Abstract: A remote control apparatus for use with an equipment which includes a master apparatus and a slave apparatus remotely located from the master apparatus. The master apparatus transmits a control signal to the slave apparatus so as to remotely control the slave apparatus. The master apparatus has a light-transmitting section therein which projects outwardly of the master apparatus. The light-transmitting section transmits a light signal representing a control signal generated in the master apparatus. The slave apparatus has a light-receiving section therein which receives the light signal. The light-transmitting section may be detachably mounted to the master apparatus. The light-transmitting section may be adapted to rotate relative to the master apparatus after the light-transmitting section has been mounted to the master apparatus. The light-transmitting section may include a plurality of light-emitting elements so that light is emitted over a wide area.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus with a cleaning mechanism comprises a controller accommodated in a housing and a cleaning device assembled to the housing. The user holds the apparatus and makes a selection so as to remotely control the electric appliance. The cleaning device outwardly extends from the housing. The user rubs the surface of the electric appliance with the cleaning device pressed against the electric appliance, thereby cleaning the surface of the electric appliance. The cleaning device includes a cleaning element and an extend-retract mechanism. The cleaning element may be a brush, a sheet of cloth, or belt of cloth. The extend-retract mechanism causes the cleaning element to move to an operative position where the cleaning element is extended for cleaning the electric appliance and to a non-operative position where the cleaning element is retracted into the housing.