Abstract: An EL element includes plural light transmitting front-electrodes forming plural lines by wiring and plural back-electrodes forming plural lines by further wiring. The front-electrodes are angled relative to the back-electrodes and a light-emitting layer is disposed between the front-electrodes and the back-electrodes. The EL element combined with a controller works as a lighting unit, which controls light emission at any place, so that a variety of lighting is realized by the lighting unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment a light source is provided to illuminate one or more keys. Each key has at least one glyph. The color of each glyph corresponds to the light source.

Abstract: A switch assembly comprises a substrate and a multi-way switch mounted on the substrate. A knob is connected to the multi-way switch and has a perimeter. The knob is used for controlling a position (e.g., a shaft position) or corresponding electrical state of the multi-way switch. At least one light source is associated with the substrate. A light diffuser is located at least partially in an optical path between one or more of the light sources and a region about the perimeter of the knob.

Abstract: A sheet shaped key top wherein molded resin key tops are arranged on a sheet, wherein the resin key top is fixed so as to cover the core upper part passing through the sheet, allowing to vary easily the key top design, and permitting a high manufacturing yielding, and a manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: In one embodiment a light source is provided to illuminate one or more keys. Each has at least one glyph. The color of each glyph corresponds to the light source.

Abstract: An illuminated pushbutton has a display assembly which is movable relative to a fixed part containing a switch assembly. The display assembly contains a plurality of solid state light generating devices which can individually or in combination provide illumination with variable coloring characteristics. A flexible circuit element connects these devices to electronic circuitry in the fixed part which controls the coloration of the display.

Abstract: A resinous member with a character visually arranged therein, including a resinous body, a character formed by a laser beam machining on a surface of the body, and a light transmittable coating arranged on the surface of the body for covering at least the character. The light transmittable coating is provided with a generally uniform thickness to form a roughened outer surface substantially corresponding to a machined surface of the character. The light transmittable coating may be formed through a spray coating process. The resinous member may be used as a key top member of a key in a keyboard of an electronic machine. The key top member comprises a resinous body, a character arranged on a surface of the body, and optical means arranged in association with the character for highlighting the character in an optical manner using an external light. The optical means may comprise a phosphorescent or fluorescent member.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard with keys capable of selectively passing through polarized light of different polarization directions. Keys are provided with two different labels. In a first mode a first label associated with a key is selected, and in a second mode a second label associated with the same key is selected. A first polarizing filter is provided, which filter is associated with the first label, for passing through the first label of polarized light emerging from a first source of plane-polarized light, and to filter polarized light emerging from a second source of plane-polarized light, the polarization directions of the two sources being perpendicular to each other. Similarly, a second polarizing filter is provided which is associated with the second label. The selection of the different labels associated with a key is performed by selectively energizing the first and the second source.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a type of super-thin plastic key, comprising a top part and a base part; said top part comprising a top part foundation, a layer of light permeable ink and a layer of light-proof ink; using a plastic film as the top part foundation; on said top part foundation is printed a layer of light permeable ink; on said light permeable ink is printed a layer of light-proof ink to display a letter or figure; said top part foundation printed with the light permeable ink and the light-proof ink is subjected to hot-press process to form a top part with a specified shape; said top part and the base part are again subjected to an extrusion monobloc forming process, to form a light permeable super-thin plastic key; by said configuration to achieve the requirements of light weight, thin, short, and small size for electronic telecommunication products; thus avoiding the weakness of poor adhesion and achieving the purposes of simple production and reduced costs.

Abstract: An illuminating display device for limiting the travel direction of beams. This device includes a main body which is transparent; a display layer disposed on the surface of the main body and including a display mark composed of a cut-out section; a reflective layer formed in the cut-out section on the surface of the main body and having a pattern including light beams reflecting parts and light beams transmitting parts respectively scattered thereover; and a light source disposed in the main body. In this construction, the main body includes a refracting medium, disposed in a passage for light beams emitted from the light source, for regulating the direction of beams which travel outside the device by refracting the beams.

Abstract: A key switch includes a rubber key body mounted within a key switch hole on a key pad device above a circuit board thereof, and a key cap fastened to the rubber key body at the top and depressed to move the rubber key body downward in triggering a contact on the circuit board, wherein the key cap is made from a plastic convex lens having a convex top wall and a plain bottom wall, the plain bottom wall having a light-blocking area and a light-penetrable area, the light-penetrable area being shown in the form of a pattern; the rubber key body is molded from a vulcanized rubber sealed to the plain bottom wall of the key cap through a heat sealing process. Three layers of ink are disposed between the key body and the key cap.

