Patents by Inventor Dennis A. Poyner

Dennis A. Poyner 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: 11071436
    Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and apparatus for spraying water in a dishwasher. A dishwasher may include a wash chamber and at least one dish rack. The dishwasher may include a water inlet selectively connected to a dish spray device, which may connect a dish spray conduit with the wash chamber. The dish spray device may be oriented towards the at least one dish rack, such that the spray device may be configured to direct water onto the dishes for washing. The water inlet may be selectively connected to a fill device, which may connect the fill conduit with the wash chamber. The fill device may be configured to provide water to the circulation assembly without impinging the at least one dish rack. The one or more valves may selectively direct water from the water inlet to one or both of the dish spray device and the fill device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Mark D. Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20190269296
    Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and apparatus for spraying water in a dishwasher. A dishwasher may include a wash chamber and at least one dish rack. The dishwasher may include a water inlet selectively connected to a dish spray device, which may connect a dish spray conduit with the wash chamber. The dish spray device may be oriented towards the at least one dish rack, such that the spray device may be configured to direct water onto the dishes for washing. The water inlet may be selectively connected to a fill device, which may connect the fill conduit with the wash chamber. The fill device may be configured to provide water to the circulation assembly without impinging the at least one dish rack. The one or more valves may selectively direct water from the water inlet to one or both of the dish spray device and the fill device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Mark D. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 10335012
    Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and apparatus for spraying water in a dishwasher. A dishwasher may include a wash chamber and at least one dish rack. The dishwasher may include a water inlet selectively connected to a dish spray device, which may connect a dish spray conduit with the wash chamber. The dish spray device may be oriented towards the at least one dish rack, such that the spray device may be configured to direct water onto the dishes for washing. The water inlet may be selectively connected to a fill device, which may connect the fill conduit with the wash chamber. The fill device may be configured to provide water to the circulation assembly without impinging the at least one dish rack. The one or more valves may selectively direct water from the water inlet to one or both of the dish spray device and the fill device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Mark D. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 10295256
    Abstract: A dishwasher, a door assembly for the dishwasher and a method of drying the dishware in the dishwasher are provided. The dishwasher may include a tub portion adapted to hold dishware. The dishwasher may also include a duct having an inlet proximate to the top of the tub portion. The duct may be configured to receive warm air and vaporized water from within the tub portion. The dishwasher may further include a single blower configured to direct the warm air and vaporized water into the duct during a drying cycle. The blower may be configured to operate in a cyclic manner. In various embodiments, the blower may be configured to operate in a reverse direction for at least a portion of the drying cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ashwin Jadhav, Jeffrey E. Nelson, Dennis A. Poyner, Van P. Beck
  • Patent number: 10178936
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Patent number: 10174785
    Abstract: A wire basket assembly comprises a wire basket comprising a plurality of coated wires; a wheel comprising an axle opening; and a bushing. The bushing comprises a cylindrical axle portion and a plurality of protrusions. The axle portion comprises (a) an outer surface about which a wheel may rotate and (b) a central opening defined by an internal surface of the axle portion. The plurality of protrusions (a) extend from the internal surface toward a primary axis of the axle portion and (b) are spaced apart about the circumference of the central opening. The wheel is disposed about the axle portion. A coated wire of the plurality of coated wires is secured within the central opening by the plurality of protrusions such the bushing is secured to the coated wire. The plurality of protrusions grip the coated wire via an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Ellis, Dennis A. Poyner
  • Patent number: 9907450
    Abstract: A dishwasher, a door assembly for the dishwasher and a method of drying the dishware in the dishwasher are provided. The dishwasher may include a tub portion adapted to hold dishware, a heating element proximate a bottom of the tub portion and configured to heat air inside the tub portion during a drying cycle, and a blower configured to direct the air and vaporized water into a duct having an inlet proximate the top of the tub portion. The heat causes the air to rise toward a top of the tub and collect vaporized water from the dishware. The duct is configured to receive the air and the vaporized water. The dishwasher includes a sensor configured to measure a humidity level. A control unit is in communication with the sensor and selectively actuates and de-actuates at least one of the heating element and the blower, based on the humidity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ashwin Jadhav, Jeffrey E. Nelson, Dennis A. Poyner, Van P. Beck
  • Publication number: 20170105596
    Abstract: Provided are systems, methods, and apparatus for spraying water in a dishwasher. A dishwasher may include a wash chamber and at least one dish rack. The dishwasher may include a water inlet selectively connected to a dish spray device, which may connect a dish spray conduit with the wash chamber. The dish spray device may be oriented towards the at least one dish rack, such that the spray device may be configured to direct water onto the dishes for washing. The water inlet may be selectively connected to a fill device, which may connect the fill conduit with the wash chamber. The fill device may be configured to provide water to the circulation assembly without impinging the at least one dish rack. The one or more valves may selectively direct water from the water inlet to one or both of the dish spray device and the fill device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Mark D. Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20170105597
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Patent number: 9565987
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Patent number: 9371841
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing a safety arrangement for an integrated heater, circulation pump, and motor for an appliance are provided. In an example safety arrangement, the circulation pump assembly includes a heater, a pump, and a motor integrated into a single unit. The circulation pump assembly defines a first end, a second opposite end, and a housing extending therebetween. The safety arrangement includes a hub configured to at least partially surround the first end of the circulation pump assembly and a first shield configured to at least partially surround the housing of the circulation pump assembly. The safety arrangement further includes a second shield configured to at least partially surround the housing of the circulation pump assembly. The hub, the first shield, and the second shield are configured to cooperate with one another to protect the circulation pump assembly from one or more hazardous conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish A. Verma, Dennis A. Poyner, Jerry Olesen, Ralph A. Porcaro, II
  • Patent number: 9192280
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for detecting and removing a clogging condition of a filter in a dishwasher. According to one embodiment, the method includes determining a normal water level or a normal rate of water level change for a wash cycle of the dishwasher and monitoring a water level or a rate of water level change during execution of the wash cycle. The method further includes detecting the clogging condition of the filter by detecting a deviation thereof. A current position of the wash cycle being executed may then be determined. The method further includes executing a remedial operation to facilitate removal of the clogging condition and determining if the clogging condition has been removed. Finally, the method includes resuming operation of the dishwasher at a wash cycle position based on the current position if the clogging condition has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Dennis A. Poyner, Virgil J. Francisco, James L. Burrows
  • Publication number: 20150020887
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Patent number: 8876980
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Patent number: 8828148
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided, comprising a base portion adapted to support a tub portion. A control unit is configured to be in communication with at least one dishwasher operational component and with at least one control switch device remotely disposed with respect to the base portion. The control unit is responsive to the at least one control switch device to control the at least one dishwasher operational component. The control unit is disposed about the base portion and is selectively accessible from a forward side thereof. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Jerry Olesen, John Helgesen, Gregory A. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20140165421
    Abstract: A dishwasher, a door assembly for the dishwasher and a method of drying the dishware in the dishwasher are provided. The dishwasher may include a tub portion adapted to hold dishware, a heating element proximate a bottom of the tub portion and configured to heat air inside the tub portion during a drying cycle, and a blower configured to direct the air and vaporized water into a duct having an inlet proximate the top of the tub portion. The heat causes the air to rise toward a top of the tub and collect vaporized water from the dishware. The duct is configured to receive the air and the vaporized water. The dishwasher includes a sensor configured to measure a humidity level. A control unit is in communication with the sensor and selectively actuates and de-actuates at least one of the heating element and the blower, based on the humidity level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ashwin Jadhav, Jeffrey E. Nelson, Dennis A. Poyner, Van P. Beck
  • Publication number: 20140158163
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for detecting and removing a clogging condition of a filter in a dishwasher. According to one embodiment, the method includes determining a normal water level or a normal rate of water level change for a wash cycle of the dishwasher and monitoring a water level or a rate of water level change during execution of the wash cycle. The method further includes detecting the clogging condition of the filter by detecting a deviation thereof. A current position of the wash cycle being executed may then be determined. The method further includes executing a remedial operation to facilitate removal of the clogging condition and determining if the clogging condition has been removed. Finally, the method includes resuming operation of the dishwasher at a wash cycle position based on the current position if the clogging condition has been removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Dennis A. Poyner, Virgil J. Francisco, James L. Burrows
  • Publication number: 20140150286
    Abstract: A dishwasher, a door assembly for the dishwasher and a method of drying the dishware in the dishwasher are provided. The dishwasher may include a tub portion adapted to hold dishware. The dishwasher may also include a duct having an inlet proximate to the top of the tub portion. The duct may be configured to receive warm air and vaporized water from within the tub portion. The dishwasher may further include a single blower configured to direct the warm air and vaporized water into the duct during a drying cycle. The blower may be configured to operate in a cyclic manner. In various embodiments, the blower may be configured to operate in a reverse direction for at least a portion of the drying cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ashwin Jadhav, Jeffrey E. Nelson, Dennis A. Poyner, Van P. Beck
  • Patent number: 8696824
    Abstract: A dishwasher, a door assembly for the dishwasher and a method of drying the dishware in the dishwasher are provided. The dishwasher may include a sensor configured to measure the turbidity of the water in the dishwasher which is used to determine a wash load size. A control unit of the dishwasher may determine and control cycle times, temperatures, heating elements and a blower of the dishwasher based on the wash load size. The dishwasher may include a humidity level determination that may also be used by the control unit to control the operations of the dishwasher. The door assembly may include a duct configured to receive moisture-laden air creating during the drying cycle and encourage the condensation of the water from the air such that the water may be redirected back to the tub portion of the dishwasher and the dry air may be directed out of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashwin Jadhav, Jeffrey E. Nelson, Dennis A. Poyner, Van P. Beck
  • Patent number: 8564158
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes first, second and third switches, the first and second of which are in line between an appliance and terminals of the appliance that are connectable to a power source. The first switched is configured to open and close based on closing and opening of a door of the appliance, and the second switch is configured to open and close based on the mode of the appliance. Thus, the appliance may be connected to the power source when the first switch or the second switch is closed, and disconnected from the power source when both the first switch and the second switch are open. The third switch, which includes a sensor, is configured to control the second switch to close upon actuation in response to a detection proximate the appliance, where actuation of the third switch may cause the appliance to enter an operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, David C. Sumner, Kyle T. Perkinson, Troy A. Dalsing