Patents by Inventor Robert D. Muller

Robert D. Muller 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).

  • Patent number: 5952731
    Abstract: An improved switch for entering a key code includes a plurality of moving contact members all molded together into a single membrane. Each of the moving contact members moves within a hole in a housing. The housing is connected to a base with a snap connection. A circuit board and the membrane are sandwiched between the base and housing. A sealing lip on the membrane is deformed against the housing to provide a water tight seal around the circumference of the housing. Wires extend from the circuit board through holes in the base, and grommets surround the wire sealing the holes. LED's are provided on the circuit board to backlight the moving contact members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Will McPherson, Rutunj Rai, Robert D. Muller
  • Patent number: 5842769
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an automotive device is comprised of a substrate, a second component, and a light bulb socket, whereby the bulb socket retains the second component, directly or indirectly, to the substrate; the second component is solely attached to the substrate, directly or indirectly, by the bulb socket. More specifically, the substrate is an outer housing and the second component is a lamp reflector. The present invention also comprises the method of inserting and retaining these parts with the bulb socket. Furthermore, the present invention may be part of a backlit switch, an overhead reading lamp, or an instrument panel light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Muller, Robert M. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5522638
    Abstract: An overhead console for a motor vehicle including an integral remote control unit storage compartment is provided. The invention allows for the remote control unit to be activated directly by actuating a pivotable door to an open position or indirectly while the remote control unit remains in the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Monte L. Falcoff, James D. Dowd, Jeffrey W. Stahlbaum, Robert D. Muller
  • Patent number: 5491311
    Abstract: A bi-directional multifunction switch which incorporates a single contact carrier having conductive contacts adapted to be moved in various directions as a result of rotary and push/pull actuation of an interconnected knob. Electrically conductive circuit paths formed in a substrate surface are contacted by protrusions on the conductive contacts to accomplish electrical switching functions. The contact carrier is moved via a shaft which securely retains the contact carrier along opposing axes and which moves as a result of turning, pushing or pulling the actuating knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Orlando F. Muscat, Robert D. Muller, Mark Feldman
  • Patent number: 5389754
    Abstract: A switch mechanism having a set of movable conductive contacts adapted to selectively conductively engage a set of conductive paths formed on a printed circuit board in order to open and close circuit paths created thereby. A contact carrier retains the movable contacts in a predefined spaced relationship and slidingly engages a guide member adapted to predeterminately guide the movement of the carrier with respect to the circuit board, the guide member being fixedly secured to a surface of the printed circuit board substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Muller, Robert D. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5282091
    Abstract: A courtesy/reading light lens (24) includes a translucent body (26) having a surface (28) covered with an array of opaque dots (30) for selectively controlling the distribution of lights as it passes through the translucent body (26). The opaque dots (30) are organized in multiple sections (32, 34, 26) that together form a dot pattern. The opaque dots (30) within each section (32, 34, 36) are arrayed at a substantially uniform spacing and have a substantially uniform two-dimensional diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Grabowski, Robert D. Muller, Carl G. Czarnecki
  • Patent number: 4405082
    Abstract: A diesel fuel injector having two separate annular or annulus-to-annulus dumps for providing a variable and a fixed orifice rapidly and controllably terminating injection and for controlling the impact velocity of the injector's intensifier piston against a mating stop. The injector further includes a middle chamber that is always connected to a low pressure vent to permit the collection and diversion of leakage fuel away from the middle chamber. The intensifier piston includes an upper member that is received within a stepped bore. The intensifier piston is loosely received within a lower member to permit relative motion therebetween for preventing the gall-up of the intensifier piston against the walls of the cooperating stepped bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Assignee: The Bendix Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Walter, Robert D. Muller