Patents by Inventor Frederick Millett
Frederick Millett 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: 11729872Abstract: A method of terminating power to a microwave oven having at least one surface with a transparent glass panel. The method includes emitting microwave radiation into a cooking cavity of the microwave, monitoring resistance of a conductive coating on the at least one surface of a transparent glass panel with a circuit that measures sheet resistance of the conductive coating, and terminating power to the microwave oven when a change in resistance exceeds a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2020Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Frederick A. Millett
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Patent number: 11224307Abstract: A heating appliance includes a translucent cooktop and a burner in communication with the cooktop. The burner is operable between deactive and active states. The upper surface of the cooktop defines a cooldown state after the burner is moved from the active to the deactive state. A light module includes a light source and is in an illuminated state when the burner is in the active state and when the cooktop is in the cooldown state. A light guide extends from the light module and around a portion of the burner. The light guide is positioned such that the light source directs light through the light guide. The outer surface of the light guide includes a formed surface that directs light upward and through the cooktop, wherein the light guide is visible through the cooktop when the light module is in the illuminated state.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2019Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Frederick A. Millett
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Patent number: 11160414Abstract: A heating appliance includes a translucent cooktop and a burner in communication with the cooktop. The burner is operable between deactive and active states. The upper surface of the cooktop defines a cooldown state after the burner is moved from the active to the deactive state. A light module includes a light source and is in an illuminated state when the burner is in the active state and when the cooktop is in the cooldown state. A light guide extends from the light module and around a portion of the burner. The light guide is positioned such that the light source directs light through the light guide. The outer surface of the light guide includes a formed surface that directs light upward and through the cooktop, wherein the light guide is visible through the cooktop when the light module is in the illuminated state.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2019Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Frederick Millett
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Patent number: 11035577Abstract: An appliance includes an outer shell and an inner shell, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are engaged to define an insulating cavity therebetween, and wherein the inner shell includes an inner surface that defines an interior cavity. An insulation member includes a plurality of layers, each layer of the plurality of layers including an insulative sheet defining first and second surfaces and a plurality of microspheres at least partially disposed within the insulative sheet, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of microspheres extends outward from each of the first and second surfaces to define a plurality of protrusions, and wherein the engagement of two adjacent layers of the plurality of layers causes a portion of the plurality of protrusions to engage and define a plurality of insulating air pockets between the adjacent layers.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Frederick A. Millett
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Publication number: 20200344852Abstract: A method of terminating power to a microwave oven having at least one surface with a transparent glass panel. The method comprises emitting microwave radiation into a cooking cavity of the microwave, monitoring resistance of a conductive coating on the at least one surface of a transparent glass panel with a circuit that measures sheet resistance of the conductive coating, and terminating power to the microwave oven when a change in resistance exceeds a threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventor: FREDERICK A. MILLETT
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Patent number: 10779365Abstract: A microwave oven includes a cooking cavity having an opening, a source of microwave radiation that transmits microwaves into the cooking cavity, a door positioned adjacent the opening and movable between an open position where the cooking cavity can be accessed through the opening and a closed position where the cooking cavity is inaccessible through the opening. The door further includes a transparent glass panel where the cooking cavity is viewable through the door when the door is in the closed position. The transparent glass panel has at least one surface with a measurable resistance across its surface. The microwave oven further has a circuit connected to the transparent glass panel that measures the sheet resistance of the transparent glass panel.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Frederick A. Millett
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Publication number: 20200120766Abstract: A microwave oven includes a cooking cavity having an opening, a source of microwave radiation that transmits microwaves into the cooking cavity, a door positioned adjacent the opening and movable between an open position where the cooking cavity can be accessed through the opening and a closed position where the cooking cavity is inaccessible through the opening. The door further includes a transparent glass panel where the cooking cavity is viewable through the door when the door is in the closed position. The transparent glass panel has at least one surface with a measurable resistance across its surface. The microwave oven further has a circuit connected to the transparent glass panel that measures the sheet resistance of the transparent glass panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventor: FREDERICK A. MILLETT
