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Harris, NC

Angela Harris, Durham, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090235433Disposable Sock with Liquid Impermeable Inner Sole - This invention relates generally to a disposable sock with an inner liquid impermeable layer on the portion that covers the sole of the foot, and a breathable outer layer that encases the liquid impermeable layer and encases the remaining portion of the foot. The characteristics of the present invention increase circulation in the foot, aid in the absorption of a multitude of compounds, including lotions, ointments, or therapeutics to the foot, while minimizing bacterial growth, are cost efficient, lightweight and easy to use.09-24-2009
20100122783Window Covering For Energy Conservation - The present invention is an environmentally conscious window covering that will reduce the demand for electricity and appeal to the market for green building products used in construction and remodeling projects. The present invention is generally comprised of three layers, an outer eco-friendly (or “green) fabric layer that faces the interior of a building, an inner layer that may comprise polyethylene (PET) film layer that is aluminized and reflects 99% of ultraviolet rays, and an inner sheer layer that faces the window. The three layers are not adhered by synthetic or toxic adhesives. The present invention may also be equipped with an opening in the outer layer in the upper portion that can receive a rod for installation in the window space.05-20-2010

Catherine E. Harris, Huntersville, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120072323MAINTAINING ONLINE FUNCTIONALITY DURING AN OUTAGE - A system maintains online functionality during an outage. The system includes a processing device configured for receiving a request for online interaction via a network from a client system and identifying a primary interaction system configured to respond to the request. The processing device is also configured for determining the primary interaction system is incapable of providing the online interaction associated with the request, identifying an alternative interaction system configured to respond to the request, and initiating an online interaction between the client system and the alternative interactive system. In some embodiments, the primary interaction system is incapable of providing website content, and the processing device initiates an exchange of alternative website content. In some embodiments, the primary interaction system is incapable of providing online banking information, and the alternative interaction system provides alternative online banking information such as non-current information regarding an account.03-22-2012

Franklin W. Harris, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090085922DISPLAY DEVICE MODULATION SYSTEM - Arrangements and methods are provided that modulate various display device outputs in response to detected changes in environmental conditions affecting a display screen. The arrangement responds to changing environments to maximize the quality of the display. A sensor that is responsive to the changing environment, such as changes in ambient light, is provided to modulate the display accordingly. The arrangement contains logic for utilizing the sensing input and user preferences to provide the best display under the prevailing conditions.04-02-2009

Franklin Wayne Harris, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100037207APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATED CUSTOMIZATION OF MULTIPLE DISK IMAGES INDEPENDENT OF OPERATING SYSTEM TYPE, VERSION OR STATE - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for customizing a disk image. A base image is booted and the desired customizations are applied and captured using a known method. A maintenance environment is booted and a builder module incorporates the captured customizations into an integrated package. If user input is required then custom menus are also defined. A target operating system, independent of the base image, is hooked to invoke an injector module. The operating system is booted from the maintenance environment thereby invoking the injector module. The customizations from the integrated package together with any obtained from the custom menus are injected into the operating system. A customized image of the operating system is then saved, to be deployed to other computers or further customized as required.02-11-2010

Gary Harris, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090023455Independent Load Balancing for Servers - In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request message at a local node in a communications network from a remote node in the communication network. The request message holds data that indicates a request for a particular service from the local node. A load metric that indicates a current processing load at the local node is determined. A response delay time, for responding to the request message, is determined based on the load metric. A response message is sent after the response delay time. The response message indicates the local node is able to provide the particular service for the remote node. The delay time allows the local node to make it more likely that a less busy node will respond earlier in time to a request message from the same remote node and provide the particular service.01-22-2009

Gary Lee Harris, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090006879Session Redundancy Using a Replay Model - A mechanism for synchronizing states of components in a first routing engine to corresponding components in a second routing engine is provided. In order to reduce the amount of data required to synchronize the state of the components and the time and resources required to perform the synchronization, the state-related information transmitted from the first routing engine to the second routing engine is limited to information used to build states of a subset of the components associated with the first routing engine. That subset of components is limited to those components that receive stimuli (e.g., data streams or data packets) from sources external to the routing engine. Other components on the second routing engine synchronize state by receiving information from those components on the second routing engine that received the external stimuli information.01-01-2009
20120072757Session Redundancy Using a Replay Model - A mechanism for synchronizing states of components in a first routing engine to corresponding components in a second routing engine is provided. In order to reduce the amount of data required to synchronize the state of the components and the time and resources required to perform the synchronization, the state-related information transmitted from the first routing engine to the second routing engine is limited to information used to build states of a subset of the components associated with the first routing engine. That subset of components is limited to those components that receive stimuli (e.g., data streams or data packets) from sources external to the routing engine. Other components on the second routing engine synchronize state by receiving information from those components on the second routing engine that received the external stimuli information.03-22-2012

