Patents by Inventor Erik Steven Rickel

Erik Steven Rickel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Integrated light transfer structure for providing halo and end illumination for a control switch assembly
    Patent number: 6565223
    Abstract: An illuminated control assembly which comprises a light guide having a an outer illumination section and an end illumination section. The assembly also comprises at least one outer light conducting leg and at least one end light conducting leg. Each leg has a light receiving portion proximate to light source and distanced from the illumination sections. Each leg also has a light delivering portion, wherein the light delivering portion of the outer light conducting leg is in light communication with the outer illumination section and the light delivering portion of the end light conducting leg is in light communication with the end illumination section. The assembly also comprises a control member having a light duct. The control member is connected to an input receiver and the control member is in light communication with the end illumination section wherein light from the end illumination section is transmitted through the light duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shangshyan S. Liao, Erik Steven Rickel
  • Integrated light transfer structure for providing halo and end illumination for a control switch assembly
    Publication number: 20020097569
    Abstract: An illuminated control assembly which comprises a light guide having a an outer illumination section and an end illumination section. The assembly also comprises at least one outer light conducting leg and at least one end light conducting leg. Each leg has a light receiving portion proximate to light source and distanced from the illumination sections. Each leg also has a light delivering portion, wherein the light delivering portion of the outer light conducting leg is in light communication with the outer illumination section and the light delivering portion of the end light conducting leg is in light communication with the end illumination section. The assembly also comprises a control member having a light duct. The control member is connected to an input receiver and the control member is in light communication with the end illumination section wherein light from the end illumination section is transmitted through the light duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shangshyan S. Liao, Erik Steven Rickel