Patents by Inventor Christopher A. Brandon

Christopher A. Brandon 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: 20220104684
    Abstract: A dishwashing appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, a spray assembly, a circulation pump, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The circulation pump may be in fluid communication with a wash chamber defined by the tub. The pressure sensor may be upstream of the circulation pump. The controller may be configured to initiate a washing operation including activating the circulation pump, detecting movement of the door from a closed position, detecting return of the door to the closed position, calculating a modified time period for flood detection, determining pressure at the pressure sensor exceeds a pressure threshold following detecting return of the door to the closed position, initiating the modified time period in response to determining pressure at the pressure sensor exceeds the pressure threshold, and directing the circulation pump based on measuring the elevated pressure and expiration of the modified time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher Brandon Ross, Kyle Edward Durham
  • Patent number: 11234576
    Abstract: Dishwashing appliances and methods, as provided herein, may include features or steps such as activating the drain pump for an activation period and receiving a pump-status signal during the activation period. Dishwashing appliances and methods may further include features or steps for detecting a pressure (P1) upstream from the drain pump during the activation period, determining a condition at the filter based on the pump-status signal and P1, and directing the drain pump based on the determined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Christopher Brandon Ross
  • Patent number: 11234577
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a sump that defines a transition fill level where the cross sectional area of the sump increases. A pressure sensor is operably coupled to the sump for monitoring sump pressure and wash fluid level. A controller calibrates the pressure sensor by monitoring a sump pressure and determining when the wash fluid has reached the transition fill level. A measured transition pressure is taken at this point and compared to a target transition pressure that is known based on the sump geometry. A slope correction factor is calculated based on the measured transition pressure and the target transition pressure to obtain improved pressure readings and wash fluid level measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Christopher Brandon Ross
  • Publication number: 20210219812
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a sump that defines a transition fill level where the cross sectional area of the sump increases. A pressure sensor is operably coupled to the sump for monitoring sump pressure and wash fluid level. A controller calibrates the pressure sensor by monitoring a sump pressure and determining when the wash fluid has reached the transition fill level. A measured transition pressure is taken at this point and compared to a target transition pressure that is known based on the sump geometry. A slope correction factor is calculated based on the measured transition pressure and the target transition pressure to obtain improved pressure readings and wash fluid level measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Christopher Brandon Ross
  • Publication number: 20210182763
    Abstract: A quality control management system, and methods therefor, comprising a tracking and labeling system for construction defects. A labeling system may include uniquely machine-coded and computer-readable labels which may be placed near the location of a defect. The labeling system may also use alphanumeric codes and color-coded schemes to uniquely identify the nature and characteristics of a defect. A defect tracking system may be in the form of mobile application software which can be integrated with the labeling system. The mobile application software may be accessible on a mobile device, such as a smartphone, allowing a user to take a scan, or take a picture of, a label with their mobile device camera and automatically, or manually, associate various types of information with a corresponding defect. The mobile application software may allow users to create, view, and edit defect lists, as well as monitor and manage the workflow of defect repairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventor: Christopher Brandon De Young
  • Patent number: 10945580
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a spray nozzle having a housing defining a spray chamber in fluid communication with a fluid circulation assembly. A diversion element is positioned within the spray chamber and is movable between a lowered position and a raised position where it contacts a discharge orifice. The diversion element defines a plurality of flow paths that are randomly oriented relative to the discharge orifice every time the diversion element is moved into the raised position, such as when the fluid circulation assembly cycles off and then on again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Curtis, Kyle Edward Durham, Christopher Brandon Ross
  • Publication number: 20200367716
    Abstract: Dishwashing appliances and methods, as provided herein, may include features or steps such as detecting a pressure (P1) at a pressure sensor upstream from a pump while maintaining the pump in an inactive state and activating the pump from the inactive state for an activation period during which the pump remains active to motivate a continuous fluid flow. Dishwashing appliances and methods may further include features or steps for detecting a pressure (P2) at the pressure sensor upstream from the pump during the activation period and initiating a response sequence at the pump based on P1 and P2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Christopher Brandon Ross, Craig Curtis, Mark Thomas Fryman
