Abstract: A switch device includes a holder (2), an operation knob (3) that has a display and is held in the holder so as to be movable forward and rearward, a ring-like coil antenna (15), a circuit board (7) on which a detection means for detecting the operation of the operation knob is disposed, LEDs (light source) that are disposed on the circuit board and illuminate the display on the operation knob, and a slider (5) that is stored in the holder 2 so as to be movable forward and rearward integrally with the operation knob and has light guide paths for the LEDs, a center axis of the coil antenna is offset from an operational center line of the operation knob, and the light guide paths of the slider and the display on the operation knob are disposed opposed to a center hole of the coil antenna.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for advancing the control of touchscreen-based electronics beyond the traditional control input of a finger. Wired and/or wireless control modalities are disclosed.

Abstract: In one example, an active cover plate includes a faceplate, a load and a spring clip adjustable in at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction with respect to the faceplate to electrically interface with a receptacle body and extract electrical power from the receptacle body to energize the load. A method for installing an active cover plate on an electrical receptacle is also provided.

Abstract: A luminous keyboard includes a lateral-emitting type illumination element, a light guide panel, a sensing circuit pattern, a light-transmissible substrate, a supporting plate, and plural keys. When one of the keys is moved toward the sensing circuit pattern, the sensing circuit pattern generates a corresponding non-contact key signal. The lateral-emitting type illumination element is used for providing a light beam to the light guide panel. Consequently, the light beam can be diffused to the whole light guide panel. The light guide panel has plural light-guiding dots for collecting and scattering the light beam. The light-transmissible substrate is arranged between the light guide panel and the plural keys, and has plural light diffusion structures corresponding to the plural keys. The light beam scattered upwardly by each light-guiding dot is sequentially transmitted through the corresponding light diffusion structure and the supporting plate and directed to the corresponding key.

Abstract: An illuminated doorbell chime system is disclosed having a chime coil and LED lights. A chime control circuit has a power supply unit, an LED driver and a chime driver. The power supply unit is connected to the LED lights and the chime coil. The LED driver is connected to the LED lights. The chime driver is connected to the chime coil. A door switch selectively applies power to the power supply unit. The LED driver has a bipolar junction transistor, a base Zener diode, and a voltage divider. The chime driver has a Mosfet transistor, a gate resistor, a gate capacitor, and a gate Zener diode. The LED driver and the chime driver are interconnected, with a cathode of the gate Zener diode connected to the collector of the bipolar junction transistor, and a cathode of the base Zener diode connected to the drain of the Mosfet transistor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses disclosed herein relate to backlit visual display elements. One embodiment may take the form a keyboard including at least one keycap, a dome switch layer underlying the keycap, and an encapsulation layer underlying the dome switch layer. The encapsulation layer may include a first printed circuit layer configured to transmit a signal corresponding to the at least one keycap. The keyboard may further include a light emissive layer underlying the encapsulation layer. The light emissive layer may include at least one emissive area corresponding to the at least one keycap and a second printed circuit layer configured to supply a voltage to the at least one emissive area.

Abstract: A backlight module is used in a lighting keyboard. The backlight module includes a light guiding plate and a masking. The masking is disposed on the light guiding plate. The masking includes a support layer, a cover layer and a reflective layer. The support layer includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The cover layer is disposed on the first surface. The cover layer includes a first opening. The reflective layer is disposed on the second surface and faces the light guiding plate for reflecting light emitted from the light guiding plate, so as to enhance lighting efficiency on the first opening. The reflective layer includes a second opening. A shape and a position of the second opening are respectively corresponding to a shape and a position of the first opening.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a transparent keypad having a plurality of key regions, a first transparent sheet having first conductive patterns to detect touch inputs on respective ones of the key regions, a plurality of luminous elements aligned with the key regions, and a second transparent sheet having second conductive patterns coupled to respective ones of the luminous elements. The first and second conductive patterns are transparent and the second conductive patterns deliver signals to the luminous elements to light the key regions. The keypad may be mounted on a slider for sliding into and out of a main body of the terminal.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard includes a key, a light guide plate, a sensing circuit layer, and a light-transmissible elastic element. The light-transmissible elastic element is disposed under the key. The light-transmissible elastic element has a light-diffusing part. The light guide plate and the sensing circuit layer are disposed under the light-transmissible elastic element. The sensing circuit layer is used for generating a non-contact key signal. After the light beam transferred within the light guide plate is transmitted upwardly through the light guide plate, the light beam is transmitted through the light-transmissible elastic element. Moreover, since the optical path of the light beam is changed by the light-diffusing part, the light beam can be projected onto the whole keycap more uniformly.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the volume output of speakers comprising outputting a varying volume control signal in response to movement of a volume control element. In response to the volume control signal, increasing a volume level of a speaker in a linear correlation with the movement of the volume control element as the volume control element is moved between a first position and a second position. In response to the volume control element moving beyond the second position, increasing the volume level of the speaker to increase asymptotically as the volume control element is moved beyond the second position. Additionally, a visual indicator, such as LED lights, provides an interesting and informative display as the volume level is changed.

