Patents by Inventor David S. Hoffman

David S. 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: 11640999
    Abstract: An x-ray detector can be small and have efficient cooling. In one embodiment, the x-ray detector can comprise a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) with upper electrical connections, a support, a cap, and a silicon drift detector (SDD). A planar side of the support can be directly affixed to upper electrical connections of the TEC. The support can have a non-planar side, opposite of the planar side, with a raised structure. A bottom face of the cap can be affixed to the raised structure, forming a cavity between the cap and the non-planar side of the support. The SDD can be affixed to a top face of the cap. In another embodiment, the non-planar side of the support can face the TEC. In another embodiment, a PIN photodiode can be directly affixed to a plate and the plate directly affixed to upper electrical connections of the TEC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Maynard, Shawn S. Chin, Jonathan Barron, David S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 11545333
    Abstract: A shield around an x-ray tube, a voltage multiplier, or both can improve the manufacturing process by allowing testing earlier in the process and by providing a holder for liquid potting material. The shield can also improve voltage standoff. A shielded x-ray tube can be electrically coupled to a shielded power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Hoffman, Vincent F. Jones, Eric Miller
  • Publication number: 20220320353
    Abstract: An x-ray detector can be small and have efficient cooling. In one embodiment, the x-ray detector can comprise a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) with upper electrical connections, a support, a cap, and a silicon drift detector (SDD). A planar side of the support can be directly affixed to upper electrical connections of the TEC. The support can have a non-planar side, opposite of the planar side, with a raised structure. A bottom face of the cap can be affixed to the raised structure, forming a cavity between the cap and the non-planar side of the support. The SDD can be affixed to a top face of the cap. In another embodiment, the non-planar side of the support can face the TEC. In another embodiment, a PIN photodiode can be directly affixed to a plate and the plate directly affixed to upper electrical connections of the TEC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Jason Maynard, Shawn S. Chin, Jonathan Barron, David S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 11398573
    Abstract: An x-ray detector can be small and have efficient cooling. In one embodiment, the x-ray detector can comprise a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) with upper electrical connections, a support, a cap, and a silicon drift detector (SDD). A planar side of the support can be directly affixed to upper electrical connections of the TEC. The support can have a non-planar side, opposite of the planar side, with a raised structure. A bottom face of the cap can be affixed to the raised structure, forming a cavity between the cap and the non-planar side of the support. The SDD can be affixed to a top face of the cap. In another embodiment, the non-planar side of the support can face the TEC. In another embodiment, a PIN photodiode can be directly affixed to a plate and the plate directly affixed to upper electrical connections of the TEC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc
    Inventors: Jason Maynard, Shawn S. Chin, Jonathan Barron, David S. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20220059308
    Abstract: A shield around an x-ray tube, a voltage multiplier, or both can improve the manufacturing process by allowing testing earlier in the process and by providing a holder for liquid potting material. The shield can also improve voltage standoff. A shielded x-ray tube can be electrically coupled to a shielded power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: David S. Hoffman, Vincent F. Jones, Eric Miller
  • Patent number: 11195687
    Abstract: A shield around an x-ray tube, a voltage multiplier, or both can improve the manufacturing process by allowing testing earlier in the process and by providing a holder for liquid potting material. The shield can also improve voltage standoff. A shielded x-ray tube can be electrically coupled to a shielded power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Hoffman, Vincent F. Jones, Eric Miller
  • Publication number: 20210175045
    Abstract: A shield around an x-ray tube, a voltage multiplier, or both can improve the manufacturing process by allowing testing earlier in the process and by providing a holder for liquid potting material. The shield can also improve voltage standoff. A shielded x-ray tube can be electrically coupled to a shielded power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: David S. Hoffman, Vincent F. Jones, Eric Miller
  • Patent number: 10964507
    Abstract: A shield around an x-ray tube, a voltage multiplier, or both can improve the manufacturing process by allowing testing earlier in the process and by providing a holder for liquid potting material. The shield can also improve voltage standoff. A shielded x-ray tube can be electrically coupled to a shielded power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Hoffman, Vincent F. Jones, Eric Miller
  • Patent number: 10945329
    Abstract: In order to reduce the amount of electrical insulation needed for voltage isolation of large voltages generated by a voltage multiplier, the voltage multiplier can be shaped to smooth out electric field gradients. The voltage multiplier can comprise multiple sections, each section located in a different plane. The voltage multiplier can comprise a negative voltage multiplier and a positive voltage multiplier, each inclined at different angles with respect to each other. The voltage multiplier can include a curved shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Miller, David S. Hoffman, Vincent F. Jones
  • Publication number: 20200105948
    Abstract: An x-ray detector can be small and have efficient cooling. In one embodiment, the x-ray detector can comprise a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) with upper electrical connections, a support, a cap, and a silicon drift detector (SDD). A planar side of the support can be directly affixed to upper electrical connections of the TEC. The support can have a non-planar side, opposite of the planar side, with a raised structure. A bottom face of the cap can be affixed to the raised structure, forming a cavity between the cap and the non-planar side of the support. The SDD can be affixed to a top face of the cap. In another embodiment, the non-planar side of the support can face the TEC. In another embodiment, a PIN photodiode can be directly affixed to a plate and the plate directly affixed to upper electrical connections of the TEC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Jason Maynard, Shawn S. Chin, Jonathan Barron, David S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10602600
    Abstract: An x-ray source can include a housing with material with an atomic number of ?42 and a thermal conductivity of ?3 W/(m*K) to assist in removing heat from the x-ray source and to block x-rays emitted in undesirable directions. An x-ray source can include a shell that is electrically conductive and that encloses at least part of a voltage multiplier without enclosing a control circuit to minimize or eliminate electromagnetic interference in the control circuitry caused by the voltage multiplier. An x-ray source can include a negative voltage multiplier, a positive voltage multiplier, and a ground plane between the negative voltage multiplier and the positive voltage multiplier. The ground plane can minimize or eliminate electromagnetic interference between the negative voltage multiplier and the positive voltage multiplier. An air-filled channel, associated with the ground plane, can reduce weight of the x-ray source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky B. Steck, Gordon Ernest Smith, Eric Miller, David S. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20200068693
