Patents by Inventor Virgil J. Francisco
Virgil J. Francisco 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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Patent number: 10390683Abstract: A dishwasher may include a basket; tubing at the bottom of the basket; at least one utensil holder rotatably connected to the tubing and rotatable between an operating positionl, in which an article can be held at the utensil holder, and a resting position, in which the utensil holder is stowed away when not in use; and a nozzle communicating with the tubing and located to direct a jet of washing liquid towards an article held at the utensil holder. The utensil holder may include a clamping portion adapted to engage an article to be cleaned, and the nozzle may be located in proximity of the clamping portion. The utensil holder may include a valve means which provides for fluid communication between the tubing and the nozzle in the operating position, and which may block the fluid communication between the tubing and the nozzle in the resting position.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Electrolux Appliances AktiebolagInventors: Michael Edenius, Mats Lundberg, Fredrik Påhlman, Camilla Gibson, Virgil J. Francisco
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Patent number: 10178936Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
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Patent number: 9839945Abstract: Method for operating a shortened dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher, dishwasher configured for running the shortened dishwashing cycle and computer program product for operating a shortened dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher. The dishwasher (10) includes a tub (12) configured to hold dishware during a dishwashing cycle, at least one circulation pump (50, 250), at least one heating element (230), and a controller (40, 240) configured to operate the dishwasher. The controller (40, 240) is configured to operate the dishwasher (10) according to at least one of a normal dishwashing cycle or the shortened dishwashing cycle. The method includes providing a first amount of warm water to the tub (12). The first amount of warm water is greater than a standard amount of water provided to the tub (12) for the normal dishwashing cycle.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Virgil J. Francisco, Mark W. Oglesby
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Publication number: 20170119229Abstract: Method for operating a shortened dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher, dishwasher configured for running the shortened dishwashing cycle and computer program product for operating a shortened dishwashing cycle of a dishwasher. The dishwasher (10) includes a tub (12) configured to hold dishware during a dishwashing cycle, at least one circulation pump (50, 250), at least one heating element (230), and a controller (40, 240) configured to operate the dishwasher. The controller (40, 240) is configured to operate the dishwasher (10) according to at least one of a normal dishwashing cycle or the shortened dishwashing cycle. The method includes providing a first amount of warm water to the tub (12). The first amount of warm water is greater than a standard amount of water provided to the tub (12) for the normal dishwashing cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: May 4, 2017Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Virgil J. Francisco, Mark W. Oglesby
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Publication number: 20170105597Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
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Patent number: 9565987Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
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Publication number: 20160278608Abstract: A dishwasher may include a basket; tubing at the bottom of the basket; at least one utensil holder rotatably connected to the tubing and rotatable between an operating position, in which an article can be held at the utensil holder, and a resting position, in which the utensil holder is stowed away when not in use; and a nozzle communicating with the tubing and located to direct a jet of washing liquid towards an article held at the utensil holder. The utensil holder may include a clamping portion adapted to engage an article to be cleaned, and the nozzle may be located in proximity of the clamping portion. The utensil holder may include a valve means which provides for fluid communication between the tubing and the nozzle in the operating position, and which may block the fluid communication between the tubing and the nozzle in the resting position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2013Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Michael EDENIUS, Mats LUNDBERG, Fredrik PÅHLMAN, Camilla GIBSON, Virgil J. FRANCISCO
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Publication number: 20160227981Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for controlling a vent fan motor associated with a dishwasher based at least in part on sensed vibration signals. A vibration sensor, such as a microphone and/or an accelerometer, may be associated with the vent fan motor and may be configured to sense sound pressure level vibrations emitted by the vent fan motor. A controller associated with the dishwasher may receive the sensed vibration signals, identify various operating characteristics of the vent fan motor, and may compare the identified operating characteristics against preferred operating characteristics. A determination that the operating characteristics do not satisfy the preferred operating characteristics may correspond to inefficient operation of the vent fan motor, and the controller may thus adjust the vent fan motor speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2015Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventor: VIRGIL J. FRANCISCO
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Patent number: 9301670Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a dishwasher may provide an intensified wash effect. The dishwasher may include a rack defining a bottom and a sidewall, wherein the rack is adapted to receive dishware therein. A dishwashing fluid supply channel may be configured to supply dishwashing fluid to a spray assembly. The spray assembly may comprise at least one nozzle member. Thereby, the spray assembly may be adapted to receive the dishwashing fluid from the dishwashing fluid supply channel and to dispense the dishwashing fluid therethrough. The spray assembly may be coupled to the sidewall of the rack. Further, the nozzle member may be attached to an arm which is moveable between at least a first position wherein the arm is adjacent the sidewall of the rack and a second position wherein the arm is adjacent the bottom of the rack.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Troy A. Dalsing, David E. House, Mark D. Montgomery, Daniel Clay White, Virgil J. Francisco, Niklas Olson
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Patent number: 9204780Abstract: According to example embodiments, a dishwasher may include a siphon break apparatus configured to substantially prevent a siphon effect in a fluid conduit configured to drain a fluid from the dishwasher. The siphon break apparatus may include a first check valve in fluid communication with the fluid conduit and exposed to a pressure therein and a second check valve in fluid communication with the first check valve. The first and second check valves may be configured to be substantially closed when pressure in the fluid conduit increases as a result of fluid being pumped through the fluid conduit and substantially open when pressure in the fluid conduit decreases as a result of the fluid no longer being pumped through the fluid conduit. Thereby the siphon effect may be substantially prevented.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Virgil J. Francisco, Mark D. Montgomery, Ralph A. Porcaro, II
