Patents by Inventor Sunil S. Ekshinge

Sunil S. Ekshinge 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: 11959696
    Abstract: A method of measuring pressure includes the steps of (1) providing a vacuum cabinet with a storage compartment and an insulating space, and three temperature sensors; (2) sensing a first temperature level of an interior wall of the storage compartment; (3) sensing an ambient temperature level within the storage compartment; (4) sensing a second temperature level of an exterior wall of the storage compartment; (5) calculating an overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) using the ambient temperature level, the first temperature level, and a convective heat transfer coefficient for the interior wall of the storage compartment; (6) calculating a temperature differential between the second and first temperature levels; (7) determining a conductivity level (K) using the temperature differential, the overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) and a thickness of the insulating space; and (8) determining a pressure level (P) within the insulating space using the conductivity level (K).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Sunil S. Ekshinge, Alberto Regio Gomes, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
  • Patent number: 11788280
    Abstract: An insulated structure comprises a first panel and a second panel coupled to the first panel. The first and second panels define an insulating cavity therebetween. A port is defined by the second panel. The port is an opening into the insulating cavity. A connector is coupled to the second panel. A tube is coupled to the connector and extends parallel along the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Jeffrey Beckner, Sunil S. Ekshinge, Abhay Naik, Manjunathraddi Navalgund, Rafael D. Nunes, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
  • Publication number: 20230324114
    Abstract: A method of measuring pressure includes the steps of (1) providing a vacuum cabinet with a storage compartment and an insulating space, and three temperature sensors; (2) sensing a first temperature level of an interior wall of the storage compartment; (3) sensing an ambient temperature level within the storage compartment; (4) sensing a second temperature level of an exterior wall of the storage compartment; (5) calculating an overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) using the ambient temperature level, the first temperature level, and a convective heat transfer coefficient for the interior wall of the storage compartment; (6) calculating a temperature differential between the second and first temperature levels; (7) determining a conductivity level (K) using the temperature differential, the overall heat transfer coefficient (Q) and a thickness of the insulating space; and (8) determining a pressure level (P) within the insulating space using the conductivity level (K).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Sunil S. Ekshinge, Alberto Regio Gomes, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
  • Patent number: 11767945
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated structure includes a first panel having an inner surface defining an area. The first panel includes a vacuum port. A trim breaker interconnects the first panel with a second panel in an air-tight manner to define a vacuum cavity therebetween. A first filter member is disposed on and substantially covers the area of the inner surface of the first panel and the vacuum port of the first panel. A second filter member substantially covers the first filter member to define a channel therebetween. The channel includes an area commensurate with the area of the inner surface of the first panel. The first panel may also include a mesh member covered by a filter member to define a channel therebetween to improve evacuation time using the channel to evacuate the vacuum cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Sunil S. Ekshinge, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
  • Publication number: 20230287729
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated door for an appliance includes an outer wrapper that defines an evacuation port, An inner liner is coupled to the outer wrapper defining an insulating cavity therebetween. A base is coupled to the outer wrapper adjacent to the evacuation port. A servicing tube has a connecting end and a servicing end. The servicing tube is in fluid communication with the insulating cavity via the evacuation port. The connecting end is coupled to the base. A handle has first and second ends coupled to the outer wrapper and a center portion therebetween spaced-apart from the outer wrapper. The first end is coupled to the outer wrapper proximate the evacuation port. The servicing tube extends along an inner surface of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sunil S. Ekshinge
  • Publication number: 20230258389
    Abstract: A door assembly for an appliance includes a wrapper operably coupled with a liner to define an insulation cavity therebetween. An attachment assembly operably couples to the liner and defines a slot. A storage assembly couples with the attachment assembly. The storage assembly includes a bin. The storage assembly further includes a bracket operably coupling the bin to the attachment assembly via a retention feature. The bracket includes a support member defining a groove extending between ends of the bracket. The storage assembly further includes a rim extending from the bin and engaging the groove to secure the bin to the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kaito S. Choy, Sunil S. Ekshinge, Omkar S. Mithari, Abhay Naik
  • Patent number: 11708935
