Patents by Inventor John Mullis

John Mullis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Proximity ice level detector, proximity detector assembly and methods
    Patent number: 6324855
    Abstract: A proximity ice level detector detects a full ice level state of ice made and dispensed by an ice maker into an ice bin and includes a proximity sensor and a controller. The proximity sensor is disposed in or adjacent the ice bin at the full ice level state of the ice in the ice bin. The controller is operative in conjunction with the proximity sensor and the ice maker for reading signals from the proximity sensor. When the proximity sensor fails to detect the ice at the full ice level state, the controller causes the ice maker to make ice and dispense the ice into the ice bin. When the proximity sensor detects the ice at the full ice level state, the controller causes the ice maker to cease making ice. Another embodiment of the invention is a proximity detector assembly that includes the proximity sensor encased within a sleeve fabricated from a food-packaging grade plastic. A method for detecting a full ice level state of ice in the ice bin and a method for making ice from an ice maker are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Hoshizaki America, Inc.
    Inventor: John Mullis