Patents by Inventor Donald Edward Sutter

Donald Edward Sutter 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).

  • Button ball and alignment rib
    Patent number: 6657146
    Abstract: A button ball and alignment rib formed to a bezel mates with an aperture on a floating button cluster to align and secure the floating button cluster such that the buttons of the floating button cluster are aligned with their corresponding apertures formed in the bezel. The alignment rib has a tapered rib disposed upon it and upon the tapered rib is formed a semi-spherical ball reinforced by an enlarged post that is formed from the bezel to the semi-spherical ball. A plurality of apertures are formed in the floating button cluster, one of which receives the semi-spherical ball and retains it once it has passed through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing, S.A.
    Inventor: Donald Edward Sutter
  • Illuminated button
    Patent number: 6365855
    Abstract: An illuminated button for use with a shuttle knob mechanism. The mechanism includes an actuator disposed through a resilient member that is captured by a first retainer and supported by a second retainer and a light guide. The light guide is disposed through the light pipe and functions to illuminate on the face of the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Donald Edward Sutter, Mike William Toana