Patents by Inventor Robert A. Elick

Robert A. Elick 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: 8686302
    Abstract: A selector switch assembly for a load tap changer includes a bevel gear coupled with a motor drive shaft. A shaft assembly is coupled with the bevel gear and a switch is provided for each phase. Each switch includes a helical gear fixed to the shaft assembly, a Geneva pinion gear engaged with the helical gear, a first Geneva gear wheel mounted on a first shaft moved by a first follower of the pinion gear, a first contact arm associated with the first Geneva gear wheel to rotate therewith, a second Geneva gear wheel mounted on a second shaft and moved by a second follower of the pinion gear, and a second contact arm associated with the second Geneva gear wheel so as to rotate therewith. The contact arms include contacts that engage fixed contacts that define tap positions of the load tap changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Jon C. Brasher, David M. Geibel, William J. Teising, Robert A. Elick, Bobby Owen Thurmond, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120241300
    Abstract: A selector switch assembly for a load tap changer includes a bevel gear coupled with a motor drive shaft. A shaft assembly is coupled with the bevel gear and a switch is provided for each phase. Each switch includes a helical gear fixed to the shaft assembly, a Geneva pinion gear engaged with the helical gear, a first Geneva gear wheel mounted on a first shaft moved by a first follower of the pinion gear, a first contact arm associated with the first Geneva gear wheel to rotate therewith, a second Geneva gear wheel mounted on a second shaft and moved by a second follower of the pinion gear, and a second contact arm associated with the second Geneva gear wheel so as to rotate therewith. The contact arms include contacts that engage fixed contacts that define tap positions of the load tap changer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Jon C. Brasher, David M. Geibel, William J. Teising, Robert A. Elick, Bobby Owen Thurmond, JR.
  • Patent number: 8268082
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash arms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber receives washing fluid through a sampling port that interconnects with the flow conduit. The filter chamber can be fluidly connected to a drain based on the position of a valve which opens when washing fluid recirculation ceases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Whirpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 7959742
    Abstract: An outer support body for a drawer-type dishwasher includes first and second U-shaped brackets. The first U-shaped bracket includes first and second leg members that are joined by a first cross member. Likewise, the second U-shaped bracket includes third and fourth leg members that are joined by a second cross member. The outer support body also includes side wall members that are secured to the first and third and second and fourth leg members respectively. A rear brace extends between and interconnects the side wall members at a position spaced from the second cross member. In addition, a drip pan is provided at a bottom portion of the outer support body between the side wall members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Rexford W. Cordill, Robert A. Elick, Kory A. Gunnerson, Mark E. Palm, John R. Sanderson, Michael C. Simmons, Jeff B. Thompson, Rodney M. Welch, Thomas J. Wuestefeld
  • Patent number: 7789968
    Abstract: A dishwasher operates to sense the need for a drain or purge operation based on dynamic characteristics of a respective washing operation such that an adaptive system is defined. In accordance with the invention, washing fluid used to spray clean kitchenware being washed is filtered and soil from the kitchenware is collected. When the filtering system becomes clogged, a flow signal is established to indicate the need for at least a partial drain operation. Most preferably, this arrangement is used in combination with signals from a turbidity sensor, as well as pump motor current signals, to provide an comprehensive, dynamically adaptive control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Thomas M. Johnson, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 7670439
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly having a chopper blade and apertured plate arrangement which function to chop soil particles entrained in a flow of washing fluid. The chopper blade floats or axially slides relative to a drive member from a first position spaced from the apertured plate to a second position closer to the apertured plate in order to macerate the soil particles. The chopper blade is actually mounted to a hub member including a shaft portion that extends into and abuts an inner portion of an impeller to maintain a desired spacing between the chopper blade and the apertured plate, while transferring drive from the drive member to both the chopper blade and impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Thomas M. Johnson, Mark B. Neff
  • Publication number: 20090015119
