Patents by Inventor Eric D. Ronning

Eric D. Ronning 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: 7783399
    Abstract: A turn signal apparatus includes a heading indicator which provides a heading signal and a control circuit which provides a turn direction output signal. The turn direction output signal is chosen to indicate a turn direction in response to the heading signal and a corresponding turn direction input signal. The turn direction can be for a right turn, a left turn, or a neutral turn. A left or right turn indication can be changed to a neutral turn indication in response to the heading signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventors: Esli Kevin Young, Eric D. Ronning
  • Patent number: 7342577
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for driving an LED light source and controlling a light output of the light source over a wide luminance range in response to a luminance input. The apparatus includes: a voltage source having an output configured to couple with the light source, a first input configured to receive the luminance input, and a second input; a photodetector unit configured to logarithmically compress the luminance range and determine a voltage based on a luminance of the light source in the compressed range; a comparator having an input coupled to the photodetector unit and having an output; and, a signal converter having an input coupled to the output of the comparator and having an output coupled to the second input of the voltage source. The voltage source is configured to generate an output signal at the output of the voltage source. The output signal has a frequency and a pulse width based on the luminance input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Struebel, Eric D. Ronning, Dennis M. Davey
  • Patent number: 7339332
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a backlit display with variable luminance and chrominance. The apparatus comprises i groups of LEDs of different colors and one or more sensors optically coupled to the LEDs. The combined light produced by the LEDs is directed to a transmissive liquid crystal display, preferably through a diffusing layer. The sensors monitor the output Si of each group of LEDs. Si for each group of LEDs is multiplied by a chrominance determining parameter Ki to obtain Ki*Si which is then compared to a commanded luminance signal LC to obtain LC?Ki*Si, which difference is used to adjust the drive current to each group of LEDs to achieve LC with the desired chrominance set by Ki. By changing Ki and LC the chrominance and luminescence of the display may be varied and aging effects compensated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Cull, Dennis M. Davey, Eric D. Ronning