Patents by Inventor William James Vestal

William James Vestal 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: 7600388
    Abstract: A refrigerator incorporates an air filter for filtering an airflow passing along at least one refrigeration component into surrounding spaces. The air filter is positioned in an upper machine compartment which houses refrigeration components associated with maintaining temperatures in the refrigerator. At least one sensor is arranged adjacent the air filter to determine a parameter of the air flow. A control, including an air filter analyzer, determines a need for an air filter change based on the sensed parameter. In addition to removing impurities from the airflow, the air filter includes scented media which adds fragrance to the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: William James Vestal
  • Publication number: 20080016898
    Abstract: A refrigerator incorporates an air filter for filtering an airflow passing along at least one refrigeration component into surrounding spaces. The air filter is positioned in an upper machine compartment which houses refrigeration components associated with maintaining temperatures in the refrigerator. At least one sensor is arranged adjacent the air filter to determine a parameter of the air flow. A control, including an air filter analyzer, determines a need for an air filter change based on the sensed parameter. In addition to removing impurities from the airflow, the air filter includes scented media which adds fragrance to the airflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: William James Vestal
  • Patent number: 6915644
    Abstract: An ice maker assembly in a refrigerator freezer includes a fill tube for transporting liquid to a mold. The freezer includes an outer wall spaced apart from an inner wall, with a plenum formed therebetween. An opening is formed within the inner wall, through which the fill tube extends with a clearance. Warm air generated by a defrost cycle passes through the clearance in the inner wall and around the fill tube, thereby warming the fill tube. In addition, the fill tube includes vents formed therein to allow active ventilation of the fill tube and to prevent ice formation within the fill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Pohl, William James Vestal, Kenton John Widmer
  • Patent number: 6810680
    Abstract: An ice maker assembly in a refrigerator freezer includes a fill tube for transporting liquid to a mold. The freezer includes an outer wall spaced apart from an inner wall, with a plenum formed therebetween. An opening is formed within the inner wall, through which the fill tube extends with a clearance. Warm air generated by a defrost cycle passes through the clearance in the inner wall and around the fill tube, thereby warming the fill tube. In addition, the fill tube includes vents formed therein to allow active ventilation of the fill tube and to prevent ice formation within the fill tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Pohl, William James Vestal, Kenton John Widmer
  • Publication number: 20040148957
    Abstract: An ice maker assembly in a refrigerator freezer includes a fill tube for transporting liquid to a mold. The freezer includes an outer wall spaced apart from an inner wall, with a plenum formed therebetween. An opening is formed within the inner wall, through which the fill tube extends with a clearance. Warm air generated by a defrost cycle passes through the clearance in the inner wall and around the fill tube, thereby warming the fill tube. In addition, the fill tube includes vents formed therein to allow active ventilation of the fill tube and to prevent ice formation within the fill tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas A. Pohl, William James Vestal, Kenton John Widmer
  • Patent number: 6732537
    Abstract: An air delivery unit for an ice maker is located in a freezer compartment having an outer wall spaced apart from an inner wall. The air delivery unit includes an air tunnel, an air deflector, and a restrictor plate. The air tunnel has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is positioned adjacent to an ice mold of the ice maker and the second end is positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the freezer. The air deflector extends from the second end of the air tunnel between the inner and outer walls of the freezer to redirect air through the air tunnel and onto the ice mold. Further, the restrictor plate is attached to the air tunnel for restricting air flow above the air tunnel. The air delivery system is designed to readily snap-lock to the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Carl Anell, Larry Edward Dietz, William James Vestal