Patents by Inventor Jeffrey L. Blair

Jeffrey L. Blair 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: 7177712
    Abstract: A laundry machine control system and method of operating the same are disclosed. The system includes various slates of cycles pre-programmed into a CPU which controls the machine. Each of the slates includes numerous different cycles, each preferably designed to clean a different type of fabric. Particularly, each of the slates is programmed with the cycles expected to be used in a specific environment. The system of this invention allows for a programmer to select a desired slate from among the pre-programmed slates. It is also possible to reprogram a slate with cycles not originally part of that slate. Furthermore, it is possible, through the control system of the invention, to redefine a specific cycle including the individual steps and operations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Blair, Kim L. Wright, Dennis C. Mundt
  • Patent number: 6502265
    Abstract: A system for operating and programming a laundry appliance includes a menu system giving a user extreme flexibility in operating the appliance. Through a series of menu screens, the user is presented with a variety of available options. Additionally, the laundry appliance of the invention gives the user access to databases, preferably already programmed into memory of the appliance, such as general tips for laundering and simple troubleshooting. Finally, the user has the ability to program the menu system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Blair, John F. Broker, Mitchell N. Corbett, Douglas W. Gardner, Brian L. Ness, Douglas A. Ocshner, Joel D. Rozendaal, Kim L. Wright
  • Publication number: 20020128729
    Abstract: A laundry machine control system and method of operating the same are disclosed. The system includes various slates of cycles pre-programmed into a CPU which controls the machine. Each of the slates includes numerous different cycles, each preferably designed to clean a different type of fabric. Particularly, each of the slates is programmed with the cycles expected to be used in a specific environment. The system of this invention allows for a programmer to select a desired slate from among the pre-programmed slates. It is also possible to reprogram a slate with cycles not originally part of that slate. Furthermore, it is possible, through the control system of the invention, to redefine a specific cycle including the individual steps and operations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Blair, Kim L. Wright, Dennis C. Mundt
  • Publication number: 20020078511
    Abstract: A system for operating and programming a laundry appliance includes a menu system giving a user extreme flexibility in operating the appliance. Through a series of menu screens, the user is presented with a variety of available options. Additionally, the laundry appliance of the invention gives the user access to databases, preferably already programmed into memory of the appliance, such as general tips for laundering and simple troubleshooting. Finally, the user has the ability to program the menu system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Blair, John F. Broker, Mitchell N. Corbett, Douglas W. Gardner, Brian L. Ness, Douglas A. Ocshner, Joel D. Rozendaal, Kim L. Wright
  • Patent number: 4866955
    Abstract: A microcontroller-based control circuit is provided for an appliance. The appliance includes an access door and an access door actuated switch operated between open and closed postures. The microcontroller monitors the operating condition of the access door actuated switch. If the access door actuated switch has not been cycled between an open and closed posture since the completion of a cycle of operations, a new cycle will not be allowed to start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Blair, Paul S. Decature, Charles L. Jackson