Patents by Inventor Michael E. Feldman

Michael E. Feldman 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: 20240002146
    Abstract: A storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle as well as a hopper. A method of using the storage receptacle can include receiving a force on a hopper handle of a hopper of a storage receptacle, the hopper having a cable connection point connected to a cable, based on the force, rotating the hopper to enable a user to place material in a storage bin of the storage receptacle, wherein the rotating causes the cable to have slack and preventing the cable having the slack from coming out of a groove in a pulley via a shroud positioned over at least a portion of the pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Satwicz, Kevin Menice, David J. Skocypec, Thomas Olsen, Brian Phillips, Michael E. Feldman
  • Patent number: 11760566
    Abstract: A storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle as well as a hopper. A method of using the storage receptacle can include receiving a force on a hopper handle of a hopper of a storage receptacle, the hopper having a cable connection point connected to a cable, based on the force, rotating the hopper to enable a user to place material in a storage bin of the storage receptacle, wherein the rotating causes the cable to have slack and preventing the cable having the slack from coming out of a groove in a pulley via a shroud positioned over at least a portion of the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: BIG BELLY SOLAR LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Satwicz, Kevin Menice, David J. Skocypec, Thomas Olsen, Brian Phillips, Michael E. Feldman
  • Patent number: 11667467
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling electrically-powered trash receptacles and monitoring fullness levels. The system can include a storage enclosure and a bin contained inside the storage enclosure, the bin configured to receive and store items deposited in the storage enclosure, wherein an inside portion of the bin is at least partially covered by a bag placed inside the bin to hold the items deposited in the storage enclosure. The system can also include a sensor configured to sense a content fullness state of the bin and a processor configured to control operations performed by the sensor. In addition, the system can include a sleeve configured to be installed over an inside portion of the bin and the bag, the sleeve at least partially restricting a movement of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Big Belly Solar LLC
    Inventors: David J. Skocypec, Michael E. Feldman, Jeffrey T. Satwicz
  • Publication number: 20230031379
    Abstract: A storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle as well as a hopper. A method of using the storage receptacle can include receiving a force on a hopper handle of a hopper of a storage receptacle, the hopper having a cable connection point connected to a cable, based on the force, rotating the hopper to enable a user to place material in a storage bin of the storage receptacle, wherein the rotating causes the cable to have slack and preventing the cable having the slack from coming out of a groove in a pulley via a shroud positioned over at least a portion of the pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Satwicz, Kevin Menice, David J. Skocypec, Thomas Olsen, Brian Phillips, Michael E. Feldman
  • Patent number: 11465837
    Abstract: A storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle. The pedal can rotate downward when pressure is applied in order to pull on a first cable coupled to the pedal. The first cable is connected to a spring, and the spring is connected to a second cable. The second cable connects the spring to a door via an upper pulley of the receptacle. The second cable causes the door to open when the second cable is pulled based on force applied to the pedal. A bottom pulley can be coupled to the pedal via the first cable and configured to translate an upward pull of the first cable to a downward pull of the spring and second cable. The spring controls the motion of the door such that the door does not open too quickly upon a force being applied to the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Big Belly Solar LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Satwicz, Kevin Menice, David J. Skocypec, Thomas Olsen, Brian Phillips, Michael E. Feldman
  • Patent number: 11338533
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting sensors for use in compactors and receptacles. A receptacle first sends a signal from a transmitter on a first module in a receptacle to a receiver on a second module in the receptacle, wherein the first module is located on a first inner wall of the receptacle and the second module is located on a second inner wall of the receptacle, and wherein at least part of the first module and the second module is located a distance above a bin inside the receptacle. Next, the receptacle determines a signal-detection characteristic including a signal detection status or a number of signal pulses associated with a signal detection. Based on the signal-detection characteristic, the receptacle determines an operating condition of the receptacle, the operating condition including a fullness level or an obstruction level associated with the first or second sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Big Belly Solar LLC
    Inventors: David J. Skocypec, Jeffrey T. Satwicz, Douglas J. Furciniti, Michael E. Feldman
  • Publication number: 20210371195
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling electrically-powered trash receptacles and monitoring fullness levels. The system can include a storage enclosure and a bin contained inside the storage enclosure, the bin configured to receive and store items deposited in the storage enclosure, wherein an inside portion of the bin is at least partially covered by a bag placed inside the bin to hold the items deposited in the storage enclosure. The system can also include a sensor configured to sense a content fullness state of the bin and a processor configured to control operations performed by the sensor. In addition, the system can include a sleeve configured to be installed over an inside portion of the bin and the bag, the sleeve at least partially restricting a movement of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: David J. SKOCYPEC, Michael E. FELDMAN, Jeffrey T. SATWICZ
