Maytag Corporation

Other

Keith E Kropf

Richard P Bergeson

Luann E Fitzpatrick

John Ellwood Thomas

John Francis Broker

Daniel F Wunderlich

Andrew E Kropf

Underwater voice communication devices and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, an underwater voice communication device includes a voice chamber comprising a face seal which is configured to form at least a substantially watertight seal with respect to a mouth of a first user, wherein the voice chamber comprises an internal volume, an earpiece comprising an ear seal which is configured to form at least a substantially watertight seal with respect to an ear of a second user, wherein the earpiece comprises an internal volume which is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the voice chamber, and wherein the internal volumes of the voice chamber and earpiece communicate voice sound waves from the mouth of the first user to the ear of the second user.

Underwater voice communication devices and associated methods

Underwater communication systems, underwater speakers, underwater microphone assemblies and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, an underwater speaker includes a housing, a transducer member coupled with the housing and positioned to contact a body of water, wherein the transducer member is configured to vibrate to generate sound pressure waves within the body of water which comprise content which is audible to humans within the body of water, and an exciter coupled with the transducer member and configured to impart forces to the transducer member to cause the vibration of the transducer member to generate the sound pressure waves in the body of water as result of a received electrical signal which comprises the content.

Underwater communication systems, underwater speakers, underwater microphone assemblies and methods

A disposable diaper is provided comprising a diaper body having an outer surface. The disposable diaper includes a waterproof layer secured to an outer surface layer of the diaper body to form a pocket between the layer and the outer surface. The disposable diaper further comprises means for sealing the pocket to seal in waste and odor. A method for sealing and disposing of the diaper also is provided, comprising the steps of rolling the diaper inwardly toward the pocket, inverting the pocket to receive the diaper body, and sealing the pocket to enclose the diaper body.

Disposable diaper with sealable enclosure and method for sealing and disposing of the same

A combination rotating/tipping mechanism for an agitator arranged in an inner tub of a washing machine includes a drive member, a tipping member fixedly mounted to the agitator and pivotally mounted to the drive member, and a pivot link interconnecting the tipping member and the inner tub of the machine. In operation, rotation of the drive member imparts an oscillating/rotating motion to the tipping member about a rotational axis. Simultaneously, the pivot link is caused to pivot about a pivotal axis, thereby restricting the movement of the tipping member and causing the tipping member to pivot about another pivotal axis.

Rotating/tipping agitator for a washing machine

A tipping mechanism for a vertical axis washing machine includes an agitator, a drive member, a tipping member and a stationary pivot member. The pivot member preferably takes the form of a ball which is received in a socket defined by the tipping member. In a preferred form of the invention, the pivot member is provided with at least one guide member which is received in an arcuate channel, including both horizontal and vertical components, defined by the tipping member. In operation, the drive member causes the tipping member to rotate, while the arrangement of the guide member in the arcuate channel forces the tipping member to shift in various planes. This movement imparts a combination rotating and tipping motion to the agitator.

Vertical axis washing machine including rotating/tipping agitator

A washing machine includes a cabinet with an opening. A wash basket is mounted within the cabinet for rotation about a wash basket axis, and includes an access opening through which clothes may be loaded and unloaded. At least one agitator is mounted within the basket for rotation about an agitator axis which is at an angle different from the angle of the wash basket axis. A drive mechanism bathed by washing fluid interconnects a drive motor, the wash basket, and the agitator for rotating the agitator about its rotational axis.

Drive system for clothes washer

A washing machine agitator includes a vertical barrel having a tapered skirt connected to the lower end thereof. A plurality of lower vanes are connected to the barrel and extend radially outwardly adjacent the tapered skirt. A splash rib extends circumferentially around the barrel adjacent its upper end. A plurality of triangular vanes are connected to the barrel and extend upwardly to abut against the downwardly presented surface of the splash rib. A number of pairs of rectangular ribs are also attached to the barrel between the triangular vanes and extend upwardly to abut the splash rib.

Washing machine agitator

A switch mechanism is provided for use in an appliance having a movable appliance member mounted therein for movement between a desired and an undesired position. A first switch is mounted on the appliance and is changeable from an open condition to a closed condition. A switch arm is moveably mounted to the appliance for movement from a first switch arm position permitting the first switch to be in one of its open or closed positions to a second switch arm position permitting the switch to be in the other of its open and closed conditions. The switch arm is moveable to a third switch arm position in response to movement of the moveable appliance member to its undesired position. In its third switch arm position the switch arm permits the first switch to return to its open condition.

Unbalance switch mechanism

A basket and mounting arrangement for use in a refrigerator/freezer storage compartment is disclosed. The basket is provided with a plurality of generally longitudinally extending support rails which are carried on each side of the basket and which are adapted to be slidably received in a pair of guide members secured to opposing sidewalls of the storage compartment. In one embodiment, the plurality of support rails comprise a first pair which are located on opposite sides of the basket in a substantially horizontal first plane and a second pair of support rails which are located on opposite sides of the basket and are vertically spaced a predetermined distance from the first pair of support rails in a substantially horizontal second plane. Either pair of support rails can be readily engaged with the pair of guide members to alter the vertical position of the basket. The basket is constructed in a manner such that the support rails are laterally spaced a predetermined distance from the sidewalls of the basket in order to prevent interference with the movement of the basket by goods stored therein. The guide members are integrally formed with upstanding abutment flanges which engage stop members carried by the support rails to limit sliding movement of the basket.

Slidable and vertically adjustable refrigerator/freezer basket and

An appliance door latch assembly includes a strike member pivotally mounted to the door frame of an appliance. A spring yieldably urges the strike member to a latch position, and the strike member is movable against the bias of the spring from the latch position. A fixed bolt is mounted to the appliance door and adapted to engage the strike member and urge the strike member upwardly to its unlatch position and then downwardly to its latch position where it engages a latching shoulder on the fixed bolt. In moving from its unlatch position to its latch position, the strike member also engages a moveable handle on the door and forces the moveable handle into engagement with plungers of switches so as to cause the switches to be moved to their closed position only when the door is latched.

Growing community of inventors

Newton, IA, United States of America

Keith E Kropf