Steering Wheel, Shaft Or Column Mounted Patents (Class 200/61.54)
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Patent number: 10180723Abstract: A system and method for setting threshold values based on an amount and selecting a haptic feedback response. The method comprises determining a touch value based on a touch applied to a touch-sensitive sensor. The method further comprises determining an amount that the touch value exceeds a first threshold value. The method further comprises setting a second threshold value based, at least in part on the amount. The method further comprising selecting a haptic feedback response that can be based at least in part on the amount.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2014Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: JOYSON SAFETY SYSTEMS ACQUISITION LLCInventors: Jason Lisseman, David Andrews
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Patent number: 10118490Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a steering wheel and a touchpad integrated into the steering wheel, situated in a channel, and adapted to input commands.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AGInventor: William Brian Lathrop
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Patent number: 10096442Abstract: A combination switch lever includes a cylinder body including an opening, a plurality of switches to operate an electric component disposed in the vehicle, a flexible board that is disposed inside the cylinder body and that includes a circuit part and a non-circuit part disposed outside the circuit part in a width direction, and a first guide member and a second guide member that are disposed inside the cylinder body so as to be opposite to each other sandwiching the flexible board. An inside projection is formed at a vicinity of the opening of the cylinder body on an opposite surface of the first guide member and/or the second guide member, and the inside projection presses the non-circuit part. The first guide member and the second guide member include an adjacent opposite surface such that an opposite distance therebetween is partially narrowed.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHOInventors: Nobuyuki Ishigure, Yoshio Chiba, Akio Nishiyama, Yohei Hotta, Yasuaki Nadaya, Toshihiko Kosugi
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Patent number: 10043620Abstract: A switch device includes a switch body that supports a lever operating portion, and a cylindrical fitting portion through which the switch body is attached to an attached portion. The fitting portion includes a plurality of elastic deformation portions elastically deformable by a clamping force of a clamping band member and a pressed-bulging portion bulging from an outer surface of a tip portion of the elastic deformation portions. The pressed-bulging portion is configured to locate at a contact position with the attached portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tadashi Usuya, Yasuaki Nadaya, Tadashi Okubo, Shigeo Shigeyama, Toshihiko Kosugi
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Patent number: 9988068Abstract: A steering wheel input device includes a first steering switch disposed on a front face of a steering wheel and a second steering switch disposed on a rear face of the steering wheel. When the second steering switch is operated, an icon corresponding to the second steering switch is displayed on the first steering switch. The steering wheel input device allows various operations to be implemented. Furthermore, an operator can intuitively operate the steering wheel input device.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Sho Sonoda, Hitokazu Shitanaka, Tsuyoshi Tanaka
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Patent number: 9950621Abstract: An indicator system for outdoor power equipment, such as a riding lawn mower, may include an illuminating element around the perimeter of a display screen. The illuminating element may be configured to illuminate in a predetermined manner based on a predefined condition occurring in order to alert the operator to the display screen. The display screen may be configured to display more detail about the predefined condition while the illuminating element is illuminated.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: HUSQVARNA ABInventor: Sean Dwyer
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Patent number: 9862404Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a plunger assembly received within an opening defined by a mounting bracket. The plunger assembly includes a sleeve, a plunger, and a biasing member. The sleeve disposed within the opening. The plunger slidably disposed within the sleeve. The biasing member that engages the plunger to bias the plunger towards a deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATIONInventors: James C. Russell, Michael P. Anspaugh, Melvin L. Tinnin, Donald A. Buzzard, Malgorzata R. Szeliga
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Patent number: 9855846Abstract: A switch device includes a push switch including first and second push portions that are parallel arranged, and an operating switch arranged between the first and second push portions and including a switch operation direction different from a switch operation direction of the first and second push portions. The operating switch protrudes from an operation surface of the first and second push portions so as to allow the first and second push portions to be individually recognized when operating the push switch.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO, MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshiaki Nabe, Susumu Mega, Hiroki Danjoh, Taro Oike, Keiichirou Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9804776Abstract: A window control method includes as follows. Control a vehicle to switch to a window adjusting mode in response to input operations applied on a touch input unit of a vehicle. Recognize a gesture in response to input signals. Therein the input signals are generated by the touch input unit in response to input operations applied thereon. Compare the gesture with a plurality of predefined gestures stored in a storage unit of the vehicle to determine whether the gesture is same as one of the plurality of predefined gestures. Obtain a control order corresponding to the one of the plurality of predefined gestures when the gesture matches the one of the plurality of predefined gestures. Control one or more vehicle windows to rise or go down according to the control order.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Chung-Nan Ko, Chia-Chieh Cheng
