Countertop device and method of operating the same

Abstract

Various devices and methods of washing, drying, and sterilizing bottles are provided. In one aspect, the device (100) includes a chamber (150), a clean water tank (304), a clean water intake, a wastewater tank (200), a water circuit, an air circuit, a rotating washing arm (400) disposed in the chamber, a heating plate, an air manifold (500), an air outlet (511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516), and a tray (132A). The tray is configured to receive at least one bottle, and the rotating washing arm includes at least one water outlet (411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418) located for discharging water substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the at least one bottle received in the tray.

Description

48556-2COUNTERTOP DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAMECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of United Kingdom Patent Application Serial No. GB2500022.5, filed on January 2, 2025, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to countertop devices for washing articles, and more particularly, to a device for automated washing, sterilizing, and drying of baby care articles including baby bottles and related feeding accessories.BACKGROUND

[0003] Infants and young children require frequent feeding with bottles containing milk, formula, or other liquids. These feeding bottles, along with their associated components such as nipples, collars, caps, and anti-colic devices (e.g., vents, venting assemblies), must be thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before each use to ensure the health and safety of the child. Traditional cleaning methods typically involve multiple separate steps: manual washing or dishwasher cleaning, followed by sterilization using steam sterilizers, ultraviolet sterilizers, or boiling water, and then air drying or placement on drying racks.

[0004] This multi-step process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive for parents and caregivers. Manual washing of bottles can take 5-10 minutes, sterilization can require an additional 10-20 minutes, and drying can extend the total process time to over an hour. The complexity increases when dealing with multiple bottles and components of varying shapes and sizes, particularly narrow bottle necks and small components that can be difficult to clean thoroughly.48556-2

[0005] Countertop washing devices have emerged as a solution to streamline the cleaning process for various household items. These appliances can be placed on kitchen counters often without requiring permanent plumbing connections, making them suitable for homes, apartments, and temporary living situations where space or plumbing infrastructure can be limited. Some countertop devices combine multiple functions such as washing, sterilizing, and drying in a single unit, offering convenience and time savings.

[0006] However, existing countertop washing devices face several challenges when applied to baby bottles and feeding accessories. The unique geometry of baby bottles, with their narrow openings and deep cylindrical shapes, presents difficulties for effective cleaning of interior surfaces. Additionally, achieving thorough drying of bottle interiors can be problematic because it can take a long time, whilst as trapped moisture can create conditions conducive to bacterial growth.

[0007] Water management in countertop devices also presents design challenges. Many devices require external water connections or frequent manual refilling and emptying, which can be inconvenient for users. The integration of clean water storage, heating systems, and wastewater collection within a compact countertop footprint requires careful engineering to balance functionality, capacity, and user accessibility.

[0008] Furthermore, the placement and orientation of bottles and components during processing cycles can significantly impact cleaning effectiveness. Traditional horizontal or vertical orientations cannot provide optimal water flow patterns or drainage characteristics for bottle-shaped containers, potentially leaving areas inadequately cleaned or dried.SUMMARY

[0009] The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary embodiments of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.

[0010] In one aspect, a device for washing at least one bottle is disclosed. The bottle has an open end, a closed end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the open and closed ends of the bottle. The device generally comprises a housing defining an interior chamber and having a door positionable relative to the housing to selectively permit access to the interior chamber. A tray is positionable within the chamber and configured to receive and support the at least one bottle with the open end of the at least one bottle below its closed end. A water manifold is disposed in the chamber below the tray and a water circuit is operable to direct water from a clean water source to the water manifold. The water manifold has at least one water outlet positioned and oriented on the water manifold for discharging water through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle toward the closed end thereof in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one bottle.

[0011] In another aspect, a device for washing and sterilizing at least one article generally comprises a housing defining an interior chamber and having a door positionable relative to the housing to selectively permit access to the interior chamber. A tray is positionable within the chamber and configured to receive and support the at least one article. A water circuit is operable to direct water from a clean water source into the chamber. The device is operable in a washing cycle during which water is delivered by the water circuit into the chamber to wash the at least one bottle, and the device is further operable in a sterilizing cycle comprising a heating system operable to sufficiently heat water from the clean water source to produce steam within the chamber for a predetermined duration to sterilize the at least one article within the chamber.

[0012] In yet another aspect, a device for washing articles generally comprises a housing defining an interior chamber and having a door positionable relative to the housing to selectively permit access to the interior chamber. A tray is positionable within the chamber and configured to receive and support at least one article to be washed. A washing arm is disposed in the chamber and rotatable relative to the tray, and a water circuit is operable to deliver pressurized water to the washing arm. The washing arm has at least one water outlet through whichpressurized water is directed from the washing arm into the chamber. The device is operable in a washing cycle during which the washing arm is rotated relative to the tray while directing pressurized water into the chamber to wash the at least one article. The device further comprises a parking mechanism to position the washing arm in a predetermined rotational position upon completion of the washing cycle.

[0013] In a further aspect, a door assembly for a device for washing articles generally comprises a housing having an interior chamber. The door assembly is positionable relative to the housing between an opened position to permit access to the interior chamber of the housing and a closed position to close the interior chamber. The door assembly comprises a clean water tank and a water tank cap releasably connected to the door assembly to permit access to the clean water tank for filling the clean water tank.

[0014] In yet a further aspect, a tray for holding articles in a device for washing such articles is disclosed. The device generally comprises a housing defining an interior chamber and having a door positionable relative to the housing to selectively permit access to the interior chamber. A water circuit is disposed within the housing and / or the door assembly and operable to direct water from a clean water source into the chamber for washing the articles. The tray is configured for movement relative to the housing for loading articles onto the tray for washing and for subsequent removal of the articles from the tray after washing. In one embodiment, the tray comprises at least one water spray mount configured to receive at least one article on the water spray mount to at least in part support the at least one article on the tray. The water spray mount has an outlet through which water is directed out from the water spray mount to wash the article received thereon. The tray further comprises a water inlet in fluid communication with the water circuit for receiving water from the water circuit into the tray. At least one conduit is in fluid communication between the water inlet of the tray and the water spray mount to direct water from the water circuit into the tray for delivery to the water spray mount.

[0015] In still a further aspect, a device for washing and drying at least one bottle is disclosed. The bottle has an open end, a closed end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the open and closed ends of the bottle. The device generally comprises a housing defining an interior chamber and having a door positionable relative to the housing to selectively permit access to the interior chamber. A tray is positionable within the chamber and configured to receive and support the at least one bottle with the open end of the at least one bottle below its closed end. A water manifold is disposed in the chamber, and a water circuit is operable to direct water from the clean water source to the water manifold. The water manifold has at least one water outlet positioned and oriented on the water manifold for discharging water into the interior chamber for washing the at least one bottle. An air manifold is disposed in the chamber, and an air circuit is operable to direct air to flow into the air manifold. The air manifold has at least one air outlet positioned and oriented relative to the manifold to direct air directly through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle for drying the bottle.

[0016] In another aspect, a method for washing, sterilizing, and drying articles in a device is disclosed. The device has a housing defining an interior chamber and a door positionable relative to the housing between an opened position and a closed position for accessing the interior chamber. The method generally comprises placing an article within the interior chamber of the housing and closing the door of the housing; operating the device in a washing cycle, the washing cycle comprising directing a flow of water within the interior chamber for contact with the article to wash the article; operating the device in a sterilizing cycle after the washing cycle, the sterilizing cycle comprising generating steam within the device for contact with the article to sterilize the article; and operating the device in a drying cycle after the sterilizing cycle, the drying cycle comprising directing heated air to flow within the interior chamber for contact with the article to dry the article. The washing cycle, the sterilizing cycle, and the drying cycle are performed consecutively without opening the door of the housing and completed in less than or equal to 45 minutes.48556-2

[0017] In yet another aspect, a method for washing, sterilizing, and drying bottles in a countertop device is disclosed. Each bottle has an open end, a closed end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the open and closed ends of the bottle. The device has a housing defining an interior chamber, a door positionable relative to the housing between an opened position and a closed position for accessing the interior chamber, and a refillable water tank disposed on the housing. The method generally comprising: positioning the device on a countertop; opening the door of the device; filling the refillable water tank with clean water; placing at least one bottle within the interior chamber of the housing with the open end of the bottle below its closed end, and closing the door of the housing, the step of filling the refillable water tank being performed one of after opening the door of the device; operating the device in a washing cycle, the washing cycle comprising directing a flow of clean water from the refillable water tank to the washing chamber, recirculating water from the sump towards the at least one bottle to flow directly through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle toward the closed end thereof in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle to wash the interior of the bottle; operating the device in a sterilizing cycle after the washing cycle, the sterilizing cycle comprising generating steam within the device for contact with the article to sterilize the article; and operating the device in a drying cycle after the sterilizing cycle, the drying cycle comprising directing heated air to flow within the interior chamber for contact with the article to dry the article.

[0018] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.48556-2BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0019] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a plan front view of the device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a plan rear view of the device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 5-6 illustrate side plan views of the device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a plan top view of the device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the device with the door assembly in an open position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the device of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with an exterior housing removed, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of the device of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.48556-2

[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of the device of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 showing internal components, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of a wastewater tank, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view of the wastewater tank of FIG. 16, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the wastewater tank, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 18A illustrates a detailed view of an attachment mechanism for the wastewater tank of FIG. 18, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective top view of the device of FIG. 1 with the wastewater tank partially removed, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the device of FIG. 1 with the wastewater tank, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 21 illustrates an isometric view of a lower tray, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 22 illustrates an isometric view of the lower tray of FIG. 21 loaded with bottle components, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 23 illustrates an isometric view of an alternative lower tray, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 24 illustrates an isometric view of an upper tray, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.48556-2

[0044] FIG. 25 illustrates an isometric view of the upper tray of FIG. 24 with bottle components, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 26 illustrates an isometric view of an alternative upper tray according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 27 illustrates a front view of the device of FIG. 1 with the door assembly removed, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 28 illustrates an isometric view of a door assembly in an open position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of the door assembly of FIG. 28 during a filling operation, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 30 illustrates a front perspective view of the door assembly of FIG. 28, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 31 illustrates a rear perspective view of the door assembly of FIG. 28, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 32 illustrates an exploded front perspective view of the door assembly of FIG.28, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 33 illustrates an exploded rear view of the door assembly of FIG. 28, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 34 illustrates a front plan view of the door assembly of FIG. 28, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective view of the door assembly of FIG. 28, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 36 illustrates a front view of an alternative door assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 37 illustrates a schematic representation of the alternative door assembly of FIG. 37, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.48556-2

[0057] FIG. 38 illustrates a schematic representation of the alternative door assembly of FIG. 36 during a rinse cycle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 39 illustrates a schematic representation of the alternative door assembly of FIG. 36 during a wash cycle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 40 illustrates a schematic representation of the alternative door assembly of FIG. 36 during a rinse cycle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure

[0060] FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view of a rotating washing arm, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 42 illustrates a side view of the rotating washing arm of FIG. 41, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 43 illustrates a schematic view of the rotating washing arm of FIG. 41 with reference planes, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 44 illustrates a top view of the rotating washing arm of FIG. 41, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 45 illustrates a side view of the rotating washing arm of FIG. 41, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] FIG. 46 illustrates a perspective view of a lower tray with the rotating washing arm of FIG. 41 positioned beneath, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIGS. 47A-47F illustrate a top view of the rotating washing arm of FIG. 41 in a variety of different angular positions, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 48A-48C illustrate an isometric view of the rotating washing arm of FIG. 41 in a variety of different angular positions, according to embodiments of the present disclosure

[0068] FIG. 49 illustrates an isometric view of a prior washing arm, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0069] FIG. 50 illustrates an isometric view of an air manifold, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.48556-2

[0070] FIG. 51 illustrates a cut away of the interior of the air manifold of FIG. 53, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0071] FIG. 52 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 showing airflow paths during a drying cycle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0072] FIG. 53 illustrates a top view of the washing chamber of the device of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0073] FIG. 54 illustrates a top view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the rotating washing arm in a first rotational orientation, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 55 illustrates a top view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the rotating washing arm in a second rotation orientation, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] FIG. 56 illustrates a top view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the rotating washing arm in a third rotational orientation, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] FIG. 57 illustrates a top view of the washing chamber of the device of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure

[0077] FIG. 58 illustrates a front view of a parking assembly of a rotating washing arm assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] FIG. 58 A illustrates a detail view of the rotating washing arm assembly at detail 58 A of the parking mechanism of FIG. 58, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0079] FIG. 59 illustrates a further detail view of a parking mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] FIG. 60 illustrates a provides an isometric view of the rotating washing arm assembly and a rotation mechanism, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0081] FIG. 60A illustrates a detail view showing the rotation mechanism at detail 60A of FIG. 60, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0082] FIG. 61 illustrates a front view of the device with a door assembly removed, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.48556-2

[0083] FIG. 61 A illustrates a detail view of a upper rotating washing arm, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0084] FIG. 62 illustrates a schematic block diagram of functional elements of the device of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0085] FIG. 63 illustrate a perspective view of a first bottle assembly, suitable for use with the device of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0086] FIG. 64 illustrates a first front view of a first embodiment of a nursing bottle assembly, suitable for use with the device of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0087] FIG. 65 illustrates a second front view of a first embodiment of a nursing bottle assembly, suitable for use with the device of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] FIG. 66 illustrates a first front view of a second embodiment of a nursing bottle assembly, suitable for use with the device of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0089] FIG. 67 illustrates a second front view of a second embodiment of a nursing bottle assembly, suitable for use with the device of FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0090] FIG. 68 illustrates a front view of a second embodiment of a suitable nipple, suitable for use with the nursing bottle assemblies of FIG. 63 and FIG. 66, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0091] FIG. 69 illustrates a bottom view of a second embodiment of a suitable nipple, suitable for use with the nursing bottle assemblies of FIG. 63 and FIG. 66, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] FIG. 70 illustrates a schematic representation of the washing and water circulation system, showing the interconnected components that enable the device to perform washing and sterilizing operations, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.48556-2

[0093] FIG. 71 illustrates a schematic representation of the drying system, showing the interconnected components that enable the device to perform drying operations, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] The following description sets forth exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary embodiments described herein.Overview of Device

[0095] With reference to the accompanying drawings, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a countertop washing device, indicated generally at 100, having one suitable embodiment of the present disclosure. The illustrated device 100 is configured for washing, sterilizing, and drying baby bottles and related articles. More specifically and as described herein, the device 100 is configured to perform any combination of washing, sterilizing, and drying operations individually or in sequence. Users of the device 100 can select programs that provide only washing, only sterilizing, only drying, or any combination thereof. In one suitable embodiment, the device 100 is configured to execute washing cycles followed by sterilizing cycles, sterilizing cycles followed by drying cycles, or complete sequences that include all at least one cycle of all three operations. In some suitable embodiments, the device 100 is capable of performing washing and sterilizing without drying, or washing and drying without sterilizing, depending on user preferences and the condition or type of articles being processed.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiments, for example, the device 100 is configured to wash, sanitize, and / or dry Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow® Anti-Colic Options+ Baby Bottles, which are available from Dr. Brown’s Company, headquartered in St. Louis, MO, USA. Additionally or alternatively, the device 100 can be configured to wash, sanitize, and dry any bottle, cup, or48556-2drinking vessel (e.g., sippy cups, training cups, straw cup, water bottles), breastfeeding equipment components (e.g., pump components, milk storage containers, etc.), feeding devices (e.g., bowls, knives, forks, spoons, plates) and / or combinations of these items. It is contemplated that the device can be used in a kitchen, hospital, nursey, day care, gym, sports arena, etc. For example, the device 100 can be used at a gym or sports arena to wash, sanitize, and / or dry sports bottles.

[0097] It can be appreciated that the compact countertop configuration of the device 100 illustrated in FIGs 1-7 provides several advantages for users in residential and commercial settings. The countertop sizing enables the device 100 to be positioned on kitchen counters, tables, or other horizontal surfaces (e.g., flat surfaces, etc.) without requiring permanent installation or dedicated floor space. The portability of the device 100 is particularly beneficial in apartments, dormitories, RVs, or temporary living situations where space is limited or permanent modifications to plumbing infrastructure are not feasible. Additionally, the countertop sizing of the device 100 and the portability thereof facilitates the transport of the device 100 to other locations (e.g., for temporary care of a child by a trusted adult, during a trip, etc.).

[0098] The countertop form factor of the device 100 allows users to place the device in any suitable convenient location including near sinks or other water sources for easy filling and emptying operations. The device 100 is readily movable between different locations as needed, providing flexibility in kitchen organization and workflow. In some embodiments, users can store the device 100 (e.g., in a cabinet, in a pantry, etc.) when not in use and retrieve it as needed.

[0099] As mentioned above, the self-contained design of the device 100 eliminates the need for direct plumbing connections to water supply lines or drainage systems. This independence from permanent connections reduces installation complexity and enable the device 100 to be used in locations where traditional dishwashers or washing systems would not be practical.Moreover, the device 100 can be readily moved between desired locations (e.g., readily moved between storage to a suitable use location).48556-2

[0100] In commercial settings, such as daycare facilities, hospitals, or food service establishments, the configuration of the countertop device 100 enables multiple devices to be readily deployed in different locations within the establishment without extensive infrastructure modifications. The compact footprint allows the device 1 to be selectively integrated into existing workflows and spaces without requiring dedicated space, significant reorganization, or dedicated plumbing.

[0101] Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the device 100, FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the device 100, FIG. 3 is a plan front view of the device 100, FIG. 4 is a plan rear view of the device 100, FIGS. 5 and 6 are plan side views of the device 100 and FIG. 7 is a plan top view of the device 100.

[0102] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-7, the device 100 includes a front 102, a top 104, sides 106 A, 106B, a back 114, and a bottom 120 that together define the exterior housing 121 of the device 100. The exterior housing 121 of the device 100 has a generally cubic form factor (e.g., a cubic shape, etc.) with rounded edges (e.g., fillet edges, etc.), providing a compact design suitable for countertop placement. In other examples, the exterior housing 121 can have a different form factor and / or shape (e.g., a rectangular prism shape, a cylindrical shape, a polygonal shape, etc.) and / or different shaped edges (e.g., chamfered edges, beveled edges, etc.).

[0103] As shown in FIG. 1, the front 102 includes a door assembly 300 with a door grip 110 that facilitates opening and closing of the door assembly 300. In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 1-7, the door assembly 300 is in a closed position 301. In the illustrated example of FIG.1, the door grip 110 has a groove formed on a top surface on the door assembly 300 for a user to grasp to facilitate the user opening and closing the door assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the door assembly 300 of the device 100 can have any suitable component(s) to facilitate the user opening and closing the door assembly 300. For example, the door assembly 300 of the device 100 can be equipped with a handle, a release button, and / or a knob. Additionally or alternatively,48556-2the door grip 110 and / or other components can be disposed on a different portion of the door assembly 300 (e.g., a side of the door assembly 300, the front 102, etc.).

[0104] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the device 100 includes a user interface 112 positioned on the top 104 adjacent to the front 102 of the device 100, providing controls and indicators for user interaction with the device 100 and allowing users to select different processing modes and monitor operational status. The user interface 112 is described below in additional detail in conjunction with FIG. 62.

[0105] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, the vents 108 are positioned on the side 106 A, 106B of the device 100 to provide ventilation during operation. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, each of the side 106A, 106B include a vent of the vents 108, which is positioned closer to the front 102 than the back 114. In other examples, the device 100 can have a single vent (e.g., positioned on one of the side surfaces 106A, 106B, etc.) and / or vents positioned on other surfaces of the device 100 (e.g., the top surface 104, the back 114, etc.). The vents 108 are described below in additional detail in conjunction with FIG. 11. As further discussed, in other suitable embodiments (not shown), vents may be placed at any location on the upper area of the device either on the sides or on the back of the device.

[0106] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the back 114 of the device 100 includes ribs 116 on a rear panel 115. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 2 and 4, the ribs 116 extend vertically along the back 114 between the bottom 120 and the top 104. In some examples, the ribs 116 provide structural reinforcement to the device 100. Additionally or alternatively, the ribs 116 of the rear panel 115 assist with heat dissipation during operation of the device 100 (e.g., by increasing the surface area of the back 114, etc.). In other examples, some or all of the ribs 116 are absent and / or some or all of the ribs 116 do not extend fully between the bottom 120 and the top 104 of the device 100. In alternative embodiments, the ribs 116 are provided purely as a decorative feature. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 2 and 4, the back 114 of the device 100 includes48556-2fasteners 122 (e.g., screws, bolts, press fit interfaces, etc.). The fasteners 122 fasten (e.g., secure, couple, etc.) a rear panel 115 to the device 100.

[0107] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, a back 114 of the device 100 includes a fan intake 118. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 2 and 4, the fan intake 118 is positioned in the upper central portion of the back 114. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 2 and 4, the fan intake 118 includes a circular grille pattern that facilitates air intake for the drying function of the device.

[0108] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6, the device 100 includes a wastewater tank 200. The wastewater tank 200 is configured to collect and store used water (i.e., wastewater) from the washing operations performed by the device 100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6, the wastewater tank 200 is positioned at the lower portion of the device 100 adjacent to the bottom 120. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the wastewater tank 200 includes a wastewater tank grip 202 to facilitate removal and handling of the wastewater tank 200 by a user of the device 100. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 1, 3, 5, and 6, the wastewater tank grip 202 is a groove. It is understood, however, the wastewater tank 200 of the device 100 can have any suitable component(s) to facility the user removal of the wastewater tank 200. For example, in one suitable embodiment, the wastewater tank 200 of the device 100 can be equipped with a handle, a release button, etc.

[0109] The device 100 can have dimensions and weight characteristics that facilitate ease of movement and positioning by users. In some suitable embodiments, the device 100 can have a width ranging from approximately 270 mm to 410 mm, a depth ranging from approximately 310 mm to 450 mm, and a height ranging from approximately 380 mm to 470 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the device 100 had a width of 398 mm, a depth of 432 mm, and a height of 457 mm. These dimensions enable the device 100 to fit comfortably on standard kitchen countertops while providing sufficient internal volume for processing multiple bottles and components simultaneously.48556-2

[0110] The weight of the device 100 can range from approximately 10 kg to 15 kg when empty, depending on the materials used in construction and the configuration of internal components. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the device has a weight of approximately 14 kg. As a result, the device 100 to be lifted and moved by a single user without requiring excessive physical effort, while still providing sufficient mass to maintain stability during operation. In some embodiments, the device 100 can include handles, grips, or recessed areas on the sides or back to facilitate lifting and carrying operations. The compact dimensions and manageable weight of the device 100 enable users to reposition the device 100 as needed for different tasks, such as moving the device 100 closer to a sink for filling a water tank or emptying a wastewater tank or relocating the device 100 to a storage location when not in use. The portability of the device 100 also facilitates cleaning of the countertop surface beneath the device 100 and allows users to optimize their kitchen workspace organization based on changing needs.

