Patents by Inventor Kyle Edward Durham

Kyle Edward Durham 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: 9795271
    Abstract: A passive diverter is provided that does not require a dedicated motor to switch between multiple outlet ports. The diverter uses the forces provided by a flow of fluid from a pump to switch between different outlet ports and supply one or more spray assemblies or other fluid-using elements. A separate motor to power the diverter is not required, which allows a savings in costs and space. In addition, a secondary set of ramps may provide a manner in which to “zero” the angular position of the diverter, i.e., place the diverter in a known, home position. This can reduce the additional cost, weight, and complexity of including additional sensors to determine the angular position of the diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis, Christopher Brandon Ross
  • Patent number: 9763552
    Abstract: Diverter valves and associated dishwashers with continuous calibration are provided. An example dishwasher includes a diverter valve assembly. The diverter valve assembly is configured to output a signal having a plurality of pulses. Each of the plurality of pulses has an activation time indicative of movement of the diverter valve assembly into one of a plurality of positions. The dishwasher performs operations including receiving the signal from the diverter valve assembly and determining a current activation time associated with the most recent pulse exhibited by the signal. The operations include determining a current position of the plurality of positions based at least in part on the current activation time and a plurality of average activation times respectively associated with the plurality of positions. The operations include, after determining the current position, updating the average activation time associated with the current position based at least in part on the current activation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gilman Chapman, Kyle Edward Durham
  • Patent number: 9737191
    Abstract: A variable position diverter that provides wash fluid to selected combinations of outlet ports and spray assemblies. The diverter includes a housing having a first fluid outlet, a second fluid outlet, and a valve disk having four apertures. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the four apertures with one or both of the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through corresponding spray assemblies. Selectively diverting wash fluid in this manner can improve wash performance and reduce cycle time while meeting government regulations regarding water usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis
  • Patent number: 9687137
    Abstract: A diverter for a dishwasher appliance that can be used to provide more options for directing fluid among various spray arms or spray devices in a dishwasher appliance. The diverter can be used e.g., to select between fluid delivery to both the upper and lower spray arm assemblies or to both the upper and middle spray arm assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Charles Boyer, Kyle Edward Durham
  • Patent number: 9675232
    Abstract: Bottle washer assemblies for dishwasher appliances are provided. A bottle washer assembly includes a supply conduit defining a main passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough. The bottle washer assembly further includes at least one spray tine. The at least one spray tine includes a conduit defining a passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough, the passage in fluid communication with the main passage, and a rotatable impeller disposed within the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brandon Ross, Kyle Edward Durham
  • Patent number: 9635994
    Abstract: A spray arm assembly includes a spray arm including a plurality of branches connected to each other and arrayed about a center point, each of the plurality of branches defining a passage therethrough and an aperture in fluid communication with the passage. The center point defines a spray arm central axis. The spray arm is rotatable about the spray arm central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes a base conduit defining a passage therethrough, the base conduit defining a base conduit central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes an intermediate conduit connecting the base conduit and the spray arm, the intermediate conduit defining a passage in fluid communication between the passage of the base conduit and the passages of the plurality of branches. The intermediate conduit is rotatable about the base conduit central axis. The spray arm central axis is offset from the base conduit central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Charles Boyer, Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis
  • Publication number: 20170071441
    Abstract: A variable position diverter that provides wash fluid to selected combinations of outlet ports and spray assemblies. The diverter includes a housing having a first fluid outlet, a second fluid outlet, and a valve disk having four apertures. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the four apertures with one or both of the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through corresponding spray assemblies. Selectively diverting wash fluid in this manner can improve wash performance and reduce cycle time while meeting government regulations regarding water usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis
  • Publication number: 20170027406
