Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel method for balancing an illuminated display panel to achieve a predetermined level of illumination uniformity from indicia formed on the panel. One embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of first fabricating an unbalanced display panel having light translucent and absorptive layers deposited on a panel substrate with indicia formed in the light absorptive layers. The unbalanced panel is illuminated and the amount of light from the indicia formed in the panel are measured to identify illumination deficient indicia. A carbon dioxide laser beam is then focused onto the illumination deficient indicia so as to etch portions of the light translucent layer underlying these indicia and increase the amount of illumination from these indicia. In an alternative embodiment, an illuminated display panel is partially fabricated by applying a light translucent layer to a display panel substrate.

Abstract: This invention concerns a novel structure for an illuminated display and unique method for forming illuminated displays. This structure of the display includes a substrate on which are deposited one or more light transmissive layers and an over coating of a light absorptive material. A clear separation layer is also disposed between the light transmissive layers and the light absorptive layers. The novel fabrication process of the present invention includes the use of a NdYAG laser to etch indicia in the light absorptive layer. The NdYAG laser may be operated in either a continuous or pulsed mode at power levels below approximately eight watts and at a rate of travel of about six inches per second. In one preferred embodiment indicia etching is performed operating the NdYAG laser in a pulsed mode and the pattern of indicia is retraced operating the laser in a lower power continuous mode to remove potential residue from etched regions of the light absorptive layer.

Abstract: An illuminated push button switch module comprised of a lamp subassembly and push button switch subassembly. The switch subassembly is physically mounted on and electrically connected to a circuit board. The lamp subassembly is configured for detachable spring mounting on the switch subassembly enabling the lamp subassembly to be manually depressed to actuate the switch subassembly. The spring mounting includes a pair of coil springs which terminate in cantilevered arms to electrically contact pads on the lamp subassembly for energizing an incandescent bulb carried thereby. The lamp subassembly can be easily detached from the switch subassembly for bulb replacement.

Abstract: A push button electric switch including a pair of fixedly mounted spaced contacts and an actuator for moving a conductive ball into and out of bridging engagement with the contacts. The actuator is coupled to a toggle mechanism which produces an increasing reaction force as the actuator is depressed until the force abruptly diminishes, providing a "snap" feel, when the actuator reaches a position corresponding to the bridging of the contacts.

Abstract: A low profile lamp assembly for back lighting a translucent chip used as an indicator. The lamp assembly includes an incandescent bulb mounted between the translucent chip and a reflector. The reflector comprises a cavity having a parabolic internal surface truncated by a flat circular metalized diffraction grating.

Abstract: A programmable-sequencing valve assembly for controlling plural fluid-operated motors, which includes a series of valve housing modules, sealably joined to one another thereby forming an elongate valve housing which receives plural valve inserts. The valve housing modules collectively form manifolds which may be connected to a pressurized source of fluid and an exhaust line. The assembly is mechanically programmable and provides a visible, non-volatile program to control multiple motors. Individual valves are actuated by cam-operated rocker arms. A cam shaft includes removable adjustable cams, a program may be quickly changed by replacing or rearranging the shaft, its associated cams, or nodules on the cams.

Abstract: A mounting for a circular saw which rotatably supports the saw in a grinding machine. The mounting includes a mounting plate, and three roller mounts mounted for movement on the mounting plate in paths that diverge from each other extending outwardly from a common center. Each roller mount mounts a roller which engages the edge in a saw defining the edge of the saw.

Abstract: Saw-advancing apparatus in a grinder for circular saws which includes a pad brought into engagement with the edge of the saw by extension of a fluid-operated ram. The pad and ram are swung as a unit to produce rotation of a saw engaged by the pad.

Abstract: Grinding apparatus which includes a clamp for holding an article to be ground. The clamp is swung, in orbital fashion, to move the clamp from a position located under a lower edge portion of a grinding wheel located on one side of the wheel's rotation axis, to a position located under a lower edge portion of the grinding wheel located on the opposite side of the wheel's rotation axis. In the sharpening of saw chain, the clamp is used in holding chain during the sharpening of cutter links of one hand when occupying one position, and is used in holding chain during the sharpening of cutter links of opposite hand when occupying its outer position.

Abstract: A coaxial connector in which the receptacle includes an outer shell that contains a sliding ring-shaped contact which is urged forwardly by a coil spring, the coil spring having a few turns at its rearward end which are firmly captured so that a low resistance connection is established through the spring. The receptacle also includes an inner tubular contact which is tapered to a minimum diameter at a throat region and which has slots forming resilient contact fingers, for receiving a tapered or straight pin-shaped plug member. In the case of a tapered pin-shaped plug member, the radius of curvature of the tubular inner contact at the throat thereof is precisely equal to the diameter of the pin-shaped member at the locations where they are engaged when the plug is fully inserted into the receptacle.