Patents by Inventor Ronald L. Ballast

Ronald L. Ballast 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: 6581393
    Abstract: An ice making machine controller system includes methods and components for making commercial quantities of ice pieces includes adaptive controls responsive to input sensors, output actuators, adaptive ice making control algorithms, adaptive ice harvesting control algorithms, diagnostics for operation cycle monitoring and communicating, and reprogrammable, expanded controller memory for reliable and efficient operation under diverse conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Nartron Corporation
    Inventors: Todd R. Newman, David Shank, Ronald L. Ballast
  • Patent number: 6396259
    Abstract: An electronic position sensor for determining position as a function of magnetic flux density. The position sensor includes a magnetic flux sensor and a movable magnet, the sensed magnetic flux density by the magnetic sensor being a function of the relative air gap, magnet thickness, and magnetic field direction between the magnet and the magnet sensor element. The relationship between the magnetic flux density sensed by the magnetic sensing element and the positional disposition of the moved magnet component of the sensor is geometrically defined and optionally linear between two defined points of the range of articulation or motion of the sensor. The magnetic flux sensing element is a Hall-effect integrated circuit, magnetoresistor, magnetodiode, magnetotransistor, or similar sensing element with associated electronic circuitry having adjustable or programmable features including ratiometry, gain, offset voltage, temperature coefficient, and output signal range limiting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Nartron Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Washeleski, Peter H. Strom, David W. Shank, Ronald L. Ballast
  • Publication number: 20010039804
    Abstract: An ice making machine controller system includes methods and components for making commercial quantities of ice pieces includes adaptive controls responsive to input sensors, output actuators, adaptive ice making control algorithms, adaptive ice harvesting control algorithms, diagnostics for operation cycle monitoring and communicating, and reprogrammable, expanded controller memory for reliable and efficient operation under diverse conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Applicant: Nartron Corporation
    Inventors: Todd R. Newman, David Shank, Ronald L. Ballast
  • Patent number: 6282909
    Abstract: An ice making machine controller system includes methods and components for making commercial quantities of ice pieces includes adaptive controls responsive to input sensors, output actuators, adaptive ice making control algorithms, adaptive ice harvesting control algorithms, diagnostics for operation cycle monitoring and communicating, and reprogrammable, expanded controller memory for reliable and efficient operation under diverse conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Nartron Corporation
    Inventors: Todd R. Newman, David Shank, Ronald L. Ballast
  • Patent number: 6148258
    Abstract: An integrated electronic starting control system module for diesel engines which provides unique packaging with integration of a multiplicity of features previously unavailable or available only in separate control modules. Integrated into one modular device are improved glow plug and starting system control, monitoring, protection, and diagnostic features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Nartron Corporation
    Inventors: Mario Boisvert, David W. Shank, Timothy J. Rigling, Ronald L. Ballast
  • Patent number: 5810606
    Abstract: An articulating connector assembly having a housing, a hub being carried in rotatable relation to the housing; and means for signal coupling between the housing and the hub. The signal coupling can consist of means such as optical coupling, inductive coupling, radio frequency coupling, capacitive coupling, and pressure wave coupling. In addition, the articulating connector assembly can further include power coupling which can be accomplished by siding contacts, inductively coupled coils, capacitively coupled electrodes, or optical transmitters and receivers on the hub and the housing. Furthermore, a method of efficiently transmitting and receiving signals between the housing and hub is provided. The method consists of (1) obtaining an input signal, by a signal driver, to produce a driven signal output; (2) coupling the driven signal output to produce a coupled signal; and (3) receiving the coupled signal, by a receiver, to produce an output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ballast, John A. DeFranco, Lawrence T. Rupert