Patents by Inventor Thomas Hofmann

Thomas 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).

  • Publication number: 20100040733
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilising the aroma of aroma-rich foodstuffs and their products by reducing the amount of phenols derived from decomposition of polyphenols contained therein. The invention also describes aroma-stabilized foodstuffs as well as their products having a desirable flavour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Imre Blank, Christian Milo, Josef Kerler, Christoph Mueller, Thomas Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7657522
    Abstract: A system and method for information navigation and filtration is provided. One or more query terms are received from a user. A preliminary relevance of one or more objects associated with an enterprise system is determined based on the query terms. The preliminary relevance may be propagated between objects. At least one rating is assigned to the one or more objects based on the preliminary relevance. An overall relevance of the one or more objects is established based on the at least one rating. The one or more objects are ranked according to the overall relevance. Data is provided as search results comprised of the one or more objects according to the ranking to the user. The search results may then be filtered based on at least one selected, dynamically generated filter. The filtered search results may be dynamically generated and provided to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Recommind, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Puzicha, Thomas Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20100008976
    Abstract: The invention relates to compounds having the general structural formula (formula I) for use in a diagnostic method or a method for treatment of the human or animal body by surgery or therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Westfallsche Wilheims Universitat Munster
    Inventors: Andreas Hensel, Thomas Hofmann, Alexandra Deters, Timo Stark
  • Publication number: 20090305142
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode grid for a lead accumulator, comprising a grid substrate (1) and a coherent, galvanically deposited, multi-layer coating (2) on the grid substrate (1), wherein the grid substrate is produced from lead or lead alloy and the multi-layer coating comprises at least two layers which differ in respect of their composition, of which one layer (A) is produced by galvanic deposit of pure lead and one layer (B) which starting from the grid substrate is arranged over the layer (A) is produced by galvanic deposit of lead with at least 0.5% by weight and at most 2.0% by weight of tin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicants: Deutsche EXIDE GmbH, DSL Dresden Material-Innovation GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Kramm, Harald Niepraschk, Hans Warlimont, Thomas Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20090256057
    Abstract: A laser crystallization apparatus and method are disclosed for selectively melting a film such as amorphous silicon that is deposited on a substrate. The apparatus may comprise an optical system for producing stretched laser pulses for use in melting the film. In still another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a system and method are provided for stretching a laser pulse. In another aspect, a system is provided for maintaining a divergence of a pulsed laser beam (stretched or non-stretched) at a location along a beam path within a predetermined range. In another aspect, a system may be provided for maintaining the energy density at a film within a predetermined range during an interaction of the film with a shaped line beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: Palash P. Das, Thomas Hofmann, Jesse D. Davis, Richard L. Sandstrom
  • Patent number: 7575809
    Abstract: A coated glass product includes a glass substrate and a porous antireflection surface coating including SiO2-based particles having a first particle fraction including a first characteristic particle size range and a second particle fraction having a second characteristic particle size range that is different from the first characteristic particle size range. In addition, a method for producing the coated glass product is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Flabeg Solarglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Walther Glaubitt, Monika Kursawe, Andreas Gombert, Thomas Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7564888
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed which may comprise a high power excimer or molecular fluorine gas discharge laser DUV light source system which may comprise: a pulse stretcher which may comprise: an optical delay path mirror, an optical delay path mirror gas purging assembly which may comprise: a purging gas supply system directing purging gas across a face of the optical delay line mirror. The optical delay path mirror may comprise a plurality of optical delay path mirrors; the purging gas supply system may direct purging gas across a face of each of the plurality of optical delay line mirrors. The purging gas supply system may comprise: a purging gas supply line; a purging gas distributing and directing mechanism which may direct purging gas across the face of the respective optical delay path mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander I. Ershov, James J. Ferrell, Thomas Hofmann, Daniel J. Reiley, Christopher R. Remen, Richard L. Sandstrom
  • Publication number: 20090175995
    Abstract: Control of flavor characteristics of and fresh taste in fruit juice, particularly citrus fruit juice, and especially orange juice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: TROPICANA PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Margaret Havekotte, Thomas Hofmann, Anneke Glabasnia, Cheryl Nagle, Michael J. Morello, Todd A. Rakofsky, Rachel L. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20090116530
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation for a high power broad band elongated thin beam laser annealing light source, which may comprise a gas discharge seed laser oscillator having a resonance cavity, providing a seed laser output pulse; a gas discharge amplifier laser amplifying the seed laser output pulse to provide an amplified seed laser pulse output; a divergence correcting multi-optical element optical assembly intermediate the seed laser and the amplifier laser. The divergence correcting optical assembly may adjust the size and/or shape of the seed laser output pulse within a discharge region of the amplifier laser in order to adjust an output parameter of the amplified seed laser pulse output. The divergence correcting optical assembly may comprise a telescope with an adjustable focus. The adjustable telescope may comprise an active feedback-controlled actuator based upon a sensed parameter of the amplified seed laser output from the amplifier laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: CYMER, INC.
