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).
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Patent number: 11932206Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: RIVIAN IP HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Cory Borghi, Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
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Patent number: 11745807Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 10, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Eric Griffith, Brian Gase, Kyle Mulligan, William Kirk Robinson, Chayan Mishra
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Patent number: 11673508Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventor: Eric Griffith
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Publication number: 20230074813Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Eric Griffith, Brian Gase, Kyle Mulligan, William Kirk Robinson, Chayan Mishra
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Patent number: 11498626Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Eric Griffith, Brian Gase, Kyle Mulligan, William Kirk Robinson, Chayan Mishra
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Publication number: 20220332258Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2022Publication date: October 20, 2022Inventors: Cory Borghi, Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
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Publication number: 20220194301Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2020Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventor: Eric Griffith
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Patent number: 11351927Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 12, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Cory Borghi, Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
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Publication number: 20220144351Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2020Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Eric Griffith, Brian Gase, Kyle Mulligan, William Kirk Robinson, Chayan Mishra
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Publication number: 20220126928Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Christian Elder, Eric Griffith
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Patent number: 11230326Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Christian Elder, Eric Griffith
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Publication number: 20210268967Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventors: Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
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Patent number: 11027661Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 11, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
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Patent number: 10870453Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 13, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Christian Elder, Eric Griffith
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Publication number: 20200148281Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2018Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Christian Elder, Eric Griffith
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Publication number: 20200148127Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2019Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Cory Borghi, Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
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Publication number: 20200148126Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2019Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
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Publication number: 20200148280Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2018Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Christian Elder, Eric Griffith
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Publication number: 20160038155Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2015Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventors: Ronald Eric Griffith, Martin John Griffith
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Patent number: 7693666Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteInventors: Eric Griffith, Srinivas Akella