Patents by Inventor Troy Marshall Wright
Troy Marshall Wright 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: 20210131018Abstract: A washing appliance or additive dispensing assembly, as provided herein, may include a dispenser, a water intake, and a bulk tank. The dispenser may include a compartment to receive an additive pod. The dispenser may define a nozzle above the wash chamber to direct a wash fluid to a wash chamber. The water intake may be mounted to the dispenser in upstream fluid communication with the compartment to direct a water flow to the additive pod. The bulk tank may be spaced apart from the dispenser within a washing appliance. The bulk tank may define a reservoir in upstream fluid communication with the compartment to direct an additive flow thereto. The bulk tank may be attached to the dispenser in fluid parallel to the water intake.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: Troy Marshall Wright
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Patent number: 10865511Abstract: A washing machine appliance and nozzle assembly is provided herein. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, a wash basket, and a controller. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub. The wash basket may define a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. The nozzle assembly may be mounted within the cabinet and configured to provide wash fluid to the tub. The nozzle assembly may include a nozzle housing and an extendable nozzle. The nozzle housing may define a receiving chamber within the cabinet. The extendable nozzle may be movable between a retracted position within the receiving chamber and an extended position outside of the receiving chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Peter Hans Bensel, Troy Marshall Wright
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Patent number: 10834851Abstract: A washing machine appliance is provided herein. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a heat-generating electronic circuit board, and a heat pipe. The cabinet may extend in a transverse direction from a front end to a rear end. The cabinet may define an interior volume therein. The cabinet may include a metal back panel positioned at the rear end and defining at least a portion of the interior volume. The heat-generating electronic circuit board may be positioned within the interior volume. The heat pipe may extend in conductive thermal communication between the heat-generating electronic circuit board and the metal back panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Patrick Martin, Ramasamy Thiyagarajan, Troy Marshall Wright
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Patent number: 10815606Abstract: A washing machine appliance with smart dispensing capability is provided. The washing machine appliance has features that dispense a predetermined volume of wash additive (e.g., a detergent, fabric softener, and/or bleach) based at least in part on the viscosity of the wash additive. Methods for operating the washing machine appliance are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Peter Hans Bensel, Troy Marshall Wright
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Patent number: 10745849Abstract: A washing machine appliance and nozzle assembly therefor are provided herein. The nozzle assembly may include an extendable nozzle, a valve assembly, and a retractable fluid supply. The extendable nozzle may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The extendable nozzle may define a fluid path in fluid communication between a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet. The extendable nozzle may further define an additive cavity in fluid communication with the fluid path downstream from the nozzle inlet and an additive opening in selective fluid communication with the additive cavity in parallel to the nozzle inlet. The valve assembly may be configured to provide a flow of wash fluid to the extendable nozzle. The retractable fluid supply conduit may extend in fluid communication between the valve assembly and the nozzle inlet of the extendable nozzle to direct the flow of wash fluid to the extendable nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Peter Hans Bensel, Troy Marshall Wright
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Publication number: 20200216998Abstract: An additive dispensing system and method for dispensing wash additive from an additive reservoir of a washing machine appliance is provided. The additive dispensing system includes a tank level sensor and a Venturi pump for drawing wash additive from the additive reservoir. The method includes measuring a level of wash additive in the additive reservoir using the tank level sensor and/or the viscosity of the wash additive, determining an additive dispense rate based at least in part on the level of wash additive and/or the viscosity of the wash additive, and selectively dispensing the flow of water through the Venturi pump based at least in part on the additive dispense rate to dispense a target volume of the wash additive.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2019Publication date: July 9, 2020Inventors: Troy Marshall Wright, Alexander Kopf-Moore
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Publication number: 20200131687Abstract: A scent dispensing assembly for a washing machine appliance includes a scent dispensing box defining a reservoir for receiving a scented material, such as aromatic oil. An ultrasonic diffuser may be mounted to a bottom of the scent dispensing box for generating a flow of scented vapor from the scented material which may pass into the wash chamber through an aperture in the scent dispensing box. The flow of scented vapor may be drawn into the wash chamber by spinning the wash basket to generate air circulation. In addition, a fan may be fluidly coupled with the reservoir for urging the flow of scented vapor into the wash chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2018Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventors: Troy Marshall Wright, Alexander Kopf-Moore, Alexander B. Leibman
