Patents by Inventor Gary R. Tucholski

Gary R. Tucholski has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20120118741
    Abstract: An integrated electronic device, and its method of manufacture, are provided. The integrated electronic device can include Iontophoresis electrodes that are electrically coupled to a thin printed flexible electrochemical cell. In one example, the Iontophoresis electrodes and the electrochemical battery are provided on a single substrate. In one example method of manufacture, the entire cell can be made on a printing press to integrate the battery directly with the electronic assembly of the Iontophoresis electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: BLUE SPARK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Publication number: 20110311857
    Abstract: A thin printed flexible electrochemical cell, and its method of manufacture, using a “picture frame” structure sealed, for example, with a high moisture and oxygen barrier polymer film and featuring, for example, a printed cathode deposited on an optional, highly conductive carbon printed cathode collector with a printed or a foil strip anode placed adjacent to the cathode. A viscous or gelled electrolyte is dispensed and/or printed in the cell, and a top laminate can then be sealed onto the picture frame. Such a construction could allow the entire cell to be made on a printing press, for example, as well as gives the opportunity to integrate the battery directly with an electronic application, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: BLUE SPARK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Publication number: 20110241446
    Abstract: An electrical device is provided, including a substrate, an electrical component on the substrate, and a battery on or integrating the substrate for providing electrical energy to said electrical component. An open switch prevents electrical communication between the electrical component and the battery while open. A circuit activating component is adapted to irreversibly close the open switch to thereby establish a permanent electrical circuit between the electrical component and the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: BLUE SPARK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 8029927
    Abstract: A thin printed flexible electrochemical cell, and its method of manufacture, using a “picture frame” structure sealed, for example, with a high moisture and oxygen barrier polymer film and featuring, for example, a printed cathode deposited on an optional, highly conductive carbon printed cathode collector with a printed or a foil strip anode placed adjacent to the cathode. A viscous or gelled electrolyte is dispensed and/or printed in the cell, and a top laminate can then be sealed onto the picture frame. Such a construction could allow the entire cell to be made on a printing press, for example, as well as gives the opportunity to integrate the battery directly with an electronic application, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Publication number: 20100266895
    Abstract: A battery including at least one electrochemical cell for generating an electrical current is provided, along with its method of manufacture. In one example, the electrochemical cell is provided on a first substrate and includes an anode and a plurality of cathodes. At least a portion of said anode is located between an adjacent two of said plurality of cathodes. In one example method of manufacture, the electrochemical cell is made via a printing press process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: BLUE SPARK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Publication number: 20100196744
    Abstract: An integrated electronic device, and its method of manufacture, are provided. The integrated electronic device can include an electronic assembly, such as an active RFID assembly, that is electrically coupled to a thin printed flexible electrochemical cell. In one example, the electronic assembly and the electrochemical battery are provided on a single substrate. In one example method of manufacture, the entire cell to be made on a printing press to integrate the battery directly with the electronic assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: BLUE SPARK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Gary R. Tucholski, Leonard Blaine Allison
  • Publication number: 20100040941
    Abstract: A flat, flexible electrochemical cell is provided. The within invention describes various aspects of the flat, flexible electrochemical cell. A printed anode is provided that obviates the need for a discrete anode current collector, thereby reducing the size of the battery. An advantageous electrolyte is provided that enables the use of a metallic cathode current collector, thereby improving the performance of the battery. Printable gelled electrolytes and separators are provided, enabling the construction of both co-facial and co-planar batteries. Cell contacts are provided that reduce the potential for electrolyte creepage in the flat, flexible electrochemical cells of the within invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Schubert, Jing Zhang, Guanghong Zheng, Frank H. Feddrix, Richard A. Langan, Frank B. Tudron, Gary R. Tucholski, Abdelkader Hilmi, John C. Bailey, Andrew Webber
  • Patent number: 7625664
