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).
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Publication number: 20180008116Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2016Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis, Christopher Brandon Ross
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Patent number: 9861257Abstract: A detergent dispenser module for a dishwashing appliance may generally include a body extending between a top side and a bottom side. The body may include an outer surface extending from the top side and may define a detergent chamber between the outer surface and the bottom side. The detergent chamber may be at least partially formed by an upper sidewall, a lower sidewall and a bottom wall extending between the upper and lower sidewall. In addition, the dispenser module may also include at least one flow diverter extending outwardly from the outer surface at a location adjacent to the upper sidewall of the detergent chamber. The flow diverter(s) may be angled in a direction of a fluid collection opening defined through a top of the upper sidewall such that fluid flowing downwardly along the outer surface of the body is directed into the fluid collection opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Christopher Brandon Ross, Gregory Owen Miller, Craig Curtis
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Patent number: 9795271Abstract: A passive diverter is provided that does not require a dedicated motor to switch between multiple outlet ports. The diverter uses the forces provided by a flow of fluid from a pump to switch between different outlet ports and supply one or more spray assemblies or other fluid-using elements. A separate motor to power the diverter is not required, which allows a savings in costs and space. In addition, a secondary set of ramps may provide a manner in which to “zero” the angular position of the diverter, i.e., place the diverter in a known, home position. This can reduce the additional cost, weight, and complexity of including additional sensors to determine the angular position of the diverter.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis, Christopher Brandon Ross
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Patent number: 9675232Abstract: Bottle washer assemblies for dishwasher appliances are provided. A bottle washer assembly includes a supply conduit defining a main passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough. The bottle washer assembly further includes at least one spray tine. The at least one spray tine includes a conduit defining a passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough, the passage in fluid communication with the main passage, and a rotatable impeller disposed within the passage.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Brandon Ross, Kyle Edward Durham
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Publication number: 20170059265Abstract: An improved gun and body camera system having a weapon mounted camera, a body camera and a forearm communicator. In one aspect, the weapon mounted camera, body camera and forearm communicator are integrated into a single system for recording and synchronizing audio and video. In another aspect, the system can be separated, with each unit (i.e., gun camera, body camera, and forearm communicator) operating independently, as a stand-alone device. Each device preferably contains a number of components and sensors, which are used in combination with system software to improve law enforcement and firearm safety.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventors: Curtis Winter, Paul Aaron, Christopher Brandon Doughty
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Publication number: 20170027406Abstract: A passive diverter is provided that does not require a dedicated motor to switch between multiple outlet ports. The diverter uses the forces provided by a flow of fluid from a pump to switch between different outlet ports and supply one or more spray assemblies or other fluid-using elements. A separate motor to power the diverter is not required, which allows a savings in costs and space. In addition, a secondary set of ramps may provide a manner in which to “zero” the angular position of the diverter, i.e., place the diverter in a known, home position. This can reduce the additional cost, weight, and complexity of including additional sensors to determine the angular position of the diverter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis, Christopher Brandon Ross
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Publication number: 20160220094Abstract: A detergent dispenser module for a dishwashing appliance may generally include a body extending between a top side and a bottom side. The body may include an outer surface extending from the top side and may define a detergent chamber between the outer surface and the bottom side. The detergent chamber may be at least partially formed by an upper sidewall, a lower sidewall and a bottom wall extending between the upper and lower sidewall. In addition, the dispenser module may also include at least one flow diverter extending outwardly from the outer surface at a location adjacent to the upper sidewall of the detergent chamber. The flow diverter(s) may be angled in a direction of a fluid collection opening defined through a top of the upper sidewall such that fluid flowing downwardly along the outer surface of the body is directed into the fluid collection opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2015Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Christopher Brandon Ross, Gregory Owen Miller, Craig Curtis
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Publication number: 20150366430Abstract: Bottle washer assemblies for dishwasher appliances are provided. A bottle washer assembly includes a supply conduit defining a main passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough. The bottle washer assembly further includes at least one spray tine. The at least one spray tine includes a conduit defining a passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough, the passage in fluid communication with the main passage, and a rotatable impeller disposed within the passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2014Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Christopher Brandon Ross, Kyle Edward Durham
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Patent number: 8874183Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: Abimbola Aina-Mumuney, Deepika Sagaram, Christopher Brandon Courville, Karin Hwang, Yi Rose Huang, Karin J. Blakemore, Sung Jin Sunwoo, Soumyadipta Acharya
