Patents by Inventor Michelle D. Keimig

Michelle D. Keimig 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: 7791506
    Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) has a plurality of switch interfaces on its top surface. Each interface is an array of sensors, such as proximity sensors, hall-effect sensors, or a series of inductor coils. The sensors in each array are closely mounted and are all the same for a given PCB. Each array may or may not mount a non-contacting switch selected from a plurality of different types of switches, such as a single push button switch, dual push button switch, a toggle switch, a 3-position rocker switch, a rotary switch, or other type switch. Each switch mounted on the PCB includes one or more indicators for sensing by the sensors or coils, with feedback to determine what type of switch is mounted in each position. The same PCB, or other mount, may thus be used for a variety of unique applications, such as switch packs used in vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Roy E. Riihimaki, Michelle D. Keimig, Richard L. Dale, Daniel Mattson
  • Publication number: 20080238650
    Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) has a plurality of switch interfaces on its top surface. Each interface is an array of sensors, such as proximity sensors, hall-effect sensors, or a series of inductor coils. The sensors in each array are closely mounted and are all the same for a given PCB. Each array may or may not mount a non-contacting switch selected from a plurality of different types of switches, such as a single push button switch, dual push button switch, a toggle switch, a 3-position rocker switch, a rotary switch, or other type switch. Each switch mounted on the PCB includes one or more indicators for sensing by the sensors or coils, with feedback to determine what type of switch is mounted in each position. The same PCB, or other mount, may thus be used for a variety of unique applications, such as switch packs used in vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: CHERRY CORP.
    Inventors: Roy E. Riihimaki, Michelle D. Keimig, Richard L. Dale, Daniel Mattson