Abstract: A typewriter with variable color display visually presents typed text in a color variable in accordance with the typing speed and accuracy.

Abstract: A voltmeter includes a variable color analog display for providing an analog indication of the value of a measured signal in a color in accordance with the relation of the measured value to predetermined limits.

Abstract: A multicolor optical device having at least three optically stable states includes a plurality of pairs of associated light sensors and light sources for emitting light of respectively different colors when activated. Each light source is divided by an opaque wall into a first light emitting portion and a second light emitting portion. The light signals from the first light emitting portions of all light sources are blended to obtain a composite light signal of a variable color. Separate optical feedbacks are established between the second light emitting portions and light sensors in pairs tending to stabilize the light sources in their conditions to thereby maintain the color of the composite light signal.

Abstract: A display device includes a plurality of variable color display areas arranged in a pattern for selectively exhibiting a plurality of display units. The group of display areas corresponding to the display unit is illuminated in a selected color, and the remaining display areas are illuminated in a color substantially complementary.

Abstract: An optical comparator for comparing two aligned sets of digital signals and for indicating the degree of similarity therebetween comprises a plurality of comparator cells each having two comparator inputs. Each comparator cell includes a multicolor light emitting diode adapted for emitting light of a first color when the first input is activated, light of a second color when the second input is activated, light of a composite color when both inputs are activated, and no light when no input is activated. Means are provided for absorbing light of the composite color whereby no light is emitted from a comparator cell in which the inputs are of equal activity. A light sensor is provided for monitoring total light output from a plurality of comparator cells. Light measured by the light sensor indicates the number of comparator cells having inputs of unequal activities and hence is representative of the degree of similarity between the two sets of signals.

Abstract: A multimeter with variable color digital display indicates measured values in digital format and in variable color. The multimeter includes a color control circuit for selectively controlling color of the digital display in accordance with the measurement quantity, method, unit, mode, function, range, location, modifier, control, limits, and the like. A color converter circuit is disclosed for converting analog voltage to variable color.

Abstract: A device for use in a telephone detects the first dialed digit and compares it with a reference value stored in a memory to determine the type of a telephone call.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a variable color digital display for exhibiting a digital indication of time. A comparator and color control are provided for controlling the color of the digital indication in accordance with its relation to predetermined low and high time limits such that time before the low time limit is indicated in a first color, time after the high time limit is indicated in a second color, and time between the low and high time limits is indicated in a third color.

Abstract: A switching device includes a contact movable between two positions, to selectively open and close an electrical path, and a multicolor light emitting diode for indicating different positions of the contact by respectively different colors. The multicolor light emitting diode directs a light beam which is reflected from the contact in accordance with its position on one of two light sensors. The color of the light beam is controlled in accordance with the outputs of the light sensors.

Abstract: An electrical zero insertion force connector includes a tubular elongated conducting body having an opening at its one end for inserting a conductor and a socket with a plurality of integral gripping jaws resiliently extending into the body and away from the opening. An insulating slider is arranged within the body for reciprocating movement between an engaging position, for deflecting the jaws into intimate electrical contacts with the conductor, and a disengaging position, for releasing the jaws from the conductor. The slider protrudes from an end of the body opposite the opening.

Abstract: A variable color display device simultaneously indicates values of first digital data in digital format and values of second digital data in variable color.

Abstract: A multicolor display is disclosed including a plurality of multicolor display areas arranged in rows and columns for simultaneously displaying two display patterns in a comparative fashion. The two patterns are displayed such that portions that appear only in the first pattern are displayed in a first color, portions that appear only in the second pattern are displayed in a second color, and portions that appear in both patterns are displayed in a third color.

Abstract: A variable color display device includes a plurality of variable color display areas arranged in a pattern and substantially surrounded by a variable color background area. The color of the background area is controlled to be substantially complementary to the color of the display areas to make the exhibited character clearly stand out against its background.

Abstract: A telephone with variable color display visually presents dialed telephone number in a color variable in accordance with the type of a telephone call, e.g, internal, external, local, long distance, and the like.

Abstract: A rotary switch comprises a rotary member with a flexible conducting bridging element which may be rotated to aligned position with a selective one of contact pairs angularly arranged on a stationary member. A slider is arranged on the rotary member for reciprocating movement to engage and disengage the bridging element with the contact pair in the aligned position.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a variable color display for providing an analog indication of time and a transducer for measuring values of a diverse quantity. The color of the analog indication may be controlled in a plurality of steps in accordance with the output of the transducer.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a variable color display for indicating time in digital format and a physical transducer for measuring values of a physical quantity. The color of the display may be controlled in a plurality of steps in accordance with the output of the physical transducer.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a variable color display for providing an analog indication of time in a color in accordance with the relation of the indicated time to predetermined time limits.

Abstract: A switching device includes a contact movable between two positions, to selectively open and close an electrical path, and a multicolor light emitting diode for indicating different positions of the contact by respectively different colors. The multicolor light emitting diode directs a light beam which is reflected from the contact in accordance with its position on one of two light sensors. The color of the light beam is controlled in accordance with the outputs of the light sensors.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a variable color multi-element display for indicating time in digital format and a plurality of transducers associated with respective display elements. The color of each display element may be independently controlled, either in a plurality of steps or substantially continuously, in accordance with the output of its associated transducer.