Patents by Inventor Stephen Hoffman

Stephen 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).

  • Publication number: 20110018331
    Abstract: A rocking and reclining seating unit includes: a base unit; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base unit; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base unit and substantially rearward of the seat; an extendable ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat, the backrest, the ottoman and the base unit, the reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links, the reclining mechanism configured to move the seating unit between (a) an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed, the backrest is generally vertically disposed, and the ottoman are generally vertically disposed and positioned below the seat, (b) an intermediate TV position, in which the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat and the backrest and the seat substantially maintain the same relationship as they have in the upright position, and (c) a fully reclined position, in which the angle between the backrest and the seat increases; a
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7874134
    Abstract: Each row unit of a corn head can easily be converted between a first mode, wherein only ears are harvested, and a second mode, wherein ears together with stalks are harvested. In the first mode, a pair of snapping rolls is mounted for operation beneath each row unit frame for grasping corn stalks and pulling them downwardly through a narrow throat defined by a pair of laterally adjustable deck plates mounted to a top surface of the row unit frame. In the second mode, the snapping rolls are either removed or disabled and at least one stalk cutting disk is mounted on one of a pair of gathering chain drive idler shafts, mounted at the forward end of the row unit frame, for rotating above the frame. The snapping rolls are disabled by adjusting the deck plates toward each other to close the throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Daniel Stephen Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20110011048
    Abstract: A conventional corn head comprises side-by-side row units, each including a frame supporting a pair of snapping rolls below a pair of gathering chains for guiding corn stalks to the snapping rolls which operate to detach corn ears from the stalks, which remain attached to the ground. The row units are each designed such that they can be easily converted for harvesting the entire corn plant by adding one or more cutting disks for being driven together with idler sprockets of the gathering chain arrangement so as to sever the corn stalks from the ground. The gathering chains can also be replaced by chains including stalk grasping arrangements so as to better convey the stalks to a cross conveyor located behind the row units. The snapping rolls can be removed and their drive shafts shielded by deck plates located below the cutting disks when the row units are converted for harvesting entire corn plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Stephen Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20100264702
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls the relative movement of the frame, the seat and the backrest between an upright position and a reclined position. In the upright position, the backrest is generally upright and positioned above the frame, and the seat has a first rearward position relative to the frame. In the reclined position, the backrest is reclined relative to the underlying surface as compared to its disposition in the upright position and the seat has a second forward position relative to the frame that is forward of the first rearward position. The footrest unit comprises at least one footrest and a footrest mechanism that interconnects the footrest with the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7762625
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls the relative movement of the frame, the seat and the backrest between an upright position and a reclined position. In the upright position, the backrest is generally upright and positioned above the frame, and the seat has a first rearward position relative to the frame. In the reclined position, the backrest is reclined relative to the underlying surface as compared to its disposition in the upright position and the seat has a second forward position relative to the frame that is forward of the first rearward position. The footrest unit comprises at least one footrest and a footrest mechanism that interconnects the footrest with the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7749519
    Abstract: Malaria in humans is caused by infection with Plasmodium species parasites including P. vivax. The biology and immunobilogy of P. vivax is distinct from that of P. falciparum. Provided are unique synthetic polypeptides and DNA molecules which encode them. Each of these molecules correspond to regions of the circumsporozoite protein of P. vivax. Each molecule comprises sequences corresponding to several repeats of the central region of the Pv 210 variant fused to sequences corresponding to several repeats of the central region of the Pv 247 variant. Each molecule additionally comprises sequences corresponding to either the amino terminus, the carboxy terminus, or both the amino and carboxy termini of the PvCSP. Also provided are vaccines comprising these unique sequences and methods of using these vaccines and sequences to prevent and treat Pv malaria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Kim Lee Sim, Stephen Hoffman, Myriam Arevalo, Socrates Herrera
  • Patent number: 7731276
