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:
Aug. 28, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 03, 2000
Michael A. Uleski, Roseville, MI (US);
Lear Corporation, Southfield, MI (US);
Abstract
A selector switch using a digital encoder for controlling multiple functions of a vehicle accessory. A rotary switch having a body portion and a shaft is provided. The shaft has a rotary axis and terminates at a distal end that is received by a knob. A carrier is provided on the shaft in conjunction with the knob and has at least one spring and ball for engaging a detent formed in a face plate of the selector switch assembly. The face plate has a plurality of circumferentially arranged detents that are engaged by the ball to provide intermediate position stops for the knob. The face plate and knob cooperate to provide end stops for limiting arcuate movement of the knob. Redundant detents and end stops may be provided for durability and improved operation. The selector switch may be used to control headlights and parking lights for a vehicle and may provide either instantaneous control or delayed turn-off of headlights, depending upon the digital output of the encoder at a preselected detent location.