Patents by Inventor Benjamin R. Hoffmann

Benjamin R. Hoffmann 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 for constricting wall of a tube
    Patent number: 5845527
    Abstract: An apparatus for constricting an end of a metallic tube (or worktube) to form an arcuate-walled portion that has an outer surface is provided. The apparatus comprises a means for rotating the tube on its axis, a movable means for heating an end portion of the tube, and a forming rolling means. The forming rolling means includes a forming roller adapted for applying pressure on the end portion of the tube along successive lines of contact to constrict progressively the end of the tube. The movement of the forming rolling means is orchestrated with the movement of the means of heating. In a preferred embodiment, each line of contact has a substantially straight portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Tandem Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Hoffmann, David A. Staskelunas
  • System and method for constructing wall of a tube
    Patent number: 5598729
    Abstract: An apparatus for constricting an end of a metallic tube (or worktube) to form an arcuate-walled portion that has an outer surface is provided. The apparatus comprises a means for rotating the tube on its axis, a movable means for heating an end portion of the tube, and a forming rolling means. The forming rolling means includes a forming roller adapted for applying pressure on the end portion of the tube along successive lines of contact to constrict progressively the end of the tube. The movement of the forming rolling means is orchestrated with the movement of the means of heating. In a preferred embodiment, each line of contact has a substantially straight portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Tandem Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Hoffmann, David A. Staskelunas