Patents by Inventor Lynne F. Hunter
Lynne F. Hunter 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: 11898789Abstract: An appliance mounting device is provided herein. The appliance includes a vacuum insulated structure having a liner positioned within a wrapper, wherein the liner and wrapper cooperate to define an interior cavity. The appliance further includes an insulating material positioned within the interior cavity and a hanger coupled to an adapter plate and a support member. The support member is configured to couple to an interior surface of the vacuum insulated structure while maintaining a vacuum in the interior cavity and a holding member is coupled to a first side of the adapter plate and configured to receive a positioning member.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Raffaella Gropallo, Giulia Marinello
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Patent number: 11892226Abstract: A method of assembling a refrigeration unit includes inserting a machine compartment assembly, including a base plate and a compressor coupled to the base plate, into a machine compartment of the refrigeration unit, mounting a control box of the refrigeration unit to a side panel, and coupling the side panel to the refrigeration unit, such that the side panel conceals a lateral side of the machine compartment and the control box is laterally-inboard of the side panel.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Vishal B. Chauhan, Rahul Subhash Chhajed, Koteswara Rao Gochika, Alberto Regio Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Jacob Charles Ickes, Narendra Ashok Kapure, Mansi Katkar, Mandar G. Kulkarni, Dustin Michael Miller, Abhay Naik, Manjunathraddi Navalgund, Rafael D. Nunes, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak, Sanket Vivek Phalak, Anup R. Shedage, Arpit Vijay, Giulia Marinello
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Publication number: 20230349623Abstract: A refrigerator includes a wall covering assembly having a top wall spaced-apart from a top wall of a liner, and a rear wall spaced-apart from a rear wall of the liner. The wall covering assembly includes a pattern of ports for providing outwardly directed cooled air to the refrigerator cabinet from a duct assembly. The duct assembly is configured to deliver cooled air through the ventilated portion of the wall covering assembly and also deliver cooled air to a front portion of the refrigerator cabinet via a downwardly directed air curtain. The air curtain disrupts the outward flow of air from the ventilated portion of the wall covering assembly before the cooled air reaches a gasket assembly disposed around the refrigerator doors. Angled venting slots disposed on the wall covering assembly direct air towards inner surfaces of the doors without disruption from the air curtain.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Giulia Marinello, Lynne F. Hunter, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak, Alberto R. Gomes, Joseph M. Keres
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Publication number: 20230332829Abstract: A refrigerating appliance includes a cabinet including an outer wrapper defining opposing first and second sidewalls, a rear wall coupling the first and second sidewalls, and an inner liner. An insulating cavity that is under vacuum is defined between the outer wrapper and inner liner. A trim breaker forms a seal between the outer wrapper and the inner liner. A mullion extends across an access opening. A mullion bracket extends across the access opening where the mullion bracket includes first and second ends having engagement portions coupled with an exterior surface of the outer wrapper. A pair of recesses on the exterior surface of the outer wrapper provide corresponding gaps between the first and second ends of the mullion bracket and the first and second sidewalls, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Arunkumar Harikrishnasamy, Lynne F. Hunter, Abhay Naik, Sanket Vivek Phalak, Aaron Michael Stewart
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Publication number: 20230330969Abstract: An operable panel for an appliance includes a metallic outer wrapper having a perimetrical wrapper edge that partially defines a perimetrical breaker channel, an inner liner and a plurality of corner brackets disposed proximate the perimetrical wrapper edge. Each corner bracket cooperates with the perimetrical wrapper edge to fully define the perimetrical breaker channel. A trim breaker is adhered to the metallic outer wrapper and the corner brackets at the perimetrical breaker channel and having a liner channel that receives a portion of the inner liner. The trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper. An insulation material is disposed within an insulating cavity defined between the inner liner and the outer wrapper.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2023Publication date: October 19, 2023Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul B. Allard, Lakshya J. Deka, Eric J. Dherde, Gustavo Frattini, Alberto R. Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Karen J. Querfurth, Jerry M. Visin
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Publication number: 20230296308Abstract: A hinge assembly for hinging a door to a cabinet of a refrigerator includes an exposed door frame that extends at least partially about a top panel and opposing side panels of the door. A mounting block is configured to be coupled to the top panel of the door. The mounting block is positioned in a cutout of the exposed door frame that is proximate a front panel of the door and is disposed between the opposing side panels. A hinge support bracket extends across a width of the cabinet and is coupled thereto. A hinge bracket is configured to be coupled to the hinge support bracket. A hinge pin is disposed between the mounting block and the hinge bracket and is engaged thereto such that an entirety of the hinge pin is external to the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Daniel Lottinville, Karen J. Querfurth
