Patents by Inventor David Hoffman

David Hoffman 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: 9223442
    Abstract: A system and method for hover detection and touch detection in a display. In one embodiment, a first set of infrared (IR) emitters illuminates the interior of a transparent layer and the IR light is confined to the interior of the layer by total internal reflection, unless an object, such as a finger, touches the surface of the layer. Additional IR emitters at a different wavelength illuminate the volume outside of the display for hover detection. Two sets of wavelength-selective IR sensors, such as quantum dot sensors, are embedded in the display and are used to localize one or more fingers touching, or hovering near, the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9199172
    Abstract: Challenge events and competition events are created and communicated to potential participants. The events are priced using a calculator that bases the price on the results of previous events and a catalog of reusable code assets using an analytics engine. One or more participants are chosen for the event by a selector subsystem. A solution is submitted by the chosen participant. The submission is evaluated, and scored in a challenge server layer. A payment application rewards the participant according to the event specifications and the scoring results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric H. Bokelberg, Blain A. Dillard, David A. Hoffman, Patrick D. Howard, Brian T. Paulsen, Jose A. Tano
  • Patent number: 9116197
    Abstract: A device is provided. The device may include a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, an interconnect, and a magnetic field detector. The interconnect is mounted in electrical contact with the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector and includes a loop. The magnetic field detector is located in proximity to the loop of the interconnect. The magnetic field detector is located to detect a current flowing in the interconnect when the current flows in the interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Robert Donald Lorenz, Jonathan David Hoffman, Patrick Erik Schneider
  • Publication number: 20150198512
    Abstract: A fluid properties measurement apparatus for use with a conventional high temperature high pressure test cell includes a load cell assembly and a drive motor that drives a rotating shaft magnetically connected to a vane assembly having multiple vane elements, wherein the motor rotates in response to reactive forces of a fluid sample and the load cell assembly measures reactive forces of the sample. In one embodiment, a stepper motor allows for precise shaft rotation. A method of measuring fluid properties includes frequent measurements throughout a complete rotation cycle of a vane assembly within a test cell. A system interference profile is generated which identifies stress variations resulting from various system components throughout the cycle. Measurements of a sample's fluid properties are likewise performed to obtain a profile. Comparison of the sample profile with the interference profile provides fluid properties measurement independent of stress variations resulting from various system components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: OFI TESTING EQUIPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Grafton Montgomery, Guadalupe Hernandez Serafin, David Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20150150435
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to calibration target devices, assemblies and methods for use with imaging systems, such as a stereoscopic endoscope. A calibration assembly includes: a target surface extends in three dimensions with calibration markers and a body with an interface that engages an endoscope so the markers are within the field of view. A first calibration marker extends along a first plane of the target surface and a second marker extends along a second plane of the target surface. The planes are different and asymmetric relative to the field of view as seen through the endoscope. Three-dimensional targets, in particular, enable endoscopic calibration using a single image (or pair of images for a stereoscopic endoscope) to reduce the calibration process complexity, calibration time and chance of error as well as allow the efficient calibration of cameras at different focus positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler J. Morrissette, Tao Zhao, Joseph P. Orban, III, Brian David Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20150122154
    Abstract: Pozzolanic cement compositions and method manufacturing the same are described. These cement compositions may include a pozzolanic material and an activator based on a salt of glycolic acid, glyceric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, malonic acid, glutaric acid, maleic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, or butyric acid, a retarder based on hepto-gluconates, sulfate salts, sugars, sugar acids, lignins, and/or an accelerator based on amines. The cement compositions may have less than 10% by weight Portland cement. The pozzolanic cement compositions including these activators, accelerators, and retarders can have improved properties such as longer setting time, better slump retention, and improved strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Ceratech Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan DIAZ-LOYA, Rajeshkumar PATEL, David HOFFMAN, Joseph TRZPEKOWSKI, Frederick KINNEY
  • Patent number: 9010449