    Abstract: A passive diverter is provided that does not require a dedicated motor to switch between multiple outlet ports. The diverter uses the forces provided by a flow of fluid from a pump to switch between different outlet ports and supply one or more spray assemblies or other fluid-using elements. A separate motor to power the diverter is not required, which allows a savings in costs and space. In addition, a secondary set of ramps may provide a manner in which to “zero” the angular position of the diverter, i.e., place the diverter in a known, home position. This can reduce the additional cost, weight, and complexity of including additional sensors to determine the angular position of the diverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis, Christopher Brandon Ross
  • Publication number: 20160360945
    Abstract: A diverter for a dishwasher appliance that can be used to provide more options for directing fluid among various spray arms or spray devices in a dishwasher appliance. The diverter can be used e.g., to select between fluid delivery to both the upper and lower spray arm assemblies or to both the upper and middle spray arm assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Joel Charles Boyer, Kyle Edward Durham
  • Publication number: 20160220094
    Abstract: A detergent dispenser module for a dishwashing appliance may generally include a body extending between a top side and a bottom side. The body may include an outer surface extending from the top side and may define a detergent chamber between the outer surface and the bottom side. The detergent chamber may be at least partially formed by an upper sidewall, a lower sidewall and a bottom wall extending between the upper and lower sidewall. In addition, the dispenser module may also include at least one flow diverter extending outwardly from the outer surface at a location adjacent to the upper sidewall of the detergent chamber. The flow diverter(s) may be angled in a direction of a fluid collection opening defined through a top of the upper sidewall such that fluid flowing downwardly along the outer surface of the body is directed into the fluid collection opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Christopher Brandon Ross, Gregory Owen Miller, Craig Curtis
  • Publication number: 20160206173
    Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering wash fluid to be recirculated by a circulation pump in a dishwasher appliance is provided. The filter assembly includes a first filter member and a second filter member. The first filter member defines a first filter panel and the second filter member defines a second filter panel. The first filter panel is spaced from the second filter panel along an axial direction of the filter assembly and is configured in series flow with the second filter panel. More particularly, the first and second filter panels are configured such that wash fluid is filtered by the first filter panel and by the second filter panel prior to being recirculated by the circulation pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Ryan Ellis Leonard, Derek L. Watkins, Errin Whitney Gnadinger
  • Patent number: 9314145
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance and a vent for coupling a filter and a sump together are provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a cabinet defining a wash chamber for the receipt of articles for washing, and a sump for collection of a fluid from the wash chamber. The sump includes a base wall and a collar extending from the base wall. The dishwasher appliance further includes a filter for filtering the fluid from the wash chamber. The dishwasher appliance further includes a vent coupling the filter and the sump together, the vent comprising a shaft, the shaft including at least one sidewall. The at least one sidewall defines a main shaft passage therein. The shaft further defines a shaft access passage extending through the sidewall and in fluid communication with the main shaft passage. A collar access passage defined in the collar and the main shaft passage are in fluid communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, John Edward Dries
  • Patent number: 9307886
    Abstract: A passive diverter is provided that does not require a dedicated motor to switch between multiple outlet ports. The diverter uses a flow of fluid provided by a pump to switch between different outlet ports. In a dishwashing appliance, fluid from the pump that supplies one or more spray assemblies can be used to cause the diverter to switch between different fluid outlets and e.g., different spray assemblies. A separate motor to power the diverter is not required, which allows a savings in costs and space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis
  • Patent number: 9259137
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a mid-level spray arm assembly and a diverter disposed in a conduit of the assembly. The diverter includes a disk positioned within a chamber and rotatable about an axis, the disk defining an aperture for selectively controlling fluid flow from the chamber into outlet channels, the disk movable along the axial direction between a first position and a second position, the disk defining a channel and a plurality of cams projecting into the channel. The diverter further includes a biasing element configured to urge the disk into the first position, and a boss extending from the housing into the channel of the disk, the boss defining a plurality of guide elements. The guide elements and cams are configured to interact so that movement of the disk along the axial direction between the first position and the second position causes the disk to rotate about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joel Charles Boyer, Kyle Edward Durham, Daniel Jason Bentley