Abstract: Input devices having backlighting for associated input mechanisms. The backlighting may be supplied by a light source coupled to a light guide. Both the light guide and light source may be located completely beneath the input mechanism and above a mechanical support for the mechanism. Each input mechanism generally has its own dedicated light guide and light source.

Abstract: A backlighting assembly for use in a keypad assembly. The backlighting assembly includes at least one light emitting source configured to emit light; and a light guide assembly configured to receive the emitted light and direct the light toward the at least one key. The light guide assembly includes both a light guide film and a light guide frame for directing light from the light source toward the key(s).

Abstract: A luminous keyboard device includes plural keys, a supporting plate, a light-emitting element, a membrane switch circuit module, and a light guide plate. The light guide plate is thicker than the light guide plate. The supporting plate has an opening corresponding to the light-emitting element. The light-emitting element is inserted into the opening. The light-emitting element is used for emitting plural light beams. A portion of the plural light beams are traveled along the path under the supporting plate and introduced into the light guide plate. Consequently, the portion of the plural light beams will be directed to the plural keys to illuminate the plural keys. Another portion of the plural light beams are traveled along the path over the supporting plate and introduced into the membrane switch circuit module. Consequently, the luminous efficiency of the slim-type luminous keyboard device is enhanced.

Abstract: A luminescent keyswitch module includes a base plate, a keyswitch, a light guide plate, a light source, a diffusion structure, and a reflector. The keyswitch is disposed on the base plate. The light guide plate, disposed under the base plate, has an accommodating space communicated with a through hole of the base plate. The light source passes through the through hole, is accommodated in the accommodating space, and emits light having a first divergence angle. The diffusion structure is accommodated in the accommodating space and located between the light source and the light guide plate. The light passes through the diffusion structure. The light leaving the second light exit surface has a second divergence angle larger than the first divergence angle. The reflector is disposed under the light guide plate, so as to reflect the light to pass through the light guide plate and the base plate to the keyswitch.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus to provide improved visibility to user input devices, such as keys, are disclosed. In low light conditions, keys can be difficult to distinguish. For example, often keys have legends on them to visually distinguish them from one another, but in low light conditions it can be difficult for users to visually distinguish the different keys. The legends can be textual and/or graphic. Hence, according to one embodiment, light from a nearby display device can be used to provide illumination to the user input devices (e.g., keys). More particularly, in one embodiment, some light from the nearby display device can be directed towards and reflected from the user input devices (e.g., keys) to enhance visibility of the keys or the legends thereon.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch array is proposed which provides an illuminatable operating surface and manages with only few light sources without requiring any separate optical waveguide structures. The pushbutton switch array has a frame which is covered by a transparent film and includes recesses which have actuating elements accommodated therein for displacement. The actuating elements are configured to have light-guiding and light-coupling structures. A shared light source is, or only few shared light sources are, optically coupled to the light-coupling structures of the actuating elements which, for their part, are optically coupled to each other by adjoining light-coupling structures. The light-guiding structures guide the light coupled into the actuating elements to the actuating surface adjacent to the film. The actuating elements may be provided with symbols on their actuating surface adjoining the film, the symbols being visible through the film.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes an enclosure; a first terminal; a second terminal; separable contacts electrically connected between the first and second terminals; an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts; and an indicator circuit electrically interconnected with the second terminal The indicator circuit is structured to indicate occurrence of a signal at the second terminal. The signal has a frequency substantially greater than a power line frequency.

