Patents by Inventor Eric A. Hill

Eric A. Hill 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: 12528588
    Abstract: A variable chiller exhaust system incorporate a plurality of chillers, each driller having an inlet receiving air from a crown in an aircraft fuselage and an outlet connected to a manifold. A plurality of check valves are connected to the manifold and configured to maintain a differential back pressure on the plurality of chillers of 2? water pressure or less. The check valves vent into the crown. An exhaust conduit is connected to direct air from the manifold to a variable speed fan. An outflow valve exhausts air from the variable speed fan to an exterior of the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2026
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Eric A. Hill, Brian C. Christenson, John C. Pizzichemi
  • Publication number: 20250064265
    Abstract: A stand mixer includes a base configured for resting on a surface and a mixing head coupled to the base so as to be moveable between a lowered, operative position and a raised, non-use position. A locking mechanism is engageable between the base and the mixing head and has a solenoid having an operative end moveable between a rest condition and an actuated condition and a swing arm pivotably mounted with respect to the solenoid. The swing arm is moveable between a locked position, wherein the swing arm is engaged between the mixing head and the base, and a release position, wherein the swing arm is disengaged from the base. The solenoid acts on a lever end of the swing arm to move the swing arm into the release position when the solenoid is in the actuated condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brandon T. Mock, Ryan James Rutter, Eric A. Hill
  • Publication number: 20250040763
    Abstract: A countertop appliance is provided that has a motor and an actuator for setting an operational criteria of the motor, such as motor speed. The position of the actuator can be set physically by a user adjacent to the countertop appliance or via a signal received from a remote device, such as a smartphone or a home automation device. If a signal is received remotely, the physical position of the actuator is updated to show the updated operational criteria of the motor for the countertop appliance. An option feature of a confirmation interface is provided on a housing for the countertop appliance in which a user adjacent to the countertop appliance can confirm or reject an update to the operational criteria of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: ERIC A. HILL, RICHARD J. HUGHES, BRANDON T. MOCK, RYAN JAMES RUTTER
  • Patent number: 12215451
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet defining a front opening in a front panel. The front opening is defined by a lip having a curved edge. The lip defines a plurality of apertures spaced-apart around the front opening. A tub is disposed within the cabinet. The tub defines an access opening aligned with the front opening. A drum is disposed within the tub. A bellows assembly extends between the cabinet and the tub. The bellows assembly includes a projection coupled to the curved edge of the cabinet. A deflector has a rim and a chute wherein the chute extends toward the drum. The rim is configured to snap-fit over the projection of the bellows assembly. The rim includes a plurality of hooks where each hook is configured to extend through an aperture and interlock with the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Darryl C. Bodine, Donald Erickson, Gregg P. Fitzgerald, Eric A. Hill, Patrick A. McCormick, Stephen D. Ostdiek, Anna C. Schelling, Robert J. Schneider, Mohaideen Abdul Khadaar Sikkandar Batcha, Todd J. Tunzi, Andrew C. Kubasiak
  • Publication number: 20250031906
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a body, a power cord extending outward from the body, and a cord holder configured to receive the power cord via wrapping of the power cord about the cord holder. The cord holder is operable between an attached condition and a detached condition. In the attached condition, the cord holder is attached to the body via magnetic attraction. In the detached condition, the cord holder is detached from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric A. Hill, Brandon T. Mock, Ryan J. Rutter
  • Publication number: 20240344261
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a body that houses a motor that selectively operates a drum for processing laundry, wherein the body includes an aperture for selectively accessing the drum. A door panel provides selective access to the aperture. A controller is configured to operate at least the motor. A user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting a laundry-processing operation to be performed. An outer panel at least partially conceals the body from view. An outer selector is positioned proximate the outer panel, wherein the outer selector is in communication with the controller via the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin B. Ayers, Seth E. Bixby, Donald E. Erickson, Eric A. Hill, Dennis Kehl, Andrew C. Kubasiak, Sayer J. Murphy, Trevor R. Haney
  • Patent number: 12018423
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a body that houses a motor that selectively operates a drum for processing laundry, wherein the body includes an aperture for selectively accessing the drum. A door panel provides selective access to the aperture. A controller is configured to operate at least the motor. A user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting a laundry-processing operation to be performed. An outer panel at least partially conceals the body from view. An outer selector is positioned proximate the outer panel, wherein the outer selector is in communication with the controller via the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Ayers, Seth E. Bixby, Donald E. Erickson, Eric A. Hill, Dennis Kehl, Andrew C. Kubasiak, Sayer J. Murphy, Trevor R. Haney
