Patents by Inventor Christopher D. Spielman

Christopher D. Spielman 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).

  • Instrument panel system having concealed switches
    Patent number: 7708437
    Abstract: An instrument panel system. The instrument panel system provides an aesthetically appealing instrument panel by including a number of concealed switches. The switches are concealed such that an area proximate the switch on the surface of the instrument panel appears to be uninterrupted by the switch. In operation, the position of the switches is revealed by illuminating a switch display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Karl R. Kennedy, David Hein, Christopher D. Spielman, Gregory F. Breakey, Thomas J. Fowler
  • Multifunction switch and method of using same
    Publication number: 20040118664
    Abstract: A multifunction switch is used to scroll through a set of system modes, such as ambient temperature and radio volume. The switch can also be used to choose a particular system mode from the set of system modes. The same switch can then be used to adjust a parameter associated with the system mode, for example, adjusting the volume level (parameter) of the radio volume (system mode). The multifunction switch includes a switch body for actuating the switch. The switch also includes a display portion for displaying system mode information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd L. DePue, Christopher D. Spielman