Patents by Inventor Robert Hoffman

Robert 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: 9568382
    Abstract: A force measurement assembly with damping is disclosed herein. The force measurement assembly includes a force measurement surface for receiving at least one portion of a body of a subject; at least one force transducer, the at least one force transducer configured to sense one or more measured quantities and output one or more signals that are representative of forces and/or moments being applied to the force measurement surface of the force measurement assembly by the subject; at least one base member disposed underneath the at least one force transducer or forming a part of the at least one force transducer; and a damping member disposed between the at least one base member and a mounting surface on which the force measurement assembly is disposed. A force measurement system that includes the force measurement assembly with damping is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Bertec Corporation
    Inventors: Necip Berme, Benjamin Robert Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20160371218
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a main printed circuit board (PCB) card can include a System on a Chip (SoC) configured to run an operating system stored on the main PCB card, at least one dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device and at least one non-volatile memory device each configured for use by the SoC, and at least one connector. The main PCB card can be configured to be interchangeably interfaced with multiple types of shell computing devices by way of a slot included in a shell computing device. The slot can be configured to accommodate the main PCB card. Each type of shell computing device can be of a different form factor. Each form factor can be representative of a different type of computing device. The at least one connector can be configured to be plugged into a mating connector included in a shell computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Katie Leah ROBERTS-HOFFMAN, Alberto Martin PEREZ
  • Publication number: 20160334288
    Abstract: A load transducer is disclosed herein. The load transducer includes a body portion having a plurality of sides, the plurality of sides of the body portion including a first side; a plurality of beam portions including a first beam portion and a second beam portion, the first beam portion being coupled to the body portion, the second beam portion being coupled to the first beam portion, and the second beam portion extending along the first side of the body portion; and at least one load cell disposed on one or more of the plurality of beam portions, the at least one load cell configured to measure at least one force or moment component of a load applied to the load transducer. A force measurement assembly including a plurality of load transducers with first and second beam portions is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Necip Berme, Benjamin Robert Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9470171
    Abstract: A method for determining a position of a lock element of an injection valve for an internal combustion engine includes moving the lock element in the direction of a locked position in a closing movement in order to lock the injection valve, subsequently measuring a closure time at which the lock element arrives in the locked position, determining a time difference between the closure time and a preceding starting time of the closing movement, and determining, based on the time difference, a position which the lock element has assumed at the starting time of the closing movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Matthias Ruβe, Robert Hoffman, Steffen Lehner, Hans-Jörg Wiehoff
  • Publication number: 20160245711
    Abstract: A load transducer is disclosed herein. The load transducer includes a plurality of beam portions connected to one another in succession, the plurality of beam portions being arranged in a circumscribing pattern whereby a central one of the plurality of beam portions is at least partially circumscribed by one or more outer ones of the plurality of beam portions; and at least one load cell disposed on one of the plurality of beam portions, the at least one load cell configured to measure at least one force or moment component of a load applied to the load transducer. A force measurement assembly including a plurality of load transducers with beam portions arranged in a circumscribing pattern is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Necip Berme, Benjamin Robert Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9404823
    Abstract: A load transducer is disclosed herein. The load transducer includes a plurality of beam portions connected to one another in succession, the plurality of beam portions being arranged in a circumscribing pattern whereby a central one of the plurality of beam portions is at least partially circumscribed by one or more outer ones of the plurality of beam portions; and at least one load cell disposed on one of the plurality of beam portions, the at least one load cell configured to measure at least one force or moment component of a load applied to the load transducer. A force measurement assembly including a plurality of load transducers with beam portions arranged in a circumscribing pattern is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Bertec Limited
    Inventors: Necip Berme, Benjamin Robert Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20160196220
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a method can include determining that a display monitor is operatively connected to a display port included in an operating system (OS) dongle, identifying at least one peripheral device operatively connected to the OS dongle, receiving, by the OS dongle, an indication of requested content from the at least one peripheral device, and responsive to receiving the indication of the requested content, obtaining the requested content from a computer system remote from the OS dongle. The obtaining can include operatively connecting the OS dongle to a network. The network can be operatively interfaced to the computer system that includes the requested remote content. The method can include providing, by the OS dongle, the requested content to the display monitor using the display port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Alberto Martin Perez, Katie Leah Roberts-Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20160106935
    Abstract: Breathprint sensor systems for verifying the identity of a person using gases produced by the person are disclosed. The breathprint sensor systems include one or more sensors having first response characteristics to compounds in gases and one or more processors being configured to receive a set of test data provided by the one or more first sensors based on an exposure of the one or more first sensors to gases produced by a person and determine whether or not the set of test data verifies the identity of the person. Some aspects of the disclosure relate to a smart inhaler system using a breathprint sensor to assist in delivery of drugs to users through inhalation. Methods for operating breathprint sensor and smart inhaler systems and computer-readable media for implementing the methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Muhammed Ibrahim Sezan, Eugene Dantsker, Ana Rangelova Londergan, Paul Robert Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9032817
    Abstract: A load transducer includes a central body portion; a plurality of beams extending outwardly from the central body portion, each of the plurality of beams including an end portion that is supported in a cantilevered manner from the central body portion; and a plurality of load cells, each of the load cells being disposed on one of the beams, the plurality of load cells configured to measure a plurality of force and/or moment components. In addition to being very accurate and reliable, the load transducer has a low profile and small size. This invention is easily manufactured using strain gage technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Bertec Limited
