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:
Jul. 26, 1988
Filed:
Oct. 27, 1987
Robert F Gutman, St. Clair Shores, MI (US);
United Technologies Automotive, Inc., Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
An inter-locked button actuated matrix switch system for automotive instrumentation with button cluster switching, in which the switches form a 2.times.2 matrix switch circuit free of diode feedback protection in its input lines, the button structures being rocker mounted preventing the concurrent actuation of their associated switches. One button structure integrally includes two, closely spaced button elements having the look and feel of two independent buttons, with the other button structure having a relatively wide, single, continuous button actuation surface, the three 'buttons' being located in line forming a button cluster for the automobile's information center. The first two, integrally formed button elements are used to set the basic parameters of the information system (English or metric, and zeroing of odometer), while the third, wider button is used in a rocking motion to sequence back and forth to present various information and displays (time of day, odometer reading, fuel consumption rates, trip miles to go, etc.). The button cluster can be located on the instrument panel, the console, the steering wheel or the driver's interior door panel, and the display can be visual and/or audio.