Patents by Inventor Edward K. Hoffman

Edward K. 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: 8310223
    Abstract: An electrical probe and associated method are provided to establish electrical contact with a wire. The electrical probe includes an elongate member extending between opposed first and second ends, and first and second needles connected to the elongate member and extending beyond the first end of the elongate member. The electrical probe also includes first and second conductors electrically connected to the first and second needles, respectively, and extending along the elongate member. The electrical probe also includes a bumper stop connected to the elongate member proximate the first end of the tube. Further, the electrical probe includes a movable engagement member extending lengthwise along the elongate member. The moveable engagement member includes a hook that extends beyond the first end of the elongate member and beyond the first and second needles. The hook may include a terminal portion configured to contact the bumper stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edward K. Hoffman, Thomas A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120043985
    Abstract: An electrical probe and associated method are provided to establish electrical contact with a wire. The electrical probe includes an elongate member extending between opposed first and second ends, and first and second needles connected to the elongate member and extending beyond the first end of the elongate member. The electrical probe also includes first and second conductors electrically connected to the first and second needles, respectively, and extending along the elongate member. The electrical probe also includes a bumper stop connected to the elongate member proximate the first end of the tube. Further, the electrical probe includes a movable engagement member extending lengthwise along the elongate member. The moveable engagement member includes a hook that extends beyond the first end of the elongate member and beyond the first and second needles. The hook may include a terminal portion configured to contact the bumper stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Edward K. Hoffman, Thomas A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7249964
    Abstract: A device for providing strain relief between an electrical connector and a wiring harness having wires or cables already joined to the contacts of the connector includes a T-shaped plate having axial and transverse members and a pair of opposing, inwardly facing, U-shaped structures disposed at opposite ends of the transverse member and extending at a right angle to the plate from a front edge thereof. The device is mounted on the connector with the U-shaped structures respectively straddling a corresponding mounting flange of the connector and a distal end portion of the axial member extending rearward over a portion of the harness extending rearward from the connector. The two rearward extending portions of the plate and harness are cinched together with a strap or the like. The device can be installed after the harness has been assembled without the need to remove the wires or contacts from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edward K. Hoffman, Brian J. Hupf
  • Publication number: 20030036298
    Abstract: A connector lock for securing and supporting a fully engaged connector assembly against disconnect even when subjected to vibrational forces experienced during launch into outer space. The connector lock includes a base portion and a pair of end portions extending substantially parallel to each other. Each end portion includes a pair of spaced-apart arms formed of flexible material and positioned so as to flex apart as a connector assembly is inserted between the arms. The arms snap back toward their original positions to prevent inadvertent release of the connector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edward K. Hoffman, Andrew D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6377433
    Abstract: A fuse/support assembly for attachment to an electrical bus includes a base plate having a substrate made of an insulator, a fastener bore extending through the substrate, and an electrically conductive path on the substrate. There is additionally an external connector structure. A fuse is supported on the substrate and has a first end in electrical communication with the external connector and a second end in electrical communication with the electrically conductive path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Nancy J. Condon, Edward K. Hoffman, John P. Stafford
  • Patent number: 6252691
    Abstract: A wireless intrasatellite communication system is disclosed. Satellite telemetry signals are multiplexed, converted into a digital data stream, and processed by an ASIC to form a multiplexed telemetry data stream. An infrared transceiver transmits the multiplexed telemetry data stream along an optical path to a designated interface that is associated with a remote command and telemetry unit. Telemetry signals are aggregated within a plurality of remote command and telemetry units and transmitted to a central command and telemetry unit via a high-speed digital bus. Command data issued from the central command and telemetry unit is distributed to a designated remote command and telemetry unit, and is routed to the appropriate user unit via the optical path. The user unit processes the command data and generates a responsive command signal output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Porzucki, David W. Lloyd, William R. Procopio, Edward K. Hoffman