Variable scale rotary switch
US5351161A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 1991 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2019/143
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A switch assembly that can vary at least two controllable parameters and can vary the upper, lower and any intermediary limits of the switch assembly. The switch assembly has a pair of nested coaxial rotary knobs each attached by shafts to sensors that determine the radial position of a reference point on each knob. The knobs rotate with respect to each other and are constructed to allow rotation of the knobs with one hand. The sensors are attached to the controls of the parameters, such that rotation of the knobs varies the output of the parameters. The sensors are coupled to a magnetic clutch that engages and prevents rotation of one of the knobs, when the knob is rotated into a predetermined radial position. A computer can be connected to the magnetic clutch and sensors. The computer receives input signals from the sensors and produces an output signal to the clutch, to engage the clutch and prevent rotation of the knob in accordance with a computer program.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.