    Inventors: Richard L. Sandstrom, Daniel J. W. Brown, Thomas Hofmann, Jason D. Robinson, Craig W. Unick
  • Patent number: 7529765
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention is that of efficiently and incrementally adding new terms to an already trained probabilistic latent semantic analysis (PLSA) model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Thorsten H. Brants, Ioannis Tsochantaridis, Thomas Hofmann, Francine R. Chen
  • Publication number: 20090041676
    Abstract: An anti-tussive nebulized solution for targeted delivery of lidocaine into conducting and central airways. A method for treatment of cough and tussive attacks or episodes using said lidocaine solution. A nebulized lidocaine solution administered in daily dose from about 10 mg to 80 mg of lidocaine dissolved in a saline and nebulized into an aerosol having a mass median aerodynamic diameter 3 ?m to 10 ?m and a geometric standard deviation less than 1.7 using an electronic nebulizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: THOMAS HOFMANN, ALAN BRUCE MONTGOMERY, KEVIN STAPLETON
  • Publication number: 20090004279
    Abstract: A method for improvement of tolerance for therapeutically effective agents delivered by inhalation comprising a pretreatment of a patient with a nebulized lidocaine or a lidocaine-like compound administered immediately or up to about thirty minutes before administration of the primary therapeutically effective agent. The pretreatment of the patient with the nebulized lidocaine or a lidocaine-like compound improves airway tolerance and deposition of the agent in the lungs and makes such deposition more safe, efficacious, controllable and predictable. The method of the invention is especially useful for enhancement of deposition of immunosuppressive agents in the lung(s) of transplant patients, improved tolerance of the drugs by reducing cough, and improving pulmonary drug deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Hofmann, Alan Bruce Montgomery, Kevin Stapleton, William R. Baker
  • Patent number: 7469832
    Abstract: A lens for illumination purposes is disclosed, in particular a lens for a headlamp for projecting the light emitted by a light source and reflected by a reflector in order to produce a pre-defined illumination pattern. Each lens is provided with an individualized code. For the purpose of coding, a laser is used, by means of which extremely small micro cracks are produced on the surface of the lens and can be read by means of a suitable reading device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignees: Schott AG, Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Steffen Koerner, Martin Dobrescu, Thomas Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20080287364
    Abstract: The present invention relates to bitter-taste receptors and their role in bitter taste transduction. The invention also relates to assays for screening molecules that modulate, e.g. suppress or block, bitter taste transduction, or enhance bitter taste response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Bernd Bufe, Thomas Hofmann, Dietmar Krautwurst, Christina Kuhn, Wolfgang Meyerhof
  • Patent number: 7452524
    Abstract: A method for improvement of tolerance for therapeutically effective agents delivered by inhalation comprising a pretreatment of a patient with a nebulized lidocaine or a lidocaine-like compound administered immediately or up to about thirty minutes before administration of the primary therapeutically effective agent. The pretreatment of the patient with the nebulized lidocaine or a lidocaine-like compound improves airway tolerance and deposition of the agent in the lungs and makes such deposition more safe, efficacious, controllable and predictable. The method of the invention is especially useful for enhancement of deposition of immunosuppressive agents in the lung(s) of transplant patients, improved tolerance of the drugs by reducing cough, and improving pulmonary drug deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Hofmann, Alan Bruce Montgomery, Kevin Stapleton, William R. Baker
  • Patent number: 7452523
    Abstract: An anti-tussive nebulized solution for targeted delivery of lidocaine into conducting and central airways. A method for treatment of cough and tussive attacks or episodes using said lidocaine solution. A nebulized lidocaine solution administered in daily dose from about 10 mg to 80 mg of lidocaine dissolved in a saline and nebulized into an aerosol having a mass median aerodynamic diameter 3 ?m to 10 ?m and a geometric standard deviation less than 1.7 using an electronic nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Hofmann, Alan Bruce Montgomery, Kevin Stapleton
  • Patent number: 7433372
    Abstract: A beam mixer for increasing intensity symmetry along a selected axis of a beam (wherein the beam extends from a first edge to a second edge along the axis) is disclosed and may include a plurality of mirrors establishing a spatially inverting path. For the beam mixer, the inverting path may have a beginning and an end and may be characterized in that a part of the beam near the first beam edge at the beginning of the path translates to the second beam edge at the end of the path. For this aspect, the beam mixer may further include an optic dividing the beam into first and second beam portions, the optic placing the first portion onto the inverting path and recombining the first and second portions onto a common path after the first portion has traveled along the inverting path thereby mixing the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20080199410
    Abstract: Methods and compositions to enhance mucus clearance and to treat of pulmonary lung disorders such as cystic fibrosis are disclosed. The methods utilize pulmonary surfactants, alone or combined with hyperosmotic agents, administered to patients in an amount effective to enhance mucus clearance. The compositions comprise a pulmonary surfactant combined with an osmotically active agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Mark E. Johnson, Robert Segal, Thomas Hofmann, Robert J. Capetola
  • Patent number: 7413867
    Abstract: The present invention relates to bitter-taste receptors and their role in bitter taste transduction. The invention also relates to assays for screening molecules that modulate, e.g. suppress or block bitter taste transduction, or enhance bitter taste response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Deutsches Institut für Ernährungsforschung, Stiftung des öffentlichen Rechts, Vertreten durch den Stiftungsvorstand
    Inventors: Bernd Bufe, Thomas Hofmann, Dietmar Krautwurst, Christina Kuhn, Wolfgang Meyerhof
  • Patent number: 7415056
    Abstract: A gas discharge laser system producing a laser output pulse and a method of operating such a system is disclosed which may comprise a pulse stretcher which may comprise a laser output pulse optical delay initiating optic directing a portion of the laser output pulse along a laser system output pulse optical axis and diverting a portion of the output pulse into an optical delay having an optical delay path and which may comprise a plurality of confocal resonators in series aligned to deliver an output of the optical delay to the laser output pulse optical delay initiating optic; an optical axis alignment mechanism comprising an radial mirror positioning mechanism operable to position the output of the optical delay to the align with the portion of the laser output pulse transmitted along the optical axis of the portion of the laser system output pulse transmitted by the laser output pulse optical delay initiating optic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: Palash P. Das, Thomas Hofmann, Gang Lei