Patents by Inventor Steven R. Fricke

Steven R. Fricke 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).

  • Appliance panel with increased natural frequency
    Patent number: 8056172
    Abstract: A side panel for a fabric care appliance is described. The side panel includes an embossed pattern for increasing a first natural frequency (or first harmonic) of the side panel. Preferably, the first natural frequency is substantially higher than any ordinary operating frequency or driving frequency of the appliance. For example, in a washing machine, the first natural frequency of the side panel is preferably at least 1.6 times greater than the maximum rotational frequency of a drum or tumbler of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Rick A. Schneider, Steven R. Fricke, Michael S. Short, James R. Sawyer, Phillip E. Lindeman, Michael R. Carey