Patents by Inventor Thomas C. Anell

Thomas C. Anell 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).

  • Freeze-tolerant waterline valve for a refrigerator
    Patent number: 8028534
    Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Jenkins, Jr., Thomas C. Anell
  • FREEZE-TOLERANT WATERLINE VALVE FOR A REFRIGERATOR
    Publication number: 20090266090
    Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: James H. Jenkins, JR., Thomas C. Anell
  • Freeze tolerant waterline valve for a refrigerator
    Patent number: 7568357
    Abstract: An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Jenkins, Jr., Thomas C. Anell