    Abstract: An outer support body for a drawer-type dishwasher includes first and second U-shaped brackets. The first U-shaped bracket includes first and second leg members that are joined by a first cross member. Likewise, the second U-shaped bracket includes third and fourth leg members that are joined by a second cross member. The outer support body also includes side wall members that are secured to the first and third and second and fourth leg members respectively. A rear brace extends between and interconnects the side wall members at a position spaced from the second cross member. In addition, a drip pan is provided at a bottom portion of the outer support body between the side wall members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Rexford W. Cordill, Robert A. Elick, Kory A. Gunnerson, Mark E. Palm, John R. Sanderson, Michael C. Simmons, Jeff B. Thompson, Rodney M. Welch, Thomas J. Wuestefeld
  • Patent number: 7472714
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a drain pump assembly having a chopper assembly coupled to an impeller and driven by a synchronous motor. The chopper assembly includes an impeller housing that includes a central hub portion for pivotally supporting a plurality of rotatable chopper blades. An apertured plate is secured to the impeller housing and maintained in a spaced relationship from the chopper blades. The chopper assembly is coupled to the impeller through an axially sliding drive mechanism that facilitates assembly of the chopper assembly into the impeller housing. The synchronous motor drives the chopper blade in a first direction until encountering a hard soil particle whereupon the chopper blades can pivot so that the chopper assembly can continue to operate or, if the chopper blade becomes jammed, the synchronous motor can oscillate to hammer the hard soil particle until it becomes small enough to pass through the apertured plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Mark E. Palm, Rodney M. Welch
  • Patent number: 7409961
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash arms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber is exposed to a collection chamber that leads to a flapper valve and then to a drain port. A sealing chamber joins the filter chamber with the collection chamber. A sealing member is positioned in the sealing chamber to selectively seal the filter chamber after a portion of the fluid is drained. Once sealed, a drain pump expels the fluid from the washing tub. After the tub is empty, the remainder of the fluid is drained from the filter chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Barry E. Tuller
  • Publication number: 20070283982
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash arms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber receives washing fluid through a sampling port that interconnects with the flow conduit. The filter chamber can be fluidly connected to a drain based on the position of a valve which opens when washing fluid recirculation ceases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: ROBERT ELICK, BARRY TULLER
  • Publication number: 20070251544
    Abstract: A dishwasher operates to sense the need for a drain or purge operation based on dynamic characteristics of a respective washing operation such that an adaptive system is defined. In accordance with the invention, washing fluid used to spray clean kitchenware being washed is filtered and soil from the kitchenware is collected. When the filtering system becomes clogged, a flow signal is established to indicate the need for at least a partial drain operation. Most preferably, this arrangement is used in combination with signals from a turbidity sensor, as well as pump motor current signals, to provide an comprehensive, dynamically adaptive control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: ROBERT ELICK, THOMAS JOHNSON, BARRY TULLER
  • Publication number: 20070246069
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a system for conditionally releasing a rinse aid into a washing chamber. The dishwasher includes a dispenser for storing rinse aid, a sensor for detecting a temperature of washing fluid in the washing chamber and a controller operatively coupled to the sensor and the dispenser. The controller, based upon a signal received from the sensor indicating a temperature of the washing fluid, activates the dispenser to release the rinse aid. The controller is programmed to only release the rinse aid when the temperature is above a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Elick, Jonathan King
  • Publication number: 20070227559
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly having a chopper blade and apertured plate arrangement which function to chop soil particles entrained in a flow of washing fluid. The chopper blade floats or axially slides relative to a drive member from a first position spaced from the apertured plate to a second position closer to the apertured plate in order to macerate the soil particles. The chopper blade is actually mounted to a hub member including a shaft portion that extends into and abuts an inner portion of an impeller to maintain a desired spacing between the chopper blade and the apertured plate, while transferring drive from the drive member to both the chopper blade and impeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Elick, Thomas Johnson, Mark Neff
  • Patent number: 7255113
