Abstract: A backlight keyswitch includes a cap with a symbol, and a backlight module under the cap and having first and second light modifying layers, a light guide plate, a light-blocking sheet having a transparent region corresponding to the cap, and first, third, and second lighting units arranged sequentially along a longitudinal direction for emitting first, third, and second color lights. The first and second light modifying layers might be ink layers formed on the light-blocking sheet and located outside the first and second lighting units, with colors of the first and second ink layers at least corresponding to colors of the second and first color lights respectively to achieve a mixed color. Alternatively, the first and second light modifying layers might be adhesive layers arrange parallel to the light guide plate, the first and second adhesive layers scattering a respective one of the first and second color light.

Abstract: A key module includes a keycap, an indicator light source, a first backlight source and a second backlight source. The keycap includes an indication area and a character area. The indicator light source is configured to emit an indicating light of a first color toward the indication area. The first backlight source is configured to emit a first backlight of the first color toward the character area. The second backlight source is configured to emit a second backlight of a second color toward the character area, wherein the second color is different from the first color. As a result, the key module could display the light of different colors based on different operations, thereby being distinguishable from the color of the light emitted by the adjacent key module.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cooking apparatus, a method of controlling the cooking apparatus, and a knob of the cooking apparatus. An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a display on a knob for setting a function of a cooking apparatus and to display status information of the cooking apparatus through the display of the knob, so that a user can easily and conveniently check the status information of the cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatus includes a knob comprising a fixing member fixed to a main body of the cooking apparatus, a rotating member supported by the fixing member and rotatably installed on the main body, and a display provided on the fixing member to display status information of the cooking apparatus; and a controller configured to transmit the status information of the cooking apparatus displayed on the display through a wireless communication network.

Abstract: A key structure, which includes a bottom plate, a keycap, an elastic element, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The keycap is disposed on the bottom plate and has multiple first pivoting portions. The elastic element is disposed under the keycap. The first bracket is disposed between the keycap and the bottom plate, and the first bracket is pivotally connected to the first pivoting portions. The second bracket is disposed between the keycap and the bottom plate, the second bracket is rotatably pivoted to the first bracket, and the number of the first pivoting portions is greater than two.

Abstract: A control device includes a plurality of buttons having a backlight or indicia indicating a function of the buttons. Each button has a button body that is translucent and configured to be backlit by a lighting element. A front surface of the button body is opaque outside of the area of the indicia. The button body has a post that extends from a rear surface of the button body and is aligned with an actuator. Selection of a button by a user, such as by pressing the button, results in the selected button displaying a greater illumination intensity than the other buttons.

Abstract: An illuminated glass keycap having a glyph diffuser layer that may diffuse light through a glyph window opened in a background layer. The background layer may be opaque and the glyph window may be transparent. The keycap is adhered to a scissor mechanism positioned above electrical switch circuitry. Included within, below, or adjacent to the scissor mechanism may be one or more light sources positioned to emit light through the keycap, around the perimeter of the keycap, and/or through the background layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a switch display apparatus and an assembling method thereof. The apparatus includes a display unit (1), a support unit (2), and a base unit (3) that are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The display unit (1) includes a display device (4), a combined lens (5), and a display device and combined lens support component (6). The combined lens (5) is located above the display device (4). Both the display device (4) and the combined lens (5) are located inside the display device and combined lens support component (6). The display device and combined lens support component (6) includes a first support part (9) used for providing structural support for the combined lens (5), and a second support part (10) used for providing structural support for the display device (4).

Abstract: A press-touch-control device having screen display, which comprises: a button housing comprising a housing up-cover and a housing down-cover; a button seat set on the housing down-cover; a button down-cover set in the button housing; an elastic element set between the button seat and the button down-cover; a signal board and a button up-cover set on the button down-cover; a signal connecting-piece connected with the signal board; a display module set on the button up-cover; a touch-control element set on the display module and a perforation set on the housing up-cover. With the above structure, the user can control the touch-control element, such as touching, sliding, etc., or pressing the touch-control element to press the button seat linkly; and the signal board transmits the signal to the display module to change its content; so that the button can simultaneously have the functions including touch-control, press, and display.

