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Griffin, NC

Bruce Owen Griffin, Kernersville, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090263655DYE MIXTURES - The present invention discloses mixtures of dyes, dye compositions comprising them and the use of said mixtures and compositions, optionally in combination with UV absorbers, to dye or print textile materials, particularly hydrophobic textile materials such as polyester, that must meet stringent lightfastness requirements. Fibers dyed with the inventive dye mixtures exhibit exceptional high temperature light fastness and good all-round fastness properties.10-22-2009

Patent applications by Bruce Owen Griffin, Kernersville, NC US

David L. Griffin, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090259674AGGREGATING INFORMATION SOURCES TO DYNAMICALLY UPDATE A CALENDAR AND TO NOTIFY USERS OF CHANGES - Received information from a set of information sources can be processed. The processing can convert the received information into a standardized form. An effect that the converted information has upon a set of scheduled events of a calendaring application can be determined based upon a set of configurable rules. One or more programmatic action relating to the scheduled events can be taken based upon the determined effect. Programmatic actions can include notifying a user associated with the effected scheduled event and automatically changing an attribute associated with the scheduled event within a database used by the calendaring application.10-15-2009

James R. Griffin, Charlotte, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090319544FACILITATING INTEGRATION OF DIFFERENT COMPUTER DATA SYSTEMS - A method for facilitating integration of multiple computer data systems may include source-target mapping between first and second data sources of the computer data systems. The method includes mapping, by a user, data fields from the first computer data source of the first computer data system to system-neutral business terms of an object-oriented abstraction layer; mapping, by a user, data fields from the second computer data source of the second computer data system to system-neutral business terms of the object-oriented abstraction layer; and saving the mappings in a computer-readable medium; wherein the object-oriented abstraction layer further comprises business documents, each business document comprising one or more of the business terms of the object-oriented abstraction layer.12-24-2009

Jeffrey Griffin, Harrisburg, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110153756Network-Based Service Access for Wireless Communication Devices - A device and method facilitates communication with a network-based service or application such as a Social Networking Service (SNS), for example. The device may be a cellular telephone that is not normally equipped to communicate with such services. However, a controller in the device selects a bearer service that can be used to communicate with the service.06-23-2011

Jeffrey J. Griffin, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090172560PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE HAVING HYPERLINK TARGETS FOR IMPROVED MOBILE WEB BROWSING - A portable communication device having a touch screen user interface is configured to provide mobile web browsing that makes use of hyperlink targets having modified size, display format and/or position. The modified hyperlink targets are more distinct to avoid incidental hyperlink activation while scrolling on a web page within a display window of the portable communication device.07-02-2009

Patent applications by Jeffrey J. Griffin, Raleigh, NC US

Jeffrey J. Griffin, Harrisburg, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100093324Subscription Based Content Discovery - Mobile phone users can subscribe to a notification for new content by creating a profile of user preferences on the operator or manufacturer's website on a server. When new content matching the profile becomes available, the server will send to the mobile phone a WAP push message containing a link to the content. The user can access and download the new content by pressing a dedicated key on the mobile phone and following the link in the WAP push message.04-15-2010

Jeffrey Jason Griffin, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090167696MOBILE TERMINALS INCLUDING MULTIPLE USER INTERFACES ON DIFFERENT FACES THEREOF CONFIGURED TO BE USED IN TANDEM AND RELATED METHODS OF OPERATION - A mobile terminal includes a housing, a first user interface located on a first face of the housing, a second user interface located on a second face of the housing different from the first face, and a controller within the housing and coupled to the first and second user interfaces. The second user interface includes a touch sensor configured to be used in tandem with the first user interface. The second user interface is positioned on the housing relative to the first user interface such that, when the mobile terminal is held in the user's hand, the first user interface is operable by a thumb and the second user interface is operable by a finger of the same hand. The first user interface is configured to receive a first user input, and the second user interface is configured to receive a second user input. The controller is configured to detect a combination of the received first and second user inputs, and is configured to perform a mobile terminal function associated with the detected combination responsive to detection of the combination. Related user interfaces and methods of operation are also discussed.07-02-2009

Patent applications by Jeffrey Jason Griffin, Raleigh, NC US

John Daniel Griffin, Morrisville, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090016521SYSTEM, METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR SETTING WAGE FOR CALL CENTER PERSONNEL - System, method and program product for dynamically setting a wage offered to a multiplicity of inactive call center personnel. First program instructions automatically estimate a wait time for calls to a call center. The calls are handled by a plurality of active call center personnel. Second program instructions automatically determine and set a wage, based in part on the estimated wait time, offered to inactive call center personnel to induce them to become active call center personnel to handle calls. Third program instructions, responsive to a request by an inactive call center person to become active at said wage, automatically designate the requesting inactive call center person as active at the wage and assign a call to the requesting inactive call center personnel that was designated as active. Program instructions also set a renewal wage paid to active call center personnel, based in part on the estimated wait time, to induce the active call center personnel to remain active.01-15-2009

