Patents by Inventor Christopher A. Jones

Christopher A. Jones 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: 12058504
    Abstract: A loudspeaker for hearing devices including a diaphragm arranged in a housing to form a back volume and a front volume acoustically coupled to a sound port is disclosed. A surface of a first magnet in the front volume faces an opposing surface of a second magnet in the back volume, and the opposing surfaces of the magnets are separated by a gap and have the same magnetic polarity. An electrical coil assembly coupled to the diaphragm has a radial difference dimension to thickness dimension ratio greater than 1, wherein the diaphragm and the electrical coil assembly are movable in the gap between the magnets in response to an electrical audio signal applied to the electrical coil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Bender King, Mekell Jiles, Christopher A Jones, Evan Llamas-Young
  • Publication number: 20240031741
    Abstract: A loudspeaker for hearing devices including a diaphragm arranged in a housing to form a back volume and a front volume acoustically coupled to a sound port is disclosed. A surface of a first magnet in the front volume faces an opposing surface of a second magnet in the back volume, and the opposing surfaces of the magnets are separated by a gap and have the same magnetic polarity. An electrical coil assembly coupled to the diaphragm has a radial difference dimension to thickness dimension ratio greater than 1, wherein the diaphragm and the electrical coil assembly are movable in the gap between the magnets in response to an electrical audio signal applied to the electrical coil assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Charles Bender King, Mekell Jiles, Christopher A. Jones, Evan Llamas-Young
  • Patent number: 11781258
    Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a tub with a terminal edge and a dual-wall basket, with outer and inner walls, the inner wall having perforations above the terminal edge, and the basket located within the tub and having at least one drain opening in a bottom of the basket. The method comprising altering a level of liquid in the tub to correspondingly alter a height of a float valve in the tub to selectively open/close the drain opening to effect a filling of liquid in the basket above the tub terminal edge when the float valve is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Alexander, Brent M. Burgess, Michael K. Cluskey, Christopher A. Jones, Dale E. Mueller, Zachary Bohenick
  • Patent number: 11739472
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a drum for processing laundry. A blower delivers process air through an airflow path that includes the drum. A lint filter is positioned within the airflow path that separates particulate matter from the process air. A lint disposal mechanism removes entrapped lint particles from a surface of the lint filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan Grider, Alexander Halbleib, Christopher A. Jones, Roy E. Masters, Jr., Rodney M. Welch, Anthony B. Welsh, Erica L. Roberts, Thomas Kessler
  • Patent number: 11697954
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for a door of a household appliance has a first hinge and a second hinge. The first hinge includes a base portion and a door receiving portion. The base portion includes at least one elongated slot to receive a fastener. The elongated slot enables positioning of the door receiving portion. The second hinge includes a mounting block and a door plate. The door plate has a door receiving portion that has at least one elongated slot to enable positioning of the door receiving portion. The door plate is secured via at least one fastener to the mounting block. The mounting block is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the door plate for positioning the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Whirpool Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher A. Jones
  • Patent number: 11686032
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A door is coupled to the cabinet. The door is operable between a closed position and an opened position. A microphone assembly is coupled to the door. The microphone assembly is configured to receive a voice command. A microcontroller is coupled to the door. The microcontroller is operably coupled to the microphone assembly and the microcontroller. A proximity sensor is coupled to the microphone assembly. The proximity sensor defines a sensor field that extends outward from the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: William Gregory, Alexander Halbleib, Barry Steven Hazell, Christopher A. Jones, James Mann, Dennis Scott Prows
  • Patent number: 11655582
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet having a rotating drum operably positioned therein for processing fabric. At least one transducer is positioned proximate the drum that provides an ultrasonic resonance that is directed into an interior chamber of the drum. The ultrasonic resonance is adapted to be directed into damp fabric being treated within the interior chamber. The ultrasonic resonance serves to modify water trapped within the damp fabric into a substantially gaseous form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Christensen, Donald Erickson, Jordan M. Grider, Alexander Halbleib, Christopher A. Hartnett, Christopher A. Jones, K. David McAllister, Rodney M. Welch, Erica L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 11647837
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet including a top edge. A structural panel is attached to the top edge of the cabinet. An adapter panel is attached to the structural panel. The adapter panel extends over at least a portion of an upper surface of the structural panel. A decorative panel is removably coupled to the adapter panel. The decorative panel is disposed over a top surface of the adapter panel. The decorative panel is free of attachment with the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher A. Jones
  • Patent number: 11332970
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet and a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet. The door is operable between an opened position and a closed position. A door opening assembly is coupled to one of the cabinet and the door. The door opening assembly includes a motor coupled to a cam. The cam is operably coupled to an actuator arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher A. Jones
  • Patent number: 11301742
    Abstract: A Smart Patch comprising a label layer, an adhesive layer, a release liner layer and a RFID inlay, wherein the release liner comprises a separable inner release liner portion and a separable outer release liner portion; and the RFID inlay is adhered to a back surface of the inner release liner portion. The Smart Patches for uses including mounting to tires and other rubber materials. Methods of manufacturing including subjecting a release liner of the label to a die cut slightly larger than the size of an intended RFID inlay to form the separable inner release liner portion and outer release liner portion and applying a RFID inlay to a back surface of a release liner within the die cut inner release liner portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: SATO HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher A. Jones, Edward J. Kmet
  • Publication number: 20220064845
