Patents by Inventor Michael Edward Johnson

Michael Edward Johnson 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).

  • Patent number: 6574974
    Abstract: An electronic controller for an automatic icemaker includes a thermistor coupled to an icemaker mold, a first transducer coupled to a rake, a second transducer coupled to a feeler arm, and a processor. Time and temperature dependent calculations are summed at successive time intervals and compared to a predetermined value to determine when ice is frozen and ready for harvesting. Harvesting is delayed a pre-selected time based upon the position of the feeler arm to avoid premature harvesting. A harvest fix algorithm is executed when ice is not harvested within a predetermined time period by operating a heater at an elevated temperature and by de-energizing a motor. A water fill algorithm determines whether the mold is full of water based upon a change in the thermistor reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rollie Richard Herzog, Michael Edward Johnson, Craig Iung-Pei Tsai, Qiao Lu, Lisa Gay Smith