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:
Sep. 07, 2010
Filed:
Mar. 30, 2007
Roy E. Riihimaki, Libertyville, IL (US);
Michelle D. Keimig, Pleasant Prairie, WI (US);
Richard L. Dale, Freeport, IL (US);
Daniel Mattson, Pleasant Prairie, WI (US);
Roy E. Riihimaki, Libertyville, IL (US);
Michelle D. Keimig, Pleasant Prairie, WI (US);
Richard L. Dale, Freeport, IL (US);
Daniel Mattson, Pleasant Prairie, WI (US);
ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Friedrichshafen, DE;
Abstract
A printed circuit board (PCB) has a plurality of switch interfaces on its top surface. Each interface is an array of sensors, such as proximity sensors, hall-effect sensors, or a series of inductor coils. The sensors in each array are closely mounted and are all the same for a given PCB. Each array may or may not mount a non-contacting switch selected from a plurality of different types of switches, such as a single push button switch, dual push button switch, a toggle switch, a 3-position rocker switch, a rotary switch, or other type switch. Each switch mounted on the PCB includes one or more indicators for sensing by the sensors or coils, with feedback to determine what type of switch is mounted in each position. The same PCB, or other mount, may thus be used for a variety of unique applications, such as switch packs used in vehicles.