[0111] It is contemplated that, the device 100 and the device components described herein can be constructed from any suitable material or compositions of materials including plastic materials, such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or other thermoplastic polymer. In some embodiments, the device 100 can be fabricated from foodgrade plastics that are resistant to heat, moisture, and cleaning agents encountered during washing and sterilization operations. In other suitable embodiments, the device 100 and device components can be constructed from stainless steel, aluminum, or other metallic materials, either alone or in combination with plastic components. The selection of materials can be based on factors such as durability, thermal properties, weight, cost, and aesthetic considerations. In some embodiments, different portions and components of the device 100 can be formed from different materials, with components exposed to high temperatures or water contact being formed from materials selected for their resistance to such conditions, while exterior housing components can be formed from materials selected for their appearance and structural properties.48556-2

[0112] Referring now to FIG. 8, the device 100 is shown with the door assembly 300 in an open position 303 or a horizontal position 303, revealing an interior 150 of the device 100, otherwise referred to as a washing chamber 150 of the device 100. In the open position 303, the door assembly 300 is pivoted to a generally horizontal orientation (e.g., parallel to the bottom 102, etc.), which provides access to the washing chamber 150 for loading and unloading articles. When the door assembly 300 is in the open position 303, the door grip 110 is accessible on the door assembly 300 to facilitate closing of the door after loading operations are complete. In the illustrated example of FIG. 8, the user interface 112 is visible on the top 104 of the device 100. The user interface 112 is positioned to enable (e.g., allow, etc.) user interaction when the door assembly 300 is open or closed. In the open position 303 of FIG. 8, the top 104 and the sides 106A, 106B of the device 100 are visible.

[0113] The door assembly 300 in an open position 303 provides clear visibility of the washing chamber 150, which enables users to efficiently organize bottles and other articles therein for processing. In the illustrated example of FIG. 8, the washing chamber 150 of the device 100 contains an upper tray 130A and a lower tray 132A, both of which are configured to hold articles (e.g., bottles, etc.) for processing within the washing chamber 150. In the illustrated example of FIG. 8, the lower tray 132A and the upper tray 130A includes lattice structures or grooves configured to receive and retain these smaller components during processing cycles. In other examples, one or more of the lower tray 132A and the upper tray 130A can include a different structure.

[0114] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, a plurality of base containers 1102 and a plurality of teats 1130 are positioned in the lower tray 132A (e.g., the lower tray 132A is holding the plurality of base containers 1102 and the plurality of teats 1130, etc.). In the illustrated example of FIG. 8, the plurality of base containers 1102 and the plurality of teats 1130 are disposed in an inverted position (e.g., the openings are facing toward the bottom 120, etc.). The inverted position of the plurality of base containers 1102 and the plurality of teats 1130 facilitate48556-2the washing, sterilizing, or drying treatment of the plurality of base containers 1102 and the plurality of teats 1130.

[0115] Particularly, as described in detail below in conjunction with FIG. 21, the lower tray 132A supports the base containers 1102 at an inclined angle relative to a vertical axis. This positioning of the base containers 1102 the bottle openings downward while the closed bottoms of the base containers are oriented upward and away from the tray. This angled positioning facilitates water drainage during washing cycles and enables effective drying of the bottle interiors during the drying cycles. In particular, the angled positioning of bottles prevents pooling of water on what is typically a concave surface of the bottom of bottles.

[0116] The upper tray 130A provides space for placing smaller components and accessories, such as caps, nipples, pacifiers, and other feeding-related items. The upper tray 130A is positioned above the lower tray 132A (e.g., closer to the top 104, etc.) within the washing chamber 150 of the device 100. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, the upper tray 130A is spaced at a sufficient distance above the lower tray 132A to avoid interference with the plurality of base containers 1102 and other articles positioned on the lower tray 132 A and the upper tray 130A. That is, the sufficient distance prevents contact between the upper tray 130A and items loaded in the lower tray 132A when the lower tray 132A and / or the upper tray 130A are moved within the washing chamber 150.

[0117] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the arrangement of the lower tray 132A and upper tray 130A within the washing chamber 150 enables the device 100 to process multiple bottles and components in a single cycle. The spatial configuration allows water from rotating washing arms and air from air distribution systems to reach the articles positioned on both trays, facilitating thorough washing, sterilizing, and drying operations.

[0118] In some examples, the upper tray 130A and lower tray 132A are removable from the device 100 to facilitate loading of articles outside of the washing chamber before reinsertion into the device for washing, sanitizing, and / or drying. Additionally, the removable configuration of48556-2the trays 130A, 132A allows users to load articles onto the trays 130A, 132A outside of the washing chamber 150, which can provide easier access and improved visibility during the loading process. Users can find it convenient to place the trays on a countertop or other surface adjacent to the device 100 while arranging bottles, nipples, and other components on the tray structures. Once the articles are positioned on the trays 130A, 132A, the loaded trays can be inserted into the washing chamber 150 through the door assembly 300.

[0119] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the device 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 taken along a cross-sectional line (11-11). In the illustrated example of FIG. 10, the washing chamber 150 that forms the primary processing space where bottles and related articles are positioned during washing, sterilizing, and drying operations.

[0120] The washing chamber 150 is defined by structural boundaries that contain the processing environment and facilitate the circulation of water and air during operational cycles. Particularly, in the illustrated example of FIG. 10, the washing chamber 150 includes a washing chamber back wall 152 opposite the back 114 of FIG. 5, a washing chamber base 154 opposite the bottom 120 of FIG. 3, and a first washing chamber side wall 156A opposite the first side of 106 A of FIG. 1. The washing chamber back wall 152 forms the rear boundary of the washing chamber 150. The washing chamber base 154 forms the lower boundary of the washing chamber 150. The first washing chamber side wall 156A forms a lateral boundary of the washing chamber 150. The washing chamber back wall 152, the washing chamber base 154, the first washing chamber side walls 156A, the second washing chamber side wall 156B (see FIG. 11), a top washing chamber surface 165 (see FIG. 15) and the door assembly 300 of FIG. 1 together define the washing chamber 150, which is the enclosed processing environment within which articles are subjected to washing, sterilizing, and drying operations.

[0121] In the illustrated example of FIG. 10, the washing chamber base 154 includes a mesh filter 158, which is positioned near the door assembly 300. The mesh filter 158 is configured to48556-2capture debris and particulate matter during washing operations while allowing water to pass through. Below the mesh filter 158, a collecting tray 160 is positioned to receive water that flows from the washing chamber 150 during and after washing cycles. As described herein, the collecting tray 160 directs water toward the washing and sterilizing components.

[0122] In some embodiments, users can remove the trays periodically to inspect the mesh filter 158 and the collecting tray 160 for accumulated particulate matter.

[0123] The cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 demonstrates the vertical arrangement of some of the components within the device 100. Particularly, in the illustrated example of FIG. 10, the washing chamber 150 is positioned above the mesh filter 158 and the collecting tray 160. In the illustrated example of FIG. 10, the collecting tray 160 is above the wastewater tank 200 (e.g., the wastewater tank 200 is positioned below the collecting tray 160, etc.). The vertical arrangement of these components allows gravity to assist with water flow from the washing chamber 150 through the mesh filter 158 to the collecting tray 160.

[0124] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 with exterior housing 121 removed, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example of FIG. 11, the washing chamber 150 is visible as the central processing space, defined in part by the washing chamber back wall 152 that forms the rear boundary of the chamber and the washing chamber side walls 156A, 156B.

[0125] In the illustrated example of FIG. 11, the device 100 includes upper tray mounts 134 (e.g., upper tray rails, etc.) positioned on opposite sides of the washing chamber side walls 156A, 156B of the washing chamber 150 at an upper level within the device 100. The upper tray mounts 134 are configured to support the upper tray 130A of FIG. 8 providing a stable mounting location for the upper tray 130A within the chamber. In the illustrated example of FIG. 11, the device 100 includes lower tray mounts 136 positioned on opposite sides of the washing chamber side walls 156A, 156B of the washing chamber 150 at a lower level within the device 100. The48556-2positioning of the upper tray mounts 134 and lower tray mounts 136 establishes the vertical spacing between the upper and lower trays within the washing chamber 150.

[0126] As shown, the vents 108 are positioned at locations along the upper region of the device structure. The vents 108 facilitate air circulation and removal within the device 100 during various operational cycles, including drying operations. As mentioned, the vents 108 are towards the front of the device 100. This placement is advantageous when the device 100 is place and used at a location with a structure (e.g., a kitchen cabinet) positioned above the device. The forward positioning of the vents 108 inhibits or reduces the volume of air, which can be heated and / or moist, from contacting the underside of the structure.DESCRIPTION OF WASHING COMPONENTS

[0127] FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of the device of FIG. 1 with the door assembly 300 in the closed position 301 of FIGS. 1-7. FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 taken along the 14-14 line of FIG. 12. In the illustrated example of FIG. 13, at the lower portion of the washing chamber comprises a sump 162 positioned under the collecting tray 160 to collect water during washing operations. Water in the sump 162 is recirculated through the washing chamber 150 of the device 100.

[0128] In the illustrated example of FIG. 13, the equipment chamber 170 of the device 100 includes a heating element 164 that is located beneath the sump 162 which forms the bottom surface of the sump 162. In other embodiments, the heating element 164 can be positioned at any suitable location (e.g., within the sump 162, lateral to the sump 162, above the sump 162, etc.). The heating element 164 is configured to heat water for washing and sterilization cycles of the device 100. In some embodiments, the heating element 164 can heat water to temperatures suitable for steam generation during sterilization operations. In some examples, the heating element 164 is implemented by an electric heater (e.g., one or more electric coils, one or more cartridge heaters, one or more positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heaters, one or more48556-2immersion heaters, etc.). In some such examples, the device 100 is connected to an external hot water source (e.g., the plumbing of a home, etc.).

[0129] In the illustrated example of FIG. 13, the equipment chamber 170 of the device 100 includes a pump 166. The pump 166 is positioned adjacent to the sump 162 and is configured to circulate water through the washing system. More specifically, the pump 166 draws heated water from the sump 162 and directs it through the rotating washing arms for distribution onto articles within the washing chamber 150. In some examples, the pump 166 is implemented by an AC centrifugal pump. In other examples, the pump 166 can be implemented by a different type of pump (e.g., a brushless DC pump, a diaphragmatic pump, a peristaltic pump, etc.)

[0130] In the illustrated example of FIG. 13, the device 100 includes a rotating washing arm 400 and an air manifold 500. The rotating washing arm 400 is positioned within the washing chamber 150 on the washing chamber base 154 above the sump 162. During operation, the rotating washing arm 400 distributes water onto articles placed in the washing chamber 150 during washing cycles. The rotating washing arm 400 is described in additional detail in conjunction with FIGS. 42-49. The air manifold 500 is described below in additional detail in conjunction with FIGS. 53 and 54.

[0131] In the illustrated example of FIG. 13, the device 100 includes an air manifold 500. The air manifold 500 is located within the washing chamber 150 on the washing chamber base 154 under the rotating arm 400. The air manifold 500 is positioned to direct heated air for drying operations of the device 100. The air manifold 500 extends across a portion of the washing chamber 150 and includes multiple air outlets configured to direct heated air upward toward articles positioned on the trays above. The air manifold 500 is positioned below the rotating arm 400 and receives heated air from a heater and fan assembly wherein the air outlets of the air manifold 500 can be positioned to facilitate drying of articles placed in the washing chamber 150 during a drying cycle.48556-2

[0132] FIG. 14 illustrates a front plan view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 with the door assembly 300 in the closed position 301 of FIGS. 1-7. FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 taken along the 16-16 line of FIG. 12. In the illustrated example of FIG. 15, the door assembly 300 includes a hinge. The hinge rotatably couples (e.g., connects, etc.) the door assembly 300 to the device housing. The hinge enables the door assembly 300 to pivot between open position 303 of FIG. 8 and the closed position 301 of FIGS. 1-7. According to an alternative embodiment, the hinge is a rotary dampener hinge that enables the controlled rotation of the door avoiding a sudden fall from the closed to the open position. In other embodiments, the door assembly 300 can be connected to the device 100 using any suitable mechanisms. In some embodiments, the door assembly 300 can be removably attached to the device 100, enabling the door to be completely detached from the device housing during loading and unloading operations. In some embodiments, the door assembly 300 can be connected via a pivot mechanism positioned at a different location, such as along a side edge or bottom edge of the door, to provide alternative opening orientations. The door assembly 300 can also be mounted using a combination of hinges and sliding mechanisms that allow the door to both pivot and translate during opening operations. In some embodiments, the door assembly 300 can be connected using magnetic latches or snap-fit connections that permit the door to be released and repositioned as needed.

[0133] In the illustrated example of FIG. 15, the device 100 includes an upper rotating washing arm 402. The upper rotating washing arm 402 is mounted to the top washing chamber surface 165. The upper rotating washing arm 402 is positioned above the rotating washing arm 400, positioned to distribute water downwardly onto articles within the chamber. The dual rotating washing arm configuration enables water to reach articles from both above and below, facilitating thorough cleaning of interior and exterior surfaces.

[0134] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the device 100 further includes a heater 502 and a fan 504, both positioned adjacent the back 114 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrated device 100. Theheater 502 and the fan 504 are arranged to enable taking in air, heating it, and distributing the hot air within the device before the moisture-laden air exits the device through the vents. Hot air movement within the device 100 takes place during drying and in an alternative embodiment both during drying operations and / or washing and / or sterilizing operations of the device. In some embodiments, the fan 504 draws ambient air through the heater 502 to increase the air temperature before directing the air to the manifold 500 before distribution into the washing chamber 150. The heated air can then be directed through the air manifold 500 to reach articles positioned within the chamber, promoting evaporation of moisture from article surfaces during the drying cycle.DESCRIPTION OF WASTEWATER TANK

[0135] FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of a wastewater tank 200 of FIG. 1. In the illustrated example of FIG. 16, the wastewater tank 200 has a generally rectangular prism form. The wastewater tank 200 of FIG. 1 configured to fit within the lower portion of the device 100. In other examples, the wastewater tank 200 can have any other shape (e.g., based on the shape of the of the device 100, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, a top surface 201 of the wastewater tank 200 includes a splash cover 204 and a drain port 206.

[0136] In the illustrated example of FIG. 16, the drain port 206 is located adjacent to the splash cover 204 on the top surface 201 of the wastewater tank 200. In other examples, the drain port 206 is located at another location on the wastewater tank 200 (e.g., a side of the wastewater tank 200, another location on the top surface 201 of the wastewater tank 200, etc.). The drain port 206 provides a connection point for receiving wastewater from the device 100 during operation. The drain port 206 allows water draining from the washing chamber 150 of FIG. 10 to flow into the wastewater tank 200. Additionally, the drain port 206 allows a user to empty collected wastewater from the wastewater tank 200.

[0137] In the illustrated example of FIG. 16, the splash cover 204 is a removable cover element (e.g., a cap, a tab, etc.) that can be removed by a user to place over the drain port 206.For example, a user can use the splash cover 204 when the water tank is removed from the device 100 by the user and is walking with the wastewater tank 200 towards a sink to empty the wastewater tank 200. In this scenario, the user can place the splash cover 204 over the drain port 206 to avoid water splashing while transferring the tank to the sink. Further, the splash cover 204 includes an indicia 207 (e.g., wording, etc.) that enables a user to differentiate between the drain port 206 and the splash cover 204. In some examples, the indicia 207 is absent.

[0138] FIG. 17 illustrates a view of a bottom surface 203 of the wastewater tank 200 of FIG.16 In the illustrated example of FIG. 17, the wastewater tank grip 202 of FIG. 1 is recessed into the wastewater tank 200 and provides a handle for a user to grasp when removing or inserting the wastewater tank 200 from the device 100.

[0139] In the illustrated example of FIG. 17, the bottom surface 203 of the wastewater tank 200 includes a plurality of catches 208. In the example of FIG. 17, the wastewater tank 200 includes two catches (e.g., the catches 208, etc.) disposed on both sides of the bottom surface 203. In other examples, the wastewater tank 200 includes a different number of catches (e.g., one catch, three catches, etc.). The catches 208 facilitate the insertion of the wastewater tank 200 to the device 100. The catches 208 additional facilitate removal of the wastewater tank 200 from the device 100 for emptying and cleaning purposes. In the illustrated example of FIG. 17, the catches 208 have an elongate rib configuration extending along a portion of the wastewater tank 200. Each of the catches 208 includes recesses 205 (e.g., necks, etc.) positioned on each side of the rib, located approximately midway along the length of the catch 208. The recesses 205 are portions of the catches 208 with a reduced width. In some examples, the recesses 205 engage with corresponding features on the device 100 to provide secure retention of the wastewater tank 200 during operation of the device 100. The elongate rib shape of the catches 208 provide structural rigidity while the recesses 205 facilitate engagement and disengagement of the wastewater tank 200 from the device housing.

[0140] FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 showing the bottom 120 of the device 100 and the wastewater tank 200 inserted into the device 100. As shown in FIG. 18, the bottom 120 of the device 100 includes a plurality of attachment features 210. The attachment features 210 facilitate the secure mounting of the wastewater tank to the device by capturing the catches 208 on the bottom of the wastewater tank 200.

[0141] FIG. 18A is a detail view of detail 18A of FIG. 18. As illustrated in FIG. 18A, the wastewater tank 200 connects to the device 100 via the attachment feature 210, which engages with a catch 208 on the wastewater tank 200. Each of the attachment features 210 include an elongated slot 211 (see FIG. 20) and cutouts 212 formed in the bottom 120 of the device 100. In the illustrated example of FIG. 18A, springs 214 are seated in (e.g., positioned within, etc.) relative to the cutouts 212. In the illustrated example of FIG. 18 A, when the wastewater tank 200 is fully seated (e.g., coupled to, etc.) the device 100, the cutouts 212 and the springs 214 are aligned with the recesses 205 of the catches 208. In the illustrated example of FIG. 18 A, the attachment feature 210 includes a guide 215 (e.g., a widened opening, etc.) near the front 102 of the device 100 to aid with the insertion of the wastewater tank 200. In other examples, the guide 215 is absent.

[0142] The springs 214 provide a biasing force that assists in securing the wastewater tank 200 in position within the device 100. The spring 214 can facilitate the engagement and disengagement of the wastewater tank 200 from the device 100, allowing a user to remove the tank by overcoming the spring force and to reinsert the wastewater tank 200 with the springs 214 providing a positive retention force. When a force less than the spring force is applied to the wastewater tank 200, the spring 214 is not defected from the recesses 205, which prevents the unintentional removal of the wastewater tank 200 (e.g., during operation of the device 100, etc.). In some embodiments, the spring-loaded catch arrangement formed by the springs 214 and the recesses 205 provide tactile and / or audible feedback to the user when the wastewater tank 200 is properly inserted into the device. This feedback enables a user to determine that the wastewater48556-2tank 200 is properly inserted and fully seated within the device 100 so that there will not be any leakage of water.

[0143] Additionally or alternatively, the wastewater tank 200 is coupled to the device 100 using other mechanisms. For example, the wastewater tank 200 can include channels that engage with corresponding features on the device 100 to provide alignment during insertion. The wastewater tank 200 can be secured using a latch mechanism that engages when the tank is fully inserted, with a release button or lever positioned on the exterior of the device 100 to permit removal. In some suitable embodiments, the wastewater tank 200 can be attached using a magnetic coupling arrangement, where magnets positioned on the tank and the device 100 provide retention force while permitting the tank to be pulled away when sufficient force is applied. The wastewater tank 200 can also be secured using a twist-lock mechanism, where rotation of the tank relative to the device 100 engages or disengages locking features. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism can include a combination of features, such as guide rails for alignment combined with spring-loaded catches of FIGS. 18 and 18A for retention.

[0144] FIGS. 19 and 20 are a perspective top view and a perspective bottom view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 in which the wastewater tank has been partially removed from the device 100. In the illustrated example of FIG. 20, the catch 208 is visible on the wastewater tank 200, providing a mechanism for securing the tank in position within the device 100. The cutout 212 and the springs 214 are shown in the area where the wastewater tank 200 interfaces with the device body, with the springs 214 providing a biasing force to assist with the engagement or release of the wastewater tank 200 from its installed position. As shown, the catches 208 on the wastewater tank 200 are configured to slide into the elongated slot 211 formed in the device 100 during insertion of the wastewater tank 200. As the user pushes the wastewater tank 200 into position, the elongate ribs of the catches 208 can align with the corresponding cutout 212 and translate along a sliding path until the midway recesses on the catches 208 engage with the springs 214. In some embodiments, the catches 208 can include beveled (e.g., filleted, tapered,48556-2and / or chamfered, etc.) leading edges that guide the catches 208 into the cutouts 212 during initial insertion. The sliding motion can compress the springs 214 as the catches 208 pass through the cutouts 212, with the springs 214 subsequently expanding into the recesses 205 of the catches 208 to provide a locking engagement. In some embodiments, the catches 208 can slide along rails or guide surfaces formed within the cutouts 212 to maintain proper alignment during insertion and removal operations. The sliding engagement between the catches 208 and the cutouts 212 can allow the wastewater tank 200 to be inserted and removed with a single linear motion, without requiring rotation or complex manipulation by the user.DESCRIPTION OF THE TRAYS

[0145] FIG. 21 illustrates an isometric view of a lower tray 132A of FIG. 8. FIG. 22 illustrates an isometric view of the lower tray 132A of FIG. 21 loaded with the bottle components 1000 of FIG. 8 and the teats 1130 of FIG. 8, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0146] In the illustrated example of FIG. 21, the lower tray 132A includes a lower tray horizontal lattice 138A that forms the base structure of the tray, providing a grid-like foundation that allows water and air to flow through during washing and drying operations. The lower tray 132A further includes a plurality of lower tray vertically inclined lattices 140A comprising angled support structures that extend upward from the lower tray horizontal lattice 138A. The lower tray vertically inclined lattices 140 A are configured to hold the base containers 1102 of FIG. 8 at an inclined angle relative to a horizontal plane, positioning the bottle openings downward to facilitate water drainage during washing cycles and air circulation during drying cycles. According to an embodiment, said inclined angle is between 8 degrees and 20 degrees, specifically 15 degrees. A lower tray horizontally inclined lattice 142A is also provided on the lower tray 132A, offering additional support positions for various bottle components and accessories.48556-2

[0147] As illustrated in FIG. 22, the lower tray 132A is shown loaded with the bottle components 1000 (e.g., bottle collars, caps, and anti-colic devices such as vents and venting assemblies described further described with reference to FIGS. 63-69), the base containers 1102, and the teats 1130. The bottle components 1000, the base containers 1102, and the teats 1130 are arranged on the lower tray 132A in an organized configuration, with multiple base containers 1102 positioned in an inverted orientation with their openings facing downward. The bottles are held at an inclined angle relative to the horizontal plane of the lower tray 132A by the lower tray vertically inclined lattice 140 A. The teats 1130 are positioned on dedicated mounting locations within the tray structure. The arrangement demonstrates the capacity of the lower tray 132A to accommodate various bottle components 1000, the base containers 1102, and the teats 1130 of different sizes for processing within the device 100.

