Patents by Inventor Eric Griffith

Eric Griffith 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).

  • Patent number: 11932206
    Abstract: A roof rack system is provided for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar comprising a first end and a second end. The crossbar is configured to allow mounting of equipment. The roof rack system further comprises a first stanchion coupled to the first end of the crossbar by a first swivel joint. The roof rack system further comprises a second stanchion coupled to the second end of the crossbar by a second swivel joint. The first and second stanchions are configured to mount to respective mounting locations of the plurality of mounting locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: RIVIAN IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Cory Borghi, Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
  • Patent number: 11745807
    Abstract: Vehicle tailgate assembly that includes a sill flap and tailgate, where the sill flap has rollers that contact the tailgate while the sill flap and tailgate are opened or closed. The sill flap thus maintains rolling contact with the tailgate during opening and closing operations. In embodiments of the disclosure, the tailgate opens to leave a gap between the edge of the vehicle bed and the edge of the tailgate, and the sill flap is pivoted into this gap. While being pivoted into this open position, the sill flap rollers rotatably contact the tailgate, so that the sill flap maintains rolling contact with the tailgate rather than frictional contact therewith. This prevents damage to the sill flap and tailgate when opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Griffith, Brian Gase, Kyle Mulligan, William Kirk Robinson, Chayan Mishra
  • Patent number: 11673508
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment includes a latch rotatably mounted on a support bracket and including first and second flanges that define therebetween a notch configured to receive a striker bar. The latch is rotatable into a closed position with the striker bar received in the notch responsive to the first flange being moved against the striker bar. A pawl having an inner edge and a cam edge is rotatably mounted on the support bracket. An outer side of the first flange is configured to engage the inner edge to hold the pawl in an unlocked position responsive to the latch being in an open position. The pawl is configured to rotate and the cam edge is configured to move against the first side of the first flange to hold the latch in the closed position responsive to the latch rotating past the inner edge of the pawl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Griffith
  • Publication number: 20230074813
    Abstract: Vehicle tailgate assembly that includes a sill flap and tailgate, where the sill flap has rollers that contact the tailgate while the sill flap and tailgate are opened or closed. The sill flap thus maintains rolling contact with the tailgate during opening and closing operations. In embodiments of the disclosure, the tailgate opens to leave a gap between the edge of the vehicle bed and the edge of the tailgate, and the sill flap is pivoted into this gap. While being pivoted into this open position, the sill flap rollers rotatably contact the tailgate, so that the sill flap maintains rolling contact with the tailgate rather than frictional contact therewith. This prevents damage to the sill flap and tailgate when opened and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Eric Griffith, Brian Gase, Kyle Mulligan, William Kirk Robinson, Chayan Mishra
  • Patent number: 11498626
    Abstract: Vehicle tailgate assembly that includes a sill flap and tailgate, where the sill flap has rollers that contact the tailgate while the sill flap and tailgate are opened or closed. The sill flap thus maintains rolling contact with the tailgate during opening and closing operations. In embodiments of the disclosure, the tailgate opens to leave a gap between the edge of the vehicle bed and the edge of the tailgate, and the sill flap is pivoted into this gap. While being pivoted into this open position, the sill flap rollers rotatably contact the tailgate, so that the sill flap maintains rolling contact with the tailgate rather than frictional contact therewith. This prevents damage to the sill flap and tailgate when opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Griffith, Brian Gase, Kyle Mulligan, William Kirk Robinson, Chayan Mishra
  • Publication number: 20220332258
    Abstract: A roof rack system is provided for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar comprising a first end and a second end. The crossbar is configured to allow mounting of equipment. The roof rack system further comprises a first stanchion coupled to the first end of the crossbar by a first swivel joint. The roof rack system further comprises a second stanchion coupled to the second end of the crossbar by a second swivel joint. The first and second stanchions are configured to mount to respective mounting locations of the plurality of mounting locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Cory Borghi, Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
  • Publication number: 20220194301
