Patents by Inventor Douglas D. LeClear
Douglas D. LeClear has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10119742Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet having at least one door. A removable cooling module is coupled with an outer periphery of the cabinet. The removable cooling module includes an ice maker. A duct is in communication with the removable cooling module. Ice is produced by the ice maker and transferred through the duct to the refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Rameet Singh Grewal, Steven J. Kuehl, Andrew D. Litch, Douglas D. Leclear, Lorraine J. Westlake, Guolian Wu
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Patent number: 10054350Abstract: A removable cooling module for a refrigerator includes a cooling unit positioned in a housing and removably coupled with a top wall of the refrigerator. An ice maker is coupled to the cooling unit. An ice bin is disposed in the housing and is adapted to receive and store ice from the ice maker. A duct is in communication with the cooling unit and is adapted to convey ice from the removable cooling module to an ice dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Rameet Singh Grewal, Steven J. Kuehl, Andrew D. Litch, Douglas D. Leclear, Lorraine J. Westlake, Guolian Wu
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Patent number: 9991683Abstract: A connection system includes a feature module that supplies various functionalities, a portable countertop stand having an upright section that selectively receives the feature module and an umbilical connecting the portable stand to an external appliance to deliver utilities to the portable countertop stand. A utility port selectively delivers at least one utility to the feature module when engaged with the upright section. A utility receiver removably engages the utility port by hand without the use of tools and selectively receives a predetermined set of utilities when the feature module engages the upright surface. A connection interface detects when the feature module is engaged with the upright section and the predetermined utility set required by the engaged feature module. After the feature module is engaged, the connection interface prompts the utility port to release the predetermined utility set to the feature module.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Robert Ryan Bradley, James W. Kendall, Steven J. Kuehl, Douglas D. Leclear, Alan S. Lucas, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. VonderHaar, Guolian Wu
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Patent number: 9759471Abstract: An ice collection area is disposed inside the cabinet proximate an ice maker. An ice storage area is disposed inside the cabinet. A first relocatable ice bin is disposed inside the cabinet. The first relocatable ice bin is disposed in one of the ice collection area and the ice storage area. A second relocatable ice bin is disposed inside the cabinet. The second relocatable ice bin is disposed in the other of the ice collection area and the ice storage area.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Douglas D. Leclear, Thomas L. Jueller, Jr., Ronald L. Voglewede
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Patent number: 9719711Abstract: An ice making assembly and method utilizes a housing having an upper fluid chamber, a plurality of distinct, substantially vertical fluid channels, and at least one drain aperture in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir. Ice forming members extend from an ice forming evaporator into respective fluid channels. During an ice making event, fluid continuously supplied to the upper fluid chamber flows into each of the fluid channels and out through at least one drain aperture into a fluid reservoir below. The ice forming members are cooled such that fluid flowing across the fluid channels freezes on the ice forming members over time, forming clear ice pieces. The ice pieces are subsequently released from the ice forming members and transferred for storage and/or dispensing.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Anderson Bortoletto, Nihat O. Cur, Douglas D. Leclear, Andrew M. Tenbarge, Ronald L. Voglewede
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Patent number: 9683771Abstract: A refrigerator that has a refrigerating compartment and a freezer compartment. A refrigerating compartment door covers at least a portion of the refrigerating compartment. An ice compartment located in the refrigerating compartment is located on the refrigerating compartment door. An air delivery system is connected to the ice compartment and a source of below 0 decree C air when the refrigerating compartment door is dosed. An ice maker is located in the ice compartment and a dispenser is located on the refrigerating compartment door.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2015Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Jeffrey J. Anselmino, Nihat O. Cur, Marcus R. Fischer, T. V. Kulkarni, Douglas D. Leclear, Frank W. Maglinger, Jim J. Pastryk
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Patent number: 9528736Abstract: A refrigerator includes a removable cooling module that defines a cavity. The removable cooling module includes a cooling unit and an ice maker disposed in the cavity. A duct is disposed inside the refrigerator and is in communication with the removable cooling module. The duct is adapted to convey cool air and ice from the ice maker to an ice storage bin in the refrigerator. An ice deflector is disposed in the duct. The ice deflector directs ice to the ice storage bin and directs cool air to a food storage area in the refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Rameet Singh Grewal, Steven J. Kuehl, Douglas D. Leclear, Andrew D. Litch, Lorraine J. Westlake, Guolian Wu
