Drain valve for a dishwasher and associated apparatus and method
US7918942B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 4, 2008 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 28, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0318
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A drain valve for a dishwasher and associated apparatus and method are provided. A housing receives fluid through an inlet channel and channels the fluid toward an outlet channel extending from an outlet port defined by the housing. A sealing member is disposed within the housing and is capable of forming a sealing engagement with the outlet port. A cradle member disposed within the housing is configured to receive and partially constrain freedom of movement of the sealing member. The cradle member is movable between a valve closed position, where fluid flow toward the outlet channel urges the sealing member into sealing engagement with the outlet port to close the drain valve, and a valve open position, where fluid flow is allowed between the inlet channel and the outlet channel, through the housing, without the sealing member engaging the outlet port.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.