    Abstract: A seating unit includes: a frame having arms on opposing sides thereof, the frame located in a first position relative to an underlying surface that supports the seating unit; a backrest; a seat; and a reclining mechanism attached to the frame, backrest and seat. The reclining mechanism comprises a series of pivotally interconnected links, the links configured and arranged to move the backrest and seat between an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed and in a first location relative to the frame and the backrest forms a first angle with the seat, and a reclined position, in which the backrest forms a second angle with the seat, the second angle being smaller than the first angle, and the seat is in a second location relative to the frame that is forwardly of the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20100127556
    Abstract: A reciprocating and reclining seating unit includes: a base unit with a first bearing surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base and substantially rearward of the seat; an extendable ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat, the backrest, the ottoman and the base unit, the reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links; a reciprocating mechanism attached to the base unit and the reclining mechanism, the reciprocating mechanism being configured to enable the seat, backrest and reclining mechanism to reciprocate relative to the base unit along a longitudinal path responsive to a longitudinally-directed force; and a power actuating unit attached to the reclining mechanism, the actuating unit configured to move the chair between (a) an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed, the backrest is generally vertically disposed, and the ottoman are generally verti
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20100127555
    Abstract: A gliding and reclining seating unit includes: a base unit with a first bearing surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base and substantially rearward of the seat; an extendable ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat, the backrest, the ottoman and the base unit, the reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links; a gliding mechanism attached to the base unit and the reclining mechanism, the gliding mechanism being configured to enable the seat, backrest and reclining mechanism to glide relative to the base unit along a longitudinal path responsive to a longitudinally-directed force; and a power actuating unit attached to the reclining mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20100127538
    Abstract: A rocking and reclining seating unit includes: a base unit with a first bearing surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base and substantially rearward of the seat; an extendable ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat, the backrest, the ottoman and the base unit, the reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links; a rocker mechanism attached with the base unit and the reclining mechanism, the rocker mechanism configured to enable the seat, backrest and reclining mechanism to experience a longitudinally-directed rocking motion relative to the base unit; and a power actuating unit attached to the reclining mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7669922
    Abstract: A reclining chair includes: a base; a seat; a backrest; and a reclining mechanism attached to the base, seat and backrest. The reclining mechanism comprises a plurality of pivotally interconnected links and is configured to move the seat and backrest relative to the base between a fully upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed above the base and the backrest is generally vertically disposed at a first angle to an underlying surface above a rear portion of the backrest, and one or more reclined positions, in which the backrest is disposed at a second angle to the underlying surface, the second angle being less than the first angle. One of the links of the reclining mechanism is a backrest support link that moves in concert with the backrest between the upright and reclined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus L. Murphy, D. Stephen Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7669921
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat; a backrest that includes a body and a headrest that is positioned above the body; a reclining mechanism that interconnects the base, seat and backrest that controls the movement thereof between an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed above the base and the backrest is generally vertically disposed at a first angle to the underlying surface above a rear portion of the backrest, and a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is disposed at a second angle to the underlying surface, the second angle being less than the first angle; and a headrest mechanism coupled to the reclining mechanism and attached to the body and headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20090235452
    Abstract: A sofa-bed includes: a frame with opposed arms; a backrest operatively connected to the frame; a seat; a subseat hinged to the seat and pivotable relative thereto; an extension-assist mechanism attached to the frame and at least one of the seat and the subseat; and a folding-assist mechanism attached to the frame and at least one of the subseat and seat. The frame, backrest, seat and subseat are configured to move between a folded position, in which the backrest is generally upright, the seat is generally horizontal, and the subseat is generally horizontal and positioned beneath the seat in a first inverted orientation, and an unfolded position, in which the backrest, subseat and seat are generally horizontal, and the subseat is positioned between the backrest and the seat in a second non-inverted orientation. The folding-assist mechanism is configured such that the sofa-bed is biased toward the folded position as the sofa-bed moves from the unfolded position toward a first intermediate position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy, Douglas Gasal, Robert Barron Duncan
  • Publication number: 20090072593
