Patents by Inventor Ronald C. Markham

Ronald C. Markham 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: 10014722
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Philips IP Ventures B.V.
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
  • Publication number: 20170133882
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
  • Patent number: 9590456
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
  • Publication number: 20170038083
    Abstract: A humidifier for treating humidified air with germicidal light is provided. The humidifier includes a water reservoir, an atomizer to atomize a supply of water, and an ultraviolet light source to expose the atomized water to germicidal light. The ultraviolet light source extends vertically within a cylindrical channel to irradiate the atomized water dissipating upwardly from the atomizer. The water reservoir can include a carbon filter and a hardness-removing module for removing containments and metal oxides from the water supply. A control panel indicates the remaining useful life of the ultraviolet light source, the carbon filter and the hardness-removing module based on historical humidifier usage and water quality levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald C. Markham, Matthew J. Barton
  • Patent number: 9482440
    Abstract: A humidifier for treating humidified air with germicidal light is provided. The humidifier includes a water reservoir, an atomizer to atomize a supply of water, and an ultraviolet light source to expose the atomized water to germicidal light. The ultraviolet light source extends vertically within a cylindrical channel to irradiate the atomized water dissipating upwardly from the atomizer. The water reservoir can include a carbon filter and a hardness-removing module for removing containments and metal oxides from the water supply. A control panel indicates the remaining useful life of the ultraviolet light source, the carbon filter and the hardness-removing module based on historical humidifier usage and water quality levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Ronald C. Markham, Matthew J. Barton
  • Publication number: 20160261143
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
  • Patent number: 9397524
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
  • Publication number: 20160172907
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
  • Patent number: 9299493
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
  • Publication number: 20150090121
    Abstract: A humidifier for treating humidified air with germicidal light is provided. The humidifier includes a water reservoir, an atomizer to atomize a supply of water, and an ultraviolet light source to expose the atomized water to germicidal light. The ultraviolet light source extends vertically within a cylindrical channel to irradiate the atomized water dissipating upwardly from the atomizer. The water reservoir can include a carbon filter and a hardness-removing module for removing containments and metal oxides from the water supply. A control panel indicates the remaining useful life of the ultraviolet light source, the carbon filter and the hardness-removing module based on historical humidifier usage and water quality levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Ronald C. Markham, Matthew J. Barton
  • Patent number: 8940085
    Abstract: A humidifier for treating humidified air with germicidal light is provided. The humidifier includes a water reservoir, an atomizer to atomize a supply of water, and an ultraviolet light source to expose the atomized water to germicidal light. The ultraviolet light source extends vertically within a cylindrical channel to irradiate the atomized water dissipating upwardly from the atomizer. The water reservoir can include a carbon filter and a hardness-removing module for removing containments and metal oxides from the water supply. A control panel indicates the remaining useful life of the ultraviolet light source, the carbon filter and the hardness-removing module based on historical humidifier usage and water quality levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Ronald C. Markham, Matthew J. Barton
  • Publication number: 20140077696
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
  • Patent number: 8618749
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
  • Publication number: 20120234166
    Abstract: A humidifier for treating humidified air with germicidal light is provided. The humidifier includes a water reservoir, an atomizer to atomize a supply of water, and an ultraviolet light source to expose the atomized water to germicidal light. The ultraviolet light source extends vertically within a cylindrical channel to irradiate the atomized water dissipating upwardly from the atomizer. The water reservoir can include a carbon filter and a hardness-removing module for removing containments and metal oxides from the water supply. A control panel indicates the remaining useful life of the ultraviolet light source, the carbon filter and the hardness-removing module based on historical humidifier usage and water quality levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Ronald C. Markham, Matthew J. Barton
  • Patent number: 8222827
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
  • Publication number: 20120001562
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
  • Publication number: 20080191638
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
  • Patent number: 7385357
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Dennen
  • Patent number: 7180248
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Access Business Group International, LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen
  • Patent number: 6825620
    Abstract: A ballast circuit is disclosed for inductively providing power to a load. The ballast circuit includes an oscillator, a driver, a switching circuit, a resonant tank circuit and a current sensing circuit. The current sensing circuit provides a current feedback signal to the oscillator that is representative of the current in the resonant tank circuit. The current feedback signal drives the frequency of the ballast circuit causing the ballast circuit to seek resonance. The ballast circuit preferably includes a current limit circuit that is inductively coupled to the resonant tank circuit. The current limit circuit disables the ballast circuit when the current in the ballast circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold or falls outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Scott A. Mollema, David W. Baarman, Ronald C. Markham, Dennis J. Denen