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Patent number: 9192280Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for detecting and removing a clogging condition of a filter in a dishwasher. According to one embodiment, the method includes determining a normal water level or a normal rate of water level change for a wash cycle of the dishwasher and monitoring a water level or a rate of water level change during execution of the wash cycle. The method further includes detecting the clogging condition of the filter by detecting a deviation thereof. A current position of the wash cycle being executed may then be determined. The method further includes executing a remedial operation to facilitate removal of the clogging condition and determining if the clogging condition has been removed. Finally, the method includes resuming operation of the dishwasher at a wash cycle position based on the current position if the clogging condition has been removed.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Dennis A. Poyner, Virgil J. Francisco, James L. Burrows
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Publication number: 20150020887Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
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Patent number: 8876980Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for preventing overfilling in a dishwasher is provided, wherein the dishwasher includes a water valve for providing water to the dishwasher and a drain pump for removing water from the dishwasher. The method comprises detecting an overfill condition in the dishwasher with at least one detection device, wherein the overfill condition corresponds to a water level in the dishwasher that is greater than a predetermined threshold. The method further includes controlling the drain pump and the water valve in response to detecting the overfill condition in order to facilitate removal of the overfill condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
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Publication number: 20140158163Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for detecting and removing a clogging condition of a filter in a dishwasher. According to one embodiment, the method includes determining a normal water level or a normal rate of water level change for a wash cycle of the dishwasher and monitoring a water level or a rate of water level change during execution of the wash cycle. The method further includes detecting the clogging condition of the filter by detecting a deviation thereof. A current position of the wash cycle being executed may then be determined. The method further includes executing a remedial operation to facilitate removal of the clogging condition and determining if the clogging condition has been removed. Finally, the method includes resuming operation of the dishwasher at a wash cycle position based on the current position if the clogging condition has been removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Dennis A. Poyner, Virgil J. Francisco, James L. Burrows
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Patent number: 8702874Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a method and an associated system for removing a forming or fully developed clog from a drain hose in a dishwasher. According to one embodiment, the system includes a drain pump configured to remove water from the dishwasher and a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain pump. The system further includes a control device in operable communication with the drain pump and configured to execute a drain routine in response to detecting a clog in the drain hose, wherein the drain routine comprises repeatedly activating and deactivating the drain pump to facilitate removal of the clog.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Virgil J. Francisco, Christopher B. Lambert, John DeFilippi
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Patent number: 8608866Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a detergent dispenser configured to attach to an interior surface of a dishwasher door. The detergent dispenser may comprise a reservoir configured to hold detergent, wherein a portion of the upper wall of the reservoir has been removed to reduce a cross-sectional length thereof such that water flowing down the dishwasher door is encouraged into the reservoir. The detergent dispenser may also comprise a dispenser door comprising a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the dispenser door is configured to cover the reservoir in the closed configuration. The detergent dispenser may be configured to encourage water flowing down the interior surface of the dishwasher door to enter the reservoir when the dispenser door is in the open or closed configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Virgil J. Francisco, Mark D. Montgomery, Jason M. Patterson, Michael Bryan Pike, Ramon Rodriguez
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Patent number: 8424546Abstract: A sump assembly for a dishwasher and associated method are provided. The sump assembly comprises an integrally-formed sump member defining a circulation pump volute receptacle and a drain pump volute receptacle. The circulation pump volute receptacle and the drain pump volute receptacle are adapted to receive respective pump and motor assemblies. Each of the volute receptacles is configured to receive the respective pump and motor assembly along a respective horizontal axis defined thereby. The drain pump volute receptacle includes a washing fluid input in direct communication with the circulation pump volute receptacle for receiving the washing fluid therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: Ashish A. Verma, Randall S. Mabery, Jeffrey E. Nelson, Virgil J. Francisco, Mark D. Montgomery
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Publication number: 20130025637Abstract: According to exemplary embodiments, a dishwasher or other washing appliance includes a siphon break apparatus configured to substantially prevent a siphon effect in a fluid conduit configured to drain fluid from the dishwasher or other washing appliance. The siphon break apparatus may include a body portion that may be divided by a filter into a filter chamber and a flow chamber. The filter chamber may extend perpendicularly from the flow chamber. An aperture may be defined in the filter chamber and sealed shut by a domed closure of a normally-closed umbrella valve. The domed closure may unseal from the aperture and thereby allow air to enter the filter chamber, travel through the filter and into the flow chamber so as to relieve a low pressure region and substantially prevent a siphon effect in the fluid conduit. A related method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Virgil J. Francisco, Jason M. Patterson, Billy Justin Hill, Mark D. Montgomery, James L. Burrows
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Patent number: D675386Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: James L. Burrows, Virgil J. Francisco, Billy Justin Hill
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Patent number: D675387Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.Inventors: James L. Burrows, Virgil J. Francisco, Billy Justin Hill