Patents by Inventor Charles R. Cravens

Charles R. Cravens 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: 11867452
    Abstract: A method of making a liner for an appliance is provided that includes: mixing a polymeric capping layer precursor and a pigment additive; forming the capping layer precursor and the pigment additive into a capping layer at a capping layer formation temperature; and rolling the capping layer, a barrier layer and a polymeric base layer together to form a liner, each of the capping layer, the barrier layer and the base layer at about the capping layer formation temperature. Further, the liner comprises a capping region, a barrier region and a base region, the capping region comprising the pigment additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ermanno Buzzi, Charles R. Cravens, Vincent D. Csapos, Muhammad Khizar
  • Publication number: 20210381753
    Abstract: A method of making a liner for an appliance is provided that includes: mixing a polymeric capping layer precursor and a pigment additive; forming the capping layer precursor and the pigment additive into a capping layer at a capping layer formation temperature; and rolling the capping layer, a barrier layer and a polymeric base layer together to form a liner, each of the capping layer, the barrier layer and the base layer at about the capping layer formation temperature. Further, the liner comprises a capping region, a barrier region and a base region, the capping region comprising the pigment additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ermanno Buzzi, Charles R. Cravens, Vincent D. Csapos, Muhammad Khizar
  • Patent number: 11175090
    Abstract: A method of making a liner for an appliance is provided that includes: mixing a polymeric capping layer precursor and a pigment additive; forming the capping layer precursor and the pigment additive into a capping layer at a capping layer formation temperature; and rolling the capping layer, a barrier layer and a polymeric base layer together to form a liner, each of the capping layer, the barrier layer and the base layer at about the capping layer formation temperature. Further, the liner comprises a capping region, a barrier region and a base region, the capping region comprising the pigment additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ermanno Buzzi, Charles R. Cravens, Vincent D. Csapos, Muhammad Khizar
  • Publication number: 20190257574
    Abstract: A method of making a liner for an appliance is provided that includes: mixing a polymeric capping layer precursor and a pigment additive; forming the capping layer precursor and the pigment additive into a capping layer at a capping layer formation temperature; and rolling the capping layer, a barrier layer and a polymeric base layer together to form a liner, each of the capping layer, the barrier layer and the base layer at about the capping layer formation temperature. Further, the liner comprises a capping region, a barrier region and a base region, the capping region comprising the pigment additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ermanno Buzzi, Charles R. Cravens, Vincent D. Csapos, Muhammad Khizar
  • Patent number: 10352613
    Abstract: A method of making a liner for an appliance is provided that includes: mixing a polymeric capping layer precursor and a pigment additive; forming the capping layer precursor and the pigment additive into a capping layer at a capping layer formation temperature; and rolling the capping layer, a barrier layer and a polymeric base layer together to form a liner, each of the capping layer, the barrier layer and the base layer at about the capping layer formation temperature. Further, the liner comprises a capping region, a barrier region and a base region, the capping region comprising the pigment additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ermanno Buzzi, Charles R. Cravens, Vincent D. Csapos, Muhammad Khizar
  • Patent number: 10126035
    Abstract: An ice making module for an appliance includes a conductive ice tray having an ice forming cavity. An electrical circuit is in electrical communication with the conductive ice tray and includes a power source in electrical communication with the conductive ice tray and a switch. The switch releases an electromagnetic pulse through the conductive ice tray. A water dispensing mechanism disposes water into the ice forming cavity and a cooling apparatus cools the water to form at least one ice piece that is in electromagnetic communication with the conductive ice tray. The electromagnetic pulse released through the conductive ice tray generates an induced electrical current through the ice piece and a repelling electromagnetic force between the conductive ice tray and the ice piece, wherein the repelling force biases the ice piece away from the conductive ice tray, thereby ejecting the ice piece from the ice forming cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Charles R. Cravens, Vincent D. Csapos, Yen-Hsi Lin, Xi Shan
  • Publication number: 20180156533
