Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the hydrogenation of aromatics in hydrocarbon feedstocks containing thiopheneic compounds as impurities, the aromatics hydrogenation being conducted in a hydrogenation reactor in the presence of a nickel based catalyst. The improvement comprises operating the hydrogenation reactor at a reaction temperature sufficiently high from the start of a run, that the thiopheneic compounds are decomposed and substantially absorbed into the bulk of the nickel catalyst, thereby substantially extending the life of the catalyst.

Abstract: Compositions including carbide-containing nanorods and/or oxycarbide-containing nanorods and/or carbon nanotubes bearing carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are provided. Rigid porous structures including oxycarbide-containing nanorods and/or carbide containing nanorods and/or carbon nanotubes bearing carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are also provided. The compositions and rigid porous structures of the invention can be used either as catalyst and/or catalyst supports in fluid phase catalytic chemical reactions. Processes for making supported catalyst for selected fluid phase catalytic reactions are also provided.

Abstract: In a method of converting alkanes to their corresponding alcohols, ethers, olefins, and other hydrocarbons, a vessel comprises a hollow, unsegregated interior defined first, second, and third zones. In a first embodiment of the invention oxygen reacts with metal halide in the first zone to provide gaseous halide; halide reacts with the alkane in the second zone to form alkyl halide; and the alkyl halide reacts with metal oxide in the third zone to form a hydrocarbon corresponding to the original alkane. Metal halide from the third zone is transported through the vessel to the first zone and metal oxide from the first zone is recycled to the third zone. A second embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment in that metal oxide is transported through the vessel from the first zone to the third zone and metal halide is recycled from the third zone to the first zone.

Abstract: This invention is to a process of making olefin, particularly ethylene and propylene, from an oxygenate feed. The invention uses two or more zeolite catalysts. Examples of zeolite catalysts include a first catalyst containing of ZSM-5, and a second catalyst containing a 10-ring molecular sieve, including but not limited to, ZSM-22, ZSM-23, ZSM35, ZSM-48, and mixtures thereof. The ZSM-5 can be unmodified, phosphorous modified, steam modified having a micropore volume reduced to not less than 50% of that of the unsteamed ZSM-5, or various mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for the selective disproportionation of toluene. The process preferably uses a disproportionation catalyst comprising a pentasil type zeolite such as MFI that is bound with aluminum-phosphate. Running the process at a toluene conversion greater than about 30 wt-% and at a hydrogen-to-hydrocarbon ratio less than 3.0, and especially a ratio of 0.1 to 1.0, improves the maximum yield of para-xylene. Optional periodic rejuvenation by increasing the hydrogen-to-hydrocarbon ratio removes some carbon deposits and restores catalyst activity. An inert diluent gas assists in selective pre-coking of the catalyst as well.

Abstract: A dressing for promoting healing and pain relief of the body of a living organism having a pathologic condition has at least one layer of conductive material having a resistance no greater than 1000 ?/cm2. When placed proximate a portion of the body of the living organism suffering from the pathologic condition, the dressing alters the electrodynamic processes occurring in conjunction with said pathologic condition to promote healing and pain relief in the living organism. When used as a wound dressing, the conductive material is placed in contact with tissue around the periphery of the wound and with the wound, lowering the electrical potential and resistance of the wound and increasing the wound current. In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive material is a multi-ply nylon fabric plated with silver by an autocatalytic electroless plating process and with the plies in electrical continuity. The dressing provides an antimicrobial and analgesic effect.

Abstract: A wound dressing including an absorbent core having opposed proximal and distal surfaces and a discrete skin adherent, elastomeric gel layer disposed along the proximal surface of the absorbent core. The elastomeric gel layer includes a plurality of through extending apertures arranged in a pattern.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining whether an agent is an agonist of the neuron-specific calcium sensor-1 (NCS-1), for consideration of an agonist of NCS-1 as a drug candidate for therapy of a behavioral disorder or for improving learning and/or memory of a subject, said method comprising the steps of: (a) contacting a cell, tissue or non-human animal with an agent to be screened under conditions to permit neuron-specific calcium sensor-1 (NCS-1) activity; and (b) determining NCS-1 activity of said treated cell, tissue or non-human animal, wherein an increase in NCS-1 activity compared with a corresponding control cell, tissue or animal is indicative of an agent which is an agonist of NCS-1.

