Patents by Inventor Todd Jay Boedecker

Todd Jay Boedecker 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: 5747756
    Abstract: A flexible-touch keypad (100) is backlit by an electroluminescent layer (118) that overlies an actuator layer (108) and a circuitry layer (102). The actuator layer (108) includes posts (112A) protruding through apertures (120) in the electroluminescent layer (118) and extending upward toward a translucent flexible surface layer (124). The flexible surface layer (124) is coated with an opaque layer (206), which is etched to form indicia (130). The protruding post (112A) is translucent and functions as a light pipe, directing light upward from the electroluminescent layer (118) and through the translucent surface layer (124) with a substantially uniform light intensity, the light being visible through the etched indicia (130). When a key (128A) on the surface layer (124) is depressed, a corresponding post (112A) is urged downward toward the circuitry layer (102). A conductive pill (116A) attached to the post (112A) contacts a switch area (104) on the circuitry layer (102), thereby completing a circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: GM Nameplate, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Jay Boedecker