Patents by Inventor F. Hunter

F. Hunter 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).

  • Patent number: 11994336
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a wrapper having an opening with a front edge. A liner includes an opening and a front edge. A thermal bridge interconnects the wrapper and the liner to form a vacuum insulated cavity therebetween. The thermal bridge includes an outwardly opening channel and first and second inwardly opening channels. The front edge of wrapper is received in the first inwardly opening channel, and the front edge of the liner is received in the second inwardly opening channel. The second inwardly opening channel is inset relative to the first inwardly opening channel on the thermal bridge. A conduit is disposed within the outwardly opening channel and is configured to circulate a heated medium. The wrapper and liner are contemplated to be comprised of conductive materials, such sheet metal, while the thermal bridge is comprised of a thermally resistant material, such as a polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lakshya J. Deka, Lynne F. Hunter, Hua Liu, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak, Paul B. Allard, Eric J. Dherde
  • Patent number: 11976874
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for hinging a door to a cabinet of a refrigerator includes an exposed door frame that extends at least partially about a top panel and opposing side panels of the door. A mounting block is configured to be coupled to the top panel of the door. The mounting block is positioned in a cutout of the exposed door frame that is proximate a front panel of the door and is disposed between the opposing side panels. A hinge support bracket extends across a width of the cabinet and is coupled thereto. A hinge bracket is configured to be coupled to the hinge support bracket. A hinge pin is disposed between the mounting block and the hinge bracket and is engaged thereto such that an entirety of the hinge pin is external to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Daniel Lottinville, Karen J. Querfurth
  • Publication number: 20240142165
    Abstract: An appliance mounting device is provided herein. The appliance includes a vacuum insulated structure having a liner positioned within a wrapper, wherein the liner and wrapper cooperate to define an interior cavity. The appliance further includes an insulating material positioned within the interior cavity and a hanger coupled to an adapter plate and a support member. The support member is configured to couple to an interior surface of the vacuum insulated structure while maintaining a vacuum in the interior cavity and a holding member is coupled to a first side of the adapter plate and configured to receive a positioning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Raffaella Gropallo, Giulia Marinello
  • Patent number: 11971210
    Abstract: A cabinet structure includes a wrapper that is spaced apart from a liner. A trim breaker is coupled to the wrapper and the liner. An insulation cavity is disposed between the wrapper, the liner, and the trim breaker. An encapsulation member is disposed rearwardly of the trim breaker and defines an encapsulation cavity that is separated from the insulation cavity. The encapsulation member is free from openings. A hinge support is operably coupled to the encapsulation member to further define the encapsulation cavity. The hinge support has a lower frame portion that extends perpendicularly along the trim breaker. The hinge support is disposed forwardly of the trim breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Daniel Lottinville
  • Publication number: 20240133613
    Abstract: A refrigeration unit includes a cabinet and a first evaporator assembly. The first evaporator assembly is operable between an uninstalled condition and an installed condition. In the uninstalled condition, the first evaporator assembly is not assembled with the cabinet. In the installed condition, the first evaporator assembly is assembled with the cabinet. The first evaporator assembly includes a first evaporator, a first suction line connected to the first evaporator at a first suction line joint, and a first capillary tube connected to the first evaporator at a first capillary tube joint. The first suction line joint and the first capillary tube joint of the first evaporator assembly are leak testable in the uninstalled condition of the first evaporator assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Vishal B. Chauhan, Rahul Subhash Chhajed, Koteswara Rao Gochika, Alberto Regio Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Jacob Charles Ickes, Narendra Ashok Kapure, Mansi Katkar, Mandar G. Kulkarni, Dustin Michael Miller, Abhay Naik, Manjunathraddi Navalgund, Rafael D. Nunes, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak, Sanket Vivek Phalak, Anup R. Shedage, Arpit Vijay, Giulia Marinello
  • Patent number: 11963680
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a sled and an end effector. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, an anvil, and a cartridge channel. The staple cartridge includes a proximal end, a distal end, a cartridge body, and staples supported in the cartridge body, wherein the sled is movable to deploy the staples from the cartridge body against tissue captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil. The cartridge channel is configured to removably retain the staple cartridge, wherein a load is required to remove the staple cartridge from the cartridge channel, and wherein the sled is configured to reduce the cartridge removal load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Brian F. DiNardo, Morgan R. Hunter, Gregory J. Bakos
  • Patent number: 11950781
