Patents by Inventor Steven M. Harris

Steven M. Harris 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: 8171286
    Abstract: A method for distributing a password protected content file without revealing the password to a recipient. An unlocking program that has access to at least one password corresponding to the password protecting the password protected content file is distributed to the recipient's computer. The password protected content file is distributed to the recipient's computer wherein upon activation of the unlocking program, the unlocking program automatically supplies the at least one password upon loading of the password protected content file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Steven M. Harris
  • Publication number: 20110030052
    Abstract: A method for distributing a password protected content file without revealing the password to a recipient. An unlocking program that has access to at least one password corresponding to the password protecting the password protected content file is distributed to the recipient's computer. The password protected content file is distributed to the recipient's computer wherein upon activation of the unlocking program, the unlocking program automatically supplies the at least one password upon loading of the password protected content file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Steven M. Harris
  • Patent number: 7877209
    Abstract: Rooftop cargo racks, otherwise simply known as roof-racks, provide an option for transporting cargo that does not use space inside a vehicle. However, despite the usefulness of roof-racks, once cargo is secured to a roof-rack on a vehicle there is the added potential for a collision between the cargo and some overhead obstruction—such as, for example only, a garage door, over-hanging sign, public parking structures, and tree branch. Previous collision avoidance systems that employ either ultrasonic acoustic or Doppler-based radar systems are poorly suited for detecting the potential of a collision between rooftop mounted cargo and an overhead obstruction. By contrast, aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods for reducing the risk of a collision between rooftop mounted cargo and overhead obstructions by providing a more suitable radar-based means for detecting overhead obstructions and warning drivers and, if present, passengers in vehicles when there is a risk of a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventors: Steven M. Harris, Amanda Brooke Cousins
  • Patent number: 7836301
    Abstract: A method for distributing a password protected content file without revealing the password to a recipient. An unlocking program that has access to at least one password corresponding to the password protecting the content file is distributed to the recipient's computer. A password protected content file is distributed to the recipient's computer wherein upon activation of the unlocking program, the unlocking program automatically supplies the at least one password upon loading of the password protected content file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Steven M. Harris
  • Publication number: 20080077327
    Abstract: Rooftop cargo racks, otherwise simply known as roof-racks, provide an option for transporting cargo that does not use space inside a vehicle. However, despite the usefulness of roof-racks, once cargo is secured to a roof-rack on a vehicle there is the added potential for a collision between the cargo and some overhead obstruction—such as, for example only, a garage door, over-hanging sign, public parking structures, and tree branch. Previous collision avoidance systems that employ either ultrasonic acoustic or Doppler-based radar systems are poorly suited for detecting the potential of a collision between rooftop mounted cargo and an overhead obstruction. By contrast, aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods for reducing the risk of a collision between rooftop mounted cargo and overhead obstructions by providing a more suitable radar-based means for detecting overhead obstructions and warning drivers and, if present, passengers in vehicles when there is a risk of a collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Steven M. Harris, Amanda B. Harris
  • Patent number: 7236345
    Abstract: A compact monolithic capacitive discharge unit (CDU) is disclosed in which a thyristor switch and a flyback charging circuit are both sandwiched about a ceramic energy storage capacitor. The result is a compact rugged assembly which provides a low-inductance current discharge path. The flyback charging circuit preferably includes a low-temperature co-fired ceramic transformer. The CDU can further include one or more ceramic substrates for enclosing the thyristor switch and for holding various passive components used in the flyback charging circuit. A load such as a detonator can also be attached directly to the CDU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander W. Roesler, George E. Vernon, Darren A. Hoke, Virginia K. De Marquis, Steven M. Harris
  • Patent number: 7004669
    Abstract: A system for clamping two tubular members together in an end-to-end relationship uses a split ring with a V-shaped outer rim that can engage a clamping surface on each member. The split ring has a relaxed closed state where the ends of the ring are adjacent and the outside diameter of the split ring is less than the minimum inside diameter of the members at their ends. The members are clamped when the split ring is spread into an elastically stretched position where the ring rim is pressed tightly against the interior surfaces of the members. Mechanisms are provided for removing the spreader so the split ring will return to the relaxed state, releasing the clamped members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Vaughn, Everett S. Hafenrichter, Agapito C. Chapa, Steven M. Harris, Marcus J. Martinez, Roy S. Baty