Patents by Inventor Ray Hofmann

Ray Hofmann 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: 8152441
    Abstract: A reengineered undershot waterwheel adapted to capture unutilized hydrokinetic energy is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the blades, partitions, and shafts of the waterwheel are composed of engineered plastics and composites for improved operation and longevity. In other embodiments, the waterwheel may be fixed, floating, partially or fully submerged, mounted vertically or horizontally, and will operate in deep and shallow flowing water sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Ray Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20080279687
    Abstract: An improved waterwheel and methods for its use are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the waterwheel is an undershot waterwheel utilized for electrical power generation. In another embodiment, the waterwheel may be partially or fully submerged. The waterwheel of the present invention may additionally be utilized to provide potable water, oxygen and hydrogen gases. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Ray Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20050281999
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, structural and other composite materials have been developed which have superior performance properties, including high compressive strength, high tensile strength, high shear strength, and high strength-to-weight ratio, and methods for preparing same. Invention materials have the added benefits of ease of manufacture, and are inexpensive to manufacture. The superior performance properties of invention materials render such materials suitable for a wide variety of end uses. For example, a variety of substances can be applied to invention materials without melting, dissolving or degrading the basic structure thereof. This facilitates bonding invention materials to virtually any surface or substrate. Moreover, the bond between invention materials and a variety of substrates is exceptionally strong, rendering the resulting bonded article suitable for use in a variety of demanding applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Inventors: Ray Hofmann, Bruce Ackert, Craig Collins, Randy Meirowitz, Tyler Dylan