Patents by Inventor David A. Stauffer
David A. Stauffer 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).
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Patent number: 8690273Abstract: Disclosed in this application is a u-shaped grommet for use in a refrigerator. The grommet is fixed so as to allow wires to be routed towards an opening in the liner of the refrigerator, pass through the opening in the liner, and exit the grommet in the opposite direction as the wires entered. The grommet is preferably molded to the wires so that the combined product is inseparable from the wiring which it protects. The grommet is also described as a single piece grommet, although multiple piece grommets are anticipated. Further disclosed in this application is an improved pass-through hinge for routing utilities, including water and electricity, from the door to the body of the refrigerator. The improved hinge features a hollow hinge pin through which utilities may be routed, thereby overcoming the deficiencies of the current state of the art.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Stevan R. Dolinsek, Timothy A. Fulton, Daryl L. Harmon, Chad J. Rotter, David A. Stauffer
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Patent number: 8249177Abstract: For example, a method of detecting frame marker quality includes: detecting, in a bit-stream sent from a first component to a second component of a common hardware unit, a frame marker having a bit pattern different from an uncorrupted frame marker specified by a communication protocol; and assigning a quality level indicator to the frame marker based on a difference between said bit pattern and a bit pattern of said uncorrupted frame marker.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Etai Adar, Michael Bar-Joshua, David Stauffer
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Publication number: 20110234074Abstract: Disclosed in this application is a u-shaped grommet for use in a refrigerator. The grommet is fixed so as to allow wires to be routed towards an opening in the liner of the refrigerator, pass through the opening in the liner, and exit the grommet in the opposite direction as the wires entered. The grommet is preferably molded to the wires so that the combined product is inseparable from the wiring which it protects. The grommet is also described as a single piece grommet, although multiple piece grommets are anticipated. Further disclosed in this application is an improved pass-through hinge for routing utilities, including water and electricity, from the door to the body of the refrigerator. The improved hinge features a hollow hinge pin through which utilities may be routed, thereby overcoming the deficiencies of the current state of the art.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2010Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Stevan R. DOLINSEK, Timothy A. FULTON, Daryl L. HARMON, Chad J. ROTTER, David A. STAUFFER
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Patent number: 8020403Abstract: An improved bottom mount refrigerator is provided with water and lighting systems housed in a space adjacent the top of the fresh food compartment between a false ceiling and the top wall of the liner. The water system includes a filter manifold, filter cartridge, storage tank, and valve mounted to a bracket. The lighting system, including the fixtures and wiring harness, are also mounted in the bracket. The water and lighting systems are pre-assembled on the bracket, which is then secured to the liner. The false ceiling includes a tank cover, a pivotal filter cover, and a removable light cover. The false drop ceiling hides the water and light systems and the mounting bracket. A front façade closes the gap between the ceiling and the liner. The ceiling and façade provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the upper portion of the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Chad J. Rotter, David A. Stauffer
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Publication number: 20100226420Abstract: For example, a method of detecting frame marker quality includes: detecting, in a bit-stream sent from a first component to a second component of a common hardware unit, a frame marker having a bit pattern different from an uncorrupted frame marker specified by a communication protocol; and assigning a quality level indicator to the frame marker based on a difference between said bit pattern and a bit pattern of said uncorrupted frame marker.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2009Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Etai Adar, Michael Bar-Joshua, David Stauffer
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Publication number: 20100126210Abstract: An improved bottom mount refrigerator is provided with water and lighting systems housed in a space adjacent the top of the fresh food compartment between a false ceiling and the top wall of the liner. The water system includes a filter manifold, filter cartridge, storage tank, and valve mounted to a bracket. The lighting system, including the fixtures and wiring harness, are also mounted in the bracket. The water and lighting systems are pre-assembled on the bracket, which is then secured to the liner. The false ceiling includes a tank cover, a pivotal filter cover, and a removable light cover. The false drop ceiling hides the water and light systems and the mounting bracket. A front façade closes the gap between the ceiling and the liner. The ceiling and façade provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance for the upper portion of the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Chad J. Rotter, David A. Stauffer
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Publication number: 20080104977Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: TIM COULTER, THOMAS GOSE, STEVEN HERNDON, JAMES JENKINS, BILL KOONS, BRENT KRAMER, SCOTT LEIMKUEHLER, DEAN MARTIN, ALVIN MILLER, KEVIN NOEL, RON PAULSEN, MAURO OLIVEIRA, LESTER OTT, CHAD ROTTER, DAVID STAUFFER, KYLE VAN METER, ALAN WELCH, ROBERT WETEKAMP