Abstract: The present application disclosed a method for preparing a sterile transgenic fish, comprising constructing antisense RNA expression vector of salmon-type gonadotropin-releasing hormone, introducing the recombinant DNA fragment into carp oosperm by microinjection, and screening the sterile transgenic fish by Polymerase Chain Reaction and radioimmunoassay, wherein the expression vector comprising a promoter of carp beta actin (?-actin) gene, a complementary DNA fragment of antisense salmon-type gonadotropin-releasing hormone (sGnRH) gene from carp with 323 bp as a target gene comprising sGnRH decapeptide, the coding region of gonadotropin-releasing hormone associated peptide and 3? non-coding sequence, and 3? flanking sequence of grass carp growth hormone gene as a stop sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chemically inducible promoter for transforming plants or plant cells with genes which are regulatable by adding the plants or cells to a medium containing an inducer or by removing them from such medium. The promoter is inducible by a glucocorticoid, estrogen or inducer not endogenous to plants. Such promoters may be used with any plant genes that can promote shoot regeneration and development to induce shoot formation in the presence of a glucocorticoid, estrogen or inducer. The promoter may be used with antibiotic or herbicide resistance genes or other genes which are regulatable by the presence or absence of a given inducer. Also presented are organisms or cells comprising a gene wherein the natural promoter of the gene is disrupted and the gene is placed under the control of a transgenic inducible promoter. These organisms and cells and their progeny are useful for screening for conditional gain of function and loss of function mutations.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated nucleic acids obtainable from the FRI locus of plants which encode polypeptides capable of specifically altering, particularly delaying, the flowering time of a plant into which the nucleic acid is introduced. One preferred embodiment is the FRI nucleotide sequence which encodes the polypeptide of FIG. 6 (see the sequence of FIG. 5, particularly bases 362-2188 thereof) or sequences degeneratively equivalent to these. Also provided are variant sequences (e.g. alleles, orthologues, derivatives) and complementary sequences, plus vectors, host cells, plants and associated processes of production and methods of use e.g. for influencing or affecting flowering time in a plant by expression or suppression of FRI or variant sequences.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an isolated promoter sequence from Arabidopisis thaliana BOSI gene encoding a protein for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Also, the invention relates to recombinant vectors, expression cassettes, host cells, plants or progeny thereof comprising nucleic acid molecules operably linked to said promoter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel nucleic acid and amino acid sequences associated with the metabolism of seed storage compounds in plants. A novel discovery described herein lies in the identification of the nucleic acid sequences that encode the wri1 genetic locus in Arabidopsis thaliana, and lipid metabolism regulator (LMR) polynucleotide sequences contained therein. Preferably, the seed storage compounds are lipids, fatty acids, starches or seed storage proteins.

