Patents by Inventor Daniel C. Conrad

Daniel C. Conrad 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).

  • Publication number: 20170073869
    Abstract: A modular laundry system includes at least one laundry appliance and at least one laundry module below the laundry appliance. Both the laundry appliance and the laundry module have a single width. The laundry module has a height that is less than the height of the laundry appliance and performs a washing function to wash laundry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: KRISTINA K. UNDERLY, DONALD M. TOMASI, DANIEL C. CONRAD, RICHARD A. SUNSHINE, JAMES W. KENDALL, AMERESH B. VISWANATHAN, LORRAINE L. ACHTERBERG, COLLEEN M. DOYLE
  • Patent number: 9546442
    Abstract: A laundry module performs a washing function to wash laundry and has a height that is less than the height of a laundry appliance. The laundry module can be part of a modular laundry system including the laundry appliance. The laundry module can be vertically arranged with the laundry appliance, such as by supporting the laundry appliance thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kristina K. Underly, Donald M. Tomasi, Daniel C. Conrad, Richard A. Sunshine, James W. Kendall, Ameresh B. Viswanathan, Lorraine L. Achterberg, Colleen M. Doyle
  • Patent number: 9523170
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Karl David McAllister, Andrew J. Leitert, Daniel C. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20140041130
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: KARL DAVID MCALLISTER, ANDREW J. LEITERT, DANIEL C. CONRAD
  • Patent number: 8595876
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Karl David McAllister, Andrew J. Leitert, Daniel C. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20120297554
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: KARL DAVID MCALLISTER, ANDREW J. LEITERT, DANIEL C. CONRAD
  • Publication number: 20120297553
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: KARL DAVID MCALLISTER, ANDREW J. LEITERT, DANIEL C. CONRAD
  • Patent number: 8262741
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for washing fabric loads without water or using water only as a co-solvent are disclosed. One method of non-aqueous clothes washing includes the steps of disposing clothing in a wash container, delivering a wash liquor to the fabric load, the wash liquor comprising a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid and at least one washing additive, applying mechanical energy to the clothing and wash liquor for a sufficient amount of time to provide fabric cleaning and, thereafter, substantially removing the wash liquor from the fabric load. The working fluid may be selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, fluorinated hydrocarbons and fluoroinerts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt A. Estes, Daniel C. Conrad, Mark Bradley Kovich, Tremitchell L. Wright
  • Patent number: 8256051
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Karl David McAllister, Andrew J. Leitert, Daniel C. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20100146714
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: KARL DAVID MCALLISTER, ANDREW J. LEITERT, DANIEL C. CONRAD
  • Patent number: 7695524
    Abstract: The invention relates to a non-aqueous washing machine, methods of using the machine, methods of washing, and recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Tremitchell Wright, Daniel C. Conrad, Christopher C. Deboer, Michael Thomas Dalton, Joel A. Luckman, Andrew J. Leitert, Brooke Lindsay-Steel Lau, Karl David McAllister
  • Patent number: 7690063
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses consistent with the present invention provide for improved cleaning while minimizing mechanical damage to clothes in automatic washer cycles using time-varying wash chamber oscillations. An automatic washer has a wash chamber with a central axis and is rotatable about the central axis. Items are loaded into the wash chamber. Wash liquid is supplied into the wash chamber. The wash chamber is oscillated about the central axis by time-varying oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Karl David McAllister, Andrew J. Leitert, Daniel C. Conrad
  • Patent number: 7628043
    Abstract: A modular laundry system comprises first and second laundry appliances in a horizontal arrangement and first and second single width horizontal modules. The first single width horizontal module is vertically arranged with the first laundry appliance, and the second single width horizontal module is vertically arranged with the second laundry appliance. At least one of the first and second single width horizontal modules is a laundry care module having an associated laundry care function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Sunshine, Donald M. Tomasi, Kristina K Underly, Daniel C. Conrad
  • Patent number: 7534304
