Abstract: A contactor (1) comprising a first contact member (3) fixed and connected to a first conductor (5) of an electrical circuit; a second contact member (7) connected to a second conductor (9) of the electrical circuit by a connector (11); wherein the second contact member moves between a break position, in which the first and second contact members are out of contact, and a make position, in which the first and second contact members are in contact; an actuator assembly (15) coupled to the second contact member such that actuation of the actuator assembly translates into movement of the second contact member; an electromagnetic arrangement comprising an electromagnetic coil (17) and at least a part of the actuator assembly, wherein, when the coil is energised, the coil generates a magnetic field and thereby the actuation assembly is caused to move under the influence of the magnetic field, which in turn causes the second contact member to move; a hermetically sealable enclosure (2); wherein the first and second

Abstract: An interface device includes a movable button connected to a frame structure by resilient structures positioned laterally between the button and the frame structure. Multiple layers or diaphragms of material can be used to make the button, frame, and resilient structures. Movement of the button can trigger a switch or sensor in a manner allowing an electronic device to detect interaction with the button. The interface device can be implemented in an electronic device such as a keyboard that has a low number of parts yet also providing tactile, stabilized key travel, support for various sensor or switch types for the keys, and, in some cases, haptic feedback.

Abstract: A pedal actuator support bracket (61C) is provided at a front end portion of a frame (11) supported at a driver's seat of a vehicle. An actuator housing (78) is provided so that a base end side of the actuator housing (78) is supported by the pedal actuator support bracket (61C) so as to be able to pivot upward and downward relative to the pedal actuator support bracket (61C). A rack shaft (80) protrudes from a top end side of the actuator housing (78) and moves forward and backward along a longitudinal direction of the actuator housing (78). A pivotal plate (87) is connected to a top end of the rack shaft (80) so as to be able to pivot upward and downward and placed on a pressing surface of a clutch pedal (47) so as to overlap this pressing surface and fixed to the clutch pedal (47).

Abstract: A push-button switch assembly with means for indicating a switch status includes: an actuation head for actuating the push-button switch assembly, the actuation head having a disc-shaped upper part and a tubular lower part; a sleeve-type push-button guide which is coupled to the actuation head such that, in relation to a longitudinal axis of the push-button switch assembly, the upper part is arranged above the push-button guide and the lower part surrounds the push-button guide; and a light guide for guiding light, the light guide being coupled to the actuation head such that, in relation to the longitudinal axis, at least portions of the light guide are arranged within the actuation head and within the push-button guide. The light guide extends through the actuation head with a top end in a predetermined position such that the push-button switch assembly is illuminatable in a predetermined manner by a light beam.

Abstract: A control device may be configured to control an amount of power delivered to one or more electrical loads and provide various feedback associated with the control device and/or the electrical loads. The control device may be a wall-mounted device or a battery-powered remote control device. The feedback may indicate the amount of power delivered to the one or more electrical loads. The feedback may also indicate a low battery condition. The control device may include a light bar and/or one or more indicator lights for providing the feedback.

Abstract: Aspects of the present application relate to a bypass switch for a lamp, such as a surgical or diagnostic lamp. When activated, the bypass switch may act to allow electric power to bypass elements of a control board so that the electric power is provided to the plurality of lamp elements.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a user interface device to set and control a function of an electronic apparatus, including a display unit configured to display screens for option groups of the function, a knob configured to enable a manipulation by a user, a depth sensor unit configured to sense depth of the knob, and a control unit, if the function is selected, configured such that an option group transition of the selected function is performed based on depth information according to the manipulation by the user, and a screen of an option group to which the option group transition is made is displayed.

Abstract: An automatic product dispensing machine comprises: a frame (2) delimiting at least a housing chamber (3); a magazine (4) arranged internally of the housing chamber (3), for containing a series of products (5); at least a display (8) interposed between the housing chamber (3) and the external environment; a control unit (9) active on the display (8) and configured such as to enable visualizing images and/or information. The control unit (9) is further configured such as to switch the display (8) between at least two of the following three operative conditions: a visualizing condition, in which it reproduces at least a datum and/or image that is externally visible, a condition of transparency, in which at least a product (5) contained in the magazine (4) is viewable via the display (8) and a superposing condition, in which at least a product (5) is viewable via the display (8) and at least a datum and/or image and/or film relating to the product is reproduced on the display.

Abstract: The invention is an equipment or vehicle battery circuit cutoff device that mounts at the battery chassis ground mounting hole and accepts the original (in place) battery ground cable (single cable) to provide a secure electrical connection in the use configuration (HOT) and a simple quick, safe, and absolute change of state to the electrical cutoff configuration (CUT). The device employs a heavy compression spring that clamps the battery ground cable into the device when compression spring tension is released against the cable end and allows the quick release of the ground cable when a threaded stud knob or a lever assembly lifts the spring tension to allow the ground cable to be quickly removed. There is no internal switch in the device; the only switch being the presence (HOT) or absence (CUT) of the ground cable in the cutoff device insertion slot.

Abstract: A cover for an electrical receptacle including a faceplate. The cover also includes a first transmission tab configured to be electrically connected to a first power line of the electrical receptacle and a second transmission tab configured to be electrically connected to a second power line of the electrical receptacle. Additionally, the cover includes a device (such as a light source, circuit, port, or sensor) in communication with the first transmission tab and the second transmission tab.

Abstract: An emergency stop device including a body, a control button that is translatably movable along a control axis, at least one set of electric contacts that are normally closed and which include a mobile electric contact and a stationary electric contact, a flexible blade having a first free end and a second free end, and an actuation push member that can be translatably actuated, by the control button, between a rest position and an actuated position, and which is configured to engage with the flexible blade. The flexible blade includes a bearing area for the actuation push member, and the flexible blade is shaped to rigidify the bearing area.

Abstract: A washing machine including a main body and a control panel mounted to the main body. The control panel includes a control panel frame assembled to the main body, a circuit board housing coupled to a rear side of the control panel frame and having an open rear side, and a circuit board accommodated in the circuit board housing. The circuit board is inserted into the circuