Office Action 1: Notice of Allowance (2024-08-23)

CLAIMS:
What is claimed is:

1\. A condensate delivery system for an appliance, the condensate delivery system comprising:a primary fluid path extends between a condensing portion of a heat exchange system and a sump;
a residual condensing area positioned upstream of the condensing portion, wherein the residual condensing area is configured to produce a secondary condensate; and
a drain member that delivers the secondary condensate from the residual condensing area to the sump, the drain member comprising:
an inlet end that engages the residual condensing area; and
an outlet end that engages a fluid delivery channel of the sump, the outlet end including a retaining flange that engages a retaining rib of the fluid delivery channel to bias the outlet end against a sidewall of the fluid delivery channel, wherein,
the retaining flange includes an extending portion that engages an underside of the fluid delivery channel; and
the outlet end includes an annular recess that receives an annular structure of the fluid delivery channel.

2\. The condensate delivery system of claim 1, wherein the inlet end and the outlet end form a single unitary component.

3\. The condensate delivery system of claim 1, wherein the retaining rib and the retaining flange cooperate with the annular recess of the outlet end to define a snapping engagement with the annular structure of the fluid delivery channel.

4\. The condensate delivery system of claim 1, wherein the extending portion extends from the retaining flange of the outlet end.

5\. The condensate delivery system of claim 3, wherein the annular recess of the outlet end includes a gasket that engages the annular structure of the fluid delivery channel.

6\. The condensate delivery system of claim 1, wherein the retaining flange defines an angled surface that cooperates with the retaining rib to bias the outlet end against the sidewall of the fluid delivery channel.

7\. The condensate delivery system of claim 1, wherein the residual condensing area is positioned proximate a lint filter housing configured to separate particulate material from process air within an airflow path.

8\. A residual drain member for a condensing appliance, the drain member comprising:an inlet end that engages an underside of a residual condensing area;
an outlet end that engages a fluid delivery channel in communication with a fluid sump;
and a conduit that extends between the inlet end and the outlet end, wherein,the outlet end includes a retaining flange that abuts a sidewall and further includes an extending portion that abuts an underside of the fluid delivery channel; and
the outlet end includes an annular recess that defines a snapping engagement with the fluid delivery channel.

9\. The residual drain member of claim 8, wherein the inlet end, the conduit and the outlet end form a single unitary component.

10\. The residual drain member of claim 8, wherein the annular recess of the outlet end is configured to define the snapping engagement with an annular structure of the fluid delivery channel.

11\. The residual drain member of claim 8, wherein the extending portion extends from the retaining flange of the outlet end.

12\. The residual drain member of claim 10, wherein the annular recess and the annular structure form a mating engagement.

13\. The residual drain member of claim 10, wherein the annular recess of the outlet end includes a gasket that engages the annular structure of the fluid delivery channel.

14\. The residual drain member of claim 10, wherein the fluid delivery channel includes a retaining rib that secures the retaining flange to the sidewall of the fluid delivery channel.

15\. The residual drain member of claim 14, wherein the retaining rib further secures the annular structure of the fluid delivery channel within the annular recess of the outlet end.

16\. The residual drain member of claim 14, wherein the retaining flange defines an angled surface that cooperates with the retaining rib to bias the outlet end against the sidewall of the fluid delivery channel.

17\. A condensate delivery system for an appliance, the condensate delivery system comprising:a drain member that delivers residual condensate from a residual condensing area within a lint filter housing to a fluid delivery channel of a sump, the drain member comprising:
an inlet end that engages an inlet receptacle of the lint filter housing; and
an outlet end that engages an outlet receptacle of the fluid delivery channel,
wherein the outlet end includes an engagement flange that includes an extending portion that engage a sidewall and an underside of the fluid delivery channel, and
wherein the engagement flange of the outlet end engages a retaining rib of the sidewall

to bias the outlet end against the fluid delivery channel to define a snapping engagement between the outlet end and the fluid delivery channel.

18\. The condensate delivery system of claim 17, wherein a conduit extends between the inlet end and the outlet end.

19\. The condensate delivery system of claim 17, wherein the inlet end and the outlet end define a single unitary component.

20\. The condensate delivery system of claim 17, wherein the outlet end includes an annular recess that engages an annular structure of the fluid delivery channel to further define the snapping engagement.

OFFICE ACTION:
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: the appliance condensate delivery system or appliance residual drain member with all the independently claimed features plus a retaining structure engaging biased to a sidewall of a fluid delivery channel is not found in the prior art either singly or in combination.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Other prior art references cited with this action may teach one or more features of the claimed invention, but do not rise to a level of anticipation, obviousness, and/or double patenting such that a rejection would be proper or reasonable under current Office practice and procedure.  References A, B, C, D, N, cited with this application, are patent publications from the same inventive entity.  References E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, O, P, cited with this application teach condensate or drain systems for appliances.



CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20240219101A1: Claims:
A cooling appliance comprising: a body defining a vacuum-insulated chamber; a cooling device configured to regulate a temperature in the vacuum-insulated chamber; a partition adjacent to the vacuum-insulated chamber; a compartment spaced from the vacuum-insulated chamber by the partition; a compressor and a condenser located in the compartment; at least one coolant tube in fluid communication with the compressor, the condenser, and the cooling device; a conduit providing power to and extending between the compressor and the condenser; and a shroud bracket located between the compressor and the condenser defining at least one slot that retains the at least one coolant tube.
a body defining a vacuum-insulated chamber;
a cooling device configured to regulate a temperature in the vacuum-insulated chamber;
a partition adjacent to the vacuum-insulated chamber;
a compartment spaced from the vacuum-insulated chamber by the partition;
a compressor and a condenser located in the compartment;
at least one coolant tube in fluid communication with the compressor, the condenser, and the cooling device;
a conduit providing power to and extending between the compressor and the condenser; and
a shroud bracket located between the compressor and the condenser defining at least one slot that retains the at least one coolant tube.
The cooling appliance of claim 1 , wherein the at least one slot includes a port for inserting the at least one coolant tube and each port defines an outward taper to facilitate insertion of the at least one coolant tube.
The cooling appliance of claim 2 , wherein the outward taper terminates at a collar portion that retains the at least one coolant tube within the at least one slot.
The cooling appliance of claim 1 , wherein the shroud bracket further defines a bay that retains the conduit.
The cooling appliance of claim 4 , wherein an air separator plate is connected to the shroud bracket over an outer perimeter of the bay.
The cooling appliance of claim 5 , wherein the air separator plate defines an opening smaller than the bay and the conduit extends through the opening.
The cooling appliance of claim 6 , wherein the opening includes a slit portion to facilitate insertion of the conduit and an aperture portion that retains the conduit.
The cooling appliance of claim 7 , wherein the shroud bracket is formed of a first material and the air separator plate is formed of a second material that is more flexible than the first material.
The cooling appliance of claim 4 , wherein the bay extends vertically from an upper perimeter surface of the shroud bracket and the at least one slot extends horizontally from a side perimeter surface of the shroud bracket.
The cooling appliance of claim 1 , wherein the vacuum-insulated chamber includes a freezer vacuum-insulated chamber and a refrigeration vacuum-insulated chamber and the at least one coolant tube includes a first coolant tube routed to the freezer vacuum-insulated chamber and a second coolant tube routed to the refrigeration vacuum-insulated chamber.
The cooling appliance of claim 10 , wherein the at least one slot includes a first slot and a second slot and the first coolant tube is located in the first slot and the second coolant tube is located in the second slot.
The cooling appliance of claim 11 , wherein each of the first and second slots extend horizontally and are vertically spaced.
A cooling appliance comprising: a body defining a vacuum-insulated chamber; a cooling device configured to regulate a temperature in the vacuum-insulated chamber; a partition adjacent to the vacuum-insulated chamber; a compartment spaced from the vacuum-insulated chamber by the partition; a compressor and a condenser located in the compartment; at least one coolant tube in fluid communication with the compressor, the condenser, and the cooling device; a conduit providing power to and extending between the compressor and the condenser; and a drainage routing tube extending from the cooling device to a drain tube mount, the drain tube mount including a retention feature connected to a drainage receptacle.
