Whirlpool Corporation

Maytag Corporation

Other

Dennis E Winders

Michael J Eveland

James H Jenkins

Todd E Kniffen

Timothy Mark Nugent

John Frank Zinni

David J Olberding

Troy Michael Anderson

Eric S Svenby

Ravi Kumar Sawhney

Bruce A Kopf

Ryan D Schuchart

Thomas Carl Anell

Xiaoyong Fu

Ronald Kenneth Anderson

Andrew G Strohm

Scott Robert Voll

Jonathan J Tiemeier

Russ Brian Peter

Tamara Kappler

Robert Pohl

David Allen Stauffer

Ravi K Sawhney

Todd J Tunzi

Gregory Scott Carr

Todd E Pritts

Raymond J Chekal

Christopher S Garrett

Mark W Mooberry

Flexible system and method of temperature control options for an enclosed space in a refrigerator appliance. A surface at or near the enclosable space includes a universal receiver. Different temperature control modules complementarily fit into the receiver. The manufacturer or user selects between modules of different types for different temperature control features. One module can be simply mechanical adjustment which is mechanically translated to a damper. Another option would be an electronic or electrical interface for the user that would send a signal to a controller that would electrically actuator damper control for temperature control in the enclosed space.

Modular design for manual or electrical control of refrigerator drawer temperature

A storage/dispensing compartment includes a front wall portion, a rear wall portion, a bottom wall portion and opposing side wall portions that collectively define a storage zone. The storage/dispensing compartment further includes a mounting element that is arranged on an underside of the bottom wall portion. The mounting element cooperates with a mounting member to position and secure the storage compartment in a storage cavity of a chiller compartment arranged on a refrigerator door. The storage/dispensing compartment, constructed in accordance with one embodiment, includes first and second, laterally arranged storage zones, each having respective inlet and outlet portions and a plurality of divider walls. The divider walls establish a serpentine path that extends from the inlet portion to the outlet portion.

Beverage container storage and dispensing compartment for a refrigerator

A refrigerator includes a dairy compartment for supporting items on an inner liner of a fresh food door. The compartment includes a first end section, a second end section and an intermediate section. The intermediate section includes an item support platform and a rear wall. An aperture is formed in one of the central web and the rear wall adjacent the second end. An anchor is mounted to another of the central web and the rear wall adjacent the second end section. The anchor extends through the aperture to hang the compartment on the inner liner of the door with the item support portion in a substantially non-horizontal orientation. The compartment is then rotated such that the item support portion placed in a substantially horizontal orientation whereupon the first end is supported by a lug member formed on the inner liner.

Door mounted dairy compartment for a refrigerator

An improved icemaker is provided for a refrigerator. The improvements include tilting the ice mold to assure that the ice cavity nearest the thermostat is filled with water; controlling air flow to the mold to promote rapid freezing of water in the mold cavities; raising the perimeter walls of the mold to minimize water spillage; and providing hooks on the mold for routing electrical wires.

Refrigerator icemaker with wiring hooks

Refrigerator with improved icemaker having air flow control

Refrigerator with tilted icemaker

Can storage and dispensing container for a refrigerator

A chiller compartment is provided that secures to the inside of a refrigerator door. The chiller compartment includes a pair of french doors that are connected by a linkage that causes the doors to simultaneously open or close. The french doors of the chiller compartment open and close automatically when the refrigerator door is open and shut. The chiller compartment also includes a tray of sufficient height to secure tall beverages or food items and prevent such items from toppling out of the chiller compartment while the refrigerator door is opened or closed.

French door chiller compartment for refrigerators

A refrigerator includes a fresh food stirring fan assembly arranged within a fresh food compartment. The stirring fan assembly functions to recirculate air in order to minimize temperature stratification in the fresh food compartment. The stirring fan assembly preferably incorporates a filter to remove airborne debris and absorb odors. In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention, the fresh food stirring fan is operated whenever a damper controlling an inlet flow of cooling air to the fresh food compartment is in a closed position.

Air circulation and filtration system for a refrigerator

A kid's zone compartment assembly for a refrigerator includes a compartment frame, a top tray, a cover for the top tray, a lower tray, and two tall package retainers. The top tray cover is pivotally hinged to the top tray. The cover is molded and configured in the likeness of a character, particularly an animal caricature. The various compartment components are carried by the compartment frame which, in turn, is supported by a fresh food compartment door liner of the refrigerator. The overall assembly defines a special place for the storage of food items dedicated for access by a child.

Kid's zone compartment assembly for a refrigerator

A chiller compartment is provided that secures to the inside of a refrigerator door. The chiller compartment includes a pair of French doors that are connected by a linkage that causes the doors to simultaneously open or close. The doors retract within the chiller compartment when opened, thereby protecting the doors should the refrigerator door be closed while the chiller compartment doors are left open. The chiller compartment also includes a tray of sufficient height to secure tall beverages or food items and prevent such items from toppling out of the chiller compartment while the refrigerator door is opened or closed.

Compartment assembly for a refrigerator

Growing community of inventors

Cedar Rapids, IA, United States of America

Dennis E Winders