Patents by Inventor Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni
Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni 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: 11768029Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes an icemaker that is selectively closeable by a door. An outer gasket is positioned about an edge of the door and a sealing gasket is positioned around a center portion of the door inside the outer gasket. A plurality of protrusions extend from a rim of the icemaker. A liner is aligned with and spaced apart from the rim. A first gasket and a second gasket are positioned between the rim and the liner.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Jose R. Aranda, Alexa N. Brown, Jackson Felipe Karl, Dakota E. Kosek, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, E. C. Pickles, Antonio Sanchez, Richard A. Spletzer
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Patent number: 11698223Abstract: A method for controlling an operation of a refrigeration appliance includes controlling a first cooling routine for a first compartment via a flow of a thermal exchange media to a first evaporator. The method further includes controlling a heating routine in response to a setpoint temperature being greater than the temperature of the first compartment. The heating routine includes activating a heating element and a fan in the first compartment over a first interval and deactivating the heating element and the fan over a second interval. The heating routine continues by activating the first interval and the second interval over alternating time periods. In response to the temperature of the first compartment being greater than or equal to a target temperature associated with the setpoint, the method may control the operation of the appliance by returning to the cooling routine.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, Mahendra Patil, E. C. Pickles, Daniel N. Maas, Murthy Raju V.S.N. Jaina
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Patent number: 11536508Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment and a mullion assembly pivotally coupled to one of a first door and a second door. The mullion assembly includes a cavity with an insulating member disposed therein. One or more sensor assemblies are coupled to the mullion assembly and configured to collect data sufficient to calculate a dew point temperature of the mullion assembly and an actual temperature of the mullion assembly. A heating element is coupled to the mullion assembly and is selectively activated by a controller based on information provided from the one or more sensor assemblies. The heating element is powered using a modulated power level that is inversely proportionate to the difference in temperature between the mullion assembly and the calculated dew point.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Amit A. Avhale, Kapil Ayyawar, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, E C. Pickles, Yan Zhang
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Publication number: 20220042737Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes an icemaker that is selectively closeable by a door. An outer gasket is positioned about an edge of the door and a sealing gasket is positioned around a center portion of the door inside the outer gasket. A plurality of protrusions extend from a rim of the icemaker. A liner is aligned with and spaced apart from the rim. A first gasket and a second gasket are positioned between the box and the liner.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Jose R. Aranda, Alexa N. Brown, Jackson Felipe Karl, Dakota E. Kosek, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, E.C. Pickles, Antonio Sanchez, Richard A. Spletzer
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Patent number: 11162731Abstract: An icemaker for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The icemaker includes an icemaker box selectively closeable by a door. An outer gasket is positioned about an inner edge of the door. A sealing gasket is positioned around a center portion of the door. A plurality of protrusions extend from a box rim of the icemaker box. A liner is aligned with and spaced apart from the box rim. A first gasket and a second gasket are positioned between the box rim and the liner.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Whirlpool CorportationInventors: Jose R. Aranda, Alexa N. Brown, Jackson Felipe Karl, Dakota E. Kosek, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, E. C. Pickles, Antonio Sanchez, Richard A. Spletzer
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Publication number: 20210262718Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet structure having a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. An evaporator is positioned in the freezer compartment within an evaporator housing. A door is pivotally coupled to the cabinet structure for selectively providing access to the refrigerator compartment and includes an ice maker. A duct assembly includes an ice maker feed duct operably coupled to the evaporator housing at a first end, and further coupled to the ice maker at a second end. The duct assembly further includes an ice maker return duct operably coupled to the ice maker at a first end and further coupled to the evaporator housing at a second end. First and second fans are provided in-series, wherein the first fan provides cooled air to the freezer compartment, and the second fan provides cooled air from the first fan to the ice maker during an ice making cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2020Publication date: August 26, 2021Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel W. Burlingham, Chao-Yi Chen, Milind Devle, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, Mahalingappa Mulimani, E. C. Pickles, Richard A. Spletzer, Yan Zhang, Benjamin G. Jimenez, Vishal S. Marathe
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Publication number: 20210222946Abstract: A method for controlling an operation of a refrigeration appliance comprises controlling a first cooling routine for a first compartment via a flow of a thermal exchange media to a first evaporator. The method further comprises controlling a heating routine in response to a setpoint temperature being greater than the temperature of the first compartment. The heating routine comprises activating a heating element and a fan in the first compartment over a first interval and deactivating the heating element and the fan over a second interval. The heating routine continues by activating the first interval and the second interval over alternating time periods. In response to the temperature of the first compartment being greater than or equal to a target temperature associated with the setpoint, the method may control the operation of the appliance by returning to the cooling routine.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2020Publication date: July 22, 2021Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, Mahendra Patil, E. C. Pickles, Daniel N. Maas, Murthy Raju V.S.N. Jaina