  • Publication number: 20200352408
    Abstract: Dishwashing appliances and methods, as provided herein, may include features or steps such as activating the drain pump for an activation period and receiving a pump-status signal during the activation period. Dishwashing appliances and methods may further include features or steps for detecting a pressure (P1) upstream from the drain pump during the activation period, determining a condition at the filter based on the pump-status signal and P1, and directing the drain pump based on the determined condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Christopher Brandon Ross
  • Publication number: 20200304503
    Abstract: An identity broker receives a request for access by a client device to a service provided by a server. In response to the request, the identity broker communicates with a client device to determine whether a security risk is associated with allowing the client device to access data of a service provider. If the client device is secure, the identity broker sends an authentication request to an identity provider. After the identity provider authenticates the client device, the identity broker passes the authentication to the server, which establishes a session with the client device to provide the service. The security state of the client continues to be monitored to determine whether access should continue to be permitted to data associated with a service provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Réda Zerrad, Dhruva Gopal, Sneha Sachidananda, Dayyan Yoon Lord, Varun Shimoga Prakash, Christopher Brandon Leach, Brian James Buck, Jeroen Martijn Wijdogen
  • Patent number: 10785230
    Abstract: An identity broker receives a request for access by a client device to a service provided by a server. In response to the request, the identity broker determines an identity of the client device using a client certificate. The identity broker also determines whether the client device is in a secure state. If the client device is secure, the identity broker sends an authentication request to an identity provider. After the identity provider authenticates the client device, the identity broker passes the authentication to the server, which establishes a session with the client device to provide the service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Lookout, Inc.
    Inventors: Réda Zerrad, Dhruva Gopal, Sneha Sachidananda, Dayyan Yoon Lord, Varun Shimoga Prakash, Christopher Brandon Leach, Brian James Buck
  • Publication number: 20200287910
    Abstract: An identity broker receives a request for access by a client device to a service provided by a server. In response to the request, the identity broker determines an identity of the client device using a client certificate. The identity broker also determines whether the client device is in a secure state. If the client device is secure, the identity broker sends an authentication request to an identity provider. After the identity provider authenticates the client device, the identity broker passes the authentication to the server, which establishes a session with the client device to provide the service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Réda Zerrad, Dhruva Gopal, Sneha Sachidananda, Dayyan Yoon Lord, Varun Shimoga Prakash, Christopher Brandon Leach, Brian James Buck
  • Publication number: 20200214536
    Abstract: Methods of operating a dishwashing appliance are provided herein. A method may include measuring a temperature at a temperature sensor and identifying a runaway heat condition within a wash chamber based on the measured temperature. The method may also include directing a volume of water to the wash chamber in response to identifying the runaway heat condition and circulating the volume of water within the wash chamber for a recirculation period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher Brandon Ross, Craig Curtis, Kyle Edward Durham
  • Patent number: 10512387
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated diverter includes a top portion defining a plurality of outlet ports and a bottom portion defining a fluid inlet and being coupled to the top portion to form a diverter chamber. A diverter disk is positioned in the diverter chamber and can move along an axial direction between a first position and a second position. The diverter disk has one or more apertures and may be rotated about the axial direction to selectively place the one or more apertures in fluid communication with the plurality of outlet ports. When water flows through the fluid inlet, the diverter disk moves to the second position and forms a fluid seal with the top portion. To reduce noise resulting from the diverter disk striking the top portion, a strike pad is coupled to and extends from the top portion toward the diverter disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brandon Ross, Kyle Durham, Daniel J. Hart
  • Publication number: 20190365196
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance and viewable cleaning agent assembly are disclosed herein. The dispensing assembly may include an internal wall, a front cover, a light guide, and a light source. The internal wall may define a storage volume for the receipt of a wash fluid therein. The front cover may selectively cover the storage volume to restrict access thereto. The front cover may be positioned between the storage volume and the wash chamber when the door is in the closed position. The light guide may extend along an axial direction from a forward display surface in front of the storage volume to a rearward contact surface within the storage volume. The light source may be directed through the internal wall toward the rearward contact surface within the storage volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis, Christopher Brandon Ross
  • Publication number: 20190282059
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a spray nozzle having a housing defining a spray chamber in fluid communication with a fluid circulation assembly. A diversion element is positioned within the spray chamber and is movable between a lowered position and a raised position where it contacts a discharge orifice. The diversion element defines a plurality of flow paths that are randomly oriented relative to the discharge orifice every time the diversion element is moved into the raised position, such as when the fluid circulation assembly cycles off and then on again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Craig Curtis, Kyle Edward Durham, Christopher Brandon Ross
  • Patent number: 10206553
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated diverter for selectively controlling a flow of wash fluid in a dishwashing appliance is provided. The hydraulically actuated diverter includes a top portion and a bottom portion that are coupled together to form a diverter chamber. A shaft of a diverter valve is slidably received within a channel defined by the bottom portion of the diverter. The shaft and the channel define an annular gap that allows the shaft to slide and rotate within the diverter chamber. The shaft defines an alignment member positioned within the annular gap to prevent the shaft from moving out of alignment with the channel, reducing the likelihood of excessive friction and binding of the diverter valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brandon Ross, Kyle Durham, Daniel J. Hart
  • Publication number: 20180336558
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for assessing account issuer performance relative to one or more metrics. One exemplary method includes identifying a set of peer issuers for a target issuer based on at least one characteristic of the target issuer, determining an aggregate value of at least one metric for the identified set of peer issuers, and comparing the aggregate value to a value of the at least one metric for the target issuer of the at least one metric for the target issuer. The method further includes assigning an indicator to the target issuer, for the at least one metric, based on the comparison and transmitting the indicator to the target issuer, thereby responding to the request and permitting the target issuer to assess a performance of the target issuer relative to the identified set of peer issuers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Anne Valentzas, Andrew Pyper, Christopher Brandon Wetzel
  • Patent number: 10130238
    Abstract: A turbidity sensor assembly for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The turbidity sensor assembly measures the turbidity of wash fluid in a manner similar to conventional turbidity sensors, but also includes an integral water level indicator. The water level indicator is an opaque buoyant ball that rises and falls with the water level to provide a water level indication that can be used to shut off the drain pump when the sump is empty. More specifically, when the water level drops below a predetermined level, the opaque ball blocks the transmission of light between the emitter and receiver of the turbidity sensor, thus indicating that the sump is almost empty. As a result, the pump operating during a drain cycle need only operate long enough to drain the sump, and this may be achieved without an additional measuring device or complicated control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis, Christopher Brandon Ross
  • Publication number: 20180092506
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated diverter includes a top portion defining a plurality of outlet ports and a bottom portion defining a fluid inlet and being coupled to the top portion to form a diverter chamber. A diverter disk is positioned in the diverter chamber and can move along an axial direction between a first position and a second position. The diverter disk has one or more apertures and may be rotated about the axial direction to selectively place the one or more apertures in fluid communication with the plurality of outlet ports. When water flows through the fluid inlet, the diverter disk moves to the second position and forms a fluid seal with the top portion. To reduce noise resulting from the diverter disk striking the top portion, a strike pad is coupled to and extends from the top portion toward the diverter disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Brandon Ross, Kyle Durham, Daniel J. Hart
  • Publication number: 20180084967
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated diverter for selectively controlling a flow of wash fluid in a dishwashing appliance is provided. The hydraulically actuated diverter includes a top portion and a bottom portion that are coupled together to form a diverter chamber. A shaft of a diverter valve is slidably received within a channel defined by the bottom portion of the diverter. The shaft and the channel define an annular gap that allows the shaft to slide and rotate within the diverter chamber. The shaft defines an alignment member positioned within the annular gap to prevent the shaft from moving out of alignment with the channel, reducing the likelihood of excessive friction and binding of the diverter valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Brandon Ross, Kyle Durham, Daniel J. Hart