Patents by Inventor Jerrod Aaron Kappler
Jerrod Aaron Kappler 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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Publication number: 20120144872Abstract: An apparatus and techniques for automatic self-washing of a clothes washing machine are provided. The clothes washing machine includes one or more storage tanks, and a user interface, wherein the user interface enables a user to schedule an automatic recurring self-cleaning wash cycle. The techniques include enabling the washing machine to automatically run the self-cleaning wash cycle according to schedule, wherein enabling the washing machine to automatically run the self-cleaning wash cycle comprises automatically dispensing an amount of self-cleaning additive from one of the one or more storage tanks into the cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Christopher Hoppe, James Rulon Young Rawson, David Gilles Gascoyne, John Ouseph
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Publication number: 20120111067Abstract: A liquid additive dispensing apparatus for dispensing a liquid additive into a washing machine having a tub accommodating a fluid and a basket rotatably disposed in the tub. A storage container is provided for storing the liquid additive. A tube is used to implement a fluid communication between the storage container and the tub. The tube has an inlet coupled to the storage container and an outlet coupled to the tub. The apparatus further has a venturi member arranged in the tub and in fluid communication with the outlet of the tube. The venturi member creates a venturi effect at the outlet of the tube when the wash basket rotates in the tub to send water or air into the venturi member, so that a reduced pressure is created at the outlet to suck the liquid additive from the storage container to the tub.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Alexander LEIBMAN, Alaknanda ACHARYA, Jerrod Aaron KAPPLER, Austin Vinoth SARGUNUM
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Publication number: 20120109395Abstract: A single communication interface for controlling multiple smart appliances. The communication interface can be integral with an appliance and have a port for communicating with at least one other appliance or energy consuming devices. The communication interface can be a separate module connectable to a plurality of appliance or energy consuming devices. A wireless or wired connection can be established between the communication module and an energy management device for controlling the smart appliances or energy consuming devices connected to the communication module. One or more of the appliances or energy consuming devices can be wirelessly connected to the communication interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Michael Francis Finch, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Steven Keith Root, Darko Ilickovic, James Steven Downey, Chad Michael Helms
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Publication number: 20110302802Abstract: A clothes dryer operates on at least one of first and second sources of power or fuel. The clothes dryer has a housing with a drum that receives associated laundry and a blower assembly for selectively circulating air in the drum to dry the laundry. The dryer is configured for connection with an associated first source of fuel/power for a first heater (e.g., electric) and additionally configured for connection with a different type, associated second source of fuel/power for a second heater (e.g., combustible fuel). Typically, the clothes dryer is adapted for both an electrical connection and a combustible fuel connection. A controller receives a signal or data from an external source indicative of price and usage operation of a particular power source. The controller can then provide an output that prompts the consumer for selection of different modes of operation using the first heater, second heater, or a combination of both.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventors: Joshua S. Wiseman, Michael F. Finch, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Steven Keith Root, Chad Helms, Peter Pepe
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Publication number: 20110185513Abstract: An apparatus and techniques for detecting unbalanced load in a washing machine are provided. A clothes basket containing a load of clothing and rotatable about an axis is accelerated. As the clothes basket passes a first predetermined rotational speed, one of power and torque applied to the clothes basket is limited. It is determined whether the clothes basket accelerates from the first predetermined to a second predetermined rotational speed within a predetermined time. Failure to reach the second predetermined rotational speed within the predetermined time signifies an out-of-balance condition as to the load of clothing. No resonance of the machine lies between the first and second predetermined rotational speeds. In another aspect, a similar technique can be employed, with or without limiting power or torque, wherein a resonance does lie between the first and second predetermined rotational speeds.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Richard D. Suel, II, David Duane Warmuth, David Scott Dunn, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Meher P. Kollipara, Mariano Pablo Filippa
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Publication number: 20110061177Abstract: A clothes washer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current state of an associated utility. The controller operates the clothes washer in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by modifying the spin cycle to achieve a lower remaining moisture content in the clothes load prior to going into a dryer, thus reducing overall total energy consumption to completely wash and dry a clothes load.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Jerrod Aaron Kappler
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Publication number: 20110061175Abstract: A clothes washer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current state of an associated utility. The controller operates the clothes washer in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. In the case of a water heating clothes washer containing a heater assembly, the controller is configured to change the power consuming characteristics of the heater assembly to reduce power consumption of the clothes washer in an energy savings mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Jerrod Aaron Kappler
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Publication number: 20110061176Abstract: A clothes washer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current state of an associated utility. The controller operates the clothes washer in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by changing the duty cycling profile of the heater and/or mechanical action of the basket in the energy savings mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Michael F. Finch, Steven Keith Root, Daniel S. Frazer, Chad Michael Helms