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Patent number: 11732954Abstract: A refrigerating appliance includes a cabinet assembly that defines an access opening for storing food goods. The cabinet assembly defines an insulating cavity that receives insulation. A mullion assembly extends across the access opening and a trim breaker extends about the access opening. The trim breaker includes a body portion that covers the insulating cavity. First and second connecting flanges extend outwardly from the body portion in a first direction and operably coupled to an inside wall and an outside wall of the cabinet assembly, such that the trim breaker seals the insulating cavity. A forward spacing flange extends outwardly from the body portion of the trim breaker in a second direction that is opposed to the first direction of the first and second connecting flanges. The forward spacing flange contacts the mullion assembly and at least partially defines a receiving space between the mullion assembly and the trim breaker.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2022Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Arunkumar Harikrishnasamy, Lynne F. Hunter, Sai B. Krishna, Abhay Naik, Sanket Phalak
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Patent number: 11725869Abstract: A cabinet of an appliance includes an outer wrapper defining opposing first and second sidewalls, a rear wall coupling the first and second sidewalls and an access opening and an inner liner defining an interior. The outer wrapper and the inner liner may define a sealed insulating cavity therebetween that is under vacuum. A plurality of reinforcement brackets may be disposed on the outer wrapper. The plurality of reinforcement brackets are configured to prevent deformation of the cabinet during application of the vacuum to the insulating cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Arunkumar Harikrishnasamy, Lynne F. Hunter, Abhay Naik, Sanket Vivek Phalak, Aaron Michael Stewart
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Patent number: 11724479Abstract: An operable panel for an appliance includes a metallic outer wrapper having a perimetrical wrapper edge that partially defines a perimetrical breaker channel, an inner liner and a plurality of corner brackets disposed proximate the perimetrical wrapper edge. Each corner bracket cooperates with the perimetrical wrapper edge to fully define the perimetrical breaker channel. A trim breaker is adhered to the metallic outer wrapper and the corner brackets at the perimetrical breaker channel and having a liner channel that receives a portion of the inner liner. The trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper. An insulation material is disposed within an insulating cavity defined between the inner liner and the outer wrapper.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2022Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Lakshya J. Deka, Eric J. Dherde, Gustavo Frattini, Alberto R. Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Dustin M. Miller, Abhay Naik, Karen J. Querfurth, Jerry M. Visin
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Publication number: 20230243458Abstract: An appliance includes a metallic outer wrapper having sidewalls, a wrapper backwall and a machine wall. At least one metallic inner liner has liner walls and a liner backwall, wherein the metallic outer wrapper and the at least one metallic inner liner are coupled together at a trim breaker to define a structural cabinet having a hermetically sealed interior cavity defined between the metallic outer wrapper and the at least one metallic inner liner. The trim breaker defines a front face of the structural cabinet. At least one trim breaker conduit extends through the wrapper and liner backwalls wherein the trim breaker conduit defines a conduit through the structural cabinet, and wherein the structural cabinet is hermetically sealed at the trim breaker conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2023Publication date: August 3, 2023Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Paul B. Allard, Mohamed Alshourbagy, Lakshya J. Deka, Eric J. Dherde, Gustavo Frattini, Alberto R. Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Giulia Marinello, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak, Jerry M. Visin
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Publication number: 20230243576Abstract: A connector assembly includes a base plate that defines a fill opening and an aperture. A fill tube is coupled to a first side of the base plate. The fill tube is aligned with the fill opening. A radial flange is coupled to a second side of the base plate. The radial flange extends around the fill opening. A toggle magnet is coupled to the first side of the base plate proximate to the aperture. The toggle magnet is operable between an activated state and a deactivated state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2023Publication date: August 3, 2023Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Aaron M. Stewart
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Publication number: 20230234302Abstract: A method for manufacturing an insulation member for a vacuum insulated structure includes the steps of forming a bag that has an opening using a single layer porous fabric, filling the bag with insulation materials via the opening, sealing the opening of the bag, and vibrating the bag to evenly distribute, de-aerate, and densify the insulation material to form a pillow. The method further includes the steps of compressing the pillow within a mold to define a compressed insulation member, and evacuating the compressed insulation member within an insulated structure to define a vacuum insulated structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Gregory Edward Bauman, Kevin Jay Cox, Gustavo Frattini, Lynne F. Hunter, Ryan Daniel Kannegieter, Rafael Dutra Nunes, Subrata Shannigrahi
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Patent number: 11708935Abstract: A vacuum insulated structure including a first cover member of a stamped unitary sheet defining a perimeter portion positioned at a first planar level and first rib formed in the unitary sheet extending to a second planar level spaced axially outward and disposed radially inward of the perimeter portion, a second cover member, and thermal bridge interconnecting the first cover member and the second cover member at the perimeter portions thereof to define an insulating cavity therebetween. The insulating cavity is a sealed cavity having a vacuum drawn therefrom, and the first rib defines a first portion of a path for air flow out of the sealed cavity during a vacuum draw process.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2022Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Sunil S. Ekshinge, Arunkumar Harikrishnasamy, Lynne F. Hunter, Sai B. Krishna, Abhay Naik