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Publication number: 20210095911Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment and a mullion assembly pivotally coupled to one of a first door and a second door. The mullion assembly includes a cavity with an insulating member disposed therein. One or more sensor assemblies are coupled to the mullion assembly and configured to collect data sufficient to calculate a dew point temperature of the mullion assembly and an actual temperature of the mullion assembly. A heating element is coupled to the mullion assembly and is selectively activated by a controller based on information provided from the one or more sensor assemblies. The heating element is powered using a modulated power level that is inversely proportionate to the difference in temperature between the mullion assembly and the calculated dew point.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Amit A. Avhale, Kapil Ayyawar, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, E C. Pickles, Yan Zhang
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Patent number: 10914500Abstract: An icemaker for a refrigerated appliance is provided. The icemaker includes an ice tray having a plurality of ice-forming compartments and a duct for directing chilled air operably coupled with a diverter. The diverter includes a base having first and second sides and defining a plurality of variously sized slots. A centerline of the base is aligned with a centerline of the ice tray. At least one spacing portion extends between two of the plurality of variously sized slots. A plurality of fins extend away from a top surface of the base.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Jose R. Aranda, Darci Cavali, Chao-Yi Chen, Milind Devle, Dewei Guan, Benjamin G. Jimenez, Varun Deepak Kotecha, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, Mahalingappa Mulimani, N S Ayodhya Ram, Rogerio Rodrigues, Jr., Anuj Sharma, Richard A. Spletzer, Shailesh Wani
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Patent number: 10907880Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment and a mullion assembly pivotally coupled to one of a first door and a second door. The mullion assembly includes a cavity with an insulating member disposed therein. One or more sensor assemblies are coupled to the mullion assembly and configured to collect data sufficient to calculate a dew point temperature of the mullion assembly and an actual temperature of the mullion assembly. A heating element is coupled to the mullion assembly and is selectively activated by a controller based on information provided from the one or more sensor assemblies. The heating element is powered using a modulated power level that is inversely proportionate to the difference in temperature between the mullion assembly and the calculated dew point.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Amit A. Avhale, Kapil Ayyawar, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, E C. Pickles, Yan Zhang
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Patent number: 10830522Abstract: A condenser assembly for a refrigerating appliance is provided herein. The condenser assembly includes an anchor coupled with a first panel of a housing. A bracket is coupled to the anchor and extends from the first panel of the housing. The bracket includes a body having first and second ends. A flange extends from the body and is coupled to the anchor. A condenser has first and second ends. One of the first and second ends is operably coupled to the bracket such that the condenser is positioned at an obtuse angle relative to the flange of the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Fernando Garcia, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, Antonio Sanchez, Nathan Franklin Wolf
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Patent number: 10823479Abstract: A refrigerating appliance includes a refrigerant line having a compressor and a condenser. A thermal exchange media is delivered from the condenser and through the refrigerant line to at least a freezer evaporator of a plurality of evaporators, wherein the thermal exchange media leaving the freezer evaporator defines spent media that is returned to the compressor. A multi-directional outlet valve selectively delivers the thermal exchange media to the freezer evaporator, wherein the multi-directional outlet valve also selectively delivers the thermal exchange media to at least one secondary evaporator of the plurality of evaporators to define a partially-spent media that is delivered to the freezer evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Amit A. Avhale, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, E. Calvin Pickles, Yan Zhang, Vijaykumar Sathyamurthi
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Publication number: 20200284494Abstract: A condenser assembly for a refrigerating appliance is provided herein. The condenser assembly includes an anchor coupled with a first panel of a housing. A bracket is coupled to the anchor and extends from the first panel of the housing. The bracket includes a body having first and second ends. A flange extends from the body and is coupled to the anchor. A condenser has first and second ends. One of the first and second ends is operably coupled to the bracket such that the condenser is positioned at an obtuse angle relative to the flange of the bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2019Publication date: September 10, 2020Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Fernando Garcia, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, Antonio Sanchez, Nathan Franklin Wolf
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Publication number: 20200284500Abstract: An icemaker for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The icemaker includes an icemaker box selectively closeable by a door. An outer gasket is positioned about an inner edge of the door. A sealing gasket is positioned around a center portion of the door. A plurality of protrusions extend from a box rim of the icemaker box. A liner is aligned with and spaced apart from the box rim. A first gasket and a second gasket are positioned between the box rim and the liner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2019Publication date: September 10, 2020Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Jose R. Aranda, Alexa N. Brown, Jackson Felipe Karl, Dakota E. Kosek, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, E. C. Pickles, Antonio Sanchez, Richard A. Spletzer
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Patent number: 10739053Abstract: An icemaker for a refrigerated appliance is provided herein. The icemaker includes an ice tray having a plurality of ice-forming compartments. Each of the ice-forming compartments includes sidewalls and a base that defines an internal freezing chamber. A duct system has upper and lower baffles. The upper baffle directs chilled air above the ice tray and the lower baffle directs chilled air below the ice tray. A deflector is operably coupled with the upper baffle. The deflector has a transition portion offset from a body portion. A diverter is disposed between the deflector and the ice tray. The diverter defines a plurality of variously sized slots therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Benjamin G. Jimenez, Anuj Sharma, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, Darci Cavali, Ayodhya Ram, Richard A. Spletzer, Mahalingappa Mulimani, Rogerio Rodrigues, Jr.