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Publication number: 20070162823Abstract: A system for generating CRC code words associated with data ranging up to w-bytes in width to be communicated over a communications channel includes a first plurality of serially coupled code-generation blocks each for generating a CRC value based on data input to each block, respective blocks of the first plurality configured for receiving data inputs having respective byte widths ranging from 2N+M to 2N?L+M, where N is equal to log2(w), and M is an offset value, and L is a whole number based on a maximum propagation delay criteria; a second plurality of parallel coupled code-generation blocks each for generating a CRC value based on data inputs, respective blocks of the second plurality configured for receiving data having respective byte widths ranging from 2N?L?1+M to 20; and, a device for selecting particular CRC code generation blocks in the first and second pluralities to be included in a CRC calculation based on the data input; wherein any number of data input bytes may be processed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2007Publication date: July 12, 2007Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Ming-I Lin, David Stauffer
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Publication number: 20070129920Abstract: Embodiments herein present a method for automated simulation testbench generation for serializer/deserializer datapath systems. The method provides a database of transactors for generating and checking data within the datapath system, wherein the transactors are adaptable to arbitrary configurations of the datapath system. The database is provided with a single set of transactors per core. Next, the method automatically selects one set of transactors from the database for inclusion into the simulation testbenches. Following this, the method maps the first datapath and the second datapath through the datapath system by interconnecting the selected set of the transactors with the datapath system. The method further comprises setting control pins on the cores to facilitate propagation of the data through the cores of the datapath system. Subsequently, the control pins are traced to input ports and control registers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2005Publication date: June 7, 2007Inventors: Francis Kampf, Jeanne Trinko-Mechler, David Stauffer
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Publication number: 20060260345Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. The temperature of the ice compartment is between the temperatures of the fresh food and freezer compartments.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: Tim Coulter, Thomas Gose, Steven Herndon, James Jenkins, Bill Koons, Brent Kramer, Scott Leimkuehler, Dean Martin, Alvin Miller, Kevin Noel, Mauro Oliveira, Lester Ott, Ron Paulsen, Chad Rotter, David Stauffer, Kyle Van Meter, Alan Welch, Robert Wetekamp
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Publication number: 20060260351Abstract: An insulated ice making compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The ice making compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the ice making compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the ice making compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the ice making compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the ice making compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. The icemaker has improved air impingement to enhance ice making.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: TIM COULTER, THOMAS GOSE, STEVEN HERNDON, JAMES JENKINS, BILL KOONS, BRENT KRAMER, Scott Leimkuehler, DEAN MARTIN, ALVIN MILLER, KEVIN NOEL, RON PAULSEN, MAURO OLIVEIRA, LESTER OTT, CHAD ROTTER, DAVID STAUFFER, KYLE VAN METER, ALAN WELCH, ROBERT WETEKAMP
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Publication number: 20060260349Abstract: An insulated ice making compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The ice making compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the ice making compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the ice making compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the ice making compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the ice making compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. The refrigerator has a modular water tank assembly housed in a cavity in the back wall of the cabinet.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: TIM COULTER, THOMAS GOSE, STEVEN HERNDON, JAMES JENKINS, BILL KOONS, BRENT KRAMER, SCOTT LEIMKUEHLER, DEAN MARTIN, ALVIN MILLER, KEVIN NOEL, RON PAULSEN, LESTER OTT, CHAD ROTTER, DAVID STAUFFER, KYLE VAN METER, ALAN WELCH, ROBERT WETEKAMP, MAURO OLIVEIRA
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Publication number: 20060260346Abstract: An insulated ice making compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The ice making compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the ice making compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the ice making compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the ice making compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the ice making compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. The refrigerator has an improved water fill tube for the ice maker.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: TIM COULTER, THOMAS GOSE, STEVEN HERNDON, JAMES JENKINS, BILL KOONS, BRENT KRAMER, SCOTT LEIMKUEHLER, DEAN MARTIN, ALVIN MILLER, KEVIN NOEL, MAURO OLIVEIRA, RON PAULSEN, LESTER OTT, CHAD ROTTER, DAVID STAUFFER, KYLE VAN METER, ALAN WELCH, ROBERT WETEKAMP
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Publication number: 20060260347Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2005Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: Maytag CorporationInventors: Tim Coulter, Thomas Gose, Steven Herndon, James Jenkins, Bill Koons, Brent Kramer, Scott Leimkuehler, Dean Martin, Alvin Miller, Kevin Noel, Mauro Oliveira, Lester Ott, Ron Paulsen, Chad Rotter, David Stauffer, Kyle Van Meter, Alan Welch, Robert Wetekamp
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Publication number: 20050257179Abstract: A method, system and program product for building an automated bit-sliced datapath system generating tool so design can be performed at a higher level, and automated generation of the synthesizable HDL representation can be accomplished are disclosed. A method defines datapath system characteristics, defines core/pin rules, and then constructs class-type inference rules that can be used for automatically generating the datapath system. An “orthogonal bundling” technique is used that groups pin by a class, and also by a channel identifier. The class-type inference rule corresponding to each class uses of the following factors to infer appropriate wiring: 1) number and type of pins in the class created by the instantiation of cores by the user; 2) attribute definitions on pins set by library core/pin rules; 3) user selection of “global attributes”; 4) user definition of channel bit order (“link orders”) to imply the order of connection between stages; and 5) user-defined attributes set on pin classes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2004Publication date: November 17, 2005Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: David Stauffer, Jeanne Trinko-Mechler
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Publication number: 20050046319Abstract: A refrigerator includes French-style doors and a rotating mullion. The rotating mullion is mounted to one of the French-style doors through first and second hinge members. Each of the first and second hinge members include first and second hinge elements having corresponding cam members. The cam members include multiple lobes and extend about hinge pins that define an axis of rotation for the mullion. The multiple lobes actually define first and second detent positions for the rotating mullion. A spring biases the first cam member against the second cam member so that the rotating mullion is positively maintained in either the first or second position. The mullion is formed from mating halves, each including a portion of an integrally formed pin element. The pin element travels within a guide element to automatically rotate the mullion between the first and second positions during use.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2003Publication date: March 3, 2005Inventors: Raymond Chekal, Richard Kirchner, Jeffrey O'Halloran, Chad Rotter, Greg Scorpil, Jack Standefer, David Stauffer
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Publication number: 20050008110Abstract: A system and method for aligning data transferred across circuit boundaries having different clock domains. The system includes a buffer circuit comprising a latch for receiving data clocked in a first clock domain and latching the received data in a second clock domain by one of a first edge of a second clock signal, or a second opposite edge of the second clock signal. The first and second clock signals are of the same frequency but operating out of phase. A control circuit receives the first and second clock signals and determines a phase relationship therebetween. The control circuit generates a control signal based on the determined phase relationship which is implemented for selecting one of a rising edge of the second clock signal, or a falling edge of the second clock signal, for latching action in the second clock domain. Reliable data transfer operation is provided for all possible phase relationships of the first and second clock signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2003Publication date: January 13, 2005Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Sheehan Lake, David Stauffer
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Patent number: 6651449Abstract: An ice and water dispenser for refrigerator doors is provided that includes an ice dispensing actuator pad that causes dispenser to deliver ice when activated. The dispenser also includes a water dispensing lever that causes the dispenser to deliver water when pushed. The ice and water dispenser includes a control panel that allows the user to control the dispensing operation, such as whether to dispense crushed or cube ice. Because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can insert a glass into the dispensing cavity and dispense both ice and water simultaneously. Further, because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can fill oversize cups, water bottles, or pitchers without having to awkwardly reach around the cup to manually activate the water dispensing lever or push the ice dispensing actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Doug A. Heims, Tim Bergmann, David A. Stauffer, Michael J. Eveland, Todd E. Kniffen, Ravi Kumar Sawhney, John Frank Zinni, Timothy Mark Nugent
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Publication number: 20030019236Abstract: An ice and water dispenser for refrigerator doors is provided that includes an ice dispensing actuator pad that causes dispenser to deliver ice when activated. The dispenser also includes a water dispensing lever that causes the dispenser to deliver water when pushed. The ice and water dispenser includes a control panel that allows the user to control the dispensing operation, such as whether to dispense crushed or cube ice. Because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can insert a glass into the dispensing cavity and dispense both ice and water simultaneously. Further, because of the arrangement of the ice and water dispensing actuators, the user can fill oversize cups, water bottles, or pitchers without having to awkwardly reach around the cup to manually activate the water dispensing lever or push the ice dispensing actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Doug A. Heims, Tim Bergmann, David A. Stauffer, Michael J. Eveland, Todd E. Kniffen, Ravi Kumar Sawhney, John Frank Zinni, Timothy Mark Nugent
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Patent number: 6056595Abstract: A terminal block is disclosed having a pair of detachable tab portions enabling the terminal block to accommodate a mounting arrangement involving either a round-shaped housing unit resembling a DIN-style module or an oval-shaped housing unit resembling a U.S.-style module. In a first configuration of the terminal block, the detachable tab portions are removed to permit the terminal block to be mounted within a round-type terminal connector head. In a second configuration of the terminal block, the detachable tab portions remain connected to the terminal block to permit the terminal block to be mounted within an oval-type terminal connector head.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Sensortec, Inc.Inventors: Grant W. Passwater, David A. Stauffer