Abstract: An improved internally-illuminable push-button switch unit is proposed, which is an assembly comprising:(a) an upper sheet member integrally consisting of a first elastic sheet having such a light-transmissivity as to ensure image-visibility therethrough and a key-top part made from a light-transmitting synthetic resin having a Shore D hardness of at least 40 and protruded on the upper surface of the first elastic sheet;(b) a lower sheet member integrally consisting of a second light-transmitting elastic sheet and a click-plate presser made from a light-transmitting material and protruded on the lower surface of the second elastic sheet, the lower sheet member being positioned below the upper sheet member;(c) a light-conducting plate positioned below the lower sheet member;(d) a click plate positioned below the lower sheet member;(e) a circuit board positioned below the lower sheet member; and(f) a light source positioned below the lower sheet member and above the circuit board,at least either one of the firs

Abstract: A light illumination membrane switch having a configuration with a reduced size, capable of realizing an effective light illumination of the keys and a highly reliable operation even under the high humidity environment. The switch has a light source section using an LED bare chip element for emitting lights to illuminate the key section which is directly mounted on the electrode circuit member of the printed circuit board. The switch may include a translucent diffuser member having a cavity region for directly transmitting the lights emitted from the light source section to the key section. The switch may include a translucent diffuser member having a side wall portion defining an opening such that the translucent diffuser member and the printed circuit board are assembled together by inserting the printed circuit board into the opening defined by the side wall portion.

Abstract: A substrate 70 carrying a button plate 54 having an actuating button, and a switch element 72, is arranged at the back side of a front panel of an outer housing 1, and is supported by a bracket 74 screwed to the outer housing 1. The actuating button 52 and the switch element 72 may be positioned easily, while the LED 64 or the remote controlling light receiving section 68 may also be positioned simultaneously. The button plate 54 is not distorted in contradistinction from the case in which the button plate 54 is screwed directly.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard in which the keys are operable in at least two different modes. Each key is provided with symbols or areas of color which denote the different modes. The symbols or areas are selectively illuminated depending upon which mode is selected. Thus, in one mode, one area of the keys will be illuminated, while in another mode, another area of the keys will be illuminated. Thus, only the symbols or areas of color on denoting a selected mode are differentially visibly distinguishable by the user, assisting the user to press the correct key, in any selected mode.

Abstract: An keypad comprises at least first and second actuators formed of a substantially translucent elastomeric material. A barrier (103) disposed within the first actuator (200) permits light, emitted by a first light source (105), present inside the first actuator (200) to substantially illuminate at least a portion of the first actuator (200) without substantially illuminating the second actuator (505) and permitting light, emitted by a second light source (503), present outside the first (200) and second (505) actuators, to substantially illuminate at least a portion of the first actuator (200) and at least a portion of the second actuator (505). A method for making a selectively illuminated keypad is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is the backlit display and/or backlit keyboard display which have a controlled level of illumination at the surface thereof. Where such switch and/or display are illuminated by a light emitting diode, the present invention interposes an optical filter between the light emitting diode and the surface of the cover. The optical filter contains a pattern thereon having a variable density distribution of opaque material which in a preferred embodiment is densest in the area closest to the light emitting diode and decreases in density in areas away from the light emitting diode. In a preferred embodiment the optical filter is a "negative" of the illumination without a filter present. The result in both the switch and display embodiments is a substantially constant level of illumination across the surface of the cover. Further disclosed is at least one slot in translucent layers which may be incorporated in a switch or display which reduces "crosstalk" between switches and/or displays.

Abstract: An electric switch unit, in particular for the control of air conditioning units in automotive vehicles. The switch unit includes pushbuttons whose symbols are illuminated by light which is guided from a central source of light through a light-guiding member. The light-guiding member is composed of interconnected light-guiding bars to which projections are molded. From the projections the light exits toward the pushbuttons. The front faces of the projections are concavely curved, and as a result a uniform illumination of the symbol areas is provided. The light-guiding bars are furnished with totally reflecting surfaces, and as a result the total quantity of light incident upon them is reflected into the projections. The quantities of light exiting from each projection are equal. Due to the arrangement of a focusing lens at the transition of the light from the source of light to the light-guiding bars, a parallel beam of light is emitted into the latter.

