Patents by Inventor Charles G. Hoffman

Charles G. 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: 5485733
    Abstract: A magnetic lock has a latch magnet positioned on a pivotal latch. An axial section of the pivotal latch is attached pivotally to a latch housing at a latch axis. The latch housing is attached to an inside of a compartment closure that is closeable against a frame to which a latch plate is attached. A plate-contact end of the pivotal latch is extended outward radially from the axial section of the pivotal latch. An axial-end magnetic pole of the latch magnet is positioned proximate the axial section of the pivotal latch. An actuation-end magnetic pole of the latch magnet is positioned proximate the plate-contact end of the pivotal latch. A reset magnet is positioned on the latch housing at an opposite side of the latch axis from a latch-plate side of the pivotal latch. Magnetic poles of the reset magnet are positioned in like-pole-to-like-pole relationship to the latch magnet, such that the reset magnet repels the latch magnet to actuate the pivotal latch in a direction of engagement with the latch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Charles G. Hoffman