Patents by Inventor Joseph Duane Tobbe
Joseph Duane Tobbe 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: 10876244Abstract: A method for forming a shipping support for a washing machine appliance includes attaching an elongated post to a corrugated sheet. The elongated post is oriented perpendicular to flutes of the corrugated sheet when the elongated post is attached to the corrugated sheet. The method also includes attaching the corrugated sheet to a frame. The frame has a truncated pyramid base at a center of the frame. The truncated pyramid base is formed with a plurality of supports attached to a plurality of flaps of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Duane Tobbe, Scott Jeffrey Kocian, Richard Michael Thomas
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Publication number: 20200024791Abstract: A method for forming a shipping support for a washing machine appliance includes attaching an elongated post to a corrugated sheet. The elongated post is oriented perpendicular to flutes of the corrugated sheet when the elongated post is attached to the corrugated sheet. The method also includes attaching the corrugated sheet to a frame. The frame has a truncated pyramid base at a center of the frame. The truncated pyramid base is formed with a plurality of supports attached to a plurality of flaps of the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2018Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: Joseph Duane Tobbe, Scott Jeffrey Kocian, Richard Michael Thomas
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Patent number: 9918610Abstract: A fluid circulation assembly for a dishwasher appliance includes a collection chamber positioned below a sump. A first outlet conduit extends from a valve and is configured for receiving liquid from a pump when the valve is in a recirculation configuration, and a second outlet conduit extends from the valve and is configured for directing liquid from the pump to the collection chamber when the valve is in a drain configuration. A check valve is configured for obstructing liquid flow from the collection chamber to an unfiltered volume of the sump when the valve is in the drain configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Joseph Duane Tobbe
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Publication number: 20170127904Abstract: A fluid circulation assembly for a dishwasher appliance includes a collection chamber positioned below a sump. A first outlet conduit extends from a valve and is configured for receiving liquid from a pump when the valve is in a recirculation configuration, and a second outlet conduit extends from the valve and is configured for directing liquid from the pump to the collection chamber when the valve is in a drain configuration. A check valve is configured for obstructing liquid flow from the collection chamber to an unfiltered volume of the sump when the valve is in the drain configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2015Publication date: May 11, 2017Inventor: Joseph Duane Tobbe
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Patent number: 8931310Abstract: A bulk dispensing system for a washing machine is provided. The bulk dispensing system includes at least one bulk storage tank mounted within the washing machine. A tube provides fluid communication between the at least one bulk storage tank and a tub mounted within a cabinet of the washing machine. A pump is operatively coupled to the tube and configured to move fluid from within the at least one bulk storage tank into the tub through the tube. A controller is operatively coupled to the pump and configured to control an amount of fluid moved into the tub.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Carl W. Risen, Jerrod A. Kappler, Joseph Duane Tobbe
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Patent number: 8757179Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cabinet having a wash chamber defined therein, a tub positioned within the wash chamber, a door coupled to the cabinet, and a fan positioned within the cabinet. An air conduit is positioned within the dishwasher and includes a conduit body configured to be mounted onto the door. The conduit body includes an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet is configured to be coupled in flow communication with the fan. The air conduit body is configured to channel air from the wash chamber through the conduit to an outside of the dishwasher, isolate the air within the conduit body from contacting the door, and provide a receptacle for condensed water other than a wash chamber tub.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Timothy Martin Wetzel, Joseph Duane Tobbe
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Patent number: 8377228Abstract: A fluid filtration assembly for a dishwasher system includes at least one spray arm assembly configured to distribute fluid within a wash chamber, and a filter assembly including a filter body defining a fluid inlet and a soil outlet thereon. A soil collection chamber is coupled in flow communication with the soil outlet and is configured to receive soil filtered by the filter assembly. A pump is configured to direct fluid to one of the spray arm assembly and the soil collection chamber. A valve assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. The valve assembly is coupled in flow communication with the spray arm assembly and the soil collection chamber. In the first position, the pump is configured to direct fluid to the at least one spray arm assembly. In the second position, the pump is configured to direct fluid into the soil collection chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Matt D. Mersch, Joseph Duane Tobbe, Gregory Miller
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Publication number: 20110181516Abstract: A touch-screen interface for a dishwasher door comprises a user interface, a touch sensitive component and a holder. The user interface includes a graphics film defining a plurality of transparent portions. The user interface is configured to facilitate touch communication therethrough. The graphics film is secured to the user interface to prevent moisture therebetween. The touch sensitive component is configured to receive touch communication through the user interface. The touch sensitive component senses a position of a user's finger on the user interface. The holder is releasably connected to the user interface and is configured to releasable secure the touch sensitive component to the user interface. The holder is releasably coupled to a dishwasher door. The releasable connection between the components of the touch-screen interface allows for ease of disassembly and repair or replacement of the components.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventors: Lucas Mallory, Joseph Duane Tobbe, Adam Hofmann, Masud Chowdhury, Suryanarayana Murthy Atreyapurapu
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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: 7776159Abstract: A control system for controlling a fill operation of a dishwasher having a pump and a pump motor driving the pump, and the dishwasher having a valve for controlling the flow of water to the dishwasher includes a monitoring device configured to be coupled to at least one of the pump and the pump motor. The monitoring device generates an output relating to at least one of an operating current and a speed of the pump motor. The control system also includes a controller configured to be operatively coupled to the valve, wherein the controller receives the output and is configured to operate the valve based on the output. The output relates to a fill condition of the dishwasher.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Kenneth Hooker, Brendan Moser, Timothy Martin Wetzel, James White, Shelly Elizabeth Warms, Joseph Duane Tobbe
