Patents by Inventor Lee D. Hoffmann

Lee D. Hoffmann 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: 5419498
    Abstract: A material feeding system and method generates a specified continuous output from a variable quantity of discrete and separated units of input. The conversion from discrete units of input to a continuous stream of output is facilitated by a dispersing wheel positioned over the conveying apparatus, in a position blocking the advance of the discrete units of input. The dispersing wheel rotates in opposition to the direction of advance of the conveying apparatus, breaking up the units of input and dispersing them along the length of the advancing conveying apparatus. The dispersing wheel has an outer cylindrical surface, with teeth thereon, which teeth engage the material and, in combination with the advance of the conveying apparatus, disperse the material on the conveying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: FEECO International, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale D. Rasmussen, Lee D. Hoffmann