Patent applications by Gary Lee Harris, Raleigh, NC US

Herb Harris, Chapel Hill, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110319389METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR TREATING FATIGUE ASSOCIATED WITH DISORDERED SLEEP USING VERY LOW DOSE CYCLOBENZAPRINE - The present invention relates to methods for the treatment or prevention of fatigue associated with disordered sleep, for example, in multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, Fabry's disease, Parkinson's disease, or traumatic brain injury, using cyclobenzaprine The present invention further relates to a biomarker for the therapeutic effects of a cyclobenzaprine treatment.12-29-2011

Jason Harris, Durham, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080311155Strain-Independent Amplification of Pathogens and Vaccines Thereto - This in invention relates to methods for the nucleic acid amplification of multiple variants (strains) of any pathogen present in a sample, and preferably in a sample from a pathogen infected individual. In preferred embodiments, the pathogen is a retrovirus, such as HIV. The amplified pathogen nucleic acid can be used to identify the pathogen variants present in a sample, to quantitate the pathogen present in a sample, and as a nucleic acid vaccine, or in the preparation of antigen presenting cell vaccines. Nucleic acids produced by the methods of the invention or the proteins encoded thereby can be used to transfect/load antigen presenting cells. The loaded antigen presenting cells can then be used as a vaccine for the treatment of pathogen infection. In another embodiment, nucleic acids produced by the methods of the invention can be used directly as nucleic acid vaccines without prior loading into antigen presenting cells.12-18-2008

Kevin Harris, Wendell, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120046141TRANSMISSION TEST SYSTEM - An automated system for testing a variety of transmissions and drive line gearbox components, and more particularly helicopter transmissions, for reliability, life expectancy, efficiency, and the like on a semi-automated basis. The system powers a unit under test with a pair of AC, variable speed drive motors connected to the transmission through relatively low speed gearboxes which in turn drive the input(s) of the test unit through geared cartridge spindles (GCSs) employing planetary gearset inputs driving a higher speed machine tool type spindle with an output chuck system which can automatically couple to adapters preloaded on the unit under test. Similar GCSs couple the outputs of the test unit to AC motors which act as generators to power the driving motors and thereby reduce the required electric power input to the losses in the system. A unit to be tested is loaded onto a positioning fixture supported on a rollable test pallet, equipped with sensors and GCS adapters, and moved into the test module where it is clamped into position and connected to the GCSs to provide input and output connections. The main rotor shaft is connected to the regenerative motor generators through a dual, 90 degree combiner gear box that includes a hydraulic thrust loading actuator for imposing axial forces against the mast. The gearboxes between the motors and the unit under test will accommodate several different types of unit under test and can be replaced to accommodate still other types.02-23-2012

Larry Harris, King, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120023685Fabric Dyeing Apparatus and Method - A fabric dyeing apparatus and/or method can include a tunnel, such as a modified bleaching tunnel, comprising a plurality of chambers through which a load of fabric is successively transferred. A first set of the chambers can include a consecutive series of dye chambers through which the fabric load and a single dye bath are successively transferred and in which the dye bath is heated to about the same temperature in each of the dye chambers. A first chamber in the series of dye chambers and each chamber subsequent to the dye chambers can be adapted to receive a fresh water bath. A last chamber in the series of dye chambers and each subsequent chamber can be adapted to drain the bath in those chambers. The weight ratio of dye bath mixture-to-fabric can be about 5:1. The dye bath can include a fiber reactive dye or a direct fabric dye.02-02-2012

