Patents by Inventor Donald L. Copple

Donald L. Copple 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).

  • Contactless inductance joystick switch
    Patent number: 5532529
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a contactless inductance switch is disclosed for use with a joystick. The switch is mechanically connected to a mass which is movable between a first and second position. When an operator presses the switch, the mass moves to the second position adjacent to an electrical circuitry. Sensing circuitry measures the change in inductance in the coil and produces a control signal indicating that the switch was pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: George Codina, Donald L. Copple, Kevin G. Yakes