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Hofman

Albert Hofman, Rotterdam NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110312534METHOD FOR PREDICTION OF HUMAN IRIS COLOR - A method for predicting the iris color of a human, the method comprising: 12-22-2011

Bjorn Hofman, Morris Plains, NJ US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110144216COMPOSITIONS AND USES OF CIS-1,1,1,4,4,4-HEXAFLUORO-2-BUTENE - This invention relates to compositions, methods and systems having utility in numerous applications, and in particular, uses for compositions containing the compound cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (Z-HFO-1336mzzm), which has the following structure:06-16-2011
20120064208AZEOTROPIC POST-HARVEST FUMIGATION COMPOSITIONS OF METHYL IODIDE - The present technology relates to fumigant compositions and fumigation processes, and particularly to processes for the fumigation of perishable products. The fumigant compositions comprise an azeotropic and azeotrope-like composition of methyl iodide and at least one fluorocarbon or hydrofluorocarbon. The fumigation methods include providing a fumigant composition and applying the fumigant composition to a perishable product.03-15-2012

Florence Hofman, Venice, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100239596GRP78 AND TUMOR ANGIOGENESIS - Methods of preventing or reducing tumor angiogenesis in a subject, comprising administering to the subject one or more agents that inhibit expression or activity of GRP78 are provided. Also provided are methods of sensitizing tumor blood vessels to a chemotherapeutic agent comprising administering to the subject one or more agents that inhibit expression or activity of GRP78. Provided is also a method of reducing tumor microvessel density in a subject, comprising selecting a subject with a tumor, wherein the subject is in need of reduction of tumor microvessel density, and administering to the subject one or more agents that inhibit expression or activity of GRP78.09-23-2010

Florence M. Hofman, Venice, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090062227METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR INDUCING APOPTOSIS BY STIMULATING ER STRESS - The present invention provides a method for inducing apoptosis in selected cells by aggravating ER-stress. The aggravation of ER-stress is achieved in a specific manner by inhibiting SERCA (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase), leading to elevated level of cytoplasmic calcium concentration, yet without inhibiting the activity of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) or triggering the release of histamine. Induction of apoptosis may be enhanced by first inducing or further aggravating ER-stress through inhibition of proteasome or proteases. Also provided are compounds and compositions useful as ER-stress aggravating agents, methods for screening, selecting, identifying and designing the same and methods for treating diseased conditions by inducing apoptosis through specific and selective aggravation of ER-stress.03-05-2009
20110318837METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR INDUCING APOPTOSIS BY STIMULATING ER STRESS - The present invention provides a method for inducing apoptosis in selected cells by aggravating ER-stress. The aggravation of ER-stress is achieved in a specific manner by inhibiting SERCA (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase), leading to elevated level of cytoplasmic calcium concentration, yet without inhibiting the activity of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) or triggering the release of histamine. Induction of apoptosis may be enhanced by first inducing or further aggravating ER-stress through inhibition of proteasome or proteases. Also provided are compounds and compositions useful as ER-stress aggravating agents, methods for screening, selecting, identifying and designing the same and methods for treating diseased conditions by inducing apoptosis through specific and selective aggravation of ER-stress.12-29-2011
20140295549METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR INDUCING APOPTOSIS BY STIMULATING ER STRESS - The present invention provides a method for inducing apoptosis in selected cells by aggravating ER-stress. The aggravation of ER-stress is achieved in a specific manner by inhibiting SERCA (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase), leading to elevated level of cytoplasmic calcium concentration, yet without inhibiting the activity of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) or triggering the release of histamine. Induction of apoptosis may be enhanced by first inducing or further aggravating ER-stress through inhibition of proteasome or proteases. Also provided are compounds and compositions useful as ER-stress aggravating agents, methods for screening, selecting, identifying and designing the same and methods for treating diseased conditions by inducing apoptosis through specific and selective aggravation of ER-stress.10-02-2014
20150209361MAO Inhibitors and Their Conjugates as Therapeutics For The Treatment of Brain Cancer - A pharmaceutical composition and method for treating brain cancer are provided. The method includes administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of one or more compounds that include moclobemide, clorgyline, clorgyline's Near-infra-red dye Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (NMI), and MHI 148-clorgyline, and their salt thereof. The composition and method are particularly effective in reducing the size of glioblastomas that are temozolomide (TMZ) resistant.07-30-2015

Patent applications by Florence M. Hofman, Venice, CA US

Florence M. Hofman, Los Angeles, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140288115COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING BRAIN CANCER - It is discovered that noscapine is effective in treating temozolomide (TMZ)-resistant brain cancer. Provided are compositions and methods of treating brain cancer patients, in particular those that are TMZ-resistant. The patients are treated by administration of a therapeutically effective amount of noscapine or an analog thereof. In certain aspects, TMZ is also administered to the patients. Examples of brain cancers include glioma such as glioblastoma multiforme.09-25-2014

Franz Hofman, Muenchen DE

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120181609FULLY DEPLETED SOI DEVICE WITH BURIED DOPED LAYER - The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a semiconductor device by providing a first substrate; providing a doped layer in a surface region of the first substrate; providing a buried oxide layer on the doped layer; providing a semiconductor layer on the buried oxide layer to obtain a semiconductor-on-insulator (SeOI) wafer; removing the buried oxide layer and the semiconductor layer from a first region of the SeOI wafer while maintaining the buried oxide layer and the semiconductor layer in a second region of the SeOI water; providing an upper transistor in the second region by forming a back gate in or by the doped layer; and providing a lower transistor in the first region by forming source and drain regions in or by the doped layer.07-19-2012

Gerardus Stephanus Hofman, Maasdijk NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120137599BUILDING ACCESSIBLE FOR PERSONS - Building accessible for persons, in particular a garage, comprising a load bearing structure, wherein at least a part of a facade of said building is formed by a textile, wherein at least 30% of the total surface area of the facade is open to air. Preferably the textile has a coarseness such that at least 30% of the total surface of said textile is open to air.06-07-2012
20120197821Method for Laying Out a Business Park, and a Business Park - The present invention provides a method for laying out a business park, wherein a number of mains services for plots of this business park are connected to a distribution station which obtains from the public utilities mains services such as water, power, heat, cooling medium, telecommunication and other services for the users of the plots and makes these available to each user via the distribution station. The present invention also comprises a business park which comprises a number of plots and which is also provided with one or more distribution stations for obtaining and further transport of mains services such as water, power, heat, cooling medium, telecommunication and the like, and a number of conduits preferably laid in a shared encasing duct for the purpose of distributing the mains services from the distribution station to the users of the plots.08-02-2012

Gertjan Hofman, Vancouver CA

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100078139Method of Correcting Gypsum Crystal Water Effect on Infrared Moisture Measurement - Ash composition measurements of calcium carbonate and gypsum in paper is accomplished with a dual X-ray sensor system with one X-ray source that is powered at about 5.9 KV and a second X-ray source that is powered at about 4.2 KV. Corresponding detectors measure radiation from the respective X-ray sources that is emitted from the paper. Data derived from the measurements yields the gypsum and crystal water content in the paper. The dual X-ray sensor system can be employed in conjunction with infrared total moisture measurements of paper products being manufactured on a papermaking making machine, which contain gypsum and calcium carbonate, in order to correct for the gypsum crystal water effect.04-01-2010
20100159121 Differential Coat Weight Measurement by Means of Nuclear or X-ray Gauges - An improved differential coat weight technique employs a novel algorithm for measuring the weight of a coating material that has been deposited onto a sheet of substrate. The invention employs dual x-ray or nuclear gauges such that, even though the downstream sensor is never exposed to uncoated sheet substrate, imparting the downstream sensor with the ability to predict results that it would have yielded when measuring the uncoated sheet substrate, leads to the development of a coat weight calibration protocol from which the basis weight of the coating can be ascertained directly from measurements from the upstream and downstream sensors. No subtraction of results is required. Moreover, the two sensors do not need to be re-calibrated whenever the relative proportions of the coating and base substrate change. The technique is particularly suited for applications where the coating material and substrate are made of substances that have very different atomic numbers.06-24-2010
20120130526Air Wipe and Sheet Guide Temperature Control on Paper and Continuous Web Scanners - Paper and continuous web scanners operate at varying and high temperature conditions. Regulating the temperature within the measurement gap between dual scanner heads during measurement and calibration modes of operation by employing air wipe and sheet guide temperature control assures consistent and accuracy sensor measurements of sheet characteristics. Air wipes blow pre-heated air into the measurement and the sheet guides are heated. The air temperature fluctuations that otherwise caused significant adverse effects on the sensors that measure, for example, the basis weight, ash content, and thickness of the moving sheet, are eliminated.05-24-2012
20140348154WIRELESS POSITION-TIME SYNCHRONIZATION FOR SCANNING SENSOR DEVICES - A method includes wirelessly transmitting one or more messages to a sensor assembly in order to synchronize a clock of the sensor assembly. The method also includes wirelessly receiving multiple sensor measurements of a characteristic of a web of material from the sensor assembly. The method further includes receiving timestamps and position data associated with the sensor measurements. In addition, the method includes correlating the sensor measurements, timestamps, and position data. The sensor measurements from the sensor assembly could be timestamped, and the position data could include timestamped position data. The timestamped position data could be received from a source other than the sensor assembly. The method can further include generating a cross direction profile of the web of material using the sensor measurements, timestamps, and positions.11-27-2014
20150323375Automatic z-Correction for Basis Weight Sensors - Nuclear-based basis weight sensors are passline-sensitive. Error in measurement is induced when the sheet moves up and down in the gap between the radiation source and detector. A passline-insensitive basis weight sensor includes a triangulation sensor to measure the position of the sheet within the gap. The sensor and gap is characterized in the laboratory for its passline behavior over a range of basis weights. The curves are either parameterized or a lookup table is created for each weight and passline position and the data added to the sensor's processor. The basis weight measured can be automatically corrected to account for deviations from the passline or nominal path through the sensor.11-12-2015
20160061601INDEPENDENTLY DRIVEN, DUAL SIDED SCANNER HEADS - A scanning measurement system includes independently driven, self-aligning, dual-sided heads. The system is configured to perform a method that includes receiving information associated with a discrepancy in a desired cross direction alignment of a first sensor head and a second sensor head that are disposed on opposite sides of a web of material and that are configured to move in a cross direction relative to the web. The method also includes adjusting a velocity of at least one of the sensor heads based on the received information to improve the cross direction alignment of the first sensor head and the second sensor head.03-03-2016

Patent applications by Gertjan Hofman, Vancouver CA

Hank Hofman, Lemmer NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150189850MILKING BOX WITH A ROBOTIC ATTACHER HAVING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL RANGE OF MOTION - A robotic attacher comprises a main arm, a supplemental arm coupled to the main arm, and a gripping portion coupled to the supplemental arm. The supplemental arm moves in an x-direction and a y-direction. The gripping portion moves in a first z-direction in relation to the supplemental arm. The gripping portion also moves in a second z-direction opposite the first z-direction in relation to the supplemental arm.07-09-2015

Hendrik Hofman, Lemmer NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120055408ROBOT AND METHOD FOR MILKING A COW BY THIS ROBOT - The present invention relates to a robot (03-08-2012
20140190415ROBOT AND METHOD FOR MILKING A COW BY THIS ROBOT - A milking robot comprising a movable arm and a plurality of grippers. The movable arm has a length in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of grippers are swivably mounted to the movable arm such that each gripper moves between a first position parallel to the movable arm's longitudinal direction and a second position at which the gripper extends sideways in a horizontal plane away from the movable arm's longitudinal direction.07-10-2014