  • Publication number: 20150366430
    Abstract: Bottle washer assemblies for dishwasher appliances are provided. A bottle washer assembly includes a supply conduit defining a main passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough. The bottle washer assembly further includes at least one spray tine. The at least one spray tine includes a conduit defining a passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough, the passage in fluid communication with the main passage, and a rotatable impeller disposed within the passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Brandon Ross, Kyle Edward Durham
  • Publication number: 20150359408
    Abstract: A spray arm assembly includes a spray arm including a plurality of branches connected to each other and arrayed about a center point, each of the plurality of branches defining a passage therethrough and an aperture in fluid communication with the passage. The center point defines a spray arm central axis. The spray arm is rotatable about the spray arm central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes a base conduit defining a passage therethrough, the base conduit defining a base conduit central axis. The spray arm assembly further includes an intermediate conduit connecting the base conduit and the spray arm, the intermediate conduit defining a passage in fluid communication between the passage of the base conduit and the passages of the plurality of branches. The intermediate conduit is rotatable about the base conduit central axis. The spray arm central axis is offset from the base conduit central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Joel Charles Boyer, Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis
  • Publication number: 20150359410
    Abstract: Diverter valves and associated dishwashers with continuous calibration are provided. An example dishwasher includes a diverter valve assembly. The diverter valve assembly is configured to output a signal having a plurality of pulses. Each of the plurality of pulses has an activation time indicative of movement of the diverter valve assembly into one of a plurality of positions. The dishwasher performs operations including receiving the signal from the diverter valve assembly and determining a current activation time associated with the most recent pulse exhibited by the signal. The operations include determining a current position of the plurality of positions based at least in part on the current activation time and a plurality of average activation times respectively associated with the plurality of positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: John Gilman Chapman, Kyle Edward Durham
  • Publication number: 20150230687
    Abstract: Dishwasher appliances and spray arm assemblies for dishwasher appliances are provided. An assembly includes an indexing assembly disposed between a conduit and a plurality of spray arms. The indexing assembly includes a disk rotatable about an axis and movable along an axial direction between a first position and a second position, the disk defining an aperture and a channel and comprising a plurality of cams projecting into the channel. The indexing assembly further includes a biasing element configured to urge the disk into the first position, and a boss assembly, the boss assembly comprising a boss extending into the channel of the disk, the boss defining a plurality of guide elements. The guide elements and cams are configured to interact such that movement of the disk along the axial direction between the first position and the second position causes the disk to rotate about the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Edward Dries, Joel Charles Boyer, Kyle Edward Durham
  • Publication number: 20150196189
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber and a rack assembly disposed within the wash chamber. The rack assembly includes a frame, a first tray and a second tray. The first and second trays are removably mounted to the frame. The first tray is sized and configured for supporting a plurality of flatware therein. The second tray is sized and configured for supporting a plurality of cooking utensils therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ryan Joseph Shaffer, Eugenio Gomez, A. Vinodh Magimai Raj, Daniel J. Hart, Brian David Sanzone, Kyle Edward Durham, Daniel Jason Bentley, Rebecca Ann Alvord, Adam Christopher Hofmann, Matthew David Mersch
  • Publication number: 20150122298
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a mid-level spray arm assembly and a diverter disposed in a conduit of the assembly. The diverter includes a disk positioned within a chamber and rotatable about an axis, the disk defining an aperture for selectively controlling fluid flow from the chamber into outlet channels, the disk movable along the axial direction between a first position and a second position, the disk defining a channel and a plurality of cams projecting into the channel. The diverter further includes a biasing element configured to urge the disk into the first position, and a boss extending from the housing into the channel of the disk, the boss defining a plurality of guide elements. The guide elements and cams are configured to interact so that movement of the disk along the axial direction between the first position and the second position causes the disk to rotate about the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joel Charles Boyer, Kyle Edward Durham, Daniel Jason Bentley