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Patent number: 9738220Abstract: A method and apparatus of sounding a horn of a vehicle is provided where the user operator need not release his or her hand from steering wheel handle to actuate a horn. In one example, a steering wheel with force-sensing device is provided for a driver of a car for quick access to sound the horn by simply squeezing or pressing the steer wheel in a particular way without releasing his or her hand from the steering wheel. The vehicle can have a control algorithm to monitor external force applied to the steering wheel through a sensor array which activates the horn when the pressure level reaches a threshold value. Drivers can optionally use a user interface to selectively set one or more threshold values so they can activate the horn or activate different volume or tones of horn by setting and achieving various threshold conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: FARADAY & FUTURE, INC.Inventor: Cory Denis Borghi
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Patent number: 9694789Abstract: A switching device includes an operation lever capable of being turned in a first direction and in a second direction with respect to a neutral position, a first switch to detect a condition when the operation lever is moved to a first operation position, a second switch to detect a condition when the operation lever is moved to a second operation position symmetric to the first operation position, and a control unit to control a multistage function in a stepwise manner to switch operating states in a stepwise manner such that the condition of control of the multistage function is switched up in a stepwise manner based on a condition detected by the first switch and such that the condition of control of the multistage function is switched down in a stepwise manner based on a condition detected by the second switch.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventor: Yoshiyuki Mizuno
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Patent number: 9656683Abstract: There is provided a vehicle steering wheel including a circular rim, a grip forming a part of the rim and being held by a user, and input units formed inside the rim. Each input unit includes first and second input switches to be actuated by a pressing action of a user's thumb, and a third input switch provided between the first and second input switches to be actuated by a sliding action of the user's thumb on the third input switch while the user is holding the grip. The first input switch is located at a position of the user's thumb that can be placed without applying any force when the user is holding the grip. The second input switch is located at a lower position where the user's thumb can be placed without changing positions of other four fingers when the user is holding the grip.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Noriyoshi Matsuo, Isamu Nagasawa
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Patent number: 9545877Abstract: A steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel having a rim, a hub, and spokes connecting the rim and hub. An airbag module is disposed on the hub. Horn activating switches are disposed on the plurality of spokes. A bezel is disposed adjacent to the airbag module for actuating the horn, the bezel being movably mounted to the steering wheel to contact any of the horn activating switches. At least a portion of the bezel is axially movable relative to the steering wheel to contact any of the horn activating switches, whereby a motor vehicle operator may actuate the horn by pressing on the bezel without contacting any portion of the airbag module.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Joseph Dean, James Robert Chascsa
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Patent number: 9435361Abstract: A back cover includes an opening configured to penetrate the back cover throughout between an exterior surface and an interior surface of the back cover, lock receivers capable of engaging respectively with hook-shaped lock portions of a switch unit, and fastening portions capable of fastening the switch unit to the back cover. The lock receivers and the fastening portions are arranged near a peripheral edge of the opening at positions with the opening interposed between the lock receivers and the fastening portions.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazuhiro Touno
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Patent number: 9315103Abstract: A multifunction operation tool includes a swing body swingably supported in a front/back direction of a vehicle body and implementing acceleration control on a transmission by swinging in a forward direction and implementing deceleration control on the transmission by swinging in a rearward direction. A grip body arranged on a free end portion of the swing body. A grip part arranged on a first lateral area of the grip body in a transverse direction of the vehicle body and having a convex surface. A vertical lateral surface arranged on a second lateral area of the grip body and which is a lateral surface of the grip part. An operator-facing surface arranged on the second lateral area of the grip body and extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle body from a bottom edge of the vertical lateral surface. Operation switch groups are arranged on the vertical lateral surface and the operator-facing surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventors: Teruhito Yamauchi, Motonari Inaoka