Abstract: A pictorial symbol switch which is effective to minimize a panel and to prevent an operation in error thereof. The pictorial symbol switch comprises first and second switch units having first and second pictorial symbols indicated on surfaces thereof, respectively, and visually representing first and second events, respectively, which relate to each other and are each to take place when the first or second switch unit is depressed. Thus, an operating section and a display section are provided in an integral relationship with each other for each of the switch units of the pictorial symbol switch.

Abstract: A back-lit push button array which permits close spacing of the buttons while preventing light leaks between the buttons. The buttons are individually keyed into the outer shell of a housing to provide lateral support while permitting axial movement, and interleaving laterally extending features are formed on juxtaposed sidewalls of the buttons within the housing to prevent interbutton light leaks. This permits the buttons to be spaced very closedly, and there is no limitation on the size of the symbols or legends other than the dimensions of the button face itself.

Abstract: An illuminated switch device including a single light source and an operating knob provided with an indicator adapted to be illuminated in different selective colors by a light from the light source. The switch device further includes a light transmissive member fixed to the operating knob, a case for slidably mounting the operating knob therein which case has first and second openings at positions perpendicular to each other, a shutter rotatably supported to the case and adapted to selectively open and close the first and second openings by reciprocation of the operating knob, and transparent color filters having a light transmissivity provided in light paths passing through the first and second openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illuminated switch and in particular to one having a housing, switch contacts in the housing, an electrical device disposed in the housing and operatively associated with the switch contacts, a light transmissive colored filter mounted over a neon lamp of the electrical device, and a transparent member located over a cds photoresistor of the electrical device, whereby the neon lamp will light to provide indication of the switch location in darkness and will be extinguished when the switch is turned on.

Abstract: An indicator light assembly forms part of a push button switch. A base member is formed from a transparent material having a high index of refraction. A shaft is formed on the back of the base member which cooperates with other switch elements and which defines a space in which an indicator lamp is mounted. A concave lens is formed on the back of the base member at the forward end of this space, and a Fresnel lens is formed on the front surface of the base member. A Fresnel plate is positioned over the front of the base member and the optical surfaces thus formed serve to uniformly disperse the light from the indicator lamp.

Abstract: An electrical toggle switch with self-contained indicating devices for displaying the operating condition of the switch and the electrical equipment controlled thereby. The switch may be of the single pole double throw type, or the double pole double throw type, operated by a three position toggle lever which actuates a fulcrum mounted conductive bridge. The switch housing incorporates indicating lamps with color coded lenses. A legend plate assembly mounted on the switch includes a readily interchangeable legend plate which indicates switch function whether or not specifically illuminated.

Abstract: A transparent touch-sensitive panel comprising a transparent touch-sensitive switch consisting of an upper plate, a lower plate, and an insulating spacer. A transparent board has an outer peripheral portion to which the lower plate is bonded via a transparent adhesive layer. A visual display such as a liquid-crystal display is mounted on the underside of the board. An uneven surface is formed on one of the upper surface of the board and the lower surface of the lower plate which are disposed opposite to each other and through which the light emanating from the visual display is transmitted.

Abstract: An electrical toggle switch with self-contained indicating devices for displaying the operating condition of the switch and the electrical equipment controlled thereby. The switch may be of the single pole double throw type, or the double pole double throw type, operated by a three position toggle lever which actuates a fulcrum mounted conductive bridge. The switch housing incorporates indicating lamps with color coded lenses. A legend plate assembly mounted on the switch includes a readily interchangeable legend plate which indicates switch function whether or not specifically illuminated.

Abstract: The switch includes a housing having a translucent sleeve of one color projecting from one end thereof. A translucent pushbutton of a different color is reciprocable in the sleeve against the resistance of a compression spring between an OFF position in which it projects from the sleeve, and an ON position in which it is located entirely within the sleeve. A bulb on the inner end of the pushbutton is disposed to be connected through the spring to a power supply, and when energized illuminates the pushbutton so that when the latter is in its outer or OFF position it emits light of said different color, but when in its inner transmits light comprising a combination of two different colors of the pushbutton and sleeve, respectively. Switch operating cams which project from the pushbutton into the housing have sliding engagement with toggle switch blades, which are mounted to pivot about stationary fulcrums between switch opening and closing positions.