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hot aisle/cold aisle data center fire suppression according to various aspects of the present invention include a detection system that is configured to be located proximate to a side of a computer cabinet facing a hot aisle and a discharge system that is configured to be located within a subfloor having a cooling airflow that is directed upwards from the subfloor through one or more vents in the subfloor and into a cold aisle. The detection system may be configured to detect a fire condition such as smoke exiting the cabinet and in response generate a signal that activates the discharge system. The discharge system may be configured to inject a fire suppressant into the cooling airflow, whereby the cooling airflow may facilitate delivery of the fire suppressant into the cold aisle and the computer cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Firetrace USA, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Eckholm, William David Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20150106975
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the identification and selection of loci modulating phenotypic expression of an aphid resistance trait in plant breeding. In addition, methods are provided for screening germplasm entries for the performance and expression of this trait.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Vergel C. Concibido, Susannah G. Cooper, Katy Hillard, David Hoffman, Ryan Rapp, Dennis Yang, Jennifer Yates
  • Patent number: 8987547
    Abstract: The present invention is directed, in various embodiments, to methods for characterizing soybean aphid biotypes, evaluating soybean plants for soybean aphid biotype resistance, producing a soybean plant having at least partial resistance to a soybean aphid biotype, and maintaining the biodiversity of soybean aphid biotypes from particular locations under laboratory conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Vergel Concibido, David Hoffman, James Narvel, Jennifer Yates
  • Patent number: 8939894
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to calibration target devices, assemblies and methods for use with imaging systems, such as a stereoscopic endoscope. A calibration assembly includes: a target surface extends in three dimensions with calibration markers and a body with an interface that engages an endoscope so the markers are within the field of view. A first calibration marker extends along a first plane of the target surface and a second marker extends along a second plane of the target surface. The planes are different and asymmetric relative to the field of view as seen through the endoscope. Three-dimensional targets, in particular, enable endoscopic calibration using a single image (or pair of images for a stereoscopic endoscope) to reduce the calibration process complexity, calibration time and chance of error as well as allow the efficient calibration of cameras at different focus positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler J. Morrissette, Tao Zhao, Joseph P. Orban, III, Brian David Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20140349767
    Abstract: A method and system for conducting a challenge event. The challenge event is communicated to at least two participants in a form of an event specification. A proposal for a solution that meets the specification is received from each participant. Only one participant is chosen from the at least two participants, based on the proposal previously received from each participant. The solution is received in a form of a document or computer code from the chosen only one participant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Eric H. Bokelberg, Blain A. Dillard, David A. Hoffman, Patrick Howard, Brian T. Paulsen, Jose A. Tano
  • Publication number: 20140349768
    Abstract: A method and system for managing a challenge event. At least two participants are selected to participate in the challenge event based on determining that the participants are expected to perform well in the challenge event. Selection of the participants utilizes data elements provided for managing the challenge event. Assets of computer code are provided to the participants for assisting the participants to deliver respective submissions as outcomes of participation by the participants in the challenge event. The challenge event is conducted with the participants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Eric H. Bokelberg, Blain A. Dillard, David A. Hoffman, Patrick Howard, Brian T. Paulsen, Jose A. Tano
  • Publication number: 20140343473
    Abstract: A glove is for the treatment and/or prevention of repetitive stress injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome includes an exterior fabric portion fabricated from synthetic polymeric material, and an interior fabric portion fabricated from pure metallic silver yarn joined to the exterior fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: NEW HAMPTON CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: David Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20140312968
    Abstract: A circuit includes a first input terminal for receiving a first pulsed voltage and a second input terminal for receiving a second pulsed voltage. The circuit further includes a load and an LC filter. The LC filter includes a coupled inductor pair that includes a first winding and a second winding magnetically coupled to each other. The first winding is coupled between the first input terminal and the load, and the second winding is coupled between the second input terminal and the load. A frequency of a first current flowing through the first winding is increased by the second pulsed voltage applied to the second winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: VERSATILE POWER, INC.
