Patents Examined by Kevin G Lee
  • Patent number: 11639571
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a wash tub defining a wash chamber, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub, and a motor operably coupled to the wash basket for selectively rotating the wash basket. A controller is configured for accelerating the wash basket to a predetermined speed during an acceleration period and maintaining that speed during a steady state period. The controller further determines a power drop from the maximum power required to accelerate the wash basket to the power required to maintain the predetermined speed, and the dry load weight is calculated using this power drop and a transfer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Edward Hettinger, Ryan Ellis Leonard
  • Patent number: 11634847
    Abstract: A washing machine and a method of controlling the washing machine are provided. The washing machine includes a display configured to display a washing course and a first washing option set corresponding to the washing course, an inputter configured to receive a user's option change command for changing at least one washing option among a plurality of washing options included in the first washing option set from a user, a storage configured to store a washing option set including the changed at least one washing option, and at least one processor configured, based on the storage of the washing option set being more than a predetermined number of times, to control the first washing option set to be changed to a second washing option set based on the changed at least one washing option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeongwon Hahn, Jeongnam Kim, Kyungshin Moon, Byunggwon Park, Romon Son
  • Patent number: 11634848
    Abstract: A method of operating a pair of laundry appliances is provided. The pair of laundry appliances includes a washing machine appliance and a dryer appliance. The method includes determining a first moisture extraction curve of a spin cycle of the washing machine appliance and determining a second moisture extraction curve of the dryer appliance. The method further includes rotating a basket of the washing machine appliance at an extraction speed for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time is based on the first moisture extraction curve and the second moisture extraction curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Holzen
  • Patent number: 11622667
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub with an access opening to a treating chamber, a sump, at least one sprayer emitting liquid into the treating chamber, a pump, a conduit fluidly coupling the sump to the pump and the pump to the at least one sprayer, thereby defining a recirculation circuit through which the liquid sprayed into the treating chamber collects in the sump and is pumped back to the at least one sprayer. The dishwasher also includes a filter assembly in the sump for filtering the liquid in the recirculation circuit including a cleaning element and a dome shaped displacement body positioned adjacent the filter wall for raising a liquid level within the filter and configured to fill more than 50% of a percentage of a volume of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Whirpool Corporation
    Inventors: Mark S. Feddema, Antony Mark Rappette, Lisa M. Fehner
  • Patent number: 11612302
    Abstract: A dish rack for use in a dishwasher is provided. The dishwasher includes a tub defining a washing chamber for cleaning kitchenware and the like. The dish rack includes a wall bounding a space. A dispenser unit is mounted to the dish rack and is configured to hold an additive. A hydraulic circuit is disposed within the walls of the dish rack and is placed in fluid communication with the dispenser. Fluid pressure from the hydraulic circuit is operable to eject the additive from the dispenser unit into the washing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Baldwin, Paul E. Beshears, Jr., Scott D. Slabbekoorn, Elliott V. Stowe, Barry E. Tuller, Ameresh B. Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 11613837
    Abstract: A driving device for a washing machine includes: a shaft including an inner shaft and an outer shaft surrounding the inner shaft; a motor assembly including a stator, a rotor that surrounds the stator, a modulator that surrounds the rotor, and a magnetic gear rotating body that surrounds the modulator; a first fixation body that connects between the inner shaft and the magnetic gear rotating body; a second fixation body having one end connected to the stator and the other end connected to a tub; and an electronic clutch that disconnects the outer shat and the rotor or connects the inner shaft and the rotor according to an operation mode of the washing machine. The modulator adjusts a speed and torque of the magnetic gear rotating body. The driving device may make a motor drive area highly efficient and may reduce electric consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyoung Uk Nam, Hyojin Ko, Jin Hong
  • Patent number: 11603617
    Abstract: A lifter for a laundry treating apparatus includes a first member mounted at an inner side of a drum; and a second member mounted on the first member and protruded toward an inside of the drum, wherein the first member includes a hook protruded and formed along a circumference of the first member, at least part of which is disposed to cover an inner circumferential surface of the drum when inserted into a fastening hole of the drum and then slid in one direction; and a shield protruded and formed at an inner side of the first member and configured to completely cover the fastening hole when the hook is inserted into the fastening hole and then slid in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kilryong Lee, Byeongha Jeon, Jinseok Ahn