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated structure including a first cover member of a stamped unitary sheet defining a perimeter portion positioned at a first planar level and first rib formed in the unitary sheet extending to a second planar level spaced axially outward and disposed radially inward of the perimeter portion, a second cover member, and thermal bridge interconnecting the first cover member and the second cover member at the perimeter portions thereof to define an insulating cavity therebetween. The insulating cavity is a sealed cavity having a vacuum drawn therefrom, and the first rib defines a first portion of a path for air flow out of the sealed cavity during a vacuum draw process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sunil S. Ekshinge, Arunkumar Harikrishnasamy, Lynne F. Hunter, Sai B. Krishna, Abhay Naik
  • Patent number: 11692387
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated door for an appliance includes an outer wrapper that defines an evacuation port. An inner liner is coupled to the outer wrapper defining an insulating cavity therebetween. A base is coupled to the outer wrapper adjacent to the evacuation port. A servicing tube has a connecting end and a servicing end. The servicing tube is in fluid communication with the insulating cavity via the evacuation port. The connecting end is coupled to the base. A handle has first and second ends coupled to the outer wrapper and a center portion therebetween spaced-apart from the outer wrapper. The first end is coupled to the outer wrapper proximate the evacuation port. The servicing tube extends along an inner surface of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Sunil S. Ekshinge
  • Patent number: 11692663
    Abstract: An appliance includes a panel having a raised landing outwardly extending from a first surface of the panel. A vacuum port is disposed on the raised landing. A system of channels is disposed over the first surface of the panel and outwardly extends therefrom. The system of channels substantially covers the first surface of the panel. The first surface of the panel is covered with a filter member that covers the system of channels. The raised landing, and vacuum port thereof, is fluidically coupled to the system of channels at multiple connecting locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Jeffrey Beckner, Sunil S. Ekshinge, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Pathak
  • Publication number: 20230078837
    Abstract: An insulated structure includes a door that has a liner and a wrapper. The liner defines at least one channel. At least one attachment feature is disposed within the at least one channel defined by the liner and coupled to the door. The at least one attachment feature includes a body that has a plurality of apertures that are defined along a length of the body. A bin is operably coupled to the door via the at least one attachment feature. The bin includes a coupling feature that extends through at least one of the plurality of apertures that are defined by the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sunil S. Ekshinge, Lynne Foster Hunter, Sai B. Krishna, Omkar Sunil Mithari, Abhay Naik, Abinash Sarma
  • Patent number: 11555645
    Abstract: A method for assembling a vacuum insulation assembly for an appliance is provided. The method includes steps of defining a plurality of spaces on a guide and positioning the guide flush with an inner surface of a panel. The method further includes a step of determining positions of a plurality of clips using the plurality of spaces of the guide. Another step of the method includes coupling the plurality of clips with the inner surface of the panel. The method also includes separating the guide from the panel and coupling permeable tubing with the plurality of clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Sunil S. Ekshinge, Rafael D. Nunes, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
  • Publication number: 20220381390
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated structure including a first cover member of a stamped unitary sheet defining a perimeter portion positioned at a first planar level and first rib formed in the unitary sheet extending to a second planar level spaced axially outward and disposed radially inward of the perimeter portion, a second cover member, and thermal bridge interconnecting the first cover member and the second cover member at the perimeter portions thereof to define an insulating cavity therebetween. The insulating cavity is a sealed cavity having a vacuum drawn therefrom, and the first rib defines a first portion of a path for air flow out of the sealed cavity during a vacuum draw process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sunil S. Ekshinge, Arunkumar Harikrishnasamy, Lynne F. Hunter, Sai B. Krishna, Abhay Naik
  • Publication number: 20220349176
    Abstract: An insulated structure comprises a first panel and a second panel coupled to the first panel. The first and second panels define an insulating cavity therebetween. A port is defined by the second panel. The port is an opening into the insulating cavity. A connector is coupled to the second panel. A tube is coupled to the connector and extends parallel along the second panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Jeffrey Beckner, Sunil S. Ekshinge, Abhay Naik, Manjunathraddi Navalgund, Rafael D. Nunes, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
  • Publication number: 20220325572