a drainage routing tube extending from the cooling device to a drain tube mount, the drain tube mount including a retention feature connected to a drainage receptacle.
The cooling appliance of claim 13 , wherein the drain tube mount includes a cup defining a top surface and a bottom surface, the cup includes a stepped region defining the retention feature.
The cooling appliance of claim 14 , wherein the retention feature includes a flange and at least one tab spaced from the flange.
The cooling appliance of claim 15 , wherein the drainage receptacle is located adjacent to the drain tube mount and defines an upwardly extending rim located between the flange and the at least one tab via press-fit engagement.
The cooling appliance of claim 13 , wherein a drainage release tube is in fluid communication with the drainage routing tube and defines a duckbill opening for releasing drainage into the drainage receptacle.
A cooling appliance comprising: a body defining a vacuum-insulated chamber; a cooling device configured to regulate a temperature in the vacuum-insulated chamber; a partition adjacent to the vacuum-insulated chamber; a compartment spaced from the vacuum-insulated chamber by the partition; a compressor and a condenser located in the compartment; at least one coolant tube in fluid communication with the compressor, the condenser, and the cooling device; a conduit providing power to and extending between the compressor and the condenser; a shroud bracket located between the compressor and the condenser defining at least one slot that retains the at least one coolant tube; and a drainage routing tube extending from the cooling device to a drain tube mount, the drain tube mount including a retention feature connected to a drainage receptacle.
a conduit providing power to and extending between the compressor and the condenser;
a shroud bracket located between the compressor and the condenser defining at least one slot that retains the at least one coolant tube; and
The cooling appliance of claim 18 , wherein a three-way valve is mounted to an interior surface of the compartment by a valve bracket, the valve bracket is connected to the interior surface of the compartment and extends to a clip that connects to an underside connection plate of the three-way valve.
The cooling appliance of claim 19 , wherein the valve bracket is connected to an interior ceiling of the compartment with connection rods.
Ref US11634856B2: Claims:
A method for operating a fluid flow system for an appliance, the method comprising steps of: performing a drying operation; delivering sump fluid to a sump, the sump fluid including condensate from a heat exchanger and lint particles from a fluid spray system; detecting a level of the sump fluid in the sump, wherein a sump pump remains idle during the drying operation when the level of the sump fluid is below a minimum capacity; performing a spray sequence after the level of the sump fluid reaches the minimum capacity, wherein the spray sequence directs the sump fluid to remove the lint particles from a surface and direct the lint particles and the sump fluid to the sump; recirculating the sump fluid containing the lint particles during the spray sequence, wherein the sump fluid is directed from the sump, to a spray nozzle via a fluid diverter valve, and back to the sump; completing the spray sequence; completing the drying operation; and operating a drain phase of the sump pump to deliver the sump fluid to a removable water bottle after completion of the drying operation.
performing a drying operation;
delivering sump fluid to a sump, the sump fluid including condensate from a heat exchanger and lint particles from a fluid spray system;
detecting a level of the sump fluid in the sump, wherein a sump pump remains idle during the drying operation when the level of the sump fluid is below a minimum capacity;
performing a spray sequence after the level of the sump fluid reaches the minimum capacity, wherein the spray sequence directs the sump fluid to remove the lint particles from a surface and direct the lint particles and the sump fluid to the sump;
recirculating the sump fluid containing the lint particles during the spray sequence, wherein the sump fluid is directed from the sump, to a spray nozzle via a fluid diverter valve, and back to the sump;
completing the spray sequence;
completing the drying operation; and
operating a drain phase of the sump pump to deliver the sump fluid to a removable water bottle after completion of the drying operation.
The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of: delivering the sump fluid to one of the removable water bottle and a drain outlet when the level of the sump fluid in the sump reaches a maximum capacity within the sump.
delivering the sump fluid to one of the removable water bottle and a drain outlet when the level of the sump fluid in the sump reaches a maximum capacity within the sump.
The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of: deactivating at least the sump pump when each of the removable water bottle and the sump are filled to capacity with the sump fluid.
