Patents Assigned to Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10849501
    Abstract: An actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication includes a first substrate layer, a second substrate layer, a non-adhesive release layer, and an electronics inlay disposed between the first and second substrate layers. The electronics inlay includes a sealed, flexible battery, and a flexible circuit having a temperature sensor. An outer face of the non-adhesive release layer is has release properties. A replaceable adhesive includes a carrier substrate, a structural adhesive coated on a first face and attached to the outer face of the non-adhesive release layer, and a skin-contact approved adhesive coated on a second opposite face. In another example, an auxiliary sleeve having an exterior surface with an adhesive configured to be removably applied to a subject, may partially enclose the temperature data logger patch in an internal compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: BLUE SPARK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John Gannon, Matt Ream, James M. Petras
  • Patent number: 10631731
    Abstract: An actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication includes a sealed, flexible battery configured to provide continuous electrical power, and a flexible circuit including a microprocessor, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of a target subject, a wireless communication transmitter and an antenna. In one example, the temperature sensor is located at a first end of the patch, and the antenna is located at an opposite, second end of the patch. The patch is configured to conform to a curved surface of the target subject and includes an adhesive configured to be removably applied to skin of the patient. An external computing device is capable of receiving communication from the wireless communication transmitter of the patch via an electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: BLUE SPARK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John Gannon, Matt Ream, Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 10617306
    Abstract: An actively-powered medical system for monitoring a body temperature of a patient includes a temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication includes a sealed, flexible battery comprising a printed electrochemical cell with an anode and a cathode, and a flexible circuit including a microprocessor, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of a target subject, a wireless communication transceiver and an antenna. In one example, the patch is configured to conform to a curved surface of the target subject. In another example, the patch is used in an actively-powered medical system for monitoring a body temperature of a patient, and includes an adhesive configured to be removably applied to skin of the patient. An external computing device is capable of communication with the wireless communication transceiver of the patch via an electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: BLUE SPARK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John Gannon, Matt Ream, Salvatore Joseph Casadonte, Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 9782082
    Abstract: An actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication includes a sealed, flexible battery comprising a printed electrochemical cell with an anode and a cathode, and a flexible circuit including a microprocessor, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of a target subject, a wireless communication transceiver and an antenna. In one example, the flexible battery and flexible circuit are arranged in a covering, stacked arrangement between first and second substrate layers, and the patch configured to conform to a curved surface of the target subject. In another example, the patch is used in an actively-powered medical system for monitoring a body temperature of a patient, and includes an adhesive configured to be removably applied to skin of the patient. An external computing device is capable of two way communication with the wireless communication transceiver of the patch via an electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gannon, Matt Ream, Salvatore Joseph Casadonte, Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 9693689
    Abstract: An actively-powered temperature data logger patch with wireless data communication includes a sealed, flexible battery comprising a printed electrochemical cell with an anode and a cathode, and a flexible circuit including a microprocessor, a temperature sensor configured to sense a temperature of a target subject, a wireless communication transmitter and an antenna. In one example, the temperature sensor is located at a first end of the patch, and the antenna is located at an opposite, second end of the patch. The patch is configured to conform to a curved surface of the target subject and includes an adhesive configured to be removably applied to skin of the patient. An external computing device is capable of receiving communication from the wireless communication transmitter of the patch via an electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: BLUE SPARK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John Gannon, Matt Ream, Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 9444078
    Abstract: A flexible battery includes at least one electrochemical cell for generating an electrical current, including a cathode collector layer, a cathode layer, an anode layer, and an optional anode collector layer, some or all of which are formed of a dried or cured ink. A first substrate includes a pair of opposed side portions. A first electrode contact is provided that is electrically coupled to the cathode collector layer and is disposed along one of the pair of opposed side portions of the first substrate, and a second electrode contact is provided that is electrically coupled to the anode layer and is disposed along the other of the pair of opposed side portions of the first substrate. The cathode collector layer includes a geometry having a height and a width such that the number of squares is approximately 5 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: BLUE SPARK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 9027242
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrical device comprises the steps of providing a substrate, providing an electrical component on the substrate, providing a first electrical contact on the substrate that is electrically connected to the electrical component, and providing an electrochemical cell on or integrating the substrate for providing electrical energy to said electrical component. The electrochemical cell comprises at least one electrochemical layer comprising a cured or dried ink and a first electrode contact electrically connected to said at least one electrochemical layer. The method further includes the step of securing the electrochemical cell to the substrate through an electrically conductive connection that provides both a structural connection and an electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the first electrode contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 8765284
    Abstract: A flexible battery includes a first substrate layer with a first cell portion, a second cell portion, and a bridge portion connecting the first and second cell portions. An electrical bridge electrically couples a first electrochemical cell to a second electrochemical cell in series or parallel, and an electrical bridge is flexible and extends across the bridge portion of the first substrate layer. A second substrate layer is connected to the first substrate layer such that both of the first and second electrochemical cells are separately sealed. The flexible battery is configured to be folded over itself along the bridge portion such that the first and second electrochemical cells are arranged in a covering relationship. Optionally, an open gap area is disposed over the bridge portion of the first substrate to facilitate folding the flexible battery over itself along a line extending through the bridge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Publication number: 20140147723
    Abstract: A flexible battery includes at least one electrochemical cell for generating an electrical current, including a cathode collector layer, a cathode layer, an anode layer, and an optional anode collector layer, some or all of which are formed of a dried or cured ink. A first substrate includes a pair of opposed side portions. A first electrode contact is provided that is electrically coupled to the cathode collector layer and is disposed along one of the pair of opposed side portions of the first substrate, and a second electrode contact is provided that is electrically coupled to the anode layer and is disposed along the other of the pair of opposed side portions of the first substrate. The cathode collector layer includes a geometry having a height and a width such that the number of squares is approximately 5 or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 8734980
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 8722233
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 8722235
    Abstract: A thin printed flexible electrochemical cell with a high moisture and oxygen barrier polymer film sealed and folded package featuring a printed cathode deposited on a highly conductive carbon printed cathode collector with a zinc foil anode or printed anode placed adjacent to the cathode. After the cell components are added to the special laminated polymer substrate, the web is processed automatically on a modified high-speed commercial horizontal pouch filling machine to complete the cell assembly process. In this process a starch coated paper separator layer may be inserted over the anode and the cathode, and then the aqueous electrolyte solution is added to the cell. To complete the process, all four edges of the cell are heat sealed to confine the cell components within the cell cavity and each cell is trimmed off the continuous web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Tucholski, Ed T. Russell, Dennis W. McComsey
  • Patent number: 8574754
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Patent number: 8441411
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Tucholski, Leonard Blaine Allison
  • Publication number: 20130074330
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrical device comprises the steps of providing a substrate, providing an electrical component on the substrate, providing a first electrical contact on the substrate that is electrically connected to the electrical component, and providing an electrochemical cell on or integrating the substrate for providing electrical energy to said electrical component. The electrochemical cell comprises at least one electrochemical layer comprising a cured or dried ink and a first electrode contact electrically connected to said at least one electrochemical layer. The method further includes the step of securing the electrochemical cell to the substrate through an electrically conductive connection that provides both a structural connection and an electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the first electrode contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8268475
    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: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Blue Spark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • Publication number: 20120206887
    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 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: BLUE SPARK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Gary R. Tucholski
  • 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