Patents by Inventor Charles E. Schlosser
Charles E. Schlosser 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).
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Patent number: 9052130Abstract: An ice making machine using hydrocarbon (HC), and particularly propane, as the refrigerant is disclosed. The ice making machine has components which have been modified in size, type and operation to accommodate the use of HCs, and particularly propane, in the ice making machine refrigerant system. Also disclosed is a low volume condenser especially designed for HCs, and in particular propane, to minimize the volume of flammable/explosive HC in the ice making machine refrigerant system.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, LLCInventor: Charles E. Schlosser
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Publication number: 20130180268Abstract: An ice making machine using hydrocarbon (HC), and particularly propane, as the refrigerant is disclosed. The ice making machine has components which have been modified in size, type and operation to accommodate the use of HCs, and particularly propane, in the ice making machine refrigerant system. Also disclosed is a low volume condenser especially designed for HCs, and in particular propane, to minimize the volume of flammable/explosive HC in the ice making machine refrigerant system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, LLCInventor: Charles E. Schlosser
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Patent number: 7703299Abstract: An ice-making machine having an ice-forming surface upon which ice is formed, a refrigeration system including a microchannel evaporator that cools the ice-forming surface, and a water-supply system. The microchannel evaporator includes a microchannel tube that facilitates a distributed cooling effect in a contact area between the microchannel tube and the ice-forming surface. In some embodiments, the microchannel tube includes a series of recessed portions that define insulated regions and divide the tube into non-insulated regions. The insulated and non-insulated regions can be dimensioned to form individual ice cubes on the ice-forming surface. In other embodiments, spaces between microchannel tubes and/or spaces between the ice-forming surface and microchannel tubes can form insulated regions at least partially defining the size and shape of ice produced by the ice-making machine.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Schlosser, Richard T. Miller, Daryl Gregory Erbs, Gregory F. Krcma
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Patent number: 7284391Abstract: An ice making machine has a mechanical compartment and a water compartment that houses a water system, and a pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a motor and a pump housing connected to the motor. The pump assembly is mounted to a base between the machine compartment and the water compartment so that the pump motor is located in the mechanical compartment, but can still be removed through the water compartment. A mounting flange attached to the pump assembly extends radially beyond the circumference of the pump motor. In one embodiment, a pump opening in the base has a collar integrally formed with the base. The collar includes a sealing section and a latching section. When the pump is inserted through the pump opening, snap latches in the latching section engage the mounting flange to hold the pump in place and the sealing flange seals against an inner surface of the sealing section.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.Inventors: Richard T. Miller, Michael C. Hollen, Howard G. Funk, Marty J. Lafond, Charles E. Schlosser
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Patent number: 7082782Abstract: An ice machine includes an evaporator with a plurality of individual ice-forming cells. Each ice-forming cell is open at a lower end. A water distributor is coupled to the evaporator and configured to deliver water to the upper end of each ice-forming cell. A refrigeration system in the ice machine is configured to cool each of the plurality of ice-forming cells, such that individual ice cubes are formed in each ice-forming cell. A water recirculation system includes a water collection unit positioned between the evaporator and a water sump. The water collection unit collects water flowing from the ice-forming cells in first and second chambers. A water detection probe is positioned in the second chamber. A harvest cycle is initiated when the water level in the second chamber falls below a specified level. A method of operating the ice machine is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Schlosser, Richard T. Miller, Scott J. Shedivy
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Publication number: 20040226312Abstract: An ice making machine has a mechanical compartment and a water compartment that houses a water system, and a pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a motor and a pump housing connected to the motor. The pump assembly is mounted to a base between the machine compartment and the water compartment so that the pump motor is located in the mechanical compartment, but can still be removed through the water compartment. A mounting flange attached to the pump assembly extends radially beyond the circumference of the pump motor. In one embodiment, a pump opening in the base has a collar integrally formed with the base. The collar includes a sealing section and a latching section. When the pump is inserted through the pump opening, snap latches in the latching section engage the mounting flange to hold the pump in place and the sealing flange seals against an inner surface of the sealing section.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Richard T. Miller, Michael C. Hollen, Howard G. Funk, Marty J. Lafond, Charles E. Schlosser
