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).

  • Patent number: 10390683
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Michael Edenius, Mats Lundberg, Fredrik Påhlman, Camilla Gibson, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Patent number: 10178936
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Patent number: 9839945
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Virgil J. Francisco, Mark W. Oglesby
  • Publication number: 20170119229
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Virgil J. Francisco, Mark W. Oglesby
  • Publication number: 20170105597
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Patent number: 9565987
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Publication number: 20160278608
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Michael EDENIUS, Mats LUNDBERG, Fredrik PÅHLMAN, Camilla GIBSON, Virgil J. FRANCISCO
  • Publication number: 20160227981
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventor: VIRGIL J. FRANCISCO
  • Patent number: 9301670
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Troy A. Dalsing, David E. House, Mark D. Montgomery, Daniel Clay White, Virgil J. Francisco, Niklas Olson
  • Patent number: 9204780
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil J. Francisco, Mark D. Montgomery, Ralph A. Porcaro, II
  • Patent number: 9192280
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Dennis A. Poyner, Virgil J. Francisco, James L. Burrows
  • Publication number: 20150020887
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Patent number: 8876980
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Poyner, Glen Mitchell, Jason Duckworth, John DeFilippi, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Publication number: 20140158163
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Dennis A. Poyner, Virgil J. Francisco, James L. Burrows
  • Patent number: 8702874
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Montgomery, Virgil J. Francisco, Christopher B. Lambert, John DeFilippi
  • Patent number: 8608866
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil J. Francisco, Mark D. Montgomery, Jason M. Patterson, Michael Bryan Pike, Ramon Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8424546
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish A. Verma, Randall S. Mabery, Jeffrey E. Nelson, Virgil J. Francisco, Mark D. Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20130025637
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Virgil J. Francisco, Jason M. Patterson, Billy Justin Hill, Mark D. Montgomery, James L. Burrows
  • Patent number: D675386
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Burrows, Virgil J. Francisco, Billy Justin Hill
  • Patent number: D675387
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Burrows, Virgil J. Francisco, Billy Justin Hill