Patents Assigned to Griffin Technology, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20150227226
    Abstract: A protective cover for a device having a touchscreen and a fingerprint sensor includes a Polyethylene terephthalate touchscreen cover that covers the touchscreen while allowing the touchscreen to be used. A die cut opening in the touchscreen cover corresponds to a location of the fingerprint sensor and a flexible membrane covers the opening. The flexible membrane is preferably constructed from Thermoplastic polyurethane that is bonded to the touchscreen cover. The touchscreen cover is then glued to an injected polycarbonate plastic rigid frame to for the front of a protective device case assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Wierenga, Evan Reese
  • Patent number: 8583177
    Abstract: An accessory for use with an existing portable electronic device has a housing that removably couples to a housing of the existing portable electronic device such that the accessory and portable electronic device function and can be portably carried as a single unit. A tunable FM radio receiver in the housing receives an FM broadcast signal and produces a broadcast audio output. A connector on the housing electrically connects the broadcast audio output to a corresponding connector on the device. Application software residing on the device utilizes an internet connection of the device to download digital content related to the broadcast audio output and display the digital content on a display of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul P. Griffin, Jr., Benjamin T. Guy, David M. Reynolds, David A. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8527782
    Abstract: A USB hub utilizes an external power supply connection and rechargeable battery to provide a fully functional USB hub that provides portable backup power for USB devices. The hub includes a housing with a host connector that is adapted to be coupled to a host. Device connectors are also positioned on the housing that are adapted to be coupled to electronic devices. A hub circuit enables USB communications between the devices and host connected to the hub. The rechargeable battery is selectively charged from the host or external power supply connection. A microcontroller controls the hub circuitry such that power is provided to the hub circuit and the device connectors from an external power source or host if available or the rechargeable battery if they are not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul P. Griffin, Jr., Beat Zenerino, Cameron E. Boone, Lester V. Marks, Mark David Rowan, David M. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8505718
    Abstract: A case assembly adapted to be assembled into a case for a portable electronic device has a single case front and multiple case backs packaged for sale in a single package. The case front is adapted to mate with each of the case backs to form a case dimensioned to hold a different size of portable electronic device. The case front has an opening such that a control of the portable device can be accessed through the case front. A two-way, mirrored finished may be constructed on the front such that light emitting elements of the case and display can only be viewed thorough the case exterior when the elements are lit. The case front and back form openings for the input/and outputs of the device when coupled together. A case back with and without a belt-clip or armband may be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul P. Griffin, Jr., Jason C. Collins
  • Patent number: 8320597
    Abstract: An accessory for a portable electronic device having a speaker uses an acoustic wave guide to passively amplify and direct the output of the device's speaker. The accessory has a housing with a docking cavity formed therein. The docking cavity has supportive sidewalls that are adapted to receive and support the portable electronic device in an upright position. A cable access channel is formed in the docking cavity that allows a connector and cable to be coupled to the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is mounted in the docking cavity. An acoustic waveguide having a spiral shaped acoustic chamber is positioned in the housing such that an entrance to the acoustic waveguide corresponds to a hole in the docking cavity that is positioned to correspond to the location of the speaker of the device when the device is mounted in the docking chamber. The exit of the acoustic chamber corresponds to an exterior opening in a sidewall of the housing and the hole in the docking cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul P. Griffin, Jr., Benjamin T. Guy, George Anderson Cook
  • Patent number: 8306476
    Abstract: A transmitting accessory couples with a portable electronic device such that audio signals or data from the device can be digitally transmitted to a remote receiver. The accessory includes an input port for receiving audio data from the portable electronic device. A digital transmitter transmits digital data corresponding to the audio signals or data from the portable electronic device to the remote digital receiver. If the audio signal is an analog signal, the accessory uses encoding circuitry to digitally encode the analog audio signal for transmission. The audio signal may be encoded into an HD radio format for reception by an HD radio receiver. The user inputs of the portable electronic device can preferably be used to control functions of the accessory and the device's display to display the selected transmission frequency or channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul P. Griffin, Jr., David A. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8185222
    Abstract: An adapter for receiving a wireless digital signal that includes an audio signal and audio metadata concerning the audio signal from a portable electronic device has a Bluetooth wireless receiver for receiving the wireless digital signal from the portable electronic device in a Bluetooth digital format. A microprocessor having format conversion software converts the Bluetooth formatted audio signal in the wireless digital signal into a satellite radio formatted audio signal. Satellite metadata generating software generates satellite radio formatted metadata based upon the received Bluetooth formatted audio metadata. A switch electrically couples an output of the adapter to a satellite radio input of an audio system when the Bluetooth transceiver detects a Bluetooth transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul P. Griffin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8160643
