Patents by Inventor Derek L. Watkins

Derek L. Watkins 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: 9820629
    Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering wash fluid to be recirculated by a circulation pump in a dishwasher appliance is provided. The filter assembly includes a first filter member and a second filter member. The first filter member defines a first filter panel and the second filter member defines a second filter panel. The first filter panel is spaced from the second filter panel along an axial direction of the filter assembly and is configured in series flow with the second filter panel. More particularly, the first and second filter panels are configured such that wash fluid is filtered by the first filter panel and by the second filter panel prior to being recirculated by the circulation pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Ryan Ellis Leonard, Derek L. Watkins, Errin Whitney Gnadinger
  • Publication number: 20160206173
    Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering wash fluid to be recirculated by a circulation pump in a dishwasher appliance is provided. The filter assembly includes a first filter member and a second filter member. The first filter member defines a first filter panel and the second filter member defines a second filter panel. The first filter panel is spaced from the second filter panel along an axial direction of the filter assembly and is configured in series flow with the second filter panel. More particularly, the first and second filter panels are configured such that wash fluid is filtered by the first filter panel and by the second filter panel prior to being recirculated by the circulation pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Ryan Ellis Leonard, Derek L. Watkins, Errin Whitney Gnadinger
  • Patent number: 7757323
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a washing machine having a basket rotatably mounted within a tub includes a motor having a first pulley. A washing apparatus is mounted within the basket. A rotatable shaft has first and second ends, the first end being directly coupled to the washing apparatus. A second pulley is mounted on the second end of the shaft. A drive belt connects the first pulley to the second pulley. An inverter is operatively coupled to the motor. A controller is operatively coupled to the inverter and the motor. The controller is configured to control the motor based on a predetermined agitation profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Derek L. Watkins, Scott Dunn, Greg Miller, Mark Weaver, Edward McInerney
  • Publication number: 20080156711
    Abstract: A dry change water filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a filter head including a water by-pass valve, and a filter body configured to removably attach to the filter head. The water by-pass valve is actuated by at least one of attaching the filter body to the filter head and removing the filter body from the filter head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Craig R. Vitan, Samuel Vincent DuPlessis, Kyran Hoff, Martin Zentner, Rajesh Sangewar, Derek L. Watkins, Mark Banta, Ronald Scott Tarr, Ratnakar Sahasrabudhe, Jonathan Nelson
  • Patent number: 5872323
    Abstract: A gas sealing device for a gas-operated firearm having a piston with a land surface positioned between a lateral flange and a peripheral rib, and a piston seal radially mounted on the land surface and positioned between the lateral flange and the peripheral rib. In operation, the piston and the piston seal can remain interlocked, but still operational so that upon firing, the piston is deflected towards the magazine tube due to the force applied by the piston seal. The piston seal exerts the force on the piston due to the impingement of a propellant gas charge on the piston seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Remington Arms Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent B. Norton, Derek L. Watkins