Patents by Inventor Douglas A. Pohl

Douglas A. Pohl 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: 20240102724
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet, a first side support, a second side support, a first adapter plate, a second adapter plate, and a water tank. The cabinet defines an internal cavity. The first and second side supports are disposed within the internal cavity, define a drawer receptacle therebetween, and have first and second laterally inward facing surfaces defining first and second longitudinally extending slots, respectively. The first and second longitudinally extending slots are configured to receive drawer rollers. The first and second adapter plates are secured to the first and second laterally inward facing surfaces, respectively, and have third and fourth laterally inward facing surfaces defining third and fourth longitudinally extending slots, respectively. The water tank is disposed within the drawer receptacle and slidably engages the third and fourth longitudinally extending slots such that the water tank is adjustable in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2022
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Dilso Buchner, Shubhra Gupta, Douglas Pohl, Akshay Prajapati
  • Patent number: 11941931
    Abstract: Novel modular smart management devices in the form of drop safes include the modular components of a chassis, door and technology cabinet. The drop safes enable retailers to make cash deposits quickly and safely within or near their own facilities. Various technology, including RFID readers, RFID tags, and other equipment allow the drop safes to identify each deposited bag. Employees utilize specialized apps on their mobile devices to facilitate deposit creation and other tasks. Novel methodologies for accessing the drop safes for emptying employ single-use, time-expiration type authorization codes along with other security measures to minimize risk and to provide other benefits. Novel structures along with methodologies for replacing, on-site, modular components with auto-detection of functionality during initialization and re-initialization enables for efficient replacement and upgrading of components, including the upgrading of safes to provide additional functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: BRINK'S NETWORK, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Douglas A. Pertz, Rohan Pal, Keith Barthelmeus, Laura Baumann, Shane McKiernan, Ken Pohl, Kyle Bolin, Colm McKiernan, Mark Nietubyc
  • Patent number: 10612830
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a liner having an opening defining an inner perimeter therein, a frame coupled with the liner around the inner perimeter and recessed from the opening, and a cover. The cover is coupled with the frame and has a major surface positioned generally flush with a portion the liner surrounding the opening. The cover defines an outer perimeter spaced apart from the inner perimeter of the opening with a portion of the frame at least partially enclosing a channel extending between the outer perimeter of the cover and the inner perimeter of the opening. The assembly further includes at least one light source directed into the channel and illuminating a portion of the frame and an air filter disposed at least partially within the cover positioned behind the major surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel de Cavalcanti, Alexandre D. Grosse, Douglas Pohl, Jose Paulo Remor
  • Patent number: 10563901
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes an insulated cabinet having a side wall and a machine compartment positioned adjacent the side wall. An aperture is provided through the first side wall to allow air to flow into the machine compartment. An air vent is provided at the exterior surface of the side wall so as to cover the aperture. The air vent having a first set of louvers. A sound barrier is provided at the interior surface of the side wall at the aperture. The sound barrier has a second set of louvers, where the second set of louvers are positioned with respect to the first set of louvers such that there is no mechanical access to components in the machine compartment through the air vent, and such that sounds from within the machine compartment are dampened while still allowing air to flow through the air vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Bruno Boehringer, Darci Cavali, Derek Lehman, Daniel J. Lesko, Kevin Noel, Douglas Pohl
  • Publication number: 20190078832
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes an insulated cabinet having a side wall and a machine compartment positioned adjacent the side wall. An aperture is provided through the first side wall to allow air to flow into the machine compartment. An air vent is provided at the exterior surface of the side wall so as to cover the aperture. The air vent having a first set of louvers. A sound barrier is provided at the interior surface of the side wall at the aperture. The sound barrier has a second set of louvers, where the second set of louvers are positioned with respect to the first set of louvers such that there is no mechanical access to components in the machine compartment through the air vent, and such that sounds from within the machine compartment are dampened while still allowing air to flow through the air vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bruno Boehringer, Darci Cavali, Derek Lehman, Daniel J. Lesko, Kevin Noel, Douglas Pohl
  • Publication number: 20190041117
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a liner having an opening defining an inner perimeter therein, a frame coupled with the liner around the inner perimeter and recessed from the opening, and a cover. The cover is coupled with the frame and has a major surface positioned generally flush with a portion the liner surrounding the opening. The cover defines an outer perimeter spaced apart from the inner perimeter of the opening with a portion of the frame at least partially enclosing a channel extending between the outer perimeter of the cover and the inner perimeter of the opening. The assembly further includes at least one light source directed into the channel and illuminating a portion of the frame and an air filter disposed at least partially within the cover positioned behind the major surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel de Cavalcanti, Alexandre D. Grosse, Douglas Pohl, Jose Paulo Remor