Marsha Jean Harris, Fayetteville, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110032663MOTOR CONTROL CENTER AND SUBUNIT THEREFOR - A subunit is provided for a motor control center including an enclosure, a number of compartments, a plurality of power lines, and a number of covers for covering the compartments. The subunit includes a housing removably disposed within a corresponding one of the compartments, a plurality of electrical contacts movably coupled to the housing, and an actuating assembly for moving the electrical contacts into and out of electrical contact with the power lines. The subunit further includes at least one of a locking assembly, a panel assembly, and a secondary disconnect assembly. The locking assembly locks the position of the electrical contacts and restricts access to the actuating assembly. The panel assembly is pivotable and translatable with respect to the subunit housing. The secondary disconnect assembly is independent from the actuating assembly in order that movement of the electrical contacts does not move the secondary disconnect assembly.02-10-2011
20110149479MOTOR CONTROL CENTER AND SUBUNIT THEREFOR - A subunit is provided for a motor control center including an enclosure, a number of compartments, a plurality of power lines, and a number of covers for covering the compartments. The subunit includes a housing removably disposed within a corresponding one of the compartments, a plurality of electrical contacts movably coupled to the housing, and an actuating assembly for moving the electrical contacts into and out of electrical contact with the power lines. The subunit further includes at least one of a locking assembly, a panel assembly, and a secondary disconnect assembly. The locking assembly locks the position of the electrical contacts and restricts access to the actuating assembly. The panel assembly is pivotable and translatable with respect to the subunit housing. The secondary disconnect assembly is independent from the actuating assembly in order that movement of the electrical contacts does not move the secondary disconnect assembly.06-23-2011
20110149480MOTOR CONTROL CENTER AND SUBUNIT THEREFOR - A subunit is provided for a motor control center including an enclosure, a number of compartments, a plurality of power lines, and a number of covers for covering the compartments. The subunit includes a housing removably disposed within a corresponding one of the compartments, a plurality of electrical contacts movably coupled to the housing, and an actuating assembly for moving the electrical contacts into and out of electrical contact with the power lines. The subunit further includes at least one of a locking assembly, a panel assembly, and a secondary disconnect assembly. The locking assembly locks the position of the electrical contacts and restricts access to the actuating assembly. The panel assembly is pivotable and translatable with respect to the subunit housing. The secondary disconnect assembly is independent from the actuating assembly in order that movement of the electrical contacts does not move the secondary disconnect assembly.06-23-2011

Matthew Harris, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110228507MOLDED POWER-SUPPLY MODULE WITH BRIDGE INDUCTOR OVER OTHER COMPONENTS - An embodiment of a power-supply module includes a molded package, power-supply components disposed within the package, and an inductor disposed within the package and over the power-supply components. For example, for a given output-power rating, such a power-supply module may be smaller, more efficient, and more reliable than, and may run cooler than, a power-supply module having the inductor mounted outside of the package or side-by-side with other components. And for a given size, such a module may have a higher output-power rating than a module having the inductor mounted outside of the package or side-by-side with other components.09-22-2011

Matthew B. Harris, Durham, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120126773SWITCHING REGULATOR WITH BALANCED CONTROL CONFIGURATION WITH FILTERING AND REFERENCING TO ELIMINATE COMPENSATION - A switching regulator and controller and an electronic device using same are disclosed in which the controller includes a sense circuit, an error amplifier circuit, a filter and reference circuit, and a comparator circuit. The switching regulator includes a pulse switch circuit coupled to an output inductor for developing an output voltage. The sense circuit provides a sense signal indicative of current through the output inductor. The error amplifier circuit develops an error signal indicative of error of the output voltage. The filter and reference circuit high pass filters the sense signal to provide a filtered sense signal and which balances the filtered sense signal and the error signal at a common DC level. The comparator circuit develops a pulse control signal using the error signal and the filtered sense signal, where the pulse control signal is for controlling switching of the pulse switch circuit.05-24-2012

Matthew B. Harris, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090140711SWITCHING REGULATOR WITH BALANCED CONTROL CONFIGURATION WITH FILTERING AND REFERENCING TO ELIMINATE COMPENSATION - A controller for a switching regulator is disclosed including a sense circuit, an error amplifier circuit, a filter and reference circuit, and a comparator circuit. The switching regulator includes a pulse switch circuit coupled to an output inductor for developing an output voltage. The sense circuit provides a sense signal indicative of current through the output inductor. The error amplifier circuit develops an error signal indicative of error of the output voltage. The filter and reference circuit high pass filters the sense signal to provide a filtered sense signal, and references the filtered sense signal and the error signal to a common DC level. The comparator circuit develops a pulse control signal used to control switching of the pulse switch circuit based on comparing the error signal with the filtered sense signal.06-04-2009