Abstract: A power operator for switchgear for use in mains power distribution systems such as public medium high voltage distribution systems, where the switchgear comprises a closed cabinet (5) with an operating shaft protruding therefrom that is rotatable between two positions and has a coupling part. The motor operator includes a housing (11, 20, 21, 27) which is mountable on an external surface (4) of the switchgear cabinet (5), and a rotatable connection shaft connected to an electromechanical linear actuator. The connection shaft has a first coupling part which connects with the coupling part of the switchgear in a longitudinal axial sliding and non-rotational interlocking manner. The housing (11, 20, 21, 27) is a tube element which is tamper resistant, is relatively easy to seal against dust and moisture, and is inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: A luminous keyboard includes a light-emitting element, a membrane wiring board, plural keys, and a light guide plate module. The plural keys are used for correspondingly triggering the plural membrane switches. The light-emitting element is used for providing the light beam to the luminous keyboard. The light guide plate module includes a first reflective layer, a second reflective layer, and a light-guiding layer between the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer. The light-guiding layer includes plural light-outputting regions and a spacing region. The plural light-outputting regions are aligned with the plural keys, respectively. The spacing region is arranged around the plural light-outputting regions. Moreover, plural light-guiding dots are located at the plural light-outputting regions, and at least one light diffusion structure is located at the spacing region.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard includes a light source, a key structure, and a backlight membrane switch module. The backlight membrane switch module is disposed under the key structure for generating a key signal and transferring a light beam from the light source to the key structure. The backlight membrane switch module includes a light guide plate and a membrane switch circuit board. The membrane switch circuit board is disposed over the light guide plate. Moreover, the membrane switch circuit board includes a wiring plate, a partition plate, and a light-shading part. The light-shading part is located at a side of the wiring plate or the partition plate, and bent downwardly to a position under the light guide plate in order to enclose a lateral surface of the light guide plate. Consequently, the problem of causing light leakage will be eliminated.

Abstract: Sub-membrane keycap indicators for keyboard assemblies may be implemented by positioning an indicator light element beneath a switch membrane circuit and within the baseplate of a key device. The indicator light element may be so positioned to direct light upward in a substantially narrow cone to an aperture or lightguide molded into a keycap in order to illuminate or light the indicator aperture or lightguide to indicate the current status of at least one component of an information handling system.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is a resilient pressing member structure having a pressing unit disposed on top of a translucent insulated layer, an upper cover, a light-emitting unit, two conductive layers and a spacer. The pressing unit includes a plurality of pressing members while the cover is formed with a cavity filled with a fluid to achieve the effect of pressure dispersion. A light guiding structure and a light reflecting structure are disposed on the topside and the backside of the insulated layer, respectively. The insulated layer is formed by at least one light unit opening which extends through the insulated layer. The light-emitting unit is hosted inside the light unit opening. Light from the light-emitting unit penetrates the insulated layer and reaches the pressing member. Then the guiding structure directs light while the reflecting structure reflects light towards the pressing member, thus illuminates the pressing member.

Abstract: A luminous keyboard includes a light-emitting element, a membrane circuit member, a key base plate, and plural keys. The membrane circuit member includes an upper wiring board and a lower wiring board. A first circuit pattern is formed on the lower wiring board. A second circuit pattern is formed on the upper wiring board. The first circuit pattern and the second circuit pattern collectively define plural membrane switches. The lower wiring board further includes plural film layers for increasing the light-guiding efficacy of the lower wiring board. Moreover, the plural keys are connected to the key base plate. The key base plate is arranged between the plural keys and the membrane circuit member.

Abstract: A circuit breaker device with an integrated indication light display. The integrated indication light display may display a representation of the amount of current running through a circuit that the circuit breaker device is connected to. The indication light display may be a Light Emitting Diode Bar and may display multi levels indicating whether there will be a circuit overload.

Abstract: A switch circuit utilizes an LED for illumination. A diode is connected in parallel with the LED but in opposite orientation, with the LED anode connected to the diode cathode, and the LED cathode connected to the diode anode, to permit discharging of a power supply capacitor of a ballast of a lamp such as a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb. Undesirable flickering of the CFL are then avoided.