  • Publication number: 20230374717
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet defining a front opening in a front panel. The front opening is defined by a lip having a curved edge. The lip defines a plurality of apertures spaced-apart around the front opening. A tub is disposed within the cabinet. The tub defines an access opening aligned with the front opening. A drum is disposed within the tub. A bellows assembly extends between the cabinet and the tub. The bellows assembly includes a projection coupled to the curved edge of the cabinet. A deflector has a rim and a chute wherein the chute extends toward the drum. The rim is configured to snap-fit over the projection of the bellows assembly. The rim includes a plurality of hooks where each hook is configured to extend through an aperture and interlock with the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Darryl C. Bodine, Donald Erickson, Gregg P. Fitzgerald, Eric A. Hill, Patrick A. McCormick, Stephen D. Ostdiek, Anna C. Schelling, Robert J. Schneider, Mohaideen Abdul Khadaar Sikkandar Batcha, Todd J. Tunzi, Andrew C. Kubasiak
  • Patent number: 11761134
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet defining a front opening in a front panel. The front opening is defined by a lip having a curved edge. The lip defines a plurality of apertures spaced-apart around the front opening. A tub is disposed within the cabinet. The tub defines an access opening aligned with the front opening. A drum is disposed within the tub. A bellows assembly extends between the cabinet and the tub. The bellows assembly includes a projection coupled to the curved edge of the cabinet. A deflector has a rim and a chute wherein the chute extends toward the drum. The rim is configured to snap-fit over the projection of the bellows assembly. The rim includes a plurality of hooks where each hook is configured to extend through an aperture and interlock with the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Darryl C. Bodine, Gregg P. Fitzgerald, Eric A. Hill, Patrick A. McCormick, Stephen D. Ostdiek, Anna C. Schelling, Robert J. Schneider, Mohaideen Abdul Khadaar Sikkandar Batcha, Todd J. Tunzi
  • Publication number: 20230166846
    Abstract: A variable chiller exhaust system incorporate a plurality of chillers, each driller having an inlet receiving air from a crown in an aircraft fuselage and an outlet connected to a manifold. A plurality of check valves are connected to the manifold and configured to maintain a differential back pressure on the plurality of chillers of 2? water pressure or less. The check valves vent into the crown. An exhaust conduit is connected to direct air from the manifold to a variable speed fan. An outflow valve exhausts air from the variable speed fan to an exterior of the fuselage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: Eric A. Hill, Brian C. Christenson, John C. Pizzichemi
  • Patent number: 11591093
    Abstract: A variable chiller exhaust system incorporate a plurality of chillers, each chiller having an inlet receiving air from a crown in an aircraft fuselage and an outlet connected to a manifold. A plurality of check valves are connected to the manifold and configured to maintain a differential back pressure on the plurality of chillers of 2? water pressure or less. The check valves vent into the crown. An exhaust conduit is connected to direct air from the manifold to a variable speed fan. An outflow valve exhausts air from the variable speed fan to an exterior of the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Eric A. Hill, Brian C. Christenson, John C. Pizzichemi
  • Publication number: 20220372686
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet defining a front opening in a front panel. The front opening is defined by a lip having a curved edge. The lip defines a plurality of apertures spaced-apart around the front opening. A tub is disposed within the cabinet. The tub defines an access opening aligned with the front opening. A drum is disposed within the tub. A bellows assembly extends between the cabinet and the tub. The bellows assembly includes a projection coupled to the curved edge of the cabinet. A deflector has a rim and a chute wherein the chute extends toward the drum. The rim is configured to snap-fit over the projection of the bellows assembly. The rim includes a plurality of hooks where each hook is configured to extend through an aperture and interlock with the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Darryl C. Bodine, Donald Erickson, Gregg P. Fitzgerald, Eric A. Hill, Patrick A. McCormick, Stephen D. Ostdiek, Anna C. Schelling, Robert J. Schneider, Mohaideen Abdul Khadaar Sikkandar Batcha, Todd J. Tunzi
  • Publication number: 20220042233
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a body that houses a motor that selectively operates a drum for processing laundry, wherein the body includes an aperture for selectively accessing the drum. A door panel provides selective access to the aperture. A controller is configured to operate at least the motor. A user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting a laundry-processing operation to be performed. An outer panel at least partially conceals the body from view. An outer selector is positioned proximate the outer panel, wherein the outer selector is in communication with the controller via the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin B. Ayers, Seth E. Bixby, Donald E. Erickson, Eric A. Hill, Dennis Kehl, Andrew C. Kubasiak, Sayer J. Murphy, Trevor R. Haney
