Patents by Inventor Scott Leimkuehler
Scott Leimkuehler 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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Publication number: 20080104977Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20070256447Abstract: A refrigerator incorporates a dual swing door including a dual hinge mechanism. The dual hinge mechanism includes a lock bar having a first end portion and a second end portion joined by an intermediate portion. Each of the first and second end portions includes first and second lobe elements. The hinge mechanism also includes a hinge plate having a first end section and a second section joined by an intermediate section. Each of the first and second end sections include a wedge member and a rudder member. The hinge plate further includes first and second hinge pins, mounted to corresponding ones of the first and second end sections, that define left and right pivot axes for the door. The rudder and wedge members interact with the first lobes to automatically force one of the second lobes into engagement with a respective hinge pin to establish a desired hinge axis for pivoting of the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2006Publication date: November 8, 2007Inventors: Scott Leimkuehler, Chad Rotter
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Publication number: 20060272235Abstract: An improved refrigerator door is provided with a metal outer panel and upper and lower plastic end caps installed on top and bottom edges of the door. The caps include grooves to receive flanges on the edges of the panel, thereby mounting the caps to the panel. The caps include plugs for receipt in a vertical channel in the panel. A bushing is snap fit into the upper cap without the use of hardware fasteners. Electric wires and a water line extend downwardly through the bushing to an ice and water dispenser in the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: December 7, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: SCOTT LEIMKUEHLER, CHRIS McELVAIN, CHAD ROTTER
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Publication number: 20060272218Abstract: An improved refrigerator door is provided with a metal outer panel and upper and lower plastic end caps installed on top and bottom edges of the door. The caps include grooves to receive flanges on the edges of the panel. A bushing is snap fit into the upper cap without the use of hardware fasteners. Electric wires and a water line extend downwardly through the bushing to an ice and water dispenser in the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: December 7, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: SCOTT LEIMKUEHLER, CHRIS McELVAIN, CHAD ROTTER
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Publication number: 20060265960Abstract: An improved refrigerator door is provided with a metal outer panel and upper and lower plastic end caps installed on top and bottom edges of the door. The caps include grooves to receive flanges on the edges of the panel, thereby mounting the caps to the panel. The caps include ratcheting members to provide a mating fit with the panel. A bushing is snap fit into the upper cap without the use of hardware fasteners. Electric wires and a water line extend downwardly through the bushing to an ice and water dispenser in the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2005Publication date: November 30, 2006Applicant: Maytag CorporationInventors: Scott Leimkuehler, Chris McElvain, Chad Rotter
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Publication number: 20060260347Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2005Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: Maytag CorporationInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20060260346Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20060260349Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20060260352Abstract: A refrigerator is provided with a fresh food compartment and a door for the fresh food compartment having an organizer with a plurality of openings formed in the door for holding individual food and beverage containers. The openings include a cradle for supporting a sidewall of each container so as to hold the container in an inclined orientation. The openings are vertically aligned adjacent the ice dispenser chute of the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: Maytag CorporationInventors: Troy Anderson, Scott Leimkuehler, Joseph Nurre, Lester Ott, Doug Roush, Eric Silbaugh, Todd Tunzi
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Publication number: 20060260351Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20060260345Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20060201190Abstract: The present invention is a refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser with a lighted dispenser target ring. The dispenser has a lighted target ring to facilitate positioning of a container for receipt of ice and water. An additional benefit is that the lighted target ring reduces ice and water spray outside of the container being filled.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: September 14, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: MICHAEL BOWEN, LAWRENCE ERTZ, BRUCE KOPF, DEAN MARTIN, SCOTT LEIMKUEHLER, CHAD ROTTER
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Publication number: 20060201191Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser with a sloped dispensing cavity that extends upward and rearward from the refrigerator door. The dispenser design allows for more efficient use of storage space on the door behind the dispenser.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: September 14, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: MICHAEL BOWEN, LAWRENCE ERTZ, BRUCE KOPF, DEAN MARTIN, SCOTT LEIMKUEHLER, CHAD ROTTER
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Publication number: 20060201194Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser has a seal to sealingly engage the ice compartment when the refrigerator door is closed. The seal is flexible to accommodate manufacturing tolerance. The seal may be impregnated with a friction reducing agent to increase life of the seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: September 14, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: MICHAEL BOWEN, LAWRENCE ERTZ, BRUCE KOPF, DEAN MARTIN, SCOTT LEIMKUEHLER, CHAD ROTTER
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Publication number: 20060201193Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser. The dispenser includes an ice chute door actuated by an electric motor for reducing energy consumption over traditional solenoid activated doors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2006Publication date: September 14, 2006Applicant: MAYTAG CORPORATIONInventors: MICHAEL BOWEN, LAWRENCE ERTZ, BRUCE KOPF, DEAN MARTIN, SCOTT LEIMKUEHLER, CHAD ROTTER
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Publication number: 20060144075Abstract: A refrigerator having an ice and water dispenser that extends forwardly from the refrigerator door. The dispenser includes a retractable ledge to support a container, a sloped back wall to provide increased storage space in the door, a lighted target ring to facilitate positioning of a container for receipt of ice and water, an ice chute door actuated by an electric motor, and a seal to sealingly engage the ice compartment when the refrigerator door is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2005Publication date: July 6, 2006Applicant: Maytag CorporationInventors: Michael Bowen, Lawrence Ertz, Bruce Kopf, Dean Martin, Scott Leimkuehler, Chad Rotter
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Publication number: 20060082270Abstract: A refrigerator includes a storage bin assembly removably mounted to an inner liner of a door. The storage bin assembly includes a base portion having a frontal opening, and a face portion. The frontal opening is defined by first and second side portions, as well as a bottom portion. Each of the side portions is provided with a mounting component and a mounting element. The face portion includes top, bottom and opposing side sections, with each of the opposing side sections being provided with a mounting member and a mounting part. The mounting component interengages with the mounting member and the mounting element interengages with the mounting part upon snap-fittingly securing the face portion to the base portion across the frontal opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2004Publication date: April 20, 2006Inventors: Clint Collins, Scott Leimkuehler, Jonathan Tiemeier
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Publication number: 20050116596Abstract: An improved door bucket assembly is provided for a refrigerator or freezer door. The assembly includes a bucket pivotally mounted in a retainer mounted in the door, such that the bucket is movable between an upright position and tilt-out position. The bucket is open at the top such that items stored in the bucket are accessible when the bucket is in both the upright and tilt-out positions. A stop member limits the tilt-out movement of the bucket to 30°-45°. A clip on the retainer releasably engages a tab on the bucket to prevent accidental tilt-out of the bucket during movement of the door between open and closed positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2004Publication date: June 2, 2005Applicant: Maytag CorporationInventors: Scott Leimkuehler, Roger Bush, Michael Eveland, Todd Kniffen, J. Nurre, Ravi Sawhney, Timothy Nugent, John Zinni