Patents by Inventor Duane A. KAUFMAN

Duane A. KAUFMAN 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: 20250057305
    Abstract: A detachable pool brush equipped with a magnetic locking mechanism is disclosed. The brush is specifically designed to clean dirt and debris from the edges of a pool while ensuring surface protection. The brush comprises a brush head with detachable brush ends, a elongated removable handle, a magnetic ring locking mechanism to attach and detach the brush ends and a peg ejector to detach brush ends from brush head. The magnetic locking system includes a metal peg that locks with magnetic ring as the brush ends slide into the brush head. The peg ejector is attached to the brush head is used to disengage the metal pin from magnetic ring thereby detaching the brush ends from the brush head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2023
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Applicant: Protuff Products LLC
    Inventor: Michael Duane Kaufman
  • Publication number: 20250049384
    Abstract: An ultrasound bone densitometer employs transmitted ultrasound and laser stimulated ultrasound to provide a more complete measure of bone health. Sources of error including secondary laser stimulation, signal dependency on direction of laser light travel, registration, and signal chain noise are addressed in the construction of the densitometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2023
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Inventors: Richard Franklin Morris, Xueding Wang, Richard A. Hogle, Duane A. Kaufman, Ken Kozloff
  • Patent number: 12160944
    Abstract: Disclosed is a heating element for use with an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. The heating element is formed from heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. First and second portions of the heating element have different respective thermal masses. Also disclosed is an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus including such a heating element. Further disclosed is an article for use with an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, wherein the article includes such a heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2024
    Assignee: NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew P. Wilke, Benjamin J. Paprocki, Duane A. Kaufman, Thomas P. Blandino
  • Publication number: 20240389203
    Abstract: Disclosed is an article for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the article including: a malleable container defining a cavity; a mass of smokable material in the cavity; and heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the smokable material. Also disclosed is a system including: such an apparatus; and an article for use with the apparatus, the article including a container defining a cavity, and a mass of smokable material in the cavity; wherein the apparatus includes a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of the article, and a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field to be used in heating the smokable material when the portion of the article is in the heating zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Duane A. KAUFMAN, Raymond ROBEY, Benjamin J. PAPROCKI, John A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20240315342
    Abstract: An inductive heating arrangement for heating smokable material includes a susceptor arrangement, at least first and second inductor coils and a control circuit. The first inductor coil generates a first varying magnetic field heating a first section of the susceptor arrangement and the second inductor coil generates a second varying magnetic field heating a second section of the susceptor arrangement. The control circuit is configured so that when one of the first and second coils is actively being driven to generate a varying magnetic field the other of the first and second inductor coils is inactive, and so that the inactive one of the first and second inductor coils is prevented from carrying a current induced by the active one of the first and second inductor coils sufficient to cause significant heating of the susceptor arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Duane KAUFMAN, Thomas P. BLANDINO
  • Publication number: 20240314891
    Abstract: Disclosed is an article for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. The article includes smokable material and a cover around the smokable material. The cover defines an outer surface of the article that may contact the apparatus in use, and includes heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. A method of manufacturing such an article also is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew WILKE, Duane KAUFMAN, Raymond J. ROBEY
  • Publication number: 20240306704
    Abstract: Disclosed is an article for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. The article includes a mass of smokable material. An exterior of the article has a length (L), a width (W) perpendicular to the length (L), and a depth (D) perpendicular to each of the length (L) and the width (W). The length (L) is greater than or equal to the width (W), and the width (W) is greater than the depth (D).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas P. BLANDINO, Andrew P. WILKE, James J. Frater, Benjamin J. PAPROCKI, Duane A. KAUFMAN, Raymond J. ROBEY, John MILLER
  • Patent number: 12082606
    Abstract: Disclosed is an article for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. The article includes a mass of smokable material. An exterior of the article has a length (L), a width (W) perpendicular to the length (L), and a depth (D) perpendicular to each of the length (L) and the width (W). The length (L) is greater than or equal to the width (W), and the width (W) is greater than the depth (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas P. Blandino, Andrew P. Wilke, James J. Frater, Benjamin J. Paprocki, Duane A. Kaufman, Raymond J. Robey, John Miller
  • Publication number: 20240292829
    Abstract: A non-powered insect repellent device can include a heating element, a removable cover, an insect repellent element, and a housing. The heating element can include a chemical compound configured to generate heating energy via an exothermic reaction. The removable cover can be coupled with a portion of the heating element. The portion of the heating element can be exposed to air with the removable cover at least partially removed from the heating element. The insect repellent element can emanate insect repellent solution in response to the heating energy. The housing can define a cavity, a first opening, and a second opening. Air can flow through the first opening to the heating element. The housing is configured to provide vaporized insect repellent solution through the second opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Alex J. Wall, Christina Lee Brown, Josh Matta, Amber Martin, Hemant Betrabet, Duane Kaufman, Bryon Sande, Mike Andrew, Chris Eby, Doug Birkholz, Gopal P. Ananth
  • Patent number: 12082327
    Abstract: Disclosed is an article for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the article including: a malleable container defining a cavity; a mass of smokable material in the cavity; and heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the smokable material. Also disclosed is a system including: such an apparatus; and an article for use with the apparatus, the article including a container defining a cavity, and a mass of smokable material in the cavity; wherein the apparatus includes a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of the article, and a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field to be used in heating the smokable material when the portion of the article is in the heating zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: Duane A. Kaufman, Raymond Robey, Benjamin J. Paprocki, John A. Miller
  • Patent number: 12016393
