Patents by Inventor Rodney Welch

Rodney Welch 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).

  • Publication number: 20240068152
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a tub that is positioned within a cabinet. A drum includes an imperforate outer wall that is rotationally positioned within the tub. A blower delivers process air through an airflow path that includes a processing space defined within the drum. A heat exchange system conditions the process air that is delivered at least into the processing space as heated process air for drying articles contained within the processing space. The imperforate outer wall of the drum and the tub define supplemental heat exchange space that delivers supplemental heat through the imperforate outer wall and into the processing space. The supplemental heat exchange space is in thermal communication with the heat exchange system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rodney Welch, Reinhard Radermacher
  • Publication number: 20220403582
    Abstract: A dryer or combination washer/dryer machine has a drum (12) and a clothes drying circuit (16) recirculates a drying airflow. An inlet (20, 104) and outlet (22, 106) are connected by a conduit (24). A water vapor path (18) includes a sieve (30) and a compressor (32). The sieve (30) is positioned in the conduit (24). The sieve (30) removes water molecules from the drying airflow to reduce relative humidity in the drying airflow. The compressor (32) is coupled with the sieve to draw the water molecules through the sieve into the compressor (32). The compressor (32) heats the water in the water vapor path (18) and passes it to the drum (12). The water condenses in the drum (12) to heat the drum (12) and air within the drum (12) to dry clothes in the drum (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventor: Rodney Welch
  • Patent number: 11375872
    Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening, a sump fluidly coupled to the tub, and a liquid recirculation circuit fluidly coupling the sump to the treating chamber. The liquid recirculation circuit includes at least one rotating spray tube having a longitudinal body axis defining a rotational axis. The at least one rotating spray tube comprises a hollow tube having first and second opposing ends with the first end fluidly coupled to the liquid recirculation circuit and the second end comprising a drain valve. The hollow tube has a single wall and a longitudinal body axis defining a rotational axis and plurality of spray nozzles are arranged about the longitudinal body axis on an exterior of the single wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick T. Roderick, Antony M. Rappette, Daniel Lottinville, David Brightbill, Matthew Jaske, Rodney Welch, Michael Lagness
  • Publication number: 20200337517
    Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening, a sump fluidly coupled to the tub, and a liquid recirculation circuit fluidly coupling the sump to the treating chamber. The liquid recirculation circuit includes at least one rotating spray tube having a longitudinal body axis defining a rotational axis. The at least one rotating spray tube comprises a hollow tube having first and second opposing ends with the first end fluidly coupled to the liquid recirculation circuit and the second end comprising a drain valve. The hollow tube has a single wall and a longitudinal body axis defining a rotational axis and plurality of spray nozzles are arranged about the longitudinal body axis on an exterior of the single wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Frederick T. Roderick, Antony M. Rappette, Daniel Lottinville, David Brightbill, Matthew Jaske, Rodney Welch, Michael Lagness
  • Patent number: 10750924
    Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening, a sump fluidly coupled to the tub, and a liquid recirculation circuit fluidly coupling the sump to the treating chamber. The liquid recirculation circuit includes at least one rotating spray tube having a longitudinal body axis defining a rotational axis. A plurality of spray nozzles are provided in the rotating spray tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick T. Roderick, Antony M. Rappette, Daniel Lottinville, David Brightbill, Matthew Jaske, Rodney Welch, Michael Lagness
  • Patent number: 10694919
    Abstract: A diverter valve assembly includes a manifold defining a plenum with an inlet and multiple outlets, a membrane movably mounted within the plenum and having at least one through opening, which is sequentially aligned with the multiple outlets upon movement of the membrane, indicia provided on the membrane corresponding to each of the multiple outlets, and a sensor configured to sense the indicia and provide an output of the sensed indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Gephart, Antony Rappette, Peter Richmond, Steven Vornsand, Rodney Welch
  • Publication number: 20180220863
    Abstract: A diverter valve assembly includes a manifold defining a plenum with an inlet and multiple outlets, a membrane movably mounted within the plenum and having at least one through opening, which is sequentially aligned with the multiple outlets upon movement of the membrane, indicia provided on the membrane corresponding to each of the multiple outlets, and a sensor configured to sense the indicia and provide an output of the sensed indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: JONATHAN GEPHART, ANTONY RAPPETTE, PETER RICHMOND, STEVEN VORNSAND, RODNEY WELCH
  • Patent number: 10010235
    Abstract: A dish treating appliance for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation and including a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber receiving dishes for treatment according to the automatic cycle of operation, multiple sprayers emitting a liquid into the treating chamber, and a diverter valve having a manifold defining a plenum with an inlet and multiple outlets and a membrane movably mounted within the plenum and having at least one through opening, which is sequentially aligned with the multiple outlets upon movement of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Gephart, Antony Rappette, Peter Richmond, Steven Vornsand, Rodney Welch
  • Publication number: 20170273535
    Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening, a sump fluidly coupled to the tub, and a liquid recirculation circuit fluidly coupling the sump to the treating chamber. The liquid recirculation circuit includes at least one rotating spray tube having a longitudinal body axis defining a rotational axis. A plurality of spray nozzles are provided in the rotating spray tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Frederick T. Roderick, Antony M. Rappette, Daniel Lottinville, David Brightbill, Matthew Jaske, Rodney Welch, Michael Lagness
  • Publication number: 20170172373
    Abstract: A dish treating appliance for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation and including a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber receiving dishes for treatment according to the automatic cycle of operation, multiple sprayers emitting a liquid into the treating chamber, and a diverter valve having a manifold defining a plenum with an inlet and multiple outlets and a membrane movably mounted within the plenum and having at least one through opening, which is sequentially aligned with the multiple outlets upon movement of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: JONATHAN GEPHART, ANTONY RAPPETTE, PETER RICHMOND, STEVEN VORNSAND, RODNEY WELCH
