Patents by Inventor Matt W. Allison

Matt W. Allison 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).

  • Method for preventing formation of ice slush in an ice maker
    Patent number: 5582018
    Abstract: A method for preventing the formation of icy slush within the sump of an ice maker. The method includes the steps of monitoring the temperature of the water being circulated through the ice maker and detecting when the temperature reaches about 32.degree. F. When the water reaches about 32.degree. F., the water pump is turned-off to allow residual water on evaporator plates of the ice maker to freeze and form ice crystals thereon. The water pump is turned-off for a predetermined period of time sufficient to allow the residual water remaining on the evaporator plates to freeze, which is preferably about 40 seconds, before it is turned back on. Thereafter, circulating water gradually freezes to the ice crystals formed on the evaporator plates. This prevents the water in the sump from cooling below about 32.degree. F. which would cause an icy slush to form in the sump. The above cycle is repeated after ice is harvested from the evaporator plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Scotsman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Black, Mark A. McKinney, Matt W. Allison