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Patent number: 9266536Abstract: Methods and systems for implementing personalized driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and forward collision warning. The methods and systems collect specific vehicle data and then calculate values that populate a histogram representing driver habits and tendencies regarding following and stopping distances in relation to objects ahead of the vehicle. The methods and systems utilize the histogram data to provide the driver with a personalized driver assistance features.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: FCA US LLCInventors: Nathan Loria, Michael J Bliss, Stephen J Buckley, Douglas D Wellman, Adam C Chiapetta
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Patent number: 9233640Abstract: The objective is to reduce the size of a lever switch device. Disclosed is a lever switch device provided with a restriction wall (49) which is formed between first and second arms (19, 23) and which restricts the movement of the first and second arms (19, 23) against the rotation of first and second levers (13, 15) relative to a movable body (31); and engagement walls (45a, 45b, 47a, 47b) which are formed on first and second fitting portions (45, 47) and which are engaged with the first and second arms (19, 23) by the rotational transfer of the first and second arms (19, 23) caused by the shaft rotation of the first and second levers (13, 15), to cause first and second movable boards (41, 43) to perform a contact operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Niles Co., LTD.Inventors: Hidekazu Wakita, Hisashi Matsuhashi
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Patent number: 9226634Abstract: A floor surface maintenance vehicle, and methods of using a floor surface maintenance vehicle, the vehicle including a frame, a plurality of wheels, a cleaning component extending from an underside of the frame, a steering wheel having a central aperture and rotatable about a central axis, and a steering wheel hub located within the central aperture of the steering wheel and having a panel, wherein the panel is stationary relative to the central axis. Buttons are provided on the panel, including a first button that is C-shaped and extends around a portion of a periphery of the panel. The C-shaped button may be used to control frequently used functions such as cleaning functions or operation of a horn, for example.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Tennant CompanyInventors: John C. Ickes, III, Matthew R. Hetler, Daniel A. Leitschuh, Adam S. Foley, Richard S. Walters
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Patent number: 9018551Abstract: A handlebar switch for a motorcycle that achieves reduction in size of a switch case, while enhancing a degree of freedom in layout of a plurality operating and other types of switches. A handlebar switch includes: a switch case that includes case half bodies, joined together across a handlebar and a plurality of operating switches, such as a horn switch, protruding from the switch case; and a substrate disposed inside the switch case in a position substantially orthogonal to a direction of an axis of the handlebar, the substrate having a plurality of contacts for generating electric signals in a manner operatively associated with an operation of the operating switch. In the handlebar switch, each of the contacts is electrically connected by pressure applied in a direction substantially identical to the direction of the axis of the handlebar.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Naoki Nakada, Hiroyasu Ota
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Patent number: 8987620Abstract: The present invention provides haptic steering wheel switch apparatus including: a haptic wheel housing unit disposed on a steering wheel of a vehicle; a circuit board unit disposed in the haptic wheel housing unit; and a haptic wheel device unit including a haptic wheel device actuator establishing an electrical connection with the circuit board unit and including a haptic shaft, a haptic knob connected to the haptic shaft and exposedly disposed on one surface of the haptic wheel housing unit, and a haptic wheel device sensing unit for detecting a rotating state of the haptic shaft, wherein the haptic knob achieves a rotary operation on a plane formed by the steering wheel of the vehicle, the haptic wheel device actuator moves in a longitudinal direction of the haptic shaft, and a button switch unit operating vertically and independently of the haptic knob is provided outside the haptic knob.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Daesung Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jun-ho Gohng, Lee-Hwa Jung, Dae Woo Kwon, Jin Young Lee, Su Young Ahn, Jung Hoo Bae
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Patent number: 8957336Abstract: A lever switch includes a case, a lever, a wiring board, a sliding body, and a movable contact. The wiring board has fixed contacts and is disposed at an opposite side to the lever with respect to the case. The sliding body has a sliding part and a second arm part having a supporting portion, and is disposed between the case and the wiring board. The movable contact is mounted to the sliding part and has an end to be brought into contact with the fixed contact. A first arm part of the lever extends from the main body part through the case and the wiring board. The second arm part extends from the wiring board through the sliding part. The holding portion and the supporting portion are engaged with each other at an opposite side to the case with respect to the wiring board.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuaki Neriki, Hisashi Nishikawa
