Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Hoffman

Christopher J. 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).

  • Publication number: 20220008889
    Abstract: A change of state of weed seeds to having reduced germination viability in one minute by illuminating a seed in a processing theater to achieve at least one of 0.66 J/cm2 cumulative illumination energy, and 0.06 W/cm2 irradiance, of at least one of an Indigo Region Illumination Distribution (IRID), and Medium Wavelength Infrared (MWIR) radiation, preferably 2-8 microns, with no high energy transfers, scalding, heat shock, cooking or incineration. The MWIR radiation from heated borosilicate glass or glass powder at just under 500 C offered a peak MWIR emission of 3.75 microns, and was unexpectedly effective, and can be used in a radiant and transmissive weed seed accumulator transport belt. The process can be incorporated into a harvester combine to convert a tailings flow prior to discharge on an agricultural field. An illuminated harvest combine using an illuminator according to the invention allows reduction of the weed seed bank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Jonathan A. JACKSON, Christopher J. HOFFMAN, Norman E. NOVOTNEY, Joseph M. CARROLL, Patrick A. JACKSON, Remigio PERALES, Mark J. ELTING
  • Patent number: 7573713
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling electronic components are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward an electronic system that includes an electronic module having a container with at least two openings and multiple manufactured electronic components carried in the container. The electronic module is configured to operate reliably at or above a maximum manufacturer's suggested first ambient temperature while still maintaining the first suggested operating core temperature of the internal electronic module. The system further includes a duct in fluid communication with at least one of the openings and an exterior flow device coupled to the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignees: Pacific Star Communications, Portland Design Studio, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hoffman, Kevin O'Connor
  • Patent number: 5551447
    Abstract: A restraint device and lockable buckles therefore are disclosed which serve to secure a person's arms and legs, while providing for a limited amount of movement but only under complete control of an escorting person. The device includes an elongated belt having a hasp/belt buckle connection to secure the belt around the person's waist, arm restraints each including a tether and a handcuff, each arm restraint independently attached to the belt by a tether buckle, and optionally an adjustable leg tether with buckles for restraint of one or both legs. The buckles (and handcuffs) all have locks to control releasability of each restraint or tether, with the locks all preferably operable by a single key such as a handcuff key. Use of the tethers permits the person's arms or legs to independently have limited freedom for walking, fingerprinting, holding objects, etc., while remaining under the control of the escort. The length of the belt is adjustable, so that different waist sizes can be accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventors: Andrew T. Hoffman, Christopher J. Hoffman, Tracy D. Webster, John D. Arnold
  • Patent number: 5205247
    Abstract: An apparatus for cyclically actuating an actuation member in response to rotation of a cam shaft having a cam carried thereon is disclosed. The apparatus preferably includes a shaft capable of angular rotation through at least a predetermined arc, a cam follower carried by the shaft for rotation therewith and the cam follower pivotally connected to the shaft in a manner allowing reciprocation of the cam follower independent of angular movement of the shaft. The cam follower preferably having a first contact surface with the cam and a second contact surface with the valve operating mechanism. The first and second contact surfaces preferably formed as curved surfaces with a predetermined radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Christopher J. Hoffman