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).

  • Patent number: 7146577
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Mark S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6765796
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Hoffman, David C. Drahms
  • Publication number: 20040100773
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Mark S. Hoffman, David C. Drahms
  • Publication number: 20040032330
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Mark S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6564996
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Mark S. Hoffman, Vernon W. Tarbutt
  • Patent number: 6543683
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Mark S. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20020140714
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Mark S. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20020109007
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Mark S. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20020084320
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Mark S. Hoffman, Vernon W. Tarbutt
  • Patent number: 6394345
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Wilfried E. Y. Dejaeger, Mark S. Hoffman, Terence M. Glogovsky, Alfred J. Hutcheon
  • Publication number: 20010038035
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Wilfried E. Y. Dejaeger, Mark S. Hoffman, Terry M. Glogovsky, Alfred J. Hutcheon
  • Patent number: 6286758
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Wilfried E. Y. Dejaeger, Mark S. Hoffman, Terry M. Glogovsky, Alfred J. Hutcheon
  • Patent number: 6239700
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Hoffman Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Hoffman, Judd A. Hoffman, Ann Hoffman, David G. Doe
  • Patent number: 6213395
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Wilfried E. Y. Dejaeger, Mark S. Hoffman, Terrence M. Glogovsky, Alfred J. Hutcheon
  • Patent number: 5742233
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Hoffman Resources, LLC
    Inventors: Mark S. Hoffman, Judd A. Hoffman, Ann Hoffman, David G. Doe
  • Patent number: 5040636
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L. Forsythe, Mark S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 4724379
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 4178544
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 4178543
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Wrinn, Mark S. Hoffman