Patents by Inventor Mark S. Hoffman
Mark 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).
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Patent number: 7146577Abstract: Various forms of a signature capture terminal provide added flexibility, and easier access or use by disabled individuals. The signature capture terminal provides audio feedback to the user in response to user input. The audio feedback may take various forms such as secure audio, text-to-speech, and/or touchtone. User input may be entry of a PIN, a signature, or other data. In one form, input to the signature capture terminal is accomplished via a disability access device. The disability access device may be an overlay, a configured access card, or a specially adapted input terminal.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Mark S. Hoffman
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Patent number: 6765796Abstract: A cover attaches to a circuit board and has an inlet at one side for receiving forced air and plurality of openings on its top surface through which heat sinks mounted on the circuit board partially extend. Air is made to flow into the inlet and out the exhaust openings, thereby concentrating airflow in the vicinity of the circuit board's heat dissipative components.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hoffman, David C. Drahms
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Publication number: 20040100773Abstract: A cover attaches to a circuit board and has an inlet at one side for receiving forced air and plurality of openings on its top surface through which heat sinks mounted on the circuit board partially extend. Air is made to flow into the inlet and out the exhaust openings, thereby concentrating airflow in the vicinity of the circuit board's heat dissipative components.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Mark S. Hoffman, David C. Drahms
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Publication number: 20040032330Abstract: A pharmacy transaction system which identifies pharmacy items bearing radio frequency identification (RFID) labels. One form of the system includes an RFID label associated with a pharmacy item, a reader for reading the RFID label to obtain RFID label identification information, and a computer for determining prescription information associated with the RFID label identification information.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2002Publication date: February 19, 2004Applicant: NCR CorporationInventor: Mark S. Hoffman
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Patent number: 6564996Abstract: A system and method of generating a tender code for a purchase transaction and associating the generated tender code with both a payment and a produced digital receipt for the purchase transaction is described. The tender code may be assigned at several points in the purchase transaction. The digital receipt with the tender code is stored, preferably in a data warehouse. The data warehouse allows easy indexing of the digital receipt data including the tender code. The payment, such as a check, is encoded or affixed with the tender code such that the payment is correlated or linked to the digital receipt and thus the particular purchase transaction to which the payment applied. The tender code may be encrypted and/or contain auxiliary data. The auxiliary data may be device readable to allow a holder to access various information and/or data via an access device such as a document processing device.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Mark S. Hoffman, Vernon W. Tarbutt
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Patent number: 6543683Abstract: A system, method and apparatus provides a consumer means to access a digital receipt generated as a result of a purchase transaction and stored in a storage device. Additionally, the consumer is provided the means to access various applications, features, and/or functions related to the stored digital receipt. An address of the stored digital receipt is provided to the consumer in machine-readable form, preferably on a paper receipt for the purchase transaction that corresponds to the digital receipt for the particular purchase transaction. The address in machine-readable form allows the consumer to access the stored digital receipt by a machine operable to read the machine-readable form and connectable to the storage device. The address also allows the consumer to access applications, programs, features, and/or functions related to the stored digital receipt.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Mark S. Hoffman
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Publication number: 20020140714Abstract: Various forms of a signature capture terminal provide added flexibility, and easier access or use by disabled individuals. The signature capture terminal provides audio feedback to the user in response to user input. The audio feedback may take various forms such as secure audio, text-to-speech, and/or touchtone. User input may be entry of a PIN, a signature, or other data. In one form, input to the signature capture terminal is accomplished via a disability access device. The disability access device may be an overlay, a configured access card, or a specially adapted input terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: NCR CorporationInventor: Mark S. Hoffman
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Publication number: 20020109007Abstract: A system, method and apparatus provides a consumer means to access a digital receipt generated as a result of a purchase transaction and stored in a storage device. Additionally, the consumer is provided the means to access various applications, features, and/or functions related to the stored digital receipt. An address of the stored digital receipt is provided to the consumer in machine-readable form, preferably on a paper receipt for the purchase transaction that corresponds to the digital receipt for the particular purchase transaction. The address in machine-readable form allows the consumer to access the stored digital receipt by a machine operable to read the machine-readable form and connectable to the storage device. The address also allows the consumer to access applications, programs, features, and/or functions related to the stored digital receipt.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: NCR CorporationInventor: Mark S. Hoffman
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Publication number: 20020084320Abstract: A system and method of generating a tender code for a purchase transaction and associating the generated tender code with both a payment and a produced digital receipt for the purchase transaction is described. The tender code may be assigned at several points in the purchase transaction. The digital receipt with the tender code is stored, preferably in a data warehouse. The data warehouse allows easy indexing of the digital receipt data including the tender code. The payment, such as a check, is encoded or affixed with the tender code such that the payment is correlated or linked to the digital receipt and thus the particular purchase transaction to which the payment applied. The tender code may be encrypted and/or contain auxiliary data. The auxiliary data may be device readable to allow a holder to access various information and/or data via an access device such as a document processing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2000Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventors: Mark S. Hoffman, Vernon W. Tarbutt
