Patents by Inventor Douglas David Leclear
Douglas David Leclear 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).
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Patent number: 8438870Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hands-free vacuum preservation system mounted on a door of the refrigerator comprising a main body portion having a slot therein for receiving an open end of a plastic bag. Sensors within the slot detect the presence of the bag and a retaining device is actuated to punch holes in the bag and retain the bag in position for a vacuum sealing event. An intake port within the system communicates with a vacuum source to remove air from the bag, and a heat sealer seals the bag closed. In a preferred embodiment, once sensors located on the main body portion detect the presence of a consumer's hand, the retaining device releases the bag. The resultant vacuum sealed bag can be stored in a conventional manner, or by hanging the bag from hooks extending through the holes formed therein by the retaining device.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Douglas David Leclear, Michele E. Wilcox, John J. Vonderhaar, Paul B. Allard, Kelly M. Hanson, Andrew Michael Tenbarge, Karen J. Querfurth
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Publication number: 20120326588Abstract: A vacuum storage system in a refrigerator includes a bin or drawer unit removably received in a housing. The vacuum storage system may be utilized in a storage configuration or in a vacuum sealing configuration to remove air from one or more food preservation containers having one-way evacuation valves. A switch on a control interface actuates a vacuum source and a front wall of the bin or drawer unit seals against the cabinet. Air is drawn from the storage space via a hose in communication with the vacuum source and air pressure within the storage space is reduced below atmospheric pressure, whereby air is simultaneously evacuated from the containers housed in the storage space. At a predetermined pressure, a control deactivates the vacuum source and an equalizing valve is opened to return the storage space to atmospheric pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, DOUGLAS DAVID LECLEAR, PAUL B. ALLARD, KELLY M. HANSON, MICHELE E. WILCOX, ANDREW MICHAEL TENBARGE, KAREN J. QUERFURTH
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Patent number: 8281606Abstract: A vacuum storage system in a refrigerator includes a bin or drawer unit removably received in a housing. The vacuum storage system may be utilized in a storage configuration or in a vacuum sealing configuration to remove air from one or more food preservation containers having one-way evacuation valves. A switch on a control interface actuates a vacuum source and a front wall of the bin or drawer unit seals against the cabinet. Air is drawn from the storage space via a hose in communication with the vacuum source and air pressure within the storage space is reduced below atmospheric pressure, whereby air is simultaneously evacuated from the containers housed in the storage space. At a predetermined pressure, a control deactivates the vacuum source and an equalizing valve is opened to return the storage space to atmospheric pressure.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: John J. Vonderhaar, Douglas David LeClear, Paul B. Allard, Kelly M. Hanson, Michele E. Wilcox, Andrew Michael Tenbarge, Karen J. Querfurth
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Patent number: 8240158Abstract: An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Carolina Biotti, Nihat O. Cur, Douglas David Leclear, Andrea Olivani, John J. Vonderhaar, Michele E. Wilcox
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Patent number: 8166872Abstract: An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Carolina Biotti, Nihat O. Cur, Douglas David Leclear, John J. Vonderhaar, Michele E. Wilcox
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Patent number: 8037697Abstract: An icemaker for a refrigerator having a cabinet with a refrigerated compartment and an unrefrigerated machine compartment includes a body portion formed with an inlet, an outlet and an opening. A flexible mold is positioned in the opening. A water supply is positioned to provide water to the flexible mold. A fluid supply circuit, including a pump mounted in the machine compartment, a first fluid conduit connected between the pump and the inlet, and a second fluid conduit connected to the outlet, provides warm fluid to the body portion. The icemaker forms ice during an ice production cycle and the fluid warmed in the machine compartment is used to partially melt and aid in releasing the ice which is then deposited in a ice storage bin during a harvest cycle.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Douglas David LeClear, Andrew Michael Tenbarge, Guolian Wu, Jon Donald Tromblee