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Publication number: 20140007911Abstract: A dishwashing appliance is provided that has a heating element shaped to allow a user to access a filter while avoiding contact with the heating element. The heating element is spaced apart from the filter and shaped or positioned relative to the filter such that a user may access the filter for cleaning or replacement while avoiding contact with the heating element. In one embodiment, the heating element extends in the wash chamber along the lateral direction but without crossing the centerline of the wash chamber in front of the filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Christopher Brandon Ross, Joel Charles Boyer, Errin Whitney Gnadinger
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Publication number: 20130053670Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring uterine and/or cervical activity indicative of labor in a patient. The system includes a medical device and a data processor in communication with the medical device. The medical device includes a structural component, a first electrode attached to the structural component, and a second electrode attached to the structural component. The structural component is structured to be in contact with a cervical surface and a vaginal surface of the patient, such that said first electrode is in electrical contact with said cervical surface and said second electrode is in electrical contact with said vaginal surface. The first electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the cervical surface and the second electrode is adapted to receive an electrical activity of the uterus through the vaginal surface. The data processor is adapted to process the electrical activity of the electrodes to detect contractions on a surface of the patient indicative of labor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Abimbola Aina-Mumuney, Deepika Sagaram, Christopher Brandon Courville, Karin Hwang, Yi Rose Huang, Karin J. Blakemore, Sung Jin Sunwoo, Soumyadipta Acharya
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Patent number: 7864544Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly includes a first printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical traces that is attached to a second printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical traces in a substantially perpendicular fashion. The first printed circuit board has a plurality of male terminal tabs that fit into a plurality of female terminal slots of the second printed circuit board to make a plurality of electrical connections between the electrical traces of the first printed circuit board and the electrical traces of the second printed circuit board. The assembly has at least two mechanical connections between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board comprising connector blades that are substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board and to the second printed circuit board. The connector blades may also make electrical connections between electrical traces of the first and second printed circuit boards.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark W. Smith, Christopher A. Brandon
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Publication number: 20090034222Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly includes a first printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical traces that is attached to a second printed circuit board having a plurality of electrical traces in a substantially perpendicular fashion. The first printed circuit board has a plurality of male terminal tabs that fit into a plurality of female terminal slots of the second printed circuit board to make a plurality of electrical connections between the electrical traces of the first printed circuit board and the electrical traces of the second printed circuit board. The assembly has at least two mechanical connections between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board comprising connector blades that are substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board and to the second printed circuit board. The connector blades may also make electrical connections between electrical traces of the first and second printed circuit boards.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Mark W. Smith, Christopher A. Brandon
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Publication number: 20060116029Abstract: An electrical inter-connection is provided such that a terminal pin which is positioned in a pin block extends through a plated through-hole in a circuit board substrate and is connected with the circuit board using a conductive bonding agent such as solder. The terminal pin is capable of inter-connection with conductive elements located on each major side of the circuit board and eliminates the need for an interference fit between the terminal pin and circuit board. The pin block includes a body and at least one stand-off. The stand-off maintains the body a sufficient distance from the circuit board substrate to enable a solder fillet to form between the plated through-hole and the terminal pin during re-flow processing. The electrical inter-connection further includes an eccentric aperture in the circuit board suitable for interference fit inter-connection with a protruding cylindrical feature such as on an electrical ground that has poor solderability characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2006Publication date: June 1, 2006Inventors: Daniel Eichorn, Michael Allender, Dominic Messuri, Christopher Brandon
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Patent number: 5038123Abstract: A flat electromagnetic relay comprises a lead frame having six stamped insert molded circuit leads, an armature frame pivotally supporting a balanced beam armature which carries two contact bars, a coil assembly and an electromagnetic frame having two diagonally arranged pole wings which are inside the armature frame adjacent opposite side ends of the armature. The armature is torsionally biased into a first operative position where the contact bar at one end shunts two circuit leads. When the coil is energized, the armature is pivoted to a second operative position where the contact bar at the other end shunts two other circuit leads.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1990Date of Patent: August 6, 1991Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Christopher A. Brandon
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Patent number: D805845Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Inventor: Christopher Brandon Hoffman