Abstract: A switch device includes a pressing portion that has a first display portion and a second display portion, a holder having at least one cell corresponding to the pressing portion, a push switch, first and second light sources that respectively illuminate the first display portion and the second display portion from behind, a plate formed with the pressing portion so as to separate, in a cell, a space between the first light source and the first display portion from a space between the second light source and the second display portion, and a regulation portion formed on both sides of the plate in the cell. In the switching device, when an operator presses the pressing portion, part of the plate presses the push switch.

Abstract: A terminal has an input area that supports touch input, and a controller for responding to the touch input area. The controller also displays selected symbols in the touch input area responsive to an operational mode of the terminal. When the terminal is in a call mode, a command or data associated with one of the symbols displayed for the call mode may be entered by touching the symbol, touching and dragging the symbol from its original location, or touching and dragging the symbol to a central area.

Abstract: A key switch structure capable of reducing the height of a key switch, reducing the number of components, and reducing manufacturing costs. The key switch structure includes: a key top; first and second linking mechanisms and adapted to support the key top; a membrane sheet having a contact point portion; a back plate disposed below the membrane sheet and having a function to guide light; and an LED sheet having an LED as a light emitting element disposed thereon, wherein the LED is disposed to be adjacent to the back plate.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical touch device, including a main body, a keyboard and a light emitting member. The keyboard, placed on the main body and having a first end portion and a second end portion, includes a supporting frame, a keycap and a stopping member. The keycap is connected to the supporting frame and moves between a first position and a second position. The stopping member is connected to the keycap and moves simultaneously with the keycap. The light emitting member generates a light beam to the keyboard. When the keycap is in the first position, the light beam passes through the first end portion to the second end portion, and when the keycap is in the second position, the light beam is terminated by the stopping member, such that the light does not reach the second end portion.

Abstract: Provided is a button lighting structure that includes: a plurality of button members (5) arranged in a matrix with intervals; and light-emitting element (6) disposed in the interval of the plurality of button members (5). The button lighting structure includes button cover member (7) including plate-like portion (11) having a plurality of openings (14) into which the plurality of button members (5) is inserted, translucent guide (12) that guides the movement of button members (5) pushed into openings (14), and peripheral wall portion (13) formed along the outer periphery of plate-like portion (11), and configured to irregularly reflect, by plate-like portion (11) and peripheral wall portion (13), light from light-emitting element (6) disposed to face plate-like portion (11). Button member (5) includes translucent sidewall portion (5b) into which the light, that is emitted from light-emitting element (6) and that has passed through guide (12), enters.

Abstract: There is provided a key switch structure including: a plate shaped key top; a link mechanism supporting the key top such that the key top can be depressed; a membrane sheet comprising a contact point portion; a back plate supporting the link mechanism and adhered to the membrane sheet; a plurality of holder members insert molded onto the back plate and supporting the link mechanism; and a resilient member provided between the key top and the membrane sheet, the resilient member being compressed by depressing of the key top and pressing the contact point portion to make a continuity.

Abstract: Sub-membrane keycap indicators for keyboard assemblies may be implemented by positioning an indicator light element beneath a switch membrane circuit and within the baseplate of a key device. The indicator light element may be so positioned to direct light upward in a substantially narrow cone to an aperture or lightguide molded into a keycap in order to illuminate or light the indicator aperture or lightguide to indicate the current status of at least one component of an information handling system.

Abstract: A keyswitch includes a base, a first magnetic area, a key cap, a second magnetic area, a first linking bar and a second linking bar. The first magnetic area is disposed on the base. The second magnetic area is disposed on the key cap. A position of the second magnetic area is corresponding to a position of the first magnetic area. The first and second linking bars are disposed between the base and the key cap. The first and second linking bars are movably connected to the base and the key cap, so as to drive the key cap to move with respect to the base between a non-pressed position and a pressed position.

Abstract: A switch module is provided with a circuit substrate that has a metal dome sheet mounted on a surface thereof which is arranged in opposition to a key substrate, a light guiding sheet that is arranged between the key substrate and the circuit substrate, an LED, and a reflector that makes the light emitted from the LED incident into the light guiding sheet from an end thereof, wherein key parts are able to be illuminated by the switch module. At an inner side of the reflector in the light guiding sheet, there is formed a printed pattern of white ink for scattering light on an optical path of the light which transmits through a first surface from the vicinity of an edge portion of the reflector.

