Patents by Inventor Van Reenen Pretorius

Van Reenen Pretorius 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: 20240032197
    Abstract: A thin, flexible computerized sensing platform which can be affixed to a structure to be sensed, which has excellent mechanical coupling between the sensors and the object to be sensed, which can be self-powered and rechargeable, and which can be environmentally sealed, and a method for assembling and utilizing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Eric Oleg Bodnar, Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius
  • Publication number: 20240011826
    Abstract: A system for reporting one or more events of interest in a structure, including an apparatus configured to be securely adhered to a surface of the structure, the apparatus having a flexible portion which conforms to a shape of the surface of the structure. The flexible portion containing a sensor to measure mechanical strain in the surface of the structure, and conductive traces to connect the sensor to electronics. The electronics to capture and buffer a signal output by the sensor, and a computational element to analyze the captured signal into a polynomial representing an event of interest. The system further including a wireless communication element to transmit the event of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Eric Oleg Bodnar, Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius
  • Patent number: 11711892
    Abstract: A thin, flexible computerized sensing platform which can be affixed to a structure to be sensed, which has excellent mechanical coupling between the sensors and the object to be sensed, which can be self-powered and rechargeable, and which can be environmentally sealed, and a method for assembling and utilizing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Velvetwire LLC
    Inventors: Eric Oleg Bodnar, Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius
  • Patent number: 11698293
    Abstract: A system for reporting one or more events of interest in a structure, including an apparatus configured to be securely adhered to a surface of the structure, the apparatus having a flexible portion which conforms to a shape of the surface of the structure. The flexible portion containing a sensor to measure mechanical strain in the surface of the structure, and conductive traces to connect the sensor to electronics. The electronics to capture and buffer a signal output by the sensor, and a computational element to analyze the captured signal into a polynomial representing an event of interest. The system further including a wireless communication element to transmit the event of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Velvetwire, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Oleg Bodnar, Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius
  • Publication number: 20210297036
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module mounting system can have mounting clips that can be moved up and down a roof, and can allow the height of the mounting clips to be adjusted relative to the roof. At least a portion of the system can be made of a non-conductive material so that the system can be free of a grounding unit. The system can allow solar modules to be quickly installed, and can allow the solar modules to be removed quickly for repair or in the event of a fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius, Leslie G. Fritzemeier, Malcolm Cummings, Yang Jin, Katherine Hartman, Alastair Taylor, Michael Ross Everman
  • Publication number: 20210140815
    Abstract: This invention provides a low-profile, highly-sensitive, high-frequency sensor that can be affixed to equipment. Low-profile electronics with the ability to capture and analyze specific signals of concern can be utilized as to remain unobtrusive. Vibration data can be captured and stored locally on the equipment where user-defined code can analyze data and pick specific parameters of concern to send via the wireless communications link to a receiver. The receiver is able to capture the data and monitor parameters of the equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius, James Fry, Eric Oleg Bodnar
  • Publication number: 20210020824
    Abstract: A thin, flexible computerized sensing platform which can be affixed to a structure to be sensed, which has excellent mechanical coupling between the sensors and the object to be sensed, which can be self-powered and rechargeable, and which can be environmentally sealed, and a method for assembling and utilizing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Eric Oleg Bodnar, Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius
  • Publication number: 20200217711
    Abstract: A system for reporting one or more events of interest in a structure, including an apparatus configured to be securely adhered to a surface of the structure, the apparatus having a flexible portion which conforms to a shape of the surface of the structure. The flexible portion containing a sensor to measure mechanical strain in the surface of the structure, and conductive traces to connect the sensor to electronics. The electronics to capture and buffer a signal output by the sensor, and a computational element to analyze the captured signal into a polynomial representing an event of interest. The system further including a wireless communication element to transmit the event of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius, Eric Oleg Bodnar
  • Patent number: 10707803
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module mounting system can have mounting clips that can be moved up and down a roof, and can allow the height of the mounting clips to be adjusted relative to the roof. At least a portion of the system can be made of a non-conductive material so that the system can be free of a grounding unit. The system can allow solar modules to be quickly installed, and can allow the solar modules to be removed quickly for repair or in the event of a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Tessolar Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius, Leslie G. Fritzemeier, Malcolm Cummings, Yang Jin, Katherine Hartman, Alastair Taylor, Michael Ross Everman
  • Patent number: 10655992