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Patent number: 10531524Abstract: A microwave oven includes a cooking cavity having an opening, a source of microwave radiation that transmits microwaves into the cooking cavity, a door positioned adjacent the opening and movable between an open position where the cooking cavity can be accessed through the opening and a closed position where the cooking cavity is inaccessible through the opening. The door further includes a transparent glass panel where the cooking cavity is viewable through the door when the door is in the closed position. A conductive metal transparent coating on at least one surface of the transparent glass panel attenuates microwave transmission from the cooking cavity through the door. The conductive metal transparent coating has a sheet resistance and is electrically grounded. A circuit is connected to the transparent coating that measures the sheet resistance of the transparent coating.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Frederick A. Millett
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Publication number: 20190331345Abstract: An appliance includes an outer shell and an inner shell, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are engaged to define an insulating cavity therebetween, and wherein the inner shell includes an inner surface that defines an interior cavity. An insulation member includes a plurality of layers, each layer of the plurality of layers including an insulative sheet defining first and second surfaces and a plurality of microspheres at least partially disposed within the insulative sheet, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of microspheres extends outward from each of the first and second surfaces to define a plurality of protrusions, and wherein the engagement of two adjacent layers of the plurality of layers causes a portion of the plurality of protrusions to engage and define a plurality of insulating air pockets between the adjacent layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2019Publication date: October 31, 2019Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventor: Frederick A. Millett
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Patent number: 10386077Abstract: An appliance includes an outer shell and an inner shell, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are engaged to define an insulating cavity therebetween, and wherein the inner shell includes an inner surface that defines an interior cavity. An insulation member includes a plurality of layers, each layer of the plurality of layers including an insulative sheet defining first and second surfaces and a plurality of microspheres at least partially disposed within the insulative sheet, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of microspheres extends outward from each of the first and second surfaces to define a plurality of protrusions, and wherein the engagement of two adjacent layers of the plurality of layers causes a portion of the plurality of protrusions to engage and define a plurality of insulating air pockets between the adjacent layers.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Frederick A. Millett
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Publication number: 20190246832Abstract: A heating appliance includes a translucent cooktop and a burner in communication with the cooktop. The burner is operable between deactive and active states. The upper surface of the cooktop defines a cooldown state after the burner is moved from the active to the deactive state. A light module includes a light source and is in an illuminated state when the burner is in the active state and when the cooktop is in the cooldown state. A light guide extends from the light module and around a portion of the burner. The light guide is positioned such that the light source directs light through the light guide. The outer surface of the light guide includes a formed surface that directs light upward and through the cooktop, wherein the light guide is visible through the cooktop when the light module is in the illuminated state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventor: Frederick Millett
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Publication number: 20190239680Abstract: A heating appliance includes a translucent cooktop and a burner in communication with the cooktop. The burner is operable between deactive and active states. The upper surface of the cooktop defines a cooldown state after the burner is moved from the active to the deactive state. A light module includes a light source and is in an illuminated state when the burner is in the active state and when the cooktop is in the cooldown state. A light guide extends from the light module and around a portion of the burner. The light guide is positioned such that the light source directs light through the light guide. The outer surface of the light guide includes a formed surface that directs light upward and through the cooktop, wherein the light guide is visible through the cooktop when the light module is in the illuminated state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2019Publication date: August 8, 2019Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventor: Frederick A. Millett
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Patent number: 10342407Abstract: A dishwasher includes a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to a cycle of operation and a door assembly selectively moveable to close an access opening to the treating chamber, the door assembly having an interior door panel, an exterior door panel, and a window assembly comprising first and second window panes supported within the door assembly by a peripheral frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2015Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Frederick A. Millett, Daniel W. Southworth, Anthony B. Welsh