  • Patent number: 11603619
    Abstract: A detachable or removable wash basket having a wash compartment for the receipt of articles for washing separately from a larger wash drum of the appliance. The wash basket is received upon an agitator of the washing appliance and includes a valve for draining wash fluid from the wash compartment. A lid can provide a sloped surface for delivery of water into the wash compartment and may be partially covered by a water retaining plate to prevent the flow of fluid from the wash compartment during a cleaning cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarang Patre, Ansuraj Seenivasan, Susheel Kumar Panda, Kalyana Mallavarapu, Aparna Vajja
  • Patent number: 11572800
    Abstract: A fluid wash system for a gas turbine engine is disclosed, the gas turbine engine defining an axial direction and comprising a borescope port that provides access to a component within a core flow path of the gas turbine engine. In various embodiments, the fluid wash system includes a wash line fluidly connected to a pump configured to provide a pressurized flow of wash liquid; a spray nozzle connected to the wash line and configured for extending into the borescope port to provide the pressurized flow of wash liquid to the component within the core flow path; and an attachment mechanism configured to releasable mount the spray nozzle to the borescope port, the attachment mechanism including an alignment mechanism configured to orient the spray nozzle and direct the pressurized flow of wash liquid in a predetermined direction toward the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony R. Bifulco
  • Patent number: 11547001
    Abstract: A consumer appliance or touch panel interface, as provided herein, may include a substrate panel, a flexible capacitance touch circuit, a deformable conductive joint, and a rigid circuit board. The flexible capacitance touch circuit may be joined to the substrate panel. The deformable conductive joint may extend from a first end to a second end. The first end may be bonded to the flexible capacitance touch circuit. The rigid circuit board may be bonded to the deformable conductive joint at the second end, the rigid circuit board being positioned behind the substrate panel along the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald James Leisl, III, Richard Gary Woodham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11541435
    Abstract: A hand-held drain cleaning apparatus which includes a control housing comprising an upper body portion and a lower body portion, a release valve member being movable between at least a first position wherein the release valve member prevents fluid from flowing into a first fluid passageway from a second fluid passageway, and a second position wherein fluid can flow from the second fluid passageway and into the first fluid passageway. The hand-held drain cleaning apparatus further includes a flexible, tubular member having first and second end portions, and a terminal discharge member in fluid communication with the second end portion of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventors: Anthony Hollars, Charles Gallo
  • Patent number: 11529036
    Abstract: A robotic device for working on a surface includes a body including: a tool for working on the surface; a controller moving the body along the surface; a first set of at least two rotors mounted to the body and generating thrust in a first direction towards the surface; and a second set of at least two rotors mounted to the body and generating thrust in a second direction away from the surface. A sensor measures a distance between the body and the surface, and a computer adjusts the first set of rotors and the second set of rotors in response to the sensor to place the body in position to work on the surface. In particular, the first set of rotors and the second set of rotors generate a net force on the body to it in non-contact position to work on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Bofill Strauss LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Bofill, Mark Strauss
  • Patent number: 11525201
    Abstract: In order to increase an adsorption rate of softener for laundry, a method of controlling a washing machine according to an embodiment includes performing a first rinsing process based on a first target water level and a first duty ratio of a motor; when a second rinsing process is started, supplying water to an intermediate water level of a fixed tub; additionally supplying water to a second target water level together with the softener; setting a duty ratio of the motor to a second duty ratio higher than the first duty ratio; and driving the motor based on the second duty ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-Yu Lee, Eun-Suk Bang
  • Patent number: 11517178
    Abstract: A supply container for a dispensing device for introducing a pourable detergent in metered amounts into a treatment chamber of a program-controlled cleaning appliance, the dispensing device including a rotatable carrier unit, the supply container being replaceably receivable in the carrier unit. The supply container includes: a reservoir chamber; a dispensing opening; a metering chamber connectable to the reservoir chamber via an interposed outlet opening; and a closure device configured to close the outlet opening at least until the supply container is first put into use. The closure device is configured to cooperate with an actuating device to open the outlet opening to provide a flow path of the detergent from the reservoir chamber into the treatment chamber of the appliance via the metering chamber and the dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Wegener, Guenter Kroeger
