Patents by Inventor Donald A. Erickson

Donald A. Erickson 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).

  • Publication number: 20190062985
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet having a rotating drum operably positioned therein for processing fabric. At least one transducer is positioned proximate the drum that provides an ultrasonic resonance that is directed into an interior chamber of the drum. The ultrasonic resonance is adapted to be directed into damp fabric being treated within the interior chamber. The ultrasonic resonance serves to modify water trapped within the damp fabric into a substantially gaseous form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark J. Christensen, Donald Erickson, Jordan M. Grider, Alexander Halbleib, Christopher A. Hartnett, Christopher A. Jones, K. David McAllister, Rodney M. Welch, Erica L. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20190010647
    Abstract: The laundry treating device has a user interface configured to receive a user selection of a preprogrammed wash cycle. A treating chemistry dispenser has multiple treating chemistry cups configured to dispense treating chemistry to the treating chamber during the selected washing cycle. A controller configured to activate dispensing from each of the treating chemistry cups at preprogrammed times during the wash cycle. A performance enhancement selector configured to receive a user selection such that activation of the performance enhancement selector causes the controller to dispense one of the treating chemistry cups at a different time than the preprogrammed time during the wash cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: AMBERDEEP S. AURORA, MICHAEL J. BAUMAN, DONALD ERICKSON, SARAH E. IHNE, NICHOLAS LEEP, KARL DAVID MCALLISTER, DANIEL POLONSKY, RYAN JAMES VAN ZOEST
  • Patent number: 10053808
    Abstract: A fabric treating appliance includes a chassis defining an interior. A two-piece tub is provided in the interior defining a liquid chamber including an upper section and a lower section. A seam is formed at the junction between the upper section and the lower section. A rotatable drum is located within the tub to define a treating chamber rotatable about an axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Erickson, Lonnie J. Richman
  • Patent number: 10036114
    Abstract: A fabric treating appliance includes a chassis defining an interior. A tub is provided in the interior defining a liquid chamber. A rotatable drum is located within the tub to define a treating chamber for treating laundry articles according to a cycle of operation. A rear drive plate is provided at one end of the drum. A motor is provided within in the liquid chamber of the tub and extends through the rear drive plate to rotate the drum according to the cycle of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Erickson, Douglas Mikkelsen
  • Publication number: 20180202094
    Abstract: A laundry treating appliance, such as a washing machine, having a cabinet defining an interior and defining an access opening. A lid can be movably mounted relative to the cabinet to selectively open or close the access opening. A tub can be located within the interior and the tub can contain a rotatably mounted drum, such as a horizontally rotatable drum, including a flexible fabric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: DONALD ERICKSON, STEVEN FRICKE, CHRISTIAN GIANNI, THOMAS KESSLER, PRAVEEN POOJARY, ERICA ROBERTS, JAIME RODRIGUEZ, PETER WAGONER
  • Publication number: 20170152624
    Abstract: A fabric treating appliance includes a chassis defining an interior. A two-piece tub is provided in the interior defining a liquid chamber including an upper section and a lower section. A seam is formed at the junction between the upper section and the lower section. A rotatable drum is located within the tub to define a treating chamber rotatable about an axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: DONALD ERICKSON, LONNIE J. RICHMAN
  • Publication number: 20170152623
    Abstract: A fabric treating appliance includes a chassis defining an interior. A tub is provided in the interior defining a liquid chamber. A rotatable drum is located within the tub to define a treating chamber for treating laundry articles according to a cycle of operation. A rear drive plate is provided at one end of the drum. A motor is provided within in the liquid chamber of the tub and extends through the rear drive plate to rotate the drum according to the cycle of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: DONALD ERICKSON, DOUGLAS MIKKELSEN
  • Publication number: 20170152621
    Abstract: A fabric treating appliance for treating an article according to a cycle of operation includes a chassis defining an interior. An extruded tub is provided in the interior and mounted to the chassis including a sump aperture, and defining a liquid chamber. A sump is provided in the sump aperture. A rotatable drum is located within the tub to define a treating chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: DONALD ERICKSON, KLAUS TEIGELKAMP
  • Patent number: 9511272
    Abstract: A helmet for baseball pitchers and fielders includes features to protect a player's head and face from being struck by a batted ball. The helmet optionally includes side protection, which may include cheek, jaw, temple, or chin protection. The helmet also may optionally include a face mask. The helmet may be used in lacrosse and other sports, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: EASTON BASEBALL/SOFTBALL INC.
    Inventors: Mike Lowe, Chris Bullock, Donald Erickson
  • Publication number: 20110271430
    Abstract: A helmet for baseball pitchers and fielders includes features to protect a player's head and face from being struck by a batted ball. The helmet optionally includes side protection, which may include cheek, jaw, temple, or chin protection. The helmet also may optionally include a face mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: EASTON SPORTS, INC.