    Abstract: The invention relates to a non-aqueous washing machine, methods of using the machine, methods of washing, and recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel C. Conrad, Tremitchell Wright, Michael T. Dalton, Kurt Estes, Mark B. Kovich, Andrew J. Leitert, Brooke Lindsay-Steel Lau, Cinnamon S. Brown-Green, Holli Krumbein, Kenyata Joi Maki, Joel A. Luckman, Karl David McAllister, Vicki Lyn Wyatt-Smith
  • Patent number: 7513132
    Abstract: The invention relates to a non-aqueous washing machine, methods of using the machine, methods of washing, and recycling and modular components and subsystems thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Tremitchell L. Wright, Daniel C. Conrad, Stephen David Krefman, Joel A. Luckman, Richard A. Sunshine, Andrew Leitert
  • Publication number: 20090069209
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for washing fabric loads without water or using water only as a co-solvent are disclosed. One method of non-aqueous clothes washing includes the steps of disposing clothing in a wash container, delivering a wash liquor to the fabric load, the wash liquor comprising a substantially non-reactive, non-aqueous, non-oleophilic, apolar working fluid and at least one washing additive, applying mechanical energy to the clothing and wash liquor for a sufficient amount of time to provide fabric cleaning and, thereafter, substantially removing the wash liquor from the fabric load. The working fluid may be selected from the group consisting of perfluorocarbons, hydrofluoroethers, fluoronated hydrocarbons and fluoroinerts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: KURT A. ESTES, DANIEL C. CONRAD, MARK BRADLEY KOVICH, TREMITCHELL L. WRIGHT
  • Patent number: 7497877
    Abstract: An improved solvent cleaning process of cleaning a non-aqueous solvent used in a dry cleaning process for fabrics including consecutive wash cycles for washing respective fabrics batches, including a basic solvent refining cycle and a first advanced solvent refining cycle, the basic solvent refining cycle including a step of separating solvent into a first solvent fraction and a second solvent fraction which is less clean than the first fraction, wherein the basic and first advanced solvent refining cycles are independently effected when solvent to be cleaned fulfils a respective predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Machial Goedhart, Joel Luckman, Hank Robert Reinhoudt, Jan Hendrik Verbeek, Vicki Lyn Wyatt-Smith, Brian W. May, Mark B. Kovich, Tremitchell Wright, Daniel C. Conrad
  • Patent number: 7296445
    Abstract: A method of determining an imbalance condition in a horizontal axis washing machine comprises several steps, including establishing a speed profile for the washing machine, having at least three increasing speed steps, operating a motor to rotate the washing machine drum sequentially through the three speed steps, measuring the power output of the motor at each speed step, calculating an average power output by averaging the power output at the first and second speed steps, calculating the difference between the power output at the third step and the average power output, comparing the difference to a predetermined threshold difference value, and sending a signal indicative of an imbalance condition if the difference exceeds the threshold difference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Zheng Zhang, Huangsheng Xu, Daniel C. Conrad, Scott D. Slabbekoorn
  • Publication number: 20070163097
    Abstract: A pad system for use in a fabrics revitalizing system having a fabric treatment chamber can comprise a low absorbency textured surface and an attachment system configured to attach the textured surface to an inside surface of the fabric treatment chamber. The pad system can further include a fluid dispensing system configured to dispense fluid from the textured surface. Optionally, the textured surface can be a substantially non-absorbent textured surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: LD Metcalfe, Tremitchell Wright, Donald M. Tomasi, Karl D. McAllister, Joel A. Luckman, Daniel C. Conrad, Janice M. Kaeding
  • Patent number: 6766670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic washing apparatus for dry laundering hanging garments. The automatic washing apparatus has a sealed wash cabinet and a working fluid storage chamber for storing an amount of working fluid sufficient to dry launder a fabric load. The working fluid storage chamber is in fluid communication with the sealed wash cabinet. The sealed wash cabinet has an interior region, an upper assembly above the interior region, a lower assembly housed below the interior region and a door sealing the interior region of the wash cabinet. The upper assembly shakes the hanging garments in the wash cabinet and dispenses a wash a working fluid into the wash cabinet. The lower assembly has a moisture generator and a heater to respectively generate moisture and heat inside the wash cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt A Estes, Daniel C. Conrad, Mark Bradley Kovich, Tremitchell L. Wright