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Patent number: 9476636Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main refrigeration loop and a canister configured in a parallel circuit with the main refrigeration loop between the compressor and evaporator, with a liquid-filled bladder within the canister. The canister is pressurized by high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor, which forces the liquid within the bladder out of the bladder and to a pressurized water reservoir in fluid communication with the bladder and configured to house the evaporator and then out to a dispenser.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Nihat O. Cur, Steven J. Kuehl, Mark M. Senninger, Douglas D. Leclear, Gregory Gene Hortin
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Publication number: 20160298891Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a top wall. At least one door is coupled with the cabinet and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. A removable cooling module is disposed on the top wall of the refrigerator. The removable cooling module includes a cooling unit and an ice maker. An ice dispenser is coupled with the refrigerator. A duct is in communication with the removable cooling module and is adapted to convey ice and cool air from the removable cooling module to the refrigerator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2016Publication date: October 13, 2016Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: RAMEET SINGH GREWAL, STEVEN J. KUEHL, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, ANDREW D. LITCH, LORRAINE J. WESTLAKE, GUOLIAN WU
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Patent number: 9417001Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a top wall. At least one door is coupled with the cabinet and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. A removable cooling module is disposed on the top wall of the refrigerator. The removable cooling module includes a cooling unit and an ice maker. An ice dispenser is coupled with the refrigerator. A duct is in communication with the removable cooling module and is adapted to convey ice and cool air from the removable cooling module to the refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Rameet Singh Grewal, Steven J. Kuehl, Andrew D. Litch, Douglas D. Leclear, Lorraine J. Westlake, Guolian Wu
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Patent number: 9383133Abstract: An adjustable connector system for use in an appliance is provided, wherein the adjustable connector system includes a channel disposed on a surface of the appliance, an access aperture defined by a surface adjacent the channel, and a utility enabled connector at least partially received in the channel, and extending from the access aperture, wherein the utility enabled connector includes an elongated member configured to at least partially extend along the channel, and extend from the access aperture, and an interface adapted to supply at least one utility to a modular appliance configured to be removably attached to one of a plurality of removable attachment locations on the appliance.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Douglas D. Leclear, Karen J. Querfurth, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. Vonderhaar, Michele Wilcox
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Publication number: 20160146524Abstract: An ice making assembly and method utilizes a housing having an upper fluid chamber, a plurality of distinct, substantially vertical fluid channels, and at least one drain aperture in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir. Ice forming members extend from an ice forming evaporator into respective fluid channels. During an ice making event, fluid continuously supplied to the upper fluid chamber flows into each of the fluid channels and out through at least one drain aperture into a fluid reservoir below. The ice forming members are cooled such that fluid flowing across the fluid channels freezes on the ice forming members over time, forming clear ice pieces. The ice pieces are subsequently released from the ice forming members and transferred for storage and/or dispensing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2016Publication date: May 26, 2016Applicant: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: ANDERSON BORTOLETTO, NIHAT O. CUR, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, ANDREW M. TENBARGE, RONALD L. VOGLEWEDE
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Publication number: 20160134087Abstract: A connection system includes a feature module that supplies various functionalities, a portable countertop stand having an upright section that selectively receives the feature module and an umbilical connecting the portable stand to an external appliance to deliver utilities to the portable countertop stand. A utility port selectively delivers at least one utility to the feature module when engaged with the upright section. A utility receiver removably engages the utility port by hand without the use of tools and selectively receives a predetermined set of utilities when the feature module engages the upright surface. A connection interface detects when the feature module is engaged with the upright section and the predetermined utility set required by the engaged feature module. After the feature module is engaged, the connection interface prompts the utility port to release the predetermined utility set to the feature module.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2016Publication date: May 12, 2016Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul B. Allard, Robert Ryan Bradley, James W. Kendall, Steven J. Kuehl, Douglas D. Leclear, Alan S. Lucas, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. VonderHaar, Guolian Wu
