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:
Jan. 16, 2001
Filed:
Jun. 30, 1999
Alan K. Forsythe, Federal Way, WA (US);
Andrew F. Thompson, Auburn, WA (US);
Charles H. Simmons, Seattle, WA (US);
John M. Morris, Auburn, WA (US);
GT Development Corporation, Seattle, WA (US);
Abstract
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.