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Patent number: 7867341Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub, a fluid circulation assembly, and a water flow blocking mechanism. The assembly includes a pump, which is in flow communication with a lower spray arm via a water passage and at least one other spray arm via a conduit. The water flow blocking mechanism includes a water flow blocking device, a magnet, and a magnet positioning device. The water flow blocking device is normally positioned in a pocket in the conduit. The magnet positioning device is configured to move the magnet from a first position to a second position. When the magnet is in the first position, the water flow blocking device is maintained in the pocket by magnetic forces from the magnet. When the magnet is in the second position, the water flow blocking device is not retained in the pocket by magnetic forces of the magnet.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Timothy Martin Wetzel, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Matthew David Mersch, Joseph Duane Tobbe
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Patent number: 7753459Abstract: A closure assembly configured to urge a drawer of a refrigerator from an open position that permits access to an interior of the drawer toward a closed position that impedes access to the interior of the drawer. The closure assembly includes a cam block configured to be disposed on one of the drawer and a portion of the refrigerator other than the drawer. The cam block includes a cam surface. A cam member is configured to be disposed on the other one of the drawer and the portion of the refrigerator other than the drawer. The cam member includes a contact surface configured to contact the cam surface to urge the drawer from the open position toward the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Mark Anthony Rinaudo, Justin P. Todd, Steven Paul, Brandon Wayne Coats
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Publication number: 20100174668Abstract: A clothes dryer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current cost of supplied energy. The controller operates the clothes dryer in one of a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode based on the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the clothes dryer in the energy savings mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventors: MICHAEL F. FINCH, John K. Besore, Jeff Donald Drake, Darin Franks, Chad Michael Helms, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Steven Keith Root, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Eric K. Watson, Joshua S. Wiseman
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Publication number: 20100146712Abstract: A clothes washer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current state of an associated utility. The controller operates the clothes washer in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the clothes washer in the energy savings mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Michael F. Finch, John Besore, Jeff Donald Drake, Darin Franks, Chad Michael Helms, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Steven Keith Root, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Eric K. Watson, Joshua S. Wiseman
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Patent number: 7571734Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for a dishwasher door assembly having an inner door panel and an outer door panel is provided. The fluid dispensing system includes a storage tank fixedly coupled within the door assembly between the inner door panel and the outer door panel. A pump is fixedly coupled within the door assembly. A dispenser extends at least partially through the door assembly. At least one conduit is in flow communication with the storage tank, the pump, and the dispenser. A control board is in electrical communication with the pump.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Joseph Duane Tobbe, Paul Douglas Mantle, Shelly Elizabeth Warms
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Publication number: 20090103587Abstract: A monitoring apparatus configured to monitor a temperature related condition of a compartment of a refrigerator which is cooled by a cooling system. The monitoring apparatus includes a sensor configured to sense a temperature of the compartment when the cooling system is not operating. A processor is configured to send processed information based on the sensed temperature. An indicator is configured to receive the processed information from the processor and to indicate, when the cooling system recommences operation, (i) a duration that the cooling system was not operating and (ii) a temperature of the compartment when the cooling system was not operating.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Anthony A. Cooper, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Joshua Paul Kopecky
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Publication number: 20080116777Abstract: A closure assembly configured to urge a drawer of a refrigerator from an open position that permits access to an interior of the drawer toward a closed position that impedes access to the interior of the drawer. The closure assembly includes a cam block configured to be disposed on one of the drawer and a portion of the refrigerator other than the drawer. The cam block includes a cam surface. A cam member is configured to be disposed on the other one of the drawer and the portion of the refrigerator other than the drawer. The cam member includes a contact surface configured to contact the cam surface to urge the drawer from the open position toward the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventors: Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Mark Anthony Rinaudo, Justin P. Todd, Steven Paul, Brandon Wayne Coats
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Patent number: 6932317Abstract: The present invention comprises a diaphragm type solenoid fluid valve assembly of the class used in the on/off control of pressurized fluid flow. The valve assembly has a housing, a solenoid, and a magnetized cylindrical armature engagingly coupled to the solenoid and residing within the hollow center of the solenoid. The armature further has a spring affixed to one end of the armature and affixed to the end of the solenoid, wherein the spring and armature are capable of linear motion within the fluid chamber of the valve housing and within the cylindrical plunger guide of the solenoid. The linear motion is controlled by the magnetic field of the solenoid and the spring so as to enable the magnetized armature to abut against the orifice fluid exit of the orifice plate to prevent fluid flow there-through.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Errin Whitney Gnadinger, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Jay Andrew Broniak
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Publication number: 20040251440Abstract: The present invention comprises a diaphragm type solenoid fluid valve assembly of the class used in the on/off control of pressurized fluid flow. The valve assembly has a housing, a solenoid, and a magnetized cylindrical armature engagingly coupled to the solenoid and residing within the hollow center of the solenoid. The armature further has a spring affixed to one end of the armature and affixed to the end of the solenoid, wherein the spring and armature are capable of linear motion within the fluid chamber of the valve housing and within the cylindrical plunger guide of the solenoid. The linear motion is controlled by the magnetic field of the solenoid and the spring so as to enable the magnetized armature to abut against the orifice fluid exit of the orifice plate to prevent fluid flow there-through.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: Errin Whitney Gnadinger, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Jay Andrew Broniak