Abstract: An illuminated switch, suitable for incorporation in a membrane keyboard or other microtravel switch array, is provided. By providing the switch with a translucent cover, on which symbols may be printed, and with a resilient metal spring conductor having a mesh area, light may pass through the operating mechanism of the switch. Thus, light from a source placed at the interior of the switch will pass through the switch and illuminate an area that is pressed to operate the switch.

Abstract: An improved keyboard is provided with a flexible metal cover, normally closed switches, and multiple throw switches. The metal cover is made flexible in the area of each key or switch by the provision of grooves in the metal surrounding each flexible portion. The normally closed and multiple throw switches include pellets which transmit the actuating force on a key or switch through a substrate on which a switch is mounted. The device may be configured in such a way that the pellet will push the normally closed contacts of a switch out of contact, or the pellet or pellets may mechanically link a stacked set of switches in order to provided ganged, multiple throw operation.

Abstract: A bow form which may be constructed from a machine onto a spool of a plurality of bow forms which may be converted to a full bow by an ultimate user by pulling a drawstring is disclosed. The bow form may be constructed from a high grade ribbon fabric such as woven acetate. The bow form is constructed from two ribbons, a drawstring which may be made of an elastic material and a plurality of bands which may be formed from strips of material which are fused into bands during production of the bow form. When desired, the ultimate bow may be supported by a bow support which serves to provide additional support to the pile of loops of ribbon material to thereby prolong a fuller look in the bow.

Abstract: A multi-position electromagnetically actuated display element suitable for use in a matrix arrangement to display user-selected messages is disclosed. The element is indexed to display a selected face by energizing one of a plurality of stator coils, the energized coil then attracting a pole of a magnet disposed outwardly of the stator and affixed to the viewing faces. Mounting structures and drive circuitry are disclosed suitable for arranging the element in a matrix display and causing the elements in the matrix to display user-selected messages. Alternative embodiments are disclosed.