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Publication number: 20200077542Abstract: A washing machine appliance is provided herein. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a heat-generating electronic circuit board, and a heat pipe. The cabinet may extend in a transverse direction from a front end to a rear end. The cabinet may define an interior volume therein. The cabinet may include a metal back panel positioned at the rear end and defining at least a portion of the interior volume. The heat-generating electronic circuit board may be positioned within the interior volume. The heat pipe may extend in conductive thermal communication between the heat-generating electronic circuit board and the metal back panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2018Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Timothy Patrick Martin, Ramasamy Thiyagarajan, Troy Marshall Wright
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Patent number: 10435834Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes an additive reservoir positioned below a top panel of the washing machine appliance for receiving large quantities of a first fluid additive, such as detergent. In addition, the additive reservoir defines an additive passageway that extends through the additive reservoir and is configured for receiving a second fluid additive, such as bleach, and directing that additive directly into a tub of the washing machine appliance. In this manner, bulk detergent and an additional additive may be added into the washing machine appliance without requiring the manufacturing and assembly of two separate parts which must be installed within the limited space under the top panel of the washing machine appliance.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2016Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Troy Marshall Wright, Alexander B. Leibman, Christopher Gene Vowels
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Publication number: 20190271107Abstract: A washing machine appliance with smart dispensing capability is provided. The washing machine appliance has features that dispense a predetermined volume of wash additive (e.g., a detergent, fabric softener, and/or bleach) based at least in part on the viscosity of the wash additive. Methods for operating the washing machine appliance are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2018Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: Peter Hans Bensel, Troy Marshall Wright
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Publication number: 20190242052Abstract: A washing machine appliance and nozzle assembly therefor are provided herein. The nozzle assembly may include an extendable nozzle, a valve assembly, and a retractable fluid supply. The extendable nozzle may be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The extendable nozzle may define a fluid path in fluid communication between a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet. The extendable nozzle may further define an additive cavity in fluid communication with the fluid path downstream from the nozzle inlet and an additive opening in selective fluid communication with the additive cavity in parallel to the nozzle inlet. The valve assembly may be configured to provide a flow of wash fluid to the extendable nozzle. The retractable fluid supply conduit may extend in fluid communication between the valve assembly and the nozzle inlet of the extendable nozzle to direct the flow of wash fluid to the extendable nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2018Publication date: August 8, 2019Inventors: Peter Hans Bensel, Troy Marshall Wright
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Publication number: 20190218702Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a spray hose assembly fluidly connected to a water supply and configured for selectively providing a flow of wash fluid in a desired direction and location. A receptacle is defined in the spray hose assembly. The receptacle is configured to receive an additive vessel. The washing machine appliance also includes a controller in operative communication with the water supply and the spray hose assembly. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the spray hose assembly. The signal from the spray hose assembly is indicative of a type of additive in the additive vessel. The controller is also configured to activate the water supply in response to the received signal to provide a flow of water to the spray hose assembly, whereby the flow of water mixes with the additive within the spray hose assembly to form the flow of wash fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2018Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Troy Marshall Wright, Peter Hans Bensel
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Publication number: 20190145042Abstract: A washing machine appliance and nozzle assembly is provided herein. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, a wash basket, and a controller. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub. The wash basket may define a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. The nozzle assembly may be mounted within the cabinet and configured to provide wash fluid to the tub. The nozzle assembly may include a nozzle housing and an extendable nozzle. The nozzle housing may define a receiving chamber within the cabinet. The extendable nozzle may be movable between a retracted position within the receiving chamber and an extended position outside of the receiving chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2017Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventors: Peter Hans Bensel, Troy Marshall Wright
