James H Mann

US Patent:

D2689235, May 10, 1983

Filed:

Sep 19, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/188961

Inventors:

James A. Mann - Elkhart IN

International Classification:

D1211

US Classification:

D12112

US Patent:

20200347536, Nov 5, 2020

Filed:

Mar 9, 2020

Appl. No.:

16/812732

Inventors:

- Benton Harbor MI, US
Alexander Halbleib - Benton Harbor MI, US
Barry Steven Hazell - Ottawa, CA
Christopher A. Jones - St. Joseph MI, US
James Mann - St. Petersburg FL, US
Dennis Scott Prows - Lutz FL, US

Assignee:

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION - BENTON HARBOR MI

International Classification:

D06F 34/34
D06F 39/14
D06F 34/32
H04R 1/04
H04R 1/08
G10L 15/22
G06F 3/16

Abstract:

A laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A door is coupled to the cabinet. The door is operable between a closed position and an opened position. A microphone assembly is coupled to the door. The microphone assembly is configured to receive a voice command. A microcontroller is coupled to the door. The microcontroller is operably coupled to the microphone assembly and the microcontroller. A proximity sensor is coupled to the microphone assembly. The proximity sensor defines a sensor field that extends outward from the door.

US Patent:

20200348905, Nov 5, 2020

Filed:

Mar 9, 2020

Appl. No.:

16/812754

Inventors:

- Benton Harbor MI, US
Alexander Halbleib - Benton Harbor MI, US
James Mann - St. Petersburg FL, US
Joel M. Sells - Watervliet MI, US

Assignee:

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION - Benton Harbor MI

International Classification:

G06F 3/16
G06F 3/01
H04R 1/02
H04R 1/32
G10L 15/22
H04R 3/00
D06F 23/02
D06F 37/28
D06F 34/32
D06F 34/08

Abstract:

A laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A door is coupled to the cabinet. The door is operable between an opened position and a closed position. An audio interface is disposed on the door. The audio interface includes a microphone for receiving a voice command and a speaker for projecting an audio output. A visual interface is disposed on the door. The visual interface is configured to display a message in response to at least one of the voice command and the audio output. A microcontroller is disposed on the door. The microcontroller is operably coupled to the audio interface and the visual interface. A proximity sensor is configured to communicate sensed information to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to activate at least one of the audio interface and the visual interface in response to the sensed information.