Patents by Inventor Michael V. Colston
Michael V. Colston 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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Publication number: 20240064226Abstract: Embodiments are directed to controlling an electronically-controlled appliance using a software application and providing a user interface for controlling an electronically-controlled appliance. In one scenario, a computer system receives an indication from a remote computing system indicating that an electronically-controlled appliance is communicably connected to the remote computing system. The computer system provides a notification in the software application indicating that the electronically-controlled appliance is available to receive instructions, and receives a user input at the software application indicating that certain functions are to be performed by the electronically-controlled appliance. The computer system further generates instructions configured to control the electronically-controlled appliance based on the functions specified in the received user input, and sends the generated instructions to the electronically-controlled appliance to perform the specified functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventor: Michael V. Colston
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Patent number: 11844463Abstract: A grilling device includes an auger feeder system, a heating element, a blower and a temperature control system. The temperature control system includes at least a first temperature sensor inside the firepot and a second temperature sensor inside a cooking chamber above the firepot. The heating element can also serve as the first temperature sensor. A method for controlling the temperature of the grill can include receiving temperature feedback information from one or more of the temperature sensors and adjusting power provided to the auger feeder system, heating element, and blower. The temperature control system produces cold smoke resulting from the combustion of lignin in solid wood fuel while minimizing temperatures inside the cooking chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Traeger Pellet Grills LLCInventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel A. C. Altenritter, Daniel W. Sluder
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Publication number: 20230276989Abstract: A solid-fuel grilling device comprises a direct-current power source. A direct-current sensor is in communication with the direct-current power source. The direct-current sensor is configured to gather power characteristic data in relation to the direct-current power source. A solid-fuel grilling component is in communication with the direct-power source. The direct-power source provides power to the solid-fuel grilling component. A processor, in communication with the direct-current sensor, is configured to analyze the power characteristic data and determine operational health of solid-fuel grill components.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel W. Sluder, Daniel A.C. Altenritter
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Patent number: 11708975Abstract: A pellet hopper for use in a pellet grill includes a first bottom panel, a second bottom panel, and a third bottom panel. Each bottom panel has an inner edge that partially defines a pellet evacuation opening. The first, second, and third bottom panels form respective first, second, and third nonzero angles relative to a horizontal plane. In this way, each bottom panel tilts downward toward the pellet evacuation opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Traeger Pellet Grills, LLCInventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel W. Sluder, Phuong K. Hoang
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Patent number: 11678767Abstract: A solid-fuel grilling device comprises a direct-current power source. A direct-current sensor is in communication with the direct-current power source. The direct-current sensor is configured to gather power characteristic data in relation to the direct-current power source. A solid-fuel grilling component is in communication with the direct-power source. The direct-power source provides power to the solid-fuel grilling component. A processor, in communication with the direct-current sensor, is configured to analyze the power characteristic data and determine operational health of solid-fuel grill components.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Traeger Pellet Grills LLCInventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel W. Sluder, Daniel A. C. Altenritter
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Patent number: 11583138Abstract: A portable grill with a battery power system includes a primary direct-current power source and a secondary direct-current power source. The primary power source can connect onto the outside of the grill via a clip. The secondary power source, which can be disposed within the grill so as not to be exposed to outside elements, can continue to power the grill when the user removes and/or replaces the primary power source during the operation of the grill. A user feedback system can remotely alert the user with information regarding the time or power remaining in the primary power source.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Traeger Pellet Grills, LLCInventor: Michael V. Colston
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Publication number: 20220296043Abstract: A self-cleaning solid fuel grilling device comprises a grilling cavity and a firepot disposed within the grilling cavity. In addition, the embodiment includes an evacuation cavity disposed beneath the firepot. The evacuation cavity is in communication with the grilling cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2022Publication date: September 22, 2022Inventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel A.C. Altenritter, Daniel W. Sluder
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Patent number: 11350791Abstract: A self-cleaning solid fuel grilling device comprises a grilling cavity and a firepot disposed within the grilling cavity. In addition, the embodiment includes an evacuation cavity disposed beneath the firepot. The evacuation cavity is in communication with the grilling cavity.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Traeger Pellet Grills, LLCInventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel A. C. Altenritter, Daniel W. Sluder
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Publication number: 20220142406Abstract: A grilling device includes an auger feeder system, a heating element, a blower and a temperature control system. The temperature control system includes at least a first temperature sensor inside the firepot and a second temperature sensor inside a cooking chamber above the firepot. The heating element can also serve as the first temperature sensor. A method for controlling the temperature of the grill can include receiving temperature feedback information from one or more of the temperature sensors and adjusting power provided to the auger feeder system, heating element, and blower. The temperature control system produces cold smoke resulting from the combustion of lignin in solid wood fuel while minimizing temperatures inside the cooking chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2022Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel A.C. Altenritter, Daniel W. Sluder
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Publication number: 20220082262Abstract: A firepot for a grilling device comprises one or more walls at least partially forming an outer boundary of the firepot. The firepot is structurally configured to hold at least partially ignited solid fuel. The firepot also comprises a floor defining, at least in part, a lower end of the firepot. The floor comprises one or more holes extending through the floor. Additionally, a portion of the one or more walls form a solid fuel delivery opening that comprises a solid fuel portal through which solid fuel is deliverable to an interior of the firepot. A heating element mount is positioned to hold a heating element within the interior of the firepot.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel A.C. Altenritter, Daniel W. Sluder
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Patent number: 11259667Abstract: A grilling device includes an auger feeder system, a heating element, a blower and a temperature control system. The temperature control system includes at least a first temperature sensor inside the firepot and a second temperature sensor inside a cooking chamber above the firepot. The heating element can also serve as the first temperature sensor. A method for controlling the temperature of the grill can include receiving temperature feedback information from one or more of the temperature sensors and adjusting power provided to the auger feeder system, heating element, and blower. The temperature control system produces cold smoke resulting from the combustion of lignin in solid wood fuel while minimizing temperatures inside the cooking chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Traeger Pellet Grills, LLCInventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel A. C. Altenritter, Daniel W. Sluder
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Publication number: 20220034512Abstract: A pellet hopper for use in a pellet grill includes a first bottom panel, a second bottom panel, and a third bottom panel. Each bottom panel has an inner edge that partially defines a pellet evacuation opening. The first, second, and third bottom panels form respective first, second, and third nonzero angles relative to a horizontal plane. In this way, each bottom panel tilts downward toward the pellet evacuation opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel W. Sluder, Phuong K. Hoang
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Patent number: 11181276Abstract: A firepot for a grilling device comprises one or more walls at least partially forming an outer boundary of the firepot. The firepot is structurally configured to hold at least partially ignited solid fuel. The firepot also comprises a floor defining, at least in part, a lower end of the firepot. The floor comprises one or more holes extending through the floor. Additionally, a portion of the one or more walls form a solid fuel delivery opening that comprises a solid fuel portal through which solid fuel is deliverable to an interior of the firepot. A heating element mount is positioned to hold a heating element within the interior of the firepot.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Traeger Pellet Grills LLCInventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel A. C. Altenritter, Daniel W. Sluder
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Publication number: 20210235927Abstract: A portable grill with a battery power system includes a primary direct-current power source and a secondary direct-current power source. The primary power source can connect onto the outside of the grill via a clip. The secondary power source, which can be disposed within the grill so as not to be exposed to outside elements, can continue to power the grill when the user removes and/or replaces the primary power source during the operation of the grill. A user feedback system can remotely alert the user with information regarding the time or power remaining in the primary power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventor: Michael V. Colston
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Publication number: 20210196078Abstract: A grill device includes a cooking portion assembly including a fire pot assembly, an ash-collection container, a bottom plate extending between the fire pot assembly and the ash-collection container, a drip tray disposed above the fire pot assembly and ash-collection container, a cooking chamber defined above the drip tray, and an expansion chamber defined beneath the drip tray and above the fire pot assembly, the ash-collection container, and the bottom plate, wherein the expansion chamber is configured to facilitate particulate within smoke produced by combustion within the fire pot assembly to fall out of the smoke before the smoke reaches the cooking chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2020Publication date: July 1, 2021Inventors: Michael V. Colston, Brayden Sundstrand, Brandon Martin, Daniel A. Altenritter
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Patent number: 10986960Abstract: A portable grill with a battery power system includes a primary direct-current power source and a secondary direct-current power source. The primary power source can connect onto the outside of the grill via a clip. The secondary power source, which can be disposed within the grill so as not to be exposed to outside elements, can continue to power the grill when the user removes and/or replaces the primary power source during the operation of the grill. A user feedback system can remotely alert the user with information regarding the time or power remaining in the primary power source.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Traeger Pellet Grills, LLCInventor: Michael V. Colston
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Publication number: 20190293295Abstract: A firepot for a grilling device comprises one or more walls at least partially forming an outer boundary of the firepot. The firepot is structurally configured to hold at least partially ignited solid fuel. The firepot also comprises a floor defining, at least in part, a lower end of the firepot. The floor comprises one or more holes extending through the floor. Additionally, a portion of the one or more walls form a solid fuel delivery opening that comprises a solid fuel portal through which solid fuel is deliverable to an interior of the firepot. A heating element mount is positioned to hold a heating element within the interior of the firepot.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel A.C. Altenritter, Daniel W. Sluder
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Publication number: 20190290064Abstract: A grilling device includes an auger feeder system, a heating element, a blower and a temperature control system. The temperature control system includes at least a first temperature sensor inside the firepot and a second temperature sensor inside a cooking chamber above the firepot. The heating element can also serve as the first temperature sensor. A method for controlling the temperature of the grill can include receiving temperature feedback information from one or more of the temperature sensors and adjusting power provided to the auger feeder system, heating element, and blower. The temperature control system produces cold smoke resulting from the combustion of lignin in solid wood fuel while minimizing temperatures inside the cooking chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel A. C. Altenritter, Daniel W. Sluder
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Publication number: 20190290069Abstract: A self-cleaning solid fuel grilling device comprises a grilling cavity and a firepot disposed within the grilling cavity. In addition, the embodiment includes an evacuation cavity disposed beneath the firepot. The evacuation cavity is in communication with the grilling cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Michael V. Colston, Daniel A. C. Altenritter, Daniel W. Sluder
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Publication number: 20190290066Abstract: A portable grill with a battery power system includes a primary direct-current power source and a secondary direct-current power source. The primary power source can connect onto the outside of the grill via a clip. The secondary power source, which can be disposed within the grill so as not to be exposed to outside elements, can continue to power the grill when the user removes and/or replaces the primary power source during the operation of the grill. A user feedback system can remotely alert the user with information regarding the time or power remaining in the primary power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2019Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventor: Michael V. Colston