Patents by Inventor Matthew R. Hunter

Matthew R. Hunter 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: 20240156305
    Abstract: A quick release attachment assembly and system to releasably join a utensil to a stand mixer drivetrain. The system includes an assembly comprising one or more retaining balls to axially fix an attachment insert in the assembly and a plurality of cooperating walls to fix the attachment insert against rotational displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew R. Hunter, Joseph Mazzella, Mason Hawkins
  • Patent number: 11957342
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed herein. The surgical instrument can include an end effector that includes jaws configured to transition between an opened condition and a closed condition, a plurality of electrodes positioned within the jaws of the end effector, a control circuit, and a memory configured to store an algorithm configured to cause the control circuit to determine an impedance signal based on signals received from the plurality of electrodes, detect a media positioned between the jaws of the end effector based on the determined impedance signal, determine a position of the detected media based on the received signals, and generate an alert associated with the detected media and the determined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Zhijun Liu, Christopher J. Waid, Patrick L. Creamer, Morgan R. Hunter, Nathan P. K. Nguyen, Kevin D. Felder, James M. McKale, Jeffrey S. Swayze, Simon L. Calcutt, Elisa J. Barber, Matthew K. Sadler, Richard D. Lintern, James Richardson, Rita Stella, Mikhail E. Bashtanov
  • Patent number: 11955668
    Abstract: Leak detection sensors, appliances configured to detect leaks and methods of detecting leaks are provided. The leak detection sensor is a self-powered leak detection sensor. The leak detection sensor includes a water-permeable medium and at least one electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell can include a first electrode and a second electrode, and an electrolyte disposed between the electrodes, wherein in a dormant state, the electrolyte is in a solid, dry state. The electrochemical cell can enter an active state when exposed to water. The electrochemical cell can be configured to generate electrical power in the active state. The leak detection sensor can further include a peripheral electronic component configured to receive electrical power produced by the electrochemical cell. The self-powered leak detection sensor is configured for, and related methods include, detecting exposure to water in response to electrical energy generation of the electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Sergeevich Chernov, Matthew R. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20240108173
    Abstract: A quick release attachment mechanism to releasably join a stand mixer drivetrain to an attachment insert. The mechanism includes one or more retaining balls to axially fix the attachment insert in the assembly and a plurality of cooperating walls to fix the attachment insert against rotational displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew R. Hunter, Joseph Mazzella
  • Publication number: 20240049916
    Abstract: A stand mixer includes a column. A bowl support is mounted to the column such that the bowl support is vertically translatable on column. An adjustment apparatus is configured for adjustment of a height of a bowl on the bowl support. The adjustment apparatus includes a cam rotatably mounted on the column and a cam follower coupled to the bowl support and engaging the cam. The cam and cam follower are configured such that the bowl support vertically translates in relation to the column as the cam rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Danister Abeygunawardana, Tomas Garces, Eric Matthew Lewis, Matthew R. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20240049915
    Abstract: A stand mixer is provided. The stand mixer may include a support frame, a bowl arm assembly, and a damper assembly. The bowl arm assembly may be mounted to the support frame and may be moveable a raised position and a lowered position. The damper assembly may be mounted to the support frame and may be positioned for engaging the bowl arm assembly as it moves towards the lower position. The stand mixer may also include a bracket attached to the bowl arm assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Danister Abeygunawardana, Tomas Garces, Eric Matthew Lewis, Matthew R. Hunter, Mason Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20240049919
    Abstract: A stand mixer includes a securing apparatus configured to retain a bowl on a stand mixer, the securing apparatus incudes a leaf spring mounted to a bowl support at a first end portion of the leaf spring. The leaf spring extends away from the column to a second end portion of the leaf spring and defines a receiving orifice at the second end portion of the leaf spring. A retractor is configured to translate a bolt away from the second end portion of the leaf spring when a bowl support is in the nonmixing position. An extender is configured to translate the bolt toward the second end portion of the leaf spring when the bowl support is in the mixing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Eric Matthew Lewis, Tomas Garces, Matthew R. Hunter, Danister Abeygunawardana
  • Publication number: 20240041261
    Abstract: A stand mixer includes a base and a support column attached to the base, extending upwardly from the base. A bowl lift framework extends outwardly from the support column. The bowl lift framework includes at least one lift arm. The lift arm is pivotable relative to the support column. The lift arm rotates a first tension bar coupled to a linkage, and the linkage is rotatable about a lift pin. The linkage is also coupled to a second tension bar. A head is attached to an upper end of the support column and extends from the support column above the base. Also included in the stand mixer is a bowl. The bowl lift framework is configured for vertically moving the bowl relative to the head when the lift arm pivots relative to the support column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Mason Hawkins, Matthew R. Hunter, Danister Abeygunawardana, Tomas Garces, Eric Matthew Lewis
  • Publication number: 20230399222
    Abstract: A method of operating a dispenser system of a refrigerator appliance includes storing a custom dispenser setting for the dispenser system. The method may also include recognizing a user at the refrigerator appliance or receiving an input with the dispenser system and determining a time when the input is received. The method then includes applying the custom dispenser setting. The custom dispenser setting may be applied based on the recognized user and/or the determined time. The method further includes dispensing one or more objects from the dispenser system according to the applied custom dispenser setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew R. Hunter, Megan Etgen, Gregory Sergeevich Chernov, Brent Alden Junge
  • Publication number: 20230397767
    Abstract: A stand mixer includes a base with a column mounted to the base, and a head fixed atop the column. The stand mixer also includes a bowl and a bowl carrier mounted on the column. The bowl carrier includes two arms extending forward from the back portion of the bowl carrier. The bowl carrier defines a pocket at the back portion of the bowl carrier. The pocket is configured for receiving a bowl retention protuberance of the bowl when the bowl is mounted on the two arms. Each of the two arms defines a respective orifice on a top portion of the two arms. Each of the two arms includes a respective plunger. The orifice of each of the two arms configured for receiving a respective locking tab of the bowl. The plunger of each of the two arms has an end portion that extends into the orifice to engage the respective locking tab on the bowl, when the bowl is mounted on the two arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Danister Abeygunawardana, Tomas Garces, Matthew R. Hunter, Eric Matthew Lewis
  • Publication number: 20230337860
    Abstract: A stand mixer includes a casing that includes a base, a column mounted to the base, and a motor housing mounted to the column. The motor housing extends outwardly above the base. A motor is within the motor housing, and the motor housing includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion includes a standoff. The first portion includes a slot. The standoff of the second portion is configured to engage with the slot of the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Pierce, Matthew R. Hunter
  • Patent number: 11771027
    Abstract: A gardening appliance includes a grow tower rotatably mounted within a liner and defining a root chamber. A mixing tank defines a water inlet, a nutrient inlet, and a mixture outlet. An overflow protection system is operably coupled to the mixing tank and includes a wastewater reservoir, an overflow port fluidly coupled to the mixing tank, an overflow conduit providing fluid communication between the overflow port and the wastewater reservoir, and a one-way overflow valve fluidly coupled to the overflow conduit to prevent liquid flow back into the mixing tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Danister Abeygunawardana, Jianwu Li, Eric Meyerholtz, Brent Alden Junge, Venkata Ratna Ganesh Kallakuri, Matthew R. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20230301464
    Abstract: A stand mixer includes a base with a support column, and a bowl lift framework extending outwardly from the support column. The bowl lift framework includes at least two lift arms. The lift arms are pivotable relative to the support column. A head is attached to an upper end of the support column and extends horizontally from the support column above the base. Additionally included is a bowl. The bowl includes a flange around a circumference of the bowl, and the bowl is held between the lift arms of the bowl lift framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Eric Matthew Lewis, Tomas Garces, Matthew R. Hunter, Danister Abeygunawardana
  • Publication number: 20230228465
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance is provided, including a cabinet having a surface operably coupled to a thermoelectric cooler. The refrigeration appliance is configured to apply a voltage to generate an electrical current to move thermal energy from a first side to a second side of the surface. A container includes an upper chamber and a lower chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Brent Alden Junge, Matthew R. Hunter, Ronald Gary Foster
  • Publication number: 20230210070
    Abstract: A gardening appliance includes a grow tower rotatably mounted within a liner and defining a root chamber. A mixing tank defines a water inlet, a nutrient inlet, and a mixture outlet. An overflow protection system is operably coupled to the mixing tank and includes a wastewater reservoir, an overflow port fluidly coupled to the mixing tank, an overflow conduit providing fluid communication between the overflow port and the wastewater reservoir, and a one-way overflow valve fluidly coupled to the overflow conduit to prevent liquid flow back into the mixing tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Danister Abeygunawardana, Jianwu Li, Eric Meyerholtz, Brent Alden Junge, Venkata Ratna Ganesh Kallakuri, Matthew R. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20230101165
    Abstract: Leak detection sensors, appliances configured to detect leaks and methods of detecting leaks are provided. The leak detection sensor is a self-powered leak detection sensor. The leak detection sensor includes a water-permeable medium and at least one electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell can include a first electrode and a second electrode, and an electrolyte disposed between the electrodes, wherein in a dormant state, the electrolyte is in a solid, dry state. The electrochemical cell can enter an active state when exposed to water. The electrochemical cell can be configured to generate electrical power in the active state. The leak detection sensor can further include a peripheral electronic component configured to receive electrical power produced by the electrochemical cell. The self-powered leak detection sensor is configured for, and related methods include, detecting exposure to water in response to electrical energy generation of the electrochemical cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Gregory Sergeevich Chernov, Matthew R. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20230088481
    Abstract: A gardening appliance includes a liner positioned within a cabinet and defining a grow chamber, and a grow tower is positioned within the grow chamber and includes a module support frame rotatably mounted within the grow chamber and a grow module mounted to the module support frame to at least partially define a root chamber and defining an aperture for receiving a plant pod. One or more water collecting ribs extend from an inner surface of the grow module into the root chamber, the one or more water collecting ribs being oriented toward the aperture for directing collected condensation toward the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Brian Allgeier, Louis A. Wantland, Matthew R. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20230065308
    Abstract: A method of operating a cooking appliance includes receiving an input from a user interface of the cooking appliance. The input includes a set temperature. In response to the received input, a heating element of the cooking appliance is activated. The method also includes detecting an opening and a closing of a door of the cooking appliance. The method further includes automatically initiating a timer when the closing of the door is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Megan Etgen, Matthew R. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20230014191
    Abstract: An indoor gardening appliance includes a grow module positioned within a grow chamber for receiving one or more plant pods. The indoor gardening system includes a hydration system including a water supply for providing a flow of water into a mixing tank and a discharge nozzle for selectively discharging the flow of water into the grow chamber. The indoor gardening appliance further includes a cleaning assembly fluidly coupled to the hydration system for selectively discharging a cleaning agent into the flow of water to create a cleaning solution to facilitate a self-clean cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Louis A. Wantland, Olivia Ryan Didat, Santosh Kumar, Brian Allgeier, Matthew R. Hunter
  • Patent number: 11533859
    Abstract: A hydration system for an indoor gardening appliance includes a pressurized water supply including a pump assembly for pressurizing an accumulator and an auxiliary nozzle in fluid communication with the pressurized water supply. An auxiliary valve assembly is operably coupled to the auxiliary nozzle for selectively directing an auxiliary flow of water from the accumulator onto the plant pods when power is lost to the gardening appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Goodman Schroeder, Matthew R. Hunter, Brian Michael Schork