  560  through the inclusion of the internal frame members  546 . It is contemplated that the number of spray nozzles  52  included in the fluid spray system  110  can match the number of filtering sections  560  within the lint filter  510 . Accordingly, with three filtering sections  560 , three spray nozzles  52  may be included. Additionally, as exemplified in  FIGS.  31  and  40   , two spray nozzles  52  can be used to spray fluid onto a plurality of filtering sections  560  that may not match the number of spray nozzles  52  of the fluid spray system  110 . The inclusion of the internal frame members  546 , in certain respects, supports the positioning of the filtering material  526  from behind to prevent deflection or other displacement of the filtering material  526  toward the heat exchanger  26 . Such deflection or displacement may negatively affect the performance of the lint filter  510  in capturing lint particles  64  and receiving the fluid spray  112  from the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  for cleaning lint particles  64  off from the lint filter  510 . 
     According to various aspects of the device, the lint filter  510  can include a plurality of filtering members that can be placed sequentially within a position upstream of the heat exchanger  26 . In such an embodiment, each filtering member may have its own dedicated set of spray nozzles  52  for directing fluid to the respective filter member for cleaning lint particles  64  off from a surface of the particular filter member. The number of filter members within the airflow path  20  can include a single filter member or a plurality of filter members. The number of filter members can vary depending upon the design of the appliance  12  and the various performance parameters of the particular appliance  12 . 
     According to various aspects of the device as exemplified in  FIGS.  37 - 39   , the lint filter  510  can be disposed at an inclined angle  630  so that a bottom edge  570  of the lint filter  510  is positioned closer to the heat exchangers  26  and the top side  520  of the lint filter  510  is positioned farther from the heat exchangers  26 . In this manner, the upstream surface  540  of the lint filter  510  slopes away from the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118 . Because the upstream surface  540  of the lint filter  510  is positioned at an inclined angle  630 , the fluid spray  112  emanating from the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  can more efficiently direct the entrapped lint particles  64  down the upstream surface  540  of the lint filter  510  and through the condensate opening  250 . The inclined angle  630  also assists in preventing the entrapped lint particles  64  from stacking up at the bottom edge  570  of the lint filter  510 . Rather, the upstream surface  540  of the lint filter  510  having the inclined angle  630  is conveniently suited to allow the lint particles  64  to fall away from the upstream surface  540  and be directed into the condensate opening  250  for removal into the drain channel  38  for the appliance  12 . In various aspects of the device, the inclined angle  630  places a portion of the lint filter  510  over the condensate opening  250 . By angling the upstream surface  540  of the lint filter  510 , gravity assists in pulling the entrapped lint particles  64  away from the upstream surface  540  of the lint filter  510  and moving the lint particles  64  toward the condensate opening  250  for removal. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  42 - 44   , various aspects of the device can include a lint filter  510  that can be removed, typically, by a service technician during a service call. For allowing convenient removal of the lint filter  510 , the filter receptacle  512  that is defined within the inside surface  514  of the airflow path  20  can also include a filter aperture  640  disposed within one of the vertical walls  590  that define the basement  242 . The filter aperture  640  can allow for slidable engagement of the lint filter  510  into and out from the airflow path  20 . The lint filter  510  can include a securing flange  642  that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the outer frame  542  for the lint filter  510 . This securing flange  642  can be used to secure the lint filter  510  to the vertical wall  590  of the basement  242  at the filter aperture  640 . Various fasteners  646  such as screws, clips, hasps, clasps, hooks, and other similar fixing mechanisms can be used to selectively secure the securing flange  642  of the lint filter  510  against the outer surface  644  of the basement  242 . This configuration allows the lint filter  510  to be securely placed within the airflow path  20  such that the lint filter  510  experiences a minimal amount of vibration, if any, during operation of the appliance  12 . 