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Patent number: 10314428Abstract: A heating appliance includes a translucent cooktop and a burner in communication with the cooktop. The burner is operable between deactive and active states. The upper surface of the cooktop defines a cooldown state after the burner is moved from the active to the deactive state. A light module includes a light source and is in an illuminated state when the burner is in the active state and when the cooktop is in the cooldown state. A light guide extends from the light module and around a portion of the burner. The light guide is positioned such that the light source directs light through the light guide. The outer surface of the light guide includes a formed surface that directs light upward and through the cooktop, wherein the light guide is visible through the cooktop when the light module is in the illuminated state.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Frederick A. Millett
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Patent number: 10314427Abstract: A heating appliance includes a translucent cooktop and a burner in communication with the cooktop. The burner is operable between deactive and active states. The upper surface of the cooktop defines a cooldown state after the burner is moved from the active to the deactive state. A light module includes a light source and is in an illuminated state when the burner is in the active state and when the cooktop is in the cooldown state. A light guide extends from the light module and around a portion of the burner. The light guide is positioned such that the light source directs light through the light guide. The outer surface of the light guide includes a formed surface that directs light upward and through the cooktop, wherein the light guide is visible through the cooktop when the light module is in the illuminated state.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Frederick A. Millett
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Publication number: 20180035495Abstract: A microwave oven includes a cooking cavity having an opening, a source of microwave radiation that transmits microwaves into the cooking cavity, a door positioned adjacent the opening and movable between an open position where the cooking cavity can be accessed through the opening and a closed position where the cooking cavity is inaccessible through the opening. The door further includes a transparent glass panel where the cooking cavity is viewable through the door when the door is in the closed position. A conductive metal transparent coating on at least one surface of the transparent glass panel attenuates microwave transmission from the cooking cavity through the door. The conductive metal transparent coating has a sheet resistance and is electrically grounded. A circuit is connected to the transparent coating that measures the sheet resistance of the transparent coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2015Publication date: February 1, 2018Inventor: FREDERICK A. MILLETT
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Patent number: 9763553Abstract: A dishwasher includes a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to a cycle of operation and a door assembly selectively moveable to close an access opening to the treating chamber, the door assembly having an interior door panel, an exterior door panel, a window assembly and a window assembly support frame provided on the interior door panel to support the window assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2016Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Kevin T. Kutto, Frederick A. Millett, Anthony B. Welsh
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Publication number: 20170219217Abstract: An appliance includes an outer shell and an inner shell, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are engaged to define an insulating cavity therebetween, and wherein the inner shell includes an inner surface that defines an interior cavity. An insulation member includes a plurality of layers, each layer of the plurality of layers including an insulative sheet defining first and second surfaces and a plurality of microspheres at least partially disposed within the insulative sheet, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of microspheres extends outward from each of the first and second surfaces to define a plurality of protrusions, and wherein the engagement of two adjacent layers of the plurality of layers causes a portion of the plurality of protrusions to engage and define a plurality of insulating air pockets between the adjacent layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Applicant: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: FREDERICK A. MILLETT
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Patent number: 9675231Abstract: A dishwasher includes a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to a cycle of operation and a door assembly selectively moveable to close an access opening to the treating chamber, the door assembly comprising a window assembly comprising first and second spaced window panes defining an intervening vacuum sealed chamber, a window assembly support frame provided on the door panel, and a seal provided between the window assembly support frame and the first and second panes and encapsulated by the window assembly support frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Kevin T. Kutto, Frederick A. Millett, Anthony B. Welsh
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Patent number: 9630381Abstract: An appliance includes an outer shell and an inner shell, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are engaged to define an insulating cavity therebetween, and wherein the inner shell includes an inner surface that defines an interior cavity. An insulation member includes a plurality of layers, each layer of the plurality of layers including an insulative sheet defining first and second surfaces and a plurality of microspheres at least partially disposed within the insulative sheet, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of microspheres extends outward from each of the first and second surfaces to define a plurality of protrusions, and wherein the engagement of two adjacent layers of the plurality of layers causes a portion of the plurality of protrusions to engage and define a plurality of insulating air pockets between the adjacent layers.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventor: Frederick A. Millett