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Patent number: 6725675Abstract: A flaked ice making machine has a solenoid inlet valve in series with an inlet level control valve. In a preferred embodiment, these valves are used to provide an automatic cleaning feature. The automatic self-cleaning feature interacts with the control system and an array of inputs to clean a water reservoir and a freezing cylinder within the ice making machine and to rid the machine of mineral deposits.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.Inventors: Matthew E. Kampert, Charles E. Schlosser, Lee G. Mueller
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Patent number: 6705107Abstract: An ice making machine has a water system, including a pump, an ice-forming mold and interconnecting lines therefore; a refrigeration system, including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator in thermal contact with the ice-forming mold, and a receiver. The receiver has an inlet connected to the condenser, a liquid outlet connected to the expansion device and a vapor outlet connected by a valved passageway to the evaporator. In a preferred embodiment, two interconnected receivers are used. A cabinet housing the evaporator is preferably less than 18 inches deep. The pump is preferably mounted so that the pump motor is located outside of the water compartment, but can still be removed from the front of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Schlosser, Cary J. Pierskalla, Scott J. Shedivy, Michael R. Lois, Richard T. Miller, Brian A. Ebelt
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Patent number: 6681580Abstract: A method of making and harvesting ice cubes includes freezing water in an ice-forming mold having a back surface, an open front face and dividers mounted on the back surface forming pockets for the formation of individual ice cubes, the water also forming ice bridges between the ice formed in the pockets, thus forming a slab of ice cubes; heating the ice-forming mold to release the ice cubes from their individual pockets; and using pressurized fluid to push the frozen slab of ice cubes out of the ice-forming mold. An ice making machine for practicing the present invention preferably includes an air compressor to supply compressed air as the pressurized fluid. The compressed air is directed preferably through a plurality of holes in the back of the ice-forming mold.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.Inventors: Scott J. Shedivy, Timothy J. Kraus, Charles E. Schlosser, Mathew E. Kampert, Richard T. Miller
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Publication number: 20030089120Abstract: A flaked ice making machine has a solenoid inlet valve in series with an inlet level control valve. In a preferred embodiment, these valves are used to provide an automatic cleaning feature. The automatic self-cleaning feature interacts with the control system and an array of inputs to clean a water reservoir and a freezing cylinder within the ice making machine and to rid the machine of mineral deposits.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Matthew E. Kampert, Charles E. Schlosser, Lee G. Mueller
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Publication number: 20030046942Abstract: A method of making and harvesting ice cubes includes freezing water in an ice-forming mold having a back surface, an open front face and dividers mounted on the back surface forming pockets for the formation of individual ice cubes, the water also forming ice bridges between the ice formed in the pockets, thus forming a slab of ice cubes; heating the ice-forming mold to release the ice cubes from their individual pockets; and using pressurized fluid to push the frozen slab of ice cubes out of the ice-forming mold. An ice making machine for practicing the present invention preferably includes an air compressor to supply compressed air as the pressurized fluid. The compressed air is directed preferably through a plurality of holes in the back of the ice-forming mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Applicant: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, Inc.Inventors: Scott J. Shedivy, Timothy J. Kraus, Charles E. Schlosser, Mathew E. Kampert, Richard T. Miller
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Publication number: 20020078705Abstract: An ice making machine has a water system, including a pump, an ice-forming mold and interconnecting lines therefore; a refrigeration system, including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator in thermal contact with the ice-forming mold, and a receiver. The receiver has an inlet connected to the condenser, a liquid outlet connected to the expansion device and a vapor outlet connected by a valved passageway to the evaporator. In a preferred embodiment, two interconnected receivers are used. A cabinet housing the evaporator is preferably less than 18 inches deep. The pump is preferably mounted so that the pump motor is located outside of the water compartment, but can still be removed from the front of the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Charles E. Schlosser, Cary J. Pierskalla, Scott J. Shedivy, Michael R. Lois, Richard T. Miller, Brian A. Ebelt