Abstract: A three-position toggle switch having a transparent toggle lever (28) illuminated in its natural color in the center position and illuminated in second and third colors in its respective left and right positions. Molded color filters (32, 34) are structurally attached to the interior end of the lever by dovetail slots (28k, 28m) and dovetail ribs (32b, 34b) and are retained thereon by confinement within the interior switch cavity (2a). The filters (32, 34) have offset legs (32a, 32b) depending toward a lamp (8) in the switch base (2) to reflect or redirect light rays from the lamp (8) to enhance color separation while permitting an inexpensive, unfocused lamp to be utilized.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an improved lever switch arrangement for use in a motor vehicle and the like, in which positions of a control lever are clearly indicated through illumination particularly at night for improved operability, while the illumination of the control lever positions is also utilized to display the state of functionings of switch members incorporated in the control lever.

Abstract: An illuminated push-button switch which has the functions of both the optical display and the mechanical display, and which produces a plurality of displays simultaneously, the displays being easily recognizable.

Abstract: An illuminated pushbutton switch comprising a housing, a switching component, a reset spring, and an illuminator component including a lamp holder and a pushbutton which is removably installed in the housing. Characteristically, this switch further comprises a leaf spring which is secured at its base end to the lamp holder and disposed to provide a predetermined spacing between the lamp holder and pushbutton, and engaging means formed in the pushbutton for engaging a free end of the leaf spring, and a stationary member for transversely biasing the leaf spring out of engagement from said engaging means as the reset spring returns to its original position.

Abstract: The toggle is of transparent plastic so that a lamp inside the switch case can illuminate the inner end of the toggle and thereby light up that portion of the toggle projecting outwardly of the case. Two colors are possible, to reflect the on/off condition of the switch. A transparent red colored plastic actuator is provided at the inner end of the toggle to contrast with the clear plastic toggle itself, and light from the lamp, in one position of the toggle must first pass through this red actuator prior to reaching the toggle, thereby making the toggle appear red. In the other toggle position, the light from the lamp strikes the inner end of the clear plastic toggle directly without first passing through the actuator, thereby giving the toggle a clear light.

Abstract: An assembly of illuminated push button switches includes a plurality of push members operatively engaged with the operating rods of corresponding push button switches. The push members have display windows associated with respective shutter members, and a single light source is arranged behind the shutter members, whereby the illuminated displays of the plurality of switches can be made with the single light source.

Abstract: A push-button electrical switch is described having an illuminated window showing the status of the switch. The window includes the words "ON" and "OFF" in differing but complementary colors and two filter members also of differing but the same complementary colors are rotated selectively into the light path to the window in order to illuminate either the word "ON" or "OFF".

Abstract: An illuminated push-button switch assembly has a casing slidably mounting a manipulation member provided at its exterior end with an indicating plate. A light source is mounted in the casing to illuminate the indicating plate. The switch assembly further has shutter means constituted by a filter member and a drive member. The filter member is rotatably supported at its one end on the casing, while the filter member is rotatably supported at its intermediate portion by the manipulation member. The free end of the drive member is engageable with the filter member at the portion of the latter near the axis of rotation. As the slider is moved by manual operation of the manipulation member, the drive member is rotated to cause a rotation of the filter, so that the state of illumination of the indicating plate is changed in accordance with the state of the push-button switch.

Abstract: Pushbuttons which are especially useful in illuminating pushbutton electrical switches are provided which have a hollow housing with an open face and sides extending inwardly from said face to an open rear end wherein said face constitutes a frame in which one or more separate resilient flat sheet-like display inserts or colored filters are mounted.

Abstract: In an electric switch of the kind which comprises in a body a connection means rigidly fastened to a pushbutton and mounted for axial movement for electrical connection to two terminals, and a catch pin mounted for movement transversely in the body for co-operation with a heart cam rigidly fastened to the connection means, the catch pin passes entirely through the wall of the body and from the outside of the body is subjected to the action of resilient means which permanently urge the catch pin into contact with the heart cam.

Abstract: An electrical switch has an operating member movable between two positions and includes a light transmissive region in the operating member. The region is illuminated by a light source acting through a lens. Movement of the operating member between the two positions changes the relative position of the lens and the light source such that the area and intensity of the light on the light transmissive portion is varied in said two positions. This variation provides a visible indication of the operative position of the switch.

Abstract: The selector switch has two operating positions, indicated by different colors of light. An operator knob having two spaced translucent portions of different colors is drivingly connected to a tubular switch operator rotor. A lamp shield is received within the rotor around a lamp. The lamp shield has an aperture which directs light only through the translucent portion of the selector switch knob directly over the aperture so that the color of the visible light corresponds to a particular operating position of the selector switch knob.