Henk Hofman, Lemmer NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120199073System and Method for Determining Whether to Operate a Robot in Conjunction With a Rotary Milking Platform Based on Detection of a Milking Claw - In certain embodiments, a system includes a robotic arm. The robotic arm is operable to extend between the legs of a dairy livestock located in a milking stall of a rotary milking platform. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the robotic arm. The controller is operable to determine whether a milking claw is attached to the teats of the dairy livestock. The controller is also operable to control the robotic arm to extend between the legs of the dairy livestock based at least in part on whether the milking claw is attached.08-09-2012
20120200674System and Method for Determining Whether to Operate a Robot in Conjunction with a Rotary Parlor - In certain embodiments, a system includes a three-dimensional camera and a processor communicatively coupled to the three-dimensional camera. The processor is operable to determine a first hind location of a first hind leg of a dairy livestock based at least in part on visual data captured by the three-dimensional camera and determine a second hind location of a second hind leg of the dairy livestock based at least in part on the visual data. The processor is further operable to determine a measurement, wherein the measurement is the distance between the first hind location and the second hind location. Additionally, the processor is operable to determine whether the measurement exceeds a minimum threshold.08-09-2012
20120204805Vision System for Facilitating the Automated Application of Disinfectant to the Teats of Dairy Livestock - In certain embodiments, a system includes a controller operable to access an image signal generated by a camera. The accessed image signal corresponds to one or more features of the rear of a dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine positions of each of the hind legs of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal. The controller is further operable to determine a position of an udder of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal and the determined positions of the hind legs of the dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine, based on the image signal and the determined position of the udder of the dairy livestock, a spray position from which a spray tool may apply disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.08-16-2012
20120204807Vision System for Facilitating the Automated Application of Disinfectant to the Teats of Dairy Livestock - In certain embodiments, a system includes a controller operable to access an image signal generated by a camera. The accessed image signal corresponds to one or more features of the rear of a dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine positions of each of the hind legs of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal. The controller is further operable to determine a position of an udder of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal and the determined positions of the hind legs of the dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine, based on the image signal and the determined position of the udder of the dairy livestock, a spray position from which a spray tool may apply disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.08-16-2012
20120210938System and Method for Controlling the Position of a Robot Carriage Based on the Position of a Milking Stall of an Adjacent Rotary Milking Platform - A system includes a carriage track positioned adjacent to a rotary milking platform, a robot carriage mounted to the carriage track, and a controller. The controller is operable to receive both a first rotary encoder signal indicating a first rotational position of a milking stall of the rotary milking platform (corresponding to a starting linear position of the robot carriage) and a second rotary encoder signal indicating a second rotational position of the milking stall. The controller is further operable to determine, based on a difference between the first and second signals, a desired linear position of the robot carriage on the carriage track (a position corresponding to the second rotational position of the milking stall). The controller is further operable to communicate a position signal to a carriage actuator, the position signal causing the carriage actuator to move the robot carriage to the desired linear position.08-23-2012
20120216748System and Method for Using Robots in Conjunction With a Rotary Milking Platform - In certain embodiments, a system includes a first robotic device operable to prepare the teats of a first dairy livestock located in a first milking stall of a rotary milking platform. The system also includes a second robotic device operable to attach a first milking device to the teats of a second dairy livestock located in a second milking stall of the rotary milking platform. The system also includes a third robotic device operable to attach a second milking device to the teats of a third dairy livestock located in a third milking stall of the rotary milking platform. The system also includes a fourth robotic device operable to apply a sanitizing agent to the teats of a fourth dairy livestock located in a fourth milking stall of the rotary milking platform subsequent to a removal of a third milking device from the teats of the fourth dairy livestock.08-30-2012
20120216752Automated System for Applying Disinfectant to the Teats of Dairy Livestock - A system for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock includes a carriage mounted on a track, the carriage operable to translate laterally along the track. The system further includes a robotic arm including a first member pivotally attached to the carriage, a second member pivotally attached to the first member and a spray tool member pivotally attached to the second member. The robotic arm further includes a spray tool attached to the spray tool member. The system further includes a controller operable to cause at least a portion of the robotic arm to extend between the hind legs of a dairy livestock such that the spray tool may discharge a disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.08-30-2012
20120216753Automated System for Applying Disinfectant to the Teats of Dairy Livestock - A system for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock includes a carriage mounted on a track, the carriage operable to translate laterally along the track. The system further includes a robotic arm including a first member pivotally attached to the carriage, a second member pivotally attached to the first member and a spray tool member pivotally attached to the second member. The robotic arm further includes a spray tool attached to the spray tool member. The system further includes a controller operable to cause at least a portion of the robotic arm to extend between the hind legs of a dairy livestock such that the spray tool may discharge a disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.08-30-2012
20120216754Automated System for Applying Disinfectant to the Teats of Dairy Livestock - A system for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock includes a carriage mounted on a track, the carriage operable to translate laterally along the track. The system further includes a robotic arm including a first member pivotally attached to the carriage, a second member pivotally attached to the first member, and a spray tool member pivotally attached to the second member. The robotic arm further includes a spray tool attached to the spray tool member. The system further includes a controller operable to cause at least a portion of the robotic arm to extend between the hind legs of a dairy livestock such that the spray tool may discharge a disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.08-30-2012
20120222622Automated System for Applying Disinfectant to the Teats of Dairy Livestock - A system for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock includes a carriage mounted on a track, the carriage operable to translate laterally along the track. The system further includes a robotic arm including a first member pivotally attached to the carriage, a second member pivotally attached to the first member and a spray tool member pivotally attached to the second member. The robotic arm further includes a spray tool attached to the spray tool member. The system further includes a controller operable to cause at least a portion of the robotic arm to extend between the hind legs of a dairy livestock such that the spray tool may discharge a disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.09-06-2012
20120272902Milking Box with Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.11-01-2012
20120272903System and Method for Improved Attachment of a Cup to a Dairy Animal - In an exemplary embodiment, a system includes a milking cup, a pulsating device coupled to the milking cup, a robotic arm comprising a gripper, and a controller communicatively coupled to the robotic arm and the pulsating device. The controller is operable to instruct the gripper of the robotic arm to grip the milking cup, instruct the robotic arm to move the milking cup proximate to a teat of a dairy livestock, and instruct the robotic arm to move the milking cup towards the teat. The controller is further operable to instruct the pulsating device to apply pressure to the milking cup before attaching the milking cup to the teat and instruct the gripper of the robotic arm to release the milking cup.11-01-2012
20120272904SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ATTACHING A CUP TO A DAIRY ANIMAL ACCORDING TO A SEQUENCE - In certain embodiments, a robotic attacher performs a method of attaching and detaching a cup from the teats of a dairy livestock in the sequence of right front teat, left front teat, left rear teat, and right rear teat. The method comprises the steps of determining a reference point and then, for each teat, positioning the cup relative to the reference point, determining a location of the teat, attaching the cup to the teat, and detaching the cup from the teat. In certain alternate embodiments, the sequence of attaching and detaching the cup comprises left front teat, right front teat, right rear teat, and left rear teat.11-01-2012
20120272905SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ATTACHING CUPS TO A DAIRY ANIMAL - In certain embodiments, a robotic attacher retrieves cups from the right side of an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches the cups to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching a first cup to the right front teat, a second cup to the left front teat, a third cup to the right rear teat, and a fourth cup to the left rear teat. In certain alternative embodiments, the robotic attacher retrieves cups from the left side of the equipment area, and the sequence comprises attaching a first cup to the left front teat, a second cup to the right front teat, a third cup to the left rear teat, and a fourth cup to the right rear teat.11-01-2012
20120272906Milking Box With Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.11-01-2012
20120272907Milking Box With Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.11-01-2012
20120272908Milking Box With Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.11-01-2012
20120272909Milking Box With Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.11-01-2012
20120272910Milking Box With Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.11-01-2012
20120272912MILKING BOX WITH ROBOTIC ATTACHER AND BACKPLANE FOR TRACKING MOVEMENTS OF A DAIRY ANIMAL - In certain embodiments, a milking box comprises a stall portion and a backplane positioned in the stall portion. The backplane moves toward the rear of the stall portion in response to pressure applied to a contact surface of the backplane. The backplane moves toward the front of stall portion in response to pressure removed from the contact surface.11-01-2012
20120272913Arrangement of Milking Box Stalls - In certain embodiments, a system includes a first milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system also includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the first milking box stall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher. The system also includes a second milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The second milking box stall is located adjacent to the equipment portion. The robotic attacher is configured to service both the first milking box stall and the second milking box stall by extending between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within either stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.11-01-2012
20120272914MILKING BOX WITH ROBOTIC ATTACHER AND VISION SYSTEM - In certain embodiments, a system includes a robotic attacher comprising a main arm and a supplemental arm operable to extend into a stall portion of a milking box. A camera couples to the supplemental arm. The supplemental arm comprises a camera-facing nozzle operable to spray the camera with a cleanser.11-01-2012
20120272915MILKING BOX WITH STORAGE AREA FOR TEAT CUPS - In certain embodiments, a milking box comprises a storage area comprising a retractable hose, a hose lift belt, a cup holder base, a cup holder, and a cup holder bracket. The retractable hose couples to a cup and suspends the cup in the storage area. The hose lift belt couples to the retractable hose and is operable to retract the retractable hose. The cup holder base defines an aperture through which the retractable hose is positioned. The cup holder comprises a rimmed structure adapted to hold an attachment end of the cup. The cup holder is coupled to the cup holder bracket. The cup holder bracket is operable to open and close such that when closed, the rimmed structure of the cup holder aligns with the attachment end of the cup that is suspended from the retractable hose.11-01-2012
20120272916MILKING BOX WITH A ROBOTIC ATTACHER HAVING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL RANGE OF MOTION - In certain embodiments, a robotic attacher comprises a main arm, a supplemental arm coupled to the main arm, and a plurality of actuators operable to move the main arm and supplemental arm in response to signals from a controller. The actuators comprise first, second, and third actuators operable to move the main arm in x-, y-, and z-directions, respectively. The actuators further comprise fourth and fifth actuators operable to pivot a gripping portion of the supplemental arm in a first z-direction and a second z-direction, respectively, with the second z-direction being opposite the first z-direction.11-01-2012
20120272917Milking Box With Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.11-01-2012
20120273006CLEANING SYSTEM FOR A MILKING BOX STALL - In certain embodiments, a system comprises a milk collecting system, a teat cup holder, and a cleansing hose system. The milk collecting system comprises a teat cup, a milk collector, and a milking hose system connecting the teat cup to the milk collector. The teat cup holder stores the teat cup of the milk collecting system such that a nozzle of the teat cup holder substantially aligns with an opening of the teat cup. The cleansing hose system connects the nozzle of the teat cup holder to one or more cleanser sources and operable to backwash at least a portion of the milk collecting system by injecting a cleanser from one or more of the cleanser sources through the nozzle and into the teat cup.11-01-2012
20120274761Vision System and Method of Operation - In an exemplary embodiment, a system includes a first camera, a second camera, and a processor wherein the second camera has a higher resolution than the first camera. The processor is communicatively coupled to the first camera and the second camera and is operable to determine a center coordinate of an udder of a dairy livestock based at least in part upon visual data captured by the first camera. The processor is also operable to determine a position of a teat of the dairy livestock based at least in part upon the center coordinate and visual data captured by the second camera.11-01-2012
20120275660System and Method for Filtering Data Captured by a 2D Camera - In an exemplary embodiment, a system includes a camera and a processor communicatively coupled to the camera. The processor is operable to access visual data captured by the camera, wherein the visual data comprises an image of a dairy livestock and determine that an intensity measurement of a first portion of the visual data exceeds an intensity threshold. The processor is further operable to filter the first portion of the visual data in response to determining that the intensity measurement exceeds the threshold. The processor is also operable to determine a coordinate of a teat of the dairy livestock based at least in part upon the visual data, excluding filtered portions of the visual data11-01-2012
20120275661System and Method for Filtering Data Captured by a 3D Camera - In an exemplary embodiment, a system includes a three-dimensional camera and a processor. The processor is operable to access a first portion of visual data captured by the three-dimensional camera wherein the visual data comprises an image of a dairy livestock and access a second portion of the visual data, wherein the first portion and the second portion are aligned in a first dimension. The processor is further operable to determine a first coordinate, wherein the first coordinate comprises a location of the first portion in a second dimension, the second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension and determine a second coordinate, wherein the second coordinate comprises a location of the second portion in the second dimension. The processor is further operable to determine a first distance exceeds a distance threshold, wherein the first distance is the distance between the first coordinate and the second coordinate in the second dimension.11-01-2012
20120275662System and Method for Analyzing Data Captured by a Three-Dimensional Camera - In an exemplary embodiment, a system includes a three-dimensional camera and a processor communicatively coupled to the three-dimensional camera. The processor is operable to determine a first edge of a dairy livestock, determine a second edge of the dairy livestock, determine a third edge of the dairy livestock, and determine a fourth edge of the dairy livestock.11-01-2012
20120275894MILKING BOX WITH ROBOTIC ATTACHER COMPRISING AN ARM THAT PIVOTS, ROTATES, AND GRIPS - In certain embodiments, robotic attacher comprises a supplemental arm comprising a fixed portion and a gripping portion. The fixed portion comprises a pivot assembly and a rotating assembly. The pivot assembly pivots the gripping portion between maximum-left, maximum-right, and centered positions. The rotating assembly rotates the gripping portion between upright and upside down positions.11-01-2012
20120277913Vision System for Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a controller operable to access a first image generated by a first camera. The controller determines a reference point from at least one main feature of a dairy livestock included in the first image. The controller is further operable to access a second image generated by the second camera. The second image includes at least a portion of an udder of the dairy livestock. The controller determines a location of a teat of the dairy livestock based on the second image.11-01-2012
20120298042Milking System Shut-Off and Sensors - In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a plurality of inlets and a plurality of outlets. Each inlet is adapted to receive a flow of milk from a dairy livestock, and each outlet is adapted to receive a flow of milk from a corresponding one or more inlets. The plurality of outlets include one or more milk collector outlets and one or more drain outlets. Each milk collector outlet is adapted to direct the flow of milk received from the corresponding one or more inlets to a milk collector. Each drain outlet is adapted to direct the flow of milk received from the corresponding one or more inlets to a discard area. The apparatus further includes one or more valves each associated with one of the plurality of inlets. The one or more valves are adapted to direct the flow of milk received at the associated inlet to either a corresponding one of the one or more milk collector outlets or a corresponding one of the one or more drain outlets.11-29-2012
20140147016VISION SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING THE AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF DISINFECTANT TO THE TEATS OF DAIRY LIVESTOCK - A method for determining a spray position for a spray tool includes accessing an image signal generated by a camera, the image signal corresponding to at least an udder of a dairy livestock. The method further includes processing the accessed image signal to determine a tangent to the rear and a tangent to the bottom of the udder of the dairy livestock. The method concludes by determining a spray position from which a spray tool may apply disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock, wherein the spray position is a position relative to the intersection of the two tangents.05-29-2014