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Patent number: 8955863Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member and an electrical switch. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle. The first operating member is movably supported on the base member to perform a first signal. The electrical switch is detachably disposed on the first operating member to move with the first operating member with respect to the base member and to perform a second signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Kentaro Kosaka, Yoshimitsu Miki
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Patent number: 8919814Abstract: There is provided a switch unit which is downsized and which can reduce cost by eliminating a connector and an intermediate harness embedded in a body. A wiper switch and a light switch are attached to a steering column. Each of the wiper switch and the light switch includes a base portion which positions a stator portion of the steering column between each other, a housing portion projecting from the base portion along a periphery of the stator portion. A connector is housed in the housing portion. The connector of the wiper switch and the connector of the light switch are attached to the steering column with the connectors being directly connected together.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Hidehiro Akahori
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Publication number: 20140374225Abstract: A pressure and rotationally actuated control element for a vehicle steering wheel includes a bearing block and an input element. The bearing block is mounted on actuating elements of switching elements. The input element is mounted rotatably on the bearing block. The input element transmits a rotational actuation to a code disk and an actuating pressure on the input element actuates at least one of the switching elements. The bearing block forms two swivel pins perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the input element and which are supported by the actuating elements of switching elements. The bearing block has a stop element between the swivel pins which limits the path of actuation of the input element by an actuating pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventor: Wojciech Ficek
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Patent number: 8912456Abstract: A switch activator device for ATVs and like vehicles operating in robust environments having a switch housing including an open back side and a front side having a central opening and at least one slots for receiving a switch actuator. At least one switch activator is mounted in the housing with a flange sized to engage the at least one slot in the housing. A central housing insert is put in the housing between the at least one activator to substantially close off the front side of the housing and provide mounting support to maintain the at least one actuator flange in the slot. Preferably the housing, actuators and insert are made by injection molding plastic.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Mark D. Reed, Al B. Cable
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Patent number: 8914195Abstract: A system for powering a steering angle sensor coupled to a steering wheel and a controller comprising a switch, coupled to the sensor and the controller. The switch is activated upon motion of the steering wheel or steering shaft. The switch, when activated, connects a power supply, such as a vehicle battery, to the sensor and the controller so that a new steering angle may be sensed and stored. After a predetermined period of time, the controller sends a signal to deactivate the switch and disconnect the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Bradley G. Hochrein
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Patent number: 8907235Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device having an airbag module which has a housing (40) and which can be mounted in the steering wheel of a motor vehicle, having a cover (10) fastened to the housing (40) in a movable manner, on which a first horn contact (30) is arranged; at least a second horn contact (50) is arranged on the housing (40), which, in the initial position, is electrically isolated from the first horn contact (30), and in the activation position, comes into electrical contact with the first horn contact (30) in order to trigger a horn signal. The second horn contact (50) being configured as a separate component which is fixed to the housing (40) by at least one separate locking element (60).Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Nicolas Chevalier, Jean Kuriakose Valakkatti, Jonas Nordqvist
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Publication number: 20140346018Abstract: A back cover includes an opening configured to penetrate the back cover throughout between an exterior surface and an interior surface of the back cover, lock receivers capable of engaging respectively with hook-shaped lock portions of a switch unit, and fastening portions capable of fastening the switch unit to the back cover. The lock receivers and the fastening portions are arranged near a peripheral edge of the opening at positions with the opening interposed between the lock receivers and the fastening portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: NIHON PLAST CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazuhiro TOUNO
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Publication number: 20140291129Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric switch with rubbing contact (3) comprising on the one hand at least one fixed contact (9) and on the other hand at least one moving rubbing contact (3) that can move along a predefined trajectory and exhibiting a contact surface (10) intended to rub on said at least one fixed contact (9), characterized in that at least said contact surface (10) is treated by ion bombardment by virtue of an ion beam, and in that the fixed (9) and moving (3) contacts are bare.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2012Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: SC2NInventor: Michel Hallet
