Patents by Inventor Peter E. Teel

Peter E. Teel 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).

  • Patent number: 10188957
    Abstract: Presented herein are techniques in which the proximity of an object to a toy is determined using a photosensor (photo sensor) circuit. The proximity is classified/categorized as falling into one of a plurality of different proximity ranges. The proximity range in which the object is located is mapped to one or more audible or visual outputs, where the audible or visual outputs are adjusted/varied as the relative proximity of the object to the toy changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter E. Teel, Scott E. Wilger, Kenny Y. W. Lui
  • Publication number: 20180104605
    Abstract: Presented herein are techniques in which the proximity of an object to a toy is determined using a photosensor (photo sensor) circuit. The proximity is classified/categorized as falling into one of a plurality of different proximity ranges. The proximity range in which the object is located is mapped to one or more audible or visual outputs, where the audible or visual outputs are adjusted/varied as the relative proximity of the object to the toy changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Peter E. Teel, Scott E. Wilger, Kenny Y.W. Lui
  • Publication number: 20170206561
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for an interactive point of purchase product display. The interactive point of purchase product display includes a product placement region, one or more products located in the product placement region, an input device configured to receive an input signal, a controller device, and a selection indicator device. The input device may receive data about a potential consumer or customer. The controller device is coupled to the input device and the one or more products and is configured to receive data from the input device responsive to the input signal, select a product in response to the receive input and generate a selection signal identifying the product resulting in the attention of a customer to be drawn to the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Eric E. Skifstrom, Peter E. Teel, Vladimir Buzga, Mary M. Hinkley, Vladimir Sosnovskiy
  • Patent number: 9646328
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for an interactive point of purchase product display. The interactive point of purchase product display includes a product placement region, one or more products located in the product placement region, an input device configured to receive an input signal, a controller device, and a selection indicator device. The input device may receive data about a potential consumer or customer. The controller device is coupled to the input device and the one or more products and is configured to receive data from the input device responsive to the input signal, select a product in response to the receive input and generate a selection signal identifying the product resulting in the attention of a customer to be drawn to the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric E. Skifstrom, Peter E. Teel, Vladimir Buzga, Mary M. Hinkley, Vladimir Sosnovskiy
  • Patent number: 9205342
    Abstract: A stand includes a supporting structure for supporting a doll and an electrostatic charge generating device supported by the supporting structure for causing hair of the doll to move when the doll is supported by the supporting structure and the electrostatic charge generating device is activated. A method of using a stand for a doll includes supporting the doll with a supporting structure of the stand and activating an electrostatic charge generating device that is supported by the supporting structure to cause hair of the doll to move. The supporting structure may include a conductive member made of carbon-impregnated plastic for contacting the doll and for transferring charge generated by the electrostatic charge generating device to the doll. The conductive member may be moveable in response to a positioning of the doll to provide for user safety. The stand may also include an electrical disconnect mechanism for user safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter E. Teel, Scott E. Wilger, James A. Molina, James P. Zielinski
  • Publication number: 20150151207
    Abstract: A stand includes a supporting structure for supporting a doll and an electrostatic charge generating device supported by the supporting structure for causing hair of the doll to move when the doll is supported by the supporting structure and the electrostatic charge generating device is activated. A method of using a stand for a doll includes supporting the doll with a supporting structure of the stand and activating an electrostatic charge generating device that is supported by the supporting structure to cause hair of the doll to move. The supporting structure may include a conductive member made of carbon-impregnated plastic for contacting the doll and for transferring charge generated by the electrostatic charge generating device to the doll. The conductive member may be moveable in response to a positioning of the doll to provide for user safety. The stand may also include an electrical disconnect mechanism for user safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Peter E. Teel, Scott E. Wilger, James A. Molina, James P. Zielinski
  • Publication number: 20140057524
    Abstract: A toy vehicle set is disclosed herein. A toy vehicle set includes a toy vehicle having at least one reflective surface. A toy track is provided having a toy vehicle guiding pathway. A toy vehicle identification system is coupled to at least a portion of the toy track. The identification system includes a light source arranged to direct an emitted light towards the at least one reflective surface. A plurality of light sensors, each arranged to receive the emitted light that is reflected from the at least one reflective surface. A controller is electrically coupled to the plurality of light sensors, the controller having a processor responsive to executable computer instructions for identifying the toy vehicle in response to a first signal received from the plurality of light sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Peter E. Teel, James W. Mazzolini, Jason K. Chen, Julian R. Payne
  • Publication number: 20120088434
    Abstract: A toy figure has a torso, a torso light source, a light source support member, a plurality of peripheral light sources, one or more spacers, and a speaker. A controller is operably connected to the torso light source, the plurality of peripheral light sources, and the speaker to coordinate a magical light and sound experience. Clothing fabric hides the plurality of peripheral light sources, but allows light from the plurality of peripheral light sources to be seen through the clothing fabric when the light and sound experience begins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Peter E. Teel, Anna Y. Yi, Andrey Cherednichenko, John G. Martin