    Inventors: Mike Lowe, Chris Bullock, Donald Erickson
  • Publication number: 20070089317
    Abstract: A drying rack assembly, for use in a clothes dryer with a rotatable tumbler, is constructed with a perforated tray to support clothing in a stationary manner within the tumbler. A duct is attached to the perforated tray to direct a primary airflow through the perforated tray and to at least a portion of air outlet opening in the tumbler cavity. The duct further includes openings to provide a secondary path by which a portion of the total airflow is allowed to bypass the perforated tray. A movable damper is provided to allow variable bypass airflow. An air outlet cover, attached to the combination of the duct and perforated tray, is adapted to cover the portion of the air outlet opening that does not interface with the duct. The air outlet cover is movable to a second position to enable compact storage. A hanging feature is further provided on the side of the dryer cabinet to provide a convenient storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Applicant: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: James Crawford, Laurel Dillon, Donald Erickson, Jeff Maddox, Mark Tucker
  • Publication number: 20060123855
    Abstract: An improved front loading washing machine is provided with a front panel having a round access opening. A glass door is reversibly mounted on the front panel via a hinge. The hinge can be moved to the left or right side of the access opening by rotating a carriage ring which extends around the access opening and which supports the hinge. A door lock is provided on the carriage opposite the hinge. Accordingly, the door is reversible for opening on the left or right, as desired by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Applicant: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Donald Erickson
  • Publication number: 20050102811
    Abstract: Various appliance models are made by installing a control console onto a base unit. The base units of the appliances are all identical, with the control consoles having different control features, so that different appliance models are made by the different consoles installed on the standardized base units. The console is selected by a purchaser and is mounted by the dealer or retailer or by the manufacturer at a regional warehouse. The appliance can be easily upgraded by removing the first selected console and exchanging for a second selected console having additional control features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan Bruntz, Michael Campbell, Richard Dix, Donald Erickson, Charles Jackson, Julie Kluin, Richard Mally, Phil Stepp
  • Patent number: 6828212
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a shallow trench isolation structure is described, in which a bottom pad oxide layer, a middle silicon nitride layer, a middle oxide layer and a top silicon nitride layer are sequentially formed on a silicon substrate. Photolithographic masking and anisotropic etching are then conducted to form a trench in the substrate. An oxide material is then deposited on top of the top silicon nitride layer, filling up the trenches at the same time. A chemical mechanical polishing step is then employed to remove the oxide material by using the top silicon nitride layer as a barrier layer. The top silicon nitride layer is then removed, followed by an isotropic etch of the oxide layer below. With the middle nitride layer acting as a natural etch stop, the oxide material is sculpted to a desirable shape. The middle nitride layer and the pad oxide layer are subsequently removed to complete the fabrication of a shallow trench isolation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy M. Barry, Nicolas Degors, Donald A. Erickson, Amit S. Kelkar, Bradley J. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20040087104
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a shallow trench isolation structure is described, in which a bottom pad oxide layer, a middle silicon nitride layer, a middle oxide layer and a top silicon nitride layer are sequentially formed on a silicon substrate. Photolithographic masking and anisotropic etching are then conducted to form a trench in the substrate. An oxide material is then deposited on top of the top silicon nitride layer, filling up the trenches at the same time. A chemical mechanical polishing step is then employed to remove the oxide material by using the top silicon nitride layer as a barrier layer. The top silicon nitride layer is then removed, followed by an isotropic etch of the oxide layer below. With the middle nitride layer acting as a natural etch stop, the oxide material is sculpted to a desirable shape. The middle nitride layer and the pad oxide layer are subsequently removed to complete the fabrication of a shallow trench isolation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy M. Barry, Nicolas Degors, Donald A. Erickson, Amit S. Kelkar, Bradley J. Larsen
  • Patent number: 6422443
    Abstract: An improved bicycle carrier is provided for mounting to the rear end of an automobile to receive and support one or more bicycles. The bicycle carrier has a frame formed from a unitary convolutely-shaped metal bar that defines a pair of bicycle support members on one end and a vehicle engaging member at the other end. The frame is shaped such that the vehicle engaging member can be positioned to engage and rest against the rear end of an automobile with the support members projecting rearwardly for receiving one or more bicycles. A stabilizer is secured to the frame and extends away from the support members for resting on the trunk of a car to stabilize the carrier. The stabilizer is selectively movable in the vertical direction and can be locked in place to insure that the support members extend at a predetermined attitude relative to horizontal. A leveling indicator is provided on the frame for indicating an optimum attitude of the support arms during adjustment of the stabilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Erickson, George Chiou
  • Patent number: D416193
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Donald A. Erickson
  • Patent number: RE36777
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for integrating a submicron CMOS device and a non-volatile memory, wherein a thermal oxide layer is formed over a semiconductor substrate and a two layered polysilicon non-volatile memory device formed thereon. A portion of the thermal oxide is removed by etching, a thin gate oxide and a third layer of polysilicon having a submicron depth is deposited onto the etched region. The layer of polysilicon is used as the gate for the submicron CMOS device. In so doing a submicron CMOS device may be formed without subjecting the device to the significant re-oxidation required in formation processes for dual poly non-volatile memory devices such as EPROMs and EEPROMs, and separate device optimization is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley J. Larsen, Todd A. Randazzo, Donald A. Erickson
  • Patent number: D744170
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Eastwood, Samuel Kass, Donald Erickson
  • Patent number: D749273
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Eastwood, Samuel Kass, Donald Erickson