[0148] FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative lower tray 132B. In alternative embodiments, the alternative lower tray 132B can be used in place of the lower tray 132 A of FIGS. 21 and 22. The alternative lower tray 132B having another suitable embodiment is illustrated showing a different configuration for holding articles within the device 100. The lower tray 132B includes a lower tray horizontal lattice 138B that forms the base structure of the tray. The lower tray 132B further includes a lower tray vertically inclined lattice 140B and lower tray horizontally inclined lattice 142B comprising angled support structures configured to hold base containers 1102 at an inclined angle relative to the horizontal plane. The lower tray 132B includes a lower tray horizontal lattice 138B that forms the base structure of the tray, providing a grid-like foundation that allows water and air to flow through during washing and drying operations. In some embodiments, the lower tray 132B can be interchangeable with the lower tray 132A, allowing users to select a tray configuration suited to the particular articles being processed. In some embodiments, inclined lattice 140B can form a separate part that is removable and mountable onto the lower tray horizontal lattice 138B.48556-2

[0149] In some embodiments, the lower tray 132A and the lower tray 132B can each be configured to engage with the lower tray mounts 136 of FIG. 11 positioned within the washing chamber 150 of FIG. 8. The lower tray mounts 136 can include rails, ledges, or other support features that receive the lower tray 132 A or the lower tray 132B. In some suitable embodiments, the lower tray 132 A can include wheels or rollers facilitating sliding movement of the tray along the lower tray mounts 136 of FIG. 11 during loading and unloading operations. The wheels or rollers can be positioned at corners or along edges of the horizontal lattice 138A of the lower tray 132A and / or the horizontal lattice 138B of the lower tray 132B to provide smooth translation of the tray into and out of the washing chamber 150.

[0150] In other suitable embodiments, the lower tray 132A or the lower tray 132B can engage with the lower tray mounts 136 through alternative arrangements. For example, the trays can include tabs or flanges that rest upon ledges formed by the lower tray mounts 136. The trays can alternatively include channels or grooves that receive corresponding rails extending from the lower tray mounts 136. In some embodiments, the lower tray mounts 136 can include detents or stops that provide positive positioning of the tray within the washing chamber 150. The lower tray 132A or the lower tray 132B can also be configured with guide features that align the tray during insertion, such as tapered edges or chamfered corners that facilitate engagement with the lower tray mounts 136.

[0151] FIG. 24 illustrates an isometric view of an upper tray 130A of FIG. 8 in an empty configuration, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 25 illustrates an isometric view of the upper tray 130A of FIG. 24 with bottle components 1000 positioned thereon. In the illustrated example of FIG. 24, the upper tray 130A includes an upper tray horizontal lattice 144 A that forms the base structure of the tray, providing a horizontal bar foundation that allows water and air to flow through during washing and drying operations. The upper tray 130A further includes an upper tray groove lattice 146 A positioned in the middle of the tray structure. As illustrated, the upper tray groove lattice 146 A includes a plurality of ridges48556-2that provide mounting positions for smaller articles such as teats, caps, and other feeding accessories. The upper tray 130A features a series of angled support structures arranged in rows across the tray surface, configured to hold bottle components in various orientations during processing cycles.

[0152] As illustrated in FIG. 25, the upper tray 130A is shown loaded with bottle components 1000 and teats 1130. The bottle components 1000 are placed on the angled support structures of the upper tray 130A, demonstrating the intended placement configuration for processing within the device 100. The teats 1130 are positioned on the ridges of the upper tray groove lattice 146A, which provide dedicated mounting locations on the upper tray 130A.Particularly, the inner surfaces of the teats 1130 are seated on the ridges, which retains the teats 1130 during the processing thereof. The arrangement shows how the upper tray 130A accommodates multiple bottle components 1000 and teats 1130 simultaneously for processing within the device 100. In some embodiments, the upper tray 130A can be configured to hold anti-colic components, nipples, collars, caps, and other feeding-related accessories in addition to the bottle components 1000 and teats 1130 shown in the illustrated embodiment.

[0153] FIG. 26 illustrates an isometric view of an alternative upper tray 130B with a water connection 149. In alternative embodiments, the alternative upper tray 130B can be used in place of the upper tray 130A of FIG. 24 and 25. The upper tray 130B having another suitable embodiment is illustrated showing a different configuration for holding bottle components 1000 and related articles within the device 100. The upper tray 130B includes an upper tray horizontal lattice 144B that forms the base structure of the tray, providing a horizontal bar that allows water and air to flow through during washing and drying operations. The upper tray 130B further includes teat mounts 148 positioned to accommodate teats and similar components. The teat mounts 148 are configured to receive and retain teats in a stable orientation during processing cycles.48556-2

[0154] The upper tray 130B is shown with a tray water connection 149 that provides a pressurized water supply for internal cleaning of components mounted on the tray. The tray water connection 149 enables direct spraying of difficult-to-clean components such as anti-colic bottle parts that are mounted onto the teat mounts 148. In some embodiments, the tray water connection 149 can provide enhanced cleaning capability beyond what external spray from the rotating washing arms alone would achieve, allowing water to reach interior surfaces of components that can otherwise be difficult to access. In some suitable embodiments, the upper tray 13 OB can be interchangeable with the upper tray 130A, allowing users to select a tray configuration suited to the particular articles being processed.

[0155] FIG. 27 illustrates a front view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 with the door assembly 300 of FIG. 1 removed, illustrating the deposition of the upper tray 130A of FIGS. 8, 24, and 25 and the lower tray 132A of FIGS. 8, 21, and 22 within the washing chamber 150. Additionally, as illustrated here, the rotating washing arm 400 and the upper rotating washing arm 402 is shown. The rotating washing arm 400 is described below in additional detail in conjunction with FIG. 42. The upper rotating washing arm 402 is described below in additional detail in conjunction with FIGS. 61 and 61 A. In the illustrated example of FIG. 27, the upper tray 130A is visible within the washing chamber 150 and is positioned above the lower tray 132A. As shown, the upper tray groove lattice 146 A of the upper tray 130A and the lower tray vertically inclined lattice 140A of the lower tray 132A forms a gap or opening formed between the tray structures that provides clearance for the base containers 1102 positioned on the lower tray 132A and bottle components 1000 of the upper tray 130A. The gap under the upper tray 130A allows the base containers 1102 to extend upward at an angle without interference from the upper tray structure when the base containers 1102 are positioned in an inverted orientation on the lower tray 132 A. As illustrated, the gap is positioned centrally along and below a portion of the upper tray groove lattice 146 A to accommodate base containers 1102 of varying heights. The gap under the upper tray 130A can also permit longer articles or components to hang downward through the opening,48556-2enabling taller components or accessories to be suspended from the upper tray 130A while extending into the gap below. This arrangement allows the device 100 to accommodate articles of different lengths and configurations within the washing chamber 150 without requiring removal of the upper tray 130A or the lower tray 132A. In some embodiments, the gap can be sized to receive elongated components such as bottle brushes, straws, or other feeding accessories that benefit from vertical positioning during washing and drying operations.

[0156] In some embodiments, the device 100 can be operated with or without either the upper tray 130A or the lower tray 132A. For example, a user can remove the upper tray 130A from the washing chamber 150 when processing larger articles that require additional vertical clearance within the chamber. Similarly, the lower tray 132A can be removed when the user desires to position articles directly on the washing chamber base 154 (see FIG. 10) or when cleaning the interior surfaces of the washing chamber 150. The device 100 can perform washing, sterilizing, and drying operations with only the lower tray 132A installed, with only the upper tray 130A installed, or with neither of the trays 130A, 132A installed, depending on the particular articles being processed and user preferences.

[0157] In the illustrated example of FIG. 27, the device 100 has a two-tray configuration (e.g., the upper tray 130A and the lower tray 132A, etc.). In other examples, the device 100 can include a single tray configured to hold articles at one level within the washing chamber 150 (e.g., that is, the device 100 is only capable of including a single tray, etc.). The single tray configuration can be suitable for users who process fewer articles per cycle or who prefer a simplified loading arrangement. The single tray can be positioned at the upper tray mounts 134 or the lower tray mounts 136 depending on the desired positioning within the washing chamber 150.

[0158] In other suitable embodiments, the device 100 can include more than two trays without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the device 100 can include three or more trays arranged at different vertical levels within the washing chamber 150 to increase the capacity for processing articles. Additional tray mounts can be provided within48556-2the washing chamber 150 to support the additional trays. The multiple tray configuration can enable users to process a greater number of bottles, teats, and accessories in a single cycle. In some embodiments, the trays in a multi-tray configuration can have varying sizes, shapes, or support structures to accommodate different types of articles at each level within the washing chamber 150.DESCRIPTION OF THE DOOR ASSEMBLY

[0159] FIG. 28 illustrates an isometric view of the door assembly 300 in the open position 303 of FIG. 8 showing a clean water tank 304. As shown in FIG. 28, the door assembly 300 includes the clean water tank 304 embedded within the door assembly 300. In one embodiment, a viewing window 306 is provided on the door, to allow users to see the washing in progress. In this embodiment the clean water tank is shaped around the viewing window 306.

[0160] In the illustrated example of FIG. 28, the door assembly 300 includes a fill port 312 located on the door assembly 300 to enable filling of the clean water tank 304 when the door assembly 300 is in the horizontal position. In the illustrated example of FIG. 28, the fill port 312 is covered by a water tank cap 314. The water tank cap 314 includes a vent valve 316 that permits air to enter the clean water tank 304 as water is drawn out during operation. The vent valve 316 prevents vacuum formation within the clean water tank 304 and prevents damage thereto.

[0161] In the illustrated example of FIG. 28, the door assembly 300 includes a rinse aid tank cap 308 and a detergent recess 310. The rinse aid tank cap 308 is positioned adjacent to the to the upper side of the door assembly 300 on the interior surface. The rinse aid tank cap 308 is a removal feature that provides access for replenishing rinse aid liquid in a rinse aid tank 328 (see FIG. 34) within the door assembly 300. In illustrated example of FIG. 28, the detergent recess 310 is a cavity extending into the door assembly 300. The detergent recess 310 is visible on the surface of the door assembly 300, providing a designated area for detergent placement and dispensing for washing operations of the device 100.48556-2

[0162] FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of the door assembly 300 of FIG. 28 during a filling operation of the clean water tank 304. As illustrated in FIG. 29, the door assembly 300 is shown in the open position 303 with a liquid 313 (e.g., clean tab water, deionized water, etc.) being poured into the fill port 312 from a container 315, demonstrating the filling of the clean water tank 304. The horizontal positioning of the door assembly 300 during filling operations facilitates convenient access to the fill port 312 and reduces the risk of water spillage, as any overflow or drips are contained within the recessed areas of the door structure. If there is any spillage during tank filling, spilled water will simply flow into the interior of the washing chamber 150 without any negative consequences. The rinse aid tank cap 308 is also accessible in this orientation for separate replenishment of rinse aid liquid.

[0163] In the illustrated example of FIG. 29, the fill port 312 includes a first recessed area 317 positioned above the viewing window 306 that is configured to collect any water that overflows during filling operations. When a user fills the clean water tank 304 through the fill port 312, any excess water due to overfilling can accumulate within this first recessed area 317 indicating that there is a small overfill and assisting the user to stop further filling of water. In the illustrated example of FIG. 29, if a user overfills the first recessed area 317, excess water can further accumulate within a second recessed area 319. Any excess water during filling operations can flow from the first recessed area 317 and / or the second recessed area 319 into the washing chamber 150 when the door assembly 300 is subsequently closed.

[0164] FIGS. 30 and 31 are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the door assembly 300 of FIG. 8, respectively. As shown in FIG. 31, the door assembly 300 includes an inner panel 318 and an outer door panel 320 that together form the housing structure for the clean water tank 304 of FIGS. 28- 29 and associated components. The inner panel 318 is positioned to face the washing chamber 150 of the device 100 when the door assembly 300 is in the closed position 301, while the outer door panel 320 forms the exterior-facing surface of the door assembly 300 (e.g., the front 102 of the device 100, etc.). The clean water tank 304 is48556-2positioned internally between the inner panel 318 and the outer door panel 320. The positioning of the clean water tank 304 (e.g., integrated into the body of the door assembly 300, etc.) allows the clean water tank 304 to remain accessible for filling operations when the door assembly 300 is in the open position 303.

[0165] Referring now to FIG. 31, the inner panel 318 includes the water tank cap 314 of FIG. 28 and the rinse aid tank cap 308 of FIG. 28. The door assembly 300 serves both as an access panel for the washing chamber 150 and as a housing for the water supply system, which provides a more efficient use of space within the device 100 than prior bottle washing devices. This arrangement also solves the problem of spillage of water while filling the clean water tank, since any spillage will simply flow into the washing chamber without any negative consequences. In the illustrated example of FIG. 31, the door assembly 300 includes a water exit port 329 which clean water flows through from the clean water tank 304. Rinse aid flows from the rinse aid tank 328 (see FIG. 33) into the washing chamber 150 via rinse aid exit port 331 which is positioned next to the water exit port 329 of clean water.

[0166] FIG. 32 illustrates an exploded front perspective view of the door assembly 300 of FIG. 28, according to an embodiment. FIG. 33 illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of the door assembly of FIG. 28 showing fluid management components, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 32 and 33, the clean water tank 304 is disposed between the inner panel 318 and the outer door panel 320.

[0167] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 32 and 33, the door assembly 300 includes the inner door panel 318 and the outer door panel 320 of FIGS. 30 and 31 that together form the structure for the clean water tank 304 and associated fluid control components. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 32 and 33, the door assembly 300 includes the clean water tank 304 of FIG.28, the viewing window 306 of FIG. 28, the rinse aid cap 308 and the water tank cap 314 of FIG.28, a flowmeter 322, a water tank pump 324, a solenoid valve 326, a rinse aid pump 327, and a rinse aid tank 328. In the illustrated embodiment, there is also a small electronic circuit board48556-2(PCB) for simplifying the wiring connections to power. As illustrated in FIG. 33, the rinse aid cap 308 and the water tank cap 314 include a pull tab feature 321 providing a graspable surface that enables a user to grip and remove the rinse aid cap 308 and / or the water tank cap 314 from the door assembly 300.

[0168] The rinse aid tank 328 stores and dispenses rinse aid liquid for dispensing during rinsing cycles. The rinse aid tank 328 can receive rinse aid via a rinse aid port (e.g., covered by the rinse aid cap 308, etc.). The rinse aid tank cap 308 provides access for refilling the rinse aid tank 328. In some examples, the rinse aid tank 328 has a capacity ranging from approximately 80 ml to 200 ml, which can provide sufficient rinse aid for multiple washing cycles before requiring replenishment. In the illustrated example of FIG. 33, the rinse aid tank 328 is adjacent to the viewing window 306 and is positioned adjacent to the clean water tank 304. In other examples, the rinse aid tank 328 can be disposed at another location in the door assembly 300 (e.g., above the viewing window 306, below the viewing window 306, etc.) and / or another location in the device 100 (e.g., in the exterior housing 121, external to the device 100, etc.). In other examples, the rinse aid tank 328 is absent.

[0169] FIGS. 34 and 35 are a front plan view and a perspective view of the door assembly 300 of FIG. 8, respectively, with the outer panel 318 and inner panel 318 removed. As illustrated in FIGS. 34 and 35, the flowmeter 322, the water tank pump 324, the solenoid valve 326, the rinse aid pump 327, the rinse aid exit port 331 and the water exit port 329 form a fluid control system 345 otherwise known as a water circuit that is positioned below the clean water tank 304. The flowmeter 322 measures the quantity of water flowing from the clean water tank 304 into the washing chamber 150 during operation. As illustrated in FIG. 35, the water exit port 329 is coupled to the flowmeter 322 and allows exit of the clean water into the washing chamber 150. The water tank pump 324 is positioned upstream of the flowmeter 322 and is configured to drive water from the clean water tank 304 toward the washing chamber 150 through the solenoid valve48556-2326, when the solenoid valve 326 in an open position, and the exit port 329 of the flowmeter 322.

[0170] As illustrated in FIG. 35, rinse aid is released when the solenoid valve 326 is in a closed position to not allow rinse aid to move upstream of the clean water components including interior of solenoid valve 326, the water tank pump 324, and the clean water tank 304. In other words, the solenoid valve 326 is included in the fluid control system 345 to control the direction and timing of clean water flow during different operational cycles.

[0171] The fluid control components including the flowmeter 322, the pump 324, the solenoid valve 326, the rinse aid pump 327, and the exit port 329 are arranged below the clean water tank 304 and rinse aid tank 328, forming an integrated fluid management system within the door structure. The exploded, plan, and perspective views demonstrate how the various components are spatially organized within the door assembly 300, with the inner panel 318 and outer door panel 320 providing structural support and housing for the clean water tank 304, the rinse aid tank 328, and the associated fluid control components. This configuration enables the door assembly 300 to serve multiple functions, including providing access to the washing chamber 150, housing the water supply system, and integrating the rinse aid dispensing system within a compact door structure.

[0172] FIG. 36 illustrates a front view of an alternative door assembly 350 and an alternative fluid control system 355 configured to be operable with the device 100. The alternative fluid control system includes several interconnected components that manages the flow of water and rinse aid during different operational cycles. In the illustrated example of FIG. 36, the alternative fluid control system includes a flowmeter 322, a pump 324, and a pump T junction 340, which splits the water flow into a first flow path and a second flow path (see FIGS. 37-40).

[0173] The first flow path from the pump T junction 340 leads through a solenoid valve hose 338 to the solenoid valve 326. After exiting the solenoid valve 326 via a solenoid valve outlet 336, water flowing through the first flow path flows toward the washing chamber 150.48556-2Flow of water through the first flow path is controlled by the position of the solenoid valve 326 (e.g., water flows through the first flow path when the solenoid valve 326 is in an open state, etc.). The position of the solenoid valve 326 can be controlled based on the operation of the device 100.

[0174] The second flow path from the pump T junction 340 through a hose 344 leads to a mixing tank 332, which receives and combines water with rinse aid for injection into the washing chamber 150 during rinsing cycles. In the illustrated example of FIG. 36, the mixing tank 332 is fluidly coupled to the rinse aid tank 328 via a hose 330. The hose 330 enables rinse aid to flow into the mixing tank 332, where it mixes with water flowing from the pump T junction 340 along the second flow path. After exiting the mixing tank 332 via a mixing tank outlet 334, the mixed water and rinse aid flowing through the second flow path flows toward the washing chamber 150. In the illustrated example of FIG. 36, the mixing tank 332 is coupled to a mixing tank air release vent 346. The mixing tank air release vent 346 vertically extends from the mixing tank 332 upward to ambient environment. The mixing tank air release vent 346 balances pressures within the system and allow air to escape during filling and dispensing operations.

[0175] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 37-40, the rinse aid tank 328 is coupled to a rinse aid squeezer 348 connected to the rinse aid tank 328 and operates to dispense rinse aid from the rinse aid tank 328 when compressed. The rinse aid squeezer 348 can be coupled to the door assembly 300.

[0176] In some embodiments, the rinse aid squeezer 348 can comprise a flexible hollow element that is fluidly coupled to the rinse aid tank 328. In some such examples, the flexible hollow element of the rinse aid squeezer 348 includes (e.g., is comprised of, etc.) from an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material can include silicone, rubber, or other flexible polymeric materials that are capable of repeated compression and recovery without permanent deformation (e.g., plastic deformation, etc.). In some examples, the rinse aid squeezer 348 can have a convex surface that protrudes outward when the squeezer is in a relaxed state. In some48556-2such examples, when pressure is applied to the convex surface of the rinse aid squeezer 348, the flexible hollow element compresses inward, reducing the internal volume of the squeezer and forcing rinse aid liquid out through the hose 330.

[0177] Upon release of the applied pressure, the elastomeric material returns to its original convex shape, drawing rinse aid from the rinse aid tank 328 into the hollow interior of the squeezer in preparation for the next dispensing operation. The amount of rinse aid dispensed per compression can range from approximately 1 ml to 2 ml, which can provide a suitable concentration of rinse aid when mixed with water in the mixing tank 332 for rinsing operations. The convex configuration of the rinse aid squeezer 348 can provide a tactile surface that facilitates user engagement during manual actuation. In some cases, the convex surface can be configured to interface with a mechanical actuator within the door assembly 350 that compresses the squeezer automatically when the door assembly 350 transitions from the open horizontal position to the closed vertical position. The elastomeric construction of the rinse aid squeezer 348 can provide durability over repeated compression cycles while maintaining consistent dispensing volumes throughout the operational life of the device 100. In some examples, the rinse aid squeezer 348 can be implemented by any other suitable device (e.g., a plugger, an air displacement system, etc.).

[0178] FIGS. 37-40 are schematic representations of the alternative fluid control system 355 of FIG. 36. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 37-40, the alternative fluid control system 355 includes the clean water tank 304, the rinse aid tank 328, the flowmeter 322, the pump 324, the solenoid valve 326, the valve outlet 336, the hose 330, the mixing tank 332, the mixing tank outlet 334, and the pump T junction 340. FIG. 37 is a schematic representation of the alternative fluid control system 355 is off and / or standby state.

[0179] With reference to FIGS. 38-40, the arrows in the schematic indicate the direction of fluid flow through the various components, showing how water flows from the clean water tank48556-2304 through the flowmeter 322 and the pump 324, and how rinse aid flows from the rinse aid tank 328 through the hose 330 to the mixing tank 332.

[0180] FIG. 38 is a schematic representation of the alternative fluid control system 355 prior to a rinse cycle of the device 100. In the illustrated example of FIG. 38, the rinse aid squeezer 348 is actuated to dispense a controlled volume from the rinse aid tank 328 through the hose 330 into the mixing tank 332.

[0181] FIG. 39 is a schematic representation of the alternative fluid control system 355 when the device 100 is in a wash cycle. In the illustrated example of FIG. 40, the solenoid valve 326 is in an open state, which permits water to flow directly from the pump 324 through the hose 342 to the solenoid valve outlet 336 to the washing chamber 150 via the first flow path of FIG.36.

[0182] FIG. 40 is a schematic representation of the alternative fluid control system 355 when the device 100 is in a rinse cycle. In the illustrated example of FIG. 39, the solenoid valve 326 is in a closed state, which permits water to flow from the pump 324 through the hose 344 to the mixing chamber 332 via the second flow path of FIG. 36. After mixing with rinse aid in the mixing chamber, water exits the mixing chamber 332 into the washing chamber 150. As such, the position of the solenoid valve 326 controls if clean water and / or clean water mixed with rinse aid is dispensed from the washing chamber 150 from the clean water tank 304.DESCRIPTION OF WASHING CONFIGURATION

[0183] FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view of the rotating washing arm 400 of FIG. 13. FIG. 42 is a side view of the rotating washing arm 400 of FIGS. 13 and 41. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 41 and 42, the rotating washing arm 400 includes a water manifold 403 and a shaft 460. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 41 and 42, the washing manifold 403 of the rotating washing arm 400 includes a rotating washing arm top surface 404 that extends perpendicular to a rotating arm longitudinal axis 450. The rotating washing arm top surface 40448556-2includes multiple water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 positioned along its length, configured to distribute pressurized water along water outlet columns 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, respectively. The water outlet columns 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428 represent the vectors along which water dispensed by the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 flows during operation of the device 100. As seen in FIG. 42, the water outlet columns 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428 form a variety of different angles with the rotating arm longitudinal axis 450, which enables the water expelled from the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 to reach the interior surfaces of articles positioned at different orientations within the washing chamber 150.