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Publication number: 20140262705Abstract: A paddle switch system comprises a housing, a paddle having a pivot member pivotally disposed in the housing for operating an electrical switch within the housing in response to a force on the paddle, a cover coupled to the housing wherein the housing and the cover partially enclose the paddle, and a vibration reduction mechanism disposed in the housing proximate the pivot member of the paddle. The electrical switch comprises a dome switch and the paddle is disposed in the housing to partially preload the dome switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Judco Partnership, LLCInventors: Igorce Srbinovski, Thomas E. Buttner, Stephen C. James
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Publication number: 20140209439Abstract: A bicycle operating device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member and an electrical switch. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle. The first operating member is movably supported on the base member to perform a first signal. The electrical switch is detachably disposed on the first operating member to move with the first operating member with respect to the base member and to perform a second signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Kentaro KOSAKA, Yoshimitsu MIKI
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Patent number: 8791381Abstract: A safety hand grip for handlebar operated vehicles utilizes an elongate pressure switch in the form of an elongated strip embedded longitudinally within the wall of the resilient hand grip to actuate the horn. A raised area extending substantially the length of the grip and integral with the wall is situated directly over the switch and serves to locate the elongate switch and to concentrate the force applied by the fingers of the operator and transmit that force directly to the elongate switch. The grip can be rotated so the raised portion is positioned under the operator's fingers according to the gripping preference. Dual sided connectors attached to leads from the elongate switch and interposed between the connectors from the horn and battery and the connectors from the console button present on the vehicle enable the horn to be actuated by both the switch and the button.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Inventor: Lewis J. Donnelly
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Patent number: 8770887Abstract: A vibratory ride-on roller machine includes a chassis supported on front and rear vibrating drum assemblies that compact the surface on which the machine travels. The machine is controlled via a control assembly including a control lever. A number of control elements for controlling operations of the roller machine are located on the control lever, the operations including one or more of turning the exciter assembly on and off, switching between exciter assemblies, controlling the level of vibration of the exciter assemblies, controlling a spray assembly, and sounding a horn element. The control elements are advantageously positioned to enable operator actuation regardless of the operator's orientation on the roller and regardless of the position of the control lever within its operating stroke.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Waacker Neuson Production Americas LLCInventor: Daniel Geier
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Patent number: 8686305Abstract: This invention is directed to providing a handle switch which is easy in operating a horn switch and also can be easily distinguished from other switches. In a handle switch 30 of a vehicle, a horn switch 32 is disposed at a position which is overlaid on an axis line (D) of a handle grip 10 when a housing 60 is projected from a driver's front view direction and also on the vehicle body rear side further than other switches. Other switches including an optical-axis changing switch 31 and a turn signal switch 33 are disposed so as to deviate vertically with respect to the horn switch 32. The horn switch 32 is formed so as to be longer in the axis line direction of the handle grip 10, swinging about a swing shaft 36 installed at the end closer to the handle grip 10 by being pressed toward the vehicle body front side.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Kodaira, Koichi Shimamura, Kota Nakahira, Akira Takahashi
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Patent number: 8680411Abstract: An on-vehicle lever switch includes a main body portion, a lever body, and a switch contact. The lever body includes a knob rockably held by the main body portion and protruding outward, a drive shaft extending in the direction along which the knob protrudes and being rotatably held in the knob, and a rotational operation portion fixed to the drive shaft. The switch contact is disposed at the main body portion, and carries out electrical connection by rocking or rotating of the lever body. The knob can be divided into two portions, a first knob portion and a second knob portion, along the extending direction. The first knob portion and the second knob portion are coupled to each other by a first member provided in the inner part of the first knob portion and a second member provided in the inner part of the second knob portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takeo Nakamura, Masahiko Fujita, Daiki Kaburagi
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Publication number: 20140034461Abstract: An operating element that can be actuated by pressure and rotation, comprising an actuating rotatably mounted on a bearing block by a bearing shaft, at least one switch that can be actuated by a pressure actuation of the actuator, a sensor for detecting a rotational actuation of the actuator, a detent wheel connected to the bearing shaft, and a spring-loaded detent element which interacts with a detent contour of the detent wheel and which blocks the rotational mobility of the detent wheel upon a pressure actuation of the actuator. The detent element is a lever which can pivot about a pivot bearing and which has a detent pin that sits against the detent contour. A pressure actuation of the actuator brings a portion of the lever closer to an object thereby limiting the pivoting range of the lever.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Sabrina Bloeink, Udo Renisch
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Patent number: 8636302Abstract: A steering wheel for a motor vehicle having an airbag module arranged thereon as well as horn contacts arranged on the steering wheel and/or on the airbag module, which can be brought into electric contact with each other in order to activate an acoustic horn signal with the steering wheel installed in a motor vehicle . The horn contacts (13) consist of a conducting sheet (15), which can be mounted by means of an adhesive layer (16) on a substrate formed by the airbag module (10) or the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Raimund Nebel, Jürgen Mackensen, Karl Binknus
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Patent number: 8602451Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame configured for supporting a vehicle airbag device. Support assemblies are movably connected to the frame. Each support assembly includes an airbag connecting member engaging a spring member. Pressing the airbag connecting member towards the frame compresses the spring member. An electrical switch assembly is connected to the frame. The electrical switch assembly includes at least one push button electrical switch for connecting to an electrical circuit. Pressing at least one support assembly a predetermined distance lowers a portion of the at least one support assembly towards the frame for urging a vehicle airbag device capable of being connected to a connecting end of each airbag connecting member, against at least one switch in the electrical switch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Judco Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Stephen James, Thomas E. Buttner
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Patent number: 8581126Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously operating the horn and light systems of a motorized vehicle is provided. The controller used to operate the systems can be a single controller that operates the horn when a certain range of pressure is applied to the controller and operates the horn and lights systems when a stronger pressure is applied. The system can include a dedicated horn operating system controller independent of the dual function controller to eliminate the need for differing pressures to operate the horn and light systems substantially simultaneously. Also disclosed are apparatuses and methods to coordinate a vehicle braking system with the vehicle horn and light systems to improve the reception of safety and/or emergency warnings.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Inventor: Robert J. Cannella
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Publication number: 20130263692Abstract: A steering wheel is provided that may include a central member, a rim, a structural member, a switch-frame and a switch assembly. The rim may be spaced apart from the central member. The structural member may extend between the central member and the rim. The switch-frame may be secured relative to the structural member and may include first, second, and third members cooperating to define an opening. The first member may be disposed between the central member and the rim and may extend laterally across the structural member. The second and third members may be spaced apart from each other and may extend from the first member toward the rim. The switch assembly may be mounted to the switch-frame and may at least partially extend through the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Bill Bostick, Gregory Hamman, Eugene Kahn, Richard Matsu
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Publication number: 20130256103Abstract: A handlebar switch for a motorcycle that achieves reduction in size of a switch case, while enhancing a degree of freedom in layout of a plurality operating and other types of switches. A handlebar switch includes: a switch case that includes case half bodies, joined together across a handlebar and a plurality of operating switches, such as a horn switch, protruding from the switch case; and a substrate disposed inside the switch case in a position substantially orthogonal to a direction of an axis of the handlebar, the substrate having a plurality of contacts for generating electric signals in a manner operatively associated with an operation of the operating switch. In the handlebar switch, each of the contacts is electrically connected by pressure applied in a direction substantially identical to the direction of the axis of the handlebar.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTDInventors: Naoki Nakada, Hiroyasu Ota
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Patent number: 8491003Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame configured for supporting a vehicle airbag device. Support assemblies are movably connected to the frame. Each support assembly includes an airbag connecting member engaging a spring member. Pressing the airbag connecting member towards the frame compresses the spring member. An electrical switch assembly is connected to the frame. The electrical switch assembly includes at least one push button electrical switch for connecting to an electrical circuit. Pressing at least one support assembly a predetermined distance lowers a portion of the at least one support assembly towards the frame for urging a vehicle airbag device capable of being connected to a connecting end of each airbag connecting member, against at least one switch in the electrical switch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Judco Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Stephen James, Thomas E. Buttner