  • Patent number: 11091318
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling electrically-powered trash receptacles and monitoring fullness levels. The system can include a storage enclosure and a bin contained inside the storage enclosure, the bin configured to receive and store items deposited in the storage enclosure, wherein an inside portion of the bin is at least partially covered by a bag placed inside the bin to hold the items deposited in the storage enclosure. The system can also include a sensor configured to sense a content fullness state of the bin and a processor configured to control operations performed by the sensor. In addition, the system can include a sleeve configured to be installed over an inside portion of the bin and the bag, the sleeve at least partially restricting a movement of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: BIG BELLY SOLAR LLC
    Inventors: David J. Skocypec, Michael E. Feldman, Jeffrey T. Satwicz
  • Publication number: 20210243699
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting nodes in a mesh network embedded in objects. The nodes, which are individually capable of sensing and/or transmitting data, are paired together such that when one node is active, the other node is collecting energy via solar, wind, or other energy collecting means. When a node reaches a certain energy level, the nodes can switch status, such that the passive node becomes active and vice versa. Exemplary objects in which the systems can be embedded include benches, receptacles, and light fixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: David J. Skocypec, Brian Scot Phillips, Michael E. Feldman
  • Patent number: 10986581
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting nodes in a mesh network embedded in objects. The nodes, which are individually capable of sensing and/or transmitting data, are paired together such that when one node is active, the other node is collecting energy via solar, wind, or other energy collecting means. When a node reaches a certain energy level, the nodes can switch status, such that the passive node becomes active and vice versa. Exemplary objects in which the systems can be embedded include benches, receptacles, and light fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: BIG BELLY SOLAR LLC
    Inventors: David J. Skocypec, Brian Scot Phillips, Michael E. Feldman
  • Patent number: 10912034
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting nodes in a mesh network embedded in objects. The nodes, which are individually capable of sensing and/or transmitting data, are paired together such that when one node is active, the other node is collecting energy via solar, wind, or other energy collecting means. When a node reaches a certain energy level, the nodes can switch status, such that the passive node becomes active and vice versa. Exemplary objects in which the systems can be embedded include benches, receptacles, and light fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: BIG BELLY SOLAR LLC
    Inventors: David J. Skocypec, Michael E. Feldman, Brian Phillips
  • Publication number: 20210001581
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting sensors for use in compactors and receptacles. A receptacle first sends a signal from a transmitter on a first module in a receptacle to a receiver on a second module in the receptacle, wherein the first module is located on a first inner wall of the receptacle and the second module is located on a second inner wall of the receptacle, and wherein at least part of the first module and the second module is located a distance above a bin inside the receptacle. Next, the receptacle determines a signal-detection characteristic including a signal detection status or a number of signal pulses associated with a signal detection. Based on the signal-detection characteristic, the receptacle determines an operating condition of the receptacle, the operating condition including a fullness level or an obstruction level associated with the first or second sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: David J. Skocypec, Jeffrey T. Satwicz, Douglas J. Furciniti, Michael E. Feldman
  • Patent number: 10780665
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting sensors for use in compactors and receptacles. A receptacle first sends a signal from a transmitter on a first module in a receptacle to a receiver on a second module in the receptacle, wherein the first module is located on a first inner wall of the receptacle and the second module is located on a second inner wall of the receptacle, and wherein at least part of the first module and the second module is located a distance above a bin inside the receptacle. Next, the receptacle determines a signal-detection characteristic including a signal detection status or a number of signal pulses associated with a signal detection. Based on the signal-detection characteristic, the receptacle determines an operating condition of the receptacle, the operating condition including a fullness level or an obstruction level associated with the first or second sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: BIG BELLY SOLAR LLC
    Inventors: David J. Skocypec, Jeffrey T. Satwicz, Douglas J. Furciniti, Michael E. Feldman
  • Patent number: 10739739
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for controlling electrically-powered trash compactors and receptacles. The system first receives data associated with a storage receptacle configured to communicate with the system via a network, wherein the data is received from a server storing information transmitted by the storage receptacle, the storage receptacle having an energy storage for powering operational functions performed by the storage receptacle. The system then identifies a parameter of the storage receptacle associated with an operational function of the storage receptacle, and transmits a signal to the storage receptacle for modifying the parameter based on the data associated with the storage receptacle to yield a modified operation of the storage receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: BIG BELLY SOLAR LLC