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Patent number: 9273890Abstract: An ice making assembly and method utilizes a housing having an upper fluid chamber, a plurality of distinct, substantially vertical fluid channels, and at least one drain aperture in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir. Ice forming members extend from an ice forming evaporator into respective fluid channels. During an ice making event, fluid continuously supplied to the upper fluid chamber flows into each of the fluid channels and out through at least one drain aperture into a fluid reservoir below. The ice forming members are cooled such that fluid flowing across the fluid channels freezes on the ice forming members over time, forming clear ice pieces. The ice pieces are subsequently released from the ice forming members and transferred for storage and/or dispensing.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Anderson Bortoletto, Nihat O. Cur, Douglas D. Leclear, Andrew M. Tenbarge, Ronald L. Voglewede
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Patent number: 9252570Abstract: A connection system includes a feature module that supplies various functionalities, a portable countertop stand having an upright section that selectively receives the feature module and an umbilical connecting the portable stand to an external appliance to deliver utilities to the portable countertop stand. A utility port selectively delivers at least one utility to the feature module when engaged with the upright section. A utility receiver removably engages the utility port by hand without the use of tools and selectively receives a predetermined set of utilities when the feature module engages the upright surface. A connection interface detects when the feature module is engaged with the upright section and the predetermined utility set required by the engaged feature module. After the feature module is engaged, the connection interface prompts the utility port to release the predetermined utility set to the feature module.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Robert Ryan Bradley, James W. Kendall, Steven J. Kuehl, Douglas D. Leclear, Alan S. Lucas, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. Vonderhaar, Guolian Wu
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Patent number: 9237766Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Michele E. Wilcox, Douglas D. Leclear, John J. Vonderhaar, Karen J. Querfurth, Andrew M. Tenbarge
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Publication number: 20150338149Abstract: A refrigerator that has a refrigerating compartment and a freezer compartment. A refrigerating compartment door covers at least a portion of the refrigerating compartment. An ice compartment located in the refrigerating compartment is located on the refrigerating compartment door. An ice maker is located in the ice compartment and a dispenser is located on the refrigerating compartment door.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2015Publication date: November 26, 2015Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: JEFFREY J. ANSELMINO, NIHAT CUR, MARCUS R. FISCHER, TUSHAR KULKARNI, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, FRANK W. MAGLINGER, JIM J. PASTRYK
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Publication number: 20150315009Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main refrigeration loop and a canister configured in a parallel circuit with the main refrigeration loop between the compressor and evaporator, with a liquid-filled bladder within the canister. The canister is pressurized by high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor, which forces the liquid within the bladder out of the bladder and to a pressurized water reservoir in fluid communication with the bladder and configured to house the evaporator and then out to a dispenser.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2014Publication date: November 5, 2015Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: NIHAT O. CUR, STEVEN J. KUEHL, MARK M. SENNINGER, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, GREGORY GENE HORTIN
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Patent number: 9175904Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a refrigerated compartment defined therein, a motor coupled to the cabinet, and a chilling device sized to receive a food container. The chilling device is moveable between an engaged positioned in which the chilling device is spaced apart from a drive shaft of the motor and a disengaged position the chilling device is coupled to the drive shaft. The drive shaft is configured to operate the chilling device.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Douglas D. Leclear, Karen J. Querfurth
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Publication number: 20150247665Abstract: An adjustable connector system for use in an appliance is provided, wherein the adjustable connector system includes a channel disposed on a surface of the appliance, an access aperture defined by a surface adjacent the channel, and a utility enabled connector at least partially received in the channel, and extending from the access aperture, wherein the utility enabled connector includes an elongated member configured to at least partially extend along the channel, and extend from the access aperture, and an interface adapted to supply at least one utility to a modular appliance configured to be removably attached to one of a plurality of removable attachment locations on the appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Applicant: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Douglas D. Leclear, Karen J. Querfurth, Andrew M. Tenbarge, John J. Vonderhaar, Michele Wilcox