  • Patent number: 11519121
    Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine including: a gasket, wherein the gasket includes a gasket body, forming a passage between a laundry entry hole formed in a casing and an opening formed in a tub, and a plurality of nozzles spraying water into a drum; and a distribution pipe supplying water pumped by a pump to the plurality of nozzles, wherein the distribution pipe includes a transport conduit disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the gasket, wherein the gasket body is divided into a front body positioned on the side of the casing and a rear body positioned on the side of the tub, wherein the rear body includes an accommodating part in which at least a portion of the transport conduit is disposed, and accordingly, it is possible to prevent intervention between the distribution pipe and any other structure around the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hosung Jang, Yohwan Kang, Kwanghyun Kim, Hansol Kim, Hyunjae Lee
  • Patent number: 11497378
    Abstract: A dish washing machine includes a door, a main body in which a washing tub for opening and closing the front opening of the door is provided, and a basket configured to be installed in the washing tub to be able to move in and out of the washing tub and to contain dishes. A sensing unit is configured to sense a basket identifier and a door identifier. A driving unit is configured to drive a vane. A controller is configured to control the driving unit such that cleaning is performed for each dish storage area of the basket based on the sensed result of a sensing unit. The controller determines the area where the dishes are laid, and controls the driving unit to clean the dish storage area where the dishes are laid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min Kyung Jung, Yoo Jin Kang, In Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 11484916
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and methods for debriding soft tissue from bone using a high-pressure water debridement system. One embodiment includes a cylindrical sleeve bounded by endcaps and having a drainage port positioned for effluent drainage. A central shaft is configured to receive a bone segment and is disposed along a longitudinal center of the sleeve and rotatively coupled between the endcaps. At least one high-pressure water nozzle is disposed on each side of the sleeve, each of which is positioned to impact the bone segment with a high-pressure water stream. A rotational actuator is configured to rotate the central shaft and the bone segment relative to the sleeve and the water nozzles such that when the high-pressure water nozzles are operational, the high-pressure water streams debride the bone segment. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Allosource
    Inventors: Denis M. Meade, Shane Graham, Kyle von Kaenel
  • Patent number: 11486076
    Abstract: A clothes treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a steam generator configured to generate steam, and a solution storing container configured to store a solution. The clothes treating apparatus also includes a steam spraying portion that is coupled to the steam generator and that is configured to spray steam and a solution spraying portion that is coupled to the solution storing container and that is configured to spray the solution. The steam spraying portion is configured to spray steam to control air pressure at the outlet of the solution spraying portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sungmin Ye, Sungho Song, Taehee Lee
  • Patent number: 11479893
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for washing machine dehydration, and a washing machine. The method includes: step 1, detecting a current eccentricity value to serve as a first eccentricity value, and determining a first dehydration rotational speed value corresponding to the first eccentricity value; step 2, performing a corresponding dehydration operation; step 3, detecting another current eccentricity value to serve as a second eccentricity value, and determining a second dehydration rotational speed value corresponding to the second eccentricity value; step 4, if the second eccentricity value is smaller than the first eccentricity value, performing a corresponding dehydration operation, assigning the value of the second eccentricity value to the first eccentricity value and then performing the step 3; and step 5, if the second eccentricity value is greater than or equal to the first eccentricity value, performing a leveling operation, and then performing the step 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES, INC. OF ZHUHAI
    Inventors: Dong Yin, Mingxing Zheng
  • Patent number: 11479896
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for treating garments are provided. A method, performed by a garment treatment apparatus, of controlling an operation of the garment treatment apparatus includes: establishing wireless communication with a monitoring device placed inside a drum of the garment treatment apparatus; rotating the drum; receiving movement information associated with movement of the monitoring device from the monitoring device during the rotation of the drum; and controlling the rotation of the drum based on the received movement information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeongin Kim, Seongho Byeon, Sangwon Ahn, Seongil Hahm, Jaesick Shin, Hyunjin Yi, Junsik Jeong