    Abstract: An adjunct configured for use with an end effector of a surgical stapler includes a tissue-effecting portion comprising a first material, and at least one movable attachment feature coupled to the tissue-effecting portion and comprising a second material different from the first material. The at least one movable attachment feature is configured to releasably attach the tissue-effecting portion to a stapling surface of the end effector. The tissue-effecting portion is configured to contact tissue clamped by the end effector during closure thereof. The tissue-effecting portion is further configured to be pierced and captured by staples ejected from the end effector into the clamped tissue and thereby reinforce the engagement between the ejected staples and the clamped tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Christopher Q. Seow, Taylor W. Aronhalt, Tyler N. Brehm, Zhifan F. Huang, Austin J. Bridges, Pierre R. Mesnil, Diana M. Darpel, Morgan R. Hunter, Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 11947056
    Abstract: A pixelated X-ray conversion screen includes a metal aperture sheet having a pixel hole filled with a scintillator material, wherein an area of the pixel hole is equal to or less than about 0.25 mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: TRIAD NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC
    Inventors: Brenden W. Wiggins, Markus Peter Hehlen, James F. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20240066435
    Abstract: A method of forming a degassing system includes the step of forming a bundle of hollow tube membrane members by wrapping hollow tube membrane members to form the bundle at a temperature above 100° F. (38° C.). Another method of forming a degassing system includes the step of the inserting bundle into an outer canister at a temperature above 100° F. (38° C.). A fuel supply system made by these methods is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Mark R. Gurvich, Richard E. Versailles, Jay W. Kokas, Rebecca R. Stoner, Andrew M Caldecutt, Alan F. Hunter, Haralambos Cordatos, Murtuza Lokhandwalla
  • Patent number: 11898789
    Abstract: An appliance mounting device is provided herein. The appliance includes a vacuum insulated structure having a liner positioned within a wrapper, wherein the liner and wrapper cooperate to define an interior cavity. The appliance further includes an insulating material positioned within the interior cavity and a hanger coupled to an adapter plate and a support member. The support member is configured to couple to an interior surface of the vacuum insulated structure while maintaining a vacuum in the interior cavity and a holding member is coupled to a first side of the adapter plate and configured to receive a positioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Raffaella Gropallo, Giulia Marinello
  • Patent number: 11892226
    Abstract: A method of assembling a refrigeration unit includes inserting a machine compartment assembly, including a base plate and a compressor coupled to the base plate, into a machine compartment of the refrigeration unit, mounting a control box of the refrigeration unit to a side panel, and coupling the side panel to the refrigeration unit, such that the side panel conceals a lateral side of the machine compartment and the control box is laterally-inboard of the side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Vishal B. Chauhan, Rahul Subhash Chhajed, Koteswara Rao Gochika, Alberto Regio Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Jacob Charles Ickes, Narendra Ashok Kapure, Mansi Katkar, Mandar G. Kulkarni, Dustin Michael Miller, Abhay Naik, Manjunathraddi Navalgund, Rafael D. Nunes, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak, Sanket Vivek Phalak, Anup R. Shedage, Arpit Vijay, Giulia Marinello
  • Publication number: 20230356112
    Abstract: A fiber de-gassing membrane includes a plurality of membrane fibers. At least one of the membrane fibers has a first stiffness. The membrane includes reinforcing fibers. The reinforcing fibers are positioned adjacent to at least one of the membrane fibers. The reinforcing fibers have a second stiffness. The second stiffness is greater than the first stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Mark R. Gurvich, Jay W. Kokas, Rebecca R. Stoner, Andrew M. Caldecutt, Alan F. Hunter, Haralambos Cordatos, Murtuza Lokhandwalla
  • Publication number: 20230349623
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a wall covering assembly having a top wall spaced-apart from a top wall of a liner, and a rear wall spaced-apart from a rear wall of the liner. The wall covering assembly includes a pattern of ports for providing outwardly directed cooled air to the refrigerator cabinet from a duct assembly. The duct assembly is configured to deliver cooled air through the ventilated portion of the wall covering assembly and also deliver cooled air to a front portion of the refrigerator cabinet via a downwardly directed air curtain. The air curtain disrupts the outward flow of air from the ventilated portion of the wall covering assembly before the cooled air reaches a gasket assembly disposed around the refrigerator doors. Angled venting slots disposed on the wall covering assembly direct air towards inner surfaces of the doors without disruption from the air curtain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Giulia Marinello, Lynne F. Hunter, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak, Alberto R. Gomes, Joseph M. Keres
  • Publication number: 20230330969
