Patents by Inventor Matthew A. Thoben

Matthew A. Thoben 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: 4645909
    Abstract: A toaster is mountable on a heat reflective overhead support which is adapted to be secured to a supporting surface such as the underside of a cabinet. The support is recessed from the front of the toaster so as to accomodate the lip of the cabinet. The toaster is provided with a shelf or grill which is movable between a first, heating position and a second, delivery position below and forward of the heating position. The grill is lockable in the heating position by a locking mechanism which comprises a releasable latch bar. An infrared (IR) sensor senses IR radiation produced by a food article supported on the grill. The IR sensor is part of an electrical circuit which controls the heater elements as well as an electromechanical element which releases the latch bar. When the latch bar is released, a spring assisted parallelogram linkage transfers the grill by gravity from the heating position to the delivery position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Kidde Consumer Durables Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Thoben, Earl Clowers, Guy Cihi, Dean Ball, Jack L. McCurdy, Al S. Rummelsburg