Abstract: A key that includes a body with an optically transmissive or light permeable region and an optical film coupled to or carried by the light permeable region. The key also includes a resilient structure coupled to the body. The key can be assembled or coupled to, or disposed relative or adjacent to, a display screen. The key also includes a switch actuator (e.g., an electromechanical switch actuator or contact element). Displacement of the key, more specifically the body of the key, displaces the switch actuator for actuating a switch. The resilient structure is configured to bias the body at a first position. The body can be actuated or displaced from the first position to a second position for effectuating corresponding displacement of the switch actuator and actuation of the switch. The resilient structure provides or establishes a positive tactile feedback upon user-directed or user-controlled actuation or displacement of the body.

Abstract: A button assembly for displaying an illuminated symbol with a locking ring having an outer surface. A solid light guide is positioned within and spaced apart from the locking ring. The light guide has a top surface for displaying an illuminated symbol and a bottom surface with a light receiving member having a refracting surface with a first lens member for receiving and directing light to the top surface of the light guide. A resilient sealing member is mounted on the locking ring and interconnects the locking ring and the light guide. The sealing member has an unsupported portion that facilitates movement of the light guide relative to the locking ring.

Abstract: Multi-functional keyboard assemblies include an array of keys formed from stacked component layers. A top portion of the key may be capable of travelling vertically with respect to a base of the key. The top portion can include a keycap and a circuitry module coupled to the keycap. The keys may be capable of receive at least two distinct types of inputs and/or receiving at least one type of input and providing at least one type of output. Such output may include use of one or more light sources, displays, and/or haptic feedback devices.

Abstract: An illuminating push-button device includes a key-top part having a key-top surface and a first protrusion that protrudes from a back side of the key-top surface. The device also includes a key rubber part made of a transparent or semi-transparent elastic material and having a second protrusion that receives the first protrusion, the second protrusion being oriented in a common direction as the first protrusion. A switching device is included that opposes the second protrusion and is configured to be actuated in response to the key-top part being depressed. A light-source element emits light from a light-emitting surface and cooperates with a light-blocking sheet disposed between the light-source element and key rubber part and covers at least a portion of the light-emitting surface of the light-source element and has a loose hole through which the second protrusion of the key rubber part is passed.

Abstract: A switch panel with an indicator is disclosed. The switch panel has a transparent region. There is a light source disposed in the switch panel for emitting light when turning off a switch body. A shape of the transparent region is projected onto the wall for forming a large area of indicating pattern, and this can replace a night light. The drawback of a luminous region in prior art which is limited to be on the switch body or on the switch panel is solved.

Abstract: A luminescent keyswitch module includes a base plate, a keyswitch, a light guide plate, a light source, a diffusion structure, and a reflector. The keyswitch is disposed on the base plate. The light guide plate, disposed under the base plate, has an accommodating space communicated with a through hole of the base plate. The light source passes through the through hole, is accommodated in the accommodating space, and emits light having a first divergence angle. The diffusion structure is accommodated in the accommodating space and located between the light source and the light guide plate. The light passes through the diffusion structure. The light leaving the second light exit surface has a second divergence angle larger than the first divergence angle. The reflector is disposed under the light guide plate, so as to reflect the light to pass through the light guide plate and the base plate to the keyswitch.

Abstract: Illuminated button assemblies are provided that can be secured to a mounting surface by any of a locking member such as a snap tab, a securing member such as a nut, or a combination of both. The securing member is adapted to enclose the locking member when it is fully secured. A variety of illumination assemblies are similarly sized and shaped such that they can be interchanged within the same assembly housing. A switch and the illumination assembly are directly connected to the assembly housing without the need for a lamp holder.

Abstract: An improved control panel assembly is easy to fabricate, and easy to recognize a selected operation condition, and a laundry device with the same. The control panel assembly for a laundry device includes a button assembly having a plurality of buttons provided in correspondence to operation conditions, a control panel having a plurality of mounting holes for exposure of the plurality of buttons therethrough from a front thereof, and a frame on a rear of the control panel, the frame joining the plurality of buttons as one unit, and preventing pressing interference between adjacent buttons.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes an enclosure; a first terminal; a second terminal; separable contacts electrically connected between the first and second terminals; an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts; and an indicator circuit electrically interconnected with the second terminal The indicator circuit is structured to indicate occurrence of a signal at the second terminal. The signal has a frequency substantially greater than a power line frequency.