    Abstract: A method of making a liner for an appliance is provided that includes: mixing a polymeric capping layer precursor and a pigment additive; forming the capping layer precursor and the pigment additive into a capping layer at a capping layer formation temperature; and rolling the capping layer, a barrier layer and a polymeric base layer together to form a liner, each of the capping layer, the barrier layer and the base layer at about the capping layer formation temperature. Further, the liner comprises a capping region, a barrier region and a base region, the capping region comprising the pigment additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ermanno Buzzi, Charles R. Cravens, Vincent D. Csapos, Muhammad Khizar
  • Patent number: 9927168
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance has a cabinet defining a refrigeration compartment with a thermoformed inner liner disposed within the refrigeration compartment. A light source is located within the refrigeration compartment and configured to emit light such that the refrigeration compartment is illuminated when the light source is powered. The thermoformed liner has a reflective surface. The reflective surface includes a plurality of microcrystalline structures and is positioned to reflect emitted light from the light source and ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Muhammad Khizar, Vincent D. Csapos, Charles R. Cravens, David Edwards
  • Publication number: 20170122643
    Abstract: An ice making module for an appliance includes a conductive ice tray having an ice forming cavity. An electrical circuit is in electrical communication with the conductive ice tray and includes a power source in electrical communication with the conductive ice tray and a switch. The switch releases an electromagnetic pulse through the conductive ice tray. A water dispensing mechanism disposes water into the ice forming cavity and a cooling apparatus cools the water to form at least one ice piece that is in electromagnetic communication with the conductive ice tray. The electromagnetic pulse released through the conductive ice tray generates an induced electrical current through the ice piece and a repelling electromagnetic force between the conductive ice tray and the ice piece, wherein the repelling force biases the ice piece away from the conductive ice tray, thereby ejecting the ice piece from the ice forming cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles R. Cravens, Vincent D. Csapos, Yen-Hsi Lin, Xi Shan
  • Patent number: 9638451
    Abstract: A clad metal ice forming tray assembly for a refrigerator is disclosed. The ice forming tray includes a clad metal comprised of at least a first alloy sheet and a second alloy sheet different from the first and having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The tray also includes ice recesses stamped in the clad bi-metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Charles R. Cravens
  • Patent number: 9587870
    Abstract: An ice making module for an appliance includes a conductive ice tray having an ice forming cavity. An electrical circuit is in electrical communication with the conductive ice tray and includes a power source in electrical communication with the conductive ice tray and a switch. The switch releases an electromagnetic pulse through the conductive ice tray. A water dispensing mechanism disposes water into the ice forming cavity and a cooling apparatus cools the water to form at least one ice piece that is in electromagnetic communication with the conductive ice tray. The electromagnetic pulse released through the conductive ice tray generates an induced electrical current through the ice piece and a repelling electromagnetic force between the conductive ice tray and the ice piece, wherein the repelling force biases the ice piece away from the conductive ice tray, thereby ejecting the ice piece from the ice forming cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Charles R. Cravens, Vincent D. Csapos, Yen-Hsi Lin, Xi Shan
  • Publication number: 20170061749
    Abstract: A progress tracking mechanism provided on a home appliance is disclosed herein and includes a plurality of light sources and a controller electrically coupled to the light sources. When a timed activity is being performed by the home appliance, the controller selectively controls an operational state of each of the light sources to visually indicate the progress of the timed activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wayne W. Conard, Charles R. Cravens, Steven R. Gordon, Muhammad Khizar, Brandon T. Mock, Kenneth W. Perry, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160281959
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance has a cabinet defining a refrigeration compartment with a thermoformed inner liner disposed within the refrigeration compartment. A light source is located within the refrigeration compartment and configured to emit light such that the refrigeration compartment is illuminated when the light source is powered. The thermoformed liner has a reflective surface. The reflective surface includes a plurality of microcrystalline structures and is positioned to reflect emitted light from the light source and ambient light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Muhammad Khizar, Vincent D. Csapos, Charles R. Cravens, David Edwards
