Patents by Inventor Dennis Kehl

Dennis Kehl 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: 11920277
    Abstract: A pump mount system for a laundry treating appliance having a cabinet and a pump located within the cabinet, a pump mount secured to the pump; a base mount spaced from the pump mount; at least one vibration isolator comprising a singular body having a first portion passing through a first opening on the pump mount, a second portion extending between the pump mount and the base mount, and a pin aperture passing through the vibration isolator; a pin removably received within the pin aperture; and at least one protrusion extending from at least one of the vibration isolator or the pin; wherein the at least one protrusion is engaged with at least one of the pin, the vibration isolator, or the base mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Alejandro Guzman, Dennis Kehl
  • Patent number: 11814778
    Abstract: A front-loading washing machine includes a door frame, a latch, a door, a seal, and a striker. The latch is secured to the door frame. The door is rotatably secured to the door frame. The seal is disposed between the door and the door frame. The striker is secured to the door. The striker is configured to disengage the latch in a first configuration while the door is in a closed position such that a gap is formed between the door and the door frame to facilitate venting from an interior of the washing machine. The striker is configured to engage the latch in a second configuration while the door is in the closed position such that the seal closes the gap between the door and the door frame to inhibit venting from the interior of the washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Kehl
  • Patent number: 11773525
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a drum that is rotationally operable about a rotational axis within a tub. The rotational axis is oriented in a generally horizontal configuration. An impeller is rotationally operable within the drum about the rotational axis. A dual-rotor motor is coupled to the drum and the impeller for providing separate and independent rotation of the drum and impeller about the rotational axis. An inner rotor of the dual-rotor motor is coupled with the impeller and an outer rotor of the dual-rotor motor is coupled with the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Krati Bhargava, Fang Deng, James B. Hull, Wang Jun, Dennis Kehl, Weitao Yang
  • Patent number: 11739455
    Abstract: A combination washing and drying appliance includes a tub positioned within an outer cabinet. A rotating drum includes a perforated wall. The rotating drum is rotationally operable within the tub. A blower delivers process air through an airflow path that includes a processing space within the rotating drum and an interstitial space defined between the tub and the rotating drum. An operable vent is selectively operable between a venting position and a closed position. The operable vent defines a passive flow of ambient air between the processing space and an area outside of the tub. The operable vent is operable to the closed position during a spin function of the rotating drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Kehl
  • Patent number: 11713534
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a wash tub disposed within a cabinet. A rotating drum is disposed within the wash tub. A drain system directs a fluid from the wash tub to a fluid pump. A trap is disposed within a tub drain of the wash tub. The trap includes an elongated body having a plurality of fingers that extend across an aperture defined within the elongated body. The plurality of fingers are configured to permit passage of particulate material and prevent passage of foreign objects through the elongated body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Joao P. Curiel, Dennis Kehl
  • Publication number: 20230062358
    Abstract: A front-loading washing machine includes a door frame, a latch, a door, a seal, and a striker. The latch is secured to the door frame. The door is rotatably secured to the door frame. The seal is disposed between the door and the door frame. The striker is secured to the door. The striker is configured to disengage the latch in a first configuration while the door is in a closed position such that a gap is formed between the door and the door frame to facilitate venting from an interior of the washing machine. The striker is configured to engage the latch in a second configuration while the door is in the closed position such that the seal closes the gap between the door and the door frame to inhibit venting from the interior of the washing machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventor: Dennis Kehl
  • Publication number: 20220349101
    Abstract: A combination washing and drying appliance includes a tub positioned within an outer cabinet. A rotating drum includes a perforated wall. The rotating drum is rotationally operable within the tub. A blower delivers process air through an airflow path that includes a processing space within the rotating drum and an interstitial space defined between the tub and the rotating drum. An operable vent is selectively operable between a venting position and a closed position. The operable vent defines a passive flow of ambient air between the processing space and an area outside of the tub. The operable vent is operable to the closed position during a spin function of the rotating drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dennis Kehl
