Patents Examined by David Cormier
  • Mode shifter with a leaf spring yoke for a washing machine appliance
    Patent number: 9328445
    Abstract: A clutch positioning assembly for a washing machine appliance is provided. The assembly uses a cam that can be rotated so as to position the clutch between different positions that provide for engaging or disengaging a motor from a wash basket. A leaf spring, configured as a yoke in one exemplary embodiment, provides a force to urge the clutch into a position that e.g., disengages the wash basket from the motor during e.g., wash modes while also allowing the clutch to be moved into a position that engages the wash basket with the motor during spin modes. The clutch positioning assembly can be provided as a modular unit that is connected with the appliance during manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward Simeon Chupka, Stephen Bernard Froelicher
  • System for charging a power supply in a closure element of a household appliance
    Patent number: 9307888
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes an open-face tub and a closure element selectively closing the open face of the tub and housing a user interface powered by a rechargeable power supply, such as a battery, operatively coupled to a power charger. In one embodiment, the user interface is not removable from the closure element, and the power charger may be remote from the closure element to selectively provide power to the rechargeable power supply. In another embodiment, the closure element may include a first door and a second door, with each door having an inductive part for formation of an inductive coupling to charge the rechargeable power supply when the doors are in juxtaposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Baldwin, Marcus R. Fischer, Saadat Hussain, Justin D. McIver, Elizabeh A. Moit, Demetrius J. Schaaf, Blayne C. Smith, Bryan M. Topp, Barry E. Tuller, Ameresh B. Viswanathan, Anthony B. Welsh, Andrew T. Middleton
  • Soil chopping system for a dishwasher
    Patent number: 9301667
    Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a liquid spraying system supplying a spray of liquid to the treating chamber, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system having a rotating filter. A chopping system is included to macerate foreign objects within the recirculation flow path and includes a blade mounted to the rotating filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Todd M. Jozwiak
  • Fluid circulation arrangement for providing an intensified wash effect in a dishwasher and an associated method
    Patent number: 9301670
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a dishwasher may provide an intensified wash effect. The dishwasher may include a rack defining a bottom and a sidewall, wherein the rack is adapted to receive dishware therein. A dishwashing fluid supply channel may be configured to supply dishwashing fluid to a spray assembly. The spray assembly may comprise at least one nozzle member. Thereby, the spray assembly may be adapted to receive the dishwashing fluid from the dishwashing fluid supply channel and to dispense the dishwashing fluid therethrough. The spray assembly may be coupled to the sidewall of the rack. Further, the nozzle member may be attached to an arm which is moveable between at least a first position wherein the arm is adjacent the sidewall of the rack and a second position wherein the arm is adjacent the bottom of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Troy A. Dalsing, David E. House, Mark D. Montgomery, Daniel Clay White, Virgil J. Francisco, Niklas Olson
  • Dishwasher having circulation circuits
    Patent number: 9295369
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a washing compartment for items to be washed and a first circulation circuit to subject the items to a washing liquid. The first circulation circuit includes a circulation pump; a water heater; and a spraying device. The washing liquid is routed from the washing compartment to the pump and fed back into the washing compartment. A second circulation circuit has the circulation pump, the water heater and a mixture store with input and output openings. An output side of the pump has a branching point that flow controllers are assigned to to allow the washing liquid to circulate in the first circulation circuit and/or the second circulation circuit. In the second circulation circuit, the washing liquid is routed from the washing compartment to the pump, pumped into the mixture store via the input opening, and fed back into the washing compartment via the output opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Fauth, Bernd Heisele, Roland Rieger
  • Dishwasher having an adjustable upper basket
    Patent number: 9289109
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing container, and an upper basket located in an upper region of the washing container for accommodating items to be washed. The upper basket has a floor wall and a side wall that circumferentially bounds the floor wall and projects upward. The upper basket has a static first partial region and a second partial region that is movable relative to the first partial region between at least two positions, with the second partial region forming in the at least two positions at least one section of the floor wall. The section assumes different heights relative to a part of the floor wall of the first partial region in the at least two positions, wherein the section assumes for at least one of the at least two positions a height above a height of the part of the floor wall of the first partial region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus-Martin Forst, Andreas Reiter, Jochen Riedinger