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring airflow in an airstream includes a generally planar panel adapted to be placed in the airstream so that air passes over opposite surfaces of the panel. The panel includes at least one slot that extends through the panel. A hot-point element is mounted on one of the panel surfaces adjacent the at least one slot. The at least one slot is configured to permit air passing over the opposite surfaces to pass through the slot and become mixed together. The hot-point element is positioned on the panel so that the mixed air passes over the hot-point element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: DWYER INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Vernon Eugene Shrauger, Jacob van Reenen Pretorius
  • Patent number: 10527487
    Abstract: This invention provides a highly-sensitive, high-frequency, soft-polymer vibrations sensor that is integrated with the artwork and logo's currently utilized in equipment to make the sensor(s) unobtrusive. Low-power electronics with the ability to capture and analyze specific signals of concern are utilized as to increase the operational lifetime of the system and decrease the number of re-charge or battery changes per match. High-frequency vibration data is captured and stored locally on the equipment where user-defined code can analyze data and pick specific parameters of concern to send via the wireless communications link to a receiver. The receiver is able to capture the data and re-construct events of interest. This architecture reduces the power and bandwidth requirements of the device while maintaining functionality and the ability to transmit and report parameters and incidents of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Future Technologies in Sport, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius, Eric Oleg Bodnar
  • Publication number: 20190326459
    Abstract: A method for encapsulating photovoltaic cells into single functional units is described. These units share the mechanical and electric properties of the encapsulation layers and allow for flexible module architecture to be implemented at the cell level. This enables cost reduction and improved performance of photovoltaic power generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius, Michael Ross Everman, Leslie G. Fritzemeier, Marco Ferrara
  • Publication number: 20190006982
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module mounting system can have mounting clips that can be moved up and down a roof, and can allow the height of the mounting clips to be adjusted relative to the roof. At least a portion of the system can be made of a non-conductive material so that the system can be free of a grounding unit. The system can allow solar modules to be quickly installed, and can allow the solar modules to be removed quickly for repair or in the event of a fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius, Leslie G. Fritzemeier, Malcolm Cummings, Yang Jin, Katherine Hartman, Alastair Taylor, Michael Ross Everman
  • Publication number: 20180309013
    Abstract: A method for encapsulating photovoltaic cells into single functional units is described. These units share the mechanical and electric properties of the encapsulation layers and allow for flexible module architecture to be implemented at the cell level. This enables cost reduction and improved performance of photovoltaic power generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius, Marco Ferrara
  • Publication number: 20180138338
    Abstract: A method for encapsulating photovoltaic cells into single functional units is described. These units share the mechanical and electric properties of the encapsulation layers and allow for flexible module architecture to be implemented at the cell level. This enables cost reduction and improved performance of photovoltaic power generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius, Michael Everman, Leslie G. Fritzemeier, Marco Ferrara
  • Publication number: 20170343410
    Abstract: This invention provides a highly-sensitive, high-frequency, soft-polymer vibrations sensor that is integrated with the artwork and logo's currently utilized in equipment to make the sensor(s) unobtrusive. Low-power electronics with the ability to capture and analyze specific signals of concern are utilized as to increase the operational lifetime of the system and decrease the number of re-charge or battery changes per match. High-frequency vibration data is captured and stored locally on the equipment where user-defined code can analyze data and pick specific parameters of concern to send via the wireless communications link to a receiver. The receiver is able to capture the data and re-construct events of interest. This architecture reduces the power and bandwidth requirements of the device while maintaining functionality and the ability to transmit and report parameters and incidents of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius
  • Patent number: 9816492
    Abstract: A system and method for converting solar energy into mechanical and electrical energy is described. This method is based on the phase change of a material due to temperature. The change of phase is accompanied with displacement at high forces that can easily be converted into useful mechanical and electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius
  • Publication number: 20170248627
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring airflow in an airstream includes a generally planar panel adapted to be placed in the airstream so that air passes over opposite surfaces of the panel. The panel includes at least one slot that extends through the panel. A hot-point element is mounted on one of the panel surfaces adjacent the at least one slot. The at least one slot is configured to permit air passing over the opposite surfaces to pass through the slot and become mixed together. The hot-point element is positioned on the panel so that the mixed air passes over the hot-point element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Vernon Eugene Shrauger, Jacob van Reenen Pretorius
  • Publication number: 20140000683
    Abstract: A method for encapsulating photovoltaic cells into single functional units is described. These units share the mechanical and electric properties of the encapsulation layers and allow for flexible module architecture to be implemented at the cell level. This enables cost reduction and improved performance of photovoltaic power generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Solar Machines Incorporated
    Inventors: Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius, Marco Ferrara
  • Patent number: D875515
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Tessolar Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Van Reenen Pretorius, Leslie G. Fritzemeier, Malcolm Cummings, Yang Jin, Katherine Hartman, Alastair Taylor, Michael Everman