  • Patent number: 11479901
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance comprising a treating chamber for holding clothes for treatment according to a cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser that forms a housing with a first chamber with a port and a deflector and the dispenser is fluidly coupled to the treating chamber, and an air supply that has an inlet and outlet fluidly coupled to the treating chamber. A liquid bath is defined by a portion of the housing and a retaining wall in the treating chemistry dispenser. A free surface of the bath forms a gap with an edge of the deflector. Air supplied from the treating chamber is exhausted through the port into the first chamber of the treating chemistry dispenser and impinged upon the deflector which deflects the exhausted air through the gap between the bath and the deflector, where the bath removes lint contained within the exhausted air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Kehl, Andrew Leitert, Lonnie J. Richman
  • Publication number: 20220205164
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a wash tub disposed within a cabinet. A rotating drum is disposed within the wash tub. A drain system directs a fluid from the wash tub to a fluid pump. A trap is disposed within a tub drain of the wash tub. The trap includes an elongated body having a plurality of fingers that extend across an aperture defined within the elongated body. The plurality of fingers are configured to permit passage of particulate material and prevent passage of foreign objects through the elongated body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joao P. Curiel, Dennis Kehl
  • Patent number: 11319659
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a wash tub disposed within a cabinet. A rotating drum is disposed within the wash tub. A drain system directs a fluid from the wash tub to a fluid pump. A trap is disposed within a tub drain of the wash tub. The trap includes an elongated body having a plurality of fingers that extend across an aperture defined within the elongated body. The plurality of fingers are configured to permit passage of particulate material and prevent passage of foreign objects through the elongated body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Joao P. Curiel, Dennis Kehl
  • Publication number: 20220042233
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a body that houses a motor that selectively operates a drum for processing laundry, wherein the body includes an aperture for selectively accessing the drum. A door panel provides selective access to the aperture. A controller is configured to operate at least the motor. A user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting a laundry-processing operation to be performed. An outer panel at least partially conceals the body from view. An outer selector is positioned proximate the outer panel, wherein the outer selector is in communication with the controller via the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin B. Ayers, Seth E. Bixby, Donald E. Erickson, Eric A. Hill, Dennis Kehl, Andrew C. Kubasiak, Sayer J. Murphy, Trevor R. Haney
  • Publication number: 20220018053
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance includes a cabinet defining an interior. A drum is located within the interior and defines a treating chamber. The laundry treating appliance includes a recirculation circuit including a recirculation pump having an inlet and an outlet. The laundry treating appliance further includes a bulk treating chemistry dispenser. A method for rinsing or cleaning the bulk treating chemistry dispenser can be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: ROMMY MARIANA BUENO, NDJEKA K. LUHAHI, ERIC G. GRISWOLD, JOEL ALDEBARAN SALAZAR, DENNIS KEHL, ALEJANDRO GUZMAN, STEVEN KEY, RYAN JAMES VAN ZOEST
  • Patent number: 11193229
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a body that houses a motor that selectively operates a drum for processing laundry, wherein the body includes an aperture for selectively accessing the drum. A door panel provides selective access to the aperture. A controller is configured to operate at least the motor. A user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting a laundry-processing operation to be performed. An outer panel at least partially conceals the body from view. An outer selector is positioned proximate the outer panel, wherein the outer selector is in communication with the controller via the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Ayers, Seth E. Bixby, Donald E. Erickson, Eric A. Hill, Dennis Kehl, Andrew C. Kubasiak, Sayer J. Murphy, Trevor R. Haney
  • Patent number: 11162207