20140158052MILKING BOX WITH ROBOTIC ATTACHER - A system includes a milking box and a robotic attacher. The milking box has a stall to accommodate a dairy livestock. The robotic attacher extends under the dairy livestock and comprises a nozzle. The robotic attacher is operable to rotate such that, during a first operation, the nozzle is positioned generally on the bottom of the robotic attacher, and during a second operation, the nozzle is positioned generally on the top of the robotic attacher.06-12-2014
20140158063VISION SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING THE AUTOMATED APPLICATION OF DISINFECTANT TO THE TEATS OF DAIRY LIVESTOCK - A method comprises determining a tangent to the rear of an udder of a dairy livestock, and determining a tangent to the bottom of the udder of the dairy livestock. The method continues by determining a position relative to the intersection of the two tangents, and extending a robot arm to the determined position.06-12-2014
20140165916SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ATTACHING CUPS TO A DAIRY ANIMAL - A robotic attacher retrieves cups from the left side of an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches the cups to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching a first cup to the left front teat, a second cup to the right front teat, a third cup to the left rear teat, and a fourth cup to the right rear teat.06-19-2014
20140172164AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR APPLYING DISINFECTANT TO THE TEATS OF DAIRY LIVESTOCK - A method for applying a substance to the teats of a dairy livestock comprises extending a robotic arm between the legs of a dairy livestock positioned in a stall. The method continues by rotating a linear member of a spray tool about an axis that is perpendicular to the robotic arm, wherein the linear member has a perimeter that lies within an outer perimeter of the robotic arm when the robotic arm extends between the hind legs of the dairy livestock. The method continues by discharging a substance as the linear member rotates.06-19-2014
20140196665VISION SYSTEM FOR ROBOTIC ATTACHER - A system includes a robotic arm on which at least one camera is attached. It further includes a memory and a controller communicatively coupled to the memory. The memory stores historical information associated with a dairy livestock. The historical information include a previously-determined location of a teat of the dairy livestock. The controller moves the camera on the robotic arm toward the previously-determined location of the teat. The camera generates an image of the teat of the dairy livestock from a position to which it is moved, and the controller determines a current location of the teat of the dairy livestock based at least in part on the image.07-17-2014
20140216349SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ATTACHING A CUP TO A DAIRY ANIMAL ACCORDING TO A SEQUENCE - A system includes a milking box and a robotic arm. The milking box comprises a stall portion that houses a dairy livestock with four teats. The robotic arm performs the following operation for a plurality of teats of the dairy livestock: retrieves a cup; attaches the cup to a teat; and detaches the cup from the teat. The cup is maintained within the stall portion of the milking box from the time that the cup is attached to a first teat of the dairy livestock through the time that the cup is attached to a last teat of the dairy livestock. The cup is retracted into an equipment area of the milking box after it is detached from the last teat of the dairy livestock.08-07-2014
20140230750AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR APPLYING DISINFECTANT TO THE TEATS OF DAIRY LIVESTOCK - A method for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock, comprises receiving a trigger signal indicating that a stall of a rotary milking platform housing a dairy livestock is located adjacent to a track, the track having a carriage carrying a robotic arm mounted thereto. The method continues by communicating a first signal to a first actuator coupled to the track and the carriage, the first signal causing operation of the first actuator such that the carriage moves along the track in relation to the rotary milking platform. The method concludes by communicating one or more additional signals to one or more actuators of the robotic arm, the one or more additional signals causing operation of the one or more actuators of the robotic arm such that at least a portion of the robotic arm extends between the hind legs of a dairy livestock.08-21-2014
20140245958MILKING SYSTEM SHUT-OFF AND SENSORS - A method, comprises receiving a flow of milk at an inlet of a manifold. The inlet comprises a first end coupled to a hose that receives a flow of milk from a teat cup and a second end terminating in a chamber of the manifold. The manifold comprises one or more other inlets and a plurality of outlets. The plurality of outlets includes one or more milk collector outlets and one or more drain outlets. The method proceeds by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding milk collector outlet by causing a shut-off valve corresponding to the inlet to open, and by causing a drain valve corresponding to the inlet to close. The method concludes by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding drain outlet by causing the shut-off valve corresponding to the inlet to close, and by causing the drain valve corresponding to the inlet to open.09-04-2014
20140318458ROBOTIC ATTACHER AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A robotic attacher comprises a main arm, a supplemental arm coupled to the main arm, and a gripping portion coupled to the supplemental arm. The gripping portion is operable to rotate such that at a first time, a nozzle is positioned generally on the bottom of the gripping portion, and at a second time, the nozzle is positioned generally on the top of the gripping portion.10-30-2014
20140318460SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE POSITION OF A ROBOT CARRIAGE BASED ON THE POSITION OF A MILKING STALL OF AN ADJACENT ROTARY MILKING PLATFORM - A system includes a carriage track positioned adjacent to a rotary milking platform, a robot carriage mounted to the carriage track, and a controller. The controller causes the robot carriage to move linearly along the carriage track in conjunction with a rotational movement of the rotary milking platform such that a first linear position of the robot carriage aligns with a first rotational position of a milking stall of the rotary milking platform and a second linear position of the robot carriage aligns with a second rotational position of the milking stall of the rotary milking platform.10-30-2014
20140318470AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR MOVING A ROBOTIC ARM ALONG A ROTARY MILKING PLATFORM - A system for operating a robotic arm comprises a carriage and a robotic arm. The carriage is mounted on a track adjacent to a rotary milking platform having a substantially circular perimeter and a stall for a dairy livestock. The carriage moves along a substantially straight portion of the track tangent to and outside the perimeter of the rotary milking platform at a rate based at least in part upon a speed of rotation of the rotary milking platform. The carriage moves in a direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of the rotary milking platform and such movement of the carriage is independent of any physical coupling between the carriage and the rotary milking platform. The robotic arm extends between the legs of the dairy livestock, and remains extended between the legs of the dairy livestock as the stall rotates adjacent to the robotic arm.10-30-2014
20140318471AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR APPLYING DISINFECTANT TO THE TEATS OF DIARY LIVESTOCK - A system for operating a robotic arm, comprises a controller and a robotic arm. The controller receives an indication that a stall of a rotary milking platform in which a dairy livestock is located has moved into an area adjacent a robotic arm that is detached from the rotary milking platform. The controller also determines whether a milking cluster is attached to the dairy livestock. The robotic arm is communicatively coupled to the controller and extends between the legs of the dairy livestock if the controller determines that the milking cluster is not attached to the dairy livestock. The robotic arm does not extend between the legs of the dairy livestock if the controller determines that the milking cluster is attached to the dairy livestock.10-30-2014
20140326187MILKING BOX WITH ROBOTIC ATTACHER - A robotic attacher comprises a main arm, a supplemental arm coupled to the main arm, and a gripping portion coupled to the supplemental arm. The gripping portion comprises at least one nozzle and is operable to rotate such that during a first mode of operation, the nozzle is positioned away from the top of the gripping portion, and during a second mode of operation, the nozzle is positioned generally on the top of the gripping portion.11-06-2014
20150022641SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING DATA CAPTURED BY A THREE-DIMENSIONAL CAMERA - In an exemplary embodiment, a system includes a three-dimensional camera and a processor communicatively coupled to the three-dimensional camera. The processor is operable to determine a first edge of a dairy livestock, determine a second edge of the dairy livestock, determine a third edge of the dairy livestock, and determine a fourth edge of the dairy livestock.01-22-2015
20150071499SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FILTERING DATA CAPTURED BY A 2D CAMERA - A system comprises a memory operable to store light intensity information for a plurality of neighboring pixels of an image that includes a dairy livestock. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor determine that a difference between the light intensity information for a first pixel of the plurality of neighboring pixels and at least some of the other neighboring pixels exceeds a threshold. The processor further discards the first pixel and determines a location of a teat of the dairy livestock based on the image, excluding the discarded pixel.03-12-2015
20150181829MILKING BOX WITH STORAGE AREA FOR TEAT CUPS - An apparatus comprises a cup holder bracket and a cup holder. The cup holder bracket comprises a hinge that allows the cup holder bracket to pivot between a substantially horizontal position when closed to a substantially vertical position when opened. The cup holder is coupled to the cup holder bracket and comprises a rimmed structure configured to hold an attachment end of a cup when the cup holder bracket is closed.07-02-2015
20150228068SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FILTERING DATA CAPTURED BY A 3D CAMERA - A system for processing an image comprises a three-dimensional camera that captures an image of a dairy livestock. A processor is communicatively coupled to the three-dimensional camera. The processor accesses a first pixel having a first depth location, and a second pixel having a second depth location. The processor determines that the second depth location is not within a threshold distance of the first depth location, and discards the second pixel from the image based at least in part upon the determination.08-13-2015
20150250131AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR APPLYING DISINFECTANT TO THE TEATS OF DAIRY LIVESTOCK - A spray tool coupled to a robotic arm includes a linear member, a first spray nozzle and a second spray nozzle. The linear member rotates about an axis that is perpendicular to the robotic arm. The linear member has a perimeter that lies within an outer perimeter of the robotic arm when the robotic arm extends between the legs of a dairy livestock. The first spray nozzle is coupled to the linear member proximate a first end of the linear member. The second spray nozzle is coupled to the linear member proximate a second end of the linear member.09-10-2015
20150257356MILKING BOX WITH ROBOTIC ATTACHER - A system includes a front wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall, and first and second side walls extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall that accommodates a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion adjacent to the rear wall. It houses a separation container that receives milk to be discarded from the dairy livestock. The equipment portion further houses a robotic attacher that extends from behind and between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.09-17-2015
20150257359ARRANGEMENT OF MILKING BOX STALLS - A system includes a first milking box stall cluster comprising a first plurality of milking box stalls and a first robotic attacher associated with the first milking box stall cluster. The first robotic attacher is positioned to service each of the first plurality of milking box stalls. The system further includes a second milking box cluster comprising a second plurality of milking box stalls. It is positioned adjacent to the first milking box stall cluster. A second robotic attacher is associated with the second milking box stall cluster and is positioned to service each of the second plurality of milking box stalls.09-17-2015
20150264885ROBOT AND METHOD FOR MILKING A COW BY THIS ROBOT - A milking robot comprises a frame that is movable along a guide track that is positioned adjacent to a rotary platform such that the frame can move in conjunction with the movement of the rotary platform. The milking robot further comprises a moveable arm having a first end that couples to the frame and a second end that extends in a longitudinal direction, and at least one gripper coupled to the movable arm at the second end. The gripper is extendable in the longitudinal direction of the movable arm.09-24-2015
20150366155System and Method for Determining Whether to Operate a Robot in Conjunction with a Rotary Milking Platform Based on Detection of a Milking Claw - A system comprises a robotic arm operable to extend between the legs of a dairy livestock located in a milking stall of a rotary milking platform, a camera operable to generate an image signal corresponding to a rear of the dairy livestock, and a controller communicatively coupled to the robotic arm and the camera. The controller determines whether a milking claw is attached to the teats of the dairy livestock by receiving the image signal generated by the camera and processing the image signal. If it is determined based on the image signal that the milking claw is not attached, the controller controls the robotic arm to extend between the legs of the dairy livestock. If it is determined based on the image signal that the milking claw is attached, the controller controls the robotic arm not to extend between the legs of the dairy livestock.12-24-2015
20150373943MILKING BOX WITH ROBOTIC ATTACHER COMPRISING AN ARM THAT PIVOTS, ROTATES, AND GRIPS - An apparatus comprises a milking box having a stall to accommodate a dairy livestock and a robotic attacher. The robotic attacher comprises a main arm that is suspended vertically from a rail of the milking box, and a supplemental arm that is coupled to and extends horizontally from the main arm along a longitudinal axis. The supplemental arm comprises a pivot assembly that pivots a gripping portion around a vertical axis that is substantially parallel to the main arm of the robotic attacher, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the supplemental arm.12-31-2015
20150379324SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FILTERING DATA CAPTURED BY A 2D CAMERA - A system comprises a memory operable to store first light intensity information for a first pixel of an image that includes a dairy livestock, and second light intensity information for a second pixel of the image, wherein the second pixel is adjacent to the first pixel. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to determine that a difference between the first light intensity information and the second light intensity information exceeds a threshold, and discard one of the first pixel or the second pixel from the image.12-31-2015
20150379705SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FILTERING DATA CAPTURED BY A 3D CAMERA - A system for processing an image comprises a three-dimensional camera that captures an image of a dairy livestock and a processor communicatively coupled to the three-dimensional camera. The processor accesses a first pixel having a first depth location, a second pixel having a second depth location, and a third pixel having a third depth location. The processor determines that the second pixel is an outlier among the first pixel and the third pixel based upon the first depth location, the second depth location, and the third depth location, and discards the second pixel from the image based at least in part upon the determination.12-31-2015
20160037746MILKING BOX WITH ROBOTIC ATTACHER AND BACKPLANE FOR TRACKING MOVEMENTS OF A DAIRY ANIMAL - A milking box comprises a stall portion and a backplane positioned in the stall portion. The backplane moves toward the rear of the stall portion in response to pressure applied to a contact surface of the backplane. The backplane moves toward the front of stall portion in response to pressure removed from the contact surface. A robotic attacher extends from the rear of the stall portion and between the hind legs of a dairy livestock located in the stall portion. A controller determines the position of the backplane relative to the rear of the stall portion. The controller determines an x-offset based at least in part upon the position of the backplane relative to the rear of the stall portion, wherein the x-offset increases as the dairy livestock moves toward the front of the stall and the x-offset decreases as the dairy livestock moves toward the rear of the stall. The controller further communicates a signal to move the robotic attacher in an x-direction, the amount of movement determined at least in part according to the x-offset.02-11-2016
20160037747SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE POSITION OF A ROBOT CARRIAGE BASED ON THE POSITION OF A MILKING STALL OF AN ADJACENT ROTARY MILKING PLATFORM - A system includes a carriage track positioned adjacent to a rotary milking platform, a robot carriage positioned on the carriage track such that the robot carriage may move along the carriage track, and a controller. The controller determines a movement of a milking stall of the rotary milking platform from a first rotational position to a second rotational position. The controller further determines a position of the robot carriage on the carriage track corresponding to the movement of the milking stall of the rotary milking platform. The controller also communicates a position signal to a carriage actuator coupled to the robot carriage and the carriage track. The position signal causes the carriage actuator to move the robot carriage along the carriage track to the determined position in conjunction with the movement of the rotary milking platform.02-11-2016
20160044887SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ATTACHING CUPS TO A DAIRY ANIMAL - A robotic attacher retrieves cups from the right side of an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches the cups to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching a first cup to the right front teat, a second cup to the left front teat, a third cup to the right rear teat, and a fourth cup to the left rear teat.02-18-2016
20160066529SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING DATA CAPTURED BY A THREE-DIMENSIONAL CAMERA - A system includes a three-dimensional camera and a processor communicatively coupled to the three-dimensional camera. The processor is operable to determine a first and second edge of a dairy livestock. The first edge includes an inner portion of a first hind leg and a first portion of an udder of the dairy livestock. The second edge includes an inner portion of a second hind leg and a second portion of the udder of the dairy livestock. The processor calculates a reference point associated with the udder of the dairy livestock based at least in part upon the first edge and the second edge. A robotic attacher moves toward the udder of the dairy livestock based at least in part upon the calculated reference point.03-10-2016
20160066530MILKING BOX WITH ROBOTIC ATTACHER AND VISION SYSTEM - A system includes a robotic attacher comprising a main arm and a supplemental arm operable to extend into a stall portion of a milking box. A camera couples to the supplemental arm. The supplemental arm comprises a camera-facing nozzle operable to spray the camera with a cleanser.03-10-2016
20160088814ARRANGEMENT OF MILKING BOX STALLS - A system includes includes a first milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a first dairy livestock and a second milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a second dairy livestock. The first and second milking box stalls face opposite directions. An equipment portion is located between the first milking box stall and the second milking box stall. A robotic attacher is housed in the equipment portion and configured to service both stalls at different times.03-31-2016