Abstract: The mechanical keyboard includes a base plate having multiple through openings, a circuit board disposed to a side of the base plate, multiple mechanical keys disposed at the through openings and connected to the circuit board. Each mechanical key includes a keyswitch, a keycap, and at least a transparent piece. The keyswitch is connected to the circuit board. The keycap is mounted on the keyswitch, and the transparent piece is configured to a top side of the keycap. There are multiple display assemblies, each disposed inside a mechanical key between the keycap and the keyswitch. Each display assembly is data-linked to the circuit board through a signal transmission element. The display assemblies may be installed on conventional mechanical keys and may be viewed from different angles. The mechanical keyboard also has longer operation life.

Abstract: Push-button switches and components thereof, including push-button switch button covers, as well as methods of making the same and gaming machines having such push-button switches, are provided. The push-button switches are low profile and configured for aperture-free mounting, and the button covers are configured to convey information and have improved characteristics.

Abstract: There is provided a frameless display device in which a frame on the periphery of a display portion is made invisible. The frameless display device makes the frame on the top surface of a button 8 invisible to display an image on the entire surface of the button 8, wherein the button 8 has a lens 9 and a button cover 8A, wherein a display device 6 is provided below the lens 9, and wherein the lens 9 disposed on top of the button 8 includes a curved surface 9A formed on the periphery of the top surface of the lens 9, a depression formed on the bottom surface of the lens, a step formed at the periphery of the lens, and an inclined surface formed at the step and inclined towards the center of the lens 9.

Abstract: An optical touch system includes: a coordinate processor; a display device; and an optical element. The optical element is configured to emit light towards the display device and provide information about reflected light corresponding to a portion of the emitted light to the coordinate processor. The display device includes: a display panel configured to display an image, a touch substrate disposed on the display panel, the touch substrate including optical recesses each configured to reflect respectively different amounts of incident light, and a protective layer disposed on the touch substrate. The coordinate processor is configured to determine a touch or near-touch coordinate based on the information received from the optical element.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An improved control panel assembly is easy to fabricate, and easy to recognize a selected operation condition, and a laundry device with the same. The control panel assembly for a laundry device includes a button assembly having a plurality of buttons provided in correspondence to operation conditions, a control panel having a plurality of mounting holes for exposure of the plurality of buttons therethrough from a front thereof, and a frame on a rear of the control panel, the frame joining the plurality of buttons as one unit, and preventing pressing interference between adjacent buttons.

Abstract: An electric function module assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an electric switch box having a pair of electrical contacts adapted for slidable connective engagement with a respective pair of electrical contacts of a switch cover. The contacts of the switch cover are electrically connected to a function indicator to operate the function indicator.

Abstract: A switch panel having a panel member and at least one switch member, wherein the panel member has a first appearance when front lit, and at least one second appearance when at least a portion thereof is back lit by illumination means controlled by the at least one switch member. The at least one switch member is provided on a reverse side of the panel member and is controlled by a user from an obverse side of the panel member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a function switch on handle of motorcycle, in which a light transmissive zone is formed on the housing thereof. A light emitting source is provided at the interior of the function switch which is coupled to the switches for small light and large light. In this manner, when driver turns on small light or large light, the light emitting source can also be energized to radiate light and the light beam emitted from the light emitting source can be projected out through the light transmissive zone of the housing so as to highlight the pattern of the light transmissive zone.

Abstract: A illuminating key cap structure includes a case filling layer including a filling material, a back color layer covering the top surface of the case filling layer, a symbol layer covering the back color layer, an illuminating layer including an illuminating material, covering the back color layer and in direct contact with the symbol layer and a translucent passivation layer covering the top surface of the case filling layer.

Abstract: A press switch is composed of a base, a light-emitting device, a housing, a movable seat, and a pressing element. Due to the flat surfaces of the base and the ribs of the movable seat, the area of contact between the base and the movable seat is reduced. In addition, due to the ribs of the movable seat and the flat surfaces of the housing, the area of contact between the movable seat and the housing is also reduced. These reduced areas of contact allow the pressing element to be pressed stably and smoothly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses disclosed herein relate to backlit visual display elements. One embodiment may take the form a keyboard including at least one keycap, a dome switch layer underlying the keycap, and an encapsulation layer underlying the dome switch layer. The encapsulation layer may include a first printed circuit layer configured to transmit a signal corresponding to the at least one keycap. The keyboard may further include a light emissive layer underlying the encapsulation layer. The light emissive layer may include at least one emissive area corresponding to the at least one keycap and a second printed circuit layer configured to supply a voltage to the at least one emissive area.