     As exemplified in  FIG.  43   , during a service call, the individual servicing the appliance  12  can remove the fasteners  646  from the securing flange  642  and can slidably remove the lint filter  510  from the filter receptacle  512  and through the filter aperture  640  defined within the vertical wall  590  of the basement  242 . To assist in securing the lint filter  510  to the vertical wall  590 , a gasket  650 , such as an elastomeric gasket, can be placed between the securing flange  642  of the lint filter  510  and the outer surface  644  of the vertical wall  590 . This gasket  650  can be used to further secure the lint filter  510  within the filter receptacle  512 . The compression of the gasket  650  serves to absorb at least a portion of the vibrations that may be experienced in the basement  242 , so that the lint filter  510  experiences a minimal amount of vibration during operation of the appliance  12 . This configuration also serves to minimize the amount of noise that emanates from the lint filter  510  during operation of the appliance  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  43  and  44   , the lint filter  510  can include a support portion  660  that extends between the securing flange  642  and the outer frame  542  extending around the filtering material  526  for the lint filter  510 . When the lint filter  510  is installed within the filter receptacle  512 , the support portion  660  extends between the vertical wall  590  and the airflow path  20  and allows for accurate positioning of the filtering material  526  within the airflow path  20 . Accordingly, using the support portion  660  of the lint filter  510 , substantially all of the filtering material  526  is placed within the airflow path  20 . Various reinforcing ribs  662  can be placed within the support portion  660 . These reinforcing ribs  662  can also extend around portions of the outer frame  542  to reinforce the lint filter  510  and minimize vibration of the outer frame  542  and the support portion  660  during operation of the appliance  12 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  42 - 44   , the filter receptacle  512  can be in the form of a slidably engageable slot within which the lint filter  510  can be slidably operated between an installed position  670  and a removed position  672 . To slidably engage the filter receptacle  512 , the blocking flange  518  of the lint filter  510  can be disposed along the top side  520  and one of the vertical sides of the lint filter  510 . As discussed previously, the blocking flange  518  along the top side  520  is adapted to engage the top recess  594  of the filter receptacle  512  that includes the various tabs  596  and the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118 . In such an embodiment, the blocking flange  518  typically does not extend along the vertical side of the lint filter  510  that is adjacent to the filter aperture  640 . Rather, the support portion  660  engages a portion of the basement  242  to align the lint filter  510  within the airflow path  20  and secure the lint filter  510  within the filter receptacle  512  disposed within the basement  242  of the appliance  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  37 - 44   , the top and bottom recesses  594 ,  572  are typically aligned with at least a portion of the filter aperture  640  such that the top and bottom recesses  594 ,  572  cooperatively define a sliding channel  680  through which the lint filter  510  can be manipulated between the installed and removed positions  670 ,  672 . The tabs  596  of the top and bottom recesses  594 ,  572  as well as the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118  can be used to define the sliding channel  680  and properly align the lint filter  510  as it is being slidably inserted into the filter receptacle  512  to define the installed position  670 . Where a vertical side  522  of the lint filter  510  engages one of the tabs  596  or the first and second nozzles  116 ,  118 , a person operating the lint filter  510  receives feedback that the lint filter  510  is properly aligned within the lint filter receptacle  512 . The feedback provided by the top and bottom recesses  594 ,  572  helps to ensure that the lint filter  510  is properly and securely placed within the filter receptacle  512 . As discussed previously, when the lint filter  510  is in the installed position  670  within the filter receptacle  512 , the lint filter  510  experiences minimal amounts of vibration. In this manner, minimal amounts of noise emanate from the lint filter  510  during operation of the appliance  12 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  42  and  43   , the filter aperture  640  disposed within the vertical wall  590  of the basement  242  can include an outer recess  690  that receives the securing flange  642 . The outer recess  690  can be used to receive the securing flange  642  of the lint filter  510  and inform the user of the appliance  12  that the lint filter  510  is fully installed within the filter receptacle  512 . Typically, the gasket  650  is disposed within the outer recess  690 . This configuration can also further assist in minimizing the amount of vibration experienced by the lint filter  510  during operation of the appliance  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  5 - 6 ,  25 - 29 ,  45  and  46   , condensate  36  that has been removed by the heat exchangers  26  is delivered to the drain channel  38 . This condensate  36  flows through the drain channel  38  and is directed to the sump  410  where a sump pump  414  selectively operates to deliver the condensate  36  to other portions of the appliance  12  or out of the appliance  12  for eventual disposal. The sump  410  can also be used to collect lint particles  64  that have been cleaned from various portions of the appliance  12 . The sump pump  414  that is disposed within the sump area  710  can be in the form of a washer-type pump that is able to move condensate  36  as well as various particulate material, such as lint particles  64 , from the sump area  710  to other portions of the appliance  12  for use or disposal. The condensate  36  and the fluid and lint mixture  412  can each be defined as a sump fluid  728  that is moved into the sump area  710  and transported therefrom by the sump pump  414 . The other portions of the appliance  12  that the sump pump  414  can deliver the sump fluid  728  to can include, but are not limited to, various spray nozzles  52 , a removable bottle  56 , a drum  14 , various cooling functions of the appliance  12 , combinations thereof, and other similar locations. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  25 - 29  and  45 - 46   , the sump area  710  can include a multi-component fluid sensor  720  that controls activation and deactivation of the sump pump  414 . Using a multi-component fluid sensor  720 , the amount of sump fluid  728  within the sump  410  may be used to control the various operating cycles  722  of the sump pump  414 . The multi-component fluid sensor  720  can include an upper sensor  724  that detects when the level of sump fluid  728  reaches a maximum capacity  726 . When the sump fluid  728  reaches this maximum capacity  726 , the upper sensor  724  triggers activation of the sump pump  414 . Once activated, the sump pump  414  delivers at least a portion of the sump fluid  728  from the sump area  710  to another portion of the appliance  12 . During operation of a particular drying function  30  of the appliance  12 , when the upper sensor  724  detects that the level of condensate  36  is at the maximum capacity  726 , the sump pump  414  will initiate an operating cycle  722  to remove, typically, only that amount of sump fluid  728  to leave approximately a minimum capacity  730  of sump fluid  728  within the sump area  710 . This minimum capacity  730  of sump fluid  728  can be used for accomplishing various spray sequences  160  of the appliance  12 , as will be described more fully below. 