Abstract: The enzymes of the ACC synthase family are used in producing ethylene. Nucleotide and polypeptide sequences of ACC synthases are provided along with knockout plant cells having inhibition in expression and/or activity in an ACC synthase and knockout plants displaying a staygreen phenotype, a male sterility phenotype, or an inhibition in ethylene production. Methods for modulating staygreen potential in plants, methods for modulating sterility in plants, and methods for inhibiting ethylene production in plants are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to promoters related to the CEP1 promoter from Zea mays that are useful for regulating gene expression of heterologous polynucleotide molecules in plants. The invention also relates to expression constructs and transgenic plants containing the heterologous polynucleotide molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of improving the yield of a crop. The method comprises growing transgenic plants to produce a crop, the transgenic plants being able to metabolize at least one synthetic auxin. A synthetic auxin is applied to the plants at least once during their growth, the synthetic auxin being one that can be metabolized by the transgenic plants. Finally, the crop is harvested.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene controlling the flowering time of plants, and a method for manipulating the flowering time of plants using the gene. More particularly, the present invention relates to a LOV1 gene controlling the flowering time of plants, which is isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana, and also to a method for either delaying the flowering time of plants by overexpressing the LOV1 gene in the plants, or inducing the early flowering of the plants by repressing the expression of the LOV1 gene in the plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genes associated with the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway. More particularly, the present invention provides and includes nucleic acid molecules and proteins associated with genes that encode polypeptides associated with the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway. The present invention also provides methods for utilizing such agents, for example in gene isolation, gene analysis, and the production of transgenic plants. Moreover, the present invention includes transgenic plants modified to express the aforementioned polypeptides. In addition, the present invention includes methods for the production of products from the tocopherol biosynthesis pathway as well as in production of plants that are drought resistant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new variety of four-leaf clover named “Lucky Together”, and a method of breeding the same in large quantities. The method of breeding the new variety of four-leaf clover of the present invention comprises the steps of: (a) sterilizing a clover, (b) treating the clover with chemical agent in order to induce mutation and cell division of the clover, (c) roots-inducing of the mutated clover, (d) asexual propagation of the variety of clover, (e) comparing the features of the variety with those of wild-type clover, and (f) identifying a uniformity of the features of the variety. The four-leaf clover according to the present invention has strong nature, strong cold resistance and excellent disease resistance. Furthermore, the clover according to the present invention grows rapidly and well under intensive light, and can compete successfully with weeds. Therefore, the clover can be used not only for feed but also for improving the quality of soil.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling plant pests are disclosed. In particular, novel nucleic acid sequences encoding modified Cry3A toxins having increased toxicity to corn rootworm are provided. By inserting a protease recognition site such as cathepsin G, that is recognized by a gut protease of a target insect in at least one position of a Cry3A toxin a modified Cry3A toxin having significantly greater toxicity, particularly to western and northern corn rootworm is designed.

Abstract: Methods for the production of reversibly male-sterile plants by introduction of a polynucleotide encoding a cytokinin oxidase are disclosed along with nucleic acid constructs and transformed cells useful in the production of such plants. Also disclosed are the use of plants containing recombinant nucleic acid sequences in preventing pollination of plants with pollen containing one or more transgenes and in the introduction of economically important traits into elite varieties of plants.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety, designated XB06H04. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB06H04, to the plants of soybean XB06H04, to plant parts of soybean variety XB06H04 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean variety XB06H04 with another soybean plant, using XB06H04 as either the male or the female parent. This invention also relates to methods for introgressing a transgenic or mutant trait into soybean variety XB06H04 and to the soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean varieties or breeding varieties and plant parts derived from soybean variety XB06H04, to methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB06H04 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods.

Abstract: A cotton cultivar, designated 03X179R, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of cotton cultivar 03X179R, to the plants of cotton 03X179R and to methods for producing a cotton plant produced by crossing the cultivar 03X179R with itself or another cotton cultivar. The invention further relates to hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar 03X179R with another cotton cultivar.

Abstract: A novel hybrid maize variety designated 34A86 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing two Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize lines. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety 34A86 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 34A86 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the hybrid seed 34A86, the hybrid plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and trivial modifications of hybrid 34A86. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize lines derived from hybrid maize variety 34A86 and to the maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: An inbred maize line, designated PH4CV, the plants and seeds of inbred maize line PH4CV, methods for producing a maize plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred maize line PH4CV with another maize plant, and hybrid maize seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PH4CV with another maize line or plant and to methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic maize plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH4CV, to methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH4CV and to the inbred maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH779362. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH779362, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH779362 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH779362.

Abstract: A guitar and violin hybrid instrument (10) comprising either a solid or hollow body (12). The body (12) has an upper surface (14), a lower surface (16), an upper end (18), a lower end (20), a left half (22), and a right half (24). Located on the body's (12) lower section is a leg contour (38) that provides a comfortable leg support. On the lower surface (16) is an electronics cavity (26) for housing an electronics circuit (130). Located on the body's (12) upper surface (14) is a plurality of magnetic pickups (G), control knobs for the operating the electronics circuit (130) and a bridge (42). Located on the bridge's (42) upper surface (44) is a plurality of piezoelectric pickups (Y). A neck (82) extends from the body's upper end (18). Attached to the neck's (82) upper surface (88) is a fretboard (104) on which a multiplicity of frets (112) are distributed.

Abstract: A handle for grasping by one hand and a neck with a fingerboard for fingering with the other hand for use by stringed instrument players. The fingerboard is correlated to a section of the fret-board of a conventional stringed instrument such as a guitar, bass, or banjo. The fingerboard has string ridges that provide a pressure-resistant feel to simulate playing the corresponding string instrument. Example embodiments include a fingering device for acoustic guitar players that is a portable, single piece of lightweight, molded foam, a similar fingering device that is correlated to an electric bass, and similar fingering devices that provide audible feedback by producing sounds based on the notes played.

Abstract: In one aspect thereof this invention provides a method to estimate pitch in an acoustic signal. The method includes initializing a function ƒt and a time t, where t=0, x?0=ƒ0(F0), x?0 is a pitch estimate at time zero and F0 is a frequency of the acoustic signal at time zero; determining at least one pitch estimate using the function x?t=ƒt(Ft) by an iterative process of creating ƒt+1(Ft+1) based at least partly on pitch estimates x?t, x?t?1, x?t?2, x?t?3, . . . , and functions ƒt(Ft), ƒt?1(Ft?1), ƒt?2(Ft?2), ƒt?3(Ft?3) . . . and incrementing t; and calculating at least one final pitch estimate. Embodiments of this invention can be applied to pitch extraction with various different input acoustic signal characteristics, such as just intonation, pitch shift in the frequency domain, and non-12-step-equal-temperament tuning.

Abstract: A music apparatus has a data storage, a controller and a sound generator for reproducing a music sound and a voice sound. The data storage stores a music data file containing a music part and a voice part, the music part containing a sequence of music generation events effective to instruct generation of the music sound, the voice part containing voice reproduction sequence data composed of a combination of voice reproduction event data and duration data, the voice reproduction event data instructing reproduction of a sequence of voice events, the duration data specifying a timing of effecting a voice event in terms of a duration time measured from another voice event preceding to the voice event. The controller reads out the music data file from the data storage.

Abstract: In a music system, an input unit is manipulated for inputting a signal representative of a performance operation amount rendered by a performer, and an output unit is provided for outputting a music sound in response to the signal fed from the input unit. The input unit has a grip part that is grasped by the performer and shaped to receive a dynamic pressure caused from grasping by the performer for inputting the performance operation amount. A conversion part is provided in the input unit for converting the dynamic pressure applied by the performer into a force acting in a specified direction. A detection part is positioned to align a sensitivity thereof with the specified direction for sensing the force generated by the conversion part and outputting the signal indicative of the performance operation amount in response to the sensed force.

Abstract: A stray voltage suppression device includes a motor-driven conductive vane which rotates in planes oriented at least substantially parallel to the ground, with the motor casing being connected to the ground below. The device has been found useful to reduce or eliminate stray voltage about the area at which it is installed.

Abstract: A multi-strand steel cable includes steel strands jacketed with plastic fibers, where the plastic fiber jacketing is melted onto the steel strands by a thermal treatment. The steel cable has a core formed by an unjacketed steel strand, and the core is surrounded by jacketed steel strands. The heat supplied during the thermal treatment is introduced in such a way that certain areas of the steel strands which have been jacketed with the melted plastic fibers, namely, the areas adjacent to the core, are melted onto the outside circumference of the core.

Abstract: A cord holding device and method of use. An embodiment of the device includes a sheet of material having a turned end. The turned end is selectively positionable between a closed orientation and an open orientation. In the open orientation, an opening is formed between the turned end and the sheet to allow for the cord to be inserted within an interior section. In the closed orientation, the turned end wraps around the cord to retain it within the device. A method of using the device comprises mounting the device to a position to receive the cord. A holding section is unturned an amount to allow for the cord to be inserted within the interior section of the holding section. After cord insertion, the holding section re-turns and wraps around the cord.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wall plate for covering a locking receptacle. The locking receptacle includes a base member. The base member includes a raised portion having a user-accessible receptacle and at least one locking tab disposed in a side portion thereof. The base member also includes a mounting strap. The wall plate includes a plate member having an aperture disposed therein. The aperture is sized to accommodate the raised portion. A notch is disposed at a predetermined position along a periphery of the aperture. The notch is sized to accommodate the at least one locking tab, whereby the user-accessible receptacle and the at least one locking tab are accessible to a user and the base member and the mounting strap are covered by the plate member and not accessible to a user.

