The Virtual Repairman's Appliance Help

Whirlpool vs. LG: The Verdict Is�

Virtual Repairman — Thu Mar 18, 2010 8:22 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 8:22 am

March 15, 2010

Whirlpool Corp. and LG Electronics were both claiming some level of vindication in the results of a federal court jury verdict on March 11. The jury in the patent infringement lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Wilmington, DE awarded Whirlpool monetary damages of $1.78 million based on LG's manufacture and sale of side-by-side refrigerators that infringe Whirlpool's patent for a refrigerator in-the-door ice system. Based on this verdict Whirlpool said it will seek a permanent injunction to stop LG's continued infringement of the patent when final judgment is finalized later this year.

But LG said the patent claims cover older side-by-side models that are no longer produced, and said the jury found LG was not �willfully infringing� these claims. More importantly, according to LG, the jury found that French Door refrigerators made by LG do not infringe a Whirlpool patent for an ice storage bin. Whirlpool said the patent most at issue was Whirlpool's U.S. Patent 6,082,130 for a refrigerator in-the-door ice system. Whirlpool launched the feature in 2000. LG later launched refrigerators with the feature; Whirlpool initiated legal action in 2008.

Whirlpool said the Delaware jury found no violation under secondary patents of LG and Whirlpool that were involved in the case. The jury found Whirlpool does not infringe a patent that LG asserted related to refrigerator water dispenser technology. Whirlpool said provided the jury with compelling evidence that it invented the technology claimed by LG, and that Whirlpool practiced its invention and not LG's later concept. Whirlpool's patent application on this technology is pending before the U.S. Patent Office and Whirlpool initiated an interference proceeding in which it is seeking priority over LG's asserted patent, based on Whirlpool's earlier invention date.

LG said the Delaware verdict is generally consistent with a final determination made last month by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), which found that none of the asserted claims of Whirlpool's 6,082,130 patent covers the accused LG French Door refrigerators. But LG said the ITC also found that all but one of the asserted claims of the 6,082,130 patent were invalid and that the remaining claim does not cover the accused LG side-by-side refrigerators and thus was not infringed.

LG said it disagreed with the jury verdict and regarding the side-by-side refrigerators and it plans to seek judicial review of this verdict.

GE Appliances Receives 5th Energy Star Award

Virtual Repairman — Thu Mar 18, 2010 8:17 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 8:17 am

Mar 11, 2010

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded GE - Appliances & Lighting the Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award for the fifth straight year. In 2009, 60% of GE�s appliance revenues came from Energy Star-qualified models, an increase of 6.4% over the previous year. GE offered 486 Energy Star-qualified base model appliances, for an 8% increase over 2008. The award marks the seventh year GE has been recognized as an Energy Star Partner of the Year. Award winners are selected from more than 17,000 organizations that participate in the Energy Star program.

GE will receive the award at a ceremony in Washington, DC, on Mar. 18, 2010.

Random Musings- updated often

Virtual Repairman — Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:35 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 8:35 am

My neighbor turned me onto this great product last week and I had to share it with my friends. It's called the Yankee Flipper and is a squirrel-proof bird feeder that provides endless entertainment for humans as well. It has a motorized perch that spins if something heavy, such as a squirrel or grackle, tries to land on it. I recommend them for anyone who loves to feed the birds and not the varmints.

Here is a video of how it works...

Yankee Flipper

1969 GE Topload washer spinning/braking video

Virtual Repairman — Fri Mar 05, 2010 7:29 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 7:29 am

You gotta love these old top load washers that GE made back in the 60's all the way thru the early 90's. When that thing wound down after a spin cycle, you could bet that those clothes were pasted to the sides of the drum, they were spun so hard. Heck, they were almost dry before they went into the dryer

Here's a nostalgic look at one of the 1969 models in action:
GE Filter-Flo Washer Spin cycle

How To Find Energy Star Rated HVAC Equipment the easy way

Virtual Repairman — Tue Mar 02, 2010 7:56 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 7:56 am

Here is the best way to find the most efficient A/C or Heating unit before you shop around. Be informed!

VERIFY AN A/C or HEATING UNIT

Is Your Dishwasher Energy Star Certified?

Virtual Repairman — Tue Mar 02, 2010 7:49 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 7:49 am

If you want to check a dishwasher for true Energy Star ratings, here is the place to do just that:

VERIFY A DISHWASHER ENERGY STAR RATING

Is Your Washer Energy-Star Rated?

Virtual Repairman — Tue Mar 02, 2010 7:45 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 7:45 am

Check the validity of your current or future washing machine in real time from the authority on Energy Star...the D.O.E.

CLICK HERE TO VERIFY

Is Your Refrigerator Energy-Star Rated?

Virtual Repairman — Tue Mar 02, 2010 7:40 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 7:40 am

You can check to see if your current or future refrigerator is Energy Star approved in real time.

CLICK HERE TO VERIFY

Commercial Ice Machines Recalled by Scotsman

Virtual Repairman — Sun Feb 28, 2010 7:40 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 7:40 am

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Scotsman� Commercial Modular Cube Ice Machines (Modular Cubers)

Units: About 43,000

Manufacturer: Scotsman Group LLC, of Vernon Hills, Ill.