     When the sump fluid  728  has been detected as being at this maximum capacity  726 , the sump pump  414  activates to remove at least a portion of the sump fluid  728  to a removable bottle  56  or to an external drain to prevent overflow of sump fluid  728  out of the drain channel  38  and also out of the sump area  710 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  25 - 29  and  45 - 46   , the multi-component fluid sensor  720  also includes a lower sensor  740  that detects when the level of sump fluid  728  reaches the minimum capacity  730 . When the level of sump fluid  728  is below this minimum capacity  730 , a control for the appliance  12  can place the sump pump  414  in an idle state  742 , such that the sump pump  414  is not typically activated. The minimum capacity  730  of sump fluid  728  being within the sump pump  414  ensures that an appropriate amount of sump fluid  728  is contained within the sump pump  414  for accomplishing a particular spray sequence  160  of the appliance  12 . Such spray sequences  160  can include a particular cleaning cycle where a lint filter  510 , coil of a heat exchanger  26 , or other surface of the appliance  12  is cleaned using sump fluid  728  contained within the sump pump  414 . 
     Where the amount of sump fluid  728  within the sump pump  414  is below this minimum capacity  730 , there may be an insufficient amount of sump fluid  728  for accomplishing an uninterrupted spray sequence  160 . Where insufficient sump fluid  728  exists, operation of a particular operating cycle  722  of the sump pump  414  may result in the sump pump  414  moving air, rather than the sump fluid  728 . The movement of air through the sump pump  414  may result in overexertion of the sump pump  414 , wasted energy, and potentially damage to the sump pump  414  and other portions of the appliance  12 . By ensuring that at least a minimum capacity  730  of sump fluid  728  is contained within the sump pump  414 , the multi-component fluid sensor  720  can be utilized to ensure uninterrupted efficient performance of an operating cycle  722  of the sump pump  414  during operation of the appliance  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  25 - 29  and  45 - 46   , after the amount of sump fluid  728  within the sump pump  414  reaches the minimum capacity  730 , the minimum capacity  730  of sump fluid  728  is detected by the lower sensor  740 . Again, the sump fluid  728  may be only condensate  36  or may be the fluid and lint mixture  412  that includes both condensate  36  and lint particles  64 . The lower sensor  740  can then send a signal to a control to place the sump pump  414  in an activated state  750 . In this activated state  750 , the sump pump  414  is typically able to be activated where initiation of a spray sequence  160  of the appliance  12  is necessary or where movement of sump fluid  728  from the sump area  710  is necessary, such as when the amount of sump fluid  728  in the sump area  710  reaches the maximum capacity  726 . Again, the multi-component fluid sensor  720  may also be used to ensure that the minimum capacity  730  of sump fluid  728  is contained within the sump area  710 . In this manner, during an operating cycle  722 , the sump pump  414  will have a substantially continuous supply of condensate  36  during a spray sequence  160  and the sump pump  414  will be substantially prevented from pumping quantities of air, which may cause damage to the sump pump  414 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  5 - 6 ,  25 - 29  and  45 - 46   , during a particular spray sequence  160  of the appliance  12 , the sump pump  414  in the activated state  750  is operated to deliver sump fluid  728  to the spray nozzle  52  that is used to clean the particulate material such as lint particles  64  from a surface of the lint filter  510 , or from a surface of a coil of a heat exchanger  26 . The spray nozzle  52  can also be used to clean other surfaces of an appliance  12 , such as a heat exchange plate  190 , the drain channel  38 , the sump area  170 , the drum  14 , or other portions of the appliance  12 . The sump fluid  728  delivered by the sump pump  414  and used to clean the surface of the appliance  12  is then delivered back to the drain channel  38  and then on to the sump area  170 . In this manner, the sump pump  414  may recirculate the sump fluid  728  during performance of the particular spray sequence  160 . As discussed above, to account for the recirculation of lint particles  64  within the sump fluid  728 , the sump pump  414  can be a washer-type pump that is configured to move these particles of matter in the form of lint particles  64  and other particulate material may be contained within the sump fluid  728 . Because the sump fluid  728  is recirculated during a particular spray sequence  160 , it