Abstract: A membrane circuit board and a luminous keyboard with such a membrane circuit board are provided. The membrane circuit board includes an upper wiring board and a lower wiring board. The upper wiring board has a first film layer and a first circuit pattern formed on a bottom surface of the first film layer. The lower wiring board has a second film layer, a second circuit pattern and a light reflective element arranged between the second film layer and the second circuit pattern. The first circuit pattern has a plurality of upper contact. The second circuit pattern has a plurality of lower contacts corresponding to respective upper contacts. The upper contacts and the corresponding lower contacts are collectively defined as a plurality of membrane switches. Moreover, a refractive index of the light reflective element is lower than a refractive index of the second film layer.

Abstract: I (the applicant) have invented a method of quarantine computer virus, cross reference to related application Ser. No. 61/520,159, filing or 371(c) date Jun. 4, 2011. The “ON-ON MASTER SWITCH” controls the electrical voltage (12 Volt and 5 Volt power) to the hard drives at different time. For home use one hard drive (the left side, red led) would be installed with operating program, internet, e-mail and skype. The other hard drive ( on the right side, green led) would be installed with operating programs, Microsoft office, adobe, adobe photo shop, Autocad, income tax files, photos, family moves, etc. When you are surfing on the internet you can get a computer virus that will destroy your family photos, Autocad files etc. Or scan your computer and get your income tax files, banking information. With “ON-ON MASTER SWITCH” is on the left side your files are safe. For business use one hard drive would be used as primary drive and the other one would be used as a secondary backup.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for remotely actuating a subunit disconnect in a motor control center subunit. A motor control center subunit includes a subunit housing configured to fit within a motor control center and a subunit disconnect configured to selectively control a supply power to motor control components of the subunit housing. A control mechanism is attached to the subunit housing to activate and deactivate the subunit disconnect and a remote control device communicates with the control mechanism and is configured to operate the control mechanism to activate and deactivate the subunit disconnect.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard includes plural keys, a membrane switch circuit member and an illumination module. The illumination module is used for emitting plural light beams. When the membrane switch circuit member is triggered by depressing a key, the membrane switch circuit member issues a corresponding key signal. The membrane switch circuit member includes plural light-guiding zones. Each of the light-guiding zones is filled with the corresponding light-guiding layer, so that no vacant space is formed in the light-guiding zone. As a consequence, the light-guiding layer is structurally rigid, and the possibility of abrading the light-guiding layer is minimized.

Abstract: A keypad assembly including a dome configured to operatively engage a switch sensor; a dome overlay guide operatively coupled by to the dome; a key corresponding to the dome and configured to operatively engage the dome; and a light emitting source, configured to emit light. The dome overlay guide is configured to receive the light emitted by the light emitting source and direct the received light toward the keys.

Abstract: A thin illuminated keyboard comprises at least one keycap, an upper light guide plate and a lower light guide plate. The upper and lower light guide plates have respectively a first light guide layer and a second light guide layer opposing each other. The first and second light guide layers have respectively a first circuit layer and a second circuit layer laid on the opposing surfaces thereof. The first and second light guide layers also have respectively a first mask layer and a second reflection layer on the sides opposite to the first and second circuit layers to form an optical passage therebetween. The first mask layer has at least one light penetration zone receiving light from the optical passage. The light is transmitted and confined in the optical passage between the first and second light guide layers, and condensed to project to the keycap through the light penetration zone.

Abstract: A control unit comprising a light guide is formed and positioned in a circuit board for providing visual indication to a user of an appliance, such as a cooktop. The light guide receives light from a source, typically in the form of an LED on the circuit board, typically positioned laterally to the light guide, and the light guide receives and directs the light to the user. In some embodiments, the light guide is positioned behind a cover, which may have indicia thereon for providing operating information to the user. Portions of the light guide may be coated with an electrically conductive coating so as to also form a portion of a capacitance touch switch for detecting user input for controlling operation of the appliance.