The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 03, 1981
Filed:
Feb. 12, 1979
Applicant:
Inventor:
Daniel C MacManus, Owosso, MI (US);
Assignee:
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, MI (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
H01H / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
200 / ; 200 / ; 200 / ; 200292 ;
Abstract
A mechanical switch having a plurality of sequentially energized outputs responsive to the displacement of a push button or other linear actuator comprises an arcuate array of fixed contacts on a rigid printed circuit board and a single movable contact comprising a helical spring member with its axis normal to the circuit board and having one end contacting one of the fixed contacts. The spring rate of the spring progressively varies along its length such that when the spring is compressed by an axially applied force the spring sequentially and progressively contacts and bridges the fixed contacts thereby sequentially engaging the fixed contacts.