Pavel E Bucu

US Patent:

60073446, Dec 28, 1999

Filed:

May 4, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/435869

Inventors:

Michael R. Corrunker - Dearborn Heights MI
Dragan Bogovican - Sterling Heights MI
LaVerne R. Newman - Southfield MI
Pavel Bucu - Clinton Township MI
Paul R. Chandler - Saline MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H01R 3900

US Classification:

439 22

Abstract:

An improved electrical commutator which is particularly useful in a vehicle steering wheel system, includes sets of wire brushes or fingers on a first plate. The wire brushes or fingers contact plural co-planar rings on a second plate. The two plates rotate relative to each other. The wire brushes or fingers decrease the likelihood that any one of the sets will have a short circuit. Should any one of the wires bend, break, or come out of contact with its associated contact ring, there is a likelihood that at least several of the other wires will remain in contact. In addition, there are plural sets of wire brushes or fingers associated with each of the contact rings, again increasing the likelihood that the circuit will remain intact. In other features, the plural sets may be mounted such that circumferentially spaced ones of the sets face opposed directions. In this way, there is no difference in the resistance to rotation, or the quality of the electrical communication, when the wheel is turned either clockwise or counter-clockwise.

US Patent:

56463855, Jul 8, 1997

Filed:

Mar 13, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/614738

Inventors:

Dragan Bogovican - Sterling Heights MI
Pavel Bucu - Clinton Township MI

Assignee:

United Technologies Automotive, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

H01H 316
H01H 2176

US Classification:

200 6127

Abstract:

A stalk switch assembly mountable on a steering column of a vehicle includes a base having a track mounting a control stalk. The control stalk includes a collar received on the track, which moves along the track. In a preferred embodiment, the track defines a pivot point for the control stalk, wherein the pivot point is spaced from the stalk and track. The control stalk makes selective electric contact with contact points on the base. When moving contacts come in contact with the electric contact points, the electric switch is actuated or is deactivated. This switch is most beneficially used for the turn signal of a vehicle.