Whirlpool Corporation

Kx Technologies LLC

Garett L Strandemo

Robert A Astle

Matthew W Hartmann

Eric W Kost

Kevin Edward Licht

Julie A Mann

Deron M Drach

Jason N Morgan

William Li

Eric D Lively

Gregory Gene Hortin

Eric Craig Irwin

Frank W Klitzing

Jordan Robert Fuhs

Aaron Lee Loudermilk

Kendra M Straub

A filtration system interconnection structure includes a filter manifold and a filter cartridge in magnetic communication produced by two complementary correlated magnets capable of generating a magnetic force when in close proximity to one another. The filter magnet polarity transitions are aligned with the manifold magnet polarity transitions such that a repulsion force is generated between the magnets when the filter cartridge is inserted within the manifold sump. The magnetic repulsion force may be used to move a blocking mechanism or actuate a latch structure in the manifold to secure the filter cartridge within the manifold sump upon insertion, or to provide non-contacting actuation of a downstream valve so as to permit or prevent the flow of fluid. Utilizing correlated magnetism in a filter interconnect further provides enhanced authentication and/or anti-counterfeiting means to ensure that only authorized or OEM filter cartridges can be installed.

Filter interconnect utilizing a magnetic repulsion force

A filtration system interconnection structure having a filter manifold including a sump housing and a first correlated magnet located on or connected to a portion of the manifold, and a filter cartridge including a filter media, first and second end caps sealed to the filter media, and a second, paired correlated magnet located on or connected to the filter cartridge housing body. The first and second correlated magnets are interconnected via magnetic communication upon insertion of the filter cartridge into the sump housing, and upon movement of the filter cartridge into an alignment position, the correlated magnet located on or connected to the manifold is permitted to translate as a result of the magnetic communication. The polarity profiles of the paired correlated magnets are aligned such that a repulsion force is created when the filter cartridge is inserted within the manifold sump housing.

Filter interconnect utilizing correlated magnetic actuation for downstream system function

A filtration system interconnection structure having a filter manifold and a filter cartridge in magnetic communication with one another, such that a latching mechanism and latch blocking structure in the manifold secures the filter cartridge with a manifold sump when the filter cartridge is inserted within the manifold sump. The magnetic communication is formed between two complementary coded magnets capable of producing a magnetic shear force when in close proximity to one another. The magnetic shear force removes the latching blocking structure from interfering with the latch, allowing the latch to secure the filter cartridge. Movement of the latching blocking structure coded magnet relative to the filter cartridge coded magnet may be perpendicular or parallel with respect to each other. The filter magnet polarity transitions are aligned with the manifold magnet polarity transitions such that a shear force is generated between the magnets when the filter cartridge is inserted within the manifold sump housing, allowing for actuation of the latch blocking mechanism against a biasing force, and allowing the latch to move radially inwards against a separate biasing force.

Filter interconnects utilizing magnetic shear force generated by coded polymagnets

In a refrigeration appliance, an enclosure or container defines an enclosed space. A two-plane door forms a portion of the container. The two-plane door opens along one pivot axis and allows access to the enclosed interior space. The container can be a thermally insulated in-door ice compartment of a refrigerated appliance. One example is a bottom freezer style, with the in-door ice compartment in the cold food section of the appliance.

Two-plane door for refrigerator compartment

An ice dispenser for a domestic refrigerator includes a lever having a housing with a passageway defined therein and a flapper door configured to pivot between a closed position in which ice is prevented from advancing into the passageway and an open position in which ice is permitted to advance into the passageway. A linkage is coupled to the lever and the flapper door such that movement of the lever causes the flapper door to move from the closed position to the open position.

Domestic refrigerator including an ice dispenser

A household refrigerator includes an icemaker in the cabinet and an ice storage area on a door. An ice flow passage extends between the icemaker and the ice storage area. A moveable flap is associated with the ice flow passage to cover an opening in the ice flow passage on the cabinet when the door is open. The moveable flap has an equilibrium position wherein the movable flap substantially covers the ice flow passage. A vent in the flap permits air to flow through the ice flow passage to the ice storage area with the movable flap in the equilibrium position. As ice moves through the ice passage from the icemaker towards the ice storage area, the momentum of the moving ice moves the movable flap from the equilibrium position to the dispensing position to permit the ice to flow to the ice storage area.

Refrigerator with vented air flap between icemaking compartment and ice storage area

Ice bucket

A handle assembly for mounting to an appliance door includes a main body member having first and second end portions separated by an intermediate portion. First and second plastic end-caps are tightly fit to the first and second end portions via fasteners. The handle assembly is mounted to a front face of the door through interengagment of the fasteners with clips attached to the appliance door. Latch and ramp portions of clips cooperate with the respective fasteners to draw the end-caps into a close locking engagement with the appliance door.

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Evansville, IN, United States of America

Garett L Strandemo