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Patent number: 7736179Abstract: A plug-in power supply for a refrigerator used to charge portable electronic devices includes an auxiliary power supply mounted in an auxiliary power supply compartment, and a removable module, having an electrical connector, mounted in an electrical connector cup. A portable electronic device is charged by placing the device in the connector cup and coupling the device to the electrical connector. Power is then supplied from the auxiliary power supply to the portable electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Lori Ann Cook, Ronald Wayne Guess, Douglas David Leclear, Frank Weston Maglinger, Patrick S. Streeter, Ralph Tate, Jr., Andrew Michael Tenbarge
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Publication number: 20100126117Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hands-free vacuum preservation system mounted on a door of the refrigerator comprising a main body portion having a slot therein for receiving an open end of a plastic bag. Sensors within the slot detect the presence of the bag and a retaining device is actuated to punch holes in the bag and retain the bag in position for a vacuum sealing event. An intake port within the system communicates with a vacuum source to remove air from the bag, and a heat sealer seals the bag closed. In a preferred embodiment, once sensors located on the main body portion detect the presence of a consumer's hand, the retaining device releases the bag. The resultant vacuum sealed bag can be stored in a conventional manner, or by hanging the bag from hooks extending through the holes formed therein by the retaining device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: DOUGLAS DAVID LECLEAR, MICHELE E. WILCOX, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, PAUL B. ALLARD, KELLY M. HANSON, ANDREW MICHAEL TENBARGE, KAREN J. QUERFURTH
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Publication number: 20100101432Abstract: An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: CAROLINA BIOTTI, NIHAT O. CUR, DOUGLAS DAVID LECLEAR, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, MICHELE E. WILCOX
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Patent number: 7669434Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hands-free vacuum preservation system mounted on a door of the refrigerator comprising a main body portion having a slot therein for receiving an open end of a plastic bag. Sensors within the slot detect the presence of the bag and a retaining device is actuated to punch holes in the bag and retain the bag in position for a vacuum sealing event. An intake port within the system communicates with a vacuum source to remove air from the bag, and a heat sealer seals the bag closed. In a preferred embodiment, once sensors located on the main body portion detect the presence of a consumer's hand, the retaining device releases the bag. The resultant vacuum sealed bag can be stored in a conventional manner, or by hanging the bag from hooks extending through the holes formed therein by the retaining device.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Douglas David Leclear, Michele E. Wilcox, John J. Vonderhaar, Paul B. Allard, Kelly M. Hanson, Andrew Michael Tenbarge, Karen J. Querfurth
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Publication number: 20090229278Abstract: An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Carolina Biotti, Nhat O. Cur, Douglas David Leclear, Andrea Olivani, John J. Vonderhaar, Michele E. Wilcox
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Publication number: 20090194193Abstract: A vacuum storage system in a refrigerator includes a bin or drawer unit removably received in a housing. The vacuum storage system may be utilized in a storage configuration or in a vacuum sealing configuration to remove air from one or more food preservation containers having one-way evacuation valves. A switch on a control interface actuates a vacuum source and a front wall of the bin or drawer unit seals against the cabinet. Air is drawn from the storage space via a hose in communication with the vacuum source and air pressure within the storage space is reduced below atmospheric pressure, whereby air is simultaneously evacuated from the containers housed in the storage space. At a predetermined pressure, a control deactivates the vacuum source and an equalizing valve is opened to return the storage space to atmospheric pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, DOUGLAS DAVID LECLEAR, PAUL B. ALLARD, KELLY M. HANSON, MICHELE E. WILCOX, ANDREW MICHAEL TENBARGE, KAREN J. QUERFURTH
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Publication number: 20090193760Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hands-free vacuum preservation system mounted on a door of the refrigerator comprising a main body portion having a slot therein for receiving an open end of a plastic bag. Sensors within the slot detect the presence of the bag and a retaining device is actuated to punch holes in the bag and retain the bag in position for a vacuum sealing event. An intake port within the system communicates with a vacuum source to remove air from the bag, and a heat sealer seals the bag closed. In a preferred embodiment, once sensors located on the main body portion detect the presence of a consumer's hand, the retaining device releases the bag. The resultant vacuum sealed bag can be stored in a conventional manner, or by hanging the bag from hooks extending through the holes formed therein by the retaining device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: DOUGLAS DAVID LECLEAR, MICHELE E. WILCOX, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, PAUL B. ALLARD, KELLY M. HANSON, ANDREW MICHAEL TENBARGE, KAREN J. QUERFURTH
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Publication number: 20090173089Abstract: An icemaker for a refrigerator having a cabinet with a refrigerated compartment and an unrefrigerated machine compartment includes a body portion formed with an inlet, an outlet and an opening. A flexible mold is positioned in the opening. A water supply is positioned to provide water to the flexible mold. A fluid supply circuit, including a pump mounted in the machine compartment, a first fluid conduit connected between the pump and the inlet, and a second fluid conduit connected to the outlet, provides warm fluid to the body portion. The icemaker forms ice during an ice production cycle and the fluid warmed in the machine compartment is used to partially melt and aid in releasing the ice which is then deposited in a ice storage bin during a harvest cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventors: Douglas David LeClear, Andrew Michael Tenbarge, Guolian Wu, Jon Donald Tromblee
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Publication number: 20090064702Abstract: A plug-in power supply for a refrigerator used to charge portable electronic devices includes an auxiliary power supply mounted in an auxiliary power supply compartment, and a removable module, having an electrical connector, mounted in an electrical connector cup. A portable electronic device is charged by placing the device in the connector cup and coupling the device to the electrical connector. Power is then supplied from the auxiliary power supply to the portable electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Lori Ann Cook, Ronald Wayne Guess, Douglas David Leclear, Frank Weston Maglinger, Patrick S. Streeter, Ralph Tate, JR., Andrew Michael Tenbarge
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Patent number: 6983621Abstract: The invention includes a saddle air conditioner. The saddle air conditioner includes a remote unit having a first channel extending from a back of the remote unit. The saddle air conditioner also includes a local unit having a second channel extending from a back of the local unit. The first channel and the second channel overlap to form a bridge disposed between the remote unit and the local unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Nihat O. Cur, Guolian Wu, Douglas David Leclear, Andrew David Litch, Jim J. Pastryk
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Publication number: 20030110789Abstract: The invention includes a saddle air conditioner. The saddle air conditioner includes a remote unit having a first channel extending from a back of the remote unit. The saddle air conditioner also includes a local unit having a second channel extending from a back of the local unit. The first channel and the second channel overlap to form a bridge disposed between the remote unit and the local unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2003Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Nihat O. Cur, Guolian Wu, Douglas David Leclear, Andrew David Litch, Jim J. Pastryk
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Publication number: 20030097854Abstract: The invention includes a saddle air conditioner. The saddle air conditioner includes a remote unit having a first channel extending from a back of the remote unit. The saddle air conditioner also includes a local unit having a second channel extending from a back of the local unit. The first channel and the second channel overlap to form a bridge disposed between the remote unit and the local unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2001Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventors: Nihat O. Cur, Guolian Wu, Douglas David LeClear, Andrew David Litch, Jim J. Pastryk
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Patent number: 6568201Abstract: The invention includes a saddle air conditioner. The saddle air conditioner includes a remote unit having a first channel extending from a back of the remote unit. The saddle air conditioner also includes a local unit having a second channel extending from a back of the local unit. The first channel and the second channel overlap to form a bridge disposed between the remote unit and the local unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Nihat O. Cur, Guolian Wu, Douglas David LeClear, Andrew David Litch, Jim J. Pastryk
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Patent number: 6389834Abstract: The invention includes a liquid pumping system. The liquid is preferably condensate and the condensate pumping system may include a tank having an upper reservoir and a sump disposed below the upper reservoir. The upper reservoir may include an orifice and may be positioned to receive condensate from an evaporator. The condensate pumping system may also include a device to seal the orifice, a condensate tube connected to the sump, and an air pump attached to the sump through an air tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Douglas David LeClear, Guolian Wu, Kenneth Scheffler Scheffler, Jim J. Pastryk