Patents by Inventor Christopher T. Martin

Christopher T. Martin 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: 12376703
    Abstract: A grill plate includes a body having a top surface for supporting food, a grease trap associated with said body, a cavity defined by said grease trap, and an opening to said cavity disposed proximate said top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Danny Martins Raposo, Christopher T. Martin, Joshua D. Anthony, John Benoit
  • Patent number: 12372247
    Abstract: In general, cooking devices having at least one electric heating element and that are configured to cook various foods, including pizza, are provided. In some embodiments, the cooking device can include a housing having a base, a movable door coupled to the base that together define an interior cooking chamber. A cooking surface, such as a cooking stone, can be disposed proximate a heating element within the cooking chamber such that food, such as a pizza, can be placed on top of the cooking stone when inserted into the interior chamber. The heating element can be in operable communication with a controller configured to adjust the amount of heat supplied by the heating element to the interior chamber to optimize the cooking of a food, such as pizza, placed inside the interior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Christopher T. Martin, Nicholas Chow, Adam Garland, Grace Sperling
  • Patent number: 12310569
    Abstract: A clamp for a surgical retractor system. The clamp has a tapered conically shaped washer against and through which clamping force is applied to place the clamp in a clamped position. The clamping force is applied by a cam head connected to a central shaft. A locking pin connects the cam head to the shaft. Apertures are provided in the clamp for receiving rod ends of a surgical retractor. Such apertures are circular and are positioned to be closer to the top and bottom edges of the clamp portion of the clamp than to the end edge of the clamp portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: THOMPSON SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Dan Farley, Josh Delickta, Christopher T. Martin, Travis Witulski
  • Publication number: 20250129942
    Abstract: In an aspect, data characterizing an instruction for an activation of an igniter and an operating mode of a smoke generator that includes the igniter can be received. A first amount of energy required for an ignition of a fuel source by the igniter can be determined based on the operating mode characterized by the received data. The igniter can be caused to activate based on the received data. A second amount of energy, output by the igniter over a period of time during which the igniter is activated, can be determined. A determination of whether the second amount of energy exceeds the first amount of energy can be made. The igniter can be caused to deactivate in response to a determination that the second amount of energy exceeds the first amount of energy. Related systems, apparatus, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2024
    Publication date: April 24, 2025
    Inventors: Nicholas Chow, Blake Hishmeh, Christopher T. Martin
  • Patent number: 12196423
    Abstract: In an aspect, data characterizing an instruction for an activation of an igniter and an operating mode of a smoke generator that includes the igniter can be received. A first amount of energy required for an ignition of a fuel source by the igniter can be determined based on the operating mode characterized by the received data. The igniter can be caused to activate based on the received data. A second amount of energy, output by the igniter over a period of time during which the igniter is activated, can be determined. A determination of whether the second amount of energy exceeds the first amount of energy can be made. The igniter can be caused to deactivate in response to a determination that the second amount of energy exceeds the first amount of energy. Related systems, apparatus, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Chow, Blake Hishmeh, Christopher T. Martin
  • Publication number: 20250000501
    Abstract: A retractor system can include a ring frame and a clamp. The ring frame can include a first ring segment and a second ring segment detachably joined to a first ring segment at a joint. The joint can be contained within a cross section of the ring frame that corresponds to a cutting plane perpendicular to an outer surface of the ring frame. The clamp can include an adjustment screw and a first set of jaws and a second set of jaws. The first set of jaws and second set of jaws can define a first aperture configured to receive the ring frame. Rotation of the adjustment screw in a tightening direction can cause the first set of jaws to engage the outer surface of the ring frame and apply a first clamping force to the outer surface of the ring frame received by the first aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Travis Witulski, Christopher T. Martin
  • Publication number: 20240398165
    Abstract: In an aspect, data characterizing a plurality of measurements of a rate of energy supplied to an igniter of a smoke unit and of a temperature of a region proximate the igniter, acquired during a predetermined period of time of igniter activation, can be received. A maximum time of igniter activation can be determined based on an average rate of energy supplied to the igniter and an average temperature of the region proximate the igniter. Whether a total length of time, during which the igniter is activated and during a subsequent period of time, exceeds the maximum time of activation can be determined, and the igniter can be deactivated in response to determining that the total length of the time exceeds the determined maximum time of activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2023
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher T. Martin, Nicholas Chow
  • Publication number: 20240390036
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a carriage, a rack, a clamp, a lifter plate, and a ratchet. The rack passes through the carriage. The clamp secures the carriage to an object that passes through a passage of the clamp. The lifter plate is coupled to a first end of the rack. The ratchet provides ratcheted movement of the carriage along the rack. The ratcheted movement draws the lifter plate coupled to the first end of the rack toward the carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher T. Martin, Josh Delickta
  • Publication number: 20240361001
    Abstract: In general, cooking devices having at least one electric heating element and that are configured to cook various foods, including pizza, are provided. In some embodiments, the cooking device can include a housing having a base, a movable door coupled to the base that together define an interior cooking chamber. A cooking surface, such as a cooking stone, can be disposed proximate a heating element within the cooking chamber such that food, such as a pizza, can be placed on top of the cooking stone when inserted into the interior chamber. The heating element can be in operable communication with a controller configured to adjust the amount of heat supplied by the heating element to the interior chamber to optimize the cooking of a food, such as pizza, placed inside the interior chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher T. Martin, Nicholas Chow, Adam Garland, Grace Sperling
  • Publication number: 20240358190
    Abstract: In general, cooking devices having at least one electric heating element and that are configured to cook various foods, including pizza, are provided. In some embodiments, the cooking device can include a housing having a base, a movable door coupled to the base that together define an interior cooking chamber. A cooking surface, such as a cooking stone, can be disposed proximate a heating element within the cooking chamber such that food, such as a pizza, can be placed on top of the cooking stone when inserted into the interior chamber. The heating element can be in operable communication with a controller configured to adjust the amount of heat supplied by the heating element to the interior chamber to optimize the cooking of a food, such as pizza, placed inside the interior chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher T. Martin, Nicholas Chow
  • Publication number: 20240324616
    Abstract: Cooking devices and methods of cooking are provided. The cooking devices can include a housing defining an interior cooking chamber, a fan disposed within the interior cooking chamber, a smoke unit coupled to an exterior of the housing, and a smoke channel at least partially defined by a contour of the housing. The smoke unit is configured to generate smoke. The smoke channel has a first end in fluid communication with an interior of the smoke unit and a second end terminating within the interior cooking chamber proximate the fan such that a low-pressure zone created by operation of the fan causes smoke generated by the smoke unit to be drawn into the interior cooking chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher T. Martin, Christopher Smith, Blake Hishmeh
  • Publication number: 20240315485
    Abstract: A cooking system positionable on a support surface including a housing including at least a top wall, bottom wall, and side walls, said housing defining a hollow chamber including a cooking chamber and a convecting chamber. A convection heater is disposed within the convecting chamber. At least one fluidly communicable opening extends between the convecting chamber and the cooking chamber. The at least one fluidly communicable opening fully extends between the top wall and the bottom wall of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Ethan T. Brown, Joshua D. Anthony, Nathaniel R. Lavins, Christopher T. Martin, John M. Steinmetz, David Hensel
  • Patent number: 12075943
    Abstract: A cooking system includes a housing having at least one internal compartment and a cooking container receivable within said at least one internal compartment. A cooking volume is defined within an interior of said cooking container. A bottom surface of said cooking container is angled upwardly. A heating element is associated with said at least one internal compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Christopher T. Martin, Thomas Guerin, Roger Neil Jackson, Joshua D. Anthony, Kerry Schwarz, Michaela Dubeau
  • Patent number: 12070157
    Abstract: A grill plate includes a body having a top surface for supporting food, a grease trap associated with said body, a cavity defined by said grease trap, and an opening to said cavity disposed proximate said top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATION LLC
    Inventors: Danny Martins Raposo, Christopher T. Martin, Joshua D. Anthony, John Benoit
  • Patent number: 12070200
    Abstract: A retractor system can include a ring frame and a clamp. The ring frame can include a first ring segment and a second ring segment detachably joined to a first ring segment at a joint. The joint can be contained within a cross section of the ring frame that corresponds to a cutting plane perpendicular to an outer surface of the ring frame. The clamp can include an adjustment screw and a first set of jaws and a second set of jaws. The first set of jaws and second set of jaws can define a first aperture configured to receive the ring frame. Rotation of the adjustment screw in a tightening direction can cause the first set of jaws to engage the outer surface of the ring frame and apply a first clamping force to the outer surface of the ring frame received by the first aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: THOMPSON SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Travis Witulski, Christopher T. Martin
  • Patent number: 12070042
    Abstract: Cooking devices and methods of cooking are provided. The cooking devices can include a housing defining an interior cooking chamber, a fan disposed within the interior cooking chamber, a smoke unit coupled to an exterior of the housing, a smoke channel, and a limiter disposed at least partially within the smoke unit. The smoke unit is configured to generate smoke. The smoke channel has a first end in fluid communication with an interior of the smoke unit and a second end terminating within the interior cooking chamber proximate the fan such that a low-pressure zone created by operation of the fan causes smoke generated by the smoke unit to be drawn into the interior cooking chamber. The limiter is configured to reduce a volume of smoke being drawn through the smoke channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Christopher T. Martin, Christopher Smith, Blake Hishmeh
  • Patent number: 12035845
    Abstract: In general, cooking devices having at least one electric heating element and that are configured to cook various foods, including pizza, are provided. In some embodiments, the cooking device can include a housing having a base, a movable door coupled to the base that together define an interior cooking chamber. A cooking surface, such as a cooking stone, can be disposed proximate a heating element within the cooking chamber such that food, such as a pizza, can be placed on top of the cooking stone when inserted into the interior chamber. The heating element can be in operable communication with a controller configured to adjust the amount of heat supplied by the heating element to the interior chamber to optimize the cooking of a food, such as pizza, placed inside the interior chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating LLC
    Inventors: Christopher T. Martin, Nicholas Chow
  • Patent number: 12035725
    Abstract: Cooking devices and methods of cooking are provided. The cooking devices can include a housing defining an interior cooking chamber, a fan disposed within the interior cooking chamber, a smoke unit coupled to an exterior of the housing, and a smoke channel at least partially defined by a contour of the housing. The smoke unit is configured to generate smoke. The smoke channel has a first end in fluid communication with an interior of the smoke unit and a second end terminating within the interior cooking chamber proximate the fan such that a low-pressure zone created by operation of the fan causes smoke generated by the smoke unit to be drawn into the interior cooking chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher T. Martin, Christopher Smith, Blake Hishmeh
  • Patent number: 12029345
    Abstract: A cooking system positionable on a support surface including a housing including at least a top wall, bottom wall, and side walls, said housing defining a hollow chamber including a cooking chamber and a convecting chamber. A convection heater is disposed within the convecting chamber. At least one fluidly communicable opening extends between the convecting chamber and the cooking chamber. The at least one fluidly communicable opening fully extends between the top wall and the bottom wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: SharkNinja Operating, LLC
    Inventors: Ethan T. Brown, Joshua D. Anthony, Nathaniel R. Lavins, Christopher T. Martin, John M. Steinmetz, David Hensel
  • Publication number: 20240206676
    Abstract: A cooking system includes a housing having a hollow interior including a cooking zone for receiving food to be cooked, a heating element associated with said housing, and a grill plate having a support surface for supporting food within said hollow interior. The grill plate has a thermal mass sufficient to maintain a temperature required to achieve a Maillard reaction of said food At least a portion of said cooking zone is disposed between said support surface and said heating element. Said heating element is operable to heat said support body to impart contact cooking from said support surface to food supported thereby in said cooking zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Inventors: Joshua D. Anthony, Christopher T. Martin, Thomas Guerin, John M. Steinmetz, Ethan T. Brown, Chad P. Woodrow, Michaela Dubeau, Jennifer Kathryn Marsden, Roger Neil Jackson, Christina J. Crowley, Rupert Elliston, Andrew John Roy Tattersfield