Patents by Inventor Gerald A. Eisenbrandt

Gerald A. Eisenbrandt 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: 5818428
    Abstract: A control system with a user configurable interface, particularly suitable for use in connection with appliances. Users can configure display screens either at a point of sale location or at home with, e.g., a personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald A. Eisenbrandt, John R. Bentley
  • Patent number: 5438180
    Abstract: An electronic control for a cooking oven includes an input selection panel for receiving user input selections and control logic responsive to the input, selection panel for establishing a time and temperature profile of the oven cavity and for controlling heating devices according to the time and temperature heating profile entered by the user. The input selection panel includes heating function selection devices for receiving user selection of a heating function from among a plurality of heating functions and timing function selection devices for receiving user selection of at least one timing function from among a plurality of timing functions. The timing functions are independent of the heating functions so that a user may select any combination of timing functions with any selected heating function. The input selection panel includes labeled selection devices and labeled parameter display devices that define a grammatical sentence. The sentence emulates standard instructions in a cooking recipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald A. Eisenbrandt, John R. Bentley, Thomas B. Bailie, Curtis J. Bailey, Sandra S. Thurlow, Judy K. Heiden, James R. Barger
  • Patent number: 4565967
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing microwave ovens to determine if exterior radiation levels exceed permissible maxima. The leakage levels are sensed by a sensor moved along a preselected path accurately spaced from the oven cabinet. The probe is moved automatically at high speed along the path until a leakage level above a preselected value is sensed. A control associated with the apparatus automatically causes the sensor to move subsequently at a reduced speed to determine the maximum leakage at that position. The control causes a repeated traverse of the questioned position at the slow speed to provide an accurate maximum leakage determination. The control includes reference information indicating acceptable levels of leakage along the path of movement of the sensor which are continuously compared with actual sensed values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1986
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald A. Eisenbrandt, James R. Marks
  • Patent number: 4184340
    Abstract: A sensing device for use in a control for an alarm indicating an undesirable operating temperature condition within a refrigeration apparatus cabinet. The sensing device is mounted to have at least one surface thereof in thermal association with a liner portion of the refrigeration apparatus cabinet defining a refrigeration chamber therein. The sensing device is further responsive to the temperature of the refrigerated air within the chamber. The sensing device incorporates a time delay in responding to temperature changes within the refrigerated chamber to avoid false operation of the alarm. The device may be mounted in an insulating housing to provide a further time delay in the air temperature sensing functioning thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Laughlin, Gerald A. Eisenbrandt