Robert A Elick

US Patent:

6390518, May 21, 2002

Filed:

Aug 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/637379

Inventors:

Robert A. Elick - Jackson TN

Assignee:

Maytag Corporation - Newton IA

International Classification:

E05C 306

US Classification:

292216, 292 96, 292 97, 292117, 292122, 292123, 292196, 292198, 292214, 292220, 292223, 292DIG 24, 292DIG 41, 292DIG 69

Abstract:

A mechanism for use in latching a pivotable access door of a cabinet includes a latch housing within which is rotatably mounted a catch member between latching and unlatching positions upon a carrier which, in turn, is rotatably supported in the latch housing. The carrier is biased into engagement with a cam pin which acts as a pivot stop for the carrier. A cross pin extends through a pair of laterally spaced slots formed in the latch housing and terminal ends of the cross pin are adapted to depress electronic switches through movement of the carrier when the latching mechanism assumes the latched position. The catch member is rotated to the latching position upon engagement with a latch striker and can be rotated to release the latch striker, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention, either through the use of a handle or upon tugging on the access door.

US Patent:

6719383, Apr 13, 2004

Filed:

Jan 10, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/044176

Inventors:

Robert A. Elick - Jackson TN
Barry E. Tuller - Humboldt TN
Scott D. Raches - Jackson TN
Rodney M. Welch - Jackson TN
Neeraj Singh - Shreveport LA
Anthony L. Durfee - Jackson TN

Assignee:

Maytag Corporation - Newton IA

International Classification:

A47B 7700

US Classification:

312228

Abstract:

A control panel is retractably received within a recess in an appliance housing. The panel may be moved from an extended position wherein the control panel is exposed outside the cabinet to a retracted position wherein the control panel is enclosed within the recess. A spring urges the control panel to its extended position, and a latch is provided for releasably holding the control panel in its retracted position.

US Patent:

6811617, Nov 2, 2004

Filed:

Jul 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/186714

Inventors:

Robert A. Elick - Jackson TN
John Trevor Morrison - Jackson TN
Chad M. Thomas - Jackson TN

Assignee:

Maytag Corporation - Newtown IA

International Classification:

B08B 300

US Classification:

134 10, 134 18, 134 252, 1341041, 134111

Abstract:

A dishwasher functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to at least upper and lower wash arms and directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. When the fine mesh filter becomes clogged, fluid is forced to flow up an overflow tube and be exposed to another filter. The draining of portions of the system are sequenced to enhance soil removal.

US Patent:

6997193, Feb 14, 2006

Filed:

Feb 13, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/777267

Inventors:

Robert A. Elick - Jackson TN, US
Scott D. Raches - Jackson TN, US

Assignee:

Maytag Corporation - Newton IA

International Classification:

B08B 3/00

US Classification:

134 252, 134 18, 134172, 134174, 134176, 134179, 134182

Abstract:

A dishwasher includes a wash and rinse system that operates to dislodge soil particles that adhere to internal surfaces of a washing chamber. During wash and rinse cycles, the washing chamber is initially filled to a first level with washing fluid. The washing fluid is drawn into a wash system through operation of a pump, that causes the washing fluid in the washing chamber to fall to a second level, and directed to a spray arm that sprays jets of washing fluid onto the kitchenware. Thereafter, the wash system enters a pause period during which the washing fluid is caused to return to the first level in the washing chamber to loosen particles from walls of the chamber. After the pause period, the trajectory of the jets of washing fluid is varied to further clean the kitchenware and the internal surfaces of the washing chamber.

US Patent:

7055537, Jun 6, 2006

Filed:

Jun 27, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/184405

Inventors:

Robert A. Elick - Jackson TN, US
John Trevor Morrison - Cedar Grove TN, US

Assignee:

Maytag Corporation - Newton IA

International Classification:

B08B 3/00

US Classification:

134180, 134183

Abstract:

An improved wash tube is provided for a dishwasher. The wash tube is mounted on the upper rack and has a first end adapted to be releasably docked with the water manifold in the back of the dishwashing chamber as the rack is moved between the extended loading position and the retracted wash position. The inner end of the wash tube includes a curved cap which increases the docking tolerance and which presents a substantially downwardly oriented water inlet to the wash tube. The cap creates water stagnation adjacent the inlet such that the water velocity is substantially reduced and the pressure increased. The second end of the wash tube is connected to the spray arm which rotates as water is ejected from the spray arm nozzles at increased pressure. The cap allows the wash tube to fully dock into the manifold without obstructing the water inlet.

US Patent:

7146992, Dec 12, 2006

Filed:

Jul 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/186739

Inventors:

Robert A. Elick - Jackson TN, US
John Trevor Morrison - Cedar Grove TN, US
Chad M. Thomas - Cookeville TN, US
Barry E. Tuller - Humboldt TN, US

Assignee:

Maytag Corporation - Newton IA

International Classification:

B08B 3/04

US Classification:

134 941, 134111, 134115 G, 134186

Abstract:

A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash anms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber is exposed to a collection chamber that leads to a flapper valve and then to a drain port. An overflow tube, which is in fluid communication with the filter chamber, extends upwardly within the dishwasher. When the fine mesh filter becomes clogged, fluid will be forced to flow up the overflow tube and be exposed to another filter. A filter guard is secured to a housing of the recirculation pump over portions of the fine mesh filter.

US Patent:

7241347, Jul 10, 2007

Filed:

Mar 19, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/803939

Inventors:

Robert A. Elick - Jackson TN, US
Thomas M. Johnson - Jackson TN, US
Barry E. Tuller - Humboldt TN, US

Assignee:

Whirlpool Corporation - Benton Harbor MI

International Classification:

B08B 7/04

US Classification:

134 18, 134 252, 134 56 D, 134 58 D

Abstract:

A dishwasher operates to sense the need for a drain or purge operation based on dynamic characteristics of a respective washing operation such that an adaptive system is defined. In accordance with the invention, washing fluid used to spray clean kitchenware being washed is filtered and soil from the kitchenware is collected. When the filtering system becomes clogged, a flow signal is established to indicate the need for at least a partial drain operation. Most preferably, this arrangement is used in combination with signals from a turbidity sensor, as well as pump motor current signals, to provide an comprehensive, dynamically adaptive control system.

US Patent:

7252101, Aug 7, 2007

Filed:

Feb 25, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/785027

Inventors:

Robert A. Elick - Jackson TN, US
Barry E. Tuller - Humboldt TN, US

Assignee:

Whirlpool Corporation - Benton Harbor MI

International Classification:

B08B 3/04

US Classification:

134111, 134115 G, 134186

Abstract:

A dishwasher includes a pump assembly which functions to chop all fluid entrained soil prior to directing fluid to upper and lower wash arms. A flow conduit leading to the upper wash arm is provided with a sampling port which directs a percentage of the fluid flow into a filter chamber having one or more fine mesh filter screens that open into the dishwasher tub basin. The filter chamber receives washing fluid through a sampling port that interconnects with the flow conduit. The filter chamber can be fluidly connected to a drain based on the position of a valve which opens when washing fluid recirculation ceases.