Joseph Griffin, Mathews, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110229067BEARING CAGES WITH HIGH SPEED FEATURES - The bearing cage with high speed features has a pocket with a first flange and a second flange which defines the outer boundaries of the pocket. The first flange and the second flange each have a plurality of inwardly directed protrusions facing each other. The protrusions are contactable at each end of rollers, which are arranged in the bearing cage. The protrusions can be dome shaped, creating a small area of contact between the rollers and protrusions. The point of contact between the rollers and the protrusions is at the center of the rollers, which reduces the relative speed between the ends of the pockets and the rollers.09-22-2011

Joseph Griffin, Matthews, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110182542THRUST NEEDLE ROLLER BEARING WITH ISOLATING LAYER - A thrust needle bearing with an isolating layer has a cage with rollers, washers on which the rollers run, at least one of the washers is attached to the cage, backup surfaces fixed external to each of the washers and an isolating layer attached to at least one of the washers, which is interposed between the at least one of the washers and at least one of the backup surfaces of the bearing. The isolating layer is a layer of vibration-attenuating material. Alternatively, the isolating layer is a layer of material which has properties that prevent creep or sliding wear for at least one of the backup surfaces. The isolating layer is attached to the washers by bonding, use of adhesives or mechanical means.07-28-2011

Joseph T. Griffin, Matthews, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100304919MACHINE ELEMENT - A machine element having that has at least one rotationally symmetrical section which is configured like a hollow body. In the machine element at least the rotationally symmetrical section is formed from two elements of bowl-shaped design which close the machine element on the end side and in the process enclose at least one cavity.12-02-2010

Phillip H. Griffin, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100201489SYSTEM, METHOD AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR COMMUNICATING A PRIVACY POLICY ASSOCIATED WITH A RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TAG AND ASSOCIATED OBJECT - A system, method and program product for communicating a privacy policy associated with a RFID tag. The method includes defining in an tag a first identifier for uniquely identifying the object and a second identifier for uniquely identifying a privacy policy that indicates a proper and intended use and level of protection to be afforded data/information transmitted by the identification tag coupled to the object, associating the second identifier with the first identifier, each of the first identifier and the second identifier being coupled to the identification tag, and responsive to detection of a communication signal received from a receptor, transmitting the first identifier and the second identifier, which includes an accept-reject provision for controlling dissemination and usage of the data/information transmitted by the identification tag, where based on a response received to the accept-reject provision, the data/information is either transmitted or not transmitted to the recipient.08-12-2010
20100201498SYSTEM, METHOD AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR ASSOCIATING A BIOMETRIC REFERENCE TEMPLATE WITH A RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TAG - A system, method and program product for associating a biometric reference template with a RFID tag embedded in or attached to a physical object. The method includes coupling a RFID tag having a unique tag identifier to a physical object to be associated with an individual, providing a reference template having a unique reference template identifier that uniquely identifies biometric data pertaining to the individual and forming an association between the reference template and the tag, where the association provides a relationship, including a relationship type, between the object and the individual. In an embodiment, the forming step includes creating a biometric attribute in the tag for identifying the template identifier for the reference template or creating a tag attribute in the reference template, where the biometric attribute created in the tag and the tag attribute in the biometric application form an association between the object and the reference template.08-12-2010
20100205431SYSTEM, METHOD AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CHECKING REVOCATION STATUS OF A BIOMETRIC REFERENCE TEMPLATE - A system, method and program product for checking the revocation status of a biometric reference template. The method includes creating a revocation object for a reference template generated for an individual, where the revocation object contains first plaintext data providing a location for checking revocation status of the reference template and containing ciphertext data identifying the unique reference template identifier and a hash of the reference template. The method further includes providing the revocation object to a relying party requesting revocation status and sending a request to an issuer of the reference template for checking the revocation status of the reference template, without revealing identity of the individual. The method further includes returning results of the revocation status check to the relying party. In an embodiment, a random value is added to the ciphertext data for preserving privacy of the reference template holder.08-12-2010
20100205452SYSTEM, METHOD AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR COMMUNICATING A PRIVACY POLICY ASSOCIATED WITH A BIOMETRIC REFERENCE TEMPLATE - A system, method and program product for communicating a privacy policy associated with a reference template. The method includes assigning a first identifier for identifying a reference template created from biometric data collected, defining a second identifier for identifying a privacy policy that indicates a level of protection to be provided by a relying party requesting access to the reference template, the second identifier including an accept-reject provision for controlling the proper use and handling of the biometric data, cryptographically binding the reference template to the privacy policy and transmitting, responsive to a request received from the relying party, the accept-reject provision for the reference template, where based on a response received from the relying party to the accept-reject provision for the privacy policy, the reference template is either transmitted or not transmitted to the relying party.08-12-2010
20100205658SYSTEM, METHOD AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR GENERATING A CANCELABLE BIOMETRIC REFERENCE TEMPLATE ON DEMAND - A system, method and program product for generating a cancelable biometric reference template on demand. The method includes creating, using a biometric application, a base reference template having a unique biometric template identifier that uniquely identifies biometric data corresponding to a biometric sample collected for an individual and generating, utilizing a transformation engine, a cancelable reference template derived from the base reference template, where the cancelable reference template generated is used by the individual to participate in a new biometric application without having to provide a new biometric sample or without having to rely on a biometric service provider to issue a new reference template for the new biometric application. The method further includes injecting the base reference template created into a secure portable device issued to the individual and loading the transformation engine onto the device for generating on demand the cancelable reference template.08-12-2010
20100205660SYSTEM, METHOD AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR RECORDING CREATION OF A CANCELABLE BIOMETRIC REFERENCE TEMPLATE IN A BIOMETRIC EVENT JOURNAL RECORD - A system, method and program product for recording the creation of a cancelable biometric reference template in a biometric event journal record. The method includes providing a base biometric reference template having a unique base reference template identifier that uniquely identifies base biometric data collected for an individual, applying a data transform function having a first function key value to the base biometric reference template to create one cancelable biometric reference template and recording the one cancelable biometric reference template in a biometric event journal record. The method further includes creating additional cancelable biometric reference templates using different function key values of the data transform function. The method further includes encrypting the data transform function and the function key value applied to the base biometric reference template. The method further includes signing the cancelable biometric reference template and signing the biometric event journal with a digital signature.08-12-2010
20110213981REVOCATION OF A BIOMETRIC REFERENCE TEMPLATE - A system, method and program product for generating a biometric reference template revocation message on demand. The method includes generating, using a biometric reference template revocation engine, a biometric reference template revocation message and loading the biometric reference template revocation engine onto a secure portable device for generating on demand of the individual the biometric reference template revocation message.09-01-2011