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Publication number: 20130180836Abstract: A lever switch includes a case, a lever, a wiring board, a sliding body, and a movable contact. The wiring board has fixed contacts and is disposed at an opposite side to the lever with respect to the case. The sliding body has a sliding part and a second arm part having a supporting portion, and is disposed between the case and the wiring board. The movable contact is mounted to the sliding part and has an end to be brought into contact with the fixed contact. A first arm part of the lever extends from the main body part through the case and the wiring board. The second arm part extends from the wiring board through the sliding part. The holding portion and the supporting portion are engaged with each other at an opposite side to the case with respect to the wiring board.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2013Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Panasonic Corporation
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Patent number: 8474867Abstract: A steering wheel unit with an airbag module and a steering wheel body is connectable to a steering column defining the axial direction. The steering wheel body includes an accommodation for the airbag module in the hub area. The airbag module can be pressed down against the steering wheel body against the force of at least one spring and at least two positioning units act between the airbag module and the steering wheel body. The positioning units are arranged in a center of gravity plane being perpendicular to the axial direction. In order to provide an easy mountability and a high degree of flexibility in respect of the installation space, the positioning units act at least in non-axial direction and the at least one spring is spaced from the positioning units.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventor: Raimund Nebel
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Patent number: 8466382Abstract: A switch assembly is provided for a steering wheel. The assembly comprising a steering wheel, a steering wheel hub, a steering column and a switch unit. The switch unit is arranged at the steering wheel hub in such fashion that it may either be operated in the synchronous mode, in which it follows the rotation of the steering wheel when the latter is rotated, or in the fixed mode, in which it remains in a fixed position, even when the steering wheel is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Daniel Donicke
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Publication number: 20130140154Abstract: A mounting structure of a handle switch device with which a panel can be replaced by manipulating fasteners for fastening two outer casings of the handle switch device together. A rear casing is temporarily mounted to an inner casing that is mounted to a handle pipe, engagement pieces of a design panel are inserted through through holes of a front casing, and the front and rear casings are fastened together by mounting screws, thereby completing assemblage of the handle switch device. To replace the design panel, the mounting screws are loosened to bring them into a half-engagement state and the front casing is displaced toward a driver side to disengage projection ribs of the inner casing from the through holes. Next, the design panel is dismounted from the front casing, a new design panel is mounted to the front casing, and the mounting screws are tightened.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: TOYO DENSO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: TOYO DENSO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
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Patent number: 8445799Abstract: A control switch for an associated vehicle has a control configured to selectively adjust operation of a predetermined vehicle function. The control is configured to rotate in a first direction a first rotational displacement to a first position. The predetermined vehicle function has a first operation through the first rotational displacement. The control is configured to rotate in the first direction a second rotational displacement larger than the first rotational displacement from the first position to a second position. The predetermined vehicle function has a second operation through the second rotational displacement.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jason Lin
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Publication number: 20130105285Abstract: A handle switch wherein chattering after mounting of the handle switch to a handlebar can be restrained while maintaining assembleability of switch cases of bisection structure. The handle switch includes a first case and a second case of bisection structure formed with clamp surfaces making contact with the outer circumference of the handlebar of a motorcycle, the first case and the second case being coupled together, with the handlebar clamped between the clamp surfaces, to thereby fix the handle switch to the handlebar. At least one of the clamp surface formed in the first case and the clamp surface formed in the second case is formed with a rib serving as a fastening allowance in coupling the first case and the second case together. The width B of the rib is set to be smaller than the width A of the clamp surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoki NAKADA, Hiroyasu OTA
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Patent number: 8416219Abstract: An annular switch (SW) for detecting contact is provided on an operating lever (R6), and when the annular switch detects contact, an operation screen (104) pre-associated with the annular switch (SW) is displayed on a display (104) screen of a display unit (104). Operation mode images representing functions included in an operation subject are displayed on the display screen of the display unit in association with a rotation direction and a sliding direction of the annular switch (SW). A function is selected by rotating and sliding the annular switch, and the selected function is executed when the annular switch (SW) ceases to detect contact.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuhiro Kawachi
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Patent number: D684511Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuka Koyama