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 light irradiating switch apparatus which is comparatively small in vertical dimension and low in production cost. The light irradiating switch apparatus comprises a casing, a printed circuit board mounted on the casing, a switch element mounted on the printed circuit board, a light source mounted on the printed circuit board, a light intercepting slide member mounted for sliding movement in the casing, and a light transmitting key top mounted on the slide member and having an indicating portion thereon. The printed circuit board having a slot formed therein in such a manner as to surround the light source, and the slide member has an end portion fitted in the slot of the printed circuit board for movement in a perpendicular direction to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An illuminated key button is disclosed which is formed of a light permeable hard resin and has on the bottom of the key a print layer which is illuminated from below and is integral with the operating portion of the key button.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating resin-filled components, which comprises a multi-element arrangement of a thermoformed plastic sheet with a "second-surface" screen-printed graphic, which formed sheet can receive a light-directing apparatus, and the molded-resin is applied so as to secure the apparatus and provide stability to the overall structure or component. The method is particularly adapted with respect to the fabrication of graphic-display illuminated buttons for use within automotive vehicles.

Abstract: A backlit switch for use on the instrument panel of an automotive vehicle that eliminates virtual images in the line of sight of a vehicle operator. The switch provides a legend which is spaced back from a clear transparent lens element and oriented to have its normal below the normal of the lens element. The lens element provides an actuation surface which is substantially normal to the force exerted by the operator's finger.

Abstract: The open and closed conditions of the contacts within industrial-rated circuit breakers is externally ascertained by means of an auxiliary switch-contact position verifier accessory. A viewing aperture in the circuit breaker accessory cover provides visual access to a color-coded shutter that forms part of the auxiliary switch accessory and operates off the circuit breaker crossbar assembly. In the event that the circuit breaker contacts remain closed when the circuit breaker operating handle is moved to the OFF position, the colored indicia verifies the actual condition of the circuit breaker contacts.

Abstract: A single module for relay, limit switch or related devices for self-powering the set of contacts and sensing the state of the contacts, compatible with Opto 22 and related I/O systems interfacing microprocessors and industrial processes and the like and with further features, if desired, of a single isolation device for both power and signal isolation such as a transformer, preferably employing conversion to D.C. in the tranformer output and optional resonant mode flyback pulses to step up the primary drive voltage.

Abstract: A display button of a push-button switch according to the invention includes a central design display portion and angular display portions, which serve for illumination, arranged on the display surface of a push-button, with a display of a color contrasting with that of the background. Displays having a variety of colors and modes can be presented by selectively illuminating and displaying both display portions.

Abstract: An illuminated membrane keyboard 18 includes a light beam matrix, which when broken by the shadow of a stylus, operates logic to turn on illumination for a preset time rendering a normally dead front appearing keyboard visible. This feature conserves energy required to power illumination, lengthens the life of the illuminating source and limits access to the keyboard.

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: An electric switch having a pair of light bulbs located in tandem with one light bulb serving to light the outer peripheral edge of a control knob for indicating location of the switch in the dark and the other light bulb serving to light the control knob center for providing a system status.

Abstract: A membrane switch has a substrate, a flexible membrane and an intervening spacer. Switch contacts are formed on the top surface of the substrate and the underside of the membrane in spaced, facing relation. A hole in the spacer in register with the switch contacts allows the contacts to move together in response to pressure exerted on the membrane. An auxiliary electrical device can be incorporated into the membrane switch through an opening in the membrane which provides access to a current supply circuit which is formed on the top surface of the spacer. The auxiliary device is held in place in electrical contact with the current supply circuit on the spacer. A pair of current supply leads provide electrical power to the current supply circuit. In a preferred embodiment at least one of the current supply leads is formed on the underside of the membrane, in contact with the current supply circuit and also connected to the switch contact on the membrane.

Abstract: A push button switch having a self-indicating message display includes a push button capsule for being depressed into a housing for actuating a switch mounted in the housing. The push button capsule has a legend screen with a legend indicating use of the switch and a message screen for being displayed in the "on" position of the switch. The message screen fronts a shutter blade capsule mounted in the housing, and a pair of flexible shutter blades on opposite sides of the shutter blade capsule are curved toward one another over the message screen to black out the message when the switch is in the "off" position. The legend screen has light scattering capability that can black out the legend, when desired, and prevent reading the blacked out legend even in high ambient light conditions.

Abstract: Contact patterns are formed on a transparent substrate to introduce information or a command into a system. A display means, responsive to the opening and closing of the contact patterns, is installed behind the transparent substrate, thereby indicating a switching condition of a switching means associated with the contact patterns.