Randall J. Griffin, Erwin, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110061355GRASS MOWING MACHINE WITH ENGINE SPEED AND VOLTAGE LIMITER - A grass mowing machine with an electric reel drive motor mounted to a cutting reel and connected to an electrical bus. An internal combustion engine drives an alternator to produce a voltage on the electrical bus. An engine speed and voltage limiter monitors the voltage on the electrical bus and, if the voltage exceeds a specified threshold, closes a kill switch to interrupt the ignition function of the engine driving the alternator.03-17-2011

Rebecca D. Griffin, Charlotte, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090319544FACILITATING INTEGRATION OF DIFFERENT COMPUTER DATA SYSTEMS - A method for facilitating integration of multiple computer data systems may include source-target mapping between first and second data sources of the computer data systems. The method includes mapping, by a user, data fields from the first computer data source of the first computer data system to system-neutral business terms of an object-oriented abstraction layer; mapping, by a user, data fields from the second computer data source of the second computer data system to system-neutral business terms of the object-oriented abstraction layer; and saving the mappings in a computer-readable medium; wherein the object-oriented abstraction layer further comprises business documents, each business document comprising one or more of the business terms of the object-oriented abstraction layer.12-24-2009

Ronald Griffin, Boonville, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090089944Fluid Distribution System for a Swimming Pool Cleaning Apparatus - A fluid distribution system for controlling the operation of a swimming pool cleaning device includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a plurality of outlet openings and a valve chamber between the inlet and outlet openings. The housing has at least one compound cylinder having two portions with different bore diameters for slideably accommodating therein a mating stepped piston. Each portion of the compound cylinder fluidly communicates with pressurized water in the valve chamber via associated fluid pathways. The larger cylinder is vented by a relief valve actuated by a fluid driven cam that periodically opens and closes the relief valve. When the relief valve is closed, the pressure within the large cylinder pushes the piston to a first position which effects the opened/closed status of a port, e.g., allowing one of the outlets to communicate with the pressurized water in the valve chamber. When the relief valve is opened, the pressure within the larger cylinder is reduced, allowing the pressure in the smaller cylinder to push the piston to a second position which effects the opened/closed status of the port and/or opens another port to allow the pressurized fluid to be discharged through another outlet.04-09-2009

