阅读说明：本技术 洗碗机水槽和洗碗机设备 (Dish washer basin and dish washer equipment ) 是由 B·梅根博格 J·海因茨 M·H·约克 N·伊万斯 于 2020-06-03 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种洗碗设备可以包括水槽。水槽可以包括被配置为与洗碗设备的洗涤室联接的集水盘。水槽可以包括联接至集水盘并且被配置为从集水盘收集液体的集水井。集水井可以包括与集水盘连通的井口。集水盘可以将液体输送至井口。再循环端口延伸穿过集水井的第一壁。排放端口可以延伸穿过集水井的第二壁。第二壁限定集水井的底部。洗碗设备可以包括控制器。控制器可以监测泵的电特性。在流体没有流过泵时控制器可以提供通知。(A dishwashing appliance may include a sink. The sink may include a water collection tray configured to be coupled with a washing chamber of the dishwasher appliance. The trough may include a sump well coupled to the sump and configured to collect liquid from the sump. The water collection well may include a wellhead in communication with the water collection tray. The water collection tray may deliver liquid to the wellhead. The recirculation port extends through the first wall of the sump well. The drain port may extend through the second wall of the sump well. The second wall defines a bottom of the sump well. The dishwasher appliance may include a controller. The controller may monitor the electrical characteristics of the pump. The controller may provide a notification when fluid is not flowing through the pump.)

1. A sink for a dishwashing appliance having a washing chamber, the sink being connected to a recirculation pump, comprising:

a water collection tray comprising a tray opening, the water collection tray being coupled with the washing chamber and the tray opening being arranged to receive liquid from the washing chamber; and

a sump well coupled to the sump and configured to collect liquid from the sump, the sump well comprising:

a wellhead in communication with the water collection tray to receive liquid from the water collection tray;

a recirculation port extending through a first wall of the sump well, wherein the recirculation port is configured to provide liquid from the sump well to the recirculation pump;

a drain port extending through a second wall of the sump well, wherein the second wall defines a bottom of the sump well; and

wherein the water collection tray and the water collection well are formed from a single piece of material to avoid seams and joints between the water collection tray and the water collection well.

2. The sink of claim 1, wherein the water collection tray comprises:

a lip configured to couple with the washing chamber of the dishwasher appliance; and

a liquid containing portion corresponding to a highest level of liquid within the sink and below the lip.

3. The sink as recited in any one of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a recirculation flange coupled to the first wall of the sump well, wherein the recirculation flange is in communication with the recirculation port, and the recirculation flange is configured to couple with a hose.

4. The sink as recited in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the recirculation port is located remotely from the drain port.

5. A dishwasher appliance comprising:

a washing chamber; and

a sink, comprising:

a water collection tray comprising a tray opening, wherein the water collection tray is configured to couple with the washing chamber and the tray opening is configured to receive liquid from the washing chamber; and

a sump well coupled to the sump and configured to collect liquid from the sump, the sump well comprising:

a wellhead in communication with the water collection tray, wherein the water collection tray is configured to deliver liquid to the wellhead;

a recirculation port extending through a first wall of the sump well, wherein the recirculation port is configured to provide liquid to a recirculation pump;

a drain port extending through a second wall of the sump well, wherein the second wall defines a bottom of the sump well; and

wherein the water collection tray and the water collection well are formed from a single piece of material.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:

a base comprising a service compartment, wherein the washing chamber is coupled to the base and the sink is positioned at least partially within the service compartment; and

an assembly hingedly coupled to the base, wherein the assembly is movable to enhance access to the service bay.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the maximum level of liquid in the sump is below an interface at which the washing chamber is coupled to the sump.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the washing chamber is coupled with a lip of the sink, and the lip is positioned between the highest level of liquid and the washing chamber.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 5 to 8, further comprising:

a diaphragm pump in communication with the washing chamber and configured to supply cleaning product to the washing chamber during operation of the diaphragm pump; and

a controller comprising a processor, the controller configured to:

monitoring one or more electrical characteristics of the diaphragm pump;

determining a fluid flow metric indicative of whether fluid flows through the diaphragm pump during operation of the diaphragm pump based on the monitored electrical characteristic of the pump; and

providing a notification when fluid does not flow through the diaphragm pump during operation of the diaphragm pump based on the fluid flow metric.

10. A dishwasher appliance comprising:

a cleaning product reservoir configured to store a cleaning product;

a diaphragm pump in communication with the cleaning product reservoir and configured to supply the cleaning product to a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance during operation of the diaphragm pump; and

a controller comprising a processor, the controller configured to:

monitoring one or more electrical characteristics of the diaphragm pump; and

determining a fluid flow metric indicative of whether fluid is flowing through the diaphragm pump during operation of the diaphragm pump based on the monitored electrical characteristic of the pump.

11. The dishwasher appliance of claim 10, wherein the controller comprising the processor is further configured to: providing a notification when fluid does not flow through the diaphragm pump during operation of the diaphragm pump based on the fluid flow metric.

12. A dishwasher device according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the controller comprising the processor is further configured to:

comparing the monitored electrical characteristic of the diaphragm pump to a characteristic threshold; and

providing the notification when the monitored electrical characteristic exceeds the characteristic threshold.

13. A dishwasher appliance according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the controller comprising the processor is further configured to:

monitoring the current consumed by the diaphragm pump;

comparing the current drawn by the diaphragm pump to a current threshold; and

providing a blockage notification when the current drawn by the diaphragm pump exceeds the current threshold, the blockage notification indicating whether the pump is blocked.

14. A dishwasher device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the controller comprising the processor is further configured to:

monitoring a voltage difference across the diaphragm pump;

comparing the voltage difference across the diaphragm pump to a voltage threshold; and

providing a depletion notification when the voltage difference across the diaphragm pump exceeds the voltage threshold, the depletion notification indicating whether the cleaning product reservoir is depleted.

15. A dishwasher appliance according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the controller comprising the processor is further configured to: modulate the diaphragm pump to prime the diaphragm pump when the controller determines that the diaphragm pump has pumped gas.

Background

The dishwasher may clean articles (e.g., dishes, utensils, etc.). The dishwasher may include a washing chamber, and the articles may be positioned in the washing chamber. Dishwashers may spray liquid within a washing chamber to clean articles. The liquid may flow within the washing chamber and the liquid may be received by the sink.

Drawings

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like reference numerals with different letter suffixes may indicate different instances of like components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various implementations discussed in this document.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an example of a dishwashing appliance, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 illustrates another isometric view of an example of a dishwashing appliance, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of an example of a sump and pump system according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the sink of fig. 3, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 5 illustrates another perspective view of the example sink of fig. 3, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of an example of the sink of fig. 3, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 illustrates another perspective view of the example dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of an example of the dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an example machine, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 10 illustrates a schematic view of an example of the sink of fig. 3, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

Detailed Description

The present inventors have recognized that a problem to be solved may include reducing the amount of liquid (e.g., water) used during operation of a dishwasher. Such problems can be solved by reducing pitting phenomena circulating the liquid through the pump of the dishwasher. Sinks for dishwashing appliances may provide a solution to these problems. For example, the water reservoir may help provide a flow of liquid to the pump to help prevent pitting phenomena. The sink may include a water collection tray having a tray opening. The water collection tray may be configured to be coupled with a washing chamber of the dishwasher appliance. The dish port can be configured to receive liquid from the washing chamber. The sump may be coupled to the sump and the sump may be configured to collect liquid from the sump. The water collection well may include a wellhead in communication with the water collection tray. The water collection tray may deliver liquid to the wellhead. The sump well may include a recirculation port extending through a first wall of the sump well. The recirculation port may be configured to provide liquid to the recirculation pump. The water collection tray and the water collection well may be a single piece of material.

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an example of a dishwasher appliance 100 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In some examples, the dishwashing apparatus 100 is sized and shaped to fit under a countertop. In another example, the dishwasher apparatus 100 is sized and shaped for counter top use. The dishwasher device 100 may include a washing chamber 110 (e.g., tub, chamber, container, etc.). Articles positioned in the washing chamber 110 may be cleaned (e.g., washed, scrubbed, disinfected, sterilized, etc.) during operation of the dishwasher appliance 100. For example, dishware (e.g., glasses, cups, silverware, plates, etc.), medical instruments, etc. may be cleaned by the dishwashing apparatus 100.

The wash arm 120 may be positioned in the wash chamber 110, and the wash arm 120 may spray a liquid (e.g., water, a solution of water and soap, a solution of water and detergent, etc.). The wash arm 120 may rotate within the wash chamber 110 to clean items positioned in the wash chamber 110.

The washing chamber 110 may be at least partially defined by a body 130 (e.g., a frame, a support structure, etc.) of the dishwasher appliance 100. The door 140 may be movably coupled to the body 130, and the door 140 may provide access to the washing chamber 110. The door 140 may help prevent liquid from escaping from the washing chamber 110 during operation of the dishwasher device 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates another isometric view of an example of a dishwasher appliance 100 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Portions of the dishwasher appliance 100, such as the door 140, have been hidden in FIG. 2 for clarity.

The dishwasher device 100 may include a sump 200. The sump 200 may receive liquid flowing within the washing chamber 110 during operation of the dishwasher device 100. For example, the sink 200 may be coupled to the main body 130 of the dishwasher device 100. The sump 200 may define a bottom of the washing chamber 110, and the liquid in the washing chamber 110 may be drained into the sump 200.

The dishwasher device 100 may include a base 210, and the body 130 may be coupled to the base 210. The base 210 may define a service compartment 220 of the dishwasher device 100. As described in greater detail herein, the service compartment 220 may house one or more components of the dishwasher device 100. Sink 200 may be positioned between washing chamber 110 and service compartment 220. For example, sink 200 may separate the service compartment from washing chamber 110.

Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of an example of a sink 200 and pump system 300 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The sink 200 may extend at least partially into the service compartment 220. The pump system 300 may include a pump 310, and the pump 310 may recirculate liquid within the dishwasher device 100. For example, one or more hoses 320 may interconnect the tank 200 with the pump system 300, and the tank 200 may provide liquid to the pump 310. The pump system 300 may help facilitate the draining of liquid from the dishwasher device 100. The pump system 300 may help facilitate recirculation of liquid within the dishwasher device 100. In one example, the pump system 300 can supply liquid to the wash arm 120, for example, to facilitate spraying of the liquid with the wash arm 120.

The sink 200 can include a water collection tray 330, and the water collection tray 330 can include a tray opening 340. The tray opening 340 can receive liquid from the washing chamber 110. For example, liquid may be sprayed by the wash arm 120 (e.g., as shown in fig. 1), and liquid may flow within the wash chamber 110 to the dish port 340, and liquid may be received by the sump 330 (e.g., drained, dripped, flowed, or the like).

The sink 200 may include a sump well 350. The sump 350 may be coupled to the sump 330, and the sump 350 may receive liquid from the sump 330. In one example, sump 350 may collect liquid from sump 330 (and washing chamber 11). For example, liquid received by the water collection tray 330 may flow into the water collection well 350, and the water collection well 350 may collect the liquid.

As described herein, the water tank 200 may provide liquid to the pump 310. For example, recirculation flange 360 may be coupled to sink 200, e.g., flange 360 may be coupled to sump well 350. In one example, flange 360 may be coupled to sump 350 at an angle (e.g., relative to a wall of sump 350).

Recirculation flange 360 may facilitate connecting sink 200 with hose 320. Liquid collected by the sump well 350 may flow out of the sump well 350, through the recirculation flange 360 and the hose 320, and may flow into the pump 310. The water tank 200 may help reduce the occurrence of cavitation in the pump 310. For example, the water collection tray 330 and the water collection well 250 may cooperate to reduce the occurrence of cavitation within the pump 310, e.g., by providing a consistent flow of liquid to the pump 310.

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the sink 200 of fig. 3, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The tank 200 may include a wellhead 400. Wellhead 400 may be in communication with water collection tray 330, and water collection tray 330 may convey liquid to wellhead 400 through wellhead 400. For example, the water collection tray 330 may include an inclined wall 410, and the inclined wall 410 may facilitate drainage of liquid into the water collection well 350 (e.g., through the wellhead 400). The sloped wall 410 may facilitate liquid collection in the water collection tray 330 and in the water collection well 350.

The sink 200 may include a lip 420, and the lip 420 may facilitate coupling of the sink 200 with other components of the dishwasher device 100, e.g., the sink 200 may be coupled to the body 130 or the washing chamber 110 (e.g., as shown in fig. 1). The sump 200 may be coupled to the main body 130 (or the washing chamber 110) by a welding operation, fasteners, or the like.

The tank 200 may include a liquid containing portion 430, and the liquid containing portion 430 may correspond to a maximum level 440 of liquid within the tank 200. In one example, the sink 200 may be sized and shaped to have a volume greater than the volume of liquid introduced into the dishwasher device 100. For example, 1.5 gallons of liquid may be introduced into the dishwasher device 100, and the sink may be sized and shaped to hold 2 gallons of liquid. Thus, the level of liquid in the tank 200 cannot exceed the maximum level 440.

Positioning the maximum level 440 of liquid below the lip 420 may be positioned below the lip 420 (e.g., the maximum level 440 may be remote from the lip 420. because the lip 420 may be coupled to the body 130 (or the washing chamber 110), a seam (e.g., a weld bead, a gasket line, etc.) may be positioned between the lip 420 and the body 130 (or the washing chamber 110). accordingly, positioning the maximum level 440 below the lip 420 may facilitate preventing leakage of the dishwasher apparatus 100.

Fig. 5 illustrates another perspective view of the example sink 200 of fig. 3, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The water tank 200 may include a recirculation port 500. The recirculation port 500 may extend through the sump well 350, for example, through a first wall 510 of the sump well 350. The recirculation port 500 can help provide liquid to the pump system 300 (e.g., pump 310). Recirculation flange 360 (e.g., as shown in fig. 3) may be coupled to sump well 550, and recirculation flange 360 may be in communication with recirculation port 500. Liquid may flow from recirculation port 500 of sump well 500 into recirculation flange 360.

The sink 200 may include a drain port 520, and the drain port 520 may help facilitate draining of liquid from the sink 200 (and the dishwasher device 100, e.g., as shown in fig. 1). In one example, sump 530 may include second wall 530 of sump 350. The second wall 530 may define a bottom of the sump well 350 (and the sink 200). Drain port 520 may extend through a second wall 530 of sump well 350.

The recirculation flange 360 may be coupled to the wall 510, and coupling the recirculation flange 360 to the first wall 510 may help prevent leakage from the sink 200, for example, by reducing exposure of the seam between the flange 360 and the port 500 to liquid. The first wall 510 may extend at an angle from the second wall 530 (e.g., the first wall 510 may be perpendicular to the second wall 530, or the first wall 510 may extend at a 20 degree angle from the second wall 530). Thus, liquid drains from the first wall 510 to the second wall 530 of the sump 350 (e.g., because the second wall 530 defines the bottom of the sump 350). As a result, the joint between the recirculation port 500 and the recirculation flange 360 (shown in fig. 3) has reduced exposure to liquid (e.g., because water drains from the joint). Reducing the exposure of the seal to liquid may reduce leakage past the seal, such as dripping from the sump well 350 into the service compartment 220 (shown in fig. 2). In some examples, the inner diameter of the recirculation flange 360 may be greater than or equal to the diameter of the recirculation port 500. Accordingly, the seal between the recirculation flange 360 and the recirculation port 500 may be enhanced.

As described herein, the recirculation port 500 may extend through the first wall 510. The recirculation port 500 may be positioned proximate the second wall 530. In one example, positioning recirculation port 500 proximate to second wall 530 enhances liquid pumping from sump well 350. For example, draining liquid in sump well 350 to second wall 530 and positioning recirculation port 500 proximate second wall 530 enhances pumping of liquid from sump well 350.

Recirculation port 500 may be located remotely from discharge port 520. For example, the recirculation port 500 may extend through the first wall 510, and the discharge port 520 may extend through the second wall 530. Locating the recirculation port 500 away from the drain port 520 may improve the performance of the dishwasher device 100, for example, by preventing liquid from flowing from the drain port 520 into the sump well 350. In some approaches, recirculation port 500 may be proximate to discharge port 520. Liquid may be pumped from the sump well 350 (e.g., recirculated within the apparatus 100 using the pump system 300). Pumping liquid from sump 350 may introduce liquid from drain port 520 into sump 350, for example, because drain port 520 and recirculation port 500 are in fluid communication when proximate to each other. For example, a pressure differential created at recirculation port 500 (e.g., using pump 310, as shown in fig. 3) creates a corresponding pressure differential at discharge port 520. Positioning the recirculation port 500 away from the exhaust port 520 reduces fluid communication between the ports 500, 520. Accordingly, performance of the dishwasher device 100 is improved because the pump system 300 may not introduce liquid from the discharge port 520 (or a discharge port connected to the discharge port 520).

The sink 200 may be a single piece of material. For example, the water collection tray 330 and the water collection well 350 may be a single piece of material. The sink 200 may be manufactured by a drawing operation (e.g., a deep drawing operation, etc.), such as by drawing sheet metal to define the water collection tray 330 and the water collection well 350 (e.g., by applying force to the sheet metal via a die). One of ordinary skill in the art may define the water collection tray 330 by inspecting the draw. For example, the grain structure of the metal of the water collection tray 330 may indicate that the water collection tray 330 is exposed to one or more drawing operations.