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. The apparatus includes a heating zone for receiving an article, and a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heating zone. The article includes smokable material and heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the smokable material. The magnetic field generator includes a magnetically permeable core and a coil. The core includes a magnetically permeable first portion and magnetically permeable first and second arms extending from the first portion. The coil is wound around the first portion of the core. The first and second arms of the core are on different sides of the heating zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: Duane A. Kaufman, Andrew P. Wilke, Thomas P. Blandino, James J. Frater, Raymond J. Robey
  • Patent number: 11937643
    Abstract: An inductive heating arrangement for heating smokable material includes a susceptor arrangement, at least first and second inductor coils and a control circuit. The first inductor coil generates a first varying magnetic field heating a first section of the susceptor arrangement and the second inductor coil generates a second varying magnetic field heating a second section of the susceptor arrangement. The control circuit is configured so that when one of the first and second coils is actively being driven to generate a varying magnetic field the other of the first and second inductor coils is inactive, and so that the inactive one of the first and second inductor coils is prevented from carrying a current induced by the active one of the first and second inductor coils sufficient to cause significant heating of the susceptor arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: Duane Kaufman, Thomas P. Blandino
  • Patent number: 11924930
    Abstract: Disclosed is an article for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. The article includes smokable material and a cover around the smokable material. The cover defines an outer surface of the article that may contact the apparatus in use, and includes heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field. A method of manufacturing such an article also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew P. Wilke, Duane A. Kaufman, Raymond J. Robey
  • Publication number: 20230141743
    Abstract: An inductive heating arrangement for heating smokable material includes a susceptor arrangement, at least first and second inductor coils and a control circuit. The first inductor coil generates a first varying magnetic field heating a first section of the susceptor arrangement and the second inductor coil generates a second varying magnetic field heating a second section of the susceptor arrangement. The control circuit is configured so that when one of the first and second coils is actively being driven to generate a varying magnetic field the other of the first and second inductor coils is inactive, and so that the inactive one of the first and second inductor coils is prevented from carrying a current induced by the active one of the first and second inductor coils sufficient to cause significant heating of the susceptor arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Duane KAUFMAN, Thomas P. BLANDINO
  • Patent number: 11589614
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cartridge for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the cartridge including: a container defining a cavity, and smokable material located in the cavity, wherein the cartridge includes heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the smokable material. Also disclosed is apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus including: an interface for cooperating with an article comprising smokable material, a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field for penetrating the article when the interface is cooperating with the article, and a device for puncturing the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
    Inventors: Duane A. Kaufman, Raymond J. Robey, Benjamin J. Paprocki
  • Publication number: 20230007963
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cartridge for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the cartridge including: a container defining a cavity, and smokable material located in the cavity, wherein the cartridge includes heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the smokable material. Also disclosed is apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material, the apparatus including: an interface for cooperating with an article comprising smokable material, a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field for penetrating the article when the interface is cooperating with the article, and a device for puncturing the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Duane A. KAUFMAN, Raymond J. ROBEY, Benjamin J. PAPROCKI
  • Publication number: 20230000163
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. The apparatus includes a heating zone for receiving an article, and a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heating zone. The article includes smokable material and heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the smokable material. The magnetic field generator includes a magnetically permeable core and a coil. The core includes a magnetically permeable first portion and magnetically permeable first and second arms extending from the first portion. The coil is wound around the first portion of the core. The first and second arms of the core are on different sides of the heating zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Duane A. KAUFMAN, Andrew P. WILKE, Thomas P. BLANDINO, James J. FRATER, Raymond J. ROBEY
  • Patent number: 11470883
    Abstract: An inductive heating arrangement for heating smokable material includes a susceptor arrangement, at least first and second inductor coils and a control circuit. The first inductor coil generates a first varying magnetic field heating a first section of the susceptor arrangement and the second inductor coil generates a second varying magnetic field heating a second section of the susceptor arrangement. The control circuit is configured so that when one of the first and second coils is actively being driven to generate a varying magnetic field the other of the first and second inductor coils is inactive, and so that the inactive one of the first and second inductor coils is prevented from carrying a current induced by the active one of the first and second inductor coils sufficient to cause significant heating of the susceptor arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
    Inventors: Duane Kaufman, Thomas P. Blandino
  • Patent number: 11452313
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. The apparatus includes a heating zone for receiving an article (1, 2, 3), and a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field that penetrates the heating zone. The article includes smokable material and heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the smokable material. The magnetic field generator includes a magnetically permeable core and a coil. The core includes a magnetically permeable first portion and magnetically permeable first and second arms extending from the first portion. The coil is wound around the first portion of the core. The first and second arms of the core are on different sides of the heating zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: NICOVENTURES TRADING LIMITED
    Inventors: Duane A. Kaufman, Andrew P. Wilke, Thomas P. Blandino, James J. Frater, Raymond J. Robey
  • Publication number: 20220117294
    Abstract: Disclosed is an article for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. The article includes a mass of smokable material. An exterior of the article has a length (L), a width (W) perpendicular to the length (L), and a depth (D) perpendicular to each of the length (L) and the width (W). The length (L) is greater than or equal to the width (W), and the width (W) is greater than the depth (D).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas P. BLANDINO, Andrew P. WILKE, James J. FRATER, Benjamin J. PAPROCKI, Duane A. KAUFMAN, Raymond J. ROBEY, John Miller