[0184] The rotating arm longitudinal axis 450 extends through the geometric center of the shaft 405 of the rotating washing arm 400, defining the primary axis of rotation of the rotating washing arm 400. In some examples, the shaft 460 is configured to rotate during operation of the device 100. The shaft 460 is rigidly coupled to the water manifold 403, which supports a corresponding rotation the water manifold 403.

[0185] The rotation of the rotating washing arm 400 about the rotating arm longitudinal axis 450 causes the water expelled from the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 to wash different areas of the washing chamber 150 as the rotating washing arm 400 rotates during operation of the device 100. The water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 are positioned along the rotating washing arm top surface 404 to provide comprehensive coverage of articles placed within the washing chamber 150 (e.g., items disposed in the trays 130A, 132A of FIGS. 21-27, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the rotating washing arm 400 rotates during the washing cycles of the device 100.

[0186] FIG. 43 illustrates a schematic view of the rotating washing arm 400 of FIGS. 41 and 42. In the illustrated example of FIG. 43, With reference to FIG. 44, the rotating washing arm 400 is illustrated in a three-dimensional schematic view that demonstrates the spatial reference system used to define the angular orientations of the water outlets. The rotating washing arm 40048556-2is positioned at the intersection of three orthogonal reference planes that establish the coordinate system for describing water outlet directions and spray patterns.

[0187] The rotating arm longitudinal axis 450 extends along the length of the rotating washing arm 400, serving as the primary reference axis for the arm structure. A coronal plane 452 is shown intersecting the rotating washing arm 400, providing one reference plane for defining outlet orientations. A sagittal plane 454 is positioned perpendicular to the coronal plane 452 and passes through the rotating arm longitudinal axis 450, establishing a second reference plane. A transverse plane 456 (e.g., a horizontal plane) is oriented horizontally and extends perpendicular to both the coronal plane 452 and the sagittal plane 454, completing the three-dimensional reference system.

[0188] The water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 are positioned along the rotating washing arm 400, with their respective water outlet columns 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428 directed at specific angles relative to these reference planes. This three-plane coordinate system enables precise specification of the angular orientations of each water outlet, allowing the rotating washing arm 400 to direct water streams at optimal angles for reaching interior surfaces of bottles and other articles positioned within the washing chamber 150. The geometric arrangement of the reference planes provides a standardized framework for describing the spatial relationships between the water outlets and their target areas during washing operations.

[0189] FIG. 44 illustrates a top view of the rotating washing arm 400 of FIG. 41. FIG. 45 illustrates a side view of the rotating washing arm 400 of FIG. 41. With reference to FIGS. 44 and 45, the rotating washing arm 400 is illustrated in a view that provides detailed perspectives of the arm structure and its relationship to the reference coordinate system of FIG. 43.

[0190] In the illustrated example of FIG. 44, the rotating washing arm 400 includes the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 of FIGS. 42 and 43 along the length of the rotating washing arm 400. The coronal plane 452 is indicated by a dashed line that passes48556-2through the center of the rotating washing arm 400. In the illustrated example of FIG. 45, the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 are distributed along the projection of the coronal plane 452. In the illustrated example of FIG. 44, the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 are symmetrically distributed along the projection of the coronal plane 452 relative to the sagittal plane 454 (see FIG. 43, and e.g., the distribution of the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 are mirrored about the sagittal plane 454, etc.).

[0191] In the illustrated example of FIG. 44, the water outlet columns 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428 project from their respective water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, illustrating the directional flow patterns that emerge from each outlet during operation. The top view perspective enables visualization of how the water outlets are distributed along the transverse plane 456.

[0192] With further reference to FIGS. 44 and 45, the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 can be oriented at specific angular values relative to the reference planes to optimize water delivery to articles positioned within the washing chamber 150. The angular orientation of each water outlet can be defined by angles measured relative to the coronal plane 452, the sagittal plane 454, and the transverse plane 456.

[0193] In some embodiments, the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 can be oriented at angles ranging from approximately -12 degrees to approximately +12 degrees relative to the coronal plane 452. This angular range can enable the water outlet columns 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428 to project upward at inclinations that correspond to the inclined positioning of inverted bottles on the lower tray 132A.

[0194] In some embodiments, water outlets can 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 be oriented at angles of approximately 75 degrees to approximately 105 degrees relative to the transverse plane 456, which can align with the longitudinal axes of bottles positioned at corresponding inclinations on the lower tray 132A.48556-2

[0195] In some embodiments, the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 can be oriented at angles of approximately -12 degrees to approximately +12 degrees relative to sagittal plane 454.

[0196] FIG. 46 illustrates a perspective view of the lower tray 132A with the rotating washing arm 400 of FIG. 41 washing base containers 1102 in the lower tray 132A. In the illustrated example of FIG. 46, the water outlets 414, 416 provide longitudinal washing of the base containers 1102 via the water outlet columns 424, 426. In the illustrated example of FIG.46, the water outlet columns 424, 426 are colinear with the longitudinal axes of the base containers 1102.

[0197] The configuration of the water outlets 414, 416 and the direction of water outlet columns 424, 426 parallel to the longitudinal axes of the base containers 1102 can provide improved cleaning effectiveness compared to arrangements where water is sprayed at oblique angles to the bottle interiors. When water enters an article opening and travels along the longitudinal axis of the base containers 1102, The water column reaches the center of the bottom of the corresponding bottle and splashes essentially symmetrically reaching all areas of the bottle without leaving any corners unsplashed. In some embodiments, milk residue, formula deposits, and other contaminants can tend to collect at the bottom interior surfaces of bottles, and direct first order water splashing providing a substantial quantity of water at all areas of the bottom of a bottle which can be more effective at removing such deposits than a situation where very little water may reach the corners of the bottom of a bottle.

[0198] The base containers 1102 are positioned in an inclined orientation on the lower tray 132A to avoid pooling of water on their upper concave surface as they are oriented with the open end pointing downwards. Pooling can be detrimental in terms of residue collection and in terms of trapping a relatively large quantity of water which then needs to be evaporated during drying, and thus prolonging the drying cycle. When bottles are positioned in an inclined orientation, there is a challenge in having water reaching all interior areas of the bottle for effective cleaning. This challenge is particularly prominent with regards to the corners of the bottom of the invertedbottle. The angular orientation of the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, can create a coordinated geometry such that at least one waterjet during one rotation of the rotating arm, reaches inside each bottle in an orientation aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bottle and facilitate effective cleaning. Other jets will reach the inside of a bottle at other orientation and assist in cleaning, but the aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bottle will ensure that sufficient water can reach the most challenging areas to clean which are the corners of the bottle of a bottle.

[0199] FIGS. 47A-47F illustrates a top view of the rotating washing arm 400 of FIG. 42 in variety of different angular positions. FIGS. 48A-48C illustrates an isometric view of the rotating washing arm 400 of FIG. 42 in variety of different angular positions With reference to FIGS. 47-47F and 48A-48C, sequence views are illustrated showing the rotating washing arm 400 at different angular positions during a complete rotation of the rotating washing arm 400, demonstrating how the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417 (see FIG. 41) are configured to provide targeted washing of an example plurality of base containers 1102 positioned on the lower tray (not shown). As shown in the sequence of FIGS. 47A-47F, the rotating washing arm 400 moves through six distinct angular positions, with each position optimized to direct water streams along the longitudinal axes of the plurality of base containers 1102. As shown in the sequence of FIGS 48A-48C, the rotating washing arm 400 moves through three of the six distinct angular positions shown in FIGS. 47A-47F, illustrating the water streams along the longitudinal axes of the plurality of base containers 1102.

[0200] The water outlets 411, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417 are primary water outlets specifically configured to spray water along the longitudinal axis of one bottle during the full rotation cycle. Each of the primary water outlets 411, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417 are oriented at angles that aligns with a longitudinal axis of the base containers 1102 in the lower tray, enabling the water streams to enter through the bottle openings of each of the plurality of plurality of base containers 1102 and travel along the longitudinal axis of the base containers 1102 for thorough cleaning thereof.As the rotating washing arm 400 rotates through the positions shown in FIGS. 47A-47F, these outlets sequentially target different ones of the plurality of base containers 1102, which ensures that each bottle receives direct longitudinal washing similar to the longitudinal washing described with reference to FIG. 46.

[0201] In comparison, the water outlets 412, 418 are secondary water outlets and are configured to provide additional washing capabilities beyond the primary longitudinal cleaning function of the water outlets 411, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417. In the illustrated example of FIGS.47A-47F, the secondary water outlets 412, 418 are oriented to direct water streams at different angles or toward specific areas of the washing chamber 150. In some embodiments, the secondary water outlets 412, 418 can target areas between the plurality of base containers 1102, provide supplemental washing of exteriors of the plurality of base containers 1102, and / or direct water toward other articles positioned within the chamber. The additional washing capabilities provided by the water outlets 412, 418 complement the longitudinal washing action of the other outlets, contributing to the comprehensive cleaning coverage during the washing cycle of the device 100.

[0202] In some embodiments, the sequential targeting of different base containers 1102 as the rotating washing arm 400 rotates through its cycle can provide each bottle with multiple direct longitudinal washing passes during a single washing cycle (e.g., the longitudinal washing described with reference to FIG. 46, etc.). The rotation of the rotating washing arm 400 through the positions shown in FIGS. 47A-47F and 48A-48C can result in each base container of the plurality of base containers 1102 receiving concentrated water flow at specific intervals, which can be more effective than continuous but diffuse water contact. The intermittent direct washing can allow water to drain from each bottle between washing passes, which can enhance the overall cleaning action by preventing the accumulation of loosened contaminants within the bottle interiors.48556-2

[0203] FIG. 49 is a front view of an example of a prior washing arm as known in the prior art. As illustrated in FIG. 49, the prior washing arm and the orientation of the water outlets thereon demonstrate limitations in cleaning effectiveness compared to the present disclosure. As shown, the prior washing arm include water outlets that are positioned at uniform angles or in standard configurations that do not account for the specific geometry and positioning of the plurality of base containers 1102 and other articles within the washing chamber of a device.

[0204] In conventional bottle washing systems, bottles are either positioned in a vertical orientation which results in water pooling at the concave bottom of the bottles, or if they are placed in an inclined orientation, as shown in FIG 49., water columns, such as water column 480, of the conventional rotating washing arm do not match the angled orientation of the bottles and thus the water columns are without consideration for the inclined positioning of the plurality of base containers 1102. This arrangement can result in water streams that do not effectively reach all interior surfaces, such as corner 482 of the plurality of base containers 1102 (e.g., the bottle necks, the cylindrical bodies, etc.), particularly in areas where the bottle geometry creates shadowed regions or restricted access points.

[0205] Furthermore, the design of the prior washing arm does not enable adequate coverage of all interior portions of plurality of base containers 1102 during a complete rotation cycle. The orientation of water outlets in the prior washing arm can create gaps in cleaning coverage, where certain areas of bottle interiors receive minimal or no direct water contact. This limitation is particularly problematic for bottles with narrow necks or complex internal geometries, where effective cleaning requires precise alignment of water streams with the bottle's longitudinal axis.

[0206] The reduced cleaning effectiveness of the prior washing arm and other prior washing arms can necessitate longer washing cycles, higher water temperatures, or additional precleaning steps to achieve satisfactory results. In some embodiments, manual intervention can be required to ensure thorough cleaning of bottle interiors, defeating the purpose of automated washing systems. The device 100 and the rotating washing arm 400 addresses these limitations48556-2through the strategic positioning and angular orientation of the water outlets 411, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417 (see FIG. 44) that are specifically configured to align with the inclined bottle positioning and provide direct longitudinal washing of interiors of the plurality of base containers 1102 during rotation of the rotating washing arm 400.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRYING FUNCTION

[0207] FIG. 50 illustrates an isometric view of the air manifold 500 of FIG. 10 of the device 100. FIG. 51 illustrates an isometric view of a partial section of the air manifold of FIG. 50 in which the interior of the air manifold 500 is visible. The air manifold 500 forms a portion of an air circuit to perform the drying cycle within the device 100. As shown in FIGS. 50-52, the air manifold 500 includes a heater 502 and a fan 504, both positioned at a first end 507 of the air manifold 500.

[0208] The heater 502 is configured to heat air for distribution into the washing chamber 150 during drying cycles. The heater 502 can be implemented by an electric heater. The fan 504 is positioned adjacent to the heater 502 and is configured to draw ambient air through the heater 502 to increase the air temperature before distribution into the washing chamber 150.

[0209] The heated air from the fan 504 and heater 502 assembly is directed into a bifurcation channel 506 at the first end 507. In the illustrated example of FIG. 51, the bifurcation channel 506 essentially splits the airflow into two conduits and acts as an air inlet. The two conduits extend in opposite directions toward a second end 509 of the air manifold 500. The split airflow in the two conduits then exits into the washing chamber 150 through air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 to dry the articles within the washing chamber 150. In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 50 and 51, an air manifold gap 520 is formed between the two conduits. The air manifold gap 520 provides a space through which the shaft of the rotating washing arm 400 of FIGS. 42-49 can pass (e.g., the shaft 460 of FIG. 42 can extend through the air manifold gap 520. The air manifold gap 520 allows the air manifold 500 to be positioned48556-2centrally within the washing chamber 150 while maintaining symmetrical air distribution to articles positioned above (e.g., the rotating washing arm 400, etc.).

[0210] In the illustrated example of FIG. 50, the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 have a same shape and size. In other examples, the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 can have different shapes or sizes relative to one another. For example, certain ones of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 can have circular cross-sections while other ones of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 can have oval, rectangular, or elongated slot-shaped cross-sections. The shape of each of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 can be selected based on the desired airflow characteristics for the particular bottle position or region that the outlet is configured to serve. In some embodiments, ones of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 positioned closer to the bifurcation channel 506 can have smaller cross-sectional areas compared to ones of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 positioned farther from the bifurcation channel 506, which can help to balance airflow rates across the multiple outlets by compensating for pressure variations along the length of the air manifold conduits.

[0211] Additionally or alternatively, the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 can have varying sizes to accommodate different bottle sizes or configurations, with larger outlets positioned to serve larger bottle openings and smaller outlets positioned to serve smaller bottle openings or accessory components. In some embodiments, the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 can include nozzle features or directional vanes that shape the exiting airflow into focused streams, vortices or dispersed patterns depending on the drying requirements of the articles positioned above. The variation in outlet shapes and sizes of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 can also be configured to optimize the overall airflow distribution within the washing chamber 150, promoting more uniform drying across all articles regardless of their position within the chamber.48556-2

[0212] In some embodiments, the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 are helically shaped to induce a vorticular airflow into bottle bodies positioned above the air manifold 500. The helical configuration of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 creates rotational air movement within articles positioned above the air manifold 500, which enhances turbulence, air flow volume, and air mixing within bottle interiors during drying operations. In some such examples, the vorticular airflow generated by the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 facilitates more effective moisture removal from bottle surfaces by increasing air circulation and heat transfer within the confined spaces of bottle interiors (e.g., by imparting rotational motion to the air streams as they exit the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516.

[0213] As illustrated in FIG. 51, a cut away of the interior of the air manifold 500 is depicted. The air manifold 500 further includes one or more air manifold lower outlets 530 positioned at the lower front portion of the air manifold 500 at the second end 509. The air manifold lower outlets 530 eject heated air in a horizontal orientation from the separate conduits toward the front of the washing chamber 150 to enhance air recirculation in the washing chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the air manifold lower outlets 530 function as water drainage holes to allow any water accumulated within the separate conduits during a washing cycle to exit and drain into the collecting tray 160 of FIG. 10 for extraction and removal. In some embodiments, this configuration enables the air manifold 500 to remain clear of residual water before heated air is distributed, which can improve drying efficiency and prevent moisture from being reintroduced onto articles during the drying operation.

[0214] In the illustrated example of FIG. 51, the air manifold 500 can include internal baffles 521, 522 positioned within the bifurcation channel 506 or within the air manifold conduits. The internal baffles 521, 522 can be configured to direct and distribute airflow more evenly throughout the separate conduits of the air manifold 500, adjusting pressure distribution and promoting uniform air delivery through the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515,48556-2516. In some suitable configurations, the internal baffles 521, 522 can be angled or curved surfaces that redirect airflow from the fan 504 toward specific regions of the air manifold conduits, helping to balance air pressure and velocity across the multiple outlets. The internal baffles 521, 522 can also assist in separating the airflow paths within the bifurcation channel 506. The positioning and geometry of the internal baffles 521, 522 can be selected to minimize pressure losses within the air manifold 500 while promoting consistent airflow rates through each of the air manifold outlets. The internal baffles 521, 522 can be integrally formed with the air manifold 500 structure or can be separate components that are assembled within the air manifold conduits during manufacturing. In other examples one or both of the internal baffles 521, 522 are absent. In some examples, the interior of the air manifold 500 can include other flow management structures (e.g., turbulators, fins, filters, etc.) disposed therein.

[0215] FIG. 52 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 showing airflow paths during a drying cycle. The door assembly 300 is shown in the closed position 301, which seals the washing chamber 150 during the drying operation. Within the washing chamber 150, the plurality of the base containers 1102 are positioned in an inverted orientation on the lower tray 132A (not illustrated in FIG. 52), with their openings facing downward toward the air manifold 500 positioned below.

[0216] The heater 502, fan 504 and the bifurcation channel 506 components are adjacent to the back 114 of the device 100 (e.g., the first end 507 of the air manifold 500 is positioned near the back 114 of the device 100, etc.). The heater 502, fan 504 and the bifurcation channel 506 form a portion of a drying flow path of the device 100. Arrows in FIG. 52 indicate the direction of the drying flow path during the drying circle of the device 100.

[0217] The fan 504 draws ambient air into the drying flow path, directing the air through the heater 502 where the air temperature of the ambient air is increased. In the drying flow path, the heated air then flows downward through the bifurcation channel 506, which splits the airflow into two conduits. After entering each of the two conduits, heated air in the drying flow path,exits through the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 (see FIG. 50) positioned beneath the inverted base containers 1102. The heated air streams rise upward through the bottle openings and circulates within the interior volumes of the base containers 1102 to absorb moisture therefrom. The air then exits through the bottle openings and circulates within the washing chamber 150 before being exhausted from the device 100 through the one or more vents 108 (not visible in FIG. 52).

[0218] In some embodiments, the drying flow path provided by the air manifold 500 and the orientation of the plurality of base containers 1102 can promote efficient moisture removal from both the interior and exterior surfaces of the base containers 1102 and other articles positioned within the washing chamber 150. The upward distribution of air through the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 and the horizontal flow through air manifold lower outlets 530 (see FIG. 51) create a convective circulation pattern that facilitates rapid drying of the processed articles.

[0219] FIG. 53 illustrates a top view of the washing chamber 150 the device 100 of FIG. 1 depicting the interior arrangement of components within the washing chamber 150 and the positioning of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 relative to the mounting positions of the plurality of base containers 1002. The view shows six bottle mounting positions arranged in a three-by-three configuration within the washing chamber 150, with each mounting position configured to receive an inverted base container 1102. The air manifold 500 extends along a length of the washing chamber 150 with the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 positioned to direct heated air upward toward the openings of the inverted base containers 1102. In the illustrated example of FIG. 53, the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 are positioned to align with the bottle mounting positions on the lower tray 132A (not visible in FIG, 53), which enables heated air to flow directly into the openings of the inverted base containers 1102 during the drying cycle.

[0220] In some embodiments, the positioning of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 is such that each of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 directs air toward a specific bottle position, such as the base container 1102 longitudinal axis or toward a region between multiple bottle positions to provide coverage across the array of the plurality of the base containers 1102. This arrangement can enable efficient drying of the interior surfaces of the base containers 1102, where moisture tends to accumulate and where thorough drying can be beneficial for preventing bacterial growth between uses.

[0221] In some embodiments, each of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 are positioned off-center relative to bottle openings positioned above the air manifold 500. The off-center positioning reduces interference between airflow entering bottle interiors and airflow exiting bottle interiors during drying cycles. When air manifold outlets are positioned directly centered beneath bottle openings, incoming air streams can collide with outgoing air streams, reducing the effectiveness of air circulation within bottle interiors. The off-center positioning of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 enables more efficient air flow patterns that facilitate enhanced drying performance. Additionally or alternatively, the off-center positioning of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 relative to the bottle openings creates asymmetric airflow patterns within the bottle interiors. The heated air entering through one side of the bottle opening travels along the interior surfaces in a curved path before exiting through the opposite side of the opening. This asymmetric flow pattern reduces the formation of stagnant air zones within the bottle interiors and promotes more uniform drying of all interior surfaces of the plurality of base containers 1102.

[0222] FIG. 54 illustrates a top view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the rotating washing 400 arm in a first rotational orientation 550A. FIG. 55 illustrates a top view of the device of FIG.1 showing the rotating washing arm 400 in a second rotation orientation 550B. In the illustrated example of FIG. 54 and 55, the rotating washing arm 400 positioned at angular orientations 550A, 550B that can interfere with airflow from the air manifold 500 during drying operations.In the illustrated example of FIG. 54, the rotating washing arm 400 is positioned such that a portion of the arm overlaps with the air manifold outlet 515. In FIG. 55, the rotating washing arm 400 is shown at a different angular position where the arm structure overlaps with the air manifold outlet 516, with the water outlet 415 positioned near this region. When the rotating washing arm 400 remains in these angular orientations 550A, 550B at the conclusion of a washing cycle, the rotating washing arm 400 can partially or fully obstruct one or more of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516. This obstruction can impede the flow of heated air from the air manifold 500 toward the inverted base containers 1102 positioned above. The blocked airflow can result in reduced drying effectiveness for bottles positioned in the affected regions, as the heated air streams can be deflected or dispersed rather than traveling directly into the bottle openings.

[0223] FIG. 56 illustrates a top view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the rotating washing arm 400 in a third rotational orientation 550C. As used, the third rotational position 550C is referred to as the “parked position.” In this configuration, the rotating washing arm 400 is oriented such that the rotating washing arm 400 does not overlap with any of the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516. In the third rotational position 550C shown in FIG. 56, the rotating washing arm 400 is positioned at an angular orientation where the rotating washing arm 400 extends along a direction that avoids interference with the air manifold outlets rotating washing arm 400. This orientation facilitates the drying operations of the device 100, as the unobstructed air manifold outlets are able to direct heated air upward toward all of the inverted base containers 1102 positioned on the lower tray 132A (not illustrated in FIG. 56, etc.) without deflection or blockage by the rotating washing arm 400. In some suitable embodiments, the device 100 can be configured to position the rotating washing arm 400 in the third rotational orientation 550C prior to initiating the drying cycle, or the rotating washing arm 400 can be configured to self-position into the parked position through mechanisms described herein.48556-2

[0224] FIG. 57 illustrates a top view of the device 100 of FIGS. 1-7 with a cross-section line 57-57, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The section line 57-57 passes through the rotating washing arm mounting region, providing a reference for the cross-sectional views that reveal the parking mechanism components. FIG. 58 illustrates a front view of a rotating washing arm assembly 475, according to an embodiment. FIG. 58A is a detail view of the rotating washing arm assembly 475 at detail 58 A in FIG. 58. In the illustrated example of FIG. 58A, the rotating washing arm 400 is illustrated showing the structural features that enable the arm to self-position into the third rotational orientation 550C, referred to as “parking position” of FIG. 56 during or after the drying cycle.