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment includes a latch rotatably mounted on a support bracket and including first and second flanges that define therebetween a notch configured to receive a striker bar. The latch is rotatable into a closed position with the striker bar received in the notch responsive to the first flange being moved against the striker bar. A pawl having an inner edge and a cam edge is rotatably mounted on the support bracket. An outer side of the first flange is configured to engage the inner edge to hold the pawl in an unlocked position responsive to the latch being in an open position. The pawl is configured to rotate and the cam edge is configured to move against the first side of the first flange to hold the latch in the closed position responsive to the latch rotating past the inner edge of the pawl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventor: Eric Griffith
  • Patent number: 11351927
    Abstract: A roof rack system is provided for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar comprising a first end and a second end. The crossbar is configured to allow mounting of equipment. The roof rack system further comprises a first stanchion coupled to the first end of the crossbar by a first swivel joint. The roof rack system further comprises a second stanchion coupled to the second end of the crossbar by a second swivel joint. The first and second stanchions are configured to mount to respective mounting locations of the plurality of mounting locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Cory Borghi, Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
  • Publication number: 20220144351
    Abstract: Vehicle tailgate assembly that includes a sill flap and tailgate, where the sill flap has rollers that contact the tailgate while the sill flap and tailgate are opened or closed. The sill flap thus maintains rolling contact with the tailgate during opening and closing operations. In embodiments of the disclosure, the tailgate opens to leave a gap between the edge of the vehicle bed and the edge of the tailgate, and the sill flap is pivoted into this gap. While being pivoted into this open position, the sill flap rollers rotatably contact the tailgate, so that the sill flap maintains rolling contact with the tailgate rather than frictional contact therewith. This prevents damage to the sill flap and tailgate when opened and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Eric Griffith, Brian Gase, Kyle Mulligan, William Kirk Robinson, Chayan Mishra
  • Publication number: 20220126928
    Abstract: A vehicle may include an integrated connector system. The vehicle includes a body having an outer surface and a plurality of attachment ports arranged on the outer surface. The attachments ports include a recess that extends below the surrounding outer surface. Each attachment port is configured to receive and engage with an attachment plug of an accessory. In some embodiments, there are different types of attachment ports, configured to engage with respective types of attachment plugs. Various accessories may be engaged with the attachment ports, allowing a range of items and equipment to be secured to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Christian Elder, Eric Griffith
  • Patent number: 11230326
    Abstract: A vehicle may include an integrated connector system. The vehicle includes a body having an outer surface and a plurality of attachment ports arranged on the outer surface. The attachments ports include a recess that extends below the surrounding outer surface. Each attachment port is configured to receive and engage with an attachment plug of an accessory. In some embodiments, there are different types of attachment ports, configured to engage with respective types of attachment plugs. Various accessories may be engaged with the attachment ports, allowing a range of items and equipment to be secured to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Elder, Eric Griffith
  • Publication number: 20210268967
    Abstract: A roof rack system for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations system is provided. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar assembly comprising: an axis of motion, e.g., translational motion; an internal structure; a first section; a second section; a third section; a first end mount; and a second end mount. The first and second sections are configured to translate, in opposite directions, along the axis of motion relative to the internal structure. The internal structure is configured to cause the third section to be centered between the first and second sections as the first and second sections translate. The first and second end mounts are coupled to respective outboard portions of the first and second sections. The first and second end mounts are configured to mount to respective first and second mounting locations, e.g., mounting locations of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
  • Patent number: 11027661
    Abstract: A roof rack system for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations system is provided. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar assembly comprising: an axis of motion, e.g., translational motion; an internal structure; a first section; a second section; a third section; a first end mount; and a second end mount. The first and second sections are configured to translate, in opposite directions, along the axis of motion relative to the internal structure. The internal structure is configured to cause the third section to be centered between the first and second sections as the first and second sections translate. The first and second end mounts are coupled to respective outboard portions of the first and second sections. The first and second end mounts are configured to mount to respective first and second mounting locations, e.g., mounting locations of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
  • Patent number: 10870453