Abstract: This invention relates to a function switch on handle of motorcycle, in which a light transmissive zone is formed on the housing thereof. A light emitting source is provided at the interior of the function switch which is coupled to the switches for small light and large light. In this manner, when driver turns on small light or large light, the light emitting source can also be energized to radiate light and the light beam emitted from the light emitting source can be projected out through the light transmissive zone of the housing so as to highlight the pattern of the light transmissive zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control element cap. Such control element caps are used, for example, for switches and/or keys in motor vehicles. In the known control element caps, the representation of a symbol is relatively diffuse and thus not always recognizable with a sufficient degree of reliability. Therefore, a control element cap is to be provided in which the sharpness, and thus the clearness of the symbol is improved; this is accomplished by a transparent carrier plate being disposed between a foil and a display, luminous or projection surface. The invention further relates to a manufacturing process associated therewith.

Abstract: A button device includes a button unit, a resilient member, and a switch unit. The button unit includes a button, a transparent power icon member, and a retaining member. The power iron member is attached to the button. The retaining member includes an elastic element, a tray located at one end of the elastic element, and a fixing loop located at the other end of the elastic element. The button and the power iron member are retained on the tray. The tray includes a seat with a hole for receiving an illuminator, and reflects lights of the illuminator to the power icon member. The resilient member is sandwiched between the button unit and the switch unit to reset the button unit back to its original position.

Abstract: A keypad assembly having a light guide sheet having a first surface with a layer of graphics printed thereon, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an edge surface; and a flexible sheet having a central portion engaged with the light guide sheet second surface and having a peripheral portion positioned in light blocking relationship with the light guide sheet edge surface.

Abstract: An input device capable of enhancing symbol readability for an electronic product includes a plurality of keypads for displaying a plurality of first kind symbols and a plurality of second kind symbols; a detection unit for detecting an operation mode of the electronic device; and a control unit coupled to the detection unit and the plurality of keypads for controlling the plurality of keypads to display the plurality of first kind symbols or the plurality of second kind symbols according to a detection result of the detection unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a keypad, wherein the keypad includes a light guide pad, a light source allowing light to be incident on the light guide pad, a sensor detecting quantity of light having passed the light guide pad, and a light quantity changer changing the quantity of light having passed the light guide pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conversional keypad package using light guiding sheets. More particularly, the present invention relates to a keypad package which can convert displayed patterns between number patterns and character patterns, by equipping the keypad package with both a light guiding sheet where the number patterns are formed and a light guiding sheet where the character patterns are formed and by illuminating each light guiding sheet separately.

Abstract: A key for a keyboard includes a keycap having a top surface configured to be contacted for pressing the key down, and having a bottom. The keycap is substantially transparent. An intermediate layer is coupled to the bottom of the keycap. The intermediate layer is translucent and includes a top and a bottom. The top of the intermediate layer faces the bottom of the keycap. A character layer is positioned between the bottom of the keycap and the top of the intermediate layer. A resilient member is coupled to the bottom of the intermediate layer. The resilient member is translucent and is configured to direct light through the intermediate layer, through the character layer, and out from the keycap. The character layer is configured to be lighted for viewing through the keycap.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating element (9) comprising a pushbutton (5) and a lamp (4) that surrounds the pushbutton (5). The pushbutton (5) generates a tactile feedback and the lamp (4) temporarily lights up when the pushbutton (5) is actuated. The invention creates an actuating element (9) for safely operating a machine and/or system, said actuating element (9) perceptibly providing a feedback to the user on his or her actuating the actuating element (9).

Abstract: A vehicle interior light system includes a lamp, an enclosure internally provided with the lamp, a lens attached to the front of the enclosure, a touch sensor arranged on the back surface of the lens, and a control circuit including a sensor circuit and a switching circuit. The sensor circuit is configured to detect the capacitance of a human body when the lens is touched or approached by a finger or the like. The switching circuit is configured to turn the lamp on and off in response to an output from the sensor circuit.