[0225] In the illustrated example of FIG. 58 A, the rotating washing arm 400 includes a rotating washing arm shaft 460 that extends downward from the rotating washing arm bottom surface 406 and engages with a rotating washing arm mount 464. The rotating washing arm mount 464 provides rotational support for the rotating washing arm assembly 475, allowing the rotating washing arm 400 and rotating washing arm mount 464 to rotate freely during the washing and / or rinsing cycle of the device 100 when pressurized water is flowing through the rotating washing arm 400.

[0226] During a washing cycle, the rotating washing arm 400 is configured to move vertically relative to the rotating washing arm mount 464 in response to changes in water pressure within the rotating washing arm assembly 475. During the washing and rinsing cycle, pressurized water flowing from the water circuit through the rotating washing arm mount 464 and into the rotating washing arm 400 can generate an upward hydraulic force that lifts the rotating washing arm 400 relative to the mount 464. In some embodiments, the rotating washing arm shaft 460 can be configured to translate vertically within a corresponding bore or channel formed in the rotating washing arm mount 464. The shaft 460 can include a shoulder, flange, or enlarged diameter portion that receives the upward hydraulic force generated by the pressurized water flow.48556-2

[0227] In the illustrated example of FIG. 58 A, the rotating washing arm assembly 475 includes a rotating washing arm tab 462 that projects from the rotating washing arm bottom surface 406 of the rotating washing arm 400 and is configured to interface a rotating washing arm gap 466 in the rotating washing arm mount 464. The rotating washing arm gap 466 (e.g., a groove, a slot, an opening, etc.) is positioned at an angular location that corresponds to the third rotational orientation 550C (e.g., the parked position, etc.) of the rotating washing arm 400 relative to the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516 of FIG. 50.

[0228] In some embodiments, when water pressure is reduced or terminated at the conclusion of a washing or rinsing cycle of the device 100, when the pump 166 ceases operation and pressurized water stops flowing from the rotating washing arm mount 464 into the rotating washing arm 400, the hydraulic lifting force is removed. In the absence of this upward force, the weight of the rotating washing arm 400 can cause the arm assembly to lower relative to the rotating washing arm mount 464. As the rotating washing arm 400 descends, the rotating washing arm tab 462 can move downward toward the level of the rotating washing arm gap 466.

[0229] The moment of inertia causes the residual rotation of the rotating washing arm 400 to continue until the rotating washing arm tab 462 can aligns with rotating washing arm gap 466. After such an alignment, gravity causes the rotating washing arm tab 462 to drop into the rotating washing arm gap 466. This engagement between the rotating washing arm tab 462 and the gap 466 can restrict further rotation of the rotating washing arm 400 thereby locking the arm at the third rotational orientation 550C. An example engagement between the rotating washing arm tab 462 and the rotating washing arm gap 466 is depicted in FIG. 58. The engagement between the tab 462 and the gap 466 can provide a detent or indexing function that holds the rotating washing arm 400 in the third rotational orientation 550C until the next washing cycle of the device 100 begins. At the beginning of a new washing cycle, the hydraulic pressure of the water with the rotating washing arm assembly 475 causes an upload displacement of the water manifold 403 (e.g., body, etc) of the rotating washing arm 400 relative to the shaft 460. This48556-2upward displacement can position the rotating washing arm tab 462 at a vertical height above the rotating washing arm gap 466 and any surrounding catch surfaces on the mount 464, thereby permitting the rotating washing arm 400 to rotate freely about its central axis without interference from the parking mechanism components. That is, when water pressure is present, this hydraulic force can overcome the weight of the rotating washing arm 400 and any frictional resistance, causing the arm assembly to rise to an elevated position where the tab 462 clears the gap 466 and associated catch features.

[0230] With reference to FIG. 59, another suitable embodiment of a parking mechanism for the rotating washing arm 400 is illustrated. FIG. 59 provides a detail view of an angled surface 468 of the rotating washing arm mount 464 that is angled downward toward the rotating washing arm gap 466. The angled surface 468 guides the rotating washing arm tab 462 (not shown) toward the gap 466 as the rotating washing arm 400 decelerates following the cessation of water flow. The downward angle of the angled surface 468 can create a gravitational bias that encourages the tab 462 to slide along the angled surface 468 and settle into the gap 466 when the arm comes to rest. In some suitable configurations, the angled surface 468 can extend around a portion of the rotating washing arm mount 464, providing a gradual slope that directs the tab 462 toward the parked position regardless of the initial angular position of the rotating washing arm 400 when water pressure is terminated. The angle of the angled surface 468 can be selected to provide sufficient gravitational force to overcome friction between the tab 462 and the mount 464 while still allowing the rotating washing arm 400 to rotate freely during washing operations when water pressure lifts the tab 462 away from the angled surface 468.

[0231] With reference to FIGS. 60 and 60A, a mechanism to cause rotation of the rotating washing arm 400 is illustrated. FIG. 60 provides an isometric view of the rotating washing arm assembly, while FIG. 60A provides an enlarged detail view showing the components that enable the rotating washing arm 400 to rotate.48556-2

[0232] As shown in FIG. 60A, the rotating washing arm 400 includes at least one bottom outlet 470. The bottom outlet 470 is configured to eject water to create a water column 472 that exits bottom outlet 470. Due to the inclination of the bottom outlet 470, the resultant force from the water column 472 generates a circumferential force that acts tangentially on the rotating washing arm 400. The circumferential force imparts a rotational moment to the rotating washing arm 400, causing the arm to rotate about its central axis during a washing cycle. In some embodiments, the bottom outlet 470 can be formed at an angle relative to the horizontal plane selected to maximize the circumferential force generated when water exits the bottom outlet 470. In some embodiments, multiple bottom outlets 470 can be positioned at different locations along the rotating washing arm bottom surface 406 to provide consistent rotational force regardless of the initial angular position of the arm when the drying cycle begins.

[0233] With reference now to FIGS. 61 and 61 A, the upper rotating washing arm 402 is illustrated. FIG. 61 provides a front view of the device 100 with the door assembly 300 removed, while FIG. 61 A provides an enlarged detail view showing the upper rotating washing arm 402. The upper rotating washing arm 402 can be configured similarly to the rotating washing arm 400 described herein, including water outlets oriented to direct water streams toward articles positioned within the washing chamber 150. The upper rotating washing arm 402 can include a rotating arm shaft, mounting arrangement, and parking mechanism components that function in a manner analogous to those described with reference to the rotating washing arm 400.

[0234] In other embodiments, the upper rotating washing arm 402 can have a different configuration than the rotating washing arm 400. As illustrated, the upper rotating washing arm 402 can have a circular or disc-shaped configuration rather than an elongated arm configuration of the rotating washing arm 400. The circular configuration of the upper rotating washing arm 402 can include water outlets arranged around the circumference or across the surface of the disc structure, enabling water distribution in multiple directions as the upper rotating washing arm 402 rotates during washing operations.

[0235] The upper rotating washing arm 402 provides washing coverage for the exterior surfaces of articles positioned within the washing chamber 150. As the upper rotating washing arm 402 rotates and distributes water downwardly, the water streams can contact the outer walls of the base containers 1102, the exterior surfaces of the teats 1130, and the outer portions of the collars 1132 and other bottle components 1000 positioned on the upper tray 130A and the lower tray 132A (see FIG. 27). This exterior washing action can complement the interior washing provided by the rotating washing arm 400, which directs water upwardly into the openings of inverted bottles to clean interior surfaces.

[0236] The combination of the upper rotating washing arm 402 and the rotating washing arm 400 provides multi-directional water coverage that addresses both interior and exterior surfaces of the articles during the washing cycle. In some embodiments, the water streams from the upper rotating washing arm 402 can also assist in rinsing loosened residue and contaminants from the exterior surfaces of the articles, directing the debris downward toward the mesh filter 158 and collecting tray 160 for removal from the washing chamber 150.

[0237] FIG. 62 illustrates a schematic block diagram of functional elements of the device 100 of FIG. 1 and their relationships to operational control. The system 900 includes a user interface 112, an electrical control unit “ECU” 600, a washing circuit 650, a drying circuit 700, a filling circuit 750, and a drain circuit 800.

[0238] The user interface 112 can include buttons for user input, a buzzer for audible feedback, LEDs for visual indication, and / or a door sensor to detect the state of the door assembly 300 (e.g., if the door assembly 300 is in the open position 303, the if the door assembly 300 is in the closed position 301, etc.). The user interface 112 provides the means by which a user interacts with the device 100 to select operational modes, initiate cycles, and receive status information regarding the device 100 (e.g., if additional water is need, if additional rinse aid is needed, if the device 100 has encountered an error, etc.).

[0239] The ECU 600 is the controller for the device 100 and can include a DC power supply for providing electrical power to the system components, a current sensor for monitoring electrical current, an ECU temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the ECU 600, an ECU cooling fan for thermal management of the control unit, a microcontroller for processing and controlling system operations, and load switches for controlling power to various circuits. The ECU 600 receives input signals from the user interface 112 and various sensors throughout the device 100 and generates control signals to operate the washing circuit 650, the drying circuit 700, the filling circuit 750, and / or the drain circuit 800.

[0240] The washing circuit 650 includes the electronic components associated with a washing cycle of the device 100. In some examples, the washing circuit 650 includes the heating element 164 of FIG. 13 for heating water at different temperatures depending on the cycle of operation, the pump 166 of FIG. 13 for circulating water through the rotating washing arm 400 and upper rotating washing arm 402 for washing articles in the washing chamber 150, and / or one or more water temperature sensor(s) for monitoring the temperature of the water.

[0241] The drying circuit 700 includes the electronic components associated with a drying cycle of the device 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 50-52. The drying circuit 700 can include a temperature sensor for detecting air temperature, the heater 502 to generate heated air, and / or the fan 504 for forced circulation of air through the washing chamber 150.

[0242] In some embodiments, the drying circuit 700 can include a coalescing device positioned within the airflow path to facilitate moisture removal during drying operations. The coalescing device is configured to collect and aggregate water droplets or moisture particles that are entrained in the air circulating through the washing chamber 150. As humid air passes through the coalescing device, water droplets can contact surfaces within the coalescing device and combine into larger droplets that can be more readily separated from the airstream. In some examples, the coalescing device can include a mesh structure, a series of baffles, and / or or a fibrous media through which the air passes. In some embodiments, the coalescing device can be48556-2positioned downstream of the washing chamber 150 and upstream of the vents 108, allowing the device to capture moisture from the air before the air is expelled from the device 100.

[0243] In some embodiments, the coalescing device can include a collection reservoir or drain path that directs accumulated water toward the collecting tray 160 or the wastewater tank 200. The coalescing device can operate passively through the natural flow of air generated by the fan 504, without requiring additional power or active control. In some embodiments, the coalescing device can include a pattern of hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces that encourage droplet formation.

[0244] The coalescing device can be removable from the device 100 to facilitate periodic cleaning or replacement. In some embodiments, the coalescing device can be positioned in an accessible location within the device 100 allowing users to remove and clean the coalescing device to maintain drying efficiency. The coalescing device can be formed from materials that are resistant to heat and moisture, such as stainless-steel mesh, polypropylene fibers, or other suitable materials that can withstand the operating temperatures encountered during drying cycles.

[0245] The filling circuit 750 includes the electronic components associated with the feeding of water from the clean water tank 304 to the sump 162. The filling circuit 750 can include one or more overfill sensor(s) for sensing if the maximum quantity of water in the tank is reached, the flowmeter 322 of FIGS. 33 and 34 for measuring the quantity of water fed from the clean water tank 304, the solenoid valve 326 of FIGS. 33 and 34 for controlling water flow, the water tank pump 324 of FIGS. 33 and 34 for pumping water from the clean water tank 304 into the washing chamber 150 and / or the rinse aid pump 327 of FIGS. 33 and 34 for pumping rinse aid from the rinse aid tank 328 into the washing chamber 150.

[0246] The drain circuit 800 includes the electronic components associated the removal of water after the washing operation of the device 100. The drain circuit 800 can include the pump 166 of FIG. 13 for removing used water from the washing chamber 150, one or more tank48556-2sensor(s) for detecting the level of water in the wastewater tank 200, and / or one or more overfill sensor(s) for monitoring water levels within the water tank 304, the wastewater tank 200 and / or the washing chamber 150.

[0247] FIGS. 63-65 illustrate a first suitable embodiment of a bottle assembly 1100, suitable for use with the above-described device 100. The bottle assembly 1100 includes a container 1102 such as bottle and more particularly a nursing bottle in the illustrated embodiment, and a collar assembly 1104 for generally closing the bottle.

[0248] The container 1102 includes a liquid chamber 1106 defined therein and adapted to hold a quantity of liquid for consumption by a user, such as a nursing infant. It is also understood that the container 1102 can be configured other than as illustrated herein, and can be configured for use other than as a nursing bottle assembly, such as a sports bottle, a drink tumbler, a training cup, a commuter cup, etc. The container 1102 can be made of any suitable material such as, without limitation, glass, polypropylene or other plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel. The container 1102 can also be made in any desired color or colors, and can be transparent, translucent, or opaque.

[0249] The container 1102 has a closed bottom 1108, an open top 1110, and a generally cylindrical side wall 1112 extending between the closed bottom 1108 and the open top 1110. The cylindrical side wall 1112 includes a base portion 1114 and a neck 1116 that is narrowed with respect to the base portion 1114. That is, the neck 1116 has a smaller diameter than the base portion 1114. It is understood that in other embodiments the neck 1116 diameter can only be slightly smaller than the diameter of the base portion 1114, or even the same diameter as the base portion, without departing from the scope of this invention. The neck 1116 includes an annular rim 1118, an externally threaded portion 1120, and a shoulder 1122 defined at the transition between the neck 1116 and the base portion 1114. The threaded portion 1120 includes threads 1124 for assembling the container 1102 to the collar assembly 1104 as described later herein.

[0250] The collar assembly 1104 of the bottle assembly 1100 is adapted for removable attachment to the container 1102 for selectively holding a nipple 1130 on the container 1102. The illustrated collar assembly 1104 includes the nipple 1130 and a collar 1132. The nipple 113048556-2and the collar 1132 can each be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, for example, the nipple 1130 is made of a substantially pliable material such as at least one of a rubber material, a silicone material, and a latex material, and the collar 1012 is made of polypropylene. The nipple 1130 and the collar 1132 can be made in any desired color or colors, and can be transparent, translucent, or opaque.

[0251] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 64 and 65, the nipple 1130 includes a nipple portion 1135 and a transversely extending flange 1134. The nipple flange 1134 includes a bottom face 1136 that extends from a generally circular outer edge 1138 to a generally circular inner edge 1140. In the illustrated embodiment, a peripherally extending lip 1142 projects up from the flange generally adjacent the circular outer edge 1138. In at least some alternative embodiments, the nipple 1130 does not include a peripherally extending lip 1142. The nipple portion 1135 extends up from the flange 1134 generally adjacent the circular inner edge 1140 thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 64, the nipple portion 1135 includes an annular external projection 1144 that projects radially outward. The nipple portion 1135 also includes an outlet end 1146 including an aperture 1148 for dispensing liquid to the user. It is contemplated, however, that the nipple 1130 can have different shapes and sizes than those illustrated and described herein.

[0252] The collar 1132 has an annular top panel 1150 and a depending side wall 1152. The top panel 1150 includes an annular projection 1156 that extends downward from the underside of the panel proximate an annular nub or radially inner edge margin 1154 of the top panel 1150. The edge margin 1154 and the annular projection 1156 facilitate assembly of the nipple 1130 on the collar 1132. To assemble the collar assembly 1104, the nipple 1130 is pulled, nipple portion 1135 first, up through the central opening in the top panel 1150 of the collar 1132 until edge margin 1154 is positioned below the annular external projection 1144 of the nipple 1130, and the annular projection 1156 of the collar 1132 is positioned radially inward of the peripheral lip 1142 of the nipple 1130. It is understood, however, that the nipple 1130 and collar 1132 can be configured other than as illustrated and still otherwise configured for assembly together for further assembly onto the container 1102. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments the48556-2nipple 1130 and collar 1132 need not be capable of being held in assembly for conjoint assembly onto the container 1102.

[0253] The side wall 1152 of the collar 1132 has an inner surface 1162 with suitable internal threads 1164 for threaded engagement with the external threads 1124 of the neck 1116 of the container 1102 to releasably secure the collar and hence the collar assembly 1104 on the container 1102. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 64 and 65, the number of threads 1164 on the inner surface 1162 of the collar side wall 1152 exceeds the number of external threads 1124 on the neck 1116 of the container, the purpose of which will become apparent. In one embodiment, for example, the collar 1132 can have approximately twice as many internal threads 1064 as the number of external threads 1124 on the neck 1116 of the container 1102.

[0254] With reference to FIGS. 63 and 64, the bottle assembly 1100 also includes a vent assembly 1180 to permit venting of the bottle assembly during use. In FIG. 65, the vent assembly 1180 is omitted. The vent assembly 1180, as illustrated in FIG. 63, includes a vent insert 1182 and a receptacle portion 1184. The receptacle portion 1184 is releasably attachable to the vent insert 1182, such as by friction fit in a manner known in the art. The receptacle portion 1184 includes a top 1186, a middle portion 1188, and a vent tube 1190. The top 1186 includes a generally cylindrical side wall 1192 that defines a reservoir 1194 therein. The vent tube 1190 includes a generally cylindrical side wall 1196 that has a smaller diameter than the side wall 1192 of the top 1186. The side wall 1196 of the vent tube 1190 defines a passage 1198 that is in fluid communication with the reservoir 1194. The middle portion 1188 includes a tapered side wall 1200 that extends between the vent tube side wall 1196 and the top side wall 1192. The vent tube 1190 also includes an air outlet 1202 at an end of the passage 1198 proximate the closed bottom 1008 of the container 1002.

[0255] The vent insert 1182 includes an inner portion 1210 and an outer portion 1212. The inner portion 1210 includes an internal vent tube 1214, a lip 1216, and a top wall 1218 extending between and oriented orthogonal to the internal vent tube 1214 and lip 1216. The internal vent tube 1214 defines a passage 1220 in flow communication with the reservoir 1094. To assemble the vent insert 1182 to the receptacle portion 1084, the lip 1216 is configured to engage the side48556-2wall 1092 of the receptacle portion 1184. For example, in one embodiment, the lip 1216 includes a bulge 1222 that engages the side wall 1192. Alternatively, the vent insert 1182 and the receptacle portion 1184 can be integrally formed with each other. The inner portion 1210 of the vent insert 1182 further includes a lateral vent 1234 extending upward from the top wall 1218 to define a channel 1236 within the vent insert 1182.

[0256] The outer portion 1212 of the vent insert 1182 includes a perimeter wall 1240. The perimeter wall 1240 includes an inner edge 1242, an outer edge 1244, a top 1246, and a bottom 1248. The perimeter wall 1240 has at least one vent (not shown) such that the channel 1236 extends through the perimeter wall 1240. A gap 1250 defined between the perimeter wall 1240 and the top wall 1218 enables liquid in the liquid chamber 1106 to flow towards the nipple 1130. It is contemplated, however, that the components of the vent assembly 1180 can have different shapes and sizes than those illustrated and described herein without departing from some embodiments of this invention. Other vent assemblies are known in the art, such as those used on the bottle assemblies disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,779,071 issued July 14, 1998, U.S. Patent No. 7,828,165 issued November 9, 2010, U.S. Patent No. 8,113,365 issued February 14, 2012, and U.S. Patent No. 8,146,759 issued April 3, 2012, which may be used alternatively to or in conjunction with the vent assembly 1180.

[0257] As illustrated in FIGS. 63 and 64, the collar side wall 1152 and the container neck 1116 are suitably sized relative to each other to permit operation of the bottle assembly 1100 in two different configurations, a first configuration (FIG. 64) in which the vent assembly 1180 is included and a second configuration (FIG. 66) in which the vent assembly 1180 is omitted. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 63 and 64, the length (or height in the orientation of the drawings herein) of the container neck 1116 (e.g., from the rim 1118 of the container 1102 to the shoulder 1122 where the neck widens outward to the base portion 1114 of the container) is sufficient to accommodate the side wall 1152 of the collar in the second configuration, i.e., when the vent assembly is omitted as illustrated in FIG. 65.

[0258] Accordingly, as seen in FIG. 64, in the first configuration, where the bottle assembly 1000 includes the vent assembly 1180, the vent assembly 1180 is inserted into the container 110248556-2such that the bottom 1248 of the perimeter wall 1240 seats down against the rim 1118 of the container. After the vent assembly 1080 is inserted within the container 1102, the collar assembly 1104 is attached to the container 1102 by threadably engaging the internal collar threads 1064 with the external threads 1124 of the neck 1116 and rotating the collar 1132 to twist the collar down onto the container. As the collar 1132 is tightened onto the container 1102, the bottom face 1136 of the nipple 1130 is urged against the top 1246 of the perimeter wall 1240 of the vent assembly 1080 to seal the nipple (and hence the collar assembly 1104) against the vent assembly. Concurrently, the bottom 1248 of the perimeter wall 1240 of the vent assembly is urged against the rim 1118 of the container 1102 to seal the vent assembly 1180 against the container 1102.

[0259] In the first configuration of FIG. 64, some of the lower threads 1164 of the collar engage the threads 1124 of the neck, while the uppermost collar threads oppose the perimeter wall 1240 of the vent assembly. As illustrated in FIG. 65, the collar side wall 1152 is sufficiently long such that in the first configuration the lower end of the collar side wall extends below the lowermost threads 1124 of the neck 1116 so that no external threads are visible when the collar assembly 1104 is secured to the container 1102.

[0260] In the second configuration, illustrated in FIG. 66, the vent assembly 1180 is omitted from the bottle assembly 1100. When the collar assembly 1104 is tightened down onto the container 1102 in this configuration, the collar threads 1164 engage the threads 1124 of the neck 1116 of the container and the collar 1132 is rotated to twist the collar down onto the container until the nipple 1130 is urged against the rim 1118 of the container to seal the nipple directly against the container. In this configuration, a lower set of the collar threads is disposed below the lowermost external thread 1124 of the neck 1116. In this manner, the lower end of the collar 1132 is disposed well below the lowermost external thread 1124 and nearer to the shoulder 1122 of the container.

