Patents by Inventor Michael Grant

Michael Grant 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).

  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CHARACTERIZING MICRO-FABRICATION PROCESSES
    Publication number: 20140320635
    Abstract: A system for assessing a structure and the tools and processes used to form the structure is described. 2D images of the structure are captured and processed to obtain 3D information concerning the structure. Both 2D and 3D information is then used to identify and analyze selected characteristics of the structure. This analysis allows for a quality assessment of the structure. The selected characteristics are correlated with information relating to the operation of the tool that carried out the process that at least in part created the structure. The correlation of tool/process information to structure characteristics allows for the generation of feedback that may be used to modify the tool or processed used to form the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Rudolph Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Thornell, Steven Knauber, Jatinder Dhaliwal, Justin Miller, Michael Grant, Kenneth Durden
  • System and method for exchanging encryption keys between a mobile device and a peripheral device
    Patent number: 8855310
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing additional security for data being transmitted across a wireless connection that has been established using a known wireless protocol (e.g. Bluetooth) are described. An encryption key is exchanged between a computing device (e.g. a mobile device) and a wireless peripheral device (e.g. a keyboard, a printer). In some embodiments, the encryption key is generated at one of the two devices. Data associated with the encryption key is output at the one device, which can be input by the user at the other device. The encryption key is then recovered at the other device from the input, thereby completing the key exchange. The encryption key can then be used to encrypt and decrypt data transmitted over the established wireless connection, providing additional security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Michael Grant Kirkup, Michael Kenneth Brown, Michael Stephen Brown
  • ADJUSTABLE LIMB SUPPORT FOR PERSONAL MOBILITY VEHICLES
    Publication number: 20140265508
    Abstract: An arm support for a personal mobility vehicle can include a first member having a first end that defines a first cavity, and a first attachment member that extends through the first cavity so as to define an axis. The arm support can further include a second member having a first end that is disposed within the first cavity such that the second member is pivotally attached to the first member by the first attachment member. The arm support can further include an actuator that extends through the first end of the second member and through the first cavity. The actuator can be operatively coupled to the second member such that actuation of the actuator causes the second member to pivot about the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Pride Mobility Products Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Grant, John Carminati, Matthew Tolan
  • System and method for controlling applications to mitigate the effects of malicious software
    Patent number: 8839421
    Abstract: Methods and systems for mitigating the effects of a malicious software application are disclosed. A dedicated module on the computing device receives from a malicious software detector a message indicating whether the application is malicious or has a malicious component. The dedicated module obtains a set of permissions to be granted to the application, and instructs software on the computing device that controls the permissions of the application to grant the set of permissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Oliver Whitehouse, Michael Grant Kirkup, Christopher Lyle Bender, Michael Kenneth Brown
  • METHOD FOR SUPPLYING POWER TO AN ELECTRICALLY ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140229067
    Abstract: A method for supplying power to an electrically assisted steering system is described. In one example, the method adjusts alternator field current to increase energy supplied to the electrically assisted steering system in response to an automatic engine stop request. The method may improve operation of the electrically assisted steering system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Allan Roy Gale, John Anthony DeMarco, Robert Michael Grant
  • System and method for controlling message attachment handling functions on a mobile device
    Patent number: 8804966
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling message attachment handling functions on a mobile device is described herein. An attachment handling control can be set to identify one of a number of selected attachment handling control modes. Depending on the attachment handling control mode identified, a request for the attachment structure that includes a decrypted session key for an encrypted message received at the mobile device may or may not be automatically sent to a remote server. This may provide the user with increased control over the content of an encrypted message that the remote server may access when determining the attachment structure for a message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Brown, Michael Kenneth Brown, Michael Grant Kirkup
  • System and method for retrieving certificates associated with senders of digitally signed messages
    Patent number: 8788812
    Abstract: A system and method for retrieving certificates and/or verifying the revocation status of certificates. In one embodiment, when a user opens a digitally signed message, a certificate that is required to verify the digital signature on the message may be automatically retrieved if it is not stored on the user's computing device (e.g. a mobile device), eliminating the need for users to initiate the task manually. Verification of the digital signature may also be automatically performed by the application after the certificate is retrieved. Verification of the revocation status of a certificate may also be automatically performed if it is determined that the time that has elapsed since the status was last updated exceeds a pre-specified limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Brown, Herbert Anthony Little, Neil Patrick Adams, Michael Grant Kirkup, Michael Kenneth Brown
  • System and method for retrieving certificates associated with senders of digitally signed messages
    Patent number: 8775798
    Abstract: A system and method for retrieving certificates and/or verifying the revocation status of certificates. In one embodiment, when a user opens a digitally signed message, a certificate that is required to verify the digital signature on the message may be automatically retrieved if it is not stored on the user's computing device (e.g. a mobile device), eliminating the need for users to initiate the task manually. Verification of the digital signature may also be automatically performed by the application after the certificate is retrieved. Verification of the revocation status of a certificate may also be automatically performed if it is determined that the time that has elapsed since the status was last updated exceeds a pre-specified limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Michael Stephen Brown, Herbert Anthony Little, Neil Patrick Adams, Michael Grant Kirkup, Michael Kenneth Brown
  • DEPLOYABLE FUEL TANK BAFFLE AND FUEL TANK SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140144914
    Abstract: A fuel tank baffle assembly is provided for installation in a fuel tank, the baffle assembly comprising a main body having a first end section, a second end section, and an intermediate section interconnecting the first and second end sections. Operably associated with the main body is at least one deployable auxiliary baffle structure. The auxiliary baffle structure is configured to be positioned in an undeployed state during installation into a fuel tank, thereby defining a first installation width of the baffle assembly. Following installation, the auxiliary baffle structure is deployed into an extended position, thereby defining an operational width for subsequent usage. The operational width is greater than the installation width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey Yager, James D. Anchak, JR., Michael Grant Lieblang
  • Method for supplying power to an electrically assisted steering system
    Patent number: 8727067
    Abstract: A method for supplying power to an electrically assisted steering system is described. In one example, the method adjusts alternator field current to increase energy supplied to the electrically assisted steering system in response to an automatic engine stop request. The method may improve operation of the electrically assisted steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Allan Roy Gale, John Anthony DeMarco, Robert Michael Grant
  • System and method for processing certificates located in a certificate search
    Patent number: 8719565
    Abstract: A system and method for processing certificates located in a certificate search. Certificates located in a certificate search are processed at a data server (e.g. a mobile data server) coupled to a computing device (e.g. a mobile device) to determine status data that can be used to indicate the status of those certificates to a user of the computing device, without having to download those certificates to the computing device in their entirety. The data server is further adapted to transmit the status data to the computing device. In one embodiment, at least one status property of the certificates is verified at the data server in determining the status data. In another embodiment, additional certificate data is determined and transmitted to the computing device, which can be used by the computing device to verify, at the computing device, at least one other status property of the certificates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Neil Patrick Adams, Herbert Anthony Little, Michael Stephen Brown, Michael Kenneth Brown, Michael Grant Kirkup
  • E-mail with secure message parts
    Patent number: 8719951
    Abstract: A method for preventing a recipient of an electronically transmitted message from taking at least one action in relation to the message is disclosed. The message has at least two parts with one of the parts having a higher level of security than the other part. The method includes the step of extracting information from the message. The information indicates that the higher level security part is not permitted to have the action taken on it while the other part is so permitted. The method also includes the step of preventing the higher level security part from having the action taken on it in reaction to said recipient making an offending request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventors: Michael Kenneth Brown, Michael Stephen Brown, Michael Grant Kirkup
  • Methods and systems for improved engine speed control during engine starting
    Patent number: 8710685
    Abstract: A system for improving engine starting is disclosed. In one example, an engine starting is improved by providing a variable load to the engine during engine starting. The variable load may be provided by controlling alternator field current during the engine start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, John Anthony DeMarco, Allan Roy Gale, Robert Michael Grant
