Patents by Inventor Jack D. Rodesiler

Jack D. Rodesiler 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).

  • Push-to-start appliance program timer and method utilizing snap-action switch
    Patent number: 7009122
    Abstract: A program timer for use with commercial or consumer appliances provides a single user knob interface that allows the desired selection of a programmed cycle and a push-to-start function. To preclude inadvertent program operation and enhance the life of the program timer, a snap-action switch is utilized to provide the push-to-start functionality. As such, actuation of the start switch provides a positional hysteresis that prevents teasing of the switch. The rapid snap-action opening and closing of the switch contacts precludes or minimizes the arc sustained between the contacts so as to greatly increase the life of the start switch. In one embodiment an actuation wheel larger in diameter than the program cam stack of the timer is utilized to pivot a lever to actuate the snap-action switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: James E. Pearson, Jack D. Rodesiler
  • Push-to-start appliance program timer and method utilizing snap-action switch
    Publication number: 20040066096
    Abstract: A program timer for use with commercial or consumer appliances provides a single user knob interface that allows the desired selection of a programmed cycle and a push-to-start function. To preclude inadvertent program operation and enhance the life of the program timer, a snap-action switch is utilized to provide the push-to-start functionality. As such, actuation of the start switch provides a positional hysteresis that prevents teasing of the switch. The rapid snap-action opening and closing of the switch contacts precludes or minimizes the arc sustained between the contacts so as to greatly increase the life of the start switch. In one embodiment an actuation wheel larger in diameter than the program cam stack of the timer is utilized to pivot a lever to actuate the snap-action switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: James E. Pearson, Jack D. Rodesiler