[0261] FIGS. 66 and 67 illustrate a second embodiment of a nursing bottle assembly, indicated generally at 1300, similar to the nursing bottle assembly 1000 of FIGS. 63-65 in that it includes a container 1302 comprising a liquid chamber 1306, and collar assembly, generally48556-2indicated at 1304 comprised of a nipple 1330 and collar 1332 for selectively holding the nipple on the container. The nursing bottle assembly 1300 further comprises a vent assembly 1380 including a vent insert 1382 and receptacle portion 1384. The receptacle portion 1384 is releasably attachable to the vent insert 1382 in the same manner as for the vent assembly 1080 of the embodiment of FIGS. 63-65. In this embodiment, however, substantially the entire vent assembly 1380 and in particular the vent insert 1382 is disposed substantially entirely within the liquid chamber 1306 of the container 1302 (e.g., in the neck 1316 of the container).

[0262] As illustrated in FIGS. 66 and 67, the neck 1316 of the container 1302 includes an annular rim 1318, an externally threaded portion 1320, and an external shoulder 1322 defining a transition between the neck 1316 and a base portion 1314 of the container. The threaded portion 1320 includes threads 1324 for assembling the container 1302 to the collar assembly 1304. An inner surface 1323 of the neck 1316 of the container 1302 has a stepped inner diameter that defines an inner shoulder 1325 for supporting the vent insert 1382 within the neck of the container.

[0263] The nipple 1330 includes a nipple portion 1335 and a transversely extending flange 1334 having a bottom face 1336 that extends from a generally circular outer edge 1338 to a generally circular inner edge 1340. In the illustrated embodiment, a peripherally extending lip 1342 projects up from the flange 1334 generally adjacent the circular outer edge 1338. In at least some alternative embodiments, the nipple 1330 does not include a peripherally extending lip 1342. The nipple portion 1335 extends up from the flange 1334 generally adjacent the circular inner edge 1340 thereof. As illustrated in FIGS. 66 and 67, the nipple portion 1335 includes an annular external projection 1344 that projects radially outward. It is contemplated, however, that the nipple 1330 can have different shapes and sizes than those illustrated and described herein without departing from the present invention.

[0264] The illustrated collar 1332 has an annular top panel 1350 and a depending side wall 1352. The top panel 1350 includes an annular projection 1356 that extends downward from the underside of the top panel proximate an annular nub or radially inner edge margin 1354 of the top panel 1350. The edge margin 1354 and the annular projection 1356 facilitate assembly of the48556-2nipple 1330 on the collar 1332. To assemble the collar assembly 1304, the nipple 1330 is pulled, nipple portion 1335 first, up through the central opening in the top panel 1350 of the collar 1332 until the edge margin 1354 is positioned below the annular external projection 1344 of the nipple 1330, and the annular projection 1356 of the collar 1332 is positioned radially inward of the peripheral lip 1342 of the nipple 1330. It is understood, however, that the nipple 1330 and collar 1332 can be configured other than as illustrated and still otherwise configured for assembly together for further assembly onto the container 1302. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments the nipple 1330 and collar 1332 need not be capable of being held in assembly for conjoint assembly onto the container 1302.

[0265] The side wall 1352 of the collar 1332 has an inner surface 1362 with suitable internal threads 1364 for threaded engagement with the external threads 1324 of the neck 1316 of the container 1302 to releasably secure the collar 1332 and hence the collar assembly 1304 to the container 1302.

[0266] The vent insert 1382 of the vent assembly 1380 includes a perimeter wall 1440 having an annular bulge 1427 that sealingly engages the inner surface 1323 of the neck 1316 of the container 1302 just above the inner shoulder 1325. It is understood that in other embodiments the annular bulge 1427 can be located on the perimeter wall 1440 of the vent insert 1382 to sealingly engage the inner surface 1323 of the neck 1316 at a position spaced further above the inner shoulder 1325 without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0267] The perimeter wall 1440 of the vent insert 1382 is suitably long enough (e.g., in height in the orientation of FIGS. 66 and 67) such that when the vent insert 1382 is seated on the inner shoulder 1325 of the neck 1316 of the container 1302, a top 1446 of the vent insert 1382 extends sufficiently above the rim 1318 of the container 1302 so as to engage the nipple 1330 upon assembly of the nursing bottle assembly 1300. The top 1446 of the vent insert 1382 also holds the nipple 1330 high enough to prevent the nipple from forming an airtight seal against the rim 1318 of the container 1302.

[0268] By configuring the vent assembly 1380 and more particularly the vent insert 1382 to be disposed substantially entirely within the liquid chamber 1306 of the container 1302, no48556-2bottle-specific nipple 1330 and collar 1332 are needed. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 66 and 67, upon assembly of the nursing bottle assembly 1300 in a first configuration in which the vent insert 1382 is used, the vent insert (with the receptacle portion 1384 attached thereto) is disposed in the container 1302 with the vent insert seated on the inner shoulder 1325 of the inner surface 1323 of the container. The collar assembly 1304 (i.e., the nipple 1330 and collar 1332, etc.) is attached to the container 1302 by threadably engaging the collar with the external threads 1324 of the neck 1316 of the container and rotating the collar to twist the collar down onto the container. As the collar 1332 is tightened onto the container 1302, the bottom face 1336 of the nipple 1330 seals against the top 1446 of the perimeter wall 1440 of the vent insert while allowing air to enter the container between the nipple and the rim 1318 of the container.

[0269] In a second configuration (not shown) of the nursing bottle assembly 1300, the vent assembly 1380 is omitted. But in this embodiment the collar assembly 1304 is attached to the container 1302 in the same manner as in the first configuration. Accordingly, the collar 1332 of this second embodiment need not be configured to fit on the container differently in the second configuration than in the first configuration.

[0270] FIGS. 68 and 69 illustrate a second embodiment of a suitable nipple 1530 for use with the nursing bottle assemblies 1000, 1300 of the first and second embodiments herein. The nipple 1530 is similar to the nipple 1130 of FIGS. 63-65 and the nipple 1330 of FIGS. 66 and 67, with the exception of the configuration of the bottom face 1536. In this embodiment, a bottom face 1536 of the nipple 1530 has a plurality of vent features 1541 extending radially inward from an outer edge margin 1538 of the flange 1534 of the nipple 1530 in equal, circumferentially spaced relationship with each other. As best seen in FIG. 69, the illustrated vent features 1541 comprise a plurality of arcuate (in circumferential extension) channels that extend radially inward from the outer edge margin 1538 of the nipple flange 1534. It is understood that in other embodiments the vent features 1541 can be configured to have any other suitable shape. It is also contemplated that the vent features 1541 can instead comprises radially extending slits formed in the bottom face 1536 of the nipple 1530.48556-2

[0271] The vent features 1541 are suitably sized in length (e.g., in the radial direction), such that when the nipple 1530 is used in the nursing bottle assembly 1100 of the embodiment of FIGS. 63-65, the vent features 1541 do not extend radially inward of the vent insert 1182 in the first configuration of the bottle assembly (e.g., with the vent assembly 1180 in place) so that the vent insert 1182 seals against the bottom face 1536 of the nipple 1130 radially inward of the vent features 1541. In the second configuration of the bottle assembly 1100 of FIG. 66, the bottom face 1536 of the nipple 1530 contacts the rim 1118 of the container 1102 with the vent features 1541 extending radially inward of the rim 1118 of the container 1102 so that air can still enter the container 1102 via the vent features 1541.

[0272] Likewise, in the nursing bottle assembly 1300 of FIGS. 66 and 67, in the first configuration of FIG. 64 of the bottle assembly 1300 (with the vent assembly 1380 in place), the top 1446 of the perimeter wall 1440 of the vent insert 1382 seals against the bottom face 1536 of the nipple radially inward of the vent features 1541 (e.g., so that air enters the container 1302 only through the vent assembly 1380). In the second configuration of FIG. 66 of the bottle assembly 1300, the bottom face 1536 of the nipple 1530 contacts the rim 1318 of the container 1302 with the vent features 1541 extending radially inward of the rim 1318 of the container 1302 so that air can still enter the container 1302 via the vent features 1541.

[0273] In some embodiments, a kit can be provided that includes the device 100 in combination with one or more of the bottle assemblies 1100, 1300. The kit can include the device 100 configured for washing, sterilizing, and drying baby bottles and related articles as described herein, along with one or more of the bottle assemblies 1100, 1300 that are configured for processing within the device 100.

[0274] The kit can include the device 100 with the washing chamber 150, the rotating washing arm 400, the upper rotating washing arm 402, the air manifold 500, the clean water tank 304, and the wastewater tank 200 as described herein. The kit can further include the lower tray 132A and the upper tray 130A, which are configured to receive and support the components of the bottle assemblies 1100, 1300 during washing, sterilizing, and drying operations.48556-2

[0275] In some embodiments, the kit can include additional trays or alternative tray configurations beyond the lower tray 132A and the upper tray 130A. For example, the kit can include the lower tray 132B or the upper tray 13 OB as described herein, which can be configured to accommodate different quantities or arrangements of bottle components. The kit can include multiple lower trays having different configurations, allowing users to select a tray arrangement suited to the particular articles being processed in a given cycle.

[0276] In some embodiments, the kit can include trays configured to hold components other than the bottle assembly 1100. For example, the kit can include trays configured to receive sippy cups, straw cups, breast pump components, pacifiers, teething toys, and / or other infant care articles. The trays can include mounting positions, grooves, or support structures sized and shaped to accommodate these alternative articles during washing, sterilizing, and drying operations within the device 100.

[0277] In some embodiments, the kit can include trays having different lattice configurations or support structures optimized for particular article types. For example, a tray can include closely spaced support elements for small components such as valve parts or straw segments, while another tray can include widely spaced support elements for larger articles such as bowl inserts or plate components. The kit can include trays with adjustable or removable support structures that allow users to customize the tray configuration based on the articles being processed.

[0278] In some embodiments, the kit can include trays configured to hold articles from multiple manufacturers or product lines. The trays can include universal mounting positions that accommodate bottles, nipples, and accessories having different dimensions and / or geometries than the bottle assemblies 1100, 1300. The kit can also include adapter inserts or accessory holders that attach to the trays and provide specialized support for particular article types.

[0279] The bottle assembly 1100 included in the kit can comprise the container 1102 having the liquid chamber 1106, the closed bottom 1108, the open top 1110, and the cylindrical side48556-2wall 1112 with the base portion 1114 and the neck 1116. The bottle assembly 1100 can further include the collar assembly 1104 comprising the nipple 1130 and the collar 1132 for selectively holding the nipple on the container 1102. In some embodiments, the kit can include the vent assembly 1180 comprising the vent insert 1182 and the receptacle portion 1184 with the vent tube 1190.

[0280] The kit can include multiple bottle assemblies 1100, such as two, three, four, five, six, or more bottle assemblies 1100. In some embodiments, the kit can include bottle assemblies 1100 of varying sizes, such as containers 1102 having different volumetric capacities. The kit can include containers 1102 having capacities ranging from approximately 50 ml to 300 ml, or other suitable capacities for infant feeding applications.

[0281] The lower tray 132A included in the kit can be configured such that the lower tray vertically inclined lattice 140A positions the containers 1102, 1302 of the bottle assemblies 1100, 1300 at an inclined angle that aligns with the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418 of the rotating washing arm 400. This alignment can enable water streams from the water outlets to enter through the openings of the bottle assemblies 1100, 1300 and travel along the longitudinal axes of the containers 1102, 1302 for thorough interior cleaning.

[0282] The upper tray 130A included in the kit can be configured to receive the nipples 1130, the collars 1132, and the components of the vent assembly 1180 during processing. The upper tray groove lattice 146 A can provide mounting positions for the nipples 1130 and other smaller components of the bottle assembly 1100.

[0283] In some embodiments, the kit can include replacement components for the bottle assembly 1100, such as additional nipples 1130 having different flow rates or aperture sizes, additional vent assemblies 1180, or additional collars 1132. The kit can also include cleaning accessories such as bottle brushes or cleaning tablets that are compatible with the device 100.48556-2

[0284] The kit can be packaged in a single container or box that includes the device 100 and the bottle assemblies 1100 together. In some embodiments, the kit can include instructional materials that describe the operation of the device 100 and the proper loading configuration for the components of the bottle assembly 1100 within the washing chamber 150.

[0285] In some embodiments, the kit can include the alternative lower tray 132B or the alternative upper tray 130B in addition to or in place of the lower tray 132 A and the upper tray 130A. The selection of trays included in the kit can be based on the number and configuration of bottle assemblies 1100 included in the kit.

[0286] A method of performing a washing cycle using the device 100 can comprise a washing phase and a rinsing phase. The washing cycle can be initiated by a user through the user interface 112 after articles such as the bottle assemblies 1100 have been loaded into the washing chamber 150 on the lower tray 132A and the upper tray 130A, and the door assembly 300 has been closed.

[0287] FIG. 70 illustrates a simple schematic representation of the washing and water circulation system, showing the interconnected components that enable the device 100 utilizing door assembly 300 to perform washing and sterilizing operations. The system includes the washing chamber 150 where articles are positioned for processing, with the upper rotating washing arm 402 positioned at the top of the chamber and the rotating washing arm 400 positioned at the lower portion. Both washing arms are configured to receive pressurized water for distribution during operational cycles.

[0288] During the washing phase, water from the clean water tank 304 is drawn by the water tank pump 324. The solenoid valve 326 can be in an open state, permitting water to flow from the water tank pump 324 through the solenoid valve, into the flowmeter 322 and exit the door assembly 300 through the exit port 329 into the washing chamber 150. The water passes through the mesh filter 158 into the collecting tray 160 and collects in the sump 162 where the heating element 164 heats the water to a predetermined washing temperature, which can range from48556-2approximately 50°C to 90°C. The water temperature may not be steady and water heating can continue while water is circulated until a target maximum temperature is reached. The pump 166 draws the heated water from the sump 162 and distributes it under pressure through the rotating washing arm 400 and upper rotating washing arm 402. The washing arms rotate and spray the heated water onto articles positioned within the chamber, with the water streams directed to reach interior and exterior surfaces of bottles and components.

[0289] As the rotating washing arm 400 and the upper rotating washing arm 402 rotate, water is ejected through the water outlets and directed onto the articles positioned within the washing chamber 150. The water outlets can be oriented to direct water streams along the longitudinal axes of the inverted containers 1102 positioned on the lower tray 132A, facilitating thorough cleaning of interior surfaces. A detergent can be dispensed from the detergent recess 310 and mixed with the water to facilitate removal of milk residue, formula deposits, and other contaminants from the articles. The washing phase can continue for a predetermined duration, during which the heated water is recirculated through the rotating washing arms to provide repeated contact with the article surfaces. After contacting the articles, the water flows back to the sump 162 for recirculation or for eventual collection in the wastewater tank 200. Upon completion of the washing cycle, water is drained into the wastewater tank using the drain pump. When draining is completed, the rinse cycle commences. Typically, the washing cycle lasts between 6 to 8 minutes, the rinse cycle between 6 and 7 minutes, the sterilization cycle lasts between 3 and 10 minutes and the drying cycle between 13 and 20 minutes.

[0290] In this described embodiment, following the washing phase, the rinsing phase is initiated. During the rinsing phase, the solenoid valve 326 can be transitioned to a closed state. With the solenoid valve 326 closed, rinse aid from the rinse aid tank 328 is drawn by rinse aid pump 327 and exits the door assembly 300 into the washing chamber 150 through the rinse aid exit port 329. The pump 166 circulates the rinse aid through the rotating washing arm 400 and the upper rotating washing arm 402, distributing the rinse aid onto the articles to remove residual48556-2detergent and loosened soils. The rinse aid can facilitate sheeting of water from article surfaces, which can promote faster drying during a subsequent drying cycle. The rinsing phase can include one or more rinse cycles to provide thorough removal of detergent and contaminants from the articles. In one embodiment, rinse aid is injected directly into the washing chamber during the rinse cycle through the use of a dedicated rinse aid pump. In another embodiment, rinse aid is fed to a mixing tank and clean water then flows to the mixing tank before exiting to the washing chamber. The quantity of rinse aid used is typically 1 ml to 2 ml.

[0291] Upon completion of the rinsing phase, used water drains into the wastewater tank 200 for collection. In some embodiments, the device 100 can automatically proceed to a sterilizing cycle or a drying cycle following the rinsing phase, depending on the program selected by the user through the user interface 112.

[0292] A method of performing a sterilizing cycle using the device 100 can be initiated following the completion of a washing cycle or can be performed independently depending on the program selected by the user through the user interface 112. The sterilizing cycle can be configured to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can be present on the surfaces of the bottle assemblies 1100 and related articles positioned within the washing chamber 150.

[0293] During the sterilizing cycle, water from the clean water tank 304 is drawn by the water tank pump 324 and exits the door assembly 300 through the exit port 329 of the flowmeter 322 into the washing chamber 150. The water collects in the sump 162 where the heating element 164 heats the water to sterilization temperatures. The sterilization temperatures can range from approximately 95°C to 100°C, which can be higher than the temperatures used during the washing phase. The heating element 164 can heat the water to boiling temperatures to generate steam within the washing chamber 150.

[0294] In an alternative embodiment, the pump 166 can draw the heated water from the sump 162 and distribute it under pressure through the rotating washing arm 400 and the upper48556-2rotating washing arm 402. The heated water is ejected through the water outlets and directed onto the articles positioned within the washing chamber 150. The elevated temperature of the water provides thermal exposure to the surfaces of the containers 1102, nipples 1130, collars 1132, and components of the vent assembly 1180 positioned on the lower tray 132A and the upper tray 130A.

[0295] In some embodiments, the sterilizing cycle can involve steam sterilization. The heating element 164 can heat water in the sump 162 to boiling temperatures, generating steam that rises within the washing chamber 150. The steam contacts the surfaces of the articles positioned within the chamber, providing thermal sterilization through direct contact with the heated vapor. The steam can penetrate into the interior volumes of the inverted containers 1102, reaching interior surfaces that can be difficult to access through liquid water contact alone.

[0296] The sterilizing cycle can continue for a predetermined duration to provide adequate thermal exposure of all article surfaces. The duration of the sterilizing cycle can range from approximately 3 minutes to 10 minutes, depending on the sterilization temperature achieved and the program selected by the user. The ECU 600 can monitor the water temperature through the water temperature sensor included in the washing circuit 650 and can control the heating element 164 to maintain the sterilization temperature throughout the cycle duration.

[0297] During an example sterilizing cycle, the method can operate in a similar manner but with the use of heated water and steam. The heating element 164 can heat water to sterilization temperatures, which can range from approximately 95°C to 100°C or can generate steam for steam sterilization. In some embodiments, the sterilizing cycle can involve circulating heated water at sterilization temperatures through the washing arms for a predetermined duration to ensure adequate thermal exposure of all article surfaces. Afterwards, the system can generate steam within the washing chamber 150 by heating water to boiling temperatures, with the steam providing sterilization through thermal contact with article surfaces. The elevated temperatures48556-2and extended exposure times during the sterilizing cycle can ensure elimination of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can be present on bottle and component surfaces.

[0298] During sterilization cycles, the drying circuit is operated in a manner so as to protect upstream electrical components from risk of water condensation. Small quantities of air can be constantly or periodically ejected through the air manifold outlets into the washing chamber 150, so that the flow of hot air through the air heater prevents steam migration through the air manifold 500 and upstream to the heater. The periodic air injection creates a positive pressure within the air manifold 500 that prevents steam from traveling upstream and condensing on electrical components such as the heater 502. The steam protection airflow is controllable and optimized to provide sufficient pressure to counter steam migration while preventing energy loss with escaping air through the vents during sterilization operations. In alternative embodiments, the air flow during sterilization and / or the washing cycle can be optimized with the objective of injecting maximum overall heat into the chamber by balancing the heat injected as hot air and the heat lost by hot air escaping the chamber via the vents. This is done by controlling the flowrate and the power of the air heater at different rates at different times in the process and / or based on the measured temperature of the water.

[0299] Upon completion of the sterilizing cycle, the device 100 can automatically proceed to a drying cycle, or can enter a standby mode depending on the program selected by the user through the user interface 112. In some embodiments, any remaining used water from the sterilizing cycle drains through the mesh filter 158 and the collecting tray 160 and is pumped into the wastewater tank 200 by the pump 166 for collection prior to initiation of the drying cycle.

[0300] A method of performing a drying cycle using the device 100 can be initiated following the completion of a washing cycle or a sterilizing cycle or can be performed independently depending on the program selected by the user through the user interface 112. The drying cycle can be configured to remove moisture from the surfaces of the bottle assemblies 1100 and related articles positioned within the washing chamber 150.48556-2

[0301] FIG. 71 illustrates a simple schematic representation of the drying system, showing the interconnected components that enable the device 100 utilizing door assembly 300 to perform drying operations. During the drying cycle, the fan 504 of the air manifold 500 can be activated to draw ambient air into the device 100. The air can be directed through the heater 502, where the air temperature is increased to a predetermined drying temperature. The drying temperature can range from approximately 90°C to 100°C, depending on the program selected by the user and the types of articles being dried. The heated air flows from the heater 502 into the bifurcation channel 506, which splits the airflow into two separate paths that travel in opposite directions through the air manifold 500.

[0302] The heated air exits the air manifold 500 through the air manifold outlets 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, which are positioned to direct air streams upward toward the openings of the inverted containers 1102 positioned on the lower tray 132A. The air manifold outlets can be aligned with the bottle mounting positions on the lower tray 132A such that the heated air streams enter through the openings of the inverted containers 1102 and circulate within the interior volumes of the containers. The heated air absorbs moisture from the interior surfaces of the containers 1102 before exiting through the same openings or through gaps around the container perimeters.

[0303] In some embodiments, the rotating washing arm 400 is positioned in a parked position during the drying cycle to avoid obstruction of airflow from the air manifold outlets. The rotating washing arm 400 can self-position into the parked position through engagement of the rotating washing arm tab 462 with the rotating washing arm gap 466 in the rotating washing arm mount 464

[0304] The air manifold lower outlets 530 can eject heated air in a horizontal orientation toward the front of the washing chamber 150, which can enhance air recirculation within the chamber. The circulating air can contact the exterior surfaces of the containers 1102, nipples48556-21130, collars 1132, and components of the vent assembly 1180 positioned on the lower tray 132A and the upper tray 130A, promoting evaporation of moisture from these surfaces.

[0305] The drying circuit 700 can include a temperature sensor that monitors the air temperature within the washing chamber 150 during the drying cycle. The ECU 600 can control the heater 502 based on signals received from the temperature sensor to maintain the air temperature within a predetermined range. In some embodiments, the ECU 600 can adjust the speed of the fan 504 to modulate the airflow rate through the washing chamber 150.

[0306] The drying cycle can continue for a predetermined duration, which can range from approximately 13 minutes to 20 minutes depending on the program selected by the user and the quantity of articles being dried. In some embodiments, the ECU 600 can extend or shorten the drying cycle duration based on detected humidity levels or temperature conditions within the washing chamber 150.