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Publication number: 20100139698Abstract: An automatic dishwasher is provided with a spray assembly comprising a multi-conduit system for receiving pressurized washing liquid for feeding a plurality of spray arms. The plurality of spray arms includes at least a lower spray arm, a middle spray arm, and an upper spray arm. Each of the spray arms includes at least one radially extending hollow projection. Each of the spray arms includes a plurality of orifices for distributing the liquid throughout the dishwasher. The multi-conduit includes a water feed system and a water diverting mechanism for selectively diverting water into any one of the spray arms, any two of the spray arms, or all three of the spray arms.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: ERRIN WHITNEY GNADINGER, JOSEPH DUANE TOBBE, MATTHEW D. MERSCH
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Patent number: 7681582Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cabinet, an upper rack and a lower rack disposed within the cabinet. The upper and lower racks support articles to be cleaned. The dishwasher also includes a first spray arm and a second spray arm rotatably mounted within the cabinet. The first and second spray arms are operated based on a wash cycle. A controller is operatively coupled to the first and second spray arms for controlling the wash cycle. The controller is configured to operate the first and second spray arms independently of one another, and the controller is configured to control the wash cycle based on a usage condition of the water being washed.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Timothy Martin Wetzel, Joseph Duane Tobbe, Matthew David Mersch, Gregory Owen Miller
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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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Patent number: 7464718Abstract: A system for dispensing a liquid, wherein the system includes a reservoir comprising a plurality of apertures disposed therein, and at least one dispenser in flow communication with the reservoir, the dispenser comprising a first and a second tube operatively coupled to the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2003Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Carrie Lilley McIntyre, Carlos Eduardo Sanchez, Martin Mitchell Zentner, Jeffrey Neal Slotnick, Rodney James Barry, Joseph Duane Tobbe, Christopher Browning Harlow, Kittipat Vichyavichien, John W. Pettengill
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Publication number: 20080135067Abstract: A fluid filtration assembly for a dishwasher system includes at least one spray arm assembly configured to distribute fluid within a wash chamber, and a filter assembly including a filter body defining a fluid inlet and a soil outlet thereon. A soil collection chamber is coupled in flow communication with the soil outlet and is configured to receive soil filtered by the filter assembly. A pump is configured to direct fluid to one of the spray arm assembly and the soil collection chamber. A valve assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. The valve assembly is coupled in flow communication with the spray arm assembly and the soil collection chamber. In the first position, the pump is configured to direct fluid to the at least one spray arm assembly. In the second position, the pump is configured to direct fluid into the soil collection chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Matt D. Mersch, Joseph Duane Tobbe, Gregory Miller
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Patent number: 7168578Abstract: An adjustable rack assembly configured to couple to a sidewall of a dishwasher rack is provided. The sidewall having at least one horizontal wire member and at least one vertical wire member. The adjustable rack assembly includes a bracket on one side of the sidewall, the bracket supporting the at least one horizontal wire member in a first rack position and a support plate on another side of the sidewall, the support plate coupled to the bracket, the support plate having at least one arm with a catch member on a distal end thereof for receiving the at least one horizontal wire member in a second rack position.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Matthew David Mersch, Joseph Duane Tobbe, Michael John Utschig, Kevin Farrelly Nolan, Gregory Owen Miller
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Patent number: 6662814Abstract: A mid-level spray-arm assembly for a dishwasher includes a bracket for mounting a spray-arm hub to an upper rack of the machine, and a bearing coupling extending between the hub and the bracket. The bearing coupling forms a first bearing surface for rotation of the bearing coupling relative to the bracket, and a second bearing surface for rotation of the spray-arm relative to the bearing coupling. Thus, redundant bearing surfaces are provided that facilitate a more even wearing of the bearing surfaces and allow rotation of the spray-arm even when one of the bearing surfaces fails.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Joseph Duane Tobbe, Jesse A. Curran
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Publication number: 20030005950Abstract: A mid-level spray-arm assembly for a dishwasher includes a bracket for mounting a spray-arm hub to an upper rack of the machine, and a bearing coupling extending between the hub and the bracket. The bearing coupling forms a first bearing surface for rotation of the bearing coupling relative to the bracket, and a second bearing surface for rotation of the spray-arm relative to the bearing coupling. Thus, redundant bearing surfaces are provided that facilitate a more even wearing of the bearing surfaces and allow rotation of the spray-arm even when one of the bearing surfaces fails.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Joseph Duane Tobbe, Jesse A. Curran
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Patent number: 6343611Abstract: The appliance comprises a container for receiving the soiled articles, a circulation pump for distributing a hot liquid to the container, a drain positioned in the container and connected to the pump for emptying the liquid from the container upon completion of a cycle and a hydroclone connected to the drain and the pump, for removing soil from the liquid such that about ninety percent (90%) of the liquid distributed to the container during one cycle can be utilized during at least one subsequent cycle.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Youssef El-Shoubary, Bang Mo Kim, Dwight William Jacobus, Andrew Joseph Spanyer, Joseph Duane Tobbe, Mark Edward Dausch
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Patent number: 6001190Abstract: The appliance comprises a container for receiving the soiled articles, a circulation pump for distributing a hot liquid to the container, a drain positioned in the container and connected to the pump for emptying the liquid from the container upon completion of a cycle and a hydroclone connected to the drain and the pump, for removing soil from the liquid such that about ninety percent (90%) of the liquid distributed to the container during one cycle can be utilized during at least one subsequent cycle.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Youssef El-Shoubary, Bang Mo Kim, Dwight William Jacobus, Andrew Joseph Spanyer, Joseph Duane Tobbe, Mark Edward Dausch