is typically not necessary that additional fluid be added to the sump area  170  to perform the particular spray sequence  160 . In this manner, so long as the minimum capacity  730  of sump fluid  728  is contained within the sump area  170 , the recirculating function of the sump pump  414  for delivering sump fluid  728  to the spray nozzles  52  is typically sufficient to accomplish the entire spray sequence  160 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  5 - 6 ,  25 - 29  and  45 - 46   , at the completion of a particular drying function  30 , a certain amount of sump fluid  728  will typically be contained within the sump area  170 . This sump fluid  728 , at the end of the drying function  30  will be moved by the sump pump  414  to a separate area of the appliance  12  for disposal. This separate area may be in the form of the removable bottle  56  or may be an outlet for moving the sump fluid  728  to an external drain outside of the appliance  12 . During this final drain operation  760  at the end of the drying function  30 , a signal is provided, typically by a control, to initiate an override  762  to the multi-component fluid level sensor  460 . This override  762  allows the amount of sump fluid  728  within the sump area  170  to drop below the minimum capacity  730  while maintaining operation of the sump pump  414  for removing the sump fluid  728  from the sump area  170  to after completion of the drying function  30 . This override  762  can also be in the form of a deactivation or suspension of the multi-component fluid sensor  720 . In either instance, the sump pump  414  may be activated when the level of sump fluid  728  within the sump pump  414  is above or below the minimum capacity  730  that is detectable by the lower sensor  740  of the multi-component fluid sensor  720 . 
     According to various aspects of the device, the multi-component fluid sensor  720  can be in the form of a single elongated member with a plurality of sensors disposed thereon. Along the elongated member, the upper and lower sensors  724 ,  740  and other intermediary sensors may also be located on the single member. When the sump fluid  728  engages a particular portion of the multi-component fluid sensor  720 , various communications can be sent to a control or directly to the sump pump  414  for defining the activated and idle states  750 ,  742  and also for operating the sump pump  414  during and after performance of a particular drying function  30 . In various aspects of the device, the multi-component fluid sensor  720  can include separate members that are spaced at different locations within the sump area  170 . These locations can be indicative of different levels of sump fluid  728  that correspond to at least the minimum capacity  730  and maximum capacity  726  of the sump area  170 . 
     In various aspects of the device, the multi-component fluid sensor  720  can provide information regarding other levels of sump fluid  728  within the sump area  170 . In addition to the minimum and maximum capacity  730 ,  726 , additional portions of the multi-component fluid sensor  720  can provide information concerning the amount of sump fluid  728  that may be needed for separate spray sequences  160 . By way of example, and not limitation, a spray sequence  160  for cleaning a lint filter  510  may require a different amount of sump fluid  728  than a spray sequence  160  for cleaning the coil of a heat exchanger  26  or a spray sequence  160  for cleaning a surface of a heat exchange plate  190 . Additionally, components of the multi-component fluid sensor  720  may be used for deactivating the sump pump  414 , such as during operation of the sump pump  414  for removing excess sump fluid  728  when the level of sump fluid  728  within the sump area  710  reaches the maximum capacity  726 . In such an embodiment, the lower sensor  740  may detect when the level of sump fluid  728  within the sump area  170  being pumped away from the sump area  170  reaches the minimum capacity  730 . At this minimum capacity  730 , the lower sensor  740  may deactivate the sump pump  414  to maintain this minimum capacity  730  of sump fluid  728  within the sump area  170 . Additional portions of the multi-component fluid sensor  720  can be incorporated for accomplishing similar functions for activating and deactivating the sump pump  414  and also for placing the sump pump  414  in the activated and idle states  750 ,  742 . 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described device and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the device disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in  FIG.  1   . However, it is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. 
     It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 
     The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.