Patents by Inventor Greg J. Topel

Greg J. Topel 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: 5075604
    Abstract: A variable resistance switch includes first and second flexible contact arms engageable by a pair of cam followers operable sequentially by an actuator movable in a first and an opposite direction. The actuator also carries a wiper movable therewith over a variable resistance coupled to a terminal. The first contact arm is operable upon initial movement of the actuator in a first direction to complete a first circuit through the switch, and the second switch arm is operable upon further movement of the actuator in the first direction to complete a second circuit through the switch and to place the variable resistance in circuit between one of the switch arms and the terminal. Further movement of the actuator in the first direction is operable to move a wiper over the resistance to vary the resistance in circuit with the terminal. A pivotal trigger is coupled to the actuator for moving the same in the first direction, and a spring biases the cam in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Fred L. Crook, Gary D. Meyer, Greg J. Topel