    Inventors: Alexandr Ikriannikov, David Hoffman, Noah A. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140304860
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for identifying soybean plants that are tolerant or have improved tolerance, or those that are susceptible to, iron deficient growth conditions. The methods use molecular markers to identify, select, and/or introgress genetic loci modulating phenotypic expression of an iron deficiency tolerance trait in soybean plant breeding. Methods are provided for screening germplasm entries for the performance and expression of this trait.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Vergel C. Concibido, Susannah G. Cooper, David Hoffman, Hongwu Jia, Thomas Jury, Bradley LaVallee, Roger L. Lussenden, Xianghai Ye
  • Publication number: 20140220202
    Abstract: A nutrient rich food-grade defatted corn germ flour derived from a dry-milled corn germ fraction is provided. The flour produced contains high levels of protein, dietary fiber, and amino acids and is low in fat. Furthermore, a method for preparing the flour by forming collets and removing oil from the dry-milled corn germ fraction is provided. The method includes: providing a dry-milled corn germ fraction; conditioning the fraction; flaking the fraction to increase surface area; adding water and steam to the flaked fraction; forming the flaked fraction into collets; removing oil from the collets by solvent-extraction; drying the collets; and processing the collets in a food-grade flourmill to obtain food-grade defatted corn germ flour with a desired consistency. The solvent-extraction process produces a miscella, a mixture of corn oil, hydrocarbon solvent, and water. The miscella may be processed through a distillation system to recover crude food-grade corn oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: David Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20140192023
    Abstract: A system and method for hover detection and touch detection in a display. In one embodiment, a first set of infrared (IR) emitters illuminates the interior of a transparent layer and the IR light is confined to the interior of the layer by total internal reflection, unless an object, such as a finger, touches the surface of the layer. Additional IR emitters at a different wavelength illuminate the volume outside of the display for hover detection. Two sets of wavelength-selective IR sensors, such as quantum dot sensors, are embedded in the display and are used to localize one or more fingers touching, or hovering near, the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8771257
    Abstract: A cannulated drug delivery sheath having an annular wall and having a channel located within and extending partially through the annular wall. The annular wall defines a first lateral recess and a second lateral recess that are configured to respectively seat first and second cassettes containing therapeutic agents. The first and second lateral recesses have at least one first inlet port and at least one second inlet port, respectively. Also within the annular wall of the sheath is a first and second manifold. The first manifold is in fluid communication with the channel at one end and in fluid communication with the at least one first inlet port at another end. Similarly, the second manifold is in fluid communication with the channel at one end and in fluid communication with the at least one second inlet port at another end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: David Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20140155880
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical probe connected to a control console, wherein the probe is capable of coagulating and ablating tissue depending on a selected operating mode. Before operating the system, probe-specific data stored in a memory device associated with the probe is read by a processing device in the console. The data includes source impedance values specific to a coagulation or cutting mode of operation. A constant duty cycle value for a modulated cutting mode also is provided. Depending on the operating mode selected, an RF generator adjusted to have a predetermined source impedance value provides a voltage value to the probe. During the duty-cycled mode, the RF generator generates an instantaneous voltage value output for a duty cycle portion that is less than 100% of a time period, which value is no less than a maximum continuous average voltage value for the electrosurgical probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Steffan A. BENAMOU, Andrew J. HAMEL, David HOFFMAN, David I. BRUBAKER
  • Patent number: 8672934
    Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical probe connected to a control console, wherein the probe is capable of coagulating and ablating tissue depending on a selected operating mode. Before operating the system, probe-specific data stored in a memory device associated with the probe is read by a processing device in the console. The data includes source impedance values specific to a coagulation or cutting mode of operation. A constant duty cycle value for a modulated cutting mode also is provided. Depending on the operating mode selected, an RF generator adjusted to have a predetermined source impedance value provides a voltage value to the probe. During the duty-cycled mode, the RF generator generates an instantaneous voltage value output for a duty cycle portion that is less than 100% of a time period, which value is no less than a maximum continuous average voltage value for the electrosurgical probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Steffan A. Benamou, Andrew J. Hamel, David Hoffman, David I. Brubaker