Patents by Inventor Michael E. Range

Michael E. Range 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: 6363563
    Abstract: An automatic washer includes a control which allows the user to observe the operation of the washer under a set condition or conditions. When these conditions are met, the user may open the door or lid of the washer and observe, for a predetermined period of time, the wash activity. After reclosing the door or lid, the washer may be restarted to continue the wash cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Range, Scot S. Lau
  • Patent number: 6047486
    Abstract: A hybrid control for a clothes dryer which combines an electromechanical timer and a microprocessor. The electromechanical timer has a plurality of switches connected to a plurality of input ports of the microprocessor. The timer switches are driven by a plurality of cams such that the plurality of switches open and close in response to the cams at predetermined angular positions of the timer. In this manner, the switches provide control input to the electronic circuit for initiating the dry cycle and further provide control input to the electronic circuit during the dry cycle such that the electromechanical timer and the electronic circuit operate together to control the dryer operation. In addition, a sensor supplies a signal to the microprocessor corresponding to the moisture level of the clothes within the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew C. Reck, Joseph Martin Szynal, Gerald C. Stenger, Michael E. Range
  • Patent number: 6020698
    Abstract: A hybrid control for a clothes dryer which combines an electromechanical timer and a microprocessor. The electromechanical timer has a plurality of switches connected to a plurality of input ports of the microprocessor. The timer switches are driven by a plurality of cams such that the plurality of switches open and close in response to the cams at predetermined angular positions which define control positions of the timer. In this manner, the switches provide control input to the electronic circuit for initiating the dry cycle and further provide control input to the electronic circuit during the dry cycle such that the electromechanical timer and the electronic circuit operate together to control the dryer operation. The timer is arranged such that a change from one control position to an adjacent control position results in only one switch being either opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald C. Stenger, Michael E. Range
  • Patent number: 4842192
    Abstract: A thermostat controlled circuit for a bias heater located adjacent the thermostat connected to a source of alternating electrical power. The control circuit has a manually operated switch for providing a temperature level signal. A triac having a gate terminal and first and second terminals connected in series with the AC power source and the bias heater is provided. A transistor circuit controls the operation of the triac and is connected to the gate of the triac to provide a signal for turning on the triac periodically. The microprocessor supplies an enable signal to the transistor circuit at predetermined time intervals to cause the transistor circuit to activate the triac. The triac turns off at the next zero crossing of the AC line current after the microprocessor has removed the enable signal from the transistor circuit. The point in time of turning on the triac may be synchronous or asynchronous with the AC line current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Range, David P. Langendonk