Providing the water collection tray 330 and the water collection well 350 as a single piece of material facilitates preventing leakage of the sink 200 and may help improve performance of the dishwasher device 100. In various examples, the design of deep-drawn sump wells 350 is sufficient to eliminate the need for manifolds, thereby avoiding potential corrosion and future leakage at additional locations, including but not limited to potential gasket leaks (e.g., at seams). In some methods, sink 200 includes more than one component. For example, the manifold may be coupled to the sink 200 (e.g., the water collection tray 330). For example, the manifold may be coupled to the sink 200 by washers and fasteners. The manifold may include a port that allows fluid to flow out of the manifold. The joint between the sink 200 and the manifold may leak due to exposure to liquid, and liquid may leak through the joint. Thus, providing the sink 200 and the water collection tray 330 and water collection well 350 as a single piece of material eliminates seams and may help reduce leakage of the sink 200, for example, because the recirculation port or drain port 520 may not be included in a separate component from the rest of the sink 200.

The sink 200 may include at least one assembly through-hole 540. The assembly through-hole 540 may be configured to receive a heating element or thermostat. The heating element may heat the liquid within the tub 200 (or the dishwashing apparatus 100). The thermostat may provide a signal indicative of the temperature of the liquid in the sink 200 (or the dishwashing device 100). Assembly through-hole 640 may extend through first wall 510 of sump well 350, although the present subject matter is not limited in this respect.

Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of an example of the sink 200 of fig. 3, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The recirculation port 500 may include a central axis 600. The central axis 600 may be positioned at the center of the recirculation port 500 (e.g., the central axis 600 may be an axis aligned with the center of the recirculation port 500). The central axis 600 may be spaced apart from the lip 420 by a first distance 610. First distance 610 may be 5.5 inches or greater (e.g., 6.5 inches to 7 inches, 7 inches to 7.25 inches, 7.25 inches to 7.35 inches, etc.), although the present subject matter is not limited in this regard. The second wall 530 may be spaced a second distance 620 from the lip 420. Second distance 620 may be 5.5 inches or greater (e.g., 6 inches, 6.5 inches to 7.5 inches, 8 inches to 8.25 inches, etc.), although the present subject matter is not so limited.

As described herein, the water tank 200 may be a single piece of material, and the water tank 200 may be manufactured using a drawing operation. The drawing operation may help facilitate the manufacture of the water trough 200 as a single piece of material having a first distance greater than 6 inches. The drawing operation may help facilitate the manufacture of the water tank 200 as a single piece of material having the first distance 610 greater than 5.5 inches. The drawing operation may help facilitate the manufacture of the water trough 200 as a single piece of material having the second distance 620 greater than 5.5 inches.

FIG. 7 illustrates another perspective view of the example dishwasher appliance 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. As described herein, body 130 may be coupled to base 210, and washing chamber 110 may be defined by body 130. The base 210 may define a service compartment 220. The service compartment 220 may house one or more components 700 of the dishwasher device 100, such as the pump system 300 (shown in FIG. 3). The assembly 700 may include a pump, a reservoir 705 (e.g., a cleaning product reservoir), a hose, a heater, a transformer, and the like. The assembly 700 may be removably coupled to the dishwasher appliance 100, such as to the base 210. The hinge 710 may facilitate movement of the assembly 700 and enhance access to other assemblies 700 within the service compartment 220, thereby simplifying servicing of the dishwasher device 100 (e.g., servicing by a technician, etc.). The dishwasher appliance 100 may include one or more rails 715 (shown in phantom in fig. 7), and the assembly 700 may slide on the rails to move the assembly, for example, to provide access to the pump system 300 (e.g., as shown in fig. 3).

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of an example of the dishwasher appliance 100 of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The dishwasher device 100 may include a controller 800, and the controller 800 may include processing circuitry, such as a processor. The controller 800 may control one or more functions of the dishwasher appliance 100.

For example, the controller 800 may be in communication with a pump 810 (e.g., a diaphragm pump). While the pump 810 is operating, the pump 810 may supply cleaning products (e.g., detergents, solvents, bleach, soap, etc.) to the washing chamber 110 (e.g., as shown in fig. 1). For example, the pump 810 may draw cleaning product from a reservoir 820 (e.g., a container, a jug, a chamber, a vessel, etc.). The pump 810 may supply cleaning product, for example, at a discharge port 815. The cleaning product may comprise a liquid, a gas, or a combination thereof.

The one or more electrical properties may vary depending on whether the pump 810 is pumping fluid (or is pumping fluid). For example, as the pump 810 pumps liquid, the current consumed by the pump 810 may increase. When the pump 810 is not pumping liquid, the current consumed by the pump 810 may be reduced. For example, as the pump 810 pumps gas, the current consumed by the pump 810 may be reduced (compared to the current consumed by the pump 810 as the pump 810 pumps liquid). When the pump 810 is not pumping fluid (e.g., the fluid path between the reservoir 820 and the pump 810 is blocked), the current consumed by the pump 810 may increase. Accordingly, the controller 800 may monitor the electrical characteristics of the pump 810, for example, to determine whether the pump 810 is pumping fluid (or is pumping fluid).

The controller 800 may monitor one or more electrical properties of the pump 810. For example, the controller 800 may be in communication with an electrical characteristic sensor 830, and the electrical characteristic sensor facilitates monitoring one or more electrical characteristics of the pump 810. In one example, power supply 840 provides power to pump 810. The sensor 830 may measure one or more of the current drawn by the pump 810 or the voltage provided to the pump 810. The controller 800 may be in communication with the sensor 830, and the controller 800 may monitor (e.g., record, analyze, interpret, etc.) the measurements provided by the sensor 830.