    Abstract: A flat, flexible electrochemical cell is provided. The within invention describes various aspects of the flat, flexible electrochemical cell. A printed anode is provided that obviates the need for a discrete anode current collector, thereby reducing the size of the battery. An advantageous electrolyte is provided that enables the use of a metallic cathode current collector, thereby improving the performance of the battery. Printable gelled electrolytes and separators are provided, enabling the construction of both co-facial and co-planar batteries. Cell contacts are provided that reduce the potential for electrolyte creepage in the flat, flexible electrochemical cells of the within invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Schubert, Jing Zhang, Guanghong Zheng, Frank H. Feddrix, Richard A. Langan, Frank B. Tudron, Gary R. Tucholski, Abdelkader Hilmi, John C. Bailey, Andrew Webber
  • Publication number: 20090038746
    Abstract: Printed electronics are increasingly becoming an important industry, thus innovations to integrate the various components and processes would be very useful to expand this industry. Disclosed are innovational concepts that would be very useful to accelerate this industry. Webs of printed electronics, antennas, power sources (cells/batteries), and assembly substrates can be merged together to form a completed electronic assembly that could be, for example, in label form or in a stand alone electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 7348096
    Abstract: A flat, flexible electrochemical cell is provided. The within invention describes various aspects of the flat, flexible electrochemical cell. A printed anode is provided that obviates the need for a discrete anode current collector, thereby reducing the size of the battery. An advantageous electrolyte is provided that enables the use of a metallic cathode current collector, thereby improving the performance of the battery. Printable gelled electrolytes and separators are provided, enabling the construction of both co-facial and co-planar batteries. Cell contacts are provided that reduce the potential for electrolyte creepage in the flat, flexible electrochemical cells of the within invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Schubert, Jing Zhang, Guanghong Zheng, Frank H. Feddrix, Richard A. Langan, Frank B. Tudron, Gary R. Tucholski, Abdelkader Hilmi, John C. Bailey, Andrew Webber
  • Patent number: 6922020
    Abstract: The present invention is an EL lamp module and a method of producing an EL lamp module. The EL lamp module of the present invention provides both an EL lamp (attachable or printed) and required electrical components for the proper function of the EL lamp in a single structure, thereby eliminating the necessity of separate electrical and mechanical connections for the final application of an EL lamp. The EL lamp module includes a printed circuit pattern and printed electrical components, and/or electrical components that may be connected through conventional printing techniques utilizing conductive and non-conductive pressure sensitive adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Morgan Adhesives Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Pennaz, Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 6670073
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a can for containing electrochemical materials including positive and negative electrodes and an electrolyte, the can having an open end and a closed end; a pressure relief mechanism formed in the closed end of the can for releasing internal pressure from within the can when the internal pressure becomes excessive; a first outer cover positioned on the closed end of the can to be in electrical contact therewith and to extend over the pressure relief mechanism; a second outer cover positioned across the open end of the can; and an insulator disposed between the can and the second outer cover for electrically insulating the can from the second outer cover. According to another embodiment, the second cover is dielectrically isolated from a current collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Tucholski, Gary A. Laisy, George R. Sondecker
  • Publication number: 20030234620
    Abstract: The present invention is an EL lamp module and a method of producing an EL lamp module. The EL lamp module of the present invention provides both an EL lamp (attachable or printed) and required electrical components for the proper function of the EL lamp in a single structure, thereby eliminating the necessity of separate electrical and mechanical connections for the final application of an EL lamp. The EL lamp module includes a printed circuit pattern and printed electrical components, and/or electrical components that may be connected through conventional printing techniques utilizing conductive and non-conductive pressure sensitive adhesives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas J. Pennaz, Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 6639355
    Abstract: The present invention is an EL lamp structure that provides multidirectional light emission from the structure through the use of transparent front and rear electrode layers in the EL lamp structure. By utilizing various printing and depositing methods for the structural component layers of the EL lamp, light emission can be provided from the front and back surfaces of an EL lamp structure as well as a surface of a three-dimensional object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Morgan Adhesives Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Pennaz, Gary R. Tucholski, Steven A. Mogensen
  • Patent number: 6624569
