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: 11071436Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 16, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Mark D. Montgomery
-
Publication number: 20190269296Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2019Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Mark D. Montgomery
-
Patent number: 10335012Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Mark D. Montgomery
-
Patent number: 10295256Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 5, 2014Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Ashwin Jadhav, Jeffrey E. Nelson, Dennis A. Poyner, Van P. Beck
-
Patent number: 10178936Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
-
Patent number: 10174785Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Jeff Ellis, Dennis A. Poyner
-
Patent number: 9907450Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 24, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Ashwin Jadhav, Jeffrey E. Nelson, Dennis A. Poyner, Van P. Beck
-
Publication number: 20170105596Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2015Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Mark D. Montgomery
-
Publication number: 20170105597Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
-
Patent number: 9565987Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
-
Patent number: 9371841Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 5, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Ashish A. Verma, Dennis A. Poyner, Jerry Olesen, Ralph A. Porcaro, II
-
Patent number: 9192280Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Dennis A. Poyner, Virgil J. Francisco, James L. Burrows
-
Publication number: 20150020887Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
-
Patent number: 8876980Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
-
Patent number: 8828148Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Jerry Olesen, John Helgesen, Gregory A. Meyer
-
Publication number: 20140165421Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Ashwin Jadhav, Jeffrey E. Nelson, Dennis A. Poyner, Van P. Beck
-
Publication number: 20140158163Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Dennis A. Poyner, Virgil J. Francisco, James L. Burrows
-
Publication number: 20140150286Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Ashwin Jadhav, Jeffrey E. Nelson, Dennis A. Poyner, Van P. Beck
-
Patent number: 8696824Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Ashwin Jadhav, Jeffrey E. Nelson, Dennis A. Poyner, Van P. Beck
-
Patent number: 8564158Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, David C. Sumner, Kyle T. Perkinson, Troy A. Dalsing