    Inventors: James A. Poss, Jeffrey T. Satwicz, Michael E. Feldman, David J. Skocypec
  • Publication number: 20200140193
    Abstract: A storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle. The pedal can rotate downward when pressure is applied in order to pull on a first cable coupled to the pedal. The first cable is connected to a spring, and the spring is connected to a second cable. The second cable connects the spring to a door via an upper pulley of the receptacle. The second cable causes the door to open when the second cable is pulled based on force applied to the pedal. A bottom pulley can be coupled to the pedal via the first cable and configured to translate an upward pull of the first cable to a downward pull of the spring and second cable. The spring controls the motion of the door such that the door does not open too quickly upon a force being applied to the pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Satwicz, Kevin Menice, David J. Skocypec, Thomas Olsen, Brian Phillips, Michael E. Feldman
  • Patent number: 10526138
    Abstract: A storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle. The pedal can rotate downward when pressure is applied in order to pull on a first cable coupled to the pedal. The first cable is connected to a spring, and the spring is connected to a second cable. The second cable connects the spring to a door via an upper pulley of the receptacle. The second cable causes the door to open when the second cable is pulled based on force applied to the pedal. A bottom pulley can be coupled to the pedal via the first cable and configured to translate an upward pull of the first cable to a downward pull of the spring and second cable. The spring controls the motion of the door such that the door does not open too quickly upon a force being applied to the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: BIG BELLY SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Satwicz, Kevin Menice, David J. Skocypec, Thomas Olsen, Brian Phillips, Michael E. Feldman
  • Publication number: 20190359420
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling electrically-powered trash receptacles and monitoring fullness levels. The system can include a storage enclosure and a bin contained inside the storage enclosure, the bin configured to receive and store items deposited in the storage enclosure, wherein an inside portion of the bin is at least partially covered by a bag placed inside the bin to hold the items deposited in the storage enclosure. The system can also include a sensor configured to sense a content fullness state of the bin and a processor configured to control operations performed by the sensor. In addition, the system can include a sleeve configured to be installed over an inside portion of the bin and the bag, the sleeve at least partially restricting a movement of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: David J. SKOCYPEC, Michael E. FELDMAN, Jeffrey T. SATWICZ
  • Publication number: 20190261276
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting nodes in a mesh network embedded in objects. The nodes, which are individually capable of sensing and/or transmitting data, are paired together such that when one node is active, the other node is collecting energy via solar, wind, or other energy collecting means. When a node reaches a certain energy level, the nodes can switch status, such that the passive node becomes active and vice versa. Exemplary objects in which the systems can be embedded include benches, receptacles, and light fixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: David J. Skocypec, Michael E. Feldman, Brian Phillips
  • Patent number: 10377565
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for controlling electrically-powered trash receptacles and monitoring fullness levels. The system can include a storage enclosure and a bin contained inside the storage enclosure, the bin configured to receive and store items deposited in the storage enclosure, wherein an inside portion of the bin is at least partially covered by a bag placed inside the bin to hold the items deposited in the storage enclosure. The system can also include a sensor configured to sense a content fullness state of the bin and a processor configured to control operations performed by the sensor. In addition, the system can include a sleeve configured to be installed over an inside portion of the bin and the bag, the sleeve at least partially restricting a movement of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: BIG BELLY SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Skocypec, Michael E. Feldman, Jeffrey T. Satwicz
  • Publication number: 20190176426
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically adjusting sensors for use in compactors and receptacles. A receptacle first sends a signal from a transmitter on a first module in a receptacle to a receiver on a second module in the receptacle, wherein the first module is located on a first inner wall of the receptacle and the second module is located on a second inner wall of the receptacle, and wherein at least part of the first module and the second module is located a distance above a bin inside the receptacle. Next, the receptacle determines a signal-detection characteristic including a signal detection status or a number of signal pulses associated with a signal detection. Based on the signal-detection characteristic, the receptacle determines an operating condition of the receptacle, the operating condition including a fullness level or an obstruction level associated with the first or second sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: David J. Skocypec, Jeffrey T. Satwicz, Douglas J. Furciniti, Michael E. Feldman