  • Patent number: 7704718
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pO157 plasmid-specified polypeptide found in E. coli EDL933 and other E. coli that binds to and cleaves C1-esterase inhibitor, and antibodies specific for the polypeptide. Also disclosed are methods employing the polypeptide for diagnosing enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection, identifying potential inhibitors of its activity, and reducing viscosity of material containing glycosylated polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Rodney A. Welch, Wyndham W. Lathem, Thomas E. Grys, Laura Walters
  • Publication number: 20090306344
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pO157 plasmid-specified polypeptide found in E. coli EDL933 and other E. coli that binds to and cleaves C1-esterase inhibitor, and antibodies specific for the polypeptide. Also disclosed are methods employing the polypeptide for diagnosing enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection, identifying potential inhibitors of its activity, and reducing viscosity of material containing glycosylated polypeptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Rodney A. Welch, Wyndham W. Lathem, Thomas E. Grys, Laura Walters
  • Patent number: 7422871
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of detecting uropathogenic E. coli genes that are differentially expressed in response to D-serine. Also disclosed are methods of characterizing bacterial isolates from clinical samples based on the ability to metabolize D-serine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Rodney A. Welch, Paula L. Roesch
  • Publication number: 20070246068
    Abstract: A drip shield is mounted to a drawer of a drawer-type dishwasher so as to extend along an outer rear surface of the drawer and catch droplets of washing fluid falling from a lid of the dishwasher. The drip shield includes a shelf that extends between up-turned wall portions. The shelf is angled away from the tub so that any droplets of washing fluid that may fall onto the drip shield will migrate away from the drawer. The shelf is also formed such that first and second end portions are positioned higher than a central or intermediate portion. This construction forces the droplets of washing fluid to collect in a centralized drain point from where the droplets of water can be guided to a controlled location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Rodney Welch, Thomas Wuestefeld
  • Publication number: 20070246084
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub having a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls that collectively define a first washing chamber. The tub is supported in an outer, modular support body having first and second opposing side walls joined by a bottom wall, as well as a pair of upper frame members. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support bodies are mounted one atop another to establish a dual drawer-type dishwasher, with the first and second support bodies being joined, preferably at a stepped interface region, by a plurality of brackets. The first and second support bodies are preferably aligned by arranging lugs formed on upper in-turned flanges on a lower support body within recesses formed in the bottom wall of the upper support body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventor: Rodney Welch
  • Patent number: 7264922
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pO157 plasmid-specified polypeptide found in E. coli EDL933 and other E. coli that binds to and cleaves C1-esterase inhibitor, and antibodies specific for the polypeptide. Also disclosed are methods employing the polypeptide for diagnosing enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection, identifying potential inhibitors of its activity, and reducing viscosity of material containing glycosylated polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Rodney A. Welch, Wyndham W. Lathem, Thomas E. Grys
  • Publication number: 20070119483
    Abstract: A drawer-type dishwasher includes a outer housing and an extensible wash chamber that in a first position resides completely within the outer housing and in a second position extends completely out from the outer housing. The wash chamber is connected to the outer housing through a utility link. In order to permit full travel of the wash chamber, the utility link is provided with multiple, flexible loops. The utility link can include a drain hose, an electrical cable or a combination of both. Regardless, the utility link is supported through a carrier that is connected at one end to the outer housing and at another end to the wash chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventors: Kory Gunnerson, Heather Hagans, Kristen Hedstrom, Mark Palm, Rodney Welch
  • Publication number: 20070119485
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a drawer which is slidably mounted in a frame and forms a washing chamber. A lid assembly is mounted to the frame for selectively sealing the washing chamber during a washing operation. A closing mechanism moves the lid assembly from a first or open position to a second or closed position that provides a water-tight seal during a washing operation. The dishwasher is further provided with a latching mechanism including a pivoting door front member, a locking member and a linking bar interconnecting the door front member with the locking member. Manipulation of the pivoting drawer front member causes the locking member to engage/disengage with the lid assembly. The latching mechanism further includes a locking bar and a micro-switch that combine to prevent operation of the dishwasher if the drawer is not properly positioned in the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventors: Kory Gunnerson, Kristen Hedstrom, Michael Kramer, Mark Palm, Rodney Welch
  • Patent number: 7214479
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pO157 plasmid-specified polypeptide found in E. coli EDL933 and other E. coli that binds to and cleaves C1-esterase inhibitor, and antibodies specific for the polypeptide. Also disclosed are methods employing the polypeptide for diagnosing enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection, identifying potential inhibitors of its activity, and reducing viscosity of material containing glycosylated polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Rodney A. Welch, Wyndham W. Lathem, Thomas E. Grys
  • Publication number: 20060174924
    Abstract: A drawer-type dishwasher includes a pump system which functions to pump and filter washing fluid in the dishwasher. The pump system includes a sump having an inlet passage, a recirculation passage, a drain passage, a coarse article collection chamber, a filter assembly that is divided into a filter chamber and a washing fluid manifold, and a stationary hub that rotatably supports a wash arm for spraying washing fluid onto dishware supported in the dishwasher. The filter chamber includes a fine particle collection chamber having a valve that selectively opens to allow particles trapped in the filter chamber and fine particle collection chamber to flow to the drain passage. The filter assembly includes a cover having a plurality of radial spaced openings over the filter chamber, as well as a central opening that receives a stationary hub member which rotatably supports a wash arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Kristen Hedstrom, Mark Palm, Rodney Welch