    Abstract: A radio accessory for a portable electronic device, such as a digital music player, includes a connector that allows the radio to use accessories designed to couple with the portable electronic device. In addition, the radio includes a pass through connector that allows the radio to couple to the portable electronic device and accessory at the same time such that signals are transferred from the accessory to the portable electronic device through the radio. The radio preferably has a power supply and audio output such that it can function as a stand alone device. The radio can be configured to receive AM, FM or satellite broadcasts. The accessory is preferably a speaker dock designed to receive the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul P. Griffin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8150460
    Abstract: An accessory for use with a portable electronic device receives audio signals from the portable electronic device and broadcasts the signals to a set of wireless speakers. The accessory device includes a dock for coupling to the portable electronic device such that audio signals, a power supply signal and digital communication signals can be transferred between the accessory and the device. The accessory receives the audio signals and transmits them to the speakers via a transmitter. The accessory also provides an audio output and video output such that audio and video files can be transferred from the portable electronic device through the accessory to an external device. Preferably, an inductive charging circuit is used to charge a rechargeable power supply in the speakers when the speakers are positioned in a speaker dock on the accessory body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Curtis, Paul Griffin
  • Patent number: 8115451
    Abstract: A power supply for charging multiple devices that can be adapted to receive and charge practically any type of portable electronic device includes a base that receives an AC wall voltage and converts the wall voltage to DC voltage. The base includes at least two docking cavities that can simultaneously, physically and electrically couple the base to two portable electronic devices such that the devices are supported by the dock while they are being charged. The devices are supported so that there displays are visible and their controls are accessible. Adapters can also be inserted into the docking cavities to reconfigure the cavity to physically support a different type of device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul P. Griffin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8111044
    Abstract: An accessory for a portable electronic device, such as a digital music player, includes a set of device controls for controlling the portable electronic device. The accessory includes a microprocessor and a memory that contains function codes corresponding to the functions selected by the controls. Preferably, the accessory is a charger is adapted to be inserted into for a 12-volt car auxiliary power outlet and the protruding face of the charger body is a click wheel controller that rotates. The accessory may also include a FM transmitter for transmitting an audio signal received from the portable electronic device to the car stereo and a verification system for insuring the charger is produced by an authorized supplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Griffin Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Paul P. Griffin, Jr., Takahiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8072183
    Abstract: A charging accessory for a portable electronic device having a device input connector includes a main charger body portion having a power supply connection to an AC wall outlet that receives an AC power supply voltage. Power conversion circuitry converts the AC power supply voltage to a DC power supply voltage. A device connector is electrically coupled to the DC power supply voltage and configured to couple the DC power supply voltage to the device input connector of the portable electronic device. The main body also has a battery pack connector that is electrically coupled to the DC power supply voltage. The battery pack connector couples to a battery pack through a charging body connector that electrically connects to the battery pack connector and receives the DC power supply voltage when the battery pack is mounted on the main charger body portion. A rechargeable battery in the battery receives the DC power supply voltage to recharge the rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul P. Griffin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8054042
    Abstract: A modular power supply that can be adapted to receive and charge practically any type or number of portable electronic devices includes a power converter that receives an AC wall voltage and converts the wall voltage to DC bus voltage. Each charging module has a pair of conductive rails and magnets positioned around the exterior of the module. The power converter has a connector that is physically and electrically coupled to a charging module through a pair of magnets and conductive rails such that the DC bus voltage is applied to the conductive rails of the module. Each charging module has a dock that physically couples to a portable electronic device and supplies a charging voltage produced from the DC bus voltage to the device. Additional charging modules can be physically and electrically coupled together by simply placing the modules adjacent one another through the interaction of the module's conductive rails and magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul P. Griffin, Jr., Mark David Rowan, David Arnold Owens
  • Patent number: 8000820
    Abstract: A transmitting accessory includes a base dock for receiving a portable electronic device and a transmitter that is removably coupled to the dock. When the device and transmitter are mounted on the dock, the transmitter receives signals from the device through the dock and transmits the signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter can be decoupled from the dock and coupled directly to the portable electronic device when the device is removed from the dock such that the device and transmitter can be carried and function as a single unit. The user inputs of the portable electronic device can preferably be used to control functions of the accessory and the device's display to display the selected transmission frequency or channel of the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul P Griffin, Jr.
  • Patent number: D706272
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Poon
  • Patent number: D711362
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Poon
  • Patent number: D711864
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Poon
  • Patent number: D722960
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: George Andrew Campbell, David M. Reynolds, Jason Curtis, Tony Plunk, Thomas Meyerhoffer
  • Patent number: D740798
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc
    Inventors: Daniel Poon, Evan Reese
  • Patent number: D742381
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Joseph