Patents by Inventor Kyle Van Meter
Kyle Van Meter 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: 20240068733Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a freezer compartment fluidly coupled to an ice maker compartment via an ice maker return duct. An internal sensor is positioned within the freezer compartment and configured to sense a first condition within the freezer compartment. An external sensor is coupled to said refrigeration appliance and configured to sense a second condition external to said refrigeration appliance. A return fan is positioned within the ice maker return duct. A controller is operably coupled to the internal and external sensors to receive sensed first and second conditions. The controller is configured to determine a differential between the sensed first condition within the freezer compartment and the sensed second condition external to said refrigeration appliance. The controller activates the return fan to blow air from the ice maker compartment into the freezer compartment in response to the differential.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Adam Gary, Keeley Kabala, Raghu Muddasani, Jeremiah S. Papke, Kyle Van Meter, Scott M. Wesbrook
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Patent number: 11828518Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a freezer compartment fluidly coupled to an ice maker compartment via an ice maker return duct. An internal sensor is positioned within the freezer compartment and configured to sense a first condition within the freezer compartment. An external sensor is coupled to said refrigeration appliance and configured to sense a second condition external to said refrigeration appliance. A return fan is positioned within the ice maker return duct. A controller is operably coupled to the internal and external sensors to receive sensed first and second conditions. The controller is configured to determine a differential between the sensed first condition within the freezer compartment and the sensed second condition external to said refrigeration appliance. The controller activates the return fan to blow air from the ice maker compartment into the freezer compartment in response to the differential.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2020Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Adam Gary, Keeley Kabala, Raghu Muddasani, Jeremiah S. Papke, Kyle Van Meter, Scott M. Wesbrook
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Publication number: 20210041157Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a freezer compartment fluidly coupled to an ice maker compartment via an ice maker return duct. An internal sensor is positioned within the freezer compartment and configured to sense a first condition within the freezer compartment. An external sensor is coupled to said refrigeration appliance and configured to sense a second condition external to said refrigeration appliance. A return fan is positioned within the ice maker return duct. A controller is operably coupled to the internal and external sensors to receive sensed first and second conditions. The controller is configured to determine a differential between the sensed first condition within the freezer compartment and the sensed second condition external to said refrigeration appliance. The controller activates the return fan to blow air from the ice maker compartment into the freezer compartment in response to the differential.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2020Publication date: February 11, 2021Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Adam Gary, Keeley Kabala, Raghu Muddasani, Jeremiah S. Papke, Kyle Van Meter, Scott M. Wesbrook
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Patent number: 10837694Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a freezer compartment. An ice maker return duct fluidly couples an ice maker compartment and the freezer compartment. A pressure sensor is positioned within the freezer compartment and is configured to detect a pressure differential between the freezer compartment and an external environment. A fan is positioned within the ice maker return duct and is configured to be activated when the pressure within the freezer compartment is lower than the external environment.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Adam Gary, Keeley Kabala, Raghu Muddasani, Jeremiah S. Papke, Kyle Van Meter, Scott Wesbrook
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Publication number: 20180164020Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a freezer compartment. An ice maker return duct fluidly couples an ice maker compartment and the freezer compartment. A pressure sensor is positioned within the freezer compartment and is configured to detect a pressure differential between the freezer compartment and an external environment. A fan is positioned within the ice maker return duct and is configured to be activated when the pressure within the freezer compartment is lower than the external environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2016Publication date: June 14, 2018Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Adam Gary, Keeley Kabala, Raghu Muddasani, Jeremiah S. Papke, Kyle Van Meter, Scott Wesbrook
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Publication number: 20080104977Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: TIM COULTER, THOMAS GOSE, STEVEN HERNDON, JAMES JENKINS, BILL KOONS, BRENT KRAMER, SCOTT LEIMKUEHLER, DEAN MARTIN, ALVIN MILLER, KEVIN NOEL, RON PAULSEN, MAURO OLIVEIRA, LESTER OTT, CHAD ROTTER, DAVID STAUFFER, KYLE VAN METER, ALAN WELCH, ROBERT WETEKAMP
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Publication number: 20080011011Abstract: An icemaking compartment is provided in the refrigerator compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. An icemaker is within the icemaking compartment. A cold air duct supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaker. The cold air duct is formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator. A fan controls the flow of air through the cold air duct. A return air duct is provided to direct a portion of the air from the icemaker back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaker directs another portion of air into the refrigerator compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2007Publication date: January 17, 2008Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: KYLE VAN METER, DEAN MARTIN, XIAOYONG FU
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Publication number: 20060266059Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A damper controls air flow between the fresh food and freezer compartments. The control system can direct heat to the damper if the damper becomes frozen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: November 30, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Wetekamp, Kyle Van Meter, Alan Tarrant, Ryan Schuchart, Mauro Oliveira, Alvin Miller, Brent Koppenhaver, Carl Franken, Nelson Ferragut, Tim Coulter, Greg Berardi, Thomas Anell