Hazard: The solenoid, an electrical component in the product, can fail and result in an electrical arc that can pose a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The company has received four reports of fires and 37 reports of burned or melted components, resulting in replacement of machines and component parts. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled machines are designed to be installed on top of ice storage bins or ice dispensers, and typically are used in commercial establishments. Model numbers begin with C0322, C0330, C0522, C0530, C0630, C0830, C1030, C1448, C1848, C2148, EH130, EH222, EH330, or EH430, and serial numbers of the recalled machines within these model designations begin with 05, 06, 07, 08 or 09. Model and serial numbers are on the back of all machines and, depending on the model, behind the machine�s front panel either in the lower right corner of the machine or on the left side of the sheet metal wall that separates the larger (equipment) compartment from the smaller (ice-making) compartment.

Scotsman� commercial flake and nugget ice machines, commercial undercounter cube ice machines, and residential ice machines are not involved in this recall.

Sold Exclusively at: Commercial food service equipment distributors and dealers nationwide from September 2006 through December 2009 for between $4,000 and $14,000.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Customers should stop using the recalled ice cube machines immediately and contact the company to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Scotsman at (800) 541-0520 between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the company�s Web site at www.scotsman-ice.com

ENERGY STAR Removed from 21 Kenmore/LG Refrigerator Models

Virtual Repairman — Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:21 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:21 am

On January 20, 2010, 21 LG Electronics refrigerator models, including some under the Sears Kenmore brand, were removed from the ENERGY STAR Qualifying Product List. The ENERGY STAR label is to be removed from these refrigerator models because they failed to meet ENERGY STAR Program requirements. EPA has removed these products from the list of Qualifying Products on energystar.gov and is working with LG on a list of corrective actions to remove the physical label on products already in retail stores.

LG has set up a toll-free number for customers with specific questions on this issue: 1-888-326-8626.

Links of Interest:

EPA letter to Utility, Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor, and Retailers � January 20, 2010 (28KB), which contains the list of affected models

DOE Press Release � January 19, 2010

DOE Press Release � December 7, 2009

Private Consultation

Virtual Repairman — Sun Feb 14, 2010 1:16 pm

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 1:16 pm

The entire forum is FREE for you to read and utilize, however there will no longer be any public posting done here. If you cannot find your answers after searching the forum, I do provide paid consultation on a one-on-one basis. Click the link below for more info:

Ask The Repairman

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Noisy / Squeaky Maytag Dryer

vjkaima — Sun Feb 14, 2010 11:48 am

Author: vjkaima

Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 11:48 am

Ordered the 2 rollers, lube and replaced the belt while I was at it. Dryer now works perfectly, with no noise whatsoever. Saved me a bundle on a repair call. Thanks again!

Kenmore top load washer whines

Jacks.mom — Sun Feb 14, 2010 9:58 am

Author: Jacks.mom

Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 9:58 am

Hi again, VR;

Thanks for the very clear and informative instructions for opening the washing machine cabinet and removing and replacing the pump. I am going to try it, but just so you know, the cost of a replacement pump is not $40, but more than double that - $83.53 CDN to be precise.

As it is still far less costly than a repairman, I am going to try it as soon as I can get the part delivered!

I'll let you know how it goes - wish me luck! - and if I have any other questions, I'll certainly ask.

Thanks again!
Jacks.mom

Maytag dwu9962aae message, washer arm blocked, on all time

Virtual Repairman — Sun Feb 14, 2010 6:41 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 6:41 am

squrlntkn wrote:

I pick up this washer 2nd hand. was told it worked fine. free you can't complain. I have never had a dishwasher like this before.

Nothing you get for free actually works fine, or have you just been exceptionally lucky all of your life?

This is one of the older (12+ years) machines that Maytag made and was the most expensive one to repair as well due to the microprocessor on board and all the sensors it uses to wash. The least I can do is provide you the original service manual for the unit below and let you poke thru it to see if you want to invest in a bad optical sensor or board (if they are still available).

DWU MODELs Service Manual 3.62 MB

All Parts & Diagrams for this Model

Maytag Neptune Washer baffle replacement

Virtual Repairman — Sun Feb 14, 2010 6:34 am

Author: Virtual Repairman

Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 6:34 am

So, instead of waiting for me to reply, you went ahead and did it the hard way?

Next time, remove the small hose atop the outer tub and look down there...you should see a mounting screw for the baffle as you turn the drum. Also, the 3 rear baffles remove from inside the basket and they cover 3 bolts which will allow the tub to be pulled out without removing the rear spindle or pulley.

As far as the sludge...stop using cold water so much and start using the new product that Maytag and Whirlpool invented for their frontloaders as routine maintenance:

AFFRESH WASHER CLEANER

(BTW, the MAH6500 was made during my tenure at Maytag Corp, and was an exclusive model for Home Depot only. No one else had that model and it was only made from 2003-2004. It was basically the same as the 5500, but also has an internal water heater.)