In an example, the electrical characteristic sensor 830 includes a resistor (e.g., shunt resistor, etc.). Resistor 800 may be positioned in electrical communication with the pump (e.g., positioned in-line with power source 840). The controller 800 may monitor the voltage potential across the resistor. The controller 800 may determine the voltage consumption of the pump 810, for example, based on a monitored voltage potential across a resistor. The controller 800 (or sensor 830) may include amplifiers, signal processing circuitry, etc. to facilitate monitoring of the electrical characteristics of the pump 810 with the controller 800.

The controller 800 may determine whether fluid is flowing through the pump 810 during operation of the pump 810. In one example, the controller 800 determines a fluid flow metric for the pump 810. The fluid flow metric may indicate the fluid flow through the pump 810. The controller 800 may determine a fluid flow metric based on the monitored electrical characteristics of the pump 810. The controller 800 may update the fluid flow metric based on a comparison of the electrical characteristic of the pump 810 to a characteristic threshold. For example, the fluid flow metric may have a first value while the pump 810 is pumping gas. The fluid flow metric may have a second value while the pump 810 is pumping liquid. The fluid flow metric may have a third value when the pump 810 is not pumping fluid.

In one example, the controller 800 may compare the electrical characteristics of the pump 810 to a characteristic threshold (e.g., a maximum value, a minimum value, a limit, a rate of change, etc.). Determining whether the pump 810 is pumping fluid may facilitate determining whether the reservoir 820 is depleted (e.g., low, drained, empty, drained, etc.). Determining whether pump 810 is pumping fluid may facilitate determining whether pump 810 is blocked (or whether a blockage is present in a fluid line for pump 810).

In one example, the controller 800 compares the current consumed by the pump 810 to a current threshold. When the current drawn by the pump 810 exceeds a current threshold, the controller 800 may determine that the pump 810 is pumping gas. For example, while the pump 810 is pumping liquid, the pump 810 may be operated at a first amperage (e.g., a first time period). While the pump 810 is pumping gas, the pump 810 may be operated at a second amperage (e.g., a second time period). The controller 800 may monitor the electrical characteristics of the pump 810, for example, to determine that the pump 810 is pumping liquid (e.g., cleaning product from the reservoir 820). The controller 800 monitors the change in the electrical characteristic and compares the electrical characteristic (e.g., current, voltage, etc.) to a characteristic threshold (e.g., current threshold, voltage threshold, etc.). Thus, the controller 108 may determine when the pump 810 pumps liquid, pumps gas, or whether the pump 810 is blocked (e.g., whether a line between the pump 810 and the reservoir 820 is blocked). The controller 800 may monitor the cycling of the pump 810, for example, when the pump 810 is modulated and liquid is pumped by the pump 810. As described in more detail herein, the controller 800 may provide a notification, for example, when the controller 108 determines that the reservoir is depleted based on the cycling of the pump 810.

The controller 800 may provide notification (e.g., by activating an indicator, such as a light, noise, etc.) that fluid is not flowing through the pump 810. For example, the pump 810 may draw cleaning product from the reservoir 820. The cleaning product from the reservoir 820 may be depleted while the pump 810 is operating. As described herein, one or more electrical properties of the pump 810 may change as the reservoir 820 is depleted. The controller 800 may monitor changes in the electrical characteristics of the pump 810, and the controller 800 may generate an electrical signal indicating whether the reservoir 820 is depleted. The controller 800 may generate an electrical signal indicating whether the pump 810 is blocked. The controller 800 may generate an electrical signal indicating whether gas has flowed through the pump 810 (e.g., when the measured electrical characteristic exceeds a characteristic threshold). As a result, the user may be notified that the reservoir 820 is depleted or that flow through the pump 810 is blocked, and the user may add additional cleaning product to the reservoir 820 (or perform other maintenance tasks, such as cleaning units, or the like). Accordingly, the controller 800 may improve the performance of the dishwasher appliance 100, as the controller 800 may ensure that the dishwasher appliance 100 operates with a sufficient amount of cleaning product, for example, to clean items in the washing chamber 110 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1).

In some examples, the controller 800 may monitor the cycling of the pump 810, such as when the pump 810 is modulated and liquid is pumped by the pump 810. The controller 800 may provide a notification, for example, when the controller 108 determines that the reservoir 820 is depleted based on the cycling of the pump 810. The controller 800 may provide notification of depletion of the reservoir 820 based on monitoring the cycling of the pump 810. In one example, the controller 800 modulates the pump 810 to pump a specified volume of cleaning product per cycle (e.g., per dishwashing cycle). The controller 800 monitors the pump 810 and the cycling of the pump 810. The controller 800 may determine the product level in the reservoir 820, for example, based on monitoring the circulation of the pump 810. In some examples, controller 800 provides a notification (e.g., a command, an electrical signal, etc.) of a reservoir depletion, such as when reservoir 800 has reached 20% of its total capacity (although the present subject matter is not so limited). In some instances, when the controller 800 determines that the pump 810 is blocked, the controller 800 may send a notification, for example, notifying a technician that the apparatus 100 may require maintenance.

As described herein, the controller 800 may determine whether the pump 810 is pumping liquid or gas (or not pumping liquid or gas, e.g., when the pump 810 is blocked). The controller 800 may modulate the pump 810 to prime the pump 810, for example using a determination of whether the pump 810 is pumping liquid or gas. In one example, the product reservoir 820 (or reservoir 705, as shown in fig. 5) may be depleted (e.g., when the pump 810 removes all of the cleaning product from the reservoir 820). Depletion of the reservoir 820 may introduce gas (e.g., air, etc.) into the pump 810, and thus the pump 810 may not be primed. The first (e.g., depleted, used, current, existing, etc.) storage 820 may be interchanged with the second storage 820 (e.g., new, etc.). The reservoir 820 may be manually refilled. The pump 810 may need to be primed, for example because the pump 810 is not primed when the reservoir 820 is depleted. Accordingly, the controller 800 may modulate the pump 810 to purge gas from the pump 810 and withdraw liquid from the second (e.g., new, etc.) reservoir 820. Thus, for example, when the controller 800 determines that the pump 810 is pumping (or has pumped) gas (rather than liquid), the controller 800 may prime the pump 810.