Abstract: A luminous material comprising a rubber, glass or plastics material matrix. A luminescent material is dispersed throughout the matrix, and a colorant dispersed throughout the matrix. The colourant gives the matrix a colour when it is observed under substantially white light, and the colourant allowing substantial transmission of light emitted by the luminous material.

Abstract: A rocker switch has a housing, a switch supported by the housing, a rocker supported by the housing, a switch actuator operably associated with the switch and the rocker so as to operate the switch upon rocking of the rocker, and a display supported by the housing in a position to be viewable by a user of the rocker switch.

Abstract: An electrical switching device has a state indicator which is covered or uncovered in accordance with the state of the switching device. In order to reduce the amount of moved masses, the state indicator remains in a resting position during a switching process of the electrical switching device. The state indicator can be covered at least in part by the movable switching contact pieces of the electrical switching device, for example.

Abstract: An operating button device, includes a button top to be operated by a person, and a light emitting element, provided at the rear side of the button top. The button top includes a basement and a tactile symbol provided in the basement, the basement is made of a non-light transmissible synthetic resin material and the tactile symbol is made of a light transmissible synthetic resin material. A ridge tactile character representing the character corresponding to the tactile symbol is formed integrally on the tactile symbol.

Abstract: A layered switch assembly permits more than one electric circuit function to be obtained from each of a set of switches used to control electric circuit functions such as the operation or adjustment of seats, mirrors or other components in an automotive vehicle passenger compartment. A group of switches for operator control is embedded in an armrest, console, or the like. Overlying the discrete switches are two or more flexible sheet or membrane layers for selective activation of one or more of the switches. Illuminated indicia on each switch activation layer identify the underlying switch operation. The uppermost layer controls the electrical switch function unless that layer has been moved aside to expose the next lower switch function activation layer.

Abstract: A switch includes a transparent housing, a control member, and several light emitting elements; the control member is held in and pivoted to the housing with a depressed portion being within an opening at one end of the housing; the housing has two side compartments on two sides of a middle compartment, and an annular protrusion around the opening on an outer side thereof; the light emitting elements are held in the side compartments of the housing with legs thereof projecting outwards through other end of the housing such that the switch is available with the light emitting elements therein, and such that a circle of light will show on the annular protrusion around the control member when the light emitting elements are powered.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, a pair of separable contacts within the housing, and an operating mechanism having an operating handle for opening and closing the separable contacts. A micro-switch cooperates with the operating handle and provides a first output when the separable contacts are open and a second output when the separable contacts are closed. A first LED indicator protrudes through the housing and cooperates the first output of the micro-switch. The first LED indicator is illuminated when the separable contacts are open. A second LED indicator protrudes through the housing and cooperates with the second output of the micro-switch. The second LED indicator is illuminated when the separable contacts are closed.

Abstract: An EL element includes plural light transmitting front-electrodes forming plural lines by wiring and plural back-electrodes forming plural lines by further wiring. The front-electrodes are angled relative to the back-electrodes and a light-emitting layer is disposed between the front-electrodes and the back-electrodes. The EL element combined with a controller works as a lighting unit, which controls light emission at any place, so that a variety of lighting is realized by the lighting unit.

Abstract: A setting device includes a rotating actuator, a switch, an illuminated index display on which a value which is manually set at the rotating actuator is assigned to the rotating actuator and, by actuating the switch, the manual setting at the rotating actuator can be overridden. To improve the display of the setting device, a light device is provided in addition to the rotating actuator. The switch, aside from its actual switching function, is constructed for switching over between the illumination of the index display and the operation of the light device. The illumination of the index display is activated when the rotating actuator is a manual mode, and the light device is activated when a different mode is set by the actuation of the switch.

Abstract: A push-pull circuit breaker is provided primarily for use in aircraft; wherein, the activation of the circuit breaker is made significantly more noticeable by the addition of a “flower” device. Specifically, as the center post of the circuit breaker deploys, “petals” at the periphery of the post expand outward. The petal expansion greatly enhances the visibility and thereby recognition of said circuit breaker deployment by flight crew or maintenance personnel. This design capitalizes on the safety and reliability of existent circuit breaker designs. Finally, the flower design incorporates only one part interlocked with the circuit breaker post to achieve the stated purpose.

