Gt Development Corporation

Andrew F Thompson

John Michael Morris

Alan K Forsythe

Charles H Simmons, Jr

A contactless control switch (,) for a vehicle for actuating a system between an open and a first closed circuit position is disclosed. The switch includes a housing (,) and a pivot assembly (,) disposed within the housing. The switch also includes a switch actuator (,) having first and second ends. The switch actuator is coupled to the pivot assembly for producing pivoting motion of the switch actuator in response to a force (,) applied to the switch actuator. The switch also includes first and second proximity sensors (,and,) and a first magnet (,). The proximity sensors are disposed within the housing and the first magnet is fastened to the switch actuator second end. The first magnet is adapted to be selectively displaced into and out of close proximity with one of the proximity sensors when the force is applied to the switch actuator. The switch (,) also includes a biasing member (,and,) disposed between the switch actuator and the pivot assembly for biasing the switch actuator into an open circuit position.

Contactless stalk mounted control switch

A rollover vent valve for use in a pneumatic seat mounted in a vehicle. The rollover vent valve allows air to vent from the air bag(s) in the pneumatic seat in the event the vehicle in which the seat is mounted is severely tilted or overturned. The rollover vent valve includes a housing enclosing a pressure chamber and a valve member. The interior of the pressure chamber is in fluid connection with the air bag(s). The rollover vent valve also includes a vent port that connects the interior of the chamber to the ambient environment. The valve member is located within the pressure chamber above the vent port and forms a seal with the vent port when the pneumatic seat in which the valve is mounted is in an upright position. The valve member includes a weight cage in which a spherical weight is movably mounted. One end of the weight cage includes a valve seal that forms a seal on the valve seat of the vent port. When the pneumatic seat in which the valve is mounted is located in an upright position, the weight provides a biasing force to maintain the valve member and valve seal in a normally closed and sealed position. When the valve is tilted or overturned, the spherical weight moves within the weight cage to move the valve member and valve seat off of the vent port, thus opening the vent port. Opening the vent port connects the interior of the air bag(s) with the ambient environment thus allowing the air bag(s) to deflate.

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Auburn, WA, United States of America

Andrew F Thompson