Fig. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an example machine 900, on which any one or more of the techniques (e.g., methods) discussed herein may be performed, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The machine 900 may include a controller 800 (shown in fig. 8). As described herein, an instance may include or operate with logic or multiple components or mechanisms in the machine 900. A circuit (e.g., processing circuit) is a collection of circuits implemented in a tangible entity of the machine 900 that includes hardware (e.g., simple circuits, gates, logic, etc.). Over time, circuit membership may be flexible. Circuits include those that, when operated, can perform specified operations either individually or in combination. In an example, the hardware of the circuit may be permanently designed to perform a particular operation (e.g., hardwired). In one example, the hardware of the circuit may include variably connected physical components (e.g., execution units, transistors, simple circuits, etc.), including physically modified machine-readable media (e.g., magnetic, electrically movable placement of mass-invariant aggregate particles, etc.) to encode instructions for a particular operation. When physical components are connected, the basic electrical properties of the hardware components may change, for example, from an insulator to a conductor, and vice versa. The instructions enable embedded hardware (e.g., an execution unit or a loading mechanism) to create members of a circuit in the hardware through a variable connection to perform portions of a particular operation when operating. Thus, in an example, a machine-readable medium element is part of a circuit or other component communicatively coupled to a circuit when a device is operated. In one example, any physical component may be used in more than one member of more than one circuit. For example, in operation, an execution unit may be used in a first circuit of a first circuitry at one point in time and reused by a second circuit in the first circuitry or by a third circuit in the second circuitry at a different time. Additional examples of these components with respect to the machine 900 are as follows.

In alternative embodiments, the machine 900 may operate as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine 900 may operate in the capacity of a server machine, a client machine, or both, in client-server network environments. In an example, the machine 900 may operate in a peer-to-peer (P2P) (or other distributed) network environment. The machine 900 may be a Personal Computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a mobile telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, such as cloud-based computing, software as a service (SaaS), other computer cluster configurations, and the like.

The machine (e.g., computer system) 900 may include a hardware processor 902 (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory 904, a static memory (e.g., memory or storage for firmware, microcode, Basic Input Output (BIOS), Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), etc.) 906, and a mass storage device 908 (e.g., a hard disk drive, tape drive, flash memory, or other block device), some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interconnect (e.g., bus) 930. The machine 900 may also include a display unit 910, an alphanumeric input device 912 (e.g., a keyboard), and a User Interface (UI) navigation device 914 (e.g., a mouse). In an example, the display unit 910, the input device 912, and the UI navigation device 914 may be a touch screen display. The machine 900 may also include a storage device (e.g., driver) 908, a signal generation device 918 (e.g., speaker), a network interface device 920, and one or more sensors 916, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, or other sensor. The machine 900 may include an output controller 928 such as a serial (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., Infrared (IR), Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, card reader, etc.).

The processor 902, the main memory 904, the static memory 906, or the registers of the mass storage device 908 may be or include a machine-readable medium 922, on which is stored one or more sets of data structures or instructions 924 (e.g., software) embodying or utilized by any one or more of the techniques or functions described herein. The instructions 924 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the processor 902, the main memory 904, the static memory 906, or any register of the mass storage device 908 during execution thereof by the machine 900. In an example, one or any combination of the hardware processor 902, the main memory 904, the static memory 906, or the mass storage device 908 may constitute the machine-readable medium 922. While the machine-readable medium 922 is shown to be a single medium, the term "machine-readable medium" may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) configured to store the one or more instructions 924.

The term "machine-readable medium" may include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 900 and that cause the machine 900 to perform any one or more of the techniques of this disclosure or that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures used by or associated with such instructions. Non-limiting examples of machine-readable media may include solid-state memory, optical media, magnetic media, and signals (e.g., radio frequency signals, other photon-based signals, acoustic signals, etc.). In an example, a non-transitory machine-readable medium includes a machine-readable medium having a plurality of particles that are mass invariant (e.g., stationary), and thus are a composition of matter. Thus, a non-transitory machine-readable medium is a machine-readable medium that does not include a transitory propagating signal. Particular examples of a machine-readable medium may include non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

The instructions 924 may be further transmitted or received over a communication network 926 using a transmission medium via the network interface device 920 using any one of a number of transmission protocols (e.g., frame relay, Internet Protocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.). Example communication networks may include a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the internet), a mobile telephone network (e.g., a cellular network), a Plain Old Telephone (POTS) network, and a wireless data network (e.g., referred to as a "POTS") networkOf the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)802.11 family of standards, known asIEEE 802.16 family of standards), IEEE 802.15.4 family of standards, point-to-point (P2P) networks, and so forth. In an example, the network interface device 920 may include one or more physical jacks (e.g., ethernet, coaxial, or telephone jacks) or one or more antennas to connect to the communication network 926. In an example, the network interface device 920 may include multiple antennas to wirelessly communicate using at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO) techniques. The term "transmission medium" shall be taken to include any intangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 900And may include digital or analog communications signals or other intangible media to facilitate communication of such software. A transmission medium is a machine-readable medium.

Fig. 10 illustrates a schematic view of an example of the sink 200 of fig. 3, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. As described herein, the seal 1000 (e.g., weld bead, joint, seam, etc.) between the recirculation port 500 and the recirculation flange 360 (shown in fig. 3) may be exposed to liquid. Exposure of the seal 1000 to liquid may be reduced, for example, by positioning the recirculation port 500 in the first wall 510 of the sump 350 (e.g., instead of the second wall 530 including the discharge port 520. reducing exposure of the seal to liquid may reduce leakage past the seal, such as dripping from the sump 350 into the service compartment 220 (as shown in fig. 2).

