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).

  • Patent number: 12349839
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Matthew Lewis, Tomas Garces, Matthew R. Hunter, Danister Abeygunawardana
  • Patent number: 12234593
    Abstract: A method of operating a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a wash basket rotatably mounted within a wash tub and defining a wash chamber configured for receiving of a load of articles. A camera is positioned with a view of the wash chamber. The method includes obtaining one or more images of the wash chamber with the camera, analyzing the one or more images using a machine learning image recognition process to determine that the articles are tangled, and adjusting at least one operating parameter of the washing machine appliance in response to determining that the articles are tangled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Matthew Dillon, Matthew R. Hunter
  • Patent number: 12117853
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Megan Etgen, Matthew R. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20240268606
    Abstract: A stand mixer appliance is provided. In one example implementation, the stand mixer can include a base, a housing, a mixer shaft rotatably mounted on the housing, and a motor assembly. The motor assembly can include a motor drive and a motor operably coupled to the mixer shaft. A controller can be operably coupled to the motor drive. The motor assembly can further include a sensorless feedback system configured to obtain feedback measurements of one or more electrical characteristics from the motor. The feedback system can include an observer configured to process the one or more electrical characteristics and provide data indicative of a position or a speed of the motor. In turn, the controller can operate the motor drive based at least in part on the data indicative of the position or the speed of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2023
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Joseph Wilson Latham, Edward Simeon Chupka, Matthew R. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20240215765
    Abstract: A stand mixer appliance includes a motor within a motor housing and a power take-off hub extending from a front portion of the motor housing. An insert includes at least one fastener hole with a fastener received within the at least one fastener hole and configured for securing the insert within the power take-off hub. The power take-off hub includes a cover rotatably coupled to the insert. The cover is adjustable between an open position and a closed position. The cover includes a magnet and a tab extending from an inner surface of the cover. The magnet is configured to engage with the fastener in the at least one fastener hole to selectively hold the cover in the closed position. The tab is configured to engage with a recess in the power take-off hub in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2023
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew Pierce, Matthew R. Hunter
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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