  • Powertrain Delta Current Estimation Method
    Publication number: 20140095056
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, electrical loads, and at least one controller. While the engine is on, the controller calculates the change in current demand of the electrical loads expected from turning the engine off. The decision to command the engine off is then based on the expected change in current demand. Electrical loads that will change state from on to off when the engine is turned off will increase the expected change in current demand. Electrical loads that will change state from off to on when the engine is turned off will decrease the expected change in current demand. Operating conditions associated with the electrical loads, such as operating voltage, temperature, and speed, may affect the expected change in current demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Michael Rademacher, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Robert Michael Grant
  • System and method for determining a security encoding to be applied to outgoing messages
    Patent number: 8689286
    Abstract: A device comprising a processor is disclosed herein. In one broad aspect, the processor is configured to: determine whether a general message encoding configuration setting at the device is set to a first setting indicating that when a security encoding is to be applied to a message, the security encoding is to be established by a policy engine, wherein the established security encoding cannot be overridden by a security encoding selection algorithm at the device; and if the general message encoding configuration setting is set to the first setting, transmit the message to at least one message recipient via the policy engine such that the policy engine applies the security encoding to the message prior to the policy engine transmitting the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Michael Kenneth Brown, Michael Stephen Brown, Michael Grant Kirkup
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONNECTION CONTROL FOR WIRELESS MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICES
    Publication number: 20140087694
    Abstract: Systems and methods of connection control for wireless mobile communication devices enabled for communication via a plurality of communication connections are provided. Connection control information associates software applications with communication connections. When a connection request specifying a requested connection is received from a software application, it is determined whether the requested connection is permitted by the connection control information. Where the requested connection is permitted by the connection control information, the requested connection is opened. If the requested connection is a first connection opened by the software application, then the software application is associated with the requested connection in the connection control information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Michael Grant KIRKUP, Herbert Anthony LITTLE, David Paul YACH
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING AND UTILIZING ATTACHMENTS
    Publication number: 20140075191
    Abstract: A method of handling cryptographic information in a communication comprising body elements and attachment elements to a mobile device includes the steps of determining if the communication includes an attachment element comprising cryptographic information and converting the attachment element into a body element upon determining that the communication includes an attachment element comprising cryptographic information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
    Inventors: Herbert Anthony LITTLE, Albert HECHT-ENNS, David Francis TAPUSKA, Michael Stephen BROWN, Michael Grant KIRKUP
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVED ENGINE SPEED CONTROL DURING ENGINE STARTING
    Publication number: 20140055102
    Abstract: A system for improving engine starting is disclosed. In one example, an engine starting is improved by providing a variable load to the engine during engine starting. The variable load may be provided by controlling alternator field current during the engine start.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, John Anthony DeMarco, Allan Roy Gale, Robert Michael Grant
  • System and method for handling data transfers
    Patent number: RE44746
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing data transfers between a secure location and a less secure location. A data transfer checker operating on a mobile device determines whether an attempted data transfer between two locations is permitted. If it is not permitted, then the data transfer is prevented and the user may be notified of the data transfer prevention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Neil Patrick Adams, Herbert Anthony Little, Michael Grant Kirkup
  • Certificate management and transfer system and method
    Patent number: RE45087
    Abstract: A method and system for Certificate management and transfer between messaging clients are disclosed. When communications are established between a first messaging client and a second messaging client, one or more Certificates stored on the first messaging client may be selected and transferred to the second messaging client. Messaging clients may thereby share Certificates. Certificate management functions such as Certificate deletions, Certificate updates and Certificate status checks may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Herbert Anthony Little, Neil Patrick Adams, David Francis Tapuska, Michael Stephen Brown, Michael Grant Kirkup, James Andrew Godfrey