  • Publication number: 20150241103
    Abstract: A clad metal ice forming tray assembly for a refrigerator is disclosed. The ice forming tray includes a clad metal comprised of at least a first alloy sheet and a second alloy sheet different from the first and having different coefficients of thermal expansion. The tray also includes ice recesses stamped in the clad bi-metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: CHARLES R. CRAVENS
  • Publication number: 20150197881
    Abstract: The use of a continuous glass reinforced fiber containing polymer composite capable of being thermally formed into various shapes and used in-home appliances such as a clothes washing or drying drum or basket or a dishwasher tub. The polymer composites can also be used to produce a garage wall panel or components for washer drums or baskets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: CHARLES R. CRAVENS, VINCENT D. CSAPOS
  • Publication number: 20150184914
    Abstract: An ice making module for an appliance includes a conductive ice tray having an ice forming cavity. An electrical circuit is in electrical communication with the conductive ice tray and includes a power source in electrical communication with the conductive ice tray and a switch. The switch releases an electromagnetic pulse through the conductive ice tray. A water dispensing mechanism disposes water into the ice forming cavity and a cooling apparatus cools the water to form at least one ice piece that is in electromagnetic communication with the conductive ice tray. The electromagnetic pulse released through the conductive ice tray generates an induced electrical current through the ice piece and a repelling electromagnetic force between the conductive ice tray and the ice piece, wherein the repelling force biases the ice piece away from the conductive ice tray, thereby ejecting the ice piece from the ice forming cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles R. Cravens, Vincent D. Csapos, Yen-Hsi Lin, Xi Shan
  • Patent number: 9016073
    Abstract: An ice making module includes a conductive ice tray having a bottom surface and a barrier coating on at least a portion of the conductive ice tray. An electrical circuit in electrical communication with the conductive ice tray includes a power source and a capacitor. A switch is configured to move between a charging position, wherein the capacitor stores an electrical charge, and a pulse position, wherein the capacitor releases the electrical charge. A conductive material disposed proximate the conductive ice tray is in selective electromagnetic communication with the conductive ice tray. The electrical charge released by the capacitor generates an induced electrical current through the conductive material and a repelling electromagnetic force between the conductive ice tray and the conductive material. A water dispensing mechanism disposes water into the conductive ice tray. A cooling apparatus decrease the temperature of the water in the conductive ice tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Charles R. Cravens, Vincent D. Csapos, Yen-Hsi Lin, Xi Shan
  • Publication number: 20150027628
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of using high velocity metal forming to encapsulate a projection of a non-metallic article by a metallic article and a method of crimping terminal flanges defining an interstitial space therebetween, while trapping a vapor barrier element between the terminal flanges, thereby hermetically sealing the interstitial space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: CHARLES R. CRAVENS, CHRISTIAN GIANNI, JAMES C.L. GUARINO, STEVEN J. KUEHL, JOHN E. MEDDLES, GUOLIAN WU
  • Publication number: 20140260347
    Abstract: An ice making module includes a conductive ice tray having a bottom surface and a barrier coating on at least a portion of the conductive ice tray. An electrical circuit in electrical communication with the conductive ice tray includes a power source and a capacitor. A switch is configured to move between a charging position, wherein the capacitor stores an electrical charge, and a pulse position, wherein the capacitor releases the electrical charge. A conductive material disposed proximate the conductive ice tray is in selective electromagnetic communication with the conductive ice tray. The electrical charge released by the capacitor generates an induced electrical current through the conductive material and a repelling electromagnetic force between the conductive ice tray and the conductive material. A water dispensing mechanism disposes water into the conductive ice tray. A cooling apparatus decrease the temperature of the water in the conductive ice tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles R. Cravens, Vincent D. Csapos, Yen-Hsi Lin, Xi Shan