[0307] Humid air can be exhausted from the washing chamber 150 through the vents 108 positioned on the sides 106 of the device 100. The fan intake 118 on the back 114 (see FIG. 2) of the device 100 can also facilitate air circulation and exhaust during the drying cycle. In some embodiments, the method of performing a drying cycle can include directing humid air through a coalescing device positioned within the airflow path. As humid air circulates through the washing chamber 150 during the drying cycle, the air can pass through the coalescing device where water droplets or moisture particles entrained in the air can contact surfaces within the coalescing device and combine into larger droplets. The larger droplets can be more readily separated from the airstream and can be directed toward the collecting tray 160 or the wastewater tank 200 for removal. In some embodiments, the coalescing device can reduce the moisture content of the air before the air is before the air is exhausted through the vents 108.

[0308] According to one embodiment upon completion of the drying cycle, the heater 502 can be deactivated, and the fan 504 can continue to operate for a cool-down period to reduce the temperature within the washing chamber 150 before the user opens the door assembly 300. The48556-2user interface 112 can provide an audible or visual indication when the drying cycle is complete, and the articles are ready for removal. According to an alternative embodiment, upon completion of the drying cycle, both the fan and the heater are turned off, and the door may be opened wherein further escape of any remaining moisture can take place through an oven effect whilst items are still hot. In this case the user is instructed to wait a short while before touching the items.

[0309] In some embodiments, the device 100 can include a maintenance mode in which routine diagnostic and upkeep operations are performed. The maintenance mode can be initiated automatically based on predetermined conditions, such as after a specified number of operational cycles or elapsed time since the last maintenance operation or can be initiated manually by a user through the user interface 112.

[0310] During maintenance mode, the device 100 can perform one or more cleaning operations to remove scale buildup, mineral deposits, or residue that can accumulate within the sump 162, the heating element 164, the pump 166, the rotating washing arm 400, the upper rotating washing arm 402, or the described fluid pathways of the device 100. The maintenance mode can involve circulating a descaling solution or cleaning agent through the water circulation system to dissolve and flush accumulated deposits from internal surfaces.

[0311] In some embodiments, the maintenance mode can include a self-cleaning cycle in which the device 100 operates without articles positioned within the washing chamber 150. During the self-cleaning cycle, water can be heated to elevated temperatures and circulated through the rotating washing arm 400 and the upper rotating washing arm 402 to flush debris from the water outlets 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418. The mesh filter 158 can be flushed with water to disturb accumulated particulate matter. It is contemplated that the water used during maintenance operation is deionized water.

[0312] The maintenance mode can include diagnostic checks performed by the ECU 600 to verify proper operation of system components. The ECU 600 can test the functionality of the48556-2pump 324, the pump 166, the solenoid valve 326, the heating element 164, the heater 502, and the fan 504. The ECU 600 can also verify sensor readings from the flowmeter 322, temperature sensors, and water level sensors to confirm proper calibration and operation.

[0313] In some embodiments, the device 100 can allow users to independently select and configure each of the washing cycle, sterilizing cycle, and drying cycle through the user interface 112. Users can choose to perform any single cycle in isolation, such as executing only a drying cycle for articles that have been manually washed, or performing only a sterilizing cycle for articles that are already clean but require sterilization. The device 100 can also permit users to select any combination of two cycles, such as washing followed by drying without sterilization, or sterilizing followed by drying without a preceding wash. In some embodiments, users can adjust parameters associated with each cycle independently, including cycle duration, temperature settings, and intensity levels, to accommodate different types of articles or varying degrees of soiling.

[0314] The device 100 can be configured such that a complete sequence including all three cycles of washing, sterilizing, and drying can be performed within approximately 35 minutes. This combined cycle duration can provide users with a convenient timeframe for processing bottle assemblies 1100 and related articles without requiring extended waiting periods. In some embodiments, the ECU 600 can coordinate the transitions between the washing phase, the sterilizing phase, and the drying phase to minimize idle time between cycles and optimize the overall processing duration. The 35-minute combined cycle duration can be achieved through efficient water heating, optimized circulation patterns, and effective air distribution during the drying phase. In some embodiments, users can select express or extended program options through the user interface 112 that adjust the combined cycle duration based on the level of cleaning, sterilization, or drying desired.

[0315] The user interface 112 can provide an indication when maintenance mode is active, such as through illumination of a dedicated LED or display of a maintenance indicator. In someembodiments, the user interface 112 can prompt the user to perform manual maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the mesh filter 158, emptying and rinsing the wastewater tank 200, or inspecting the water outlets on the rotating washing arms for blockages. The device 100 can suspend normal washing, sterilizing, and drying operations during maintenance mode until the maintenance procedures are completed.

[0316] In some embodiments, a user can interact with the device 100 through the user interface 112 to initiate, monitor, and control the washing, sterilizing, and drying cycles described herein. The user interface 112 can include one or more buttons positioned on the front 102 of the device 100 that allow the user to select operational modes, start or pause cycles, and adjust cycle parameters. The buttons can include a power button for activating and deactivating the device 100, a cycle selection button for choosing between washing, sterilizing, drying, or combined cycle programs, and a start / stop button for initiating or terminating the selected cycle. In some embodiments, the user interface 112 can include dedicated buttons for individual functions, such as a wash button, a sterilize button, and a dry button, allowing the user to select specific operations without navigating through multiple menu options.

[0317] The user interface 112 can include one or more LEDs that provide visual feedback regarding the operational status of the device 100. The LEDs can illuminate in different colors or patterns to indicate whether the device 100 is idle, actively performing a cycle, or has completed a cycle. In some embodiments, different LEDs can correspond to different cycle phases, such that a first LED illuminates during the washing phase, a second LED illuminates during the sterilizing phase, and a third LED illuminates during the drying phase. The LEDs can also provide indications of error conditions, low water levels in the clean water tank 304, or full conditions in the wastewater tank 200. In an alternative embodiment, multicolor LEDs can be positioned inside the washing chamber and illuminate the washing chamber. The color of the light of the LED can indicate the type of operation. For example, blue can indicate washing,green sterilizing, and red drying. Also, for example, flashing of different colors can indicate faults.

[0318] The user interface 112 can include a buzzer that provides audible feedback to the user. The buzzer can emit tones or sequences of tones to indicate cycle completion, error conditions, or user input acknowledgment. In some embodiments, the buzzer can emit a distinct tone pattern when the door assembly 300 is opened during an active cycle, alerting the user that the cycle has been interrupted.

[0319] In some embodiments, the device 100 can include wireless communication capabilities that enable the user to interact with the device 100 remotely. The device 100 can include a WiFi module that connects the device 100 to a local wireless network, allowing the user to control and monitor the device 100 through a mobile application installed on a smartphone, tablet, or other computing device. The mobile application can provide a graphical user interface that displays the current operational status of the device 100, remaining cycle time, and notifications regarding cycle completion or error conditions. The user can initiate cycles, pause or cancel active cycles, and select cycle parameters through the mobile application without physically interacting with the user interface 112 on the device 100.

[0320] In some embodiments, the device 100 can include a Bluetooth module that enables short-range wireless communication between the device 100 and a user's mobile device. The Bluetooth connection can allow the user to pair their mobile device with the device 100 and control the device 100 through a companion mobile application. The Bluetooth connection can provide functionality similar to the WiFi connection, including cycle initiation, status monitoring, and notification delivery. In some embodiments, the Bluetooth connection can be used for initial device setup, firmware updates, or diagnostic data retrieval.

[0321] The mobile application can allow the user to create custom cycle programs that specify particular combinations of washing, sterilizing, and drying operations, as well as parameters such as water temperature, cycle duration, and drying intensity. The custom programs48556-2can be stored on the device 100 or on the user's mobile device and can be selected for execution through either the mobile application or the user interface 112 on the device 100.

[0322] In some embodiments, the device 100 can send push notifications to the user's mobile device to alert the user when a cycle has completed, when the clean water tank 304 requires refilling, when the wastewater tank 200 requires emptying, or when maintenance operations are recommended. The notifications can allow the user to monitor the device 100 without remaining in proximity to the device 100 during operation.

[0323] The ECU 600 can manage the wireless communication functions and coordinate data exchange between the device 100 and connected mobile devices. The ECU 600 can transmit operational data including cycle progress, temperature readings, water levels, and error codes to the mobile application for display to the user. The ECU 600 can receive commands from the mobile application and execute the corresponding operations, such as starting a selected cycle or adjusting operational parameters.

[0324] Unlike conventional dishwashers that require permanent installation and fixed plumbing connections to household water supply lines and drainage systems, the device 100 provides enhanced portability through its self-contained water management configuration. The device 100 includes the clean water tank 304 integrated within the door assembly 300 and the removable wastewater tank 200 positioned at the lower portion of the device 100, which together eliminate the need for direct plumbing connections. The low weight of the device 100 allows the device 100 to be lifted and moved by a single user without requiring excessive physical effort. The device 100 can include handles, grips, or recessed areas on the sides 106 or back 114 to facilitate lifting and carrying operations. The compact dimensions of the device 100 enable the device 100 to fit comfortably on standard kitchen countertops while providing sufficient internal volume for processing multiple bottles and components simultaneously. This portability allows users to position the device 100 in convenient locations near sinks or other water sources for easy filling and emptying operations, to move the device 100 between different locations as needed,48556-2and to store the device 100 in a cabinet or pantry when not in use. In commercial settings such as daycare facilities, hospitals, or food service establishments, the portable configuration enables multiple devices to be readily deployed in different locations within the establishment without extensive infrastructure modifications. Conventional dishwashers, by contrast, typically require dedicated floor space, permanent water supply connections, and drainage plumbing that restricts their placement to specific locations within a kitchen or facility.

[0325] The rotating washing arm 400 of the device 100 provides improvements over conventional dishwasher washing arms through the strategic orientation of the water outlets to direct water streams along the longitudinal axes of inverted bottles positioned on the lower tray. Conventional dishwasher washing arms typically include water outlets that are positioned at uniform angles or in standard configurations that do not account for the specific geometry and positioning of bottles and feeding accessories within the washing chamber. In conventional systems, the water outlets can be oriented primarily in horizontal or vertical directions without consideration for the inclined positioning of inverted bottles, which can result in water streams that do not effectively reach the interior surfaces of bottle necks and cylindrical bodies, particularly in areas where the bottle geometry creates shadowed regions or restricted access points. This alignment of the water outlets, described herein, enables the water streams to enter through the bottle openings and travel along the longitudinal axis of the base containers 1102 for thorough cleaning of interior surfaces, including the closed bottom of the bottle where milk residue, formula deposits, and other contaminants can tend to collect.

[0326] The rotating washing arm 400 further includes parking mechanisms, which enable the rotating washing arm 400 to self-position into a parked position relative to the air manifold 500 when water pressure is reduced or terminated at the conclusion of a washing cycle. In the parked position, the rotating washing arm 400 is oriented such that the arm structure does not overlap with any of the air manifold outlets allowing unobstructed airflow from the air manifold 500 toward the inverted base containers 1102 during the drying cycle. Conventional dishwashers do not typically include mechanisms for positioning washing arms to avoid interference with48556-2drying airflow, as conventional dishwashers generally rely on passive air drying or heated air that is distributed without regard to washing arm position.

[0327] The air manifold 500 of the device 100 provides improvements over conventional dishwasher drying systems through its positioning along the bottom of the washing chamber 150 and its configuration to direct heated air upward toward the openings of inverted bottles.Conventional dishwashers typically distribute heated air from upper regions of the washing chamber or rely on residual heat from the washing cycle to evaporate moisture from article surfaces, which cannot effectively reach the interior surfaces of bottle-shaped containers positioned with their openings facing downward. This bottom-positioned air manifold configuration can provide more effective drying of bottle interiors compared to conventional dishwasher drying systems that distribute air from above or from the sides of the washing chamber.

[0328] The device 100 provides improvements over conventional dishwashers through its ability to perform a complete sequence including washing, sterilizing, and drying cycles within approximately 35 minutes. Conventional dishwashers typically require cycle times ranging from 45 minutes to over two hours for standard washing and drying operations, and do not typically include sterilization capabilities within the same cycle. The device 100 achieves the reduced combined cycle duration through efficient water heating by the heating elements optimized circulation patterns through the rotating washing arms, and effective air distribution through the air circuit during the drying phase. The 35-minute combined cycle duration can provide users with a convenient timeframe for processing bottle assemblies 1100 and related articles without requiring extended waiting periods, which can be particularly beneficial for parents and caregivers who require frequent cleaning and sterilization of baby bottles throughout the day.

[0329] A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 48556-2CLAIMS1. A device for washing at least one bottle, the bottle having an open end, a closed end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the open and closed ends of the bottle, the device comprising a housing defining an interior chamber and having a door positionable relative to the housing to selectively permit access to the interior chamber, a tray positionable within the chamber and configured to receive and support the at least one bottle with the open end of the at least one bottle below its closed end, a water manifold disposed in the chamber below the tray, a water circuit operable to direct water from a clean water source to the water manifold, the water manifold having at least one water outlet positioned and oriented on the water manifold for discharging water through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle toward the closed end thereof in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one bottle.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the tray is configured to define at least two predetermined locations on the tray for receiving and supporting at least two respective bottles within the chamber in spaced relationship with each other, each bottle having an open end, a closed end, and a longitudinal axis extending through the open and closed ends of the respective bottle, the water manifold having a plurality of water outlets comprising at least one water outlet corresponding to each predetermined location at which the tray can receive and support a bottle, each water outlet being positioned and oriented on the water manifold for discharging water through the open end of a respective one of the bottles and into the respective bottle toward the closed end thereof in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective bottle.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the water manifold comprises a rotatable washing arm disposed within the chamber below the tray and being rotatable relative to the tray about a rotation axis thereof, the water outlets being positioned and located on the washing arm relative to each other such that for each full rotation of the washing arm relative to the tray each water48556-2outlet sufficiently aligns at least once with a respective one of the bottles for discharging water through the open end of the bottle and into the bottle toward the closed end thereof substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the tray is configured to receive and support the at least one bottle at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the at least one water outlet is oriented to direct water from the outlet at an angle of less than 90 degrees to a horizontal plane.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the angle is between 70 and 80 degrees relative to a horizontal plane.

7. The device of claim 4, wherein the tray comprises at least one bottle mount for receiving and supporting the at least one bottle, the at least one bottle mount comprising a vertically inclined support and a horizontally inclined support, the vertically inclined support being configured to support the at least one bottle at said angle, and the horizontally inclined support being configured for locating and resting the open end of the at least one bottle on the tray.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the horizontally inclined support is sufficiently open to allow water from the at least one water outlet to pass therethrough into the at least one bottle.

9. The device of claim 3, wherein the rotatable washing arm has a generally vertical rotation axis and a generally horizontal longitudinal axis extending along the washing arm perpendicular to the rotation axis of the washing arm and lying in a horizontal plane within which the washing arm rotates within the chamber, each of the water outlets being oriented relative to the washing arm to direct water from the outlet at a first angle relative to the horizontal plane within which the washing arm rotates and a second angle within the horizontal plane and relative to the longitudinal axis of the washing arm, at least one of the first angle and48556-2the second angle of one of said water outlets being different from at least one of the first angle and the second angle of another one of said water outlets.

10. The device of claims 3, further comprising an air manifold disposed within the chamber below the tray, and an air circuit operable to direct air to flow into the air manifold, the air manifold having at least one air outlet positioned and oriented relative to the air manifold to direct air at least in part upward directly through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle.

11. The device of claim 10 where the air manifold has at least two air outlets in spaced relationship with each other, each air outlet being positioned and oriented relative to the air manifold to direct air at least in part upward through the open end of a respective one of the bottles and into the bottle.

12. The device of claim 10 wherein the at least one air outlet is oriented to direct air generally vertically upward within the chamber through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein the at least one air outlet is at least one first air outlet, the air manifold comprising at least one second air outlet positioned and oriented relative to the air manifold to direct air into the chamber other than directly into the at least one bottle.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the at least one second air outlet is positioned and oriented relative to the air manifold to allow water to drain from the air manifold during a washing cycle of the device.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the at least one first air outlet directs air generally vertically from the air manifold into the chamber and the at least one second air outlet directs air generally horizontally from the air manifold into the chamber.

16. The device of claim 11, wherein the air manifold comprises at least two internal baffles configured to direct airflow to the air outlets, the air manifold having an air inlet through48556-2which air is received from the air circuit into the air manifold, the internal baffles being configured relative to each other to distribute air generally equally to each of the air outlets irrespective of the location of the air outlets relative to the air inlet.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the at least two internal baffles are spaced from the air inlet and apart from each other in the direction of flow through the manifold, at least one of said internal baffles having at least one of a different shape and a different size relative to another of the internal baffles based on their respective locations relative to the air inlet of the air manifold to distribute air generally equally to each of the air outlets.

18. The device of claim 11 wherein the air manifold has an air inlet and at least two air manifold conduits separate from each other, each air manifold conduit being in fluid communication with the air inlet of the air manifold to receive air into each respective air manifold conduit, each air manifold conduit having at least one air outlet.

19. The device of claim 10 wherein the air circuit is operable to direct heated air into the air manifold.

20. The device of claim 3, further comprising a parking mechanism operable to position the rotatable washing arm in a predetermined rotational position when the washing arm is not rotating.

21. The device of claim 10 wherein the air manifold is disposed within the chamber below the rotatable washing arm, the device further comprising a parking mechanism operable to position the washing arm in a predetermined position relative to the air manifold when the washing arm is not rotating, said predetermined position of the washing arm being such that the washing arm is not disposed over the at least one air outlet of the air manifold.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the parking mechanism comprises at least one tab projecting downward from the rotatable washing arm and at least one corresponding catch48556-2disposed below the rotatable washing arm for receiving the at least one tab to locate the washing arm in the predetermined position.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the rotatable washing arm is mounted on a washing arm mount, the washing arm mount being in fluid communication with the water circuit and the washing arm whereby the water circuit directs pressurized water through the washing arm mount into the washing arm, the washing arm being moveable generally vertically of the washing arm mount in response to pressurized water being directed through the washing arm mount into the washing arm such that the at least one tab of the parking mechanism is positioned sufficiently above the at least one corresponding catch to permit free rotation of the rotatable washing arm, the washing arm lowering relative to the washing arm mount when pressurized water stops flowing from the washing arm mount into the washing arm such that the at least one tab of the parking mechanism contacts the at least one corresponding catch to locate the washing arm in the predetermined position.

24. The device of claim 1, wherein the clean water source comprises a clean water tank held in assembly with the door of the housing for movement with the door relative to the housing.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the clean water tank has at least one filling port accessible when the door is open relative to the housing.

26. The device of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a top, a bottom, a front, a back and opposite sides between the front and back, the door being on the front of the housing.

27. The device of claim 26, wherein the clean water source comprises a clean water tank held in assembly with the door of the housing for movement with the door relative to the housing.

28. The device of claim 27, wherein the door is positionable between a closed position in which the housing chamber is closed, and an opened position in which the housing48556-2chamber is accessible, in the open position of the door the door being in a generally horizontal orientation.

29. The device of claim 28 wherein the door has a recessed area configured to collect water spillage that may occur when filling the clean water tank.

30. The device of claim 24 wherein the water circuit comprises a pump operable to draw water from the clean water tank, feed this water to the sump, and draw water from the sump to deliver pressurized water to the water manifold.

31. The device of claim 30 wherein the clean water tank has a vent valve configured to allow air to flow into the clean water tank as water is drawn out of the clean water tank.

32. The device of claim 24 where the door comprises an inner door panel and outer door panel in spaced relationship with the inner door panel, the clean water tank being disposed between the inner and outer door panels.

33. The device of claim 1, further characterized in that the water manifold is a first water manifold, the device further comprising a second water manifold disposed above the tray and having at least one water outlet positioned and oriented on the second water manifold to direct water generally downward toward the tray during a washing cycle.

34. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is operable to wash and sterilize the at least one bottle, the device being operable in a sterilizing cycle to sufficiently heat water from the clean water tank to produce steam within the chamber for a predetermined duration to sterilize the at least one bottle.

35. The device of claim 34 wherein the device is operable to at least periodically direct air into the chamber during the sterilizing cycle.

36. The device of claim 34, wherein the device is selectively operable in a washing cycle and a sterilizing cycle wherein when both a washing cycle and a sterilizing cycle are selected the washing cycle precedes the sterilizing cycle.48556-237. The device of claim 36 wherein the device is further selectively operable in a drying cycle, wherein when a sterilizing cycle is selected the drying cycle occurs after the sterilizing cycle and wherein when a sterilizing cycle is not selected the drying cycle occurs after the washing cycle.

38. The device of claim 37 wherein the device is operable to direct heated air into the chamber during both the sterilizing cycle and the drying cycle.

39. The device of claim 37 wherein the device is operable to complete a washing cycle, a sterilizing cycle, and a drying cycle in less than 45 minutes.

40. The device of claim 39 wherein the device is configured to complete the washing cycle, the sterilizing cycle, and the drying cycle in approximately 35 minutes.

41. The device of claim 34, wherein the housing has at least one air outlet through which air flowing within the interior chamber is exhausted from the housing, the device further comprising a coalescing device disposed within the chamber and configured to condense steam into droplets such that the droplets fall back into the chamber while permitting air with lower moisture content to be exhausted from the housing.

42. The device of claim 1 wherein the at least one bottle comprises at least two components, capable of disassembly from each for washing in the device, one of the at least two components being a container, the tray being a lower tray for receiving and supporting the container, the device further comprising an upper tray positionable within the chamber above the lower tray for receiving and supporting components of the bottle other than the container, the upper tray comprising at least one water spray mount configured to receive one of the components of the bottle other than the bottle component over the water spray mount to at least in part support said bottle component on the upper tray, the water spray mount having an outlet through which water is directed out from the water spray mount to wash the bottle component received thereon, the upper tray further comprising a water inlet in fluid communication with the48556-2water circuit for receiving water from the water circuit into the upper tray, and at least one conduit in fluid communication between the water inlet of the upper tray and the water spray mount to direct water from the water circuit into the upper tray for delivery to the water spray mount.

43. The device of claim 42, wherein the upper tray comprises a plurality of water spray mounts for receiving a plurality of bottle components to be washed, and a plurality of conduits, each conduit being in fluid communication between the water inlet of the upper tray and a respective one of the water spray mounts.

44. The device of claim 42, wherein the bottle is a baby bottle comprising at least a container, a nipple and a collar for securing the nipple on the container.

45. The device of claim 1 further comprising a wastewater tank for collecting water delivered from the clean water source into the interior chamber of the housing, the dirty water tank being releasably mounted on the housing for removing the dirty water tank to empty said dirty water tank.

46. A device for washing and sterilizing at least one article, the device comprising a housing defining an interior chamber and having a door positionable relative to the housing to selectively permit access to the interior chamber, a tray positionable within the chamber and configured to receive and support the at least one article, a water circuit operable to direct water from a clean water source into the chamber, the device being operable in a washing cycle during which water is delivered by the water circuit into the chamber to wash the at least one bottle, the device further being operable in a sterilizing cycle comprising a heating system operable to sufficiently heat water from the clean water source to produce steam within the chamber for a predetermined duration to sterilize the at least one article within the chamber.

47. The device of claim 46, further comprising a controller to selectively control operation of the device in the washing cycle and the sterilizing cycle, the device being operable48556-2in the sterilizing cycle at least one of after the device is operated in the washing cycle and without the device having operated in the washing cycle.