Abstract: An indicator light which when installed in combination with either a circuit protector or a fuse, etc., will automatically illuminate to notify a user that an electrical overload has occurred.

Abstract: A wall switch cover plate conceals an electrical circuit capable of sensing the field provided by the covered switch circuit. When power is lost at the switch circuit the electrical circuit senses the loss of power and activates one or more LEDs to provide emergency illumination. The electrical circuit is self contained and does not require stand-by energy so that the batteries are long lasting.

Abstract: A manually operable "bubble" button for an amusement device, such as an arcade game, includes inner and outer nested, generally cup-shaped members formed of suitable plastic material. The inner member has an annular flange which seats on an annular shoulder of the outer member to limit the depth of insertion so that the concave wall portions of the members are spaced apart. Circumferentially spaced ribs on the inner member engage the outer member to center the members and a locating tab on the inner member seats in a recess in the outer member to ensure proper relative orientation of the members. An indicium is disposed between the inner and outer members, preferably being fixed to the inner member, at least the outer member being substantially transparent to visible light so that the indicium can be seen therethrough. The members are fixed together adjacent to their open ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides a housing for an emergency light source which is electrically connectable to a conventional light switch. The housing replaces a conventional switch plate and has at least one opening for receiving the switch actuator of the light switch. The replacement housing includes wires for electrical connection to the light switch and is divided into upper and lower housing sections, wherein the upper section includes a battery compartment, a printed circuit board compartment, and an opening to receive the switch actuator. The lower housing section includes a compartment for receiving a compact fluorescent lamp, reflectors, and a diffuser cover.

Abstract: A lighted knob including a knob body provided with light transmission holes, and nameplates through at least a part of which the light from light sources passes. And in a part of the nameplates are formed incorrect assembly preventive light sections; and on a part of the peripheral edge of the translucent sections are formed shield sections, so that the incorrect assembly preventive light sections will not be shielded unless the specific nameplates are attached to specific translucent sections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a housing for an emergency light source which is electrically connectable to a conventional light switch. The housing replaces a conventional switch plate and has at least one opening for receiving the switch actuator of the light switch. The replacement housing includes wires for electrical connection to the light switch and is divided into upper and lower housing sections, wherein the upper section includes a battery compartment, a printed circuit board compartment, and an opening to receive the switch actuator. The lower housing section includes a compartment for receiving a compact fluorescent lamp, reflectors, and a diffuser cover.

Abstract: A household appliance operated by electromechanical controls has a control console that contains a light source to project light onto selected portions of a plastic control console faceplate to illuminate data such as appliance functions and control settings. Data on the control console plastic faceplate can be illuminated upon the occurrance of a predetermined event and in different colors. Control knobs carry a plastic disk that has illuminated data, a clear selection window, and a translucent portion which aligns with illuminated data on the plastic control console faceplate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a selection and/or adjustment button mounted on a front panel, the button being of the type constituted by a translucent body having a front face which is illuminated when the front face is illuminated from the inside. The button is provided with a non-translucent contrast piece that forms a reflective front surface that provides significant contrast relative to the front panel in full sunlight, and that delimits the outline of the front face of the button in front view. For example, the contrast piece may be constituted by a fillet or chamfer interconnecting two geometrically similar portions of the button body, whereby the contrast piece is visible only when the button is not pushed in.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard in which the keys are operable in at least two different modes. Each key is provided with symbols or areas of color which denote the different modes. The symbols or areas are selectively illuminated depending upon which mode is selected. Thus, in one mode, one area of the keys will be illuminated, while in another mode, another area of the keys will be illuminated. Thus, only the symbols or areas of color on denoting a selected mode are differentially visibly distinguishable by the user, assisting the user to press the correct key, in any selected mode.

Abstract: A finger touch member of an illuminated switch prepared by a process comprising printing or coating a surface of a multicomponent rubber material composed of, as essential components, 90-70% by weight of EPDM and 5-30% by weight of liquid polymerized butadiene rubber, with an ink of contemplated color, covering the entire top face of the resulting printed or coated cover piece with a light blocking coating layer and irradiating the so covered top face with a laser beam to cut out the coating layer in a contemplated pattern.