In some examples, the inner diameter 1010 of the recirculation flange 360 may be greater than or equal to the diameter 1020 of the recirculation port 500. For example, the seal 1000 may be coupled with the first wall 510 and the recirculation flange 360. The seal 1000 may extend around the exterior of the recirculation flange 360, and the recirculation port 500 may be positioned inside the recirculation flange 360. Thus, the seal 1000 between the recirculation flange 360 and the recirculation port 500 may be enhanced, for example, because the seal 1000 is exposed to less liquid).

Examples of the invention

Example 1 is a sink for a dishwashing appliance having a washing chamber, the sink coupled to a recirculation pump, comprising: a water collection tray comprising a tray opening, the water collection tray being coupled with the washing chamber and the tray opening being arranged to receive liquid from the washing chamber; and a sump coupled to the sump and configured to collect liquid from the sump, the sump comprising: a wellhead in communication with the water collection tray to receive liquid from the water collection tray; a recirculation port extending through a first wall of the sump well, wherein the recirculation port is configured to provide liquid from the sump well to a recirculation pump; a drain port extending through a second wall of the sump well, wherein the second wall defines a bottom of the sump well; and wherein the water collection tray and the water collection well are formed from a single piece of material to avoid seams and joints between the water collection tray and the water collection well.

In example 2, the subject matter of example 1 optionally includes, wherein the water collection tray comprises: a lip configured to couple with a washing chamber of a dishwasher appliance; and a liquid containing portion corresponding to a highest level of liquid within the sink and below the lip.

In example 3, the subject matter of example 2 optionally includes, a few inches from the lip.

In example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1-3 optionally includes a recirculation flange coupled to the first wall of the sump well, wherein the recirculation flange is in communication with the recirculation port and the recirculation flange is configured to couple with a hose.

In example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1-4 optionally includes wherein the recirculation flange extends at an angle from the first wall.

In example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1-5 optionally includes wherein the recirculation port is positioned proximate to the second wall.

In example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1-6 optionally includes wherein the recirculation port is located distal to the discharge port.

In example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1-7 optionally includes, at least one heating element through hole extending through the first wall, wherein the heating element through hole is configured to receive a portion of a heating element; and at least one thermostat through-hole extending through the first wall, wherein the thermostat through-hole is configured to receive a portion of a thermostat.

In example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1-8 optionally includes, a few inches from the lip of the water collection tray.

Embodiment 10 is a dishwasher appliance, comprising: a washing chamber; and a water tank, the water tank including: a water collection tray comprising a tray opening, wherein the water collection tray is configured to couple with the washing chamber and the tray opening is configured to receive liquid from the washing chamber; and a sump coupled to the sump and configured to collect liquid from the sump, the sump comprising: a wellhead in communication with the water collection tray, wherein the water collection tray is configured to deliver liquid to the wellhead; a recirculation port extending through the first wall of the sump well, wherein the recirculation port is configured to provide liquid to a recirculation pump; a drain port extending through a second wall of the sink, wherein the second wall defines a bottom of the sump well; and wherein the water collection tray and the water collection well are formed from a single piece of material.

In example 11, the subject matter of example 10 optionally includes wherein the water tank is included in a bottom of the washing chamber.

In example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 10-11 optionally includes a base comprising a service compartment, wherein the washing chamber is coupled to the base, and the sink is positioned at least partially within the service compartment; and an assembly coupled to the base by a hinge, wherein the assembly is movable to enhance access to the service compartment.

In example 13, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 10-12 optionally includes wherein a maximum level of liquid in the sump is below an interface at which the washing chamber is coupled to the sump.

In example 14, the subject matter of example 13 optionally includes wherein the washing chamber is coupled with a lip of the sink, and the lip is positioned between a highest level of the liquid and the washing chamber.

In example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 10-14 optionally includes a diaphragm pump in communication with the washing chamber and configured to supply cleaning product to the washing chamber during operation of the diaphragm pump; and a controller comprising a processor, the controller configured to: monitoring one or more electrical characteristics of the diaphragm pump; and determining a fluid flow metric indicative of whether fluid is flowing through the diaphragm pump during operation of the diaphragm pump based on the monitored electrical characteristic of the pump; and providing a notification when fluid does not flow through the diaphragm pump during operation of the diaphragm pump based on the fluid flow metric.

Example 16 is a dishwashing appliance, comprising: a cleaning product reservoir configured to store a cleaning product; a diaphragm pump in communication with the cleaning product reservoir and configured to supply cleaning product to a washing chamber of the dishwashing apparatus during operation of the diaphragm pump; and a controller comprising a processor, the controller configured to: monitoring one or more electrical characteristics of the diaphragm pump; and determining a fluid flow metric indicative of whether fluid is flowing through the diaphragm pump during operation of the diaphragm pump based on the monitored electrical characteristic of the pump.

In example 17, the subject matter of example 16 optionally includes wherein the controller, including the processor, is further configured to: a notification is provided when fluid does not flow through the diaphragm pump during operation of the diaphragm pump based on the fluid flow metric.

In example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 16 to 17 optionally includes, wherein the controller comprising the processor is further configured to: comparing the monitored electrical characteristic of the diaphragm pump to a characteristic threshold; and providing a notification when the monitored electrical characteristic exceeds a characteristic threshold.

In example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 16 to 18 optionally includes, wherein the controller including the processor is further configured to: monitoring the current consumed by the diaphragm pump; and comparing the current consumed by the diaphragm pump with a current threshold; a occlusion notification is provided when the current drawn by the diaphragm pump exceeds a current threshold, the occlusion notification indicating whether the pump is occluded.

In example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 16 to 19 optionally includes, wherein the controller comprising the processor is further configured to: monitoring the voltage difference at two ends of the diaphragm pump; comparing the voltage difference between two ends of the diaphragm pump with a voltage threshold value; and providing a depletion notification when the voltage difference across the diaphragm pump exceeds the voltage threshold, the depletion notification indicating whether the cleaning product reservoir is depleted.

