Patents by Inventor Thomas Gutbrod

Thomas Gutbrod 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: 7235767
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement is disclosed for controlling an illuminating device, particularly light-emitting diodes, in a control device of a motor vehicle, comprised of at least one illuminating device, which is integrated in a switching circuit having a semiconductor component, and of a microprocessor, in particular having an integrated non-volatile memory, for generating a pulse-width modulated signal, whereby the pulse-width modulated signal is coupled to a control electrode of the semiconductor component, whereby the microprocessor generates at least two pulse-width modulated signals, the pulse-width modulated signals are coupled to the semiconductor component via a logical system and the logical system can be subjected to the action of an additional control signal via the microcomputer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: PREH GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Gutbrod, Anton Ruettiger, Harald Brischke, Michael Haub
  • Patent number: 7156168
    Abstract: An intensity of solar radiation is determined in a vehicle based on an absolute position of the sun, a spatial orientation of the vehicle, and a measured intensity of the sun. A position of the sun relative to the vehicle is determined on the basis of the orientation of the vehicle on the globe. This orientation can be determined by GPS data, at least one acceleration sensor, and/or an additional vehicle compass. The position of the sun relative to the vehicle can be determined based on the individual or combined data and the actual, absolute position of the sun, thereby making it possible to determine the intensity of the solar radiation in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: PREH GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Gutbrod, Thomas Noeth
  • Publication number: 20060273236
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement is disclosed for controlling an illuminating device, particularly light-emitting diodes, in a control device of a motor vehicle, comprised of at least one illuminating device, which is integrated in a switching circuit having a semiconductor component, and of a microprocessor, in particular having an integrated non-volatile memory, for generating a pulse-width modulated signal, whereby the pulse-width modulated signal is coupled to a control electrode of the semiconductor component, whereby the microprocessor generates at least two pulse-width modulated signals, the pulse-width modulated signals are coupled to the semiconductor component via a logical system and the logical system can be subjected to the action of an additional control signal via the microcomputer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Gutbrod, Anton Ruettiger, Harald Brischke, Michael Haub
  • Publication number: 20060209029
    Abstract: An operator element having freely programmable symbols, which includes a keycap, a display unit arranged at a distance and behind the keycap in a housing of the operator element, whereby the display unit interacts with a light-guiding element so that symbols are projected onto the keycap, and a diffusion layer attached to an inner face or outer face of a top part of the keycap. Further, the display unit is self-illuminating or is a transmissive, a reflecting, or is a self-illuminating display unit that is transilluminated and/or illuminated directly by a light source or via an optical system. In addition, the keycap is made of a black-transparent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Applicant: PREH GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Gutbrod, Martin Jeitner, Harald Schelbert
  • Publication number: 20040226708
    Abstract: Optimal, individual, and comfortable regulation of an air conditioning unit inside a vehicle is provided. An intensity of solar radiation is determined in a vehicle based on an absolute position of the sun, a spatial orientation of the vehicle, and a measured intensity of the sun. A position of the sun relative to the vehicle is determined on the basis of the orientation of the vehicle on the globe. This orientation can be determined by GPS data, at least one acceleration sensor, and/or an additional vehicle compass. The position of the sun relative to the vehicle can be determined based on the individual or combined data and the actual, absolute position of the sun, thereby making it possible to determine the intensity of the solar radiation in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Gutbrod, Thomas Noeth