    Abstract: In order to reduce the amount of electrical insulation needed for voltage isolation of large voltages generated by a voltage multiplier, the voltage multiplier can be shaped to smooth out electric field gradients. The voltage multiplier can comprise multiple sections, each section located in a different plane. The voltage multiplier can comprise a negative voltage multiplier and a positive voltage multiplier, each inclined at different angles with respect to each other. The voltage multiplier can include a curved shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Eric Miller, David S. Hoffman, Vincent F. Jones
  • Patent number: 10499484
    Abstract: In order to reduce the amount of electrical insulation needed for voltage isolation of large voltages generated by a voltage multiplier, the voltage multiplier can be shaped to smooth out electric field gradients. The voltage multiplier can comprise multiple sections, each section located in a different plane. The voltage multiplier can comprise a negative voltage multiplier and a positive voltage multiplier, each inclined at different angles with respect to each other. The voltage multiplier can include a curved shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Moxtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Miller, David S. Hoffman, Vincent F. Jones
  • Publication number: 20190348249
    Abstract: A shield around an x-ray tube, a voltage multiplier, or both can improve the manufacturing process by allowing testing earlier in the process and by providing a holder for liquid potting material. The shield can also improve voltage standoff. A shielded x-ray tube can be electrically coupled to a shielded power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: David S. Hoffman, Vincent F. Jones, Eric Miller
  • Publication number: 20190182943
    Abstract: An x-ray source can include a housing with material with an atomic number of 42 and a thermal conductivity of ?3 W/(m*K) to assist in removing heat from the x-ray source and to block x-rays emitted in undesirable directions. An x-ray source can include a shell that is electrically conductive and that encloses at least part of a voltage multiplier without enclosing a control circuit to minimize or eliminate electromagnetic interference in the control circuitry caused by the voltage multiplier. An x-ray source can include a negative voltage multiplier, a positive voltage multiplier, and a ground plane between the negative voltage multiplier and the positive voltage multiplier. The ground plane can minimize or eliminate electromagnetic interference between the negative voltage multiplier and the positive voltage multiplier. An air-filled channel, associated with the ground plane, can reduce weight of the x-ray source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Ricky B. Steck, Gordon Ernest Smith, Eric Miller, David S. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20190150257
    Abstract: In order to reduce the amount of electrical insulation needed for voltage isolation of large voltages generated by a voltage multiplier, the voltage multiplier can be shaped to smooth out electric field gradients. The voltage multiplier can comprise multiple sections, each section located in a different plane. The voltage multiplier can comprise a negative voltage multiplier and a positive voltage multiplier, each inclined at different angles with respect to each other. The voltage multiplier can include a curved shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Eric Miller, David S. Hoffman, Vincent F. Jones
  • Patent number: 7511624
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods using a temporal-frequency sensitive receiver to detect laser light that is scattered by an oscillating object, thereby allowing remote monitoring of the object's position and movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Montana State University
    Inventors: Joseph A. Shaw, Kevin S. Repasky, John L. Carlsten, Lee H. Spangler, David S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 4357049
    Abstract: A recliner chair having a seat and backrest rigidly interconnected to move as a unit and being mounted on a stationary frame for movement into reclining positions by the chair occupant pulling-off the armrests which are included as part of the stationary frame. The footrest mechanism is actuated to extended position when the seat and backrest unit is moved into reclining position by means of the linkage mechanisms which mount the seat and backrest unit to the main frame; the latter being effected through a drive transmission linkage interconnecting the footrest mechanism with the mounting mechanism of the seat and backrest unit. The footrest mechanism provides dual footrest or leg supports which are positioned generally in vertical planes one behind the other at the front of the chair when in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Inventors: Walter C. Rogers, Jr., David S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 4337977
    Abstract: A three-way, handle-operated, wall-avoiding, recliner chair with dual footrests. From closed position, the chair is operated to TV position by means of a handle connected to the footrest mechanism. The handle is also connected to a rear seat mounting link to move the seat forwardly to the base during which time a restraining mechanism prevents the backrest from moving relative to the seat. Once in the TV position, the restraining mechanism is no longer effective, and the occupant may exert pressure on the backrest to recline the seat further relative to the base while also moving the backrest forwardly relative to the seat as well as the base to avoid striking any nearby wall. Novel linkage mechanisms are provided for carrying out the above, and a spring mechanism is provided to lock the footrest closed against inadvertent actuation such as when the chair is being relocated and is being pulled by its armrests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Royal Development Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter C. Rogers, Jr., David S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 4226469
    Abstract: A handle-operated recliner chair has a seat mounting linkage consisting of two mounting links mounting the seat directly to a stationary base for movement between normal and reclining positions. A footrest is mounted to the front of the seat by a footrest linkage which is extended and retracted through means of a handle mounted relative to the seat to rotate a torque tube which is connected to the footrest linkage to operate the same. One of the links of the footrest linkage is directly connected to the front mounting link of the seat such that extension of the footrest will cause the seat mounting links to pivot forwardly to not only place the seat in an inclined position but also, to move the seat forwardly relative to the base to provide wall-avoiding action which comes in to play when the backrest is reclined to avoid striking a nearby wall with the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1980
    Assignee: Royal Development Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter C. Rogers, Jr., David S. Hoffman