Patent applications by Matthew B. Harris, Raleigh, NC US

Michael David Harris, Durham, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110295821Servicing Daemon for Live Debugging of Storage Systems - A servicing daemon is described herein for providing servicing of a running computer system (such as a filer). The servicing daemon resides and executes on the operating system of the filer and communicates across a network with a debugger that resides and executes on a remote administering computer. A debugging session is performed that complies with a protocol relating to the remote accessing of files. The debugging session provides live servicing of an application executing on the filer without requiring an actual corefile (having copied filer memory data) to be created. Rather, the servicing daemon creates a simulated corefile header that is sent to the debugger, receives requests from the debugger, and maps addresses specified in the requests to filer memory addresses. The servicing daemon then reads and retrieves data directly from filer memory at the determined filer memory addresses and sends the data to the debugger for analysis.12-01-2011

Michael E. Harris, Fairview, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080298953WASTEGATE ASSEMBLY - A wastegate assembly (12-04-2008
20110061381MULTI-STAGE TURBOCHARGING SYSTEM WITH THERMAL BYPASS - A two-stage turbocharging system with a high pressure (HP) turbine and a low pressure (LP) turbine, exhaust piping connecting an engine to the HP turbine inlet, exhaust piping connecting the HP turbine outlet to the LP turbine inlet, piping connecting the LP turbine outlet to an aftertreatment device, and branched bypass piping having an inlet and first and second branches, the inlet connected to the engine to HP turbine inlet exhaust piping, the first branch outlet connected to the LP turbine inlet, the second branch outlet connected to the aftertreatment device, and an R2S valve in the first branch and a warm-up valve in said second branch. By opening of the valve, exhaust gas can bypass both the HP and LP turbines and flow to, e.g., the catalytic converter. The R2S valve and the warm-up valve may be integrated into a single exhaust flow control unit.03-17-2011

Michael F. Harris, Rougemont, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090142416Methods for the treatment of HIV and other viruses - A treatment for the persons infected with viruses such as HIV. The method takes Advantage of the anesthetic membrane effect brought about by certain gases under pressure. A patient infected with HIV, for example, is placed in a pressurized chamber and exposed to one or more gases under pressure. In this environment, molecules or compounds bind to specific attachment sites on surfaces of host cells and on the virus. These attachment sites are the same sites that are required by the virus to attach to host cells during the virus's replication process. The result is that viruses are prevented from replicating. In the case of HIV, without replication, the virus is also prevented from mutating. This deleterious effect on the virus allows the body's immune system to reconstitute itself in numbers sufficient to cause clinical remission. The present method generally comprises the steps of selecting the gases, pressures and duration to be used inside a pressurized chamber, and exposing the patient to the selected conditions.06-04-2009

Michael James Harris, Cary, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100301751POWER SOURCE SENSING DIMMING CIRCUITS AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAME - Lighting is controlled by receiving an input signal, determining whether the input signal is an AC signal or a DC signal and generating a dimming command signal based on the determination of whether the input signal is an AC signal or a DC signal. For example, determining whether the input signal is an AC signal or a DC signal may include generating an average signal indicative of an average duty cycle of the input signal and determining whether the average signal meets a predetermined criterion.12-02-2010
20110068701SOLID STATE LIGHTING APPARATUS WITH COMPENSATION BYPASS CIRCUITS AND METHODS OF OPERATION THEREOF - A lighting apparatus includes a string of serially-connected light emitting devices and a bypass circuit coupled to first and second nodes of the string and configured to variably conduct a bypass current around at least one of the light-emitting devices responsive to a temperature and/or a total current in the string. In some embodiments, the bypass circuit includes a variable resistance circuit coupled to the first and second nodes of the string and configured to variably conduct the bypass current around the at least one of the light-emitting devices responsive to a control voltage applied to a control node and a compensation circuit coupled to the control node and configured to vary the control voltage responsive to a temperature and/or total string current.03-24-2011
20110068702SOLID STATE LIGHTING APPARATUS WITH CONTROLLABLE BYPASS CIRCUITS AND METHODS OF OPERATION THEREOF - A lighting apparatus includes a string with a plurality of serially-connected light emitting device sets, each set comprising at least one light emitting device. The apparatus further includes at least one controllable bypass circuit configured to variably bypass current around at least one light emitting device of a set of the plurality of light emitting device sets responsive to a control input. The control input may include, for example, a temperature input, a string current sense input and/or an adjustment input. The control input may be varied, for example, to adjust a color point of the string.03-24-2011
20120262065LIGHTING MODULE - The present disclosure relates to a lighting module wherein a DC-DC converter and an LED module are provided as an integral part of the lighting module, and an AC-DC module is provided separately from the lighting module. The AC-DC module is effectively a remote power supply that can be easily replaced without having to replace, reconfigure, or otherwise modify the lighting module. With this configuration, the DC-DC module may be tuned for the particular LED module of the lighting module, and in the case of a failure of the AC-DC module, the AC-DC module can be replaced without having to replace or retune the DC-DC module.10-18-2012
20120306370LIGHTING DEVICES WITH INDIVIDUALLY COMPENSATING MULTI-COLOR CLUSTERS - A lighting device includes multiple solid state emitter (e.g., LED) chips of different colors mounted on a single submount, at least one temperature sensing element arranged to sense temperature of the LED chips, and at least one temperature compensation circuit element mounted on the single submount to maintain output emissions at a substantially constant color point over a range of different temperatures. Such a device may include a blue LED arranged to stimulate a yellow lumiphor and a red LED, arranged in combination to yield warm white light. Multiple separately temperature compensated clusters of solid state emitters may be provided in a single lighting device, which may include an elongated body structure.12-06-2012

