Patents by Inventor Daniel Stephen Potter

Daniel Stephen Potter 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).

  • Publication number: 20230301466
    Abstract: A blender system includes a container having a rotatable blade assembly therein, a lid covering an open end of the container, and a base with a motorized unit. When the container is coupled with the base, the motorized unit is adapted to drive rotation of the rotatable blade assembly. The lid includes a hinged actuator lever adapted to actuate the motorized unit. A detent extends from the hinged actuator lever and passes through a series of apertures and presses against a slidable actuator shaft disposed in the container and maintained in its position by a spring force, thereby depressing a switch for the motorized unit. A rotatable blade system includes cutting blade(s) and crushing blade(s). The crushing blade extends longitudinally outwardly from a hub. When the hub rotates in a first direction or second direction opposite the first direction, a face of the crushing blade is leading or trailing, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, David M. Audette
  • Publication number: 20230270290
    Abstract: Food processing apparatuses having a drive unit which has more than one mode of operation, works with more than one food processing container, and/or may be operated in more than orientation are disclosed. The drive unit may be operated in first and second modes of operation. In some embodiments, the drive unit may be actuated in a different manner in the second mode of operation as compared to the first mode of operation. In some embodiments, the orientation of the drive unit in the second mode of operation is vertically flipped upside-down as compared to the orientation of the drive unit in the first mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, Devin Joseph Coakley, Michael Joseph Smith
  • Patent number: 11653793
    Abstract: A blender system includes a container having a rotatable blade assembly therein, a lid covering an open end of the container, and a base with a motorized unit. When the container is coupled with the base, the motorized unit is adapted to drive rotation of the rotatable blade assembly. The lid includes a hinged actuator lever adapted to actuate the motorized unit. A detent extends from the hinged actuator lever and passes through a series of apertures and presses against a slidable actuator shaft disposed in the container and maintained in its position by a spring force, thereby depressing a switch for the motorized unit. A rotatable blade system includes cutting blade(s) and crushing blade(s). The crushing blade extends longitudinally outwardly from a hub. When the hub rotates in a first direction or second direction opposite the first direction, a face of the crushing blade is leading or trailing, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, David M. Audette
  • Patent number: 11638500
    Abstract: Food processing apparatuses having a drive unit which has more than one mode of operation, works with more than one food processing container, and/or may be operated in more than orientation are disclosed. The drive unit may be operated in first and second modes of operation. In some embodiments, the drive unit may be actuated in a different manner in the second mode of operation as compared to the first mode of operation. In some embodiments, the orientation of the drive unit in the second mode of operation is vertically flipped upside-down as compared to the orientation of the drive unit in the first mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, Devin Joseph Coakley, Michael Joseph Smith
  • Patent number: 11166596
    Abstract: A blender system includes a container having a rotatable blade assembly therein, a lid covering an open end of the container, and a base with a motorized unit. When the container is coupled with the base, the motorized unit is adapted to drive rotation of the rotatable blade assembly. The lid includes a hinged actuator lever adapted to actuate the motorized unit. A detent extends from the hinged actuator lever and passes through a series of apertures and presses against a slidable actuator shaft disposed in the container and maintained in its position by a spring force, thereby depressing a switch for the motorized unit. A rotatable blade system includes cutting blade(s) and crushing blade(s). The crushing blade extends longitudinally outwardly from a hub. When the hub rotates in a first direction or second direction opposite the first direction, a face of the crushing blade is leading or trailing, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, David M. Audette
  • Publication number: 20210219784
    Abstract: A blender system includes a container having a rotatable blade assembly therein, a lid covering an open end of the container, and a base with a motorized unit. When the container is coupled with the base, the motorized unit is adapted to drive rotation of the rotatable blade assembly. The lid includes a hinged actuator lever adapted to actuate the motorized unit. A detent extends from the hinged actuator lever and passes through a series of apertures and presses against a slidable actuator shaft disposed in the container and maintained in its position by a spring force, thereby depressing a switch for the motorized unit. A rotatable blade system includes cutting blade(s) and crushing blade(s). The crushing blade extends longitudinally outwardly from a hub. When the hub rotates in a first direction or second direction opposite the first direction, a face of the crushing blade is leading or trailing, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, David M. Audette
  • Publication number: 20210100399
    Abstract: Food processing apparatuses having a drive unit which has more than one mode of operation, works with more than one food processing container, and/or may be operated in more than orientation are disclosed. The drive unit may be operated in first and second modes of operation. In some embodiments, the drive unit may be actuated in a different manner in the second mode of operation as compared to the first mode of operation. In some embodiments, the orientation of the drive unit in the second mode of operation is vertically flipped upside-down as compared to the orientation of the drive unit in the first mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, Devin Joseph Coakley, Michael Joseph Smith
  • Patent number: 10869577
    Abstract: Food processing apparatuses having a drive unit which has more than one mode of operation, works with more than one food processing container, and/or may be operated in more than orientation are disclosed. The drive unit may be operated in first and second modes of operation. In some embodiments, the drive unit may be actuated in a different manner in the second mode of operation as compared to the first mode of operation. In some embodiments, the orientation of the drive unit in the second mode of operation is vertically flipped upside-down as compared to the orientation of the drive unit in the first mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, Devin Joseph Coakley, Michael Joseph Smith
  • Patent number: 10362904
    Abstract: A base for a food processing system is provided including a housing configured to couple with a complementary container. The housing includes a bottom surface. At least one suction device is mounted to the bottom surface and is configured to adhere the base to an adjacent surface. At least one release mechanism is mounted to mounted generally flush with an outer surface of the housing. The at least one release mechanism is operably coupled to at least one suction device and is movable between a first position and a second position to release the at least one suction device from the adjacent surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Stephen Potter
  • Publication number: 20180317714
    Abstract: A blender system includes a container having a rotatable blade assembly therein, a lid covering an open end of the container, and a base with a motorized unit. When the container is coupled with the base, the motorized unit is adapted to drive rotation of the rotatable blade assembly. The lid includes a hinged actuator lever adapted to actuate the motorized unit. A detent extends from the hinged actuator lever and passes through a series of apertures and presses against a slidable actuator shaft disposed in the container and maintained in its position by a spring force, thereby depressing a switch for the motorized unit. A rotatable blade system includes cutting blade(s) and crushing blade(s). The crushing blade extends longitudinally outwardly from a hub. When the hub rotates in a first direction or second direction opposite the first direction, a face of the crushing blade is leading or trailing, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, David M. Audette
  • Patent number: 10064520
    Abstract: A blender system includes a container having a rotatable blade assembly therein, a lid covering an open end of the container, and a base with a motorized unit. When the container is coupled with the base, the motorized unit is adapted to drive rotation of the rotatable blade assembly. The lid includes a hinged actuator lever adapted to actuate the motorized unit. A detent extends from the hinged actuator lever and passes through a series of apertures and presses against a slidable actuator shaft disposed in the container and maintained in its position by a spring force, thereby depressing a switch for the motorized unit. A rotatable blade system includes cutting blade(s) and crushing blade(s). The crushing blade extends longitudinally outwardly from a hub. When the hub rotates in a first direction or second direction opposite the first direction, a face of the crushing blade is leading or trailing, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, David M. Audette
  • Publication number: 20180177341
    Abstract: Food processing apparatuses having a drive unit which has more than one mode of operation, works with more than one food processing container, and/or may be operated in more than orientation are disclosed. The drive unit may be operated in first and second modes of operation. In some embodiments, the drive unit may be actuated in a different manner in the second mode of operation as compared to the first mode of operation. In some embodiments, the orientation of the drive unit in the second mode of operation is vertically flipped upside-down as compared to the orientation of the drive unit in the first mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, Devin Joseph Coakley, Michael Joseph Smith
  • Patent number: 9924838
    Abstract: Food processing apparatuses having a drive unit which has more than one mode of operation, works with more than one food processing container, and/or may be operated in more than orientation are disclosed. The drive unit may be operated in first and second modes of operation. In some embodiments, the drive unit may be actuated in a different manner in the second mode of operation as compared to the first mode of operation. In some embodiments, the orientation of the drive unit in the second mode of operation is vertically flipped upside-down as compared to the orientation of the drive unit in the first mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, Devin Joseph Coakley, Michael Joseph Smith
  • Patent number: 9848738
    Abstract: A food processor is provided which includes a container, a blade assembly, and a base arranged such that the container is coupleable to the base. The base includes a housing and a motor configured to drive the blade assembly. The food processor further includes an actuator included with the container moveable between a first position and a second, extended position. When the container is coupled to the base and the actuator is in the second, extended position, the actuator is configured to actuate a switch to permit activation of the motor, and the base is constructed such that the container can be coupled to the base when the actuator is in the second, extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: David M. Audette, Alexander J. Calvino, Waiman Chung, Aric Jennings, Daniel Stephen Potter, Andrea Stavrinou, August Alden Drufke
  • Patent number: 9717370
    Abstract: A base for a food processing system is provided including a housing configured to couple with a complementary container. The housing includes a bottom surface. At least one suction device is mounted to the bottom surface and is configured to adhere the base to an adjacent surface. At least one release mechanism is mounted to mounted generally flush with an outer surface of the housing. The at least one release mechanism is operably coupled to at least one suction device and is movable between a first position and a second position to release the at least one suction device from the adjacent surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Stephen Potter
  • Publication number: 20170172347
    Abstract: A base for a food processing system is provided including a housing configured to couple with a complementary container. The housing includes a bottom surface. At least one suction device is mounted to the bottom surface and is configured to adhere the base to an adjacent surface. At least one release mechanism is mounted to mounted generally flush with an outer surface of the housing. The at least one release mechanism is operably coupled to at least one suction device and is movable between a first position and a second position to release the at least one suction device from the adjacent surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Stephen Potter
  • Patent number: 9622619
    Abstract: A base for a food processing system is provided including a housing configured to couple with a complementary container. The housing includes a bottom surface. At least one suction device is mounted to the bottom surface and is configured to adhere the base to an adjacent surface. At least one release mechanism is mounted to mounted generally flush with an outer surface of the housing. The at least one release mechanism is operably coupled to at least one suction device and is movable between a first position and a second position to release the at least one suction device from the adjacent surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Stephen Potter
  • Publication number: 20160256002
    Abstract: A base for a food processing system is provided including a housing configured to couple with a complementary container. The housing includes a bottom surface. At least one suction device is mounted to the bottom surface and is configured to adhere the base to an adjacent surface. At least one release mechanism is mounted to mounted generally flush with an outer surface of the housing. The at least one release mechanism is operably coupled to at least one suction device and is movable between a first position and a second position to release the at least one suction device from the adjacent surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel Stephen Potter
  • Patent number: D760025
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, Michael Joseph Smith, Devin Joseph Coakley, Bryan deBlois
  • Patent number: D777515
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Potter, Michael Joseph Smith, Devin Joseph Coakley, Bryan deBlois