Patents by Inventor Andrew J. Retsema

Andrew J. Retsema 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: 7556049
    Abstract: A modular exhaust vent for use in venting a wash chamber of a dishwasher, such as during a dry cycle, comprises a housing that forms an exhaust flow path from the wash chamber to the exterior of the dishwasher and a valve operable for pivotal movement about a pivot axis between an opened and closed position for selectively closing the exhaust flow path. An actuator for moving the valve is connected to the valve by a link such that activation of the actuator effects movement of the link to pivot the valve to either the opened or closed position. Further, the valve selectively closes the exhaust flow path at an inlet to impede introduction of sound into the exhaust flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michelle L Oakes, Marc R Pendergrass, Angela J Robbins, Andrew J Retsema
  • Patent number: 7040329
    Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid onto the dish rack to effect the cleaning of any dishes along the rack. The lid is mounted to the sink and is movable to selectively cover the open top of the bowl. The lid includes a sound absorber and a sound dampener for reducing the transfer of sound from the wash chamber through the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: John M. DeBoer, Larry D. Marks, Andrew J. Retsema
  • Publication number: 20030205255
    Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprising a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid onto the dish rack to effect the cleaning of any dishes along the rack. The lid is mounted to the sink and is movable to selectively cover the open top of the bowl. The lid includes a sound absorber and a sound dampener for reducing the transfer of sound from the wash chamber through the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: John M. DeBoer, Larry D. Marks, Andrew J. Retsema