Patent applications by Henk Hofman, Lemmer NL

Ilan Hofman, Dollard Des Ormeaux CA

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090152306CONTINUOUSLY SEALING ONE WAY VALVE ASSEMBLY AND FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM AND FORMULATIONS FOR USE THEREIN - A reusable continuously sealing one-way valve assembly and delivery system flows a sterile flowable substance from a source to an outlet orifice and prevents any backflow of contaminants through the continuously sealing one way valve assembly when the flowable substance ceases to flow. The valve assembly includes an elastomeric membrane which aids in preventing any backflow of contaminants when dispensing of the flowable substance is stopped. Multiple dosing of preservative-free flowable substance is provided.06-18-2009

Jacob Hofman, Spokane, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110244292Thermal Isolating Apparatus and Method for Batteries in a Telecommunications Equipment Shelter - A preferred thermal control system for a battery stack includes a flexible, thermally insulating, and electrically non-conductive cover supported by a frame to substantially thermally isolate a battery stack from other equipment in a telecommunication shelter. The cover is preferably arranged or cut for placement over existing battery connections so the batteries remain electrically connected to other equipment when the cover is installed on the frame. Cuts in the cover are preferably sealed using an adhesive tape. A heat transfer device is supported by the frame and provides thermal cooling to the battery stack while exhausting heat generated by the batteries from the battery stack enclosure into the interior of the telecommunication shelter. Both the frame and the flexible cover may be adjustable to fit over battery stacks of various sizes.10-06-2011

Jake Hofman, New York, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130013622Media Recommendations for a Social-Software Website - Collaborative-filtering software creates a neighborhood using a map-reduce architecture by pair-wise application of a similarity measure to a sparse matrix of users and items of media designated by the users. The collaborative-filtering software then generates recommendations for a particular user by rating items of media designated by other users in the neighborhood (but not the particular user). The collaborative-filtering software rates the item of media, using a weighted vote of the users in the neighborhood. The weighted vote depends at least in part on the mean similarity of the users in the neighborhood who have designated the item of media. Then the collaborative-filtering software records the item of media as a recommendation for subsequent presentation to the other user, if the rating of the item of media is among the highest in comparison to the ratings of other items of media designated by users in the neighborhood.01-10-2013
20140006523System and Method to Enable Communication Group Identification01-02-2014
20140040385APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR EXPERT IDENTIFICATION TO ANSWER USERS QUERIES - Embodiments disclosed herein may relate to determining individual experts to answer user queries utilizing computing platform in a communication system.02-06-2014
20140237093CONTENT VIRALITY DETERMINATION AND VISUALIZATION - Various techniques of content virality determination and visualization are disclosed herein. For example, a method of determining network content virality metric includes constructing a diffusion cascade for a computer network content based on a plurality of time points at which individual users adopt the network content and connection information of the users. The method also includes calculating, with a processor, a virality metric of the network content based on a structural characteristic of the constructed diffusion cascade. Based on the calculated virality metric, one may determine if the network content is viral.08-21-2014
20140281874PERSPECTIVE ANNOTATION FOR NUMERICAL REPRESENTATIONS - Various techniques for providing perspective annotation to numerical representations are disclosed herein. For example, a method includes detecting a numerical representation in an original content and retrieving one or more perspectives from a database based on the detected numerical representation. The one or more perspectives individually include a restatement of information contained in the numerical representation. The method can also include annotating the original content with the retrieved one or more perspectives to form an annotated content.09-18-2014

James A. Hofman, Shorewood, MN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090078591TRAVEL CASE AND CADDY - There is provided a travel shower case including a tray. The tray includes a lip on one side of the tray. A cover is pivotally coupled to the tray. A lock member is slidingly coupled to the cover. The lock member is movable from a first position to a second position. The lock member includes a catch portion configured to engage the lip of the tray when the lock member is in the first position. The lock member includes a hook portion operative when the lock member is in the second position, wherein the hook portion will support the tray.03-26-2009
20110155875KEYED TWIST-LOCK HOOK ASSEMBLY FOR APERTURE BOARD - An aperture board assembly includes a panel having an array of apertures, a modular array of receivers attached to the panel, and hook assemblies for detachably engaging the receivers. The modular array is attached to the panel so that each receiver is substantially aligned with a corresponding aperture in the panel. Each hook assembly passes at least partially through an aperture in the panel and into a receiver aligned with the aperture. Each receiver in the modular array includes spring clips that are equally spaced apart around a perimeter of the receiver. Each spring clip includes a pair of opposing spring fingers disposed in a spring clip aperture. Each pair of opposing spring fingers detachably engage the hook assembly as the hook assembly is rotated with respect to the receiver.06-30-2011
20120274680STYLUS WITH CARBON FIBER - A stylus includes an elongated body a portion of which is formed from carbon fiber and a tip conductively coupled to the elongated body.11-01-2012

Patent applications by James A. Hofman, Shorewood, MN US

Jan Hofman, Dwingeloo NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110135135Wireless Headsets Having an Intuitive Man Machine Interface and Related Systems and Methods - Wireless devices are provided that are configured to communicate with portable electronic devices. The wireless devices include a housing and a speaker attached to the housing. The wireless device is configured to be received by an ear of a user of the wireless device. Movement of the housing and/or speaker of the wireless device causes a change in functionality of the wireless device and/or the portable electronic device. Related systems and methods are also provided herein.06-09-2011