Patent applications by Michael James Harris, Cary, NC US

Mike Harris, Cary, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120328299APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR OPTICAL CONTROL OF LIGHTING DEVICES - A lighting apparatus includes at least one light emitting device configured to receive an optical signal from a source external to the lighting apparatus and a control circuit coupled to the at least one light emitting device and configured to adjust a light output of the at least one light emitting device responsive to the received optical signal. The at least one light-emitting device may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED) configured to receive the optical signal, and the control circuit may include a detector circuit coupled to the at least one LED and configured to detect the received optical signal.12-27-2012

Monica S. Harris, Wake Forest, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090090584PROVIDING ITEM BAGGING ADVISEMENTS TO BAGGERS - The present invention discloses a solution for providing item bagging advisements to individuals bagging purchased items during a check-out situation. The solution can include a self-checkout system and/or a human assisted checkout system capable of providing bagging assistance. A bagged item can be detected based on information such as weight, barcode data, and the like. Based on a set of rules for preferred item grouping, items can be determined to be appropriately bagged or to be in conflict with another item. Item bagging assistance can include, but is not limited to, item conflict warning, item compatibility confirmation, and assistance based on item categorization. Visual and aural confirmation and/or warning notifications can be presented to a user based on item compatibility or incompatibility.04-09-2009
20090106667DIVIDING A SURFACE OF A SURFACE-BASED COMPUTING DEVICE INTO PRIVATE, USER-SPECIFIC AREAS - The present invention discloses a solution for defining a private user area in a surface based computer. The solution can identify a surface of a surface based computer. At least one private user area can be defined for the surface. A region of the surface can be demarcated for each defined private user area. Input/output for each demarcated private user area can be handed in a manner specific to the private user area, which is different from how input/output is handled for other portions of the surface. In one embodiment, different users can be associated with multiple ones of a set of two or more different private user areas. Each user can concurrently utilize their own private user area as if that private user area was a computing space dedicated to that user.04-23-2009
20090126010USING OBJECT BASED SECURITY FOR CONTROLLING OBJECT SPECIFIC ACTIONS ON A SURFACE BASED COMPUTING DEVICE - The present invention discloses a solution for object level security on a surface based computing device that includes software objects and behavior tokens. The behavior tokens can control an extent that users are able to manipulate the software objects using the surface based computing device. Different levels of control can be established on an object-by-object basis for different users. The extent users are able to manipulate the software objects can also depends upon set of users proximate to the surface based computing device.05-14-2009
20090205049SECTION BASED SECURITY FOR A SECTIONED SURFACE-BASED COMPUTING DEVICE - The present invention discloses a method, a computer program product, a system, and a device for securing content of a surface-based computing device. In the invention, a delineated region of a surface of a surface-based computing device referred to as a section can be identified. The section can be a computing space owned by at least one user referred to as a section owner. Other regions of the surface exist that are computing spaces distinct from the section. A set of section specific settings can be established that are configurable by the section owner. An attempt to convey at least one software object across a section boundary separating the section from one of the other regions can be identified. The section specific settings can be applied to the attempt. Appropriate programmatic actions can be taken based upon the section specific settings.08-13-2009

