Patents by Inventor Dustin M. Miller
Dustin M. Miller 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: 20240085093Abstract: A door panel for a refrigerating appliance includes an inner liner. An outer wrapper is attached to the inner liner and defines an insulating structure with an insulating cavity disposed therein. An insulating material is defined within the insulating cavity. A dispenser structure is defined within a central portion of the inner liner and the outer wrapper. The dispenser structure defines an insulated dispenser portion therein. A dispenser conduit extends from an interior area disposed above the dispenser structure to an external dispensing cavity and passing through the insulated dispenser portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul B. Allard, Sarah Galea, Dustin M. Miller, Vikas C. Mruthyunjaya, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
-
Patent number: 11874053Abstract: A door panel for a refrigerating appliance includes an inner liner. An outer wrapper is attached to the inner liner and defines an insulating structure with an insulating cavity disposed therein. An insulating material is defined within the insulating cavity. A dispenser structure is defined within a central portion of the inner liner and the outer wrapper. The dispenser structure defines an insulated dispenser portion therein. A dispenser conduit extends from an interior area disposed above the dispenser structure to an external dispensing cavity and passing through the insulated dispenser portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2022Date of Patent: January 16, 2024Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Sarah Galea, Dustin M. Miller, Vikas C. Mruthyunjaya, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
-
Publication number: 20230330969Abstract: An operable panel for an appliance includes a metallic outer wrapper having a perimetrical wrapper edge that partially defines a perimetrical breaker channel, an inner liner and a plurality of corner brackets disposed proximate the perimetrical wrapper edge. Each corner bracket cooperates with the perimetrical wrapper edge to fully define the perimetrical breaker channel. A trim breaker is adhered to the metallic outer wrapper and the corner brackets at the perimetrical breaker channel and having a liner channel that receives a portion of the inner liner. The trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper. An insulation material is disposed within an insulating cavity defined between the inner liner and the outer wrapper.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul B. Allard, Lakshya J. Deka, Eric J. Dherde, Gustavo Frattini, Alberto R. Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Karen J. Querfurth, Jerry M. Visin
-
Patent number: 11724479Abstract: An operable panel for an appliance includes a metallic outer wrapper having a perimetrical wrapper edge that partially defines a perimetrical breaker channel, an inner liner and a plurality of corner brackets disposed proximate the perimetrical wrapper edge. Each corner bracket cooperates with the perimetrical wrapper edge to fully define the perimetrical breaker channel. A trim breaker is adhered to the metallic outer wrapper and the corner brackets at the perimetrical breaker channel and having a liner channel that receives a portion of the inner liner. The trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper. An insulation material is disposed within an insulating cavity defined between the inner liner and the outer wrapper.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2022Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Lakshya J. Deka, Eric J. Dherde, Gustavo Frattini, Alberto R. Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Karen J. Querfurth, Jerry M. Visin
-
Publication number: 20230194372Abstract: A door assembly includes a structural wrapper defining an insulating cavity. The structural wrapper defines a sensor port. A sensor assembly is coupled to an outer surface of the structural wrapper proximate to the sensor port. The sensor assembly includes a connector having a base coupled to a housing. The base is coupled to the structural wrapper. The connector defines an interior in fluid communication with the insulating cavity. A pressure sensor is disposed within the housing. The pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure within the insulating cavity. At least one plate is disposed at an open end of the housing. The pressure sensor includes sensor pins that extend through the at least one plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2021Publication date: June 22, 2023Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul Bennett Allard, Sunil Shivaji Ekshinge, Dustin M. Miller, Omkar Mithari, Abhay Naik, Rafael Dutra Nunes
-
Patent number: 11577446Abstract: A vacuum insulated appliance structure, comprising: a first layer of a first polymer material. A second layer of a second polymer material is molded to (e.g. over) at least a portion of the first layer, and a third layer of a third polymer material is molded to (e.g. over) at least a portion of the second layer to form a first component. At least one of the layers is impervious to one or more gasses. One or more additional components are secured to the first component to form a vacuum cavity. The vacuum cavity is filled with a porous material, and the vacuum cavity is evacuated to form a vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Dustin M. Miller, Subrata Shannigrahi, Hua Liu
-
Publication number: 20220410532Abstract: An operable panel for an appliance includes a metallic outer wrapper having a perimetrical wrapper edge that partially defines a perimetrical breaker channel, an inner liner and a plurality of corner brackets disposed proximate the perimetrical wrapper edge. Each corner bracket cooperates with the perimetrical wrapper edge to fully define the perimetrical breaker channel. A trim breaker is adhered to the metallic outer wrapper and the corner brackets at the perimetrical breaker channel and having a liner channel that receives a portion of the inner liner. The trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper. An insulation material is disposed within an insulating cavity defined between the inner liner and the outer wrapper.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul B. Allard, Lakshya J. Deka, Eric J. Dherde, Gustavo Frattini, Alberto R. Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Karen J. Querfurth, Jerry M. Visin
-
Publication number: 20220364784Abstract: A door panel for a refrigerating appliance includes an inner liner. An outer wrapper is attached to the inner liner and defines an insulating structure with an insulating cavity disposed therein. An insulating material is defined within the insulating cavity. A dispenser structure is defined within a central portion of the inner liner and the outer wrapper. The dispenser structure defines an insulated dispenser portion therein. A dispenser conduit extends from an interior area disposed above the dispenser structure to an external dispensing cavity and passing through the insulated dispenser portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul B. Allard, Sarah Galea, Dustin M. Miller, Vikas C. Mruthyunjaya, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
-
Patent number: 11479021Abstract: An operable panel for an appliance includes a metallic outer wrapper having a perimetrical wrapper edge that partially defines a perimetrical breaker channel, an inner liner and a plurality of corner brackets disposed proximate the perimetrical wrapper edge. Each corner bracket cooperates with the perimetrical wrapper edge to fully define the perimetrical breaker channel. A trim breaker is adhered to the metallic outer wrapper and the corner brackets at the perimetrical breaker channel and having a liner channel that receives a portion of the inner liner. The trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper. An insulation material is disposed within an insulating cavity defined between the inner liner and the outer wrapper.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Lakshya J. Deka, Eric J. Dherde, Gustavo Frattini, Alberto R. Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Karen J. Querfurth, Jerry M. Visin
-
Patent number: 11466927Abstract: A vacuum insulated cabinet structure includes an exterior wrapper with a front edge extending around an opening thereof. A liner includes a front edge extending around an opening of the liner, wherein the liner is disposed inside of the wrapper. A thermal bridge includes an outer coupling portion and an inner coupling portion. In assembly, the outer coupling portion is overmolded to the front edge of the wrapper, and the inner coupling portion is overmolded to the front edge of the liner to form a sealed vacuum cavity (VC) between the wrapper and the liner. The thermal bridge is formed in a mold in which the wrapper and liner are partially disposed to form a unitary composite structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Lakshya J. Deka, Dustin M. Miller, Tao Liu
-
Patent number: 11435130Abstract: A door panel for a refrigerating appliance includes an inner liner. An outer wrapper is attached to the inner liner and defines an insulating structure with an insulating cavity disposed therein. An insulating material is defined within the insulating cavity. A dispenser structure is defined within a central portion of the inner liner and the outer wrapper. The dispenser structure defines an insulated dispenser portion therein. A dispenser conduit extends from an interior area disposed above the dispenser structure to an external dispensing cavity and passing through the insulated dispenser portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Sarah Galea, Dustin M. Miller, Vikas C. Mruthyunjaya, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
-
Patent number: 11313611Abstract: A door panel includes an outer panel having a generally planar body portion with inner and outer surfaces and a sidewall with a front edge. An inner panel includes a generally planar body portion with inner and outer surfaces and a sidewall with a front edge. A trim breaker interconnects the outer panel and the inner panel to form a vacuum cavity therebetween. The trim breaker includes first and second upright members interconnected by upper and lower cross members. The trim breaker further includes an inner channel and an outer channel spaced-apart from one another around the trim breaker. The outer channel is outwardly disposed around the inner channel. The front edge of the inner panel is received in the inner channel of the trim breaker, and the front edge of the outer panel is received in the outer channel of the trim breaker.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Jeffrey Beckner, Kamil EL Sayed, Lynne F. Hunter, Sai B. Krishna, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Karen J. Querfurth, Daniel Lottinville
-
Publication number: 20210356195Abstract: A refrigerator includes a wrapper having an opening with a front edge. A liner includes an opening and a front edge. A thermal bridge interconnects the wrapper and the liner to form a vacuum insulated cavity therebetween. The thermal bridge includes an outwardly opening channel and first and second inwardly opening channels. The front edge of wrapper is received in the first inwardly opening channel, and the front edge of the liner is received in the second inwardly opening channel. The second inwardly opening channel is inset relative to the first inwardly opening channel on the thermal bridge. A conduit is disposed within the outwardly opening channel and is configured to circulate a heated medium. The wrapper and liner are contemplated to be comprised of conductive materials, such sheet metal, while the thermal bridge is comprised of a thermally resistant material, such as a polymeric material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2017Publication date: November 18, 2021Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Lakshya J. Deka, Lynne F. Hunter, Hua Liu, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
-
Publication number: 20210291490Abstract: An operable panel for an appliance includes a metallic outer wrapper having a perimetrical wrapper edge that partially defines a perimetrical breaker channel, an inner liner and a plurality of corner brackets disposed proximate the perimetrical wrapper edge. Each corner bracket cooperates with the perimetrical wrapper edge to fully define the perimetrical breaker channel. A trim breaker is adhered to the metallic outer wrapper and the corner brackets at the perimetrical breaker channel and having a liner channel that receives a portion of the inner liner. The trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper. An insulation material is disposed within an insulating cavity defined between the inner liner and the outer wrapper.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul B. Allard, Lakshya J. Deka, Eric J. Dherde, Gustavo Frattini, Alberto R. Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Karen J. Querfurth, Jerry M. Visin
-
Patent number: 11065842Abstract: An operable panel for an appliance includes a metallic outer wrapper having a perimetrical wrapper edge that partially defines a perimetrical breaker channel, an inner liner and a plurality of corner brackets disposed proximate the perimetrical wrapper edge. Each corner bracket cooperates with the perimetrical wrapper edge to fully define the perimetrical breaker channel. A trim breaker is adhered to the metallic outer wrapper and the corner brackets at the perimetrical breaker channel and having a liner channel that receives a portion of the inner liner. The trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper. An insulation material is disposed within an insulating cavity defined between the inner liner and the outer wrapper.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Lakshya J. Deka, Eric J. Dherde, Gustavo Frattini, Alberto R. Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Karen J. Querfurth, Jerry M. Visin
-
Publication number: 20210207878Abstract: A refrigerator includes a wrapper having an opening with a front edge. A liner includes an opening and a front edge. A thermal bridge interconnects the wrapper and the liner to form a vacuum insulated cavity therebetween. The thermal bridge includes an outwardly opening channel and first and second inwardly opening channels. The front edge of wrapper is received in the first inwardly opening channel, and the front edge of the liner is received in the second inwardly opening channel. The second inwardly opening channel is inset relative to the first inwardly opening channel on the thermal bridge. A conduit is disposed within the outwardly opening channel and is configured to circulate a heated medium. The wrapper and liner are contemplated to be comprised of conductive materials, such sheet metal, while the thermal bridge is comprised of a thermally resistant material, such as a polymeric material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Lakshya J. Deka, Lynne F. Hunter, Hua Liu, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak, Paul B. Allard, Eric J. Dherde
-
Publication number: 20210108851Abstract: A door panel for a refrigerating appliance includes an inner liner. An outer wrapper is attached to the inner liner and defines an insulating structure with an insulating cavity disposed therein. An insulating material is defined within the insulating cavity. A dispenser structure is defined within a central portion of the inner liner and the outer wrapper. The dispenser structure defines an insulated dispenser portion therein. A dispenser conduit extends from an interior area disposed above the dispenser structure to an external dispensing cavity and passing through the insulated dispenser portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul B. Allard, Sarah Galea, Dustin M. Miller, Vikas C. Mruthyunjaya, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
-
Patent number: 10907882Abstract: A door panel for a refrigerating appliance includes an inner liner. An outer wrapper is attached to the inner liner and defines an insulating structure with an insulating cavity disposed therein. An insulating material is defined within the insulating cavity. A dispenser structure is defined within a central portion of the inner liner and the outer wrapper. The dispenser structure defines an insulated dispenser portion therein. A dispenser conduit extends from an interior area disposed above the dispenser structure to an external dispensing cavity and passing through the insulated dispenser portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Sarah Galea, Dustin M. Miller, Vikas C. Mruthyunjaya, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
-
Publication number: 20210018255Abstract: A vacuum insulated cabinet structure includes an exterior wrapper with a front edge extending around an opening thereof. A liner includes a front edge extending around an opening of the liner, wherein the liner is disposed inside of the wrapper. A thermal bridge includes an outer coupling portion and an inner coupling portion. In assembly, the outer coupling portion is overmolded to the front edge of the wrapper, and the inner coupling portion is overmolded to the front edge of the liner to form a sealed vacuum cavity (VC) between the wrapper and the liner. The thermal bridge is formed in a mold in which the wrapper and liner are partially disposed to form a unitary composite structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2020Publication date: January 21, 2021Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Lakshya J. Deka, Dustin M. Miller, Tao Liu
-
Publication number: 20200406527Abstract: A method of fabricating a vacuum insulated appliance structure includes molding a first layer of a first polymer material. A second layer of a second polymer material is molded to (e.g. over) at least a portion of the first layer, and a third layer of a third polymer material is molded to (e.g. over) at least a portion of the second layer to form a first component. At least one of the layers is impervious to one or more gasses. One or more additional components are secured to the first component to form a vacuum cavity. The vacuum cavity is filled with a porous material, and the vacuum cavity is evacuated to form a vacuum.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul B. Allard, Dustin M. Miller, Subrata Shannigrahi, Hua Liu