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Patent number: 6394345Abstract: A checkout terminal includes a terminal base. The terminal also includes a scanner movably secured to the terminal base. The scanner is configured to be moved relative to the terminal base so as to be positionable between an assisted scanner position and a self-service scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform an assisted checkout transaction in which a first number of items are scanned with the scanner by retail personnel when the scanner is positioned in the assisted scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform a self-service checkout transaction in which a second number of items are scanned with the scanner by a customer when the scanner is positioned in the self-service scanner position. A method of operating a checkout terminal is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Wilfried E. Y. Dejaeger, Mark S. Hoffman, Terence M. Glogovsky, Alfred J. Hutcheon
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Publication number: 20010038035Abstract: A reconfigurable checkout system which is suited for self-service and full-service operation. The system includes a first portion including a dual-aperture bar code scanner rotatably mounted within the first portion. The dual-aperture bar code scanner is rotatable between a full-service position and a self-service position. The system further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion containing a bagging area for use in full-service and self-service checkout operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2001Publication date: November 8, 2001Inventors: Wilfried E. Y. Dejaeger, Mark S. Hoffman, Terry M. Glogovsky, Alfred J. Hutcheon
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Patent number: 6286758Abstract: A reconfigurable checkout system which is suited for self-service and full-service operation. The system includes a first portion including a dual-aperture bar code scanner rotatably mounted within the first portion. The dual-aperture bar code scanner is rotatable between a full-service position and a self-service position. The system further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion containing a bagging area for use in full-service and self-service checkout operations.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Wilfried E. Y. Dejaeger, Mark S. Hoffman, Terry M. Glogovsky, Alfred J. Hutcheon
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Patent number: 6239700Abstract: Wireless communication system for location of a person and identification of a distress condition of the person comprising portable transceivers (20) carried by persons, each having an associated alarm switch (40), the transceiver activatable locally and/or via a remote network and the alarm switch operable locally to activate the transceiver.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Hoffman Resources, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hoffman, Judd A. Hoffman, Ann Hoffman, David G. Doe
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Patent number: 6213395Abstract: A checkout terminal includes a terminal base. The terminal also includes a scanner movably secured to the terminal base. The scanner is configured to be moved relative to the terminal base so as to be positionable between an assisted scanner position and a self-service scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform an assisted checkout transaction in which a first number of items are scanned with the scanner by retail personnel when the scanner is positioned in the assisted scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform a self-service checkout transaction in which a second number of items are scanned with the scanner by a customer when the scanner is positioned in the self-service scanner position. A method of operating a checkout terminal is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Wilfried E. Y. Dejaeger, Mark S. Hoffman, Terrence M. Glogovsky, Alfred J. Hutcheon
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Patent number: 5742233Abstract: A signaling system comprises a portable signaling unit, a remote alarm switch device, a central dispatch station, and a wireless communication system such as a cellular or telephone system, etc., and a GPS or alike system. The portable signaling unit and the remote alarm switch may be adapted to be worn at different locations on the person's body. The remote alarm switch may be concealed in the form of a wristband or in the form of any other object such as a broach, pendant, or keychain. When the person in distress activates the remote alarm switch or when the remote alarm switch is removed from the individual by a forceful or unauthorized action or when the signaling unit is removed from the proximity of the remote alarm switch, the portable signaling unit sends a data transmission which includes its location to the central dispatch station. The portable signaling unit also has manual alarm trigger capabilities so it can be used without the remote alarm switch unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1997Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Hoffman Resources, LLCInventors: Mark S. Hoffman, Judd A. Hoffman, Ann Hoffman, David G. Doe
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Patent number: 5040636Abstract: A merchandise checkout work station is of generally L-shaped configuration as viewed from above, and includes a merchandise holding area, a work area for a scanner and a keyboard, a bagging area, an elevated writing surface, a purchase set-aside area and a support area for holding a printer and a card embosser, all arranged to be conveniently accessible to a checkout operator. Security panels are provided to define a working area for the operator.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1989Date of Patent: August 20, 1991Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Donald L. Forsythe, Mark S. Hoffman
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Patent number: 4724379Abstract: Relay multiplexer circuitry for making a limited number of test channels connectable to a large number of test pins through relays connected to selected test channel nodes and test pin nodes, each test pin node being connectable to a unique combination of test channel nodes within a group of pin nodes, channel nodes and relays, the number of pin nodes connectable to each channel node being substantially uniform within a group to efficiently use channels to reduce the possibility of conflict.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1987Date of Patent: February 9, 1988Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.Inventor: Mark S. Hoffman
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Patent number: 4178544Abstract: Circuitry for making electrical measurements with low level ac signals, featuring a transformer with a coaxial cable primary having its outer shield grounded to provide an electrostatic shield, and a probe cable for a three-tipped probe in which four wires are arranged in two twisted pairs, one tip is connected to a wire in each pair, and the other two tips are respectively connected to the remaining two wires.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1978Date of Patent: December 11, 1979Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.Inventor: Mark S. Hoffman
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Patent number: 4178543Abstract: Circuit board analysis system, featuring, in various aspects, a probe having three equally spaced tips to simultaneously contact a straight portion of a mounted IC lead, circuitry to monitor contact between the tips and the lead, use of very low level test signals while the board is powered up, and test signal injection to determine the absolute values of internal IC resistance.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1978Date of Patent: December 11, 1979Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.Inventors: Joseph F. Wrinn, Mark S. Hoffman