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Patent number: 10253445Abstract: A dispenser assembly for a washing machine appliance includes a tray and a cup removably mounted to the tray. The tray may define a first aperture and a second aperture, and the cup may also define an aperture. Further, the cup may be movable to a first position and a second position. In the first position, the aperture defined by the cup may be in fluid communication with the first aperture. In the second position, the aperture defined by the cup may be in fluid communication with the second aperture.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Wayne E. Lawson, Lucius Levon Cole, Troy Marshall Wright
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Patent number: 10132022Abstract: A washing machine appliance has a dispensing assembly with a supply conduit, a unitary manifold body and a water valve. The unitary manifold body defines a Venturi pump. The supply conduit extends between a reservoir and the Venturi pump such that the Venturi pump draws fluid additive from the reservoir to the Venturi pump when the water valve is open and motive liquid flows through the Venturi pump. The Venturi pump is disposed between an inlet and an outlet of the unitary manifold body within the unitary manifold body.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Alexander B. Leibman, Troy Marshall Wright
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Publication number: 20180230637Abstract: A dispenser assembly for a washing machine appliance includes a tray and a cup removably mounted to the tray. The tray may define a first aperture and a second aperture, and the cup may also define an aperture. Further, the cup may be movable to a first position and a second position. In the first position, the aperture defined by the cup may be in fluid communication with the first aperture. In the second position, the aperture defined by the cup may be in fluid communication with the second aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2017Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: Wayne E. Lawson, Lucius Levon Cole, Troy Marshall Wright
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Patent number: 10011941Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a reservoir having a height along a vertical direction. The height of the reservoir is no greater than six inches. A supply conduit extends between the reservoir and a Venturi pump. The Venturi pump is coupled to the supply conduit such that the Venturi pump draws fluid additive from the reservoir when a water valve is open and water flows through the Venturi pump.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Alexander B. Leibman, Troy Marshall Wright
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Publication number: 20180044839Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes an additive reservoir positioned below a top panel of the washing machine appliance for receiving large quantities of a first fluid additive, such as detergent. In addition, the additive reservoir defines an additive passageway that extends through the additive reservoir and is configured for receiving a second fluid additive, such as bleach, and directing that additive directly into a tub of the washing machine appliance. In this manner, bulk detergent and an additional additive may be added into the washing machine appliance without requiring the manufacturing and assembly of two separate parts which must be installed within the limited space under the top panel of the washing machine appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2016Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: Troy Marshall Wright, Alexander B. Leibman, Christopher Gene Vowels
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Publication number: 20170327995Abstract: A lid lock assembly for a washing machine appliance is provided. The lid lock assembly includes a lid lock mechanism configured to engage a striker on a lid of the washing machine appliance to lock the lid in the closed position. The lid lock mechanism is actuated using a hydraulic actuation assembly including a water supply conduit and a hydraulic plunger, the hydraulic plunger being configured to actuate the lid lock mechanism when the water supply conduit is momentarily pressurized. Each time the lid lock mechanism is actuated, the lid lock mechanism alternates between a locked state and an unlocked state, thereby allowing the lid lock assembly to lock the lid in the closed position without any electrical harnesses and without requiring that the water supply conduit remain pressurized.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2016Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Troy Marshall Wright, Christopher Gene Vowels
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Publication number: 20170327991Abstract: A washing machine appliance has a dispensing assembly with a supply conduit, a unitary manifold body and a water valve. The unitary manifold body defines a Venturi pump. The supply conduit extends between a reservoir and the Venturi pump such that the Venturi pump draws fluid additive from the reservoir to the Venturi pump when the water valve is open and motive liquid flows through the Venturi pump. The Venturi pump is disposed between an inlet and an outlet of the unitary manifold body within the unitary manifold body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2016Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Alexander B. Leibman, Troy Marshall Wright