In example 21, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 16-20 optionally includes, an electrical characteristic sensor configured to measure one or more electrical characteristics of the diaphragm pump; and wherein the electrical characteristics include one or more of: the current consumed by the diaphragm pump; or the voltage difference across the diaphragm pump.

In example 22, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 16 to 21 optionally includes, wherein the controller comprising the processor is further configured to: the diaphragm pump is modulated to prime the diaphragm pump when the controller determines that the diaphragm pump has pumped gas.

Example 23 a sink for a dishwashing appliance having a washing chamber, the sink coupled to a recirculation pump, comprising: a water collection tray comprising a tray opening, the water collection tray being coupled with the washing chamber and the tray opening being arranged to receive liquid from the washing chamber; and a sump coupled to the sump and configured to collect liquid from the sump, the sump comprising: a wellhead in communication with the water collection tray to receive liquid from the water collection tray; a recirculation port extending through a first wall of the sump well, wherein the recirculation port is configured to provide liquid from the sump well to a recirculation pump; a drain port extending through a second wall of the sump well, wherein the second wall defines a bottom of the sump well; and wherein the water collection tray and the water collection well are formed from a single piece of material to avoid seams and joints between the water collection tray and the water collection well.

In example 24, the subject matter of example 23 optionally includes, wherein the water collection tray comprises: a lip configured to couple with a washing chamber of a dishwasher appliance; and a liquid containing portion corresponding to a highest level of liquid within the sink and below the lip.

In example 25, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 23-24 optionally includes a recirculation flange coupled to the first wall of the sump well, wherein the recirculation flange is in communication with the recirculation port and the recirculation flange is configured to couple with a hose.

In example 26, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 23-25 optionally includes wherein the recirculation port is located distal to the discharge port.

Example 27 is a dishwashing appliance, comprising: a washing chamber; and a water tank, the water tank including: a water collection tray comprising a tray opening, wherein the water collection tray is configured to couple with the washing chamber and the tray opening is configured to receive liquid from the washing chamber; and a sump coupled to the sump and configured to collect liquid from the sump, the sump comprising: a wellhead in communication with the water collection tray, wherein the water collection tray is configured to deliver liquid to the wellhead; a recirculation port extending through the first wall of the sump well, wherein the recirculation port is configured to provide liquid to a recirculation pump; a drain port extending through a second wall of the sink, wherein the second wall defines a bottom of the sump well; and wherein the water collection tray and the water collection well are formed from a single piece of material.

In example 28, the subject matter of example 27 optionally includes a base comprising a service compartment, wherein the washing chamber is coupled to the base, and the sink is positioned at least partially within the service compartment; and an assembly coupled to the base by a hinge, wherein the assembly is movable to enhance access to the service compartment.

In example 29, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 27-28 optionally includes wherein a maximum level of liquid in the sump is below an interface at which the washing chamber is coupled to the sump.

In example 30, the subject matter of example 29 optionally includes wherein the washing chamber is coupled with a lip of the sink, and the lip is positioned between a highest level of the liquid and the washing chamber.

In example 31, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 27-30 optionally includes a diaphragm pump in communication with the washing chamber and configured to supply cleaning product to the washing chamber during operation of the diaphragm pump; and a controller comprising a processor, the controller configured to: monitoring one or more electrical characteristics of the diaphragm pump; and determining a fluid flow metric indicative of whether fluid is flowing through the diaphragm pump during operation of the diaphragm pump based on the monitored electrical characteristic of the pump; and providing a notification when fluid does not flow through the diaphragm pump during operation of the diaphragm pump based on the fluid flow metric.

Example 32 is a dishwashing appliance, comprising: a cleaning product reservoir configured to store a cleaning product; a diaphragm pump in communication with the cleaning product reservoir and configured to supply cleaning product to a washing chamber of the dishwashing apparatus during operation of the diaphragm pump; and a controller comprising a processor, the controller configured to: monitoring one or more electrical characteristics of the diaphragm pump; and determining a fluid flow metric indicative of whether fluid is flowing through the diaphragm pump during operation of the diaphragm pump based on the monitored electrical characteristic of the pump.

In example 33, the subject matter of example 32 optionally includes wherein the controller, including the processor, is further configured to: a notification is provided when fluid does not flow through the diaphragm pump during operation of the diaphragm pump based on the fluid flow metric.

In example 34, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 32-33 optionally includes wherein the controller, including the processor, is further configured to: comparing the monitored electrical characteristic of the diaphragm pump to a characteristic threshold; and providing a notification when the monitored electrical characteristic exceeds a characteristic threshold.

In example 35, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 32-34 optionally includes, wherein the controller comprising the processor is further configured to: monitoring the current consumed by the diaphragm pump; and comparing the current consumed by the diaphragm pump with a current threshold; a occlusion notification is provided when the current drawn by the diaphragm pump exceeds a current threshold, the occlusion notification indicating whether the pump is occluded.

In example 36, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 32-35 optionally includes, wherein the controller comprising the processor is further configured to: monitoring the voltage difference at two ends of the diaphragm pump; comparing the voltage difference between two ends of the diaphragm pump with a voltage threshold value; and providing a depletion notification when the voltage difference across the diaphragm pump exceeds the voltage threshold, the depletion notification indicating whether the cleaning product reservoir is depleted.

In example 37, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 32-36 optionally includes, wherein the controller comprising the processor is further configured to: the diaphragm pump is modulated to prime the diaphragm pump when the controller determines that the diaphragm pump has pumped gas.

Example 38 can include or use any portion or combination of any portions of any one or more of examples 1-37, or can optionally be combined with any portion or combination described, to include or use the subject matter of a machine-readable medium that can include means for performing any one or more of the functions of examples 1-37 or instructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine to perform any one or more of the functions of examples 1-37.

The foregoing detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which are a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples". Such examples may include elements other than those illustrated or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided.

In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used interchangeably in this patent document to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or "one or more than one". In the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more examples thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may be used as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate upon reviewing the above description.