  • Method of controlling a multi-tub washing machine
    Patent number: 9284673
    Abstract: A method of controlling a washing machine having a first washing tub and a second washing tub, the method having the operations: receiving a first operating command to be performed in the first washing tub; determining whether the operating command can be performed; and when the operating command can be performed, performing the operating command in the first washing tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byoung Chan Jun, Jung Ho Kim
  • Dishwasher
    Patent number: 9277848
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided, in which a plurality of filters are modularized to extend their effective area and improve their efficiency. The dishwasher includes a tub formed at an inside of the cabinet, forming a washing space where the dishes are washed; and a sump assembly provided at a lower side of the tub and provided with a filter chamber to which a filter module is inserted. The filter module filters the washing water, and includes a plurality of drainage filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Heon Yoon, Joon Ho Pyo, Jae Won Chang, Gap Su Shin
  • Household appliance having a physical alteration element
    Patent number: 9271627
    Abstract: A household appliance for treating at least one item according to at least one cycle of operation, includes a treating chamber for receiving the at least one item for treatment according to the at least one cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser receiving a unit dose container having an optically sensible element, a physical alteration element located proximate to the treating chemistry dispenser and operable to physically alter at least a portion of the optically sensible element, and a sensor to sense the physical alteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Alexander, Brian A. Black, Thomas A. Latack, Matthew D. Rhodes
  • Dishwasher with separate sump for concentrated fluid supply
    Patent number: 9265398
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a main sump that holds the main wash fluid supply, and a separate sump formed in the bottom wall of the tub away from the main sump. The separate sump holds a concentrated wash fluid supply. The separate sump supplies wash fluid for washing periods in which a highly concentrated chemistry mixture is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Boma M. Brown-West, Kristopher L. Delgado, Janice M. Kaeding, Jamie M. McQueen, Sathish A. Sundaram, Tremitchel Wright
  • Hinge arrangement for a garment washing device
    Patent number: 9260816
    Abstract: A bra-washing device includes a shell with an interior, the shell includes two shell portions, each with a rim. A latch holds the two shell portions closed and the latch may be opened to access the interior of the shell. A hinge pivotally couples the two shell portions to each other. The hinge includes at least one hinge knuckle extending from the rim of each shell portion, the hinge knuckles of the two shell portions in axial alignment, an internal bore extending into the hinge knuckles on each shell portion, a hinge pin inserted into the internal bore of the hinge knuckles, and a fastener extending at least partially through the internal bore near one end of the hinge pin to block the hinge pin from sliding out of the internal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Phantastic Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack R. Lander
  • Drying apparatus with exhaust control cap for semiconductor wafers and associated methods
    Patent number: 9254510
    Abstract: A drying apparatus for drying a semiconductor wafer includes a processing chamber including a rinsing section and a drying section adjacent thereto. The rinsing section has a chamber loading slot associated therewith for receiving the semiconductor wafer. The drying section has a chamber unloading slot associated therewith for outputting the semiconductor wafer. An exhaust control cap is carried by the processing chamber and includes a bottom wall, a top wall, at least one intermediate wall between the bottom and top walls, and a side wall coupled to the top, bottom and the at least one intermediate wall to define stacked exhaust sections. The exhaust control cap has a cap loading slot aligned with the chamber loading slot, a cap unloading slot aligned with the chamber unloading slot, and at least one exhaust port configured to be coupled to a vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: John H. Zhang
  • Rack systems for use with kitchenware washing assemblies and related methods
    Patent number: 9247859
    Abstract: A rack system is provided that is suitable, for example, for installation to a kitchenware washing assembly. The kitchenware washing assembly may include a tank for holding fluid for washing kitchenware, and walls defining the tank and being arranged to hold the fluid in the tank. The rack system generally includes a mounting fixture connectable to the tank of the kitchenware washing assembly, and a rack connectable to the mounting fixture for holding the kitchenware in the tank. The rack is adjustable relative to the mounting fixture between a first position in which the rack is connected to the mounting fixture, and a second position in which the rack is connected to the mounting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: DUKE MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventor: James W. Bigott
  • Washing machine and method for controlling the same
    Patent number: 9249536
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a washing machine and method for controlling the same. An embodiment of the washing machine includes an auxiliary washing unit placed below a door arranged on top of a main body; an input unit for receiving instructions to start and stop auxiliary washing; and a water supply unit for supplying water to the auxiliary washing unit if the instruction to start water supply is input, and stopping supplying water to the auxiliary washing unit if the instruction to stop water supply is input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yeon Woo Kim
  • Fluid inlet for a dishwasher
    Patent number: 9247858
    Abstract: A fluid inlet for a dishwasher configured to help manage acoustic emissions is provided. The fluid inlet includes a nozzle that defines a first plurality of orifices and a second plurality of orifices having a larger diameter than the first plurality of orifices. The first or second plurality of orifices may define a diverging cross-section. The first plurality of orifices may be interspersed in a plurality of clusters between the second plurality of orifices. The fluid inlet may further include an enclosure defining a vertically descending channel from the nozzle toward a bottom of a tub of the dishwasher and one or more dampers within the enclosure such that the water exiting the nozzle cascades down onto and over the dampers and out of the enclosures through one or more outlets of the enclosure to the bottom of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles A. Goodyear, Mario Ascander Colon
  • Fluid flow deflector assemblies principally for connection to sweep tail hoses of automatic swimming pool cleaners
    Patent number: 9249590
    Abstract: Detailed are fluid flow deflectors principally for use with sweep tail hoses of automatic swimming pool cleaners. The deflectors do not function principally on gravitational forces and need not necessarily employ flexible components or attachments for purposes of effecting deflection. Instead, the deflectors may be rigid and continually position a fixed obstacle in a central portion of a fluid stream. Perforations in a rigid wall, moreover, draw fluid into the deflectors, creating a greater volume of exiting stream when an associated pool cleaner is underwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Tommy Bloink, Gerhardus J. Stoltz
  • System for treating and/or processing liquid products and method for cleaning components of such systems
    Patent number: 9242280
    Abstract: System for treating and/or processing liquid products, in particular beverages, having at least two system components, having a cleaning and rinsing system for cleaning and rinsing of at least product-carrying regions of the system components with at least one liquid cleaning and rinsing medium, and having at least one source for providing the cleaning and rinsing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Katzenbächer, Anne Bidinger, Michael Breil
  • Detergent supply device and washing machine having the same
    Patent number: 9234309
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a wash tub in which wash water is stored, a detergent supply device to supply detergent into the wash tub, and a water supply hose to supply the wash water from an external water supply source to the detergent supply device and subsequently into the wash tub. Movement of the wash water through the water supply hose is carried out by a hydraulic pressure of an external water supply source in an entire region of the water supply hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Up Lee, Hong Seok Ko, Young Hyun Kim, Seung Youp Lee, Sang Wook Kim, Yong Kwon Kim
  • Wash basket for use with a washing machine appliance
    Patent number: 9228281
    Abstract: A wash basket has a plurality of fins mounted to the wash basket. The plurality of fins is configured to deliver a flow of wash fluid to the top of the wash basket using e.g., a conduit between the bottom and the top of the wash basket where the wash fluid may be directed to articles disposed within the wash basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roberto Obregon, Joshua Flesch, David Billman
  • Method of use of portable dusting tool
    Patent number: 9227231
    Abstract: A method of use of a dusting tool for cleaning the exposed surface of a camera sensor lens in a recessed digital camera sensor chamber while avoiding contaminating contact with the side walls of the camera sensor chamber, the method comprising the steps of: providing a non-scrubbing duster member having opposite one and another ends, and a tuft of bristles having electrostatic charge built up therein; engaging the duster member inside the camera sensor chamber; operatively engaging the bristles leading edge tips onto the exposed surface of the camera sensor lens; and manually sweeping the dusting tool bristles leading edge tips over the full exposed surface of the camera sensor lens including the peripheral edge portion thereof but excluding contaminating contact with the side walls of the camera sensor chamber, while the duster member remains motionless relative to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: 1317442 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventor: Fariborz Rahbar-Dehghan