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated door for an appliance includes an outer wrapper that defines an evacuation port. An inner liner is coupled to the outer wrapper defining an insulating cavity therebetween. A base is coupled to the outer wrapper adjacent to the evacuation port. A servicing tube has a connecting end and a servicing end. The servicing tube is in fluid communication with the insulating cavity via the evacuation port. The connecting end is coupled to the base. A handle has first and second ends coupled to the outer wrapper and a center portion therebetween spaced-apart from the outer wrapper. The first end is coupled to the outer wrapper proximate the evacuation port. The servicing tube extends along an inner surface of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sunil S. Ekshinge
  • Patent number: 11448355
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated structure includes a first cover member of a stamped unitary sheet defining a perimeter portion positioned at a first planar level and a reinforcing member formed in the interior sheet extending to a second planar level spaced axially outward and disposed radially inward of the perimeter portion. The vacuum insulated structure also includes a second cover member and a thermal bridge interconnecting the first cover member and the second cover member at the perimeter portions thereof to define an insulating cavity therebetween. The insulating cavity is a sealed cavity having a vacuum drawn therefrom, and the first reinforcing member is configured to reduce deformation of the first cover member in at least an area adjacent the reinforcing member and to define a portion of a path for air flow out of the sealed cavity during a vacuum draw process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Sunil S. Ekshinge, Arunkumar Harikrishnasamy, Lynne F. Hunter, Sai B. Krishna, Abhay Naik
  • Patent number: 11427998
    Abstract: An insulated structure comprises a first panel and a second panel coupled to the first panel. The first and second panels define an insulating cavity therebetween. A port is defined by the second panel. The port is an opening into the insulating cavity. A connector is coupled to the second panel. A tube is coupled to the connector and extends parallel along the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Jeffrey Beckner, Sunil S. Ekshinge, Abhay Naik, Manjunathraddi Navalgund, Rafael D. Nunes, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak
  • Patent number: 11414918
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated door for an appliance includes an outer wrapper that defines an evacuation port. An inner liner is coupled to the outer wrapper defining an insulating cavity therebetween. A base is coupled to the outer wrapper adjacent to the evacuation port. A servicing tube has a connecting end and a servicing end. The servicing tube is in fluid communication with the insulating cavity via the evacuation port. The connecting end is coupled to the base. A handle has first and second ends coupled to the outer wrapper and a center portion therebetween spaced-apart from the outer wrapper. The first end is coupled to the outer wrapper proximate the evacuation port. The servicing tube extends along an inner surface of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Sunil S. Ekshinge
  • Publication number: 20220221099
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated structure includes a first cover member of a stamped unitary sheet defining a perimeter portion positioned at a first planar level and a reinforcing member formed in the interior sheet extending to a second planar level spaced axially outward and disposed radially inward of the perimeter portion. The vacuum insulated structure also includes a second cover member and a thermal bridge interconnecting the first cover member and the second cover member at the perimeter portions thereof to define an insulating cavity therebetween. The insulating cavity is a sealed cavity having a vacuum drawn therefrom, and the first reinforcing member is configured to reduce deformation of the first cover member in at least an area adjacent the reinforcing member and to define a portion of a path for air flow out of the sealed cavity during a vacuum draw process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sunil S. Ekshinge, Arunkumar Harikrishnasamy, Lynne F. Hunter, Sai B. Krishna, Abhay Naik
  • Publication number: 20220196200
    Abstract: An appliance includes a panel having a raised landing outwardly extending from a first surface of the panel. A vacuum port is disposed on the raised landing. A system of channels is disposed over the first surface of the panel and outwardly extends therefrom. The system of channels substantially covers the first surface of the panel. The first surface of the panel is covered with a filter member that covers the system of channels. The raised landing, and vacuum port thereof, is fluidically coupled to the system of channels at multiple connecting locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Jeffrey Beckner, Sunil S. Ekshinge, Abhay Naik, Sanjesh Pathak
  • Publication number: 20220186873
    Abstract: A vacuum insulated structure includes a first panel having an inner surface defining an area. The first panel includes a vacuum port. A trim breaker interconnects the first panel with a second panel in an air-tight manner to define a vacuum cavity therebetween. A first filter member is disposed on and substantially covers the area of the inner surface of the first panel and the vacuum port of the first panel. A second filter member substantially covers the first filter member to define a channel therebetween. The channel includes an area commensurate with the area of the inner surface of the first panel. The first panel may also include a mesh member covered by a filter member to define a channel therebetween to improve evacuation time using the channel to evacuate the vacuum cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul B. Allard, Sunil S. Ekshinge, Sanjesh Kumar Pathak