48. The device of claim 46 wherein the device further comprises an air circuit operable to deliver air into the interior chamber of the housing, the air circuit being operable during the sterilizing cycle to at least periodically direct air into the chamber.

49. The device of claim 46 further for drying the at least one article, the device further comprising an air circuit operable to deliver air into the interior chamber of the housing, the device being operable in a drying cycle during which the air circuit directs air into the interior chamber for drying the at least one article.

50. The device of claim 49 further comprising a controller to selectively control operation of the device in the washing cycle, the sterilizing cycle and the drying cycle, the device being operable in the sterilizing cycle one of after the device is operated in the washing cycle and without the device having operated in the washing cycle, the device being operable in the drying cycle after the washing cycle if the device is not operated in the sterilizing cycle, the device being operable in the drying cycle after the sterilizing cycle if the device is operated in the sterilizing cycle.

51. The device of claim 49 wherein the air circuit comprises a heater such that the air circuit is operable to direct heated air into the chamber during the drying cycle.

52. The device of claim 49 wherein the air circuit is operable to direct heated air into the chamber during both the sterilizing cycle and the drying cycle.

53. The device of claim 48 wherein the device is operable to complete a washing cycle, a sterilizing cycle, and a drying cycle in less than 45 minutes.

54. The device of claim 53 wherein the device is configured to complete the washing cycle, the sterilizing cycle, and the drying cycle in approximately 35 minutes.48556-255. The device of claim 48 wherein the at least one article is at least one bottle, the bottle having an open end, a closed end and a longitudinal axis extending through the open and closed ends of the bottle, the tray being configured to receive and support the at least one bottle with the open end of the at least one bottle below its closed end, the water circuit being operable in the washing cycle of the device to direct water from a clean water source directly into the interior of the at least one bottle to wash the at least one bottle.

56. The device of claim 55 wherein the air circuit is operable in the drying cycle of the device to deliver a flow of air directly into the at least one bottle to dry the bottle during the drying cycle.

57. A device for washing articles, the device comprising a housing defining an interior chamber and having a door positionable relative to the housing to selectively permit access to the interior chamber, a tray positionable within the chamber and configured to receive and support at least one article to be washed, a washing arm disposed in the chamber and rotatable relative to the tray, and a water circuit operable to deliver pressurized water to the washing arm, the washing arm having at least one water outlet through which pressurized water is directed from the washing arm into the chamber, the device being operable in a washing cycle during which the washing arm is rotated relative to the tray while directing pressurized water into the chamber to wash the at least one article, the device further comprising a parking mechanism to position the washing arm in a predetermined rotational position upon completion of the washing cycle.

58. The device of claim 57, wherein the parking mechanism comprises at least one tab projecting downward from the rotatable washing arm and at least one corresponding catch disposed within the chamber separate from and fixed relative to the washing arm for receiving the at least one tab to locate the washing arm in the predetermined rotational position.

59. The device of claim 58, wherein the rotatable washing arm is mounted on a washing arm mount within the chamber, the washing arm mount being in fluid communication48556-2with the water circuit and the washing arm whereby the water circuit directs pressurized water through the washing arm mount into the washing arm, the washing arm being moveable generally vertically of the washing arm mount in response to pressurized water being directed through the washing arm mount into the washing arm such that the at least one tab of the parking mechanism is positioned sufficiently above the at least one corresponding catch to permit free rotation of the rotatable washing arm during the washing cycle, the washing arm lowering relative to the washing arm mount when pressurized water stops flowing from the washing arm mount into the washing arm following completion of the washing cycle such that the at least one tab of the parking mechanism contacts the at least one corresponding catch to locate and retain the washing arm in the predetermined rotational position.

60. The device of claim 57 wherein the device further comprises an air manifold disposed within the chamber below the rotatable washing arm, and an air circuit for delivering air to the manifold, the manifold having at least one outlet through which air delivered to the air manifold flows into the interior chamber, the device being operable in a drying cycle in which the air circuit is operated to deliver air into the interior chamber following completion of the washing cycle, the at least one outlet of the manifold being positioned and oriented for directing air generally directly toward the at least one article for contact with the at least one article, the parking mechanism being configured to position the washing arm in a predetermined rotational position relative to the air manifold following the washing cycle such that the washing arm is not disposed over the at least one outlet of the air manifold.

61. The device of claim 60 wherein the at least one article is at least one bottle, the bottle having an open end, a closed end and a longitudinal axis extending through the open and closed ends of the bottle, the tray being configured to receive and support the at least one bottle with the open end of the at least one bottle below its closed end, the water circuit being operable in the washing cycle of the device to direct water from a clean water source into the interior of the at least one bottle to wash the at least one bottle.48556-262. The device of claim 61 wherein the air circuit is operable in the drying cycle of the device to deliver a flow of air directly into the at least one bottle to dry the bottle during the drying cycle.

63. A door assembly for a device for washing articles, the device comprising a housing having an interior chamber, the door assembly being positionable relative to the housing between an opened position to permit access to the interior chamber of the housing and a closed position to close the interior chamber, the door assembly comprising a clean water tank and a water tank cap releasably connected to the door assembly to permit access to the clean water tank for filling the clean water tank.

64. The door assembly of claim 63, further comprising a pump in communication with the water tank and operable to draw water from the water tank and deliver the water to the interior chamber of the housing.

65. The door assembly of claim 64, further comprising a flowmeter and a solenoid valve.

66. The door assembly of claim 63, further comprising a rinse aid tank and a rinse aid mixing tank.

67. The door assembly of claim 63, wherein the door assembly further comprises a vent valve in communication with the clean water tank and configured to allow air to flow into the clean water tank as water flows out.

68. The door assembly of claim 67, wherein the vent valve is disposed on the water tank cap.

69. The door assembly of claim 63, wherein the door assembly is configured for pivotal connection to the housing of the device for pivoting movement relative to the housing between the closed position and the opened position of the door assembly.10148556-270. The door assembly of claim 63, wherein the door assembly has an inner surface that faces the interior of the chamber in the closed position of the door assembly, and an outer surface opposite the inner surface, the clean water tank being configured to be filled only when the door assembly is in its opened position.

71. The door assembly of claim 70 wherein the water tank cap is accessible only from the inner surface of the door assembly.

72. The door assembly of claim 63 wherein the door assembly comprises an inner door panel and an outer door panel in spaced relationship with the inner door panel, the clean water tank being disposed between the inner and outer door panels.

73. The door assembly of claim 66, further comprising a pump in communication with the water tank and the rinse aid mixing tank, the pump being configured for selectively directing water from the clean water tank to the washing chamber or from the clean water tank to the rinse aid mixing tank.

74. The door assembly of claim 66, further comprising a rinse aid feeding device operable to deliver rinse aid from the rinse aid tank to the rinse aid mixing tank.

75. The door assembly of claim 74, wherein the rinse aid feeding device comprises a pump, the pump operable to push rinse aid out of the rinse aid tank to the rinse aid mixing tank.

76. The door assembly of claim 74, wherein the rinse aid feeding device operates to deliver rinse aid from the rinse aid tank to the rinse aid mixing tank when the door assembly is moved from its opened position to its closed position.

77. The door assembly of claim 63, wherein the door assembly further comprises a window for viewing items in the washing chamber when the door assembly is in its closed position.

78. The door assembly of claim 63, wherein the clean water tank is configured to hold between 2.0L and 2.5L of water.10248556-279. The door assembly of claim 70, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the door assembly is configured to define a recessed area for capturing water spillage that occurs while filling the clean water tank such that such water spillage flows into the interior chamber of the housing when the door assembly is moved to its closed position.

80. The door assembly of claim 64, wherein the pump is one of a peristaltic pump and a diaphragmatic pump.

81. The door assembly of claim 66, wherein the rinse aid tank is configured to hold between 80 ml and 200 ml of rinse aid.

82. A tray for holding articles in a device for washing such articles, the device comprising a housing defining an interior chamber and having a door positionable relative to the housing to selectively permit access to the interior chamber, and a water circuit disposed within the housing and operable to direct water from a clean water source into the chamber for washing the articles, the tray being configured for movement relative to the housing for loading articles onto the tray for washing and for subsequent removal of the articles from the tray after washing, the tray comprising at least one water spray mount configured to receive at least one article on the water spray mount to at least in part support the at least one article on the tray, the water spray mount having an outlet through which water is directed out from the water spray mount to wash the article received thereon, the tray further comprising a water inlet in fluid communication with the water circuit for receiving water from the water circuit into the tray, and at least one conduit in fluid communication between the water inlet of the tray and the water spray mount to direct water from the water circuit into the tray for delivery to the water spray mount.

83. The tray of claim 82, wherein the tray comprises a plurality of water spray mounts for receiving a plurality of articles to be washed, and a plurality of conduits, each conduit being in fluid communication between the water inlet of the tray and a respective one of the water spray mounts.10348556-284. A device for washing and drying at least one bottle, the bottle having an open end, a closed end and a longitudinal axis extending through the open and closed ends of the bottle, the device comprising a housing defining an interior chamber and having a door positionable relative to the housing to selectively permit access to the interior chamber, a tray positionable within the chamber and configured to receive and support the at least one bottle with the open end of the at least one bottle below its closed end, a water manifold disposed in the chamber, a water circuit operable to direct water from the clean water source to the water manifold, the water manifold having at least one water outlet positioned and oriented on the water manifold for discharging water into the interior chamber for washing the at least one bottle, an air manifold disposed in the chamber, and an air circuit operable to direct air to flow into the air manifold, the air manifold having at least one air outlet positioned and oriented relative to the manifold to direct air directly through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle for drying the bottle.

85. The device of claim 84 wherein the at least one bottle comprises at least two bottles received and supported on the tray, the air manifold having at least two air outlets in spaced relationship with each other, each air outlet being positioned and oriented relative to the air manifold to direct air directly through the open end of a respective one of the bottles and into the respective one of the bottles.

86. The device of claim 84 wherein the at least one air outlet is oriented to direct air generally vertically upward within the chamber directly through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle.

87. The device of claim 84, wherein the at least one air outlet is at least one first air outlet, the air manifold comprising at least one second air outlet positioned and oriented relative to the air manifold to direct air into the chamber other than directly into the at least one bottle for drying the exterior of the bottle.10448556-288. The device of claim 87, wherein the at least one second air outlet is positioned and oriented relative to the air manifold to allow water to drain from the air manifold during washing of the at least one bottle.

89. The device of claim 87, wherein the at least one first air outlet directs air generally vertically from the air manifold into the chamber and the at least one second air outlet directs air generally horizontally from the air manifold into the chamber.

90. The device of claim 85, wherein the air manifold comprises at least two internal baffles configured to direct airflow to the air outlets, the air manifold having an air inlet through which air is received from the air circuit into the air manifold, the internal baffles being configured relative to each other to distribute air generally equally to each of the air outlets irrespective of the location of the air outlets relative to the air inlet.

91. The device of claim 90, wherein the at least two internal baffles are spaced from the air inlet and apart from each other in the direction of air flow through the air manifold, at least one of said internal baffles having at least one of a different shape and a different size relative to another one of said internal baffles based on their respective locations relative to the air inlet of the air manifold to distribute air generally equally to each of the air outlets.

92. The device of claim 85 wherein the air manifold has an air inlet and at least two air manifold conduits separate from each other, each air manifold conduit being in fluid communication with the air inlet of the air manifold to receive air into each respective air manifold conduit, each air manifold conduit having at least one air outlet.

93. The device of claim 84 wherein the air circuit is operable to direct heated air into the air manifold.

94. The device of claim 84, wherein the device is further operable in a sterilizing cycle to sterilize the at least one bottle by heating water from the clean water source to produce steam within the chamber for a predetermined duration, the air circuit being operable during the10548556-2sterilizing cycle to intermittently direct air into the air manifold and out of the at least one air outlet for delivery into the interior chamber.

95. The device of claim 84, wherein the air circuit comprises an air heater, a fan, and a heating element for providing a flow of heated air to the air manifold.

96. A method for washing, sterilizing, and drying articles in a device, the device having a housing defining an interior chamber, and a door positionable relative to the housing between an opened position and a closed position for accessing the interior chamber, the method comprising:placing an article within the interior chamber of the housing and closing the door of the housing;operating the device in a washing cycle, the washing cycle comprising directing a flow of water within the interior chamber for contact with the article to wash the article;operating the device in a sterilizing cycle after the washing cycle, the sterilizing cycle comprising generating a flow of steam within the device for contact with the article to sterilize the article; andoperating the device in a drying cycle after the sterilizing cycle, the drying cycle comprising directing heated air to flow within the interior chamber for contact with the article to dry the article;the washing cycle, sterilizing cycle and drying cycle being performed consecutively without opening the door of the housing, said washing cycle, sterilizing cycle, and drying cycle being completed in less than or equal to 45 minutes.

97. The method of claim 96, wherein the washing cycle, sterilizing cycle, and drying cycle are completed in approximately 35 minutes.10648556-298. The method of claim 96, wherein the article is a bottle having an open end, a closed end and a longitudinal axis extending through the open and closed ends of the bottle, the step of placing an article within the interior chamber of the housing and closing the door of the housing comprising placing the bottle within the interior chamber of the housing with the open end of the bottle below its closed end; and the washing cycle comprising directing a flow of water within the interior chamber directly through the open end of the bottle and into the bottle for washing the interior of the bottle.

99. The method of claim 98 wherein the bottle has a longitudinal axis extending from its open end to its closed end, the washing cycle comprising directing a flow of water within the interior chamber directly through the bottle opening and into the bottle in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle.

100. The method of claim 96 wherein the article is a bottle having an open end, a closed end and a longitudinal axis extending through the open and closed ends of the bottle, the step of placing an article within the interior chamber of the housing and closing the door of the housing comprising placing the bottle within the interior chamber of the housing with the open end of the bottle below its closed end; and the drying cycle comprising directing heated air to flow directly through the open end of the bottle and into the bottle for drying the interior of the bottle.

101. The method of claim 98, wherein the step of placing the bottle within the interior chamber of the housing with the open end of the bottle below its closed end comprises placing the bottle within the interior chamber of the housing at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to horizontal to inhibit pooling of water inside the concave surface of the bottom of the bottle during the washing cycle.

102. The method of claim 98 wherein the step of placing the bottle within the interior chamber of the housing with the open end of the bottle below its closed end comprises placing the bottle on a tray within the interior chamber to support the bottle within the interior chamber.10748556-2103. The method of claim 102, wherein the washing cycle comprises supplying water from a source of clean water to a water manifold disposed within the interior chamber below the bottle, and discharging water from a water outlet of the water manifold through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle toward the closed end thereof in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle.

104. The method of claim 103 wherein the water manifold comprises a rotatable washing arm, the washing cycle comprising rotating the washing arm relative to the bottle during the washing cycle such that for each full rotation of the washing arm relative to the bottle the water outlet sufficiently aligns with the bottle for discharging water through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle toward the closed end thereof in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle.

105. The method of claim 104 wherein the drying cycle comprises discharing heated air from an air manifold disposed below the rotatable washing arm and directing the heated air to flow directly through the open end of the bottle and into the bottle for drying the interior of the bottle.

106. The method of claim 105, further comprising the step of stopping rotation of the rotatable washing arm at a predetermined rotational position relative to the air manifold upon completion of the washing cycle such that the rotatable washing arm does not block the flow of heated air directly into the open end of the bottle during the drying cycle.

107. The method of claim 104 further comprising the step of stopping rotation of the rotatable washing arm at a predetermined rotational position relative to the bottle upon completion of the washing cycle.

108. The method of claim 96, wherein the drying cycle comprises discharging heated air from a first air outlet of an air manifold disposed below the article and directing the heated air to flow directly toward the article for drying the article and further discharging heated air from a10848556-2second air outlet of the air manifold and into the interior chamber in a direction other than directly toward the article.

109. The method of claim 108 wherein the article is a bottle having an open end, a closed end and a longitudinal axis extending through the open and closed ends of the bottle, the step of placing an article within the interior chamber of the housing and closing the door of the housing comprising placing the bottle within the interior chamber of the housing with the open end of the bottle below its closed end, the drying cycle comprising discharging heated air from the first air outlet of the air manifold and directing the heated air to flow directly through the open end of the bottle and into the bottle for drying the interior of the bottle, and further discharging heated air from the second air outlet of the air manifold and into the interior chamber in a direction other than directly into the bottle for drying the exterior of the bottle.

110. The method of claim 108 further comprising draining water from the air manifold during the washing cycle.

111. The method of claim 96, wherein the sterilizing cycle comprises sufficiently heating water to produce steam within the interior chamber, and periodically discharging heated air into the interior chamber.

112. The method of claim 102, wherein the washing cycle further comprises mixing the water with a rinse aid and directing the mixed solution within the interior chamber for contact with the article to wash the article.

113. The method of claim 96 wherein the device comprises a refillable water tank mounted on the device for holding clean water to be used in the washing cycle, the washing cycle comprising directing a flow of water from the water tank into the interior chamber for contact with the article to wash the article, the method further comprising sensing the water level in the water tank and providing a signal indicative of the need for refilling the water tank when the water level in the tank is reduced to a level below a predetermined level.10948556-2114. The method of claim 96 further comprising coalescing the steam into water droplets for collection from the device during the sterilizing cycle.

115. The method of claim 96 wherein the device has a wastewater tank removably mounted thereon in communication with the interior chamber, the method further comprising directing used water to flow into the wastewater tank upon completion from the washing cycle.

116. The method of claim 115 further comprising the step of removing the wastewater tank from the device, emptying the wastewater tank, and reassembling the wastewater tank on the device, the step being performed after any one of the washing cycle, the sterilizing cycle and the drying cycle.

117. A method for washing, sterilizing, and drying bottles in a countertop device, each bottle having an open end, a closed end and a longitudinal axis extending through the open and closed ends of the bottle, the device having a housing defining an interior chamber, a door positionable relative to the housing between an opened position and a closed position for accessing the interior chamber, and a refillable water tank disposed on the housing, the method comprising:positioning the device on a countertop;filling the refillable water tank with clean water;opening the door of the device, placing at least one bottle within the interior chamber of the housing with the open end of the bottle below its closed end, and closing the door of the housing, the step of filling the refillable water tank being performed one of before opening the door of the device, after placing a bottle within the interior chamber of the housing, and after closing the door of the housing;operating the device in a washing cycle, the washing cycle comprising directing a flow of clean water feeding this water to the sump, and draw water from the sump to recirculate water and to flow directly through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle toward the11048556-2closed end thereof in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle to wash the interior of the bottle;operating the device in a sterilizing cycle after the washing cycle, the sterilizing cycle comprising generating a flow of steam within the device for contact with the article to sterilize the article; andoperating the device in a drying cycle after the sterilizing cycle, the drying cycle comprising directing heated air to flow within the interior chamber for contact with the article to dry the article.

118. The method of claim 117 wherein the drying cycle comprises directing heated air to flow directly through the open end of the bottle and into the bottle for drying the interior of the bottle.

119. The method of claim 117, wherein the step of placing the at least one bottle within the interior chamber of the housing with the open end of the bottle below its closed end comprises placing the at least one bottle within the interior chamber of the housing at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to horizontal to pooling inside the concave surface of the bottom of the bottle during the washing cycle.

120. The method of claim 119 wherein the step of placing the at least one bottle within the interior chamber of the housing comprises placing the at least one bottle on a tray within the interior chamber to support the bottle within the interior chamber at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to horizontal.

121. The method of claim 120, wherein the washing cycle comprises supplying water from the sump to a water manifold disposed within the interior chamber of the housing below the tray, and discharging the water from a water outlet of the water manifold through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle toward the closed end thereof in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle.11148556-2122. The method of claim 121 wherein the water manifold comprises a rotatable washing arm, the washing cycle comprising rotating the washing arm relative to the tray during the washing cycle such that for each full rotation of the washing arm relative to the tray the water outlet substantially aligns with the longitudinal axis of the at least one bottle for discharging water through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle toward the closed end thereof in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle.

123. The method of claim 121 wherein the rotatable washing arm has a plurality of water outlets spaced from each other on the rotatable washing arm, the step of placing at least one bottle on the tray within the interior chamber comprising placing a plurality of bottles on the tray within the interior chamber, with each bottle being supported by the tray within the interior chamber at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to horizontal with the open end of each bottle below its respective closed end, the washing cycle comprising rotating the washing arm relative to the tray during the washing cycle such that for each full rotation of the washing arm relative to the tray at least one water outlet substantially aligns with the longitudinal axis of a respective one of the bottles for discharging water through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle toward the closed end thereof in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle.

124. The method of claim 122 wherein the drying cycle comprises discharging heated air from an air manifold disposed below the rotatable washing arm and directing the heated air to flow directly through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle for drying the interior of the bottle.

125. The method of claim 124, further comprising the step of stopping rotation of the rotatable washing arm at a predetermined rotational position relative to the air manifold upon completion of the washing cycle such that the rotatable washing arm does not block the flow of heated air directly into the open end of the bottle during the drying cycle.11248556-2126. The method of claim 125 further comprising the step of stopping rotation of the rotatable washing arm at a predetermined rotational position relative to the air manifold upon completion of the washing cycle.

127. The method of claim 117, wherein the drying cycle comprises discharging heated air from a first air outlet of an air manifold disposed below the at least one bottle and directing the heated air to flow directly into the open end of the at least one bottle for drying the interior of the at least one bottle, and further discharging heated air from a second air outlet of the air manifold and into the interior chamber in a direction other than directly into the open end of the at least one bottle for drying the exterior of the at least one bottle.

128. The method of claim 127 further comprising draining water from the air manifold during the washing cycle.

129. The method of claim 117, wherein the sterilizing cycle comprises sufficiently heating water to produce steam within the interior chamber of the housing, and periodically discharging heated air into the interior chamber during said sterilizing cycle.

130. The method of claim 117, wherein the washing cycle further comprises mixing the refillable water with a rinse aid to form a mixed solution, the mixing being performed one of in the refillable water tank and after water flows out of the refillable water tank, the step of directing a flow of clean water from the refillable water tank to flow directly through the open end of the at least one bottle comprising directing the mixed solution to flow directly through the open end of the at least one bottle and into the bottle toward the closed end thereof in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bottle to wash the interior of the bottle.

131. The method of claim 117 further comprising sensing the water level in the refillable water tank and providing a signal indicative of the need for refilling the refillable water tank when the water level in the refillable water tank is reduced to a level below a predetermined level.11348556-2132. The method of claim 117, further comprising coalescing the steam into water droplets for collection from the device during the sterilizing cycle.

133. The method of claim 117 wherein the device has a wastewater tank removably mounted thereon in communication with the interior chamber of the housing, the method further comprising directing used water to flow into the wastewater tank at least one of during the washing cycle and after completion of the washing cycle.

134. The method of claim 133 further comprising removing the wastewater tank from the device, emptying the wastewater tank, and reassembling the wastewater tank on the device, the step of removing the wastewater tank from the device being performed after any one of the washing cycle, the sterilizing cycle, and the drying cycle.114

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