Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Penkalski

Thomas A. Penkalski 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: 7698190
    Abstract: A software program that allows an individual with a personal computer to develop and implement plans of action for achieving a preferred lifestyle that appears feasible based on the individual's current and probable future financial circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas A. Penkalski, Thomas A. Hollins, Debra A. Coljohn
  • Patent number: 5148107
    Abstract: A proximity switch including an inductor having an actuator rod movable in proximity thereto to affect the inductance thereof. An electrical pulse of relatively short duration is applied to the inductor and the current from the inductor is measured at a selected time interval after the initiation of the pulse. When a selected value of the current is exceeded, the switch is triggered. A plurality of inductors may be sequentially interrogated by one electronic circuit, thus requiring low power and affording smooth operation. Calibration of the trigger point is accomplished electronically after mechanical installation, thus inherently compensating for mechanical tolerances and proximity effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Yale Materials Handling Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene P. Finger, Bernard W. Jalbert, Thomas A. Penkalski
  • Patent number: 5032999
    Abstract: A motion sensor which includes, in a basic embodiment, two sensing elements of any type disposed so as to detect the relative passing thereby of perturbations. The sensing elements are disposed so that they are offset with respect to the perturbations, such that the sensing elements cannot both be activated simultaneously. When one sensing element is activated, thus indicating motion, timing means starts counting and, if the other sensing element is activated within a predetermined length of time, the sensor infers that purposeful motion has been detected and may, for example, activate a power steering assist unit. The spacing of the perturbations determines the minimum degree of motion required for the motion sensor to provide an output and the timing mechanism determines how rapidly that degree of motion must occur for the motion sensor to provide the output. Thus, the spacing and time parameters may be set so that purposeful motion may be discriminated from random motion such as vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Yale Materials Handling Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene P. Finger, Bernard W. Jalbert, Thomas A. Penkalski