    Inventors: Necip Berme, Benjamin Robert Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20150110893
    Abstract: Formulations and wipes for imparting a sporicide to a surface are disclosed herein. To achieve the sporicidal efficacy of the product, a synergistic amount of an amine oxide surfactant and a mixture of oxidants is incorporated into the formulation. The operative sporicidal formulation contains a solvent, an amine oxide surfactant, a water soluble oxidant and a water insoluble oxidant. Typically, the formulation can contain about 0.05 to about 3.7 percent (by weight of the formulation) of an amine oxide surfactant, about 0.5 to about 4 percent (by weight of the formulation) of a water soluble oxidant, and about 0.1 to about 6 percent (by weight of the formulation) of a water insoluble oxidant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: David William Koenig, Douglas Robert Hoffman, Yang Huang, Aimin He
  • Publication number: 20150096387
    Abstract: A load transducer includes a central body portion; a plurality of beams extending outwardly from the central body portion, each of the plurality of beams including an end portion that is supported in a cantilevered manner from the central body portion; and a plurality of load cells, each of the load cells being disposed on one of the beams, the plurality of load cells configured to measure a plurality of force and/or moment components. In addition to being very accurate and reliable, the load transducer has a low profile and small size. This invention is easily manufactured using strain gage technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Bertec Limited
    Inventors: Necip Berme, Benjamin Robert Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20150064227
    Abstract: Formulations and wipes for imparting a sporicide to a surface are disclosed herein. Unexpectedly, a set of naturally derived ingredients have been found to combat and treat spore-based bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals. To achieve the sporicidal efficacy of the product, botanical extracts and/or botanical-derived ingredients have been incorporated into a sporicidal formulation. Example botanical extracts that demonstrated sporicidal activity include: Garcinia morella, Setaria italica, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Psoralea corylifolia. An example botanical-derived ingredient that demonstrated sporicidal activity included gambogic acid. Unexpectedly, use of these botanicals and/or botanical-derived ingredients on skin provided a sporicidal benefit. Other botanicals and/or botanical extracts were not found to have sporicidal efficacy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Robert Hoffman, David William Koenig, Zhe Shi, Yi-Jyun Lin
  • Patent number: 8865470
    Abstract: The present invention reagents and methods for setting up an instruments having a multiplicity of detector channels for analyzing a multiplicity of fluorescent dyes. The present invention is particularly applicable in the field of flow cytometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Ming Yan, Alan M. Stall, Joseph T. Trotter, Robert A. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20140087394
    Abstract: The present invention reagents and methods for setting up an instruments having a multiplicity of detector channels for analyzing a multiplicity of fluorescent dyes. The present invention is particularly applicable in the field of flow cytometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Ming Yan, Alan M. Stall, Joseph T. Trotter, Robert A. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8551517
    Abstract: The present disclosure comprises a polymeric substrate that provides multiple releases of active agents. A substrate for multiple phase delivery of active agents is provided having a first polymer matrix layer having a first active agent disposed therein, a second polymer matrix layer having a second active agent disposed therein, and a coacervate layer disposed between the first polymer matrix layer and the second polymer matrix layer. Selected first and second active agents are included in the first and second polymer matrices such that as the first and second polymer matrices dissolve, the active agents are released. Multiple phase active agent release is achieved by constructing multiple layers of a polymer matrix containing an active agents formed with polymers having different solubility characteristics or with active agents at different concentration levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Robert Hoffman, Andrea Jo Smiltneek, Sara Ann Carney, Scott W. Wenzel, David William Koenig, Jeffery Richard Seidling
  • Patent number: 8415161
    Abstract: The present invention reagents and methods for setting up an instruments having a multiplicity of detector channels for analyzing a multiplicity of fluorescent dyes. The present invention is particularly applicable in the field of flow cytometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Ming Yan, Alan M. Stall, Joseph T. Trotter, Robert A. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8318654
    Abstract: A cleansing composition is described. The cleansing composition generally contains an antimicrobial agent, a heating agent, and a thermochromic agent. During use, the heating agent heats the composition so that the antimicrobial agent becomes more effective. The thermochromic agent, on the other hand, changes the color of the composition as it is heated in order to indicate to a user that the composition is at a desired temperature. In an alternative embodiment, instead of containing a heating agent, a heating source can be used to heat the composition. The heating source can be, for instance, an electrical resistance heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Robert Hoffman, David William Koenig, Scott W. Wenzel, Philip E. Kieffer
  • Publication number: 20120197788
    Abstract: A payment processing network operator obtains, from customer service providers, a first plurality of messages specifying a plurality of bill payments to a plurality of biller entities. Said first plurality of messages specifies, for each of the bill payments, an amount and an intended one of the biller entities to be paid. Based on the first plurality of messages, the operator of the payment processing network dispatches, to the plurality of biller entities, a second plurality of messages to initiate the plurality of bill payments. The operator of the payment processing network obtains data that specifies when at least some of the first plurality of messages are to be obtained and/or when at least some of the second plurality of messages are to be dispatched. Obtaining the first plurality of messages and/or scheduling dispatching the second plurality of messages are carried out in accordance with the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: MasterCard International Incorporated
    Inventors: Hemal Sanghvi, Sridhar Ramalingam, Rich Ampleman, Robert Hoffman, Pauline Ow, Stephen Klaus, Gidget A. Hall
  • Publication number: 20120163946
    Abstract: A case handling apparatus receives cases on a conveyor, picks cases therefrom and stores them, via a robot, in a bookcase storage system. The robot retrieves cases from storage and drops them on a discharge conveyor. Alternately, the robot does not pick cases, which then transfer or pass directly through respective pick-point and drop-point stations to discharge. Preferably cases are introduced and discharged from the apparatus on a single conveyor whether picked or passed through. A variety of bookcase storage systems are disclosed as are related and other methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Kuka Systems Corporation North America
    Inventors: Robert HOFFMAN, Christian WURLL
  • Patent number: D755067
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Bertec Corporation
    Inventors: Necip Berme, Scott Zerkle Barnes, Benjamin Robert Hoffman, Sasan Ghassab