Jan Hofman, Vlaardingen NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120137793AUTOMATED ASEPTIC SAMPLING WORKSTATION AND SAMPLE COLLECTION DEVICES THEREFORE - An automated sample collection workstation is provided. The workstation includes a processor, a peristaltic pump, a valve actuator, and an algorithm. The peristaltic pump and the valve actuator are in electrical communication with the processor. The valve actuator can move a plurality of valves, when disposed therein, among an off position, a flush position, and a sample position. The algorithm is resident on the processor and is configured to: move all of the valves to the off position and place the pump in an off state when no sampling or flushing is required, move all of the valves to the flush position and place the pump in an on state for a predetermined flush time period when flushing is required, and move a respective one of the valves to the sample position, move any of the valves upstream of the respective valve to the flush position, and place the pump to the on state for a predetermined sample time period when a sample is required.06-07-2012
20120138156AUTOMATED ASEPTIC LIQUID COLLECTION WORKSTATIONS AND COLLECTION DEVICES THEREFORE - An automated liquid collection workstation is provided. The workstation includes a processor, a peristaltic pump, a valve actuator, and an algorithm. The peristaltic pump and the valve actuator are in electrical communication with the processor. The valve actuator can move a plurality of valves, when disposed therein, among an off position, a flush position, and a collection position. The algorithm is resident on the processor and is configured to: move all of the valves to the off position and place the pump in an off state when no sampling or flushing is required, move all of the valves to the flush position and place the pump in an on state for a predetermined flush time period when flushing is required, and move a respective one of the valves to the collection position, move any of the valves upstream of the respective valve to the flush position, and place the pump to the on state for a predetermined collection time period when collection is required.06-07-2012
20140007711LIQUID COLLECTION METHODS AND APARATUSES FOR DETECTING VIRUS DEACTIVATION - A liquid collection device is provided. The device includes an input conduit, an output conduit, a plurality of product collection containers, and a valve block. The input and output conduits are connectable to a liquid processing line. The valve block has a valve block input in fluid communication with the input conduit, a valve block output in fluid communication with the output conduit, and a plurality of valves. The valves correspond in number to product collection containers and each valve places the input conduit in liquid communication with a different one of the product collection containers. An automated liquid collection workstation for use with the liquid collection device and a method of automatically collecting liquid from a processing line or vessel are also provided.01-09-2014
20140060214Automated Aseptic Sampling Workstations and Sample Collection Devices Therefore - A method of taking a fluid samples from a processing line is provided that includes: placing an input conduit in fluid communication with the processing line; operatively coupling the input conduit to a peristaltic pump and a valve block; operatively coupling the valve block to a valve actuator so that the valves are movable among an off position, a flush position, and a sample position; controlling the valve actuator to move the valves to the flush position and turning on the peristaltic pump so that fluid from the processing line is pumped to a waste bag; and controlling the valve actuator to move a particular valve to the sample position and to move any valve upstream of the particular valve to the flush position while the peristaltic pump remains on so that fluid from the processing line is pumped to the sample bag associated with the particular valve.03-06-2014
20140060215Automated Aseptic Sampling Workstations and Sample Collection Devices Therefore - A sample collection device is provided. The collection device includes an input conduit, a plurality of automated sample collection bags, a waste collection bag, and a valve block. The input conduit is connectable to a fluid processing line. The automated sample collection bags each have a sample volume and the waste collection bag has a waste volume. The valve block a plurality of three-way valves and an output, where the plurality of three-way valves correspond in number to the plurality of automated sample collection bags, each of the three-way valves placing the input conduit in fluid communication with a different one of the plurality of sample collection bags. The output is in fluid communication with the waste collection bag. The collection device has a ratio of the waste volume to the sample volume of not more than 15:1.03-06-2014

Jean Pierre Hofman, Frejus FR

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150096298PRESSURE POWER SYSTEM - The invention relates to energy conversion and generation systems, and more specifically, to a system and method of generating and converting energy by way of a pressure differential in a working fluid. A Pressure Power System is described comprising a cold sub-system, a warm sub-system, a work extraction system, and a hydraulic pump arranged in a closed loop. The cold sub-system and the warm sub-system are respectively maintained at lower and higher temperatures relative to one another, so that a Working Fluid circulated through the closed loop by the pump, will have different equilibrium vapor pressures in the two sub-systems. The different respective state functions of the Working Fluid results in two different levels of elastic potential energy, and subsequently, a pressure differential between the two sub-systems. A work extraction system is positioned between the two sub-systems to convert the elastic potential energy/pressure differential into useful kinetic energy.04-09-2015
20150135714PRESSURE POWER UNIT - The invention relates to energy conversion and generation systems, and more specifically, to a unit for generating and converting energy by way of a pressure differential in a Working Fluid. A Pressure Power Unit is described which comprises a condenser and a vaporizer arranged in a closed loop, the condenser and vaporizer being respectively maintained at lower and higher temperatures relative to one another. A Working Fluid is circulated through the closed loop, the Working Fluid having different equilibrium vapor pressures in the condenser and in the vaporizer, according to the respective state functions, representing two different levels of elastic potential energy. This results in a pressure differential between the condenser and the vaporizer. A work extraction system is positioned between the outlet of the vaporizer and the inlet of the condenser, to convert the elastic potential energy/pressure differential into kinetic energy. Other embodiments of the invention are also described.05-21-2015

Johannes Andries Hofman, Utrecht NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110211915JACKING SYSTEM - A jacking system for jacking a structure, includes a leg having a longitudinal axis and including first engagement parts along the leg, and a guiding frame displaceable along the leg. The guiding frame includes at least a first, second, third and fourth actuator, the actuators each having a first and second actuator part which in operation can displace with respect to one another along the leg, the first actuator part of the actuators coupled to the guiding frame, the second actuator parts of the actuators each coupled to first engagement parts for engaging and disengaging the first engagement parts of the leg for providing abutment in the longitudinal direction of the leg, the second actuator parts of the actuators displaceable along the leg past one another, and the actuators being arranged in pairs opposite one another with respect to a longitudinal plane of the leg.09-01-2011

Klaus-Peter Hofman, Berlin DE

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150332255METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TOKEN-BASED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN EXTRANEOUS APPLICATIONS AND AN ELECTRONIC WALLET - A method for token-based communication between extraneous applications and an electronic wallet includes: (1a) selecting items for storage in the core wallet by one or more extraneous application(s); (1b) sending information on the selected items to the core wallet by the extraneous application(s); (1c) displaying the selected items on the terminal by the core wallet; (1d) waiting for activation of at least one of the displayed items based on interaction of the user with the core wallet; (1e) retrieving, for each activated item, a token associated with the item in the extraneous application from which the item originates by the core wallet; and (1f) storing the tokens retrieved in step (1e) in a wallet applet installed on a secure element that is configured for wireless radio communication.11-19-2015
20150348015METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TERMINAL DEVICE-BASED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THIRD-PARTY APPLICATIONS AND AN ELECTRONIC WALLET - A method for terminal device-based communications between a third-party application and an electronic wallet includes: the third-party application setting up a connection to an Internet service; the third-party application receiving a request and setting up a communication channel between the third party application and the electronic wallet within the terminal device via the On-Device API; verifying, by the electronic wallet, an access right of the request of the third party application; the third-party application forwarding the request to the electronic wallet if the access right is approved; the electronic wallet generating a corresponding response; forwarding the response via the On-Device API to the third party application, wherein the third party application forwards the response to the Internet service.12-03-2015

Luc Hofman, Deinze BE

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090277796APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ELECTROPLATING A SUBSTRATE IN A CONTINUOUS WAY - The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for depositing a metal coating on an electrically conductive substrate in a continuous way. The apparatus comprises at least one plating vessel for receiving an electrolyte solution; at least one plating unit, and means to pass said substrate through said at least one plating vessel. The plating unit comprises—a first zone comprising at least one first electrode (anode) said first electrode being connected to a positive pole of a power supply; —a second zone comprising at least one second electrode (cathode) said second electrode being connected to a negative pole of a power supply; —an intermediate zone between said first zone and said second zone, said intermediate zone separating said first zone from said second by a predetermined distance being larger than zero. The substrate is functioning as a cathode having a current density Jc when the substrate is facing the first electrode, whereas the substrate is functioning as an anode having a current density Ja when the substrate is facing the second electrode.11-12-2009

Maciej Hofman, Florence IT

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20160084111METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PREVENTING LUBE OIL LEAKAGE IN GAS TURBINES - A sump pressurization system comprising an off-board source of pressurized air is provided to supplement pressurized air to a bearing sump arrangement when the operating conditions of the gas turbine engine are such that the on-board pressurized air source, e.g. the compressor of the gas generator, are such that the air pressure generated thereby is insufficient to pressurize a sump pressurization cavity. A gas turbine engine comprising such a sump pressurization system is also provided, as is a corresponding method for operating a gas turbine engine to facilitate reducing leakage of lubrication oil.03-24-2016

Marinus Cornelis Hofman, Nanuet, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110178311Purification of Progesterone Receptor Modulators - Processes are provided for purifying a compound of the structure (I):07-21-2011

Ofer Hofman, Timrat IL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150186234Communication Monitoring System - A system for monitoring of integrity of a communication bus includes a communication bus cooperating with at least one transmitter configured to generate and transmit a signal on communication bus. At least one receiver is configured to receive a signal generated by the transmitter and transmitted on communication bus. The receiver is further configured to receive the transmitted signal as well as any reflected signals arising from non-impedance matched section in communication bus and wherein a time difference between transmitted pulse width and received pulse width indicates a distance between the non-impedance matched section and the transmitter on the communication bus.07-02-2015
20150270870Fault Tolerant Transceiver - Described is a differential data bus system which maintains error free communication despite faults in one of the data bus lines.09-24-2015
20150304190Fault Detection in Communication System - Presented is a system for monitoring the integrity of a communication bus.10-22-2015

Paul Hofman, Nice FR

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130084292Antagonists for the Prevention of Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and More Particularly of Crohn's Disease - An antagonist of the interaction between the Gp96 receptor and 04-04-2013

Paul Hofman, Nice Cedex 2 FR

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120289582METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING AND TREATING A PATHOLOGY ASSOCIATED WITH A SYNONYMOUS MUTATION OCCURING WITHIN A GENE OF INTEREST - The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing and/or prognosing a pathology (such as inflammatory dis-ease, especially Crohn disease) associated with a synonymous mutation occurring within a gene of interest (such as IRGM, NOD2 or BSN) in a subject and to a method for treating such pathology in a subject.11-15-2012

Paul Hofman, Falicon FR

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130316347PROCESS FOR MULTI-ANALYSES OF RARE CELLS EXTRACTED OR ISOLATED FROM BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES THROUGH FILTRATION - A process for isolating or extracting rare cells from a biological sample comprising filtering a biological sample, which may be treated or diluted, through a filter that has a pore size, pore density or other physical properties that retain rare cells, but which permits other kinds of cells to pass through the filter. This process also comprises multiple analyses performed on rare cells after their extraction or isolation by filtration to diagnostically identify the presence of rare cells in a biological sample and to use their diagnostic identification and molecular characterization for diagnostic purposes such as for early diagnosis of diseases, namely for early diagnosis of cancer and to select, guide, monitor treatments and in particular to select targeted treatments and to monitor the response and/or resistance to them. A kit comprising tools, equipment and/or reagents to accomplish both the filtration step and various kinds of multiple analyses performed after isolation and extraction of the rare cells by filtration.11-28-2013

Paul M. Hofman, Nuenen NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090153742GLOBAL MOTION ESTIMATION - In a global motion estimation, profiles (Prof06-18-2009