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet having a rotating drum operably positioned therein for processing fabric. At least one transducer is positioned proximate the drum that provides an ultrasonic resonance that is directed into an interior chamber of the drum. The ultrasonic resonance is adapted to be directed into damp fabric being treated within the interior chamber. The ultrasonic resonance serves to modify water trapped within the damp fabric into a substantially gaseous form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark J. Christensen, Donald Erickson, Jordan M. Grider, Alexander Halbleib, Christopher A. Hartnett, Christopher A. Jones, K. David McAllister, Rodney M. Welch, Erica L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 11203834
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet having a rotating drum operably positioned therein for processing fabric. At least one transducer is positioned proximate the drum that provides an ultrasonic resonance that is directed into an interior chamber of the drum. The ultrasonic resonance is adapted to be directed into damp fabric being treated within the interior chamber. The ultrasonic resonance serves to modify water trapped within the damp fabric into a substantially gaseous form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Christensen, Donald Erickson, Jordan M. Grider, Alexander Halbleib, Christopher A. Hartnett, Christopher A. Jones, K. David McAllister, Rodney M. Welch, Erica L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 11180885
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance includes a rotatable basket defining a treating chamber for receiving a load of laundry items for treatment, and an annular balance rings defining an annular chamber within, coupled with the basket for rotation therewith. The basket can further comprise a pair of walls comprising a perforated inner wrapper and an outer wall defining a space therebetween. The space fluidly couples to the annular chamber, permitting liquid to flow from the treating chamber, into the space and into the annular chamber to provide a restoring force to the system. The annular balance ring can further comprise a plurality of passages, fluidly coupling the treating chamber to the annular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Alexander, Brent M. Burgess, Christopher A. Jones, Aaron A. Linden, Dale E. Mueller, Michele A. Paustian, Brenner M. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20210327552
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a new and innovative medical wristband that can be thermally printed with patient identification features and that also includes location-tracking features. The provided medical wristband includes a wristband component and a separate closure component. The wristband component may be thermally printed using conventional thermal printers because it is not physically attached to the location tracker that would otherwise make the medical wristband too thick for conventional thermal printers. The wristband component may be printed with patient identification information and/or a scannable code accessing patient identification information. The closure component has a location tracker coupled to it, such as a Bluetooth beacon. In one example, the location tracker is welded to the closure component. Accordingly, a patient may wear a single thermally printed wristband that provides medical professionals with both patient identification features and location tracking features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventor: Christopher A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20210321771
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet including a top edge. A structural panel is attached to the top edge of the cabinet. An adapter panel is attached to the structural panel. The adapter panel extends over at least a portion of an upper surface of the structural panel. A decorative panel is removably coupled to the adapter panel. The decorative panel is disposed over a top surface of the adapter panel. The decorative panel is free of attachment with the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20210246590
    Abstract: A method of operating a laundry treating appliance having a tub with a terminal edge and a dual-wall basket, with outer and inner walls, the inner wall having perforations above the terminal edge, and the basket located within the tub and having at least one drain opening in a bottom of the basket. The method comprising altering a level of liquid in the tub to correspondingly alter a height of a float valve in the tub to selectively open/close the drain opening to effect a filling of liquid in the basket above the tub terminal edge when the float valve is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Alexander, Brent M. Burgess, Michael K. Cluskey, Christopher A. Jones, Dale E. Mueller, Zachary Bohenick
  • Patent number: 11083296
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet including a top edge. A structural panel is attached to the top edge of the cabinet. An adapter panel is attached to the structural panel. The adapter panel extends over at least a portion of an upper surface of the structural panel. A decorative panel is removably coupled to the adapter panel. The decorative panel is disposed over a top surface of the adapter panel. The decorative panel is free of attachment with the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20210214882
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a drum for processing laundry. A blower delivers process air through an airflow path that includes the drum. A lint filter is positioned within the airflow path that separates particulate matter from the process air. A lint disposal mechanism removes entrapped lint particles from a surface of the lint filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jordan Grider, Alexander Halbleib, Christopher A. Jones, Roy E. Masters, JR., Rodney M. Welch, Anthony B. Welsh, Erica L. Roberts, Thomas Kessler
  • Patent number: 11035063
    Abstract: A fabric treating appliance includes a rotatable basket defining a treating chamber for receiving a load of laundry items for treatment. A float valve can be incorporated into the basket structure, selectively opening or closing the valve based upon the liquid level in a tub. As liquid fills the tub, the float valve will rise until it moves into a closed position, permitting the basket and treating chamber to fill with liquid. As the tub drain, the float valve can fall, opening the valve and permitting liquid to drain from the basket or treating chamber. The opened or closed positions can be selectively operated by opening or closing a pump or sump and allowing a tub to drain or fill, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Alexander, Brent M. Burgess, Michael K. Cluskey, Christopher A. Jones, Dale E. Mueller, Zachary Bohenick
  • Patent number: 11015281
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a drum for processing laundry. A blower delivers process air through an airflow path that includes the drum. A lint filter is positioned within the airflow path that separates particulate matter from the process air. A lint disposal mechanism removes entrapped lint particles from a surface of the lint filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan Grider, Alexander Halbleib, Christopher A. Jones, Roy E. Masters, Jr., Rodney M. Welch, Anthony B. Welsh, Erica L. Roberts, Thomas Kessler