Neil I. Harris, Burnsville, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090265234Method for processing digital rebates and coupons - There is provided a method for processing retail price discounts or rebates in connection with the purchase of merchandise. A data center is provided for processing discounts or rebates. The data center has at least one (1) computer to perform at least a portion of the processing. Consumers are notified of the availability of a discount or rebate for the merchandise. Consumers query the data center regarding the availability of the discount or rebate. The data center obtains an authorization from the consumer to debit or charge an account for the purchase of the merchandise. The data center issues a digital certificate from the computer reflecting the discount or rebate. The consumer's account is charged or debited or the consumer pays for the price of the merchandise less the discount upon presentation of the digital certificate to the retailer for the purchase of the merchandise.10-22-2009

Phil Harris, High Point, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090044341FLAME RESISTANT TICKING THAT REDUCES FLAME PROPAGATION AND UPHOLSTERED ARTICLES INCORPORATING SAME - A method of producing a flame resistant ticking includes laminating a flame resistant substrate to a decorative fabric, wherein the substrate is configured to release a chemical vapor that reduces the rate of propagation of a flame along the decorative fabric when the decorative fabric is exposed to flame. The substrate is laminated in direct contact with the inside surface of the decorative fabric. In some embodiments, the laminated ticking is configured to release less than 15 MJ of heat in the first ten minutes when exposed to a flame in accordance with the testing protocol set forth in 16 CFR 1633. Upholstered articles, such as mattresses, mattress foundations, and articles of furniture, may incorporate the flame resistant ticking layer.02-19-2009
20090169849CONCRETE CURING BLANKETS THAT PROMOTE EVEN CONCRETE CURING - A concrete curing blanket includes a layer of absorbent material and a layer of impervious material bonded to the absorbent material layer in face-to-face relationship at intermittent locations such that the impervious material layer between the intermittent locations can lift away from the layer of absorbent material in response to air bubbles rising through the layer of absorbent material. The intermittent bonding locations may take the form of a pattern or may have a random occurrence. The absorbent layer of material is a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric and the impervious material layer is a film.07-02-2009

Philip Edward Harris, High Point, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080258341LIGHTWEIGHT SINGLE-USE CONCRETE CURING SYSTEM - A lightweight concrete curing blanket includes a layer of nonwoven fabric that is hydrophilic and that has a thickness of less than about 0.020 inches. A layer of film (e.g., polyethylene film) is bonded to the layer of nonwoven fabric, and has a thickness less than or equal to about 0.001 inch. The layer of film has a moisture vapor transport rate of less than about 0.0016 grams per square foot per twenty-four hours. A combined weight of the layer of nonwoven fabric and the layer of film is less than about 100 grams per square meter.10-23-2008

Philip L. Harris, Corapeake, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110017108Cake tier separator for layered cakes - A separator for stacking layers of cake includes a base plate that comprises an attachment means such as a rail or track. A plurality of planar supports mates with the attachment means to provide a stable structure for stacking layers of cakes. Planar supports arranged between the upper most layers may be ornamentally designed with décor that includes an attachment button for mating with an opening in a planar support.01-27-2011

Richard Hunter Harris, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090110462METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STABILIZING PRINTABLE MEDIA IN A PRINTER - The illustrative embodiments described herein provide a method and apparatus for stabilizing printable media in a printer. The apparatus includes a platen for conveying printable media through a conveyance path. The apparatus also includes a set of guides for curving the printable media to form a stabilized printable media, wherein curving the printable media comprises decreasing a distance between a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge of the printable media.04-30-2009
20090110463METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXPOSING PRINTABLE MEDIA IN A PRINTER - The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for exposing printable media. The apparatus includes a printer having a cover. The apparatus also includes a set of lifting arms coupled to the cover. The apparatus includes a slowing device engaged with the set of lifting arms. The slowing device is adapted to slow movement of the set of lifting arms when the cover is moved. The apparatus also includes a stage coupled to the set of lifting arms such that movement of the cover causes movement of the stage into a position. The stage is adapted to receive the printable media. The position facilitates exposure of the printable media.04-30-2009
20090123210APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MOVING A COVER - The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for moving a cover. The apparatus includes a base. The apparatus also includes a cover pivotably coupled to the base. The apparatus also includes a set of flexible bands. A first end of each of the set of flexible bands is coupled to the cover. A second end of the set of flexible bands is coupled to the base. The set of flexible bands are adapted to bias the cover into an open position. When the cover is opened by a user, the set of helical springs are elongated when the cover is forced beyond its open position.05-14-2009
20090154977Method and Apparatus for Adjusting a Gap in a Printer - The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for adjusting a gap in a printer. The apparatus includes the printer that has a print head transport shaft. The print head is slidably coupled to the transport shaft. The apparatus includes an adjusting plate comprising a groove. The adjusting plate is located at a first side of the printer. The adjusting plate is slidably coupled to the transport shaft via the groove. Moving the adjusting plate along a first axis changes a first position of the print head on the first side of the printer to form the gap. The first axis is perpendicular to the transport shaft. The apparatus also includes a spring. The spring biases the adjusting plate such that the groove is biased toward the transport shaft.06-18-2009
20090309534AUTOMATICALLY DETERMINING OPTIMAL PULSE DURATION FOR A STEPPER MOTOR - A system for calculating control pulse duration for optimal stepper motor performance. Duration of control pulses to a stepper motor is increased until stepper motor function begins. The duration of control pulses continues to be increased. It is determined whether stepper motor failure is detected. In response to detecting a failure, the duration of control pulses at the time of the failure is recorded. The duration of control pulses is decreased until stepper motor function is restored. The duration of control pulses continues to be decreased. It is determined whether a second failure is detected. In response to detecting a second failure, the duration of control pulses at the time of the second failure is recorded. A control pulse duration is calculated that optimizes performance of the stepper motor using recorded control pulse duration data. The calculated control pulse duration is applied to the stepper motor.12-17-2009

