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:
Jun. 30, 1998
Filed:
Aug. 30, 1996
Silviu Palalau, Birmingham, MI (US);
Daniel Toffolo, Dearborn, MI (US);
UT Automobile Dearborn, Inc., Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A manually controllable switch provides a user with an 'analog feeling' for controlling digital electronics. A plurality of first electrical conducting portions are alternately arranged with a plurality of second electrical conducting portions. Physical spacing between electrical conducting portions is proportionally and symmetrically varied to provide a sequence of logical states upon movement of the manually adjustable control knob. An electrical contact on the control knob moves into and out of engagement with the electrical conducting portions. Contact between the contacting portion and the conducting portions causes changes in logic state as recognized by a microprocessor or dedicated circuitry coupled to the conducting portions. The microprocessor or dedicated circuitry recognizes specific sequences of change in logic state as indicating manual movement of the control knob.