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a wash and rinse system that operates to dislodge soil particles that adhere to internal surfaces of a washing chamber. During wash and rinse cycles, the washing chamber is initially filled to a first level with washing fluid. The washing fluid is drawn into a wash system through operation of a pump, that causes the washing fluid in the washing chamber to fall to a second level, and directed to a spray arm that sprays jets of washing fluid onto the kitchenware. Thereafter, the wash system enters a pause period during which the washing fluid is caused to return to the first level in the washing chamber to loosen particles from walls of the chamber. After the pause period, the trajectory of the jets of washing fluid is varied to further clean the kitchenware and the internal surfaces of the washing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Scott D. Raches
  • Patent number: 7252101
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash arms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber receives washing fluid through a sampling port that interconnects with the flow conduit. The filter chamber can be fluidly connected to a drain based on the position of a valve which opens when washing fluid recirculation ceases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 7241347
    Abstract: A dishwasher operates to sense the need for a drain or purge operation based on dynamic characteristics of a respective washing operation such that an adaptive system is defined. In accordance with the invention, washing fluid used to spray clean kitchenware being washed is filtered and soil from the kitchenware is collected. When the filtering system becomes clogged, a flow signal is established to indicate the need for at least a partial drain operation. Most preferably, this arrangement is used in combination with signals from a turbidity sensor, as well as pump motor current signals, to provide an comprehensive, dynamically adaptive control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, Thomas M. Johnson, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 7146992
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash anms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber is exposed to a collection chamber that leads to a flapper valve and then to a drain port. An overflow tube, which is in fluid communication with the filter chamber, extends upwardly within the dishwasher. When the fine mesh filter becomes clogged, fluid will be forced to flow up the overflow tube and be exposed to another filter. A filter guard is secured to a housing of the recirculation pump over portions of the fine mesh filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, John Trevor Morrison, Chad M. Thomas, Barry E. Tuller
  • Publication number: 20060174925
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a drain pump assembly having a chopper assembly coupled to an impeller and driven by a synchronous motor. The chopper assembly includes an impeller housing that includes a central hub portion for pivotally supporting a plurality of rotatable chopper blades. An apertured plate is secured to the impeller housing and maintained in a spaced relationship from the chopper blades. The chopper assembly is coupled to the impeller through an axially sliding drive mechanism that facilitates assembly of the chopper assembly into the impeller housing. The synchronous motor drives the chopper blade in a first direction until encountering a hard soil particle whereupon the chopper blades can pivot so that the chopper assembly can continue to operate or, if the chopper blade becomes jammed, the synchronous motor can oscillate to hammer the hard soil particle until it becomes small enough to pass through the apertured plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Elick, Mark Palm, Rodney Welch
  • Patent number: 7055537
    Abstract: An improved wash tube is provided for a dishwasher. The wash tube is mounted on the upper rack and has a first end adapted to be releasably docked with the water manifold in the back of the dishwashing chamber as the rack is moved between the extended loading position and the retracted wash position. The inner end of the wash tube includes a curved cap which increases the docking tolerance and which presents a substantially downwardly oriented water inlet to the wash tube. The cap creates water stagnation adjacent the inlet such that the water velocity is substantially reduced and the pressure increased. The second end of the wash tube is connected to the spray arm which rotates as water is ejected from the spray arm nozzles at increased pressure. The cap allows the wash tube to fully dock into the manifold without obstructing the water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Elick, John Trevor Morrison
  • Publication number: 20060096615
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a wash and rinse system that operates to dislodge soil particles that adhere to internal surfaces of a washing chamber. During wash and rinse cycles, the washing chamber is initially filled to a first level with washing fluid. The washing fluid is drawn into a wash system through operation of a pump, that causes the washing fluid in the washing chamber to fall to a second level, and directed to a spray arm that sprays jets of washing fluid onto the kitchenware. Thereafter, the wash system enters a pause period during which the washing fluid is caused to return to the first level in the washing chamber to loosen particles from walls of the chamber. After the pause period, the trajectory of the jets of washing fluid is varied to further clean the kitchenware and the internal surfaces of the washing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Elick, Scott Raches