Paul Michiel Hofman, Neunen NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120002107METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MODIFYING AN IMAGE BY USING A SALIENCY MAP BASED ON COLOR FREQUENCY - A method for modifying an image being defined by a matrix of pixels comprises: .calculating (01-05-2012

Paul Michiel Hofman, Eindhoven NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080266307Method and System for Enhancing the Sharpness of a Video Signal - The invention relates to a method and a system for modifying input images (10-30-2008

Patent applications by Paul Michiel Hofman, Eindhoven NL

Petr Hofman, Praha CZ

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090305406Method of cultivation of human mesenchymal stem cells, particularly for the treatment of non-healing fractures, and bioreactor for carrying out this cultivation method - The invention relates to a novel method of cultivation of mesenchymal stem cells, wherein after aseptic separation of mononuclear cells from the marrow blood, said cells are seeded in low density into sterile plastic cultivation vessels and cultivated for approximately one to three weeks in CellGro™ Hematopoietic Stem Cell Medium, certified for the clinical use, with an addition of 10% human serum and supplements, wherein the supplements are added at least once in the course of the cultivation, without removal of hematopoietic cells and without medium exchange during the cultivation procedure, without any interference with the closed cultivation system, under the standard conditions for the cultivation of tissue cultures.12-10-2009

Rainer Hofman, Jengen DE

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120229394DISPLAY TERMINAL - A display terminal for a tractor or other agricultural machine. The terminal has a touch sensitive screen in which the pressing of pre-determined areas of the screen designated as control areas initiates pre-determined actions in the operation of the terminal or machine. The terminal also has a control unit and a matrix of push buttons external to the screen the pressing of which duplicates the pressing of the touch sensitive screen areas.09-13-2012
20120256843CONTROL UNIT FOR DISPLAY TERMINAL - A display terminal for a tractor or other agricultural machine. The terminal has a screen and a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises a steadying portion and at least one push button. The steadying portion provides a grip for steadying the operator's hand whilst allowing operation of the at least one button by the thumb of the hand.10-11-2012

Raymond Hofman, Midland, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110192607Downhole Tool With Expandable Seat - A downhole tool comprising a housing having at least one flow port disposed providing a communication path between the interior and exterior of the sleeve. A sleeve assembly has an expandable seat and an inner sleeve, and is moveable within the housing between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the sleeve assembly is radially positioned between the flow ports and the flowpath to substantially prevent fluid communication. Shearable port inserts are positioned within the flow ports, with each port insert having a shearable portion extending into the interior of the housing and engaging the sleeve assembly when the inner sleeve is in said first position.08-11-2011
20110203799Open Hole Fracing System - A method of producing petroleum from at least one open hole in at least one petroleum production zone of a hydrocarbon well comprising the steps of locating a plurality of sliding valves along at least one production tubing; inserting the plurality of sliding valves and the production tubing into the at least one open hole; cementing the plurality of sliding valves in the at least one open hole; opening at least one of the cemented sliding valves; removing at least some of the cement adjacent the opened sliding valves without using jetting tools or cutting tools to establish at least one communication path between the interior of the production tubing and the at least one petroleum production zone; directing a fracing material radially through the at least one sliding valve radially toward the at least one production zone; producing hydrocarbons from the at least one petroleum production zone through the plurality of the sliding valves the cement adjacent to which has been removed.08-25-2011
20110203807Multistage Production System and Method - A system and method for more efficiently stimulating and producing from a production string. The present invention comprises production tubing; at least one selectively-openable valve assembly located inline with the production tubing; and at least one flapper valve assembly located inline with the production tubing. One flapper valve assembly is associated with each selectively-openable valve assembly. The flapper valve assembly is orientated to impede fluid flow in the downwell direction when closed.08-25-2011
20110226489Differential Shifting Tool and Method of Shifting - A shifting tool and method of shifting a downhole device that requires only a minimal profile or no profile to engage and move the movable portion of the tool. The invention comprises a ported housing assembly and at least one friction pad alignable with said at least one port and radially movable through the port between a first pad position and a second pad position. In the second pad position, the friction pad extends outside said outer diameter of said housing assembly to engage the targeted downhole device. A mandrel positioned through the ported housing has a first section with a first outer diameter and a second section with a second outer diameter, said second outer diameter being greater than said first outer diameter. The mandrel is movable between a first mandrel position and a second mandrel position. In the second mandrel position, the second outer diameter supports the friction pads in the second pad position.09-22-2011
20120097397Fracturing System and Method - A system and method for fracturing a stage of a multiple stage hydrocarbon production well. One embodiment of the system comprises at least one ported sleeve assembly and a flapper assembly positioned downwell of the ported sleeve assembly. Each ported sleeve assembly comprises a ported housing having a plurality of ports disposed radially therethrough; a first sleeve at least partially within the ported housing and moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first sleeve is radially positioned between the plurality of ports and the flowpath. The first sleeve has an exterior surface, a first slot formed in the first exterior surface, and a first engagement surface having a first inner diameter. A first guiding member is fixed relative to the ported housing and positionable within the first slot. A first compression spring positioned between the a upper end of the first sleeve and the ported housing, the first compression spring being under compression when the first sleeve is in the first position. The flapper assembly comprises a flapper seal; a flapper plate rotatable between an opened position and a closed position, wherein in the opened position fluid flow in the downwell direction through the flapper seal is at least substantially unimpeded, and wherein in the closed position the flapper plate is engaged against the flapper seal to at least substantially prevent fluid flow through the flapper seal in the downwell direction; a second sleeve moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position at least a portion of the second sleeve is radially positioned between the flapper plate and the flowpath, the second sleeve having a second exterior surface, a second slot formed in the second exterior surface, and a second engagement surface having a second inner diameter; a second guiding member fixed relative to the flapper seal and positionable within the second walking jay slot; and a second compression spring positioned between an upper end of the second sleeve and the flapper seal, the second compression spring being under compression when the second sleeve is in the second position.04-26-2012
20120152523Self-Orienting Fracturing Sleeve and System - A self-orientating fracturing system locatable in a tubing string, the system comprising a swivel sub having a top connection and a lower connection radially rotatable relative to said top connection; at least one ported sleeve positionable downwell of said swivel sub, said at least one ported sleeve defining a flowpath and comprising a ported housing having an outer surface with at least one planar engagement surface and at least one port providing a communication path to the interior of said housing; and an insert moveable within said ported housing between a first position and a second position, wherein in said first position said insert is positioned radially between said at least one port and said flowpath. The system further comprises a centralizer having a outer surface with at least one flute formed therein, said centralizer positionable downwell of said swivel sub.06-21-2012
20120261131Assembly for Actuating a Downhole Tool - A valve seat assembly for actuating a connected downhole tool. The connected downhole tool may be mechanically connected, such as a sleeve positionable between flow ports through a housing, or hydraulically connected, such as through establishing a fluid communication path to the tool to cause actuation thereof. The valve seat assembly generally has a seating element with an having an inlet and an outlet; and a counting element configured to keep a tally of the number times a first pressure at the inlet exceeds a second pressure at the outlet by at least a pre-determined amount.10-18-2012
20120279723Downhole Tool - A downhole tool comprising an inner sleeve with a plurality of sleeve ports and a housing positioned radially outwardly of the inner sleeve and having a plurality of housing ports, with the housing and inner sleeve partially defining a space radially therebetween. The space is occupied by a shifting sleeve. A fluid path extends between the interior flowpath of the tool and the space. A fluid control device, occupies at least portion of the fluid path, and may selectively permit fluid flow, and thus pressure communication, into the space to cause a differential pressure across the shifting sleeve. When a sufficient differential pressure is reached, the shifting sleeve is moved from a first position to a second position, which opens the communication paths through the housing and sleeve ports between the interior flowpath and exterior of the tool.11-08-2012
20130068474Downhole System and Apparatus Incorporating Valve Assembly with Resilient Deformable Engaging Element - An apparatus, system and method relating to a valve assembly for use in a subterranean well for oil, gas, or other hydrocarbons. The valve assembly comprises an engaging element with a resilient portion having a first shape when a first pressure differential is applied across the engaging element in a direction and a second shape when a second pressure differential is applied across the element in the direction; a receiving element having sealing section; wherein the engaging element is engagable with the first receiving element to substantially prevent the flow of fluids through the sealing section a pressure differential is applied to the engaging element that is less than a first pressure differential; wherein the engaging element is extrudable through the first receiving element by applying a second pressure differential that is greater than the first pressure differential.03-21-2013
20130068475Multistage Production System Incorporating Valve Assembly With Collapsible or Expandable C-Ring - A valve assembly, and related system and method, with an annular sleeve having an inner surface with a diameter, a first cylindrical outer surface, and a plurality of openings extending between the inner surface and the first cylindrical outer surface. The annular sleeve includes a second cylindrical outer surface having a different diameter than the first cylindrical outer surface. A first C-ring having a body with a seating surface, opposing terminal ends, and an outer diameter extending from the body is at least partially within the inner surface of the sleeve. A coil spring is positioned around a portion of the sleeve and in an annular space at least partially defined by an annular body and the second cylindrical outer surface.03-21-2013
20140034294Fracturing System and Method - A system and method comprising at least one ported sleeve assembly and a flapper assembly positioned downwell of the ported sleeve assembly. The system provides for the use of multiple ported sleeve assemblies for each stage of a hydrocarbon producing well that can be opened with a single element, and multiple stages, each have the ability to be opened with a single element size.02-06-2014
20140069654Downhole Tool Incorporating Flapper Assembly - A downhole tool incorporating a sleeve assembly with an actuatable element, such as the seat of a plug-and-seat combination, and a seal assembly, such as a flapper seal assembly. The sleeve assembly is movable between a first position, in which the seal assembly is opened and inhibited from closing by contact with the sleeve assembly, and a second position in which the seal assembly is closed. Upon closing of the flapper assembly, the downhole tool may withstand higher pressures with reduced risk of failure to maintain a pressure differential across the tool.03-13-2014
20140076578Downhole Tool - A downhole tool comprising an inner sleeve with a plurality of sleeve ports and a housing positioned radially outwardly of the inner sleeve and having a plurality of housing ports, with the housing and inner sleeve partially defining a space radially therebetween. The space is occupied by a shifting sleeve. A fluid path extends between the interior flowpath of the tool and the space. A fluid control device, such as a burst disk, occupies at least portion of the fluid path. In one state, the shifting sleeve is in a first position between the housing ports and the sleeve ports to prevent fluid flow between the interior flowpath and exterior of the tool. The fluid control device may selectively permit fluid flow, and thus pressure communication, into the annular space to cause a differential pressure across the shifting sleeve. When a sufficient differential pressure is reached, the shifting sleeve is moved to a second position, which opens the communication paths through the housing and sleeve ports between the interior flowpath and exterior flowpath of the tool.03-20-2014
20140116721Downhole Tools, System and Method of Using - A downhole tool comprising a nested sleeve moveable from a closed position to an open position following actuation of a fluid control device. The fluid control device may selectively permit fluid flow, and thus pressure communication, into the annular space to cause a differential pressure across the shifting sleeve, and thereby moving the shifting sleeve to an open position. A static plug seat is positioned in the tubing or casing upwell of the downhole tool. When the shifting sleeve is opened, fluid flow is established through the static plug seat, allowing a dissolvable or disintegrable ball or other plug to engage the plug seat, preventing fluid flow past the plug seat to the opened downhole tool, thereby permitting pressurization of the tubing or casing, such as for a pressure test. Disintegration of the ball allows fluid communication to be re-established with the downhole tool, permitting fluid to flow through the tubing for subsequent operations.05-01-2014
20140158368Flow bypass device and method - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for re-directing fluid flow from the interior of tubing placed in a well to the exterior of the tubing by use of selectively actuatable valves operable by engagement of a plug on a plug seat. The devices, systems, and methods disclosed may provide a flowback bypass for the flow of fluids around obstructions in the tubing when those obstructions occur at a predicted location within the tubing. The systems, devices and methods may also include a locking system operable by, among other things, plug and plug seat valves, and such locking system may be used to prevent opening of the flowback bypass until after a predetermined event has occurred.06-12-2014
20140246207Fracturing System and Method - A system and method comprising at least one ported sleeve assembly and a flapper assembly positioned downwell of the ported sleeve assembly. The system provides for the use of multiple ported sleeve assemblies for each stage of a hydrocarbon producing well that can be opened with a single element, and multiple stages, each have thFracturinge ability to be opened with a single element size.09-04-2014
20140251636Downhole Tools, System and Method of Using - The present disclosure relates to downhole tools, including downhole valves, which actuate via a pressure differential created across a shifting element having one or more pressure surfaces isolated from fluid, and fluid pressure, flowing through the interior flowpath. Embodiment downhole tools of the present disclosure may actuate in response to, among other signals, fluid pressure in the interior flowpath of the tool and fluid pressure communicated to a pressure surface of the shifting sleeve from the exterior of the tool. Certain embodiments may also have an outlet connector whereby fluid pressure from the downhole tool may be communicated to its exterior, including to additional tools in the tubing strings via flowlines connecting the two tools.09-11-2014
20140318816Downhole Tools With Ball Trap - The described embodiments relate to a downhole tool that can capture a ball in a trap to prevent both upwell and downwell movement of the ball. Further, certain embodiments described herein may prevent fluid from flowing past a captured ball in either the upwell or downwell directions. Ball and seat valves incorporating such ball trap assemblies can be used to create a bi-directional plug which prevents fluid flow in either direction when the ball trap is engaged with an appropriately configured ball.10-30-2014
20150068752Flow Bypass Device and Method - Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for re-directing fluid flow from the interior of tubing placed in a well to the exterior of the tubing by use of selectively actuatable valves operable by engagement of a plug on a plug seat. The devices, systems, and methods disclosed may provide a flowback bypass for the flow of fluids around obstructions in the tubing when those obstructions occur at a predicted location within the tubing. The systems, devices and methods may also include a locking system operable by, among other things, plug and plug seat valves, and such locking system may be used to prevent opening of the flowback bypass until after a predetermined event has occurred.03-12-2015
20150068757Downhole Tool with Expandable Seat - A downhole tool comprising a housing having at least one flow port disposed providing a communication path between the interior and exterior of the sleeve. A sleeve assembly has an expandable seat and an inner sleeve, and is moveable within the housing between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the sleeve assembly is radially positioned between the flow ports and the flowpath to substantially prevent fluid communication. Shearable port inserts are positioned within the flow ports, with each port insert having a shearable portion extending into the interior of the housing and engaging the sleeve assembly when the inner sleeve is in said first position.03-12-2015
20150107819Hydraulically-Actuated Explosive Downhole Tool - A downhole tool comprising a first section having an internal sidewall defining at least a portion of a flowpath, and a ported outer sidewall and an explosive having at least a portion within said first section. An annular portion has at least one chamber having an end positioned adjacent to the explosive and an inlet providing a communication path to said flowpath. A detonator assembly is located within each chamber proximal to the explosive such that detonation of the assembly causes detonation of the explosive. A firing pin is propelled toward the detonation assembly by providing communication between the chamber and the flow path, causing a pressure differential between the pressure isolated ends of the firing pin.04-23-2015
20150107837Open Hole Fracing System - A method of producing petroleum from at least one open hole in at least one petroleum production zone of a hydrocarbon well comprising the steps of locating a plurality of sliding valves along at least one production tubing; inserting the plurality of sliding valves and the production tubing into the at least one open hole; cementing the plurality of sliding valves in the at least one open hole; opening at least one of the cemented sliding valves; removing at least some of the cement adjacent the opened sliding valves without using jetting tools or cutting tools to establish at least one communication path between the interior of the production tubing and the at least one petroleum production zone; directing a fracing material radially through the at least one sliding valve radially toward the at least one production zone; producing hydrocarbons from the at least one petroleum production zone through the plurality of the sliding valves the cement adjacent to which has been removed.04-23-2015
20150129205Downhole Tools, System and Methods of Using - The present disclosure relates to downhole tools, including downhole valves, which actuate via a pressure differential created across a shifting element having one or more pressure surfaces isolated from fluid, and fluid pressure, flowing through the interior flowpath. Embodiment downhole tools of the present disclosure may actuate in response to, among other signals, fluid pressure in the interior flowpath of the tool and fluid pressure communicated to a pressure surface of the shifting sleeve from the exterior of the tool. Certain embodiments may also have an outlet connector whereby fluid pressure from the downhole tool may be communicated to its exterior, including to additional tools in the tubing strings via flowlines connecting the two tools. Isolation of the shifting element from the interior flowpath may be accomplished using a frangible, shiftable, degradable or other members which may be moved from a closed state to an open state in response to fluid conditions in the interior flowpath.05-14-2015

