Abstract: An electronic coded entry lock that includes a multifunction switch having an actuator and a circuit member. The actuator is configured to be displaced to a plurality of input positions. For example, the actuator may be displaced to at least four, and in some instances at least eight, input positions. Further, the actuator may have at least two axes of movement. Moreover, the actuator may be configured for two or three dimensional movement. When the actuator is displaced to an input position, the circuit member may provide a signal associated with that input position. The controller may determine whether the signals provided by the circuit member correspond to a security code for the electronic coded entry lock. If the signal(s) does/do correspond to the security code, the controller may generate a command to actuate a lock actuator that displaces at least a component of a lock mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic coded entry lock that includes a multifunction switch having an actuator and a circuit member. The actuator is configured to be displaced to a plurality of input positions. For example, the actuator may be displaced to at least four, and in some instances at least eight, input positions. Further, the actuator may have at least two axes of movement. Moreover, the actuator may be configured for two or three dimensional movement. When the actuator is displaced to an input position, the circuit member may provide a signal associated with that input position. The controller may determine whether the signals provided by the circuit member correspond to a security code for the electronic coded entry lock. If the signal(s) does/do correspond to the security code, the controller may generate a command to actuate a lock actuator that displaces at least a component of a lock mechanism.

Abstract: A switch pad constructed of a thermally conductive elastomer whereby undesirable heat generated by an incandescent lamp used to backlight the device. A thermally conductive elastomer is molded into all or a portion of the switch pad and conducts heat away from the surface of the backlit device.

Abstract: An improved vacuum fluorescent (VF) display panel includes a VF display device having an integral VF light source that is shielded from viewer of the display, and that provides illumination for panel indicia formed in the vicinity of the VF display. The integral light source for indicia illumination is produced at one or more marginal areas of the VF display by secondary anode segments and an integral reflector structure that directs the light produced by the secondary anode segment(s) laterally through a transparent side glass of the display housing. A light-pipe structure adjacent the VF display receives the laterally directed light, and uses the received light to illuminate the panel indicia.

Abstract: An illuminated switch member assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an applique coupled to a faceplate and substantially parallel to a circuit board such that a first light channel is defined. The assembly also includes a switch member casing coupled to the faceplate such that a second light channel is defined by the walls of the casing. And, an actuator is connected to the circuit board through a contact mechanism and to the button member casing. The assembly further includes a light filter attached to the applique and disposed between the faceplate and the circuit board such that the light filter substantially divides the first light channel from the second light channel. Furthermore, a light source is disposed within the first light channel and emanates a light. Upon activation of the assembly, the light emanates from the light source and through the first light channel and the light filter.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a compact, low-cost, rotary control knob assembly, including: an indicator portion having disposed thereon indicia representing selectable settings of the control knob assembly; a knob portion disposed over the indicator portion, such that the indicia are contained within a perimeter-defined area of the knob portion; and an indicator opening defined through the knob portion, which indicator opening is selectively alignable with ones of the indicia by rotation of the knob portion with respect to the indicator portion.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an integrated switch pad-aspirated sensor shroud for a vehicle climate control system, including: a switch pad including a base member; an opening defined through the base member through which opening ambient air may be drawn to flow across a temperature sensing element; a hinge member formed of one piece with the base member and extending therefrom; a sensor shroud formed of one piece with the hinge member, the sensor shroud being configured to provide a flow path for the ambient air; and the sensor shroud being attachable to a first element of the vehicle climate control system.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a control assembly, including: a housing; a control element assembly disposed in the housing; a pushbutton assembly disposed in the housing; a switch pad disposed between the control element assembly and the pushbutton assembly; a faceplate covering an end of the housing; a display lens disposed between the switch pad and the faceplate and having a front surface thereof adjacent a rear surface of a flange surrounding an opening defined through the faceplate to permit viewing through the display lens of an information display in the housing; and a gasket disposed between the front surface of the display lens and the rear surface of the flange to prevent squeaking and rattling caused by mechanical interaction of the display lens and the faceplate.

Abstract: A graphic display is provided which is suitable for use in an instrument panel of an automobile. The graphic display includes a display lens and a number of backlit buttons which are formed by a unitary optically-conductive member, wherein both the display lens and the backlit buttons are illuminated by a single illuminated display located behind the unitary member. As such, the unitary member eliminates the requirement for a separately formed lens and buttons. Furthermore, the illuminated display generates graphics for both the display lens and the buttons, eliminating the requirement for insignia formed in the surface of the buttons and lights or light pipes behind the buttons for backlighting the buttons.