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Publication number: 20200191464Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage compartment and a mullion assembly pivotally coupled to one of a first door and a second door. The mullion assembly includes a cavity with an insulating member disposed therein. One or more sensor assemblies are coupled to the mullion assembly and configured to collect data sufficient to calculate a dew point temperature of the mullion assembly and an actual temperature of the mullion assembly. A heating element is coupled to the mullion assembly and is selectively activated by a controller based on information provided from the one or more sensor assemblies. The heating element is powered using a modulated power level that is inversely proportionate to the difference in temperature between the mullion assembly and the calculated dew point.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2018Publication date: June 18, 2020Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Amit A. Avhale, Kapil Ayyawar, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, E C. Pickles, Yan Zhang
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Publication number: 20200080761Abstract: A refrigerating appliance includes a refrigerant line having a compressor and a condenser. A thermal exchange media is delivered from the condenser and through the refrigerant line to at least a freezer evaporator of a plurality of evaporators, wherein the thermal exchange media leaving the freezer evaporator defines spent media that is returned to the compressor. A multi-directional outlet valve selectively delivers the thermal exchange media to the freezer evaporator, wherein the multi-directional outlet valve also selectively delivers the thermal exchange media to at least one secondary evaporator of the plurality of evaporators to define a partially-spent media that is delivered to the freezer evaporator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Amit A. Avhale, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, E. Calvin Pickles, Yan Zhang, Vijaykumar Sathyamurthi
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Patent number: 10514194Abstract: A refrigerating appliance includes a refrigerant line having a compressor and a condenser. A thermal exchange media is delivered from the condenser and through the refrigerant line to at least a freezer evaporator of a plurality of evaporators, wherein the thermal exchange media leaving the freezer evaporator defines spent media that is returned to the compressor. A multi-directional outlet valve selectively delivers the thermal exchange media to the freezer evaporator, wherein the multi-directional outlet valve also selectively delivers the thermal exchange media to at least one secondary evaporator of the plurality of evaporators to define a partially-spent media that is delivered to the freezer evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Amit A. Avhale, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, E. Calvin Pickles, Yan Zhang, Vijaykumar Sathyamurthi
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Publication number: 20190145683Abstract: An icemaker for a refrigerated appliance is provided herein. The icemaker includes an ice tray having a plurality of ice-forming compartments. Each of the ice-forming compartments includes sidewalls and a base that defines an internal freezing chamber. A duct system has upper and lower baffles. The upper baffle directs chilled air above the ice tray and the lower baffle directs chilled air below the ice tray. A deflector is operably coupled with the upper baffle. The deflector has a transition portion offset from a body portion. A diverter is disposed between the deflector and the ice tray. The diverter defines a plurality of variously sized slots therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2017Publication date: May 16, 2019Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Benjamin G. Jimenez, Anuj Sharma, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, Darci Cavali, Ayodhya Ram, Richard A. Spletzer, Mahalingappa Mulimani, Rogerio Rodrigues, Jr.
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Publication number: 20190145684Abstract: An icemaker for a refrigerated appliance is provided. The icemaker includes an ice tray having a plurality of ice-forming compartments and a duct for directing chilled air operably coupled with a diverter. The diverter includes a base having first and second sides and defining a plurality of variously sized slots. A centerline of the base is aligned with a centerline of the ice tray. At least one spacing portion extends between two of the plurality of variously sized slots. A plurality of fins extend away from a top surface of the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2018Publication date: May 16, 2019Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Jose R. Aranda, Darci Cavali, Chao-Yi Chen, Milind Devle, Dewei Guan, Benjamin G. Jimenez, Varun Deepak Kotecha, Rishikesh Vinayak Kulkarni, Mahalingappa Mulimani, N S Ayodhya Ram, Rogerio Rodrigues, JR., Anuj Sharma, Richard A. Spletzer, Shailesh Wani