    Abstract: A vehicle may include an integrated connector system. The vehicle includes a body having an outer surface and a plurality of attachment ports arranged on the outer surface. The attachments ports include a recess that extends below the surrounding outer surface. Each attachment port is configured to receive and engage with an attachment plug of an accessory. In some embodiments, there are different types of attachment ports, configured to engage with respective types of attachment plugs. Various accessories may be engaged with the attachment ports, allowing a range of items and equipment to be secured to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Elder, Eric Griffith
  • Publication number: 20200148281
    Abstract: A vehicle may include an integrated connector system. The vehicle includes a body having an outer surface and a plurality of attachment ports arranged on the outer surface. The attachments ports include a recess that extends below the surrounding outer surface. Each attachment port is configured to receive and engage with an attachment plug of an accessory. In some embodiments, there are different types of attachment ports, configured to engage with respective types of attachment plugs. Various accessories may be engaged with the attachment ports, allowing a range of items and equipment to be secured to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Christian Elder, Eric Griffith
  • Publication number: 20200148127
    Abstract: A roof rack system is provided for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar comprising a first end and a second end. The crossbar is configured to allow mounting of equipment. The roof rack system further comprises a first stanchion coupled to the first end of the crossbar by a first swivel joint. The roof rack system further comprises a second stanchion coupled to the second end of the crossbar by a second swivel joint. The first and second stanchions are configured to mount to respective mounting locations of the plurality of mounting locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Cory Borghi, Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
  • Publication number: 20200148126
    Abstract: A roof rack system for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations system is provided. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar assembly comprising: an axis of motion, e.g., translational motion; an internal structure; a first section; a second section; a third section; a first end mount; and a second end mount. The first and second sections are configured to translate, in opposite directions, along the axis of motion relative to the internal structure. The internal structure is configured to cause the third section to be centered between the first and second sections as the first and second sections translate. The first and second end mounts are coupled to respective outboard portions of the first and second sections. The first and second end mounts are configured to mount to respective first and second mounting locations, e.g., mounting locations of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
  • Publication number: 20200148280
    Abstract: A vehicle may include an integrated connector system. The vehicle includes a body having an outer surface and a plurality of attachment ports arranged on the outer surface. The attachments ports include a recess that extends below the surrounding outer surface. Each attachment port is configured to receive and engage with an attachment plug of an accessory. In some embodiments, there are different types of attachment ports, configured to engage with respective types of attachment plugs. Various accessories may be engaged with the attachment ports, allowing a range of items and equipment to be secured to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Christian Elder, Eric Griffith
  • Publication number: 20160038155
    Abstract: A glow-in-the-dark tourniquet system for providing a tourniquet that remains visible in low-light conditions. The glow-in-the-dark tourniquet system generally includes an elongated member having a first surface and a second surface opposite of the first surface adapted to be used as a tourniquet. The elongated member includes a phosphorescent material to visibly glow in low light conditions to prevent the elongated member from being forgotten on a patient. The elongated member also may include one or more indicia on the first surface to provide additional visual information to medical personnel in low light conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Ronald Eric Griffith, Martin John Griffith
  • Patent number: 7693666
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a method, system, and program product for controlling chemical reactions in a digital microfluidic system that include logically partitioning cells of a digital microfluidic system array into a plurality of virtual components wherein at least one of the virtual components is capable of handling droplets of reactants associated with distinct chemical reactions concurrently. In a second aspect, a respective next cell is determined for each of a plurality of chemical droplets in the digital microfluidic system array, which may include droplets of reactants associated with distinct chemical reactions. In another aspect, a method, system, and program product for controlling chemical reactions in a digital microfluidic system in accordance with the present invention induce a chemical droplet of the plurality of chemical droplets in the digital microfluidic system array to move to the respective next cell determined for the chemical droplet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Eric Griffith, Srinivas Akella