  • Patent number: 10139150
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, or system for filtered air in an interior compartment of a refrigerator. An opening in a wall of the interior liner of the refrigerator defines a channel framing a removable filter cover that tends to be at or near flush with that wall. The filter is positioned behind the cover. The space between the wall opening and the cover functions to provide both air intake into the filter and access lighting around the filter cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel de Cavalcanti, Alexandre D. Grosse, Douglas Pohl, Jose Paulo Remor
  • Patent number: 10126039
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes an insulated cabinet having a side wall and a machine compartment positioned adjacent the side wall. An aperture is provided through the first side wall to allow air to flow into the machine compartment. An air vent is provided at the exterior surface of the side wall so as to cover the aperture. The air vent having a first set of louvers. A sound barrier is provided at the interior surface of the side wall at the aperture. The sound barrier has a second set of louvers, where the second set of louvers are positioned with respect to the first set of louvers such that there is no mechanical access to components in the machine compartment through the air vent, and such that sounds from within the machine compartment are dampened while still allowing air to flow through the air vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Bruno Boehringer, Darci Cavali, Derek Lehman, Daniel J. Lesko, Kevin Noel, Douglas Pohl
  • Patent number: 9989232
    Abstract: A height-adjustable shelving system for an appliance includes an appliance having a plurality of walls that define an interior cavity. The appliance has an electrical system that extends into at least one of the walls of the appliance. A shelf is selectively disposed within the cavity and includes a lighting fixture. A shelf support system in communication with the electrical system includes at least one rotatable body operable between a plurality of support positions, the at least one rotatable body removably receiving and supporting the shelf, wherein each of the support positions of the rotatable body corresponds to a different shelf height. The removable engagement between the shelf and the rotatable body in any of the plurality of support positions places the lighting fixture in communication with the electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Julia B. Burke, Daniel Chow, Juan F. Flores, Michael T. Moore, Douglas Pohl, Todd Tunzi
  • Publication number: 20170336128
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, or system for filtered air in an interior compartment of a refrigerator. An opening in a wall of the interior liner of the refrigerator defines a channel framing a removable filter cover that tends to be at or near flush with that wall. The filter is positioned behind the cover. The space between the wall opening and the cover functions to provide both air intake into the filter and access lighting around the filter cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel de Cavalcanti, Alexandre D. Grosse, Douglas Pohl, Jose Paulo Remor
  • Publication number: 20170184334
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes an insulated cabinet having a side wall and a machine compartment positioned adjacent the side wall. An aperture is provided through the first side wall to allow air to flow into the machine compartment. An air vent is provided at the exterior surface of the side wall so as to cover the aperture. The air vent having a first set of louvers. A sound barrier is provided at the interior surface of the side wall at the aperture. The sound barrier has a second set of louvers, where the second set of louvers are positioned with respect to the first set of louvers such that there is no mechanical access to components in the machine compartment through the air vent, and such that sounds from within the machine compartment are dampened while still allowing air to flow through the air vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bruno Boehringer, Darci Cavali, Derek Lehman, Daniel J. Lesko, Kevin Noel, Douglas Pohl
  • Publication number: 20160273750
    Abstract: A height-adjustable shelving system for an appliance includes an appliance having a plurality of walls that define an interior cavity. The appliance has an electrical system that extends into at least one of the walls of the appliance. A shelf is selectively disposed within the cavity and includes a lighting fixture. A shelf support system in communication with the electrical system includes at least one rotatable body operable between a plurality of support positions, the at least one rotatable body removably receiving and supporting the shelf, wherein each of the support positions of the rotatable body corresponds to a different shelf height. The removable engagement between the shelf and the rotatable body in any of the plurality of support positions places the lighting fixture in communication with the electrical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Julia B. Burke, Daniel Chow, Juan F. Flores, Michael T. Moore, Douglas Pohl, Todd Tunzi
  • Patent number: 8403437
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a multiple slide crisper system. More specifically, a universal crisper pan and support frame for a refrigerator can be used with various, distinct glide arrangements, including friction, roller or ball bearing glides. For frictional sliding movement, crisper pan side walls slide directly upon molded inner rails on the frame. With the roller system, various rollers are fitted to a rear portion of the crisper pan through the use of pins, while commensurate rollers are mounted at front portions of the frame. When using ball bearing glides for a precision slide support, the glides are preferably mounted to the support frame at an acute angle to the axis of travel of the friction and roller glide systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Tim A. Bergmann, Bradley Thomas Hebeler, Douglas A. Pohl
  • Patent number: 7490916
    Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator includes a cabinet defining fresh food and freezer compartments, each having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume along with corresponding fresh food and freezer doors that vary in width. The fresh food and freezer compartments are spaced by an offset mullion assembly against which the doors seal. The offset mullion assembly includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, a brace having first and second legs and a laterally extending portion and a cosmetic cover. The offset mullion assembly provides strength to the cabinet while providing an aesthetically pleasing and uniform sealing surface for the fresh food and freezer doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Troy M. Anderson, Garnett S. Helming, Douglas A. Pohl, Eugene H. Schuchert, Forrest F. Wing
  • Patent number: 7410230
    Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator includes a cabinet defining fresh food and freezer compartments, each having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume along with corresponding fresh food and freezer doors that vary in width. The fresh food and freezer compartments are spaced by an offset mullion assembly against which the doors seal. The offset mullion assembly includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, a brace having first and second legs and a laterally extending portion and a cosmetic cover. The offset mullion assembly provides strength to the cabinet while providing an aesthetically pleasing and uniform sealing surface for the fresh food and freezer doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Troy M. Anderson, Garnett S. Helming, Douglas A. Pohl, Eugene H. Schuchert, Forrest F. Wing
  • Patent number: 7410229
    Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator includes a cabinet defining fresh food and freezer compartments, with each compartment having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume and corresponding fresh food and freezer doors that vary in width. The fresh food and freezer compartments are spaced by a mullion against which the doors seal. The mullion is bowed such that the longitudinal curvature of the mullion compensates for thermal bowing of the fresh food and freezer doors, thereby assuring a proper seal between the mullion and the fresh food and freezer doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Pohl, Eugene H. Schuchert
  • Publication number: 20080061666
    Abstract: A side-by-side refrigerator includes a cabinet defining fresh food and freezer compartments, each having upper and lower sections which vary in width and volume along with corresponding fresh food and freezer doors that vary in width. The fresh food and freezer compartments are spaced by an offset mullion assembly against which the doors seal. The offset mullion assembly includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, a brace having first and second legs and a laterally extending portion and a cosmetic cover. The offset mullion assembly provides strength to the cabinet while providing an aesthetically pleasing and uniform sealing surface for the fresh food and freezer doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: TROY ANDERSON, GARNETT HELMING, DOUGLAS POHL, EUGENE SCHUCHERT, FORREST WING
  • Patent number: 7293848
    Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet includes a shell having first and second laterally spaced, upstanding side walls that are interconnected by a top wall, each of the walls includes an in-turned front edge portion defining a liner receiving cavity. The shell further includes a mullion bar, which partitions the shell into first and second liner cavities, and a base member. Both the mullion bar and base member have respective liner receiving portions. With this arrangement, first and second liners are adapted to be inserted into their respective cavities and flexed such that three sides are inserted into the liner receiving cavities, while the remaining side is positioned against a land of the mullion bar or base member. Once in place, the liners are secured through a mullion bar cover and a base member cover. This construction combines the benefits of a front-load process with that of a flex-load process, lowering assembly time without the need to reinforce the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: John Phillip Myers, Douglas A. Pohl, Richard D. Smith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20060267468
    Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet includes a shell having first and second laterally spaced, upstanding side walls that are interconnected by a top wall, each of the walls includes an in-turned front edge portion defining a liner receiving cavity. The shell further includes a mullion bar, which partitions the shell into first and second liner cavities, and a base member. Both the mullion bar and base member have respective liner receiving portions. With this arrangement, first and second liners are adapted to be inserted into their respective cavities and flexed such that three sides are inserted into the liner receiving cavities, while the remaining side is positioned against a land of the mullion bar or base member. Once in place, the liners are secured through a mullion bar cover and a base member cover. This construction combines the benefits of a front-load process with that of a flex-load process, lowering assembly time without the need to reinforce the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Inventors: John Myers, Douglas Pohl, Richard Smith
  • Patent number: 7108341
    Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet includes a shell having first and second laterally spaced, upstanding side walls that are interconnected by a top wall, each of the walls includes an in-turned front edge portion defining a liner receiving cavity. The shell further includes a mullion bar, which partitions the shell into first and second liner cavities, and a base member. Both the mullion bar and base member have respective liner receiving portions. With this arrangement, first and second liners are adapted to be inserted into their respective cavities and flexed such that three sides are inserted into the liner receiving cavities, while the remaining side is positioned against a land of the mullion bar or base member. Once in place, the liners are secured through a mullion bar cover and a base member cover. This construction combines the benefits of a front-load process with that of a flex-load process, lowering assembly time without the need to reinforce the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: John Phillip Myers, Douglas A. Pohl, Richard D. Smith, Jr.