    Abstract: The present invention is an EL lamp in the form of an adhesive label that can be mechanically and electrically connected to a surface or object through the use of conductive and non-conductive pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). The conductive PSA is preferably pattern printed to make electrical connection with the contact of the EL lamp. The EL lamp label can be easily manufactured in large quantities on a continuous release liner provided in a roll or reel form. The EL lamp label is manufactured in large volumes and at high speeds using commercial printing, drying, laminating, punching and blanking equipment. The subsequent electrical and mechanical installation of the EL lamp label can also be performed on high speed equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Morgan Adhesives Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Pennaz, Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 6621212
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved EL lamp structure having a reduced number of printed component layers. The EL lamp utilizes a flexible dielectric film, such as polypropylene, polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), that acts as a combination dielectric layer and structural substrate for the remaining layers of the EL lamp structure. The flexible dielectric film reduces the need for a separate dielectric layer and substrate layer. Furthermore, the flexible dielectric film eliminates the need for several printed dielectric layers, thus reducing production time and the occurrence of manufacturing defects during the printing process. In an alternate embodiment, a low cost flexible metalized film is used as a combination rear electrode, dielectric layer and substrate. This embodiment further reduces the number of printed component layers required in the EL lamp structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Morgan Adhesives Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Pennaz, Gary R. Tucholski
  • Publication number: 20030165744
    Abstract: A flat, flexible electrochemical cell is provided. The within invention describes various aspects of the flat, flexible electrochemical cell. A printed anode is provided that obviates the need for a discrete anode current collector, thereby reducing the size of the battery. An advantageous electrolyte is provided that enables the use of a metallic cathode current collector, thereby improving the performance of the battery. Printable gelled electrolytes and separators are provided, enabling the construction of both co-facial and co-planar batteries. Cell contacts are provided that reduce the potential for electrolyte creepage in the flat, flexible electrochemical cells of the within invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Mark A. Schubert, Jing Zhang, Guanghong Zheng, Frank H. Feddrix, Richard A. Langan, Frank B. Tudron, Gary R. Tucholski, Abdelkader Hilmi, John C. Bailey, Andrew Webber
  • Patent number: 6410186
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a can for containing electrochemical materials including positive and negative electrodes and an electrolyte, the can having an open end and a closed end; a pressure relief mechanism formed in the closed end of the can for releasing internal pressure from within the can when the internal pressure becomes excessive; a first outer cover positioned on the closed end of the can to be in electrical contact therewith and to extend over the pressure relief mechanism; a second outer cover positioned across the open end of the can; and an insulator disposed between the can and the second outer cover for electrically insulating the can from the second outer cover. According to another embodiment, the second cover is dielectrically isolated from a current collector. The second cover is fastened to the can by the use of a double-seamed closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Tucholski, George R. Sondecker
  • Publication number: 20020031705
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a can for containing electrochemical materials including positive and negative electrodes and an electrolyte, the can having an open end and a closed end; a pressure relief mechanism formed in the closed end of the can for releasing internal pressure from within the can when the internal pressure becomes excessive; a first outer cover positioned on the closed end of the can to be in electrical contact therewith and to extend over the pressure relief mechanism; a second outer cover positioned across the open end of the can; and an insulator disposed between the can and the second outer cover for electrically insulating the can from the second outer cover. According to another embodiment, the second cover is dielectrically isolated from a current collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: RE38518
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a can for containing electrochemical materials including positive and negative electrodes and an electrolyte, the can having an open end and a closed end; a pressure relief mechanism formed in the closed end of the can for releasing internal pressure from within the can when the internal pressure becomes excessive; a first outer cover positioned on the closed end of the can to be in electrical contact therewith and to extend over the pressure relief mechanism; a second outer cover positioned across the open end of the can; and an insulator disposed between the can and the second outer cover for electrically insulating the can from the second outer cover. According to another embodiment, the second cover is dielectrically isolated from a current collector. The battery comprises a collector assembly and can defining a sealed internal volume within the can and available for containing electrochemically active materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski