Abstract: A control panel for a vehicle includes a housing defining a recess formed therein. A panel is movably attached to the housing and has at least one control mechanism mounted thereon. The panel is movable between a first position wherein the panel generally covers a portion of the recess, and a second position wherein the panel generally exposes the recess. Preferably, the housing defines a first surface within the recess, and a second control mechanism is mounted on the first surface.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an automotive device is comprised of a substrate, a second component, and a light bulb socket, whereby the bulb socket retains the second component, directly or indirectly, to the substrate; the second component is solely attached to the substrate, directly or indirectly, by the bulb socket. More specifically, the substrate is an outer housing and the second component is a lamp reflector. The present invention also comprises the method of inserting and retaining these parts with the bulb socket. Furthermore, the present invention may be part of a backlit switch, an overhead reading lamp, or an instrument panel light.

Abstract: An improved symmetric circuit connection board may be utilized on both the driver and passenger sides of a vehicle or in left and right-hand orientations. In the past, two distinct boards have been provided for use on the driver and passenger sides. The inventive symmetric boards includes central circuit stampings surrounded by a molded body. Openings extend symmetrically, through the molded body to the circuit stampings such that the assembler may selectively place one opposed face of the board facing outwardly and connect the board as appropriate. Should the board be utilized on the other side of the vehicle, the opposed face of the board faces outwardly for connection. The symmetric board may thus be utilized for either left or right hand side applications in a vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary dimmer switch assembly for use with a vehicle push-pull switch controls at least one light dimming function. The rotary switch assembly comprises a stationary cam contact assembly, and a rotating carder assembly which carries a circuit element having an exposed circuit trace surface. The cam contact assembly is fixed to a circuit board and has a plurality of contact arms having one end biased against the circuit element circuit trace surfaces and the other end electrically connected to the circuit board. The cam contact assembly guides the rotation of the carrier assembly about the longitudinal axis of the push-pull switch. The circuit element rotates with the carrier assembly, which is rotated by rotation of a push-pull switching component, and the circuit trace surfaces sweep across the contact arms thereby controlling the light dimming function. A method of assembling the rotary potentiometer assembly is also disclosed.