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).

  • Patent number: 11729872
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick A. Millett
  • Patent number: 11224307
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick A. Millett
  • Patent number: 11160414
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick Millett
  • Patent number: 11035577
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick A. Millett
  • Publication number: 20200344852
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventor: FREDERICK A. MILLETT
  • Patent number: 10779365
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick A. Millett
  • Publication number: 20200120766
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventor: FREDERICK A. MILLETT
  • Patent number: 10531524
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick A. Millett
  • Publication number: 20190331345
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Frederick A. Millett
  • Patent number: 10386077
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick A. Millett
  • Publication number: 20190246832
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Frederick Millett
  • Publication number: 20190239680
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Frederick A. Millett
  • Patent number: 10342407
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick A. Millett, Daniel W. Southworth, Anthony B. Welsh
  • Patent number: 10314428
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick A. Millett
  • Patent number: 10314427
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick A. Millett
  • Publication number: 20180035495
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: FREDERICK A. MILLETT
  • Patent number: 9763553
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin T. Kutto, Frederick A. Millett, Anthony B. Welsh
  • Publication number: 20170219217
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: FREDERICK A. MILLETT
  • Patent number: 9675231
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin T. Kutto, Frederick A. Millett, Anthony B. Welsh
  • Patent number: 9630381
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick A. Millett