Ronald H. Griffin, Boonville, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080223561Heat Exchangers and Headers Therefor - In a first aspect of the present invention, a header for a heat exchanger is disclosed that has an inflow side, an outflow side, a bypass port therebetween, and a pressure-sensitive flapper valve proximal the bypass port. As pressure increases at the inflow side of the header, the flapper valve opens proportionally, and, as pressure decreases at the inflow side, the flapper valve closes proportionally. In a second aspect of the present invention, a tube-in-tube heat exchanger is disclosed that includes a helical tube-in-tube assembly adapted for flow therethrough of a plurality of fluids for heat transfer therebetween. In a third aspect of the present invention, a heat system is provided to include an embodiment of the header and an embodiment of the tube-in-tube heat exchanger, so as to provide a bypass of the tube-in-tube heat exchanger under a pressure condition.09-18-2008
20080264617Heat exchanger - Disclosed herein is a heat exchanger for altering the temperature of water from a fluid circulation line of a recreational body of water. The heat exchanger includes a helical tube-in-tube assembly adapted for flow therethrough of a plurality of fluids for heat transfer therebetween, and the heat exchanger further includes a tank defining a chamber in which said helical tube-in-tube assembly is positioned. In an exemplary embodiment, the chamber is an annular chamber, and the tank includes a cylindrical wall defining an external cavity extending through said tank.10-30-2008
20090145498Strainer Housing Assembly And Stand For Pump - A pump for use with a fluid circulation system for a recreational water body is disclosed. The pump includes a strainer housing, an impeller housing integrally formed with respect to the strainer housing, and an impeller cover mounted with respect to the impeller housing. The strainer housing includes a top portion having an outer surface adapted to engage with a strainer housing cover for mounting the strainer housing cover with respect to the strainer housing. A plurality of cams are formed circumferentially with respect to the outer surface of the top portion of the strainer housing. The cams are configured and dimensioned to cooperate with corresponding cam members formed with respect to an inner surface of the strainer housing cover. A positioning tab is formed with respect to the top portion of the strainer housing for appropriate alignment of the strainer housing cover. A positioning notch is formed with respect to the inner surface of the strainer housing cover. The notch cooperates with the tab to ensure proper strainer housing cover alignment. A stand is provided that defines a receiving chamber for receiving a securing feature that is mounted with respect to downwardly extending base portions associated with an impeller housing and an impeller cover.06-11-2009
20100219185Sealing System For Pressure Vessels - A pressure vessel that includes a housing having separable portions is provided. A seal is provided in a groove formed between the separable portions. A retaining mechanism is provided for retaining the seal in the groove, wherein the seal is prevented from obstructing a passageway formed between the separable portions when the separable portions have not been properly compressed against each other.09-02-2010

Patent applications by Ronald H. Griffin, Boonville, NC US

Santea B. Griffin, Durham, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110008411METHOD OF TREATING PRURITIS - The present invention relates to a method of treating dermatologic pruritis. The skin involved with purities is covered with an organic cloth in order to make it more difficult to scratch. The contact of the organic cloth not only makes it difficult to scratch but adds a soothing feel thus lessening the tendency to need to scratch.01-13-2011

William Bradley Griffin, Lagrange, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100108446DRIVE SYSTEMS AND CARGO LIFT SYSTEMS - A drive system for use with a cable and a carrier for raising and lowering a payload between a lower position and an upper position, the carrier being configured to hold the payload, the cable being connected to the carrier, includes a reel, a drive mechanism, a cable slack control mechanism, and a tension adjustment system. The reel is configured to receive the cable. The reel is rotatable in each of a winding direction to wind the cable onto the reel to raise the carrier and an unwinding direction to unwind the cable from the reel to lower the carrier. The drive mechanism includes a drive member and a motor operable to forcibly rotate the drive member in each of a raising direction and a lowering direction. The drive member is operatively connected to the reel to rotate the reel in the winding direction when the drive member is rotated in the raising direction, and to controllably rotate the reel and/or permit the reel to rotate in the unwinding direction when the drive member is rotated in the lowering direction. The cable slack control mechanism is operative to automatically selectively decouple the drive member from the reel while the drive motor is rotating the drive member in the lowering direction when a tension on the cable does not exceed a threshold tension and/or the cable is fully unwound from the reel. The tension adjustment system is operable to selectively adjust the threshold tension.05-06-2010
20100209191BOAT CARRIER ASSEMBLIES AND BOAT LIFT SYSTEMS AND METHODS INCLUDING THE SAME - A boat lift system for raising and lowering a multi-hulled boat from and into a body of water, the boat including first and second laterally spaced apart hull structures, includes a carrier assembly and a drive system. The carrier assembly is configured to hold the boat. The carrier assembly includes a crossbeam having a length and first and second cradle assemblies spaced apart along the length of the crossbeam and secured to the crossbeam. Each of the first and second cradle assemblies is configured to receive a respective one of the first and second hull structures and includes a coupling bracket and a pair of longitudinally extending runners each secured to the coupling bracket and positioned to receive and support the respective one of the first and second hull structures. The coupling bracket connects and resists lateral separation between the runners. The drive system is operable to selectively raise and lower the carrier assembly.08-19-2010