Abstract: The instant invention overcomes the difficulties encountered with respect to mounting electrical wiring devices to a common box and then positioning the devices relative to each other prior to attaching a wall plate. Some of the difficulties encountered are positioning the wiring devices to be in alignment with each other, locating the wiring devices to be parallel to each other, adjusting the spacing between the different devices to be equal and uniform and fixing all of the devices to be flat against the wall. In the prior art, the wiring devices are first loosely attached to a box and then moved back and forth, and up and down to fit within cut outs in a wall plate which is then attached to the wiring devices with screws. A time consuming and tedious job. This invention overcomes these deficiencies by providing wiring devices that have locating openings for engaging alignment pins located on a plate that is subsequently attached to a box.

Abstract: A cover plate for hiding the socket faces of an electrical outlet. Particular embodiments of the cover plate are configured with multiple outlet configurations for use with more than one type of electrical outlet. The cover plate is mounted over the receptacle and has apertures for plug blades or thin, puncturable films over the apertures for the plug blades. Particular embodiments of the invention include thickness around the plug blade apertures for receiving plug blades of not more than 0.075 inches between the socket face and the front surface of the cover plate.

Abstract: First and second cylindrical members (1A) and (1B) are fitted into a wiring pass-through hole (H) in a wall board (Y) and engaged with each other in accordance with a thickness (D) of the wall board and first and second lid-like members (2A) and (2B) are fitted into openings of the first and second cylindrical members (1A) and (1B), respectively so as to be able to be removed out of the first and second cylindrical members (1A9 and (1B) whereby these cylindrical members are closed. A small quantity of wiring cord or cords pass through small quantity wiring pass-through openings (2a) and (2b) of the first and second lid-like members so as to arrange them in order. (By removing the first and second lid-like members (2A) and (2B) out of the first and second cylindrical members (1A) and (1B), a large quantity of wiring cords are allowed to pass through a large quantity wiring pass-through opening (4) defined by the first and second cylindrical members (1A) and (1B) so as to arrange them in order.

Abstract: A lightweight insulated electric wire and an automobile wire harness using the same insulated electric wire where the insulated electric wire has a conductor portion including one or more first wires and one or more second wires, which are stranded together. The first wires are constituted by metal wires made from at least one type of metal selected from copper, copper alloy, aluminum and aluminum alloy. The second wires are constituted by metal wires different from the first wires and have a relative permeability of 4.0 or less.

Abstract: A multi-layer printed wire board (PWB) structure optimized for improved drop reliability, reliable electrical connections under thermal load, and minimal thickness is provided, along with a mobile terminal, including the PWB. The PWB includes alternating conductive layers and insulative layers. The outermost three layers form an interconnect structure constructed of two conductive layers surrounding an insulative-coated conductive layer. The thicknesses of the various layers are optimized to have an increased resistance to mechanical shock resulting from, for instance, a drop onto a hard surface. In addition, the optimized PWB structure has a minimized thickness and an improved resistance to connection failures resulting from cyclical thermal loads.

Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide a process for manufacturing multilayer printed circuit boards which is capable of simultaneous via hole filling and formation of conductor circuit and via holes of good crystallinity and uniform deposition can be constructed on a substrate and high-density wiring and highly reliable conductor connections can be realized without annealing.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding structure including at least a first transparent substrate, a conducting element, optionally a transparent backing sheet and a transparent tie sheet and a transparent additional sheet or covering sheet, and an electrical connector configured to be connected to the conducting element to ground the conducting element. At least one of the backing sheet, the tie sheet or the additional sheet or covering sheet, when present, is, at least on one of its sides, placed set back toward the interior of the structure relative to the associated free edge of the transparent substrate so as to leave a portion exposed on at least one of the faces of the conducting element, the connector being placed against and/or connected to this exposed portion.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include an apparatus and system for keyboard arrangements where one or more of the keys are adjustable. In some embodiments, the arrangement includes one or more keys and a moving mechanism for controlling the position of the keys. The keys may be adjusted in terms of height. The adjustment in height may result from the operation of a lever or switch, or as a result of opening the case or shell of the system. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: In a hinge apparatus for rotatably connecting a first housing and a second housing of an electronic apparatus, the hinge apparatus includes a first rotating portion adapted to be connected to the first housing and a second rotating portion adapted to be connected to the second housing and rotatable with respect to the first rotating portion. The second rotating portion unrotatably holds a switch. A cam member is disposed to face the switch. The cam member is rotatable with respect to the second rotating portion and adapted to be engaged with the second housing in a rotating direction of the hinge apparatus. The switch includes a conductive first contact and a conductive second contact faced to the first contact and adapted to be connected to and disconnected from the first contact. The cam member has a cam portion for pressing the second contact following the rotation of the cam member to connect and disconnect the second contact to and from the first contact.

Abstract: A telecommunications apparatus for use with a plug having at least first, second and third pins. The telecommunications apparatus includes a plug connector for receiving the plug. The plug connector includes at least first, second and third electrical contacts for electrically contacting the first, second and third pins, respectively, when the plug is inserted in the plug connector.

Abstract: A jerk-initiated switch includes a housing having an inner housing wall which defines an accommodation chamber therein. First and second terminals are disposed to define a switching action enabling path of a straight length that crosses the accommodation chamber. A ball member and a momentum reducing member are disposed in the accommodation chamber. When the housing is jerked, the ball member is displaceable from a first position, where the ball member is disposed to interrupt the switching action enabling path to establish a first electric switching state, to a second position, where the ball member is disposed outside the switching action enabling path to establish a second electric switching state. The momentum reducing member is configured to yield under impact from the ball member to reduce the momentum of the ball member when the ball member is displaced from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Structure and method for forming a switchable shunt for a suspension assembly having conductive, insulating and metal base layers. The shunt includes a bridge in the conductive layer with either a continuous connection or small gap between ends of the bridge. The continuous connection of the bridge is severed either by temporarily moving the lands out of their original plane by stretching and rupturing the bridge or by shearing the continuous connection of the bridge. For the sheared or gapped bridge, at least one end of the bridge is moved out of plane, compressed and elongated. When released, the separated ends of the bridge overlap and contact each other to form a normally-closed switch. To subsequently open the switchable shunt, at least one of the lands is moved out of plane to physically and electrically open the connection between the separated and overlapped ends of the bridge.

Abstract: Button holes 3 are formed in a front panel 2. Buttons 4 are arranged in the button holes 3, and a rib 7 convexly provided on the back surface of the front panel 2 surrounds the button holes 3. A light transmitting rubber sheet 11 closes a space 30 surrounded by the rib 7 and is held between a circuit board 15 and the rib 7. Contact portions 12 are provided on the rubber sheet 11 so as to be brought into contact with and separated from the circuit board 15 by the elastic force of the rubber sheet 11. Light emitting elements 17 are mounted on the circuit board 15 so as to correspond to the buttons 4, and are accommodated in accommodation concave portions 18 in the rubber sheet 11.

Abstract: A lighted switch device, comprising a substrate, a switch provided on a first surface of the substrate, a light source provided on a second surface of the substrate, a key top to press the switch, and a light guide mechanism to guide light emitted from the light source to the key top or a periphery of the key top, the light guide mechanism including a first light guiding member to hold the key top and a second light guiding member disposed to surround the light source, the light emitted from the light source being guided through the second light guiding member to the first light guiding member holding the key top.

Abstract: A movable contact is made of a resilient and electrically conductive thin metal plate so that a depressing operation onto the top thereof allows turning over of the central section thereof. The movable contact is shaped like a dome bowing upward and open downward, and includes at least three projections radially placed at the center where the turn-over occurs. A top view of the projection shows a long and narrow shape extending in the radial direction. The downward protruding amount of the respective projections increases along the radial direction from the center to the outer side, and the respective projections each have a flat face having a given width along the circumferential direction. When the movable contact is in operation, the movable contact touches the object at an outer section of the flat face and along the circumferential direction.