Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Cehelnik

Thomas G. Cehelnik 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: 20220329203
    Abstract: The LPSP invention comprises an array of solar panel slats called solar slats along with inter-digitized filler slats. The solar slates on the outside can be open to the outside air or behind a covering window. The solar slats, filler slats or both types of slats can rotate or be fixed in angle position with respect to the sun solar angle. In a window shade application, the filler slats can rotate to avoid blocking the sun's rays from impinging on the solar slats. Alternatively, the filler slats can be transparent, or be adapted with electrically activated films (electroactive) to change the degree of transparency. The solar slats comprise structural material adapted with or containing photovoltaic material, even semi-transparent solar photo electric glass, and further comprising accompanying electrodes and wiring to conduct the generated electricity to an electrical load. The LPSP can be used as elements in a LPSP systems that folds and allows walking support such as a deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas G. Cehelnik, Alexus N. Cehelnik, Thomas M. Cehelnik, Hunter B. Cehelnik
  • Patent number: 8842010
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to detect the physical approach. The method is useful for passively detecting the presence of people, pets, or robots in proximity to a sensor. It is portable, and functions while being carried or placed inside objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas G Cehelnik
  • Patent number: 8810249
    Abstract: A 3D Motional Command System (MCS) is disclosed for interactive gaming, computer interfaces, communications, imaging, and geological exploration. The system can perform standoff gesture recognition and also function as touch-screens. E-field sensors and array topologies are disclosed comprised of FET discrete transistors. The designs facilitate the fabrication of high density sensor arrays similar to LCD displays. The system can be used in portable and wearable electronic devices. Uses are for PC computers, portable devices, and gaming systems such as the Wii. Other applications include wireless connection of sensor and audio data from a simple headphone jack output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Publication number: 20130043995
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to detect the physical approach. The method is useful for passively detecting the presence of people, pets, or robots in proximity to a sensor. It is portable, and functions while being carried or placed inside objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Patent number: 8009045
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to detect the physical approach. The method is useful for passively detecting the presence of people, pets, or robots in proximity to a sensor. It is portable, and functions while being carried or placed inside objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Publication number: 20100253319
    Abstract: A 3D Motional Command System (MCS) is disclosed for interactive gaming, computer interfaces, communications, imaging, and geological exploration. The system can perform standoff gesture recognition and also function as touch-screens. E-field sensors and array topologies are disclosed comprised of FET discrete transistors. The designs facilitate the fabrication of high density sensor arrays similar to LCD displays. The system can be used in portable and wearable electronic devices. Uses are for PC computers, portable devices, and gaming systems such as the Wii. Other applications include wireless connection of sensor and audio data from a simple headphone jack output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Publication number: 20090322328
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to image a body using electric fields. The electric field is apply to the body from a well controlled electron beam that deposits charge on a glass plate at a particular time and spatial location. This is demonstrated by using the ubiquitous CRT computer monitor. The method is useful in medical imaging and for nondestructive testing. An advantage of the electric field imaging is it requires no ionizing radiation. The use of the computer display allows for proximity detection of a body. A smart control is drawn on the video screen by a program. The control produces and E-field source that occurs at known time in the video refresh. A proximate E-field sensor is used to detect the changes in the signal produced by the button. Changes in the signal level are associated with a proximate body to the button. Detection logic is used to instigate the action of the control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Publication number: 20090295366
    Abstract: A 3D Motional Command System (MCS) is disclosed for interactive gaming, computer interfaces, communications, imaging, and geological exploration. The system can perform standoff gesture recognition and also function as touch-screens. E-field sensors and array topologies are disclosed comprised of FET discrete transistors. The designs facilitate the fabrication of high density sensor arrays similar to LCD displays. The system can be used in portable and wearable electronic devices. Uses are for PC computers, portable devices, and gaming systems such as the Wii. Other applications include wireless connection of sensor and audio data from a simple headphone jack output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Patent number: 7358742
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for detecting with high sensitivity by allowing the operation of an e-field amplifier without a DC bias resistor shunt with the amplifier input. E-fields produced by an approaching body, or changing E-field of the background, turn on the amplifier from a partial DC bias state with E-field coupling to the power supply of the amplifier. The result is high sensitivity and extremely long battery life. The amplifier is sensitive to transient and quasitatic DC E-field and the AC background signals. The signals are available simultaneously for processing at the output of the amplifier in a DC and AC coupled channel. The resulting signals are passed to a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Publication number: 20080028473