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Patent number: 6196007Abstract: An ice making machine has a water system, including a pump, an ice-forming mold and interconnecting lines therefore; a refrigeration system, including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator in thermal contact with the ice-forming mold, and a receiver. The receiver has an inlet connected to the condenser, a liquid outlet connected to the expansion device and a vapor outlet connected by a valved passageway to the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Group, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Schlosser, Cary J. Pierskalla, Scott J. Shedivy, Michael R. Lois
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Patent number: 6148621Abstract: An ice maker in which a non-metallic shroud surrounds the metal evaporator plate and has a continuous bulbous edge that engulfs the edges of the plate. The shroud further includes a roof disposed above the plate and slopes toward the front of the plate. The water distributor of the ice maker is mounted on the roof of the shroud.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2000Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignees: U-Line Corporation, Manitowoc Foodservice Group, Inc.Inventors: Dean Byczynski, Karl R. Krumbiegel, Cary J. Pierskalla, William A. Reed, Charles E. Schlosser, Jeffrey Ziminski
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Patent number: 6145336Abstract: The present invention uses a single molded piece of plastic as an evaporator frame. A low durometer gasket material is molded in place on the single molded piece of plastic. The gasket aids in sealing the evaporator frame and the evaporator pan.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Group, Inc.Inventors: Richard T. Miller, Gregory F. Krcma, Curt R. Cayemberg, Raymond R. Haack, Charles E. Schlosser, Bert Bodnar, William Aalto
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Patent number: 6058731Abstract: An ice maker in which a non-metallic shroud surronds the metal evaporator plate and has a continuous bulbous edge that engulfs the edges of the plate. The shroud further includes a roof disposed above the plate and slopes toward the front of the plate. The water distributor of the ice maker is mounted on the roof of the shroud.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignees: U-Line Corporation, Manitowoc Foodservice Group, Inc.Inventors: Dean Byczynski, Karl R. Krumbiegel, Cary J. Pierskalla, William A. Reed, Charles E. Schlosser, Jeffrey Ziminski
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Patent number: 5878583Abstract: An ice making machine comprises a refrigerant system having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, an evaporator and interconnecting refrigerant lines; a water system having a fresh water inlet, a water circulation mechanism, an ice-forming device in thermal contact with the evaporator and interconnecting water lines; and a control system comprising a temperature sensing device in thermal contact with the outlet of the condenser, and a microprocessor programmed to use input from the temperature sensing device either i) at a predetermined time after initiation of a freeze cycle to determine the desired duration of the freeze cycle or ii) at a predetermined time prior to the end of the freeze cycle to determine the desired duration of the harvest cycle, or iii) both i) and ii), to control the refrigeration and water systems to operate in a freeze cycle and/or the harvest cycle until the end of the desired duration(s).Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Group, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Schlosser, Cary J. Pierskalla, Gregory F. Krcma
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Patent number: 5752393Abstract: An automatic ice making machine is disclosed having a coolant/refrigerant system, a water/ice system, a cleaning/sterilizing system and a microprocessor operated control system interconnecting the above systems. Methods for automatically cleaning the ice maker's water/ice systems and establishing safeguards and monitoring of system readiness and operation are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Group, Inc,Inventors: Charles E. Schlosser, Lee G. Mueller, Gregory McDougal
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Patent number: 5586439Abstract: An automatic ice making machine is disclosed having a coolant/refrigerant system, a water/ice system, a cleaning/sterilizing system and a microprocessor operated control system interconnecting the above systems. Methods for automatically cleaning the ice makers water/ice systems and establishing safeguards and monitoring of system readiness and operation are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: The Manitowoc Company, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Schlosser, Lee G. Mueller, Gregory McDougal
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Patent number: 5408834Abstract: An automatic ice making machine is disclosed having a coolant/refrigerant system, a water/ice system, a cleaning/sterilizing system and a microprocessor operated control system interconnecting the above systems. Methods for automatically cleaning the ice maker's water/ice systems and establishing safeguards and monitoring of system readiness and operation are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1994Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: The Manitowoc Company, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Schlosser, Lee G. Mueller, Gregory McDougal