William F Swisher

US Patent:

6914201, Jul 5, 2005

Filed:

Nov 26, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/721187

Inventors:

Gregory P. Van Vooren - Carthage IL, US
William F. Swisher - Carthage IL, US

Assignee:

Methode Electronics, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

H01H009/00

US Classification:

200 1B, 200339

Abstract:

A multifunctional switch for any automobile application having a need for a multiple detent switch. The switch includes a button that is moveably connected to a base. The switch includes a first lever connected to the button at a point of the first lever that is closer to a first end of the first lever than a second end of the first lever. The switch also includes a first tactile bridge fixed to the base. The first tactile bridge is adapted to be contacted by the first end of the first lever and thereby close a first switch. The switch further includes a second tactile bridge fixed to the base. The second tactile bridge is adapted to be contacted by the second end of the first lever and thereby close a second switch.

US Patent:

44369700, Mar 13, 1984

Filed:

Jun 7, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/385496

Inventors:

William F. Swisher - Carthage IL

Assignee:

Methode Electronics, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

H01H 900
H01H 106

US Classification:

200 6156

Abstract:

Switch assemblies providing switching action with audio and tactile feedback. Warped or raised tactile areas are formed on a conductive body and create a desired noise and feel upon being depressed. The tactile areas also act as electrical contact in the switch assemblies.

US Patent:

58179526, Oct 6, 1998

Filed:

Jun 28, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/673439

Inventors:

William F. Swisher - Carthage IL
Larry P. Brotherton - Fort Madison IA

Assignee:

Methode Electronics, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

G01L 310

US Classification:

73862335

Abstract:

A torque sensing transducer sleeve of the magnetostrictive type is attached to a rotatable shaft where torque is to be measured. A shaft is provided on which torque is to be applied and measured. A transducer sleeve of the magnetostrictive type for measuring the torque is attached to the shaft with a nonmagnetic collar interposed between the shaft and the transducer sleeve. The nonmagnetic collar is formed having a shape such that when the transducer sleeve, and the collar are properly positioned on the shaft, the nonmagnetic sleeve exerts circumferential tension on the transducer sleeve producing circular magnetic anisotropy within the transducer sleeve.

US Patent:

58382186, Nov 17, 1998

Filed:

Nov 25, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/758162

Inventors:

Lawrence T. Rupert - Carthage IL
William F. Swisher - Carthage IL
Theodore P. Kill - Troy MI

Assignee:

Methode Electronics, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

H01H 5300

US Classification:

335 4

Abstract:

A waveguide switch is provided in which energy such as ultrasonic optical, electromagnetic or infrared waves travel in a first waveguide having fixed length formed in a first member connected to a second member having multiple waveguides of varying lengths which may be rotatably mounted to the first waveguide in order that upon rotation of the first or second member, different waveguides may be aligned to form an overall position identifying waveguide of varying lengths in order to provide a means for controlling a component attached to the switch. A transmitter and a receiver are mounted within the waveguide and connected to a detector in order to convert the time-of-flight data of the waves to an electrical signal.