    Abstract: A method of storing and receipt of purchase is described allowing convenient access and proof of purchase. The method is applicable to transfer of images, video streams, and movies. A scrambling and method of inaccessibility is claimed to reduce possibility of illegal copies. In addition to a paper copy, an image of the receipt is sent to a website from the point of purchase. The user of the service then has access to tools that allow sorting and monitoring of expenditures, access to special promotions from the stores they frequent, and a certified method of proof of purchase, and return or exchange status, and warranty registration, and warranty insurance. This method of receipt processing allows customers peace of mind by providing convenient access to receipt information even if the paper receipt is lost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Patent number: 7242298
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is invented that provides unambiguously detection of the charge and proximity to an object. The method and apparatus are passive and function by using the background electric fields from electrical power wiring and equipment. The invention is useful for detecting plastic and other charged objects concealed by nonconductive covering materials. Applications of this lead to plastic detectors to scan people and cargo for dangerous dielectric items similar to metal detectors. It is also useful to warn of hazards due to static electricity buildup on objects or individuals. The technology also offers touchless control capability of computers, apparatus, and games, with plastic objects such as pointers, styluses, swords, sticks, and wands. The sensors are able to detect motion while discerning between proximity to bodies with dielectric or plastic objects. It is also useful for providing people, robots, and machines with obstacle avoidance, and vision capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Patent number: 7078911
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for interacting with electronic devices through motional commands. The method uses perturbations of the background quasistatic electric fields. The apparatus measures perturbations in electric potential relative to the background. Body movement is recognized by comparing changes in signals over time. Signals collected from sensors are compared with training sets to recognize specified motional commands or gestures. Upon recognizing the commands, the apparatus issues the predetermined response to the motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Patent number: 6922059
    Abstract: The invention is a detection system and in one embodiment uses inexpensive, miniaturized sensors for detecting electric field (E-field) disturbances. Such sensors are easily and covertly deployable and have low power consumption. The devices may incorporate visual or audio alerts and can include communications hardware for transmitting data for further processing of the electrostatic events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration INC
    Inventors: Paul A. Zank, Eldon M. Sutphin, David W. Buchanan, Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Patent number: 6900642
    Abstract: A low cost diagnostic system for testing the airborne static discharge systems and the grounding systems for aircraft. The present invention is a passive electrostatic detection scheme which in one embodiment is an array of inexpensive, miniaturized sensors for measuring the detected E-field disturbances from aircraft. The measurements are taken on the runway upon arrival and indicate whether the aircraft had an appreciable accumulated charge indicating a failure of the electrostatic discharge system. The system further verifies that the ground discharge devices are properly working and any charge is dissipated upon landing. In one embodiment the measurement information is transmitted to a central location where the aircraft and the measurement data are matched and maintenance is scheduled for aircraft having high levels of electrostatic charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration INC
    Inventors: Paul A. Zank, Eldon M. Sutphin, David W. Buchanan, Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Publication number: 20040251918
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for interacting with electronic devices via motional commands. The method uses perturbations of the background quasistatic electric fields. The apparatus measures perturbations in electric potential relative to the background. Body movement is recognized by comparing changes in signals in time with signals collected from training sets for specified motional commands or gestures. Upon recognizing the commands, the apparatus issues the predetermined response to the motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cehelnik
  • Publication number: 20030071628
    Abstract: A low cost diagnostic system for testing the airborne static discharge systems and the grounding systems for aircraft. The present invention is a passive electrostatic detection scheme comprising an array of inexpensive, miniaturized sensors for measuring the detected E-field disturbances from aircraft. The measurements are taken on the runway upon arrival and indicate whether the aircraft had an appreciable accumulated charge indicating a failure of the electrostatic discharge system. The system further verifies that the ground discharge devices are properly working and any charge is dissipated upon landing. In one embodiment the measurement information is transmitted to a central location where the aircraft and the measurement data are matched and maintenance is scheduled for aircraft having high levels of electrostatic charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Paul A. Zank, Eldon M. Sutphin, David W. Buchanan, Thomas G. Cehelnik