Patents by Inventor Bradley L. Kicklighter

Bradley L. Kicklighter 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: 7591399
    Abstract: A variable flow rate water dispenser mounted on a refrigerator door is provided that can dispense water at user selected flow rates. The water dispenser includes a nozzle for dispensing water from a dispenser housing on a refrigerator door and a user adjustable flow control. The user adjustable flow control can include a variable flow rate water valve or a plurality of water valves that can have different flow rates and can be operated separately or in combination to provide different flow rates. The user adjustable flow control can alternately include a variable flow pump for controlling flow of water to the nozzle at a user selected flow rate. The refrigerator can include a reservoir inside or outside the refrigerator. The reservoir can be connected to a source of water and automatically filled or can be manually filled. The nozzle can include a flow straightener or aerator to minimize splashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory G. Hortin, Ronald L. Voglewede, Marcus R. Fischer, Patrick J. Boarman, Bradley L. Kicklighter
  • Patent number: 7210601
    Abstract: A variable flow rate water dispenser mounted on a refrigerator door is provided that can dispense water at user selected flow rates. The water dispenser includes a nozzle for dispensing water from a dispenser housing on a refrigerator door and a user adjustable flow control. The user adjustable flow control can include a variable flow rate water valve or a plurality of water valves that can have different flow rates and can be operated separately or in combination to provide different flow rates. The user adjustable flow control can alternately include a variable flow pump for controlling flow of water to the nozzle at a user selected flow rate. The refrigerator can include a reservoir inside or outside the refrigerator. The reservoir can be connected to a source of water and automatically filled or can be manually filled. The nozzle can include a flow straightener or aerator to minimize splashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory G. Hortin, Ronald L. Voglewede, Marcus R. Fischer, Patrick J. Boarman, Daryl L. Harmon, Gary W. Wilson, Sr., Bradley L. Kicklighter
  • Patent number: 7201005
    Abstract: A water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer having a water dispensing control including a measured fill mode of operation in which the water dispenser dispenses a predetermined amount of water and a manual fill mode of operation. The water dispensing control allows user selection of the units of measure, the type of container being filled and selection of the amount to be dispensed. A user display can display the selections and can display the amount dispensed in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald L. Voglewede, Marcus R. Fischer, Patrick J. Boarman, Daryl L. Harmon, Gary W. Wilson, Sr., Bradley L. Kicklighter