Patents by Inventor Michael A. Griffin

Michael A. Griffin 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: 7425343
    Abstract: A process and composition for controlling fecal hair excretion and trichobezoar formation in animals such as cats and rabbits is provided and includes feeding the animal a composition comprising from about 10 to about 42 wt % crude protein, from about 4 to about 30 wt % fat, from about 1 to about 25 wt % total dietary fiber, and a supplemental fiber source. The supplemental fiber source is present in amounts which provide from about 1 to about 13 weight percent of supplemental total dietary fiber. The animal is maintained on the diet for a sufficient period of time to control fecal hair excretion and trichobezoar formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: The Ians Company
    Inventors: Gary Mitchell Davenport, Gregory D. Sunvold, Gregory A. Reinhart, Michael Griffin Hayek
  • Patent number: 7361303
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing organic waste. The apparatus comprises a conveyor to move waste to a first chamber for weighing waste and purging oxygen, a second chamber for treating, sterilizing and reducing waste by reverse polymerization, and a third chamber for cooling reduced and sterilized waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Environmental Waste International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Kantor, Michael Griffin, Roman Ruginets, Douglas Norton
  • Publication number: 20070286912
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for promoting eye health by administering to a companion animal a composition comprising at least one polyphenol selected from the group consisting of rosemary, rosemary extract, coffeic acid, coffee extract, turmeric extract, cucurmin, blueberry extract, grapeseed extract, rosemarinic acid, tea extract, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jin Zhang, Michael Griffin Hayek
  • Publication number: 20070286925
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for promoting eye health in a companion animal. The composition comprising: at least one polyphenol selected from the group consisting of rosemary, rosemary extract, coffeic acid, coffee extract, turmeric extract, cucurmin, blueberry extract, grapeseed extract, rosemarinic acid, tea extract, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jin Zhang, Michael Griffin Hayek
  • Publication number: 20070271777
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for maintaining orientation of a manufactured part during a manufacturing process. The apparatus, system, and method include uncoiling a carrier from at least one supply reel and feeding the carrier into a manufacturing machine used by a manufacturing process to form a manufactured part. The apparatus, system, and method include forming the manufactured part onto at least one prong protruding from the carrier. The at least one prong and the carrier maintain orientation of the manufactured part with respect to the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Bart J. Storrs, Michael A. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20070271042
    Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes determining an amount of energy needed to change a first sample temperature of a first sample to a target temperature when a temperature changing element that changes the sample temperature is at the target temperature. Data associated with the amount of energy needed to change the sample temperature of the sample to the target temperature is then stored. The stored data may thereafter be used to quickly change a second sample temperature of a second sample to the target temperature, without having the second sample temperature exceed the target temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., MJ Research Division
    Inventors: Michael Griffin, Corey Lusher
  • Publication number: 20070089049
    Abstract: A system and method for paper-based, automated completion of forms allows a user charged with filling out multiple forms containing some common information to write each unique piece of information one time, and the system generates a set of completed forms with the required information on each form with no change to the use or structure of the current forms. The control module is operable on a processor to determine a mapping between common fields on multiple forms or multiple pages of the same form, copy information written in a field on one form to equivalent fields on other forms, and produce a set of completed forms. The system is computationally simple and independent of language because these operations can be performed without having to understand, translate or convert the writing. Furthermore, there is no loss of security or privacy beyond the use of paper forms because these operations can be performed without access to a centralized database and without connectivity to other systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Gormish, Michael Griffin, Max McFarland
  • Publication number: 20060184522