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Publication number: 20060266061Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including adjusting cut-in and cut-out temperatures of the cooling system to control.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: November 30, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Wetekamp, Kyle Van Meter, Alan Tarrant, Ryan Schuchart, Mauro Oliveira, Alvin Miller, Brent Koppenhaver, Carl Franken, Nelson Ferragut, TIM Coulter, Greg Berardi, Thomas Anell
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Publication number: 20060266068Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. A heater is controlled by the control system to increase energy efficiency of the refrigerator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: November 30, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: ROBERT WETEKAMP, KYLE VAN METER, ALAN TARRANT, RYAN SCHUCHART, MAURO OLIVEIRA, ALVIN MILLER, BRENT KOPPENHAVER, CARL FRANKEN, NELSON FERRAGUT, TIM COULTER, GREG BERARDI, THOMAS ANELL
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Publication number: 20060260345Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. The temperature of the ice compartment is between the temperatures of the fresh food and freezer compartments.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: Tim Coulter, Thomas Gose, Steven Herndon, James Jenkins, Bill Koons, Brent Kramer, Scott Leimkuehler, Dean Martin, Alvin Miller, Kevin Noel, Mauro Oliveira, Lester Ott, Ron Paulsen, Chad Rotter, David Stauffer, Kyle Van Meter, Alan Welch, Robert Wetekamp
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Publication number: 20060260344Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent with a damper in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency, including movement of the damper between open and closed positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: Maytag CorporationInventors: Dean Martin, Alvin Miller, Scott Tunzi, Kyle Van Meter
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Publication number: 20060260350Abstract: An icemaking compartment is provided in the refrigerator compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. An icemaker is within the icemaking compartment. A cold air duct supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaker. The cold air duct is formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator. A fan controls the flow of air through the cold air duct. A return air duct is provided to direct a portion of the air from the icemaker back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaker directs another portion of air into the refrigerator compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2005Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: Maytag CorporationInventors: Kyle Van Meter, Dean Martin, Xiaoyong Fu
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Publication number: 20060260351Abstract: An insulated ice making compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The ice making compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the ice making compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the ice making compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the ice making compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the ice making compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. The icemaker has improved air impingement to enhance ice making.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: TIM COULTER, THOMAS GOSE, STEVEN HERNDON, JAMES JENKINS, BILL KOONS, BRENT KRAMER, Scott Leimkuehler, DEAN MARTIN, ALVIN MILLER, KEVIN NOEL, RON PAULSEN, MAURO OLIVEIRA, LESTER OTT, CHAD ROTTER, DAVID STAUFFER, KYLE VAN METER, ALAN WELCH, ROBERT WETEKAMP
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Publication number: 20060260333Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the cabinet, a freezer compartment disposed within the cabinet, an ice compartment disposed within the cabinet, and an electronic control system associated with the refrigerator and adapted to monitor and control the fresh food compartment, the freezer compartment and the ice compartment. The control system provides for energy efficient control and operation through various means, including by monitoring state of an ice maker associated with the ice compartment and controlling temperature within compartments of the refrigerator based on the ice maker state. The control system can also use correlations in determining appropriate temperatures for different compartments within the refrigerator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: Maytag CorporationInventors: Robert Wetekamp, Kyle Van Meter, Alan Tarrant, Ryan Schuchart, Mauro Oliveira, Alvin Miller, Brent Koppenhaver, Carl Franken, Nelson Ferragut, Tim Coulter, Greg Berardi, Thomas Anell
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Publication number: 20060260349Abstract: An insulated ice making compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The ice making compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the ice making compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the ice making compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the ice making compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the ice making compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. The refrigerator has a modular water tank assembly housed in a cavity in the back wall of the cabinet.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: TIM COULTER, THOMAS GOSE, STEVEN HERNDON, JAMES JENKINS, BILL KOONS, BRENT KRAMER, SCOTT LEIMKUEHLER, DEAN MARTIN, ALVIN MILLER, KEVIN NOEL, RON PAULSEN, LESTER OTT, CHAD ROTTER, DAVID STAUFFER, KYLE VAN METER, ALAN WELCH, ROBERT WETEKAMP, MAURO OLIVEIRA
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Publication number: 20060260347Abstract: An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2005Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: Maytag CorporationInventors: Tim Coulter, Thomas Gose, Steven Herndon, James Jenkins, Bill Koons, Brent Kramer, Scott Leimkuehler, Dean Martin, Alvin Miller, Kevin Noel, Mauro Oliveira, Lester Ott, Ron Paulsen, Chad Rotter, David Stauffer, Kyle Van Meter, Alan Welch, Robert Wetekamp
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Publication number: 20060260346Abstract: An insulated ice making compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The ice making compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the ice making compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the ice making compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the ice making compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent in the ice making compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency. The refrigerator has an improved water fill tube for the ice maker.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: TIM COULTER, THOMAS GOSE, STEVEN HERNDON, JAMES JENKINS, BILL KOONS, BRENT KRAMER, SCOTT LEIMKUEHLER, DEAN MARTIN, ALVIN MILLER, KEVIN NOEL, MAURO OLIVEIRA, RON PAULSEN, LESTER OTT, CHAD ROTTER, DAVID STAUFFER, KYLE VAN METER, ALAN WELCH, ROBERT WETEKAMP