Patent applications by Richard Hunter Harris, Raleigh, NC US

Robert W. Harris, Durham, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100222192STRETCHING AND TONING DEVICE - An exercise device is disclosed that accommodates the kinds of stretching and toning exercises that are possible with a ball. The device comprises a stable support structure and a padded bench (which padded bench effectively serves as a portion of a ball) that rocks back and forth on the stable support structure safely and predictably in response to the user's movements. The stable support structure can take a variety of different forms, including an A-frame geometry, a triangular geometry, a T-shaped geometry, and in the form of a pedestal base. A user, during exercise, can support part of his weight on the bench and cause the bench to rock back and forth by alternately relaxing and contracting selected muscles.09-02-2010

Thomas Allen Harris, Charlotte, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090152875Adjustable Backset lockset - A lock assembly comprises a housing and a latchbolt including an attachment member. A retractor element is disposed within the housing for linear reciprocating movement. The retractor element includes a first attachment location at a first position relative to the axis of reciprocation of the retractor element and a second attachment location at a second position relative to the axis of reciprocation of the retractor element. The second attachment location is spaced from the first attachment location by a distance along the axis of reciprocation of the retractor element. The attachment member of the latchbolt is selectively engageable with the retractor element at either the first attachment location or the second attachment location for movement together with the retractor element. An operator is operatively connected to the retractor element for facilitating selective reciprocation of the retractor element for moving the latchbolt between a latched position and an unlatched position.06-18-2009

Tom Harris, Charlotte, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090139146DOOR OPERATOR - A drive mechanism is provided for a door operator, comprising a drive member and a driven member. The drive member includes a protrusion, the edges of the protrusion forming first and second driving surfaces which define a free space of at least about 90° there between. The driven member includes a protrusion, the sides of the protrusion form a first and a second driven surface, respectively. The drive member is adapted to be operably connected to between a motor assembly for rotating the drive member and a door closer assembly rotating with the driven member. The drive member and the driven member are disposed for relative rotation in substantially the same plane such that the driven member protrusion moves in the free space defined by the driving surfaces of the drive member protrusion. Rotation of the drive member from a first angular orientation to a second angular orientation in a direction toward an adjacent driven surface causes rotation of the driven member for powered opening of the door from the closed position to the open position. The driven member protrusion moves in the free space without engaging the protrusion surfaces when the door is opened manually from the closed position and allowed to close.06-04-2009
20110012372PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT DEVICE - A photoluminescent member is provided for an exit device. The photoluminescent member comprises a housing member for mounting to the exterior surface of the exit device. The housing member includes a photoluminescent portion for being energized by exposure to an ambient light source and operable to automatically emit visible light photoluminescently for a substantial period of time in low ambient light or dark conditions and without being energized by an electrical current so that the photoluminescent portion provides illumination to identify the exit device in the low ambient light or dark conditions for providing a visual cue directing a person to a location of the exit device.01-20-2011
20120159852DOOR OPERATOR - A drive mechanism for a door operator comprises a drive member and a driven member. The drive member is adapted to be operably connected between a motor assembly for rotating the drive member and a door closer assembly rotating with the driven member. The drive member and the driven member both include a protrusion. The driven member protrusion moves in the free space defined by driving surfaces of the drive member protrusion. Rotation of the drive member from a first angular orientation to a second angular orientation causes rotation of the driven member for powered opening of the door. The driven member protrusion moves in the free space without engaging the protrusion surfaces when the door is opened manually and allowed to close.06-28-2012