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance includes a cabinet defining an interior. A drum is located within the interior and defines a treating chamber. The laundry treating appliance includes a recirculation circuit including a recirculation pump having an inlet and an outlet. The laundry treating appliance further includes a bulk treating chemistry dispenser. A method for rinsing or cleaning the bulk treating chemistry dispenser can be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Rommy Mariana Bueno, Ndjeka K. Luhahi, Eric G. Griswold, Joel Aldebaran Salazar, Dennis Kehl, Alejandro Guzman, Steven Key, Ryan James Van Zoest
  • Publication number: 20210285142
    Abstract: A pump mount system for a laundry treating appliance having a cabinet and a pump located within the cabinet, a pump mount secured to the pump; a base mount spaced from the pump mount; at least one vibration isolator comprising a singular body having a first portion passing through a first opening on the pump mount, a second portion extending between the pump mount and the base mount, and a pin aperture passing through the vibration isolator; a pin removably received within the pin aperture; and at least one protrusion extending from at least one of the vibration isolator or the pin; wherein the at least one protrusion is engaged with at least one of the pin, the vibration isolator, or the base mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: ALEJANDRO GUZMAN, DENNIS KEHL
  • Patent number: 11053626
    Abstract: A pump mount system for a laundry treating appliance having a cabinet and a pump located within the cabinet, the pump mount system comprising a cabinet mount secured to the cabinet, a pump mount secured to the pump, a vibration isolator having a first portion passing through a first opening on the pump mount, a second portion extending between the pump mount and the cabinet mount, and a pin aperture passing through the vibration isolator, a pin removably received within the pin aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Alejandro Guzman, Dennis Kehl
  • Publication number: 20210010185
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance includes a cabinet defining an interior. A drum is located within the interior and defines a treating chamber. The laundry treating appliance includes a recirculation circuit including a recirculation pump having an inlet and an outlet. The laundry treating appliance further includes a bulk treating chemistry dispenser. A method for rinsing or cleaning the bulk treating chemistry dispenser can be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: ROMMY MARIANA BUENO, NDJEKA K. LUHAHI, ERIC G. GRISWOLD, JOEL ALDEBARAN SALAZAR, DENNIS KEHL, ALEJANDRO GUZMAN, STEVEN KEY, RYAN JAMES VAN ZOEST
  • Publication number: 20200347538
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a drum that is rotationally operable about a rotational axis within a tub. The rotational axis is oriented in a generally horizontal configuration. An impeller is rotationally operable within the drum about the rotational axis. A dual-rotor motor is coupled to the drum and the impeller for providing separate and independent rotation of the drum and impeller about the rotational axis. An inner rotor of the dual-rotor motor is coupled with the impeller and an outer rotor of the dual-rotor motor is coupled with the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Krati Bhargava, Fang Deng, James B. Hull, Wang Jun, Dennis Kehl, Weitao Yang
  • Publication number: 20200340166
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance comprising a treating chamber for holding clothes for treatment according to a cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser that forms a housing with a first chamber with a port and a deflector and the dispenser is fluidly coupled to the treating chamber, and an air supply that has an inlet and outlet fluidly coupled to the treating chamber. A liquid bath is defined by a portion of the housing and a retaining wall in the treating chemistry dispenser. A free surface of the bath forms a gap with an edge of the deflector. Air supplied from the treating chamber is exhausted through the port into the first chamber of the treating chemistry dispenser and impinged upon the deflector which deflects the exhausted air through the gap between the bath and the deflector, where the bath removes lint contained within the exhausted air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: DENNIS KEHL, ANDREW LEITERT, LONNIE J. RICHMAN
  • Patent number: 10815605
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance includes a cabinet defining an interior. A drum is located within the interior and defines a treating chamber. The laundry treating appliance includes a bulk treating chemistry dispenser. A method for rinsing or cleaning the bulk treating chemistry dispenser can be included. The method includes monitoring an operation of the laundry treating appliance and determining by a controller that a rinse or cleaning cycle for the bulk treating chemistry dispenser is due.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Rommy Mariana Bueno, Ndjeka K. Luhahi, Eric G. Griswold, Joel Aldebaran Salazar, Dennis Kehl, Alejandro Guzman, Steven Key, Ryan James Van Zoest