deactivating at least the sump pump when each of the removable water bottle and the sump are filled to capacity with the sump fluid.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of operating the drain phase includes deactivating a fluid level sensor of the sump.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the spray sequence includes recirculating the sump fluid, sequentially, through the sump, the sump pump, the fluid diverter valve, the spray nozzle and returning to the sump.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of detecting the level of the sump fluid on the sump includes detecting the level of the sump fluid in relation to the minimum capacity and a maximum capacity using a lower sensor and an upper sensor, respectively.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of operating the drain phase includes directing the sump fluid through an overflow port when the removable water bottle exceeds a full capacity, wherein the overflow port directs the sump fluid back to the sump.
A method for operating a fluid flow system for an appliance, the method comprising steps of: performing a drying operation; delivering sump fluid to a sump, the sump fluid including condensate from a heat exchanger and lint particles from a fluid spray system; detecting a level of the sump fluid in the sump, wherein a sump pump remains idle during the drying operation when the level of the sump fluid is below a minimum capacity; performing a spray sequence after the level of the sump fluid reaches the minimum capacity, wherein the spray sequence directs the sump fluid to remove the lint particles from a surface and direct the lint particles and the sump fluid to the sump; recirculating the sump fluid containing the lint particles during the spray sequence, wherein the sump fluid is directed from the sump, to a spray nozzle via a fluid diverter valve, and back to the sump; completing the spray sequence; completing the drying operation; and operating a drain phase of the sump pump to deliver the sump fluid to one of a fluid outlet and a removable water bottle after completion of the drying operation.
operating a drain phase of the sump pump to deliver the sump fluid to one of a fluid outlet and a removable water bottle after completion of the drying operation.
The method of claim 8 , further comprising: performing an override phase at the completion of the drying operation, wherein the override phase includes pumping the sump fluid to the fluid outlet, wherein the override phase includes a temporary suspension of the step of detecting the level of the sump fluid in the sump.
performing an override phase at the completion of the drying operation, wherein the override phase includes pumping the sump fluid to the fluid outlet, wherein the override phase includes a temporary suspension of the step of detecting the level of the sump fluid in the sump.
The method of claim 9 , wherein the override phase is further defined by operation of the sump pump to deliver the sump fluid to the fluid outlet when the sump defines a maximum capacity and the removable water bottle defines a full capacity.
A laundry appliance comprising: a blower that directs process air along an airflow path; an evaporator that dehumidifies the process air and removes condensate from the process air; a heat exchange plate that is disposed within the airflow path and that supports the evaporator from below and within the airflow path, wherein the heat exchange plate receives the condensate from the process air; and a sloped area of the heat exchange plate that directs the condensate downward and along the heat exchange plate to a condensate drain, wherein the sloped area includes a directing surface that blocks the process air from pushing the condensate upward and away from the condensate drain.
a blower that directs process air along an airflow path;
an evaporator that dehumidifies the process air and removes condensate from the process air;
a heat exchange plate that is disposed within the airflow path and that supports the evaporator from below and within the airflow path, wherein the heat exchange plate receives the condensate from the process air; and
a sloped area of the heat exchange plate that directs the condensate downward and along the heat exchange plate to a condensate drain, wherein the sloped area includes a directing surface that blocks the process air from pushing the condensate upward and away from the condensate drain.
The laundry appliance of claim 11 , wherein the condensate drain is positioned above a drain channel that directs the condensate to a sump.
The laundry appliance of claim 12 , wherein the heat exchange plate defines a portion of the airflow path and separates the airflow path from the drain channel.
The laundry appliance of claim 11 , wherein the directing surface includes a plurality of baffles that define a meandering drain within the sloped area.
The laundry appliance of claim 13 , further comprising: a lint filter that separates particulate matter from the process air, wherein the lint filter is disposed within a filter seat and the condensate drain is positioned adjacent to the lint filter, wherein the condensate drain is disposed between the sloped area and the filter seat.
a lint filter that separates particulate matter from the process air, wherein the lint filter is disposed within a filter seat and the condensate drain is positioned adjacent to the lint filter, wherein the condensate drain is disposed between the sloped area and the filter seat.
The laundry appliance of claim 15 , further comprising: a fluid spray system for directing a flow of fluid toward a surface of the lint filter, wherein the flow of fluid removes captured lint from an upstream surface of the lint filter; and a condensate opening disposed upstream of the filter seat, wherein the fluid spray system directs the flow of fluid and the captured lint into the drain channel via the condensate opening.
a fluid spray system for directing a flow of fluid toward a surface of the lint filter, wherein the flow of fluid removes captured lint from an upstream surface of the lint filter; and
a condensate opening disposed upstream of the filter seat, wherein the fluid spray system directs the flow of fluid and the captured lint into the drain channel via the condensate opening.
The laundry appliance of claim 11 , further comprising: a condenser that heats the process air for delivery to a rotating drum for treating laundry articles, wherein the heat exchange plate includes a front portion that supports the evaporator and a rear portion that supports the condenser.
a condenser that heats the process air for delivery to a rotating drum for treating laundry articles, wherein the heat exchange plate includes a front portion that supports the evaporator and a rear portion that supports the condenser.
The laundry appliance of claim 17 , wherein the front and rear portions of the heat exchange plate are divided by a shoulder that maintains the positioning of the evaporator and the condenser relative to the airflow path.
The laundry appliance of claim 15 , wherein a plurality of support structures extend across the condensate drain between the sloped area and the filter seat, wherein the plurality of support structures at least partially supports the filter seat.
The laundry appliance of claim 12 , wherein the heat exchange plate at least partially separates the airflow path from the drain channel and substantially prevents entry of process air into the drain channel.
Ref US11542654B2: Claims:
A basement structure for a laundry appliance, the basement structure comprising: an airflow path having a condensing portion that is configured to house a heat exchanger for dehumidifying process air; a lint filter housing that is positioned upstream of the condensing portion; a sump positioned downstream of the condensing portion and having a fluid delivery channel, wherein the sump is configured to receive condensate formed in the condensing portion; a primary flow path that is positioned below the condensing portion and configured to deliver the condensate from the condensing portion to the sump; a residual condensing area positioned upstream of the condensing portion, wherein the residual condensing area is configured to produce secondary condensate; and a secondary flow path that is defined by a drain member that delivers the secondary condensate from the residual condensing area to the fluid delivery channel, wherein the drain member includes an inlet end that engages the lint filter housing and an outlet end that engages the fluid delivery channel, and wherein the inlet end and the outlet end are each biased against interior walls of the lint filter housing and the fluid delivery channel, respectively.
an airflow path having a condensing portion that is configured to house a heat exchanger for dehumidifying process air;
a lint filter housing that is positioned upstream of the condensing portion;
a sump positioned downstream of the condensing portion and having a fluid delivery channel, wherein the sump is configured to receive condensate formed in the condensing portion;
a primary flow path that is positioned below the condensing portion and configured to deliver the condensate from the condensing portion to the sump;
a residual condensing area positioned upstream of the condensing portion, wherein the residual condensing area is configured to produce secondary condensate; and
a secondary flow path that is defined by a drain member that delivers the secondary condensate from the residual condensing area to the fluid delivery channel, wherein the drain member includes an inlet end that engages the lint filter housing and an outlet end that engages the fluid delivery channel, and wherein the inlet end and the outlet end are each biased against interior walls of the lint filter housing and the fluid delivery channel, respectively.
The basement structure of claim 1 , wherein the residual condensing area is positioned proximate a lint screen that separates particulate material from the process air.
The basement structure of claim 1 , wherein the lint filter housing includes an inlet receptacle that receives the inlet end of the drain member.
The basement structure of claim 3 , wherein the fluid delivery channel includes an outlet receptacle that receives the outlet end of the drain member.
The basement structure of claim 1 , wherein the secondary flow path delivers the secondary condensate to the primary flow path at a position downstream of the condensing portion.
The basement structure of claim 4 , wherein each of the inlet and outlet receptacles includes an annular structure that matingly engages the i
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