Patents by Inventor Mark R. Hoffman

Mark R. 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: 11938326
    Abstract: Implantable medical systems enter an exposure mode of operation, either manually via a down linked programming instruction or by automatic detection by the implantable system of exposure to a magnetic disturbance. A controller then determines the appropriate exposure mode by considering various pieces of information including the device type including whether the device has defibrillation capability, pre-exposure mode of therapy including which chambers have been paced, and pre-exposure cardiac activity that is either intrinsic or paced rates. Additional considerations may include determining whether a sensed rate during the exposure mode is physiologic or artificially produced by the magnetic disturbance. When the sensed rate is physiologic, then the controller uses the sensed rate to trigger pacing and otherwise uses asynchronous pacing at a fixed rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun J. Yoon, Wade M. Demmer, Matthew J. Hoffman, Robert A. Betzold, Jonathan D. Edmonson, Michael L. Ellingson, Mark K. Erickson, Ben W. Herberg, Juliana E. Pronovici, James D. Reinke, Todd J. Sheldon, Paul R. Solheim
  • Patent number: 9658265
    Abstract: A high voltage digital voltmeter and wireless phaser includes first and second voltmeters/phasers. Each voltmeter/phaser has a probe for accessing a point in a circuit, circuitry connected to the probe and including a microprocessor, and a ground reference associated with the circuitry. Each microprocessor is programmed to measure line-to-ground voltage of the respective voltmeter/phaser. This information is shared between the microprocessors and is used to determine voltage measurements and phase angle difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: HD ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark R. Hoffman, James S. Buchanan, William John McNulty
  • Patent number: 9265331
    Abstract: A case for enclosing an electric device, such as a personal voltage detector is provided. Embodiments of the case can increase safety and convenience to wearers operating near high-voltage electric lines, and combine (i) the ability to wear the case in either an open or closed position around a user's neck, (ii) the ability to adjust the position of the case, when either open or closed, to an appropriate mid-chest or mid-torso position, (iii) the ability to use the device when the case is open and worn around a user's neck and the device is inside the case, and (iv) an electrically shielded enclosure. When closed, the case can disable the electric device, allowing the device to be always on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: HD Electric Company
    Inventor: Mark R. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20160041208
    Abstract: A high voltage digital voltmeter and wireless phaser includes first and second voltmeters/phasers. Each voltmeter/phaser has a probe for accessing a point in a circuit, circuitry connected to the probe and including a microprocessor, and a ground reference associated with the circuitry. Each microprocessor is programmed to measure line-to-ground voltage of the respective voltmeter/phaser. This information is shared between the microprocessors and is used to determine voltage measurements and phase angle difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Mark R. Hoffman, James S. Buchanan, William John McNulty
  • Patent number: 6209148
    Abstract: A buoyant water massage device for use in a swimming pool, the device having a body support structure capable of supporting a person's body at the surface of the water, where the body support structure has an opening through which pressurized fluid streams are directed against the back of the user reclining on the device by a fluid dispersal structure. The fluid dispersal structure is connected to a pressurized water source and an air entrainment apparatus and the fluid dispersal structure is disposed a distance below the body support structure such that the fluid dispersal structure does not contact the user's body. Preferably the fluid dispersal structure is adjustable longitudinally relative to the body support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Mark R. Hoffman, Royce Wettstein
  • Patent number: 6124714
    Abstract: A lightning arrester tester includes two tubular poles respectively carrying probe terminals, one probe terminal being connected in series through a high-voltage rectifier and high-resistance circuit disposed within the pole to one terminal of a DC microammeter mounted on the outside of the one pole, the other probe terminal being connected through a high-resistance circuit housed within the second pole to the other meter terminal. A diode is connected in parallel with the meter to protect the meter from high leakage currents. In use, the probe terminals are respectively connected to a high-voltage power transmission or distribution line and one terminal of an arrester, the other terminal of which is grounded or, alternatively, to ground and to one terminal of an arrester, the other terminal of which is connected to a high-voltage power transmission or distribution line. The meter displays DC leakage current through the arrester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: HD Electric Company
    Inventors: William J. McNulty, Mark R. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5291124
    Abstract: A tester applies a high-voltage test signal across the probes of a high-voltage measuring apparatus, wherein at least one of the probes is mounted at a probe end of an elongated insulated pole. The tester includes a battery-powered generator for generating the test signal which is applied across two contact terminals, respectively adapted for connection to the probes. One of the contact terminals is disposed at the bottom of an elongated tubular socket which receives the probe end of the pole, the contact terminal including two conductive members spring-biased apart until the pole is inserted in the socket. The generator is energized through a switch which may be mounted on the generator housing. In one embodiment the other contact terminal is an alligator clip and in a second embodiment the other contact terminal is disposed in a second socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: HD Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark R. Hoffman, Niels C. Pedersen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5130642
    Abstract: The ammeter includes a tubular housing with a hook-shaped sensor secured thereto at one end thereof and coupled to battery-powered digital ammeter circuitry disposed within the housing. The other end of the housing is open and receives telescopically therein a cylindrical cartridge which includes either a cradle or a recess supporting a replaceable battery and carrying connectors for connecting the battery to the ammeter circuitry. A universal spline coupler is telescopically received in a bore in the cartridge and projects from the tubular housing when the cartridge is disposed therein for coupling to associated equipment, such as a hot stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: HD Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark R. Hoffman, Niels C. Pedersen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5017739
    Abstract: A cable connector jacket formed of flexible, electrically insulating plastic is of unitary, one-piece construction, including two cavity-defining bodies hingedly interconnected in a clamshell-type configuration for movement between open and closed conditions. Each body has two pairs of channel-like tapered arms respectively extending in opposite directions therefrom generally parallel to the hinge line. When the bodies are in their closed conditions, the cavities define a chamber for accommodating the cable connector, and the arms of one body respectively mate with those of the other body to form four tapered tubes for respectively accommodating cable portions interconnected by the connector. A latch on the body holds the jacket closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: HD Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark R. Hoffman, Charles Y. M. Choi, Peder M. Pedersen, Niels C. Pedersen, Jr.
  • Patent number: D622956
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: HD Electric Company
    Inventor: Mark R. Hoffman