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a base configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat; a backrest that includes a body and a headrest that is positioned above the body; a reclining mechanism that interconnects the base, seat and backrest that controls the movement thereof between an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed above the base and the backrest is generally vertically disposed at a first angle to the underlying surface above a rear portion of the backrest, and a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is disposed at a second angle to the underlying surface, the second angle being less than the first angle; and a headrest mechanism coupled to the reclining mechanism and attached to the body and headrest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7503624
    Abstract: A press-back style reclining seating unit includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat fixed to the frame, the seat being generally horizontally disposed; a generally upright backrest positioned above the rear portion of the seat; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects the frame and the backrest and controls the movement of the backrest relative to the frame between an upright position, in which the backrest is generally vertically disposed, and a fully reclined position, in which the backrest is more reclined relative to the underlying surface than in the upright position. The reclining mechanism includes an actuating unit that enables the backrest to move to and remain in any partially reclined position between the upright and fully reclined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20080057085
    Abstract: Malaria in humans is caused by infection with Plasmodium species parasites including P. vivax. The biology and immunobilogy of P. vivax is distinct from that of P. falciparum. Provided are unique synthetic polypeptides and DNA molecules which encode them. Each of these molecules correspond to regions of the circumsporozoite protein of P. vivax. Each molecule comprises sequences corresponding to several repeats of the central region of the Pv 210 variant fused to sequences corresponding to several repeats of the central region of the Pv 247 variant. Each molecule additionally comprises sequences corresponding to either the amino terminus, the carboxy terminus, or both the amino and carboxy termini of the PvCSP. Also provided are vaccines comprising these unique sequences and methods of using these vaccines and sequences to prevent and treat Pv malaria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Kim Sim, Stephen Hoffman, Myriam Arevalo, Socrates Herrera
  • Publication number: 20080012396
    Abstract: A reclining seating unit includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat; a generally upright backrest positioned rearwardly of the seat; a footrest unit; and a reclining mechanism that interconnects and controls the relative movement of the frame, the seat and the backrest between an upright position and a reclined position. In the upright position, the backrest is generally upright and positioned above the frame, and the seat has a first rearward position relative to the frame. In the reclined position, the backrest is reclined relative to the underlying surface as compared to its disposition in the upright position and the seat has a second forward position relative to the frame that is forward of the first rearward position. The footrest unit comprises at least one footrest and a footrest mechanism that interconnects the footrest with the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20070169209
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for the production of attenuated aseptic parasites in haematophagous insects generally, and production of Plasmodium species sporozoites in Anopheles species mosquitoes specifically; apparatuses and methods for the production of strains of haematophagous insects with desired properties such as hypoallergenicity or hyperinfectivity; methods of producing a parasite strain that is capable of withstanding cyropreservation at temperatures close to freezing; apparatuses and methods for the injection of an attenuated parasite vaccine; production of parasites and haematophagous insects that are free from contamination by unwanted biological agents; apparatuses for the reconstruction of complex parasitic life cycles aseptically to avoid the contamination of the parasite or the insect vector host with unwanted biological agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen Hoffman, Thomas Luke
  • Patent number: 7207624
    Abstract: An ottoman convertible to a seating unit includes: a body; a seat associated with the body; and a lid pivotally attached to the body, the lid having an underside. The lid is movable between a closed position, in which the lid overlies the body, the seat is beneath the lid, and the underside of the lid faces generally downwardly, and an open position, in which the lid is generally upright and located above a rear portion of the body, the underside of the lid faces generally forwardly and forms the backrest of a seating unit and the seat is accessible for a seated occupant. The seat is inclined from rear to front. Typically, movement of the lid and the seat (if any) is controlled by one or more mechanisms that couple the seat and the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ultra-Mek, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Stephen Hoffman, Marcus L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20060188527
    Abstract: The invention pertains to methods for protecting against malaria infection by vaccination. The method of the invention involves priming an anti-malaria immune response with a DNA-based vaccine and boosting that response with a protein-based a vaccine. The method of the invention also relates to broadening the resulting immune response by boosting with a protein-based vaccine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen Hoffman, Ruobing Wang, Judith Epstein, Joseph Cohen