Patents by Inventor Robert Wetekamp

Robert Wetekamp 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: 10119535
    Abstract: A pump and a method of operating the pump at a duty-cycle based on the input voltage of the power source energizing the pump. The pump includes at least a first opto-coupler electrically coupled to the power source. The method includes detecting at least a first opto-coupler state transition; determining a zero-crossing of the input voltage; determining an elapsed time between the zero-crossing and the first opto-coupler state transition; and operating the pump by energizing a power switch at a duty-cycle based on the elapsed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Song, Robert Wetekamp
  • Publication number: 20160102663
    Abstract: A pump and a method of operating the pump at a duty-cycle based on the input voltage of the power source energizing the pump. The pump includes at least a first opto-coupler electrically coupled, to the power source. The method includes detecting at least a first opto-coupler state transition; determining a zero-crossing of the input voltage; determining an elapsed time between the zero-crossing and the first opto-coupler state transition; and operating the pump by energizing a power switch at a duty-cycle based on the elapsed time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Wetekamp, Wei Song
  • Patent number: 7942016
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet having at least one door, an ice dispenser operatively connected to one of the at least one door having an opening for dispensing ice, an ice storage receptacle for storing ice disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, an ice crusher, an ice transfer mechanism for moving ice from the ice storage receptacle to the ice crusher, an ice chute for conveying ice from the ice crusher to the ice dispenser, and an intrusion barrier positioned within the ice chute to assist in preventing objects entering the ice chute through the ice dispenser from reaching the ice crusher without stopping ice flow through the ice chute. The ice dispenser may include a first switch and a second switch, the first switch being spaced apart from the second switch, and the ice dispenser adapted to require simultaneous activation of the first switch and the second switch to dispense ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. Johnson, Brian M. Midlang, Robert Wetekamp
  • Publication number: 20080156017
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet having at least one door, an ice dispenser operatively connected to one of the at least one door having an opening for dispensing ice, an ice storage receptacle for storing ice disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, an ice crusher, an ice transfer mechanism for moving ice from the ice storage receptacle to the ice crusher, an ice chute for conveying ice from the ice crusher to the ice dispenser, and an intrusion barrier positioned within the ice chute to assist in preventing objects entering the ice chute through the ice dispenser from reaching the ice crusher without stopping ice flow through the ice chute. The ice dispenser may include a first switch and a second switch, the first switch being spaced apart from the second switch, and the ice dispenser adapted to require simultaneous activation of the first switch and the second switch to dispense ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: DANIEL L. JOHNSON, BRIAN M. MIDLANG, ROBERT WETEKAMP
  • Publication number: 20080104977
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20070157640
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a controller for regulating temperatures established in a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment of the refrigerator. The controller is selectively operable in a temperature guard mode providing a warm temperature alarm setting function and a power interrupt setting function. When the warm temperature alarm is active, the controller monitors temperatures of each of the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. If either temperature exceeds a respective predetermined value for a predetermined time, an alarm is activated to indicate a warm temperature condition. When the power interrupt alarm setting is selected, the controller senses an interruption and restoration of power. Once power is restored, if a temperature of either the fresh food compartment or the freezer compartment has exceeded a respective predetermined value, an alarm is activated to indicate an over-temperature condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Mary Bolger, Nelson Ferragut, Robert Wetekamp
  • Publication number: 20070157641
    Abstract: A control system for a refrigerator ice/water dispenser includes an actuation switch, at least one drive unit for releasing either ice or water, a motor activation relay that controls operation of the drive unit, and a power system having multiple power supplies for operating the control system, motor activation relay and drive unit(s). Preferably, the dispenser includes multiple actuation switches, e.g. a water activation switch and a water/ice activation switch, each having an associated activation relay for independently controlling the release of water and/or ice respectively. Current for initiating the drive unit activation relays must pass through a corresponding actuation switch in order to prevent unintended release of water and/or ice. Multiple processor circuits are preferably employed, with one processor circuit relaying to another processor circuit to enable drive unit activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Nelson Ferragut, Brian Midlang, Robert Wetekamp
  • Publication number: 20070157642
    Abstract: A domestic appliance, shown in the form of a refrigerator, includes a cabinet within which is defined at least one compartment. A controller is mounted to the appliance for controlling various operating parameters of the appliance. The controller also includes a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters associated with a plurality of appliance models. The appliance has an identification element affixed thereto and a communication device that is operatively connected to the controller. The communication device receives signals that provide programming instructions to the controller to activate particular ones of the plurality of operating parameters associated with the respective appliance model. In this manner, a universal controller can be employed in any one of a wide range of appliance models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Nelson Ferragut, Robert Wetekamp
  • Publication number: 20070157637
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet within which is defined a fresh food compartment and/or a freezer compartment. The refrigerator further includes a control panel or user interface that enables a consumer to input desired operating parameters. The interface is also provided with a plurality of temperature control elements and at least one auxiliary control element. The temperature control elements enable a consumer to set compartment temperatures in a first or basic mode. The auxiliary control element, in addition to serving a function in the basic mode, provides access to a hidden or advanced features menu. Once the hidden menu is accessed, the temperature control elements enable a consumer to select and adjust advanced operating parameters, such as enabling a Sabbath mode, setting a temperature display, altering an intensity of ambient light required to activate a dispenser light, activating an audible warm alarm and initiating a super cool feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Nelson Ferragut, Robert Wetekamp
  • Publication number: 20070157645
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a fresh food compartment, a freezer compartment and a refrigeration system. A duct, exposed to the freezer compartment, leads into the fresh food compartment. A damper is arranged within the duct to selectively allow the passage of cooling air into the fresh food compartment. The refrigerator also includes an air mixing fan arranged in the fresh food compartment, a freezer mounted ice maker, a user interface having a plurality of control elements and a controller operatively associated with the user interface. The controller includes a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters for controlling various aspects or features of the refrigerator, including a temperature control mode, a super cool mode, a food saver mode and a quick ice mode, which can be synergistically combined to efficiently operate the refrigerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas Anell, Nelson Ferragut, Carl Franken, Alvin Miller, Mauro Oliveira, Todd Pritts, Alan Tarrant, Robert Wetekamp
  • Publication number: 20070157638
    Abstract: A door mounted dispenser for a refrigerator includes rear and opposing side walls that collectively define a cavity, a release mechanism for dispensing ice and/or water and a light for illuminating the cavity. The cavity light can be operated in one of three distinct modes, i.e., in a first mode wherein the cavity light is continuously illuminated, in a second mode wherein the cavity light is illuminated only through activation of the release mechanism, and in a third mode wherein the cavity light is illuminated based upon a sensed level of ambient light present at or near the refrigerator. In the third mode, the cavity light is illuminated at a first level based upon ambient light and a second, higher level when the release mechanism is operated. The level of ambient light necessary to activate the cavity light can be set by a consumer through control panel inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Wetekamp
  • Publication number: 20060266059
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20060266068
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20060266061
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20060260351
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20060260346
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20060260345
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20060260349
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20060260347
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20060260333
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: 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