Patent applications by Tom Harris, Charlotte, NC US

Troy W. Harris, Charlotte, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090188225FREQUENCY OF CLIP ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REEL MOWER CUTTING UNIT - A system and method for adjusting the frequency of clip for a reel mower cutting unit is provided. The system includes an operator interface outputting a voltage corresponding to a frequency of clip setting, and a reel motor controller calculating a travel speed of the reel mower cutting unit based on a voltage reading from a voltage bus and a scale factor applied to the voltage reading, and calculating a required reel speed based on the travel speed, the voltage corresponding to the frequency of clip setting, and at least one numerical constant specific to the reel mower cutting unit. The method includes the steps of reading a voltage on a voltage bus, mapping the voltage to an engine speed, calculating a travel speed of the reel mower cutting unit based on the engine speed and numerical constants specific to the reel mower cutting unit, reading a voltage provided by an operator interface corresponding to a frequency of clip setting selected by an operator on the operator interface, and calculating the required reel speed based on the travel speed, the frequency of clip setting, and numerical constants specific to the reel mower cutting unit.07-30-2009

William Harris, Atlantic, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080301995DECOY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A decoy system (12-11-2008

William F. Harris, Charlotte, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080215458System And Method For Processing A Product Price Or Quotation Request And Placing A Product Order Via A Communications Network - A system and method for a manufacturer to attract a customer for a distributor, via a public access network, and perform product information and ordering transactions with the customer, where the order receives the financing approval of the distributor and an associated manufacturer's representative receives a commission. The system and method includes the customer submitting a price/quotation request or product order to a host system via the public access communications network. The host system interacts with the customer, the manufacturer and the distributor in order to fulfill the customer request. The host system retrieves a customer price for the product, where the customer price is based on a predetermined pricing function that varies depending on a customer or distributor identification. The host system may also generate an order for purchase, based on the customer's request, and transmit customer information associated with the order to the distributor for financial acceptance. Upon receiving a signal representing a financial acceptance, a commission is assigned to a manufacturer's representative associated with the order, where the commission is determined based on a predetermined commission function. The host system interacts with the customer, distributor and manufacturer to insure fulfillment of the order, including shipment of the order and settlement of payments.09-04-2008
20110029406SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLACING A PRODUCT ORDER VIA A COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - A system and method for a manufacturer to attract a customer for a distributor, via a public access network, and perform product information and ordering transactions with the customer, where payment is made to the manufacturer by credit card or from another financial account maintained by or on behalf of the customer and where the manufacturer subsequently pays the distributor and an associated manufacturer's representative. The system and method includes the customer submitting a price/quotation request or product order to a host system via the public access communications network. The host system interacts with the customer, the manufacturer, the distributor (who provides purchase order information) and a third party who provides financial approval in order to fulfill the customer request. The host system also interacts with the manufacturer, customer, distributor, manufacturer's representative and third party who provided financial approval to fulfill the order.02-03-2011
20110175545MULTIDIRECTIONAL LIGHT EMITTING FIXTURE - Lighting fixtures, apparatuses, methods, systems, computer readable media and other means are provided for a scalable light fixture design that allows a lighting manufacture to easily create custom multidirectional lighting fixtures. The approach may be easily modified and adjusted without departing from the general design and without incurring the otherwise larger redesigning costs often associated with the creation of light fixtures customized for a particular lighting design application.07-21-2011
20110286120OPTICAL LENS SNAP ATTACHMENT - An optical apparatus is provided that directs, diffuses, magnifies or otherwise alters light. The optical apparatus may include a lens that can be physically attached to a circuit board without glue, adhesive tape, or melting. The optical apparatus can be snapped onto the circuit board. The optical apparatus may then be glued or otherwise adhered to the circuit board after being snapped on.11-24-2011

Patent applications by William F. Harris, Charlotte, NC US

William W. Harris, Pinehurst, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080214076BASE LAYER APPAREL - A base layer apparel is provided that is formed from a single or double-knit fabric. The fabric is formed of ring spun fire resistant yarns that are an intimate blend of at least 60 percent modacrylic fibers and up to 40 percent fire-resistant viscose fibers. Anti-microbial and wicking treatments may be applied to the knit fabric.09-04-2008