    Abstract: An evolutionary document system comprises: a multi-function printer, a recognition module, an evolutionary document processing module, a list of document identifiers and corresponding actions, and an evolutionary document creation module. The MFP includes software and control routines for processing and creating evolutionary documents. The recognition module is operable on the MFP and allows the MFP to determine an evolutionary document identification number from an image scanned by the MFP. The evolutionary document processing module is capable of matching an evolutionary document identification number to one or more steps or action stored in the list of document identifiers and corresponding actions. Once the actions have been identified, the evolutionary document processing module executes the actions. The present invention also includes an evolutionary document creation module for creating an evolutionary document including an identification code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Max McFarland, Michael Griffin, Jonathan Hull, Kurt Piersol
  • Publication number: 20060161562
    Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a Token and using it to operate and modify a case file in a document management system are described. An exemplary embodiment of a Token includes a representation of a case file. A Token may include a representation of a document associated with the case file, where the representation may include a brief description or visual summary of the document with an associated link to an electronic version of the document. In another exemplary embodiment, the Token may be used to facilitate retrieval and viewing of an electronic version of a document using its associated link. In another exemplary embodiment, the Token may be used to update the case file based on user input on the Token.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Inventors: Max McFarland, Robert Alexander, Michael Griffin, Jonathan Hull
  • Patent number: 7072941
    Abstract: A system and method for providing chat group services to wireless mobile terminals is disclosed. The chat forum permits integrated voice and text messaging. The system includes plural mobile terminals, each being capable of running a chat client application. A server complex is connected to one or more wireless carrier networks by way of a packet-based network, such as the Internet. The server complex includes server applications and components for supporting the chat group services and communicating with the chat clients on the mobile terminals. The system also includes features that permit the integration of legacy mobile terminals, communication with machine interfaces using a chat metaphor, and robustness and reliability of operation across various wireless operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: fastmobile, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Michael Griffin, Bashar Jano, Jin Woo Lee, Mihaela Kamenova Mihaylova, Christopher Robert Dale Wilson
  • Publication number: 20050279829
    Abstract: The method of the present invention changes the present day “value for value” methodology, system and process for the purchase of Stored Value Card purchases to a “value for greater value” or “value for greater perceived value” methodology, system and process by bundling the actual Stored Value Card product with coupons that would convey a value. The bundling of coupons, vouchers, and etc., with the Stored Value Card allows merchants to charge or allocate a certain fee for the coupon/voucher aspect of the Stored Value Card sale. This in turn allows merchants to transact and/or report and/or account for the sale of Stored Value Cards in a manner that avoids escheatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Griffin
  • Patent number: 6972022
    Abstract: A skin-marking device is disclosed that has a holder body and cap having a shape other than round, preferably triangular, to prevent the device from accidentally rolling off a flat surface. Measuring indicia is disposed on the device for accurately measuring distances. The device contains a dermatologically acceptable coloring agent for marking a patient's skin and one that may be selected from the group consisting of a radioopaque substance for x-ray diagnostic purposes, a fluorescent composition, a non-magnetic hydrogel for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging diagnostic purposes, a sterilizable gel ink, a combination of any of these, and a mixture of any of these. The holder body or cap may include a pocket clip or magnet attached thereto to permit the skin marker to be clipped inside a person's pocket or prevented from sliding off a magnetic drape or other magnetic surface, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Griffin
  • Publication number: 20050203555
    Abstract: Presented herein are various embodiments of a safety scalpel. According to one embodiment is a safety scalpel system including handle capable of coupling to a blade with or without a safety housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Griffin, Rodolfo Gaba
  • Publication number: 20050140270
    Abstract: A photon emitting device comprises a plurality of solid state radiation sources to generate radiation. The solid state radiation sources can be disposed in an array pattern. Optical concentrators, arranged in a corresponding array pattern, receive radiation from corresponding solid state radiation sources. The concentrated radiation is received by a plurality of optical waveguides, also arranged in a corresponding array pattern. Each optical waveguide includes a first end to receive the radiation and a second end to output the radiation. A support structure is provided to stabilize the plurality of optical waveguides between the first and second ends. The photon emitting device can provide a replacement for a discharge lamp device in various applications including road illumination, spot lighting, back lighting, image projection and radiation activated curing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: Gordon Henson, Bonnie Albrecht, Donald Larson, John Simbal, Michael Meis, Michael Griffin, Bruce Broyles
  • Patent number: 6826987
    Abstract: A cutting apparatus and method wherein a blade holder includes two blades which are each designed for cutting web material (e.g., dry film photoresist) in a reverse manner prior to application of the material to a substrate (e.g., dielectric-conductor structure) designed for eventual usage as a printed circuit board or as part thereof (e.g., if laminated up with other, similarly formed substrate members).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Ralph Case, Michael James Cummings, John Michael Griffin, Michael Vito Longo
  • Publication number: 20040151761
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions which are useful for a companion animal, wherein the methods and compositions utilize astaxanthin. The compositions comprise astaxanthin, wherein the composition is adapted for use by a companion animal. The methods are selected from the group consisting of attenuating inflammation, enhancing immunity, enhancing longevity, and combinations thereof, comprising administering to a companion animal a composition comprising an effective amount of astaxanthin. The companion animal is, in the preferred embodiment a domestic dog or cat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicants: The Procter & Gamble Company, The IAMS Company
    Inventors: Boon Peng Chew, Michael Griffin Hayek, Jean Soon Park
  • Publication number: 20040120987
    Abstract: A process and composition for controlling fecal hair excretion and trichobezoar formation in animals such as cats and rabbits is provided and includes feeding the animal a composition comprising from about 10 to about 42 wt % crude protein, from about 4 to about 30 wt % fat, from about 1 to about 25 wt % total dietary fiber, and a supplemental fiber source. The supplemental fiber source is present in amounts which provide from about 1 to about 13 weight percent of supplemental total dietary fiber. The animal is maintained on the diet for a sufficient period of time to control fecal hair excretion and trichobezoar formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Gary Mitchell Davenport, Gregory D. Sunvold, Gregory A. Reinhart, Michael Griffin Hayek
  • Patent number: 6739141
    Abstract: Refrigerant is circulated through a vapor compression system including a compressor, a gas cooler, an expansion device, and an evaporator. Preferably, carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant. The expansion device is a work recovery device which extracts energy from the expansion process and is coupled with a fluid pumping device that cools the refrigerant flowing through the gas cooler. The fluid pumping device pumps fluid through the gas cooler at a flow rate related to the energy extracted from the expansion process. The system provides a self-controlling mechanism to regulate the pressure in the gas cooler. If the pressure in the gas cooler increases, more energy is extracted from the expansion process, increasing the flowrate of the fluid pumping device, and decreasing the pressure of the refrigerant in the gas cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Tobias H. Sienel, J. Michael Griffin
  • Publication number: 20040054240
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (2) for the reduction of organic waste (4) in which the apparatus (2) comprises a conveyor (32, 40, 128) to move the waste (4) within the apparatus (2). There is also provided a first chamber (10) comprising weighing means to determine a weight of the waste and purging means to purge the apparatus of oxygen. A second chamber (12) comprises reduction means to treat, sterilize and reduce the waste for a first period of time and a third chamber comprises cooling means to cool the reduced and sterilized waste for a second period of time. There is also provided sealing means (18, 34, 36) to seal each of the first (10), second (12) and third (14) chambers from the other chambers and from exterior of the apparatus when in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Steven L. Kantor, Michael Griffin, Roman Ruginets, Douglas Norton
  • Publication number: 20040015553
    Abstract: A single content region in a chat history display is used to display entries representative of a plurality of messages corresponding to all chat histories for all of chat threads currently engaged in by a given mobile terminal. Additionally, a buddy list display supports management of chat buddies, a detail view display allows otherwise truncated messages to be displayed, and a text message editor display supports the composition of text messages. Each chat user may designate public display identifiers for purposes of identification to other chat users. Additionally, each user may designate private display identifiers for each of his/her buddies, which private display identifiers may be used to replace the public display identifiers for that user's buddies when displayed on the user's mobile terminal. In this manner, the use of speech and text based group chatting and similar services in wireless communication environments is more readily enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Chris Michael Griffin, Bashar Jano, Jin Woo Lee, Mihaela Kamenova Mihaylova, Christopher Robert Dale Wilson