Patent applications by Raymond Hofman, Midland, TX US

Raymond A. Hofman, Midland, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080302538Cemented Open Hole Selective Fracing System - A cemented open hole selective fracing system and method are shown. In the producing zone, an open hole is drilled therein and a production tubing is cemented in place. At preselected locations along the production tubing, the production tubing will have sliding valves located there along. The sliding valves may be selectively opened, and the cement around the sliding valve dissolved. Thereafter, the formation may be fraced immediately adjacent the opened sliding valve. By selectively opening different combinations of sliding valves, fracing can occur in stages with more fracing pressure and more fracing fluid being delivered deeper into the formation. Just as the sliding valves can be selectively opened, the sliding valves can also be selectively closed to protect the production of the well.12-11-2008
20130146309Differential Shifting Tool and Method of Shifting - A shifting tool and method of shifting a downhole device that requires only a minimal profile or no profile to engage and move the movable portion of the tool. The invention comprises a ported housing assembly and at least one friction pad alignable with said at least one port and radially movable through the port between a first pad position and a second pad position. In the second pad position, the friction pad extends outside said outer diameter of said housing assembly to engage the targeted downhole device. A mandrel positioned through the ported housing has a first section with a first outer diameter and a second section with a second outer diameter, said second outer diameter being greater than said first outer diameter. The mandrel is movable between a first mandrel position and a second mandrel position. In the second mandrel position, the second outer diameter supports the friction pads in the second pad position.06-13-2013
20130292125Downhole Tool With Expandable Seat - A downhole tool comprising a housing having at least one flow port disposed providing a communication path between the interior and exterior of the sleeve. A sleeve assembly has an expandable seat and an inner sleeve, and is moveable within the housing between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the sleeve assembly is radially positioned between the flow ports and the flowpath to substantially prevent fluid communication. Shearable port inserts are positioned within the flow ports, with each port insert having a shearable portion extending into the interior of the housing and engaging the sleeve assembly when the inner sleeve is in said first position.11-07-2013

Patent applications by Raymond A. Hofman, Midland, TX US

Ryan Hofman, Long Beach, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20160040941COLD TRACK FOR REFRIGERATION PIPING - A cold track plate which both secures the refrigeration coils to the exterior of the tray well and helps to distribute cooling (or absorb heat) more efficiently solves the problem of inconsistent heat transfer and other inefficiencies in pan cooler assemblies. A pan cooler assembly preferably uses stainless steel threaded studs electrically welded to a conventional pan, and aligning with apertures in a cold track plate having troughs to accommodate a length of refrigeration piping secured against the pan and preferably held by stainless steel nuts urging the cold track plate against the pan for improved and more even thermal transfer.02-11-2016

Ryan Hofman, Redondo Beach, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130323386AUTOMATED CIRCULATING RESERVOIR THAW DEVICE - An automated circulating reservoir thaw device may be provided either as a clean stainless steel companion of comparable size to other kitchen food preparation structures, or as a “drop in” unit which could be installed into existing work spaces in the kitchen environment. The automated circulating reservoir thaw device includes a holding tank and a pump to recirculatingly deliver of one quarter gallon per minute to 3 gallons per minute for a nominal 35 gallon capacity, and controls for actuating a single cold water tap for an automatic fill, and the recirculating pump to facilitate thawing of frozen food items.12-05-2013
20140138072COLD TRACK FOR REFRIGERATION PIPING - A cold track plate which both secures the refrigeration coils to the exterior of the tray well and helps to distribute cooling (or absorb heat) more efficiently solves the problem of inconsistent heat transfer and other inefficiencies in pan cooler assemblies.05-22-2014

Seth Hofman, Bayfield, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120104008Liquefied Gas Evacuation Assembly System for Underground Storage Tanks - An evacuation assembly for empting underground tanks of liquefied gas. The assembly not only provides ease of attaching a coupling to the underground tanks but also increases the safety of the individual attaching the coupling to the underground tank. The evacuation assembly uses a riser extension with a rotatable hose coupling mechanism to allow the coupling to be easily attached to the underground tank without the individual being exposed to volatile vapors that may have accumulated in the dome of the underground tank.05-03-2012

Thomas J. Hofman, Holland, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120227594Bulk Bag Conditioning System - A Bulk Bag Material Conditioning System that includes a main conditioner frame and a plurality of bulk bag conditioner assemblies engaged to the upper portion of the main conditioner frame where the bulk bag conditioner assemblies travel a non-linear path, typically on an arcuous path from a bulk bag disengaged position to a bulk bag engaging position.09-13-2012
20120305580Bulk Bag Discharge Assembly Including A Conditioning Assembly - A bulk bag discharge and hoist assembly comprising a main frame assembly, a hoist assembly and a bag conditioning assembly. The main frame assembly includes a bulk bag receiving region. The bag conditioning assembly having a first conditioner frame and a powered cylinder. The powered cylinder is structurally configured to extend the first conditioner frame from outside of the bulk bag receiving region into the bulk bag receiving region, whereupon entry into the bulk bag receiving region, the distal end of the first conditioner frame is directed at least partially in an upward direction.12-06-2012

Torkild Hofman, Beder DK

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110011864EASY TO OPEN PACKAGE - Method of manufacturing a package of the type formed from a single-layer or multilayer material sheet, where said package has an easy to open feature, where the sheet is shaped into the finished package having an inner side suitable to be in contact with the matter to be packaged and an outer side, comprising the following method steps: forming the film into a tube, by connecting the two side edges of the sheet longitudinally; where the connection creates a side flap (01-20-2011
20110250389PRE-RIP - Sheet packaging material, of the type used for packaging objects on automatic packaging machines where the material is supplied in very long lengths on reels, where said material may be a single or multi layer material, where means are provided for determining where cut-off lines shall be placed, where cut-off lines indicate sections where the material will be cut when separating the packages from each other after the material has been formed into a package, and where one or more substantially parallel longitudinal slits are provided across said cut-off lines.10-13-2011
20160046400Easy to Open Package - Method of manufacturing a package of the type formed from a single-layer or multilayer material sheet, where said package has an easy to open feature, where the sheet is shaped into the finished package having an inner side suitable to be in contact with the matter to be packaged and an outer side, comprising the following method steps: forming the film into a tube, by connecting the two side edges of the sheet longitudinally; where the connection creates a side flap on the outside of the tube or where the tube is passed over a former having a projecting fin, whereby a side flap is formed on the outside of the tube; where cross seals are provided across the tube, thereby delimiting each package between two cross seals; that perforation lines are established in said cross seals, for detaching/separating two adjacent packages; that a perforation of one material layer is established, parallel to and adjacent the side flap, extending from the perforation line towards or into the cross seal.02-18-2016

William Hofman, Ada, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140362602PANEL LIGHT ASSEMBLY - A panel light assembly for use with a support frame including at least first and second support frame members, the assembly comprising an assembly frame including at least a first assembly frame member and a second assembly frame member spaced apart on opposite sides of a frame space, the first assembly frame member forming a channel, a light source supported by the first assembly frame member within the channel, a light guide member including at least one edge, the light guide supported by the first and second assembly frame members within the frame space with at least a portion of the at least one edge located adjacent the light source, a fastener for fastening the assembly frame to the first and second support frame members.12-11-2014

William K. Hofman, Ada, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080296457FURNITURE STORAGE UNIT AND METHOD - An office furniture unit has an outer face with slotted hangers, and a removable storage unit assembly including a bottom panel positioned in a generally horizontal orientation along the office furniture unit, and a top panel disposed above and generally parallel with the bottom panel. First and second panels are disposed at opposite ends of the top and bottom panels and are connected therewith to define a rigid, box-shaped case having an open back portion. The first and second end panels have rear portions with multiple vertically spaced slots. First and second hanger brackets have a rear portion with first hooks selectively received in the slotted hangers of the office furniture units, and a forward portion with second hooks selectively received in the slots in the rear portions of the first and second end panels to detachably support the case against the outer face of the office furniture unit.12-04-2008
20080297015STORAGE UNIT BACK STOP AND METHOD - A storage unit assembly and method for office furniture units includes two end panels and a bottom panel configured to support objects thereon. A back stop rail is connected to end panels and the bottom panel. The back stop rail includes a lower web having a bottom flange and a center flange, wherein the bottom flange abuts the bottom panel of the storage unit, and the center flange extends above the bottom panel into the storage unit. An upper web is connected to the center flange, wherein the upper web extends upwardly and terminates at a top flange. A rear flange extends downwardly from the top flange, wherein the planar extent of the rear flange is substantially coplanar with the planar extent of the lower web.12-04-2008
20160033717PANEL LIGHT ASSEMBLY - A panel light wall assembly comprising a support frame structure including at least first and second substantially straight and parallel support frame members spaced apart on opposite sides of a light panel receiving space, a light panel assembly including a rectilinear assembly frame including first, second, third and fourth substantially straight elongated assembly frame members, a light source mounted to the first assembly frame member, a planar light guide member forming an edge and mounted to the assembly frame with the edge adjacent the light source and a fastener interacting with at least one of the first and second support frame members to secure the light panel assembly with at least a portion of the light panel assembly received within the panel receiving space and a second portion extending outside and to one side of the panel receiving space with the light guide member and light source located within the panel receiving space.02-04-2016

Patent applications by William K. Hofman, Ada, MI US

Yehoram Hofman, Newport Coast, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110247583Internal Combustion Engine and Components Therefor - A rotary internal combustion engine includes crank-driven gates to synchronously form chambers for the intake, compression, combustion, expansion and exhaust of a working medium during a high-efficiency hybrid engine cycle. A variety of rotor geometries and sealing apparatuses may work with a rotary engines in the execution of various engine cycles including, but not limited to, a high-efficiency hybrid engine cycle.10-13-2011

Yoram Hofman, Kfar Bialik IL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110280448CHARACTER RECOGNITION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHIPPING CONTAINERS - A system and method, which enables precise identification of characters contained in vehicle license plates, container I.D, chassis I.D, aircraft serial number and other such identification markings. The system can process these identified characters and operate devices, such as access control operations, traffic systems and vehicle and container tracking and management systems, and provide records of all markings together with their images.11-17-2011
20120293664CHARACTER RECOGNITION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RAIL CONTAINERS - A system and method, which enables precise identification of characters contained in vehicle license plates, container I.D, chassis I.D, aircraft serial number and other such identification markings. The system can process these identified characters and operate devices, such as access control operations, traffic systems and vehicle and container tracking and management systems, and provide records of all markings together with their images.11-22-2012
20120323620SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING RETAIL PRODUCTS AND DETERMINING RETAIL PRODUCT ARRANGEMENTS - Systems and methods for determining product arrangement are provided. The method includes: receiving one or more images, the one or more images reflecting a retail arrangement of at least one product, processing, with a processor executing code, the one or more images to: (a) identify the at least one product, and (b) determine the retail arrangement of the at least one product, computing, based on (a) an identification of the at least one product and (b) a determination of a retail arrangement of the at least one product, one or more performance indicators, the one or more performance indicators reflecting compliance with one or more retail arrangement guidelines established with respect to the at least one product, and providing feedback based on the one or more performance indicators. Other embodiments of the various aspects include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.12-20-2012

Yoram Hofman, Kefar Bialik IL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110228085Method and Apparatus for Acquiring Images of Car License Plates - Apparatus and method for acquiring images of car license plates, the apparatus is configured to be part of an LPR (License Plate Recognition) system. The apparatus includes a camera, a multi band-pass filter, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and an illumination control board. The camera is configured for acquiring the images, having a focus shift corrected lens. The multi band-pass filter is coupled to the focus shift corrected lens, being configured for allowing only wavelengths of multiple predetermined spectrum ranges to reach the lens. Each one of said LEDs is configured for emitting light in at least one of the multiple predetermined spectrum ranges for the purpose of illuminating the car license plates and their vicinity. The illumination control board is coupled to the LEDs and to the camera, for controlling operation thereof.09-22-2011
20120274784SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOGNIZING A UNIT LOAD DEVICE (ULD) NUMBER MARKED ON AN AIR CARGO UNIT - The present invention provides a system and method for recognizing a Unit Load Device (ULD) number marked on an air cargo unit. The system includes at least one camera configured to acquire images of the ULD number. It includes also a presence sensing module configured to detect a presence status of the air cargo unit in a scanning zone of the system, the presence status can have a value being one of present and absent, and a recognition processor coupled to the presence sensing module and to the at least one camera. The recognition processor is configured to obtain from the presence sensing module information relating to the presence status of said air cargo unit, to trigger the at least one camera to acquire the images upon a change in the value of the presence status, and to process the images for recognizing the ULD number.11-01-2012
20130136310Method and System for Collecting Information Relating to Identity Parameters of A Vehicle - The present invention discloses methods and systems for collecting information relating to identity parameters of a vehicle. According to the invention an image of the vehicle is obtained. A sub-image within the image is identified, interest points within the sub-image are detected and the sub-image is processed so as to obtain descriptors representing the interest points. The descriptors are matched to predetermined descriptors representing interest points in previously obtained images respective of known identity parameters and the information is stored in a record representing an identity of the vehicle.05-30-2013
20140064564COLLECTING INFORMATION RELATING TO IDENTITY PARAMETERS OF A VEHICLE - The present invention discloses methods and systems for collecting information relating to identity parameters of a vehicle. According to the invention an image of the vehicle is obtained. A sub-image within the image is identified, interest points within the sub-image are detected and the sub-image is processed so as to obtain descriptors representing the interest points. The descriptors are matched to predetermined descriptors representing interest points in previously obtained images respective of known identity parameters and the information is stored in a record representing an identity of the vehicle.03-06-2014
20140160283DYNAMIC IMAGE CAPTURE AND PROCESSING - Systems and methods are disclosed for dynamic image capture and processing. In one implementation, a processing device receives a first video stream, the first video stream being captured via an optical sensor configured with a first set of capture parameters. The processing device processes the first video stream with a first set of processing parameters. The processing device receives a second video stream, the second video stream being captured via the optical sensor configured with a second set of capture parameters. The processing device processes the second video stream with a second set of processing parameters. The processing device provides an output based on at least one of (a) the first video stream, as processed, or (b) the second video stream, as processed.06-12-2014
20150063634SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING CARGO CONTAINER SEALS - Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting container seals. In one implementation, a processing device receives one or more images and processes the one or more images to identify one or more areas of interest within at least one of the one or more images, the one or more areas of interest including one or more areas of the one or more images within which a container seal is relatively likely to be present. The processing device compares the one or more identified areas of interest with one or more templates, each of the one or more templates being associated with one or more respective seal types. The processing device identifies, based on the comparison, one or more matches between the one or more identified areas and the one or more templates, and provides, based on the identification of the one or more matches, an identification of the container seal.03-05-2015

Patent applications by Yoram Hofman, Kefar Bialik IL

Zandrie Hofman, Wageningen NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120094901METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE DIGESTIVE COAGULATION OF PROTEINS - This invention relates to the coagulation of protein containing nutritional compositions in the upper gastro-intestinal tract, more in particular in the stomach and provides a method for reducing such coagulation.04-19-2012
20120283180PEA-BASED PROTEIN MIXTURE AND USE THEREOF IN A LIQUID NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION SUITABLE FOR ENTERAL FEEDING - This invention relates to a pea-based protein mixture and use thereof in a liquid nutritional composition, in particular suitable for tube feeding, and further relates to said liquid nutritional composition for providing long-term complete enteral nutrition to patients in need thereof. More specifically, the pea-based protein mixture and the liquid nutritional composition comprising said pea-based protein mixture comprises more than 25 weight % and up to 80 weight % of vegetable protein comprising a source of intact pea protein and a source of intact soy protein. The invention relates further to a method for long-term enteral nutrition of patients in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of said liquid nutritional composition comprising said pea-based protein mixture, in particular comprising a defined amount of intact pea protein and a second vegetable intact protein, other than pea protein.11-08-2012

Zandrie Hofman, Utrecht NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150250851PEA-BASED PROTEIN MIXTURE AND USE THEREOF IN A LIQUID NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION SUITABLE FOR ENTERAL FEEDING - This invention relates to a pea-based protein mixture and use thereof in a liquid nutritional composition, in particular suitable for tube feeding, and further relates to said liquid nutritional composition for providing long-term complete enteral nutrition to patients in need thereof. More specifically, the pea-based protein mixture and the liquid nutritional composition comprising said pea-based protein mixture comprises more than 25 weight % and up to 80 weight % of vegetable protein comprising a source of intact pea protein and a source of intact soy protein. The invention relates further to a method for long-term enteral nutrition of patients in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of said liquid nutritional composition comprising said pea-based protein mixture, in particular comprising a defined amount of intact pea protein and a second vegetable intact protein, other than pea protein.09-10-2015

Zandrie Hofman, Bennekom NL

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110034376Use of Lipid-Rich Nutrition for the Treatment of Post-Operative Ileus - The invention pertains to the use of a lipid-rich nutrition for the manufacture of a composition for the prevention and/or treatment of post-operative ileus. The lipid fraction inhibited IL-6 and TNF-α levels in peritoneal lavage fluid, and/or wherein the lipid fraction prevents influx of neutrophils in the intestinal muscularis following intestinal manipulation. The nutritional composition comprises at least a lipid fraction which accounts for 42 to 90%, preferably between 45 and 70% of the total energy of the composition. The lipid fraction preferably contains 8 to 50 wt % of phospholipids.02-10-2011
20120309831BALANCED FAT COMPOSITION AND USE THEREOF IN A LIQUID NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION SUITABLE FOR ENTERAL FEEDING - This invention relates to a balanced fat composition and use thereof in a liquid nutritional composition, in particular suitable for tube feeding. This invention further relates to said liquid nutritional composition for providing enteral nutrition to patients in need thereof, in particular for providing a complete enteral nutrition, in particular for providing a long-term enteral nutrition. More specifically, the balanced fat composition and the liquid nutritional composition comprising said balanced fat composition comprises specific amounts of linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), at least one medium chain fatty acid (MCFA), and at least one mono-unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA). The invention relates further to a method for providing enteral nutrition to patients in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of said liquid nutritional composition comprising the balanced fat composition according to the invention.12-06-2012
20130023468LIQUID ENTERAL NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION SUITABLE FOR TUBE FEEDING, MINIMIZING LOWER AND UPPER TRACT DIGESTIVE CONDITIONS - The invention is directed to liquid enteral nutritional compositions comprising a protein fraction comprising more than 25 weight % and up to 80 weight % of a vegetable protein comprising at least a source of pea protein, and a fat fraction comprising (a) 8 to 15 weight % of linoleic acid; (b) 3.0 to 6.0 weight % of a combination of alpha-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, wherein the amount of ALA is >2.5 weight % and the combined amount of DHA and EPA is ≦2.5 weight %; (c) 10 to 20 weight % of at least one medium-chain fatty acid; and (d) 35 to 79 weight % of at least one mono-unsaturated fatty acid. The compositions provide for a healthy and balanced diet, which is well-tolerated and minimises clinical complications that are frequently associated with the administration of enteral nutrition in patients using tube feeding, especially with respect to a reduced gastric emptying.01-24-2013

Patent applications by Zandrie Hofman, Bennekom NL

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