    Abstract: An operable panel for an appliance includes a metallic outer wrapper having a perimetrical wrapper edge that partially defines a perimetrical breaker channel, an inner liner and a plurality of corner brackets disposed proximate the perimetrical wrapper edge. Each corner bracket cooperates with the perimetrical wrapper edge to fully define the perimetrical breaker channel. A trim breaker is adhered to the metallic outer wrapper and the corner brackets at the perimetrical breaker channel and having a liner channel that receives a portion of the inner liner. The trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper. An insulation material is disposed within an insulating cavity defined between the inner liner and the outer wrapper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Lakshya J. Deka, Eric J. Dherde, Gustavo Frattini, Alberto R. Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Karen J. Querfurth, Jerry M. Visin
  • Publication number: 20230330560
    Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and systems for the supercritical fluid extraction of cannabinoids from cannabis. The supercritical fluid extraction of cannabinoids is performed with carbon dioxide (CO2) balanced with one or more hydrocarbons, such as propane, propene, and propadiene. As demonstrated, the extraction can be carried out at maximum efficiency and energy savings while keeping the wax formation at minimum by lowering temperature. The methods and systems disclosed herein reduce the production time and safety/environmental hazards and are suitable for proper and safe extraction in non-GMP and GMP environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Ahmad Dehestani, Farhad Fazlollahi, Dennis F. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20230332829
    Abstract: A refrigerating appliance includes a cabinet including an outer wrapper defining opposing first and second sidewalls, a rear wall coupling the first and second sidewalls, and an inner liner. An insulating cavity that is under vacuum is defined between the outer wrapper and inner liner. A trim breaker forms a seal between the outer wrapper and the inner liner. A mullion extends across an access opening. A mullion bracket extends across the access opening where the mullion bracket includes first and second ends having engagement portions coupled with an exterior surface of the outer wrapper. A pair of recesses on the exterior surface of the outer wrapper provide corresponding gaps between the first and second ends of the mullion bracket and the first and second sidewalls, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arunkumar Harikrishnasamy, Lynne F. Hunter, Abhay Naik, Sanket Vivek Phalak, Aaron Michael Stewart
  • Publication number: 20230293942
    Abstract: Sports equipment and/or areas of play are provided, comprising a sports equipment or area of play and a sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: William L. Hunter, Olivia F. Hunter, Douglas R. Holberg
  • Publication number: 20230296308
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for hinging a door to a cabinet of a refrigerator includes an exposed door frame that extends at least partially about a top panel and opposing side panels of the door. A mounting block is configured to be coupled to the top panel of the door. The mounting block is positioned in a cutout of the exposed door frame that is proximate a front panel of the door and is disposed between the opposing side panels. A hinge support bracket extends across a width of the cabinet and is coupled thereto. A hinge bracket is configured to be coupled to the hinge support bracket. A hinge pin is disposed between the mounting block and the hinge bracket and is engaged thereto such that an entirety of the hinge pin is external to the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Daniel Lottinville, Karen J. Querfurth
  • Patent number: 11732954
    Abstract: A refrigerating appliance includes a cabinet assembly that defines an access opening for storing food goods. The cabinet assembly defines an insulating cavity that receives insulation. A mullion assembly extends across the access opening and a trim breaker extends about the access opening. The trim breaker includes a body portion that covers the insulating cavity. First and second connecting flanges extend outwardly from the body portion in a first direction and operably coupled to an inside wall and an outside wall of the cabinet assembly, such that the trim breaker seals the insulating cavity. A forward spacing flange extends outwardly from the body portion of the trim breaker in a second direction that is opposed to the first direction of the first and second connecting flanges. The forward spacing flange contacts the mullion assembly and at least partially defines a receiving space between the mullion assembly and the trim breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Arunkumar Harikrishnasamy, Lynne F. Hunter, Sai B. Krishna, Abhay Naik, Sanket Phalak
  • Patent number: 11724479
    Abstract: An operable panel for an appliance includes a metallic outer wrapper having a perimetrical wrapper edge that partially defines a perimetrical breaker channel, an inner liner and a plurality of corner brackets disposed proximate the perimetrical wrapper edge. Each corner bracket cooperates with the perimetrical wrapper edge to fully define the perimetrical breaker channel. A trim breaker is adhered to the metallic outer wrapper and the corner brackets at the perimetrical breaker channel and having a liner channel that receives a portion of the inner liner. The trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper. An insulation material is disposed within an insulating cavity defined between the inner liner and the outer wrapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Lakshya J. Deka, Eric J. Dherde, Gustavo Frattini, Alberto R. Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Karen J. Querfurth, Jerry M. Visin