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Publication number: 20230228477Abstract: An appliance includes an outer wrapper and an inner liner placed within the outer wrapper and spaced apart from the outer wrapper to define an insulating space. A trim breaker extends between the inner liner and the outer wrapper to define a structural cabinet. The trim breaker defines a front face of the cabinet. The trim breaker defines a gas conduit disposed within a wall of the structural cabinet proximate the insulating space. The gas conduit is adapted to define selective communication between the insulating space and an exterior of the structural cabinet. An insulating material is disposed within the insulating space, wherein the gas conduit is substantially free of the insulating material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2023Publication date: July 20, 2023Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Alberto R. Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Abhay Naik, Lorraine J. Westlake
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Patent number: 11692759Abstract: A vacuum insulated structure includes a machine compartment. A base plate is operably coupled to a bottom surface of the machine compartment. Base rails are operably coupled to the base plate and at least partially define the machine compartment. A machine plate is operably coupled to the base rails and defines a lower portion of the machine compartment. A front plate is operably coupled to a mounting wall of each of the base rails. A reed switch is operably coupled to the front plate between each of the base rails.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2022Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Narendra Ashok Kapure, Abhay Naik, Manjunathraddi Navalgund, Sanket Vivek Phalak
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Patent number: 11692765Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet with a liner spaced apart from a wrapper. A trim breaker is operably coupled with the liner and the wrapper. A trim adapter assembly is coupled with the trim breaker and includes an adapter member and a corner member. The trim breaker defines a forward receiving space and a protrusion of the trim adapter assembly is received by the forward receiving space. A heat loop assembly is operably coupled with the adapter member. The heat loop assembly includes a cover and a heat loop disposed between the cover and the trim breaker.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2022Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Lynne F. Hunter, Deepak Gajanan Mankar, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak, Sanket V. Phalak
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Patent number: 11680673Abstract: An appliance includes a metallic outer wrapper having sidewalls, a wrapper backwall and a machine wall. At least one metallic inner liner has liner walls and a liner backwall, wherein the metallic outer wrapper and the at least one metallic inner liner are coupled together at a trim breaker to define a structural cabinet having a hermetically sealed interior cavity defined between the metallic outer wrapper and the at least one metallic inner liner. The trim breaker defines a front face of the structural cabinet. At least one trim breaker conduit extends through the wrapper and liner backwalls wherein the trim breaker conduit defines a conduit through the structural cabinet, and wherein the structural cabinet is hermetically sealed at the trim breaker conduit.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Paul B. Allard, Mohamed Alshourbagy, Lakshya J. Deka, Eric J. Dherde, Gustavo Frattini, Alberto R. Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Giulia Marinello, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak, Jerry M. Visin
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Publication number: 20230184480Abstract: A method of assembling a refrigeration unit includes inserting a machine compartment assembly, including a base plate and a compressor coupled to the base plate, into a machine compartment of the refrigeration unit, mounting a control box of the refrigeration unit to a side panel, and coupling the side panel to the refrigeration unit, such that the side panel conceals a lateral side of the machine compartment and the control box is laterally-inboard of the side panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Vishal B. Chauhan, Rahul Subhash Chhajed, Koteswara Rao Gochika, Alberto Regio Gomes, Lynne F. Hunter, Jacob Charles Ickes, Narendra Ashok Kapure, Mansi Katkar, Mandar G. Kulkarni, Dustin Michael Miller, Abhay Naik, Manjunathraddi Navalgund, Rafael D. Nunes, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak, Sanket Vivek Phalak, Anup R. Shedage, Arpit Vijay, Giulia Marinello
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Patent number: 11674736Abstract: A refrigerator includes a wall covering assembly having a top wall spaced-apart from a top wall of a liner, and a rear wall spaced-apart from a rear wall of the liner. The wall covering assembly includes a pattern of ports for providing outwardly directed cooled air to the refrigerator cabinet from a duct assembly. The duct assembly is configured to deliver cooled air through the ventilated portion of the wall covering assembly and also deliver cooled air to a front portion of the refrigerator cabinet via a downwardly directed air curtain. The air curtain disrupts the outward flow of air from the ventilated portion of the wall covering assembly before the cooled air reaches a gasket assembly disposed around the refrigerator doors. Angled venting slots disposed on the wall covering assembly direct air towards inner surfaces of the doors without disruption from the air curtain.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Giulia Marinello, Lynne F. Hunter, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak, Alberto R. Gomes, Joseph M. Keres
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Patent number: 11662136Abstract: A cabinet structure includes a wrapper defining an opening. At least one liner is positioned inside the opening of the wrapper and defines a temperature-controlled compartment. An insulation cavity is defined between the wrapper and the liner. A trim breaker is coupled to the wrapper and the liner. A first hinge bracket is positioned outwardly of the trim breaker. An encapsulation member is positioned rearwardly of the trim breaker and defines an encapsulation cavity. A first hinge support has a first section positioned along a second hinge support and a second section extending rearwardly from the first section. The first hinge bracket is coupled to the first and second hinge supports.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2018Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Daniel Lottinville, Lynne F Hunter, Karen J. Querfurth, Aaron M. Stewart