  • Patent number: 11193229
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a body that houses a motor that selectively operates a drum for processing laundry, wherein the body includes an aperture for selectively accessing the drum. A door panel provides selective access to the aperture. A controller is configured to operate at least the motor. A user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting a laundry-processing operation to be performed. An outer panel at least partially conceals the body from view. An outer selector is positioned proximate the outer panel, wherein the outer selector is in communication with the controller via the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Ayers, Seth E. Bixby, Donald E. Erickson, Eric A. Hill, Dennis Kehl, Andrew C. Kubasiak, Sayer J. Murphy, Trevor R. Haney
  • Publication number: 20210339872
    Abstract: A variable chiller exhaust system incorporate a plurality of chillers, each chiller having an inlet receiving air from a crown in an aircraft fuselage and an outlet connected to a manifold. A plurality of check valves are connected to the manifold and configured to maintain a differential back pressure on the plurality of chillers of 2? water pressure or less. The check valves vent into the crown. An exhaust conduit is connected to direct air from the manifold to a variable speed fan. An outflow valve exhausts air from the variable speed fan to an exterior of the fuselage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Eric A. Hill, Brian C. Christenson, John C. Pizzichemi
  • Publication number: 20200370222
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a cabinet defining a front opening in a front panel. The front opening is defined by a lip having a curved edge. The lip defines a plurality of apertures spaced-apart around the front opening. A tub is disposed within the cabinet. The tub defines an access opening aligned with the front opening. A drum is disposed within the tub. A bellows assembly extends between the cabinet and the tub. The bellows assembly includes a projection coupled to the curved edge of the cabinet. A deflector has a rim and a chute wherein the chute extends toward the drum. The rim is configured to snap-fit over the projection of the bellows assembly. The rim includes a plurality of hooks where each hook is configured to extend through an aperture and interlock with the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Darryl C. Bodine, Donald Erickson, Gregg P. Fitzgerald, Eric A. Hill, Andrew C. Kubasiak, Patrick A. McCormick, Stephen D. Ostdiek, Anna C. Schelling, Robert J. Schneider, Mohaideen Abdul Khadaar Sikkandar Batcha, Todd J. Tunzi
  • Publication number: 20200121158
    Abstract: A laundry appliance includes a body that houses a motor that selectively operates a drum for processing laundry, wherein the body includes an aperture for selectively accessing the drum. A door panel provides selective access to the aperture. A controller is configured to operate at least the motor. A user interface is in communication with the controller for selecting a laundry-processing operation to be performed. An outer panel at least partially conceals the body from view. An outer selector is positioned proximate the outer panel, wherein the outer selector is in communication with the controller via the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin B. Ayers, Seth E. Bixby, Donald E. Erickson, Eric A. Hill, Dennis Kehl, Andrew C. Kubasiak, Sayer J. Murphy, Trevor R. Haney
  • Publication number: 20180160877
    Abstract: A method of operating a dish treating appliance includes a user interface disposed along the top edge of a door for selectively opening and closing access to a treating chamber. The user interface can be illuminated and operating the user interface can include operating a user input mode when the door is open and a status mode when the door is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Joel Fletty, Eric A. Hill
  • Publication number: 20180142945
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body with first and second doors rotatably mounted to the main body. The second door is positioned below the first door with a gap disposed therebetween. A mullion assembly includes a mullion member rotatably mounted to the main body at an independent hinge assembly disposed adjacent to the gap between the first and second doors. The mullion member is operable between open and closed positions and is releasably coupled to a lower edge of the first door and an upper edge of the second door when the first and second doors are in the closed position. The first and second doors cooperate to provide access to a compartment while the mullion assembly provides a hinged sealing surface for the first and second doors at an intermediate height disposed along a length of the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Darryl C. Bodine, Eric A. Hill, Todd J. Tunzi
  • Patent number: 9955844
    Abstract: A method of operating a dish treating appliance includes a user interface disposed along the top edge of a door for selectively opening and closing access to a treating chamber. The user interface can be illuminated and operating the user interface can include operating a user input mode when the door is open and a status mode when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Fletty, Eric A. Hill