Patents by Inventor James H. Jenkins
James H. Jenkins 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: 8499578Abstract: A water product dispensing system includes a dispenser mounted for selectively releasing a water product, a display provided on the dispenser and a sensor operatively coupled to the dispenser. The dispensing system also includes a sensor for determining a fault condition. In the event that a fault condition exists, the fault condition is presented upon the display only upon operation of the dispensing system. The water product dispensing system also includes a water filter, with the fault condition indicating a need to replace the water filter.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Nelson J. Ferragut, II, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Craig Lear
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Publication number: 20120006829Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: JAMES H. JENKINS, JR., THOMAS C. ANELL
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Patent number: 8028534Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: James H. Jenkins, Jr., Thomas C. Anell
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Patent number: 7625029Abstract: A bag grip includes a movable jaw for securing handles of plastic or other bags therein. A battery powered light is contained within the body of the grip for use at night or other times when artificial light is required. The grip is molded from a conventional durable plastic and will allow the user to easily, manually transport multiple shopping or other bags having handles. A shoulder strap is attached to the body for additional convenience while carrying heavy loads.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Edison Nation, LLCInventor: James H. Jenkins
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Publication number: 20090266090Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: James H. Jenkins, JR., Thomas C. Anell
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Patent number: 7585008Abstract: A bag grip includes a movable jaw for securing handles of plastic or other bags therein. A battery powered light is contained within the body of the grip for use at night or other times when artificial light is required. The grip is molded from a conventional durable plastic and will allow the user to easily, manually transport multiple shopping or other bags having handles. A shoulder strap is attached to the body for additional convenience while carrying heavy loads.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Edison Nation, LLCInventor: James H. Jenkins
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Patent number: 7571946Abstract: A bag grip includes a movable jaw for securing handles of plastic or other bags therein. A battery powered light is contained within the body of the grip for use at night or other times when artificial light is required. The grip is molded from a conventional durable plastic and will allow the user to easily, manually transport multiple shopping or other bags having handles. A shoulder strap is attached to the body for additional convenience while carrying heavy loads.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Edison Nation, LLCInventor: James H. Jenkins
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Patent number: 7568357Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: James H. Jenkins, Jr., Thomas C. Anell
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Patent number: 7568354Abstract: An insulated ice making compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The ice making compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the ice making compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the ice making compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the ice making compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the ice making compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. The refrigerator has an improved water fill tube for the ice maker.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Tim L. Coulter, Thomas E. Gose, Steven G. Herndon, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Bill J. Koons, Brent A. Kramer, Scott W. Leimkuehler, Dean A. Martin, Alvin V. Miller, Kevin Lee Noel, Mauro M. Oliveira, Lester J. Ott, Ron S. Paulsen, Chad J. Rotter, David Allen Stauffer, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan M. Welch, Robert L. Wetekamp
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Patent number: 7552594Abstract: An insulated ice making compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The ice making compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the ice making compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the ice making compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the ice making compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the ice making compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. The icemaker has improved air impingement to enhance ice making.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Tim L. Coulter, Thomas E. Gose, Steven G. Herndon, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Bill J. Koons, Brent A. Kramer, Scott W. Leimkuehler, Dean A. Martin, Alvin V. Miller, Kevin Lee Noel, Mauro M. Oliveira, Lester J. Ott, Ron S. Paulsen, Chad J. Rotter, David Allen Stauffer, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan M. Welch, Robert L. Wetekamp
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Patent number: 7491327Abstract: A refrigerator water filter assembly is provided in the ceiling of a refrigerator and is adapted to hinge downwardly from the ceiling for changing the filter cartridge. The cartridge is normally partially recessed within the ceiling so as to minimize the use of space in the food compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a base mounted in the refrigerator ceiling, a manifold pivotally mounted on the base, a filter cartridge attached to the manifold, and a cover pivotally mounted on the manifold so as to be movable between open and closed positions. When the cover is opened, the filter cartridge is angled downwardly from the ceiling for easy grasping by a person for replacement of the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: James H. Jenkins, Jr., David J. Olberding, Michael J. Eveland, Todd E. Kniffen, John Frank Zinni, Timothy Mark Nugent, Ravi Kumar Sawhney
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Patent number: 7337620Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Tim L. Coulter, Thomas E. Gose, Steven G. Herndon, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Bill J. Koons, Brent A. Kramer, Scott W. Leimkuehler, Dean A. Martin, Alvin V. Miller, Kevin Lee Noel, Mauro M. Oliveira, Lester J. Ott, Ron S. Paulsen, Chad J. Rotter, David Allen Stauffer, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan M. Welch, Robert L. Wetekamp
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Publication number: 20080041073Abstract: A water product dispensing system includes a dispenser mounted for selectively releasing a water product, a display provided on the dispenser and a sensor operatively coupled to the dispenser. The dispensing system also includes a sensor for determining a fault condition. In the event that a fault condition exists, the fault condition is presented upon the display only upon operation of the dispensing system. The water product dispensing system also includes a water filter, with the fault condition indicating a need to replace the water filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2006Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventors: Nelson J. Ferragut, James H. Jenkins, Craig Lear
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Patent number: 7328925Abstract: A bag grip includes a movable jaw for securing handles of plastic or other bags therein. A battery powered light is contained within the body of the grip for use at night or other times when artificial light is required. The grip is molded from a conventional durable plastic and will allow the user to easily, manually transport multiple shopping or other bags having handles. A shoulder strap is attached to the body for additional convenience while carrying heavy loads.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Bouncing Brain Innovations Season Two Subsidiary 17, LLCInventor: James H. Jenkins
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Patent number: 7287397Abstract: An insulated ice making compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The ice making compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the ice making compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the ice making compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the ice making compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the ice making compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. The refrigerator has a modular water tank assembly housed in a cavity in the back wall of the cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Tim L. Coulter, Thomas E. Gose, Steven G. Herndon, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Bill J. Koons, Brent A. Kramer, Scott W. Leimkuehler, Dean A. Martin, Alvin V. Miller, Kevin Lee Noel, Ron S. Paulsen, Lester J. Ott, Chad J. Rotter, David Allen Stauffer, Kyle B. Van Meter, Alan M. Welch, Robert L. Wetekamp, Mauro M. Oliveira
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Patent number: 7284392Abstract: An improved icemaker is provided for a refrigerator. The improvements include tilting the ice mold to assure that the ice cavity nearest the thermostat is filled with water; controlling air flow to the mold to promote rapid freezing of water in the mold cavities; raising the perimeter walls of the mold to minimize water spillage; and providing hooks on the mold for routing electrical wires.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Ronald K. Anderson, Troy Michael Anderson, Thomas Carl Anell, Xiaoyong Fu, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Bruce Arthur Kopf, Ryan D. Schuchart, Andrew G. Strohm, Scott Robert Voll, Dennis E. Winders
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Patent number: 7266973Abstract: An improved icemaker is provided for a refrigerator. The improvements include tilting the ice mold to assure that the ice cavity nearest the thermostat is filled with water; controlling air flow to the mold to promote rapid freezing of water in the mold cavities; raising the perimeter walls of the mold to minimize water spillage; and providing hooks on the mold for routing electrical wires.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Ronald K. Anderson, Troy Michael Anderson, Thomas Carl Anell, Xiaoyong Fu, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Bruce Arthur Kopf, Ryan D. Schuchart, Andrew G. Strohm, Scott Robert Voll, Dennis E. Winders
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Patent number: 7266957Abstract: An improved icemaker is provided for a refrigerator. The improvements include tilting the ice mold to assure that the ice cavity nearest the thermostat is filled with water; controlling air flow to the mold to promote rapid freezing of water in the mold cavities; raising the perimeter walls of the mold to minimize water spillage; and providing hooks on the mold for routing electrical wires.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Ronald K. Anderson, Troy Michael Anderson, Thomas Carl Anell, Xiaoyong Fu, James H. Jenkins, Jr., Bruce Arthur Kopf, Ryan D. Schuchart, Andrew G. Strohm, Scott Robert Voll, Dennis E. Winders
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Patent number: 7234317Abstract: An air tunnel diverter for a refrigeration unit includes one or more leg members secured to a hub. The hub is generally formed to include a fitting through which cooler air is passed to the leg member and routed into the desired locations within the refrigerated space. The leg member is placed on the fitting by sliding one end of the leg member onto a leg portion of the fitting. The fitting is then secured to the leg member by an overmolding process in which a soft flexible plastic is cast or otherwise applied around the connection. Installation is further simplified by providing the leg member with a flexible portion. The air tunnel diverter is preferably secured in the refrigeration unit by foam insulation.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: James H. Jenkins, Jr., Richard F. Seman, Sr.
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Patent number: 7083725Abstract: A refrigerator water filter assembly is provided in the ceiling of a refrigerator and is adapted to hinge downwardly from the ceiling for changing the filter cartridge. The cartridge is normally partially recessed within the ceiling so as to minimize the use of space in the food compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a base mounted in the refrigerator ceiling, a manifold pivotally mounted on the base, a filter cartridge attached to the manifold, and a cover pivotally mounted on the manifold so as to be movable between open and closed positions. When the cover is opened, the filter cartridge is angled downwardly from the ceiling for easy grasping by a person for replacement of the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2005Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: James H. Jenkins, Jr., David J. Olberding, Michael J. Eveland, Todd E. Kniffen, John Frank Zinni, Timothy Mark Nugent, Ravi Kumar Sawhney
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Patent number: 5041501Abstract: Novel polymer blends are provided comprising a linear low density copolymer of ethylene with an olefin containing 4 to 10 carbon atoms (LLDPE) compounded with a minor amount of an at least partially isotactic, partially crystalline butene-1 polymer comprising at least about 80 wt. % of polymerized butene-1. The blends can be fabricated with better processability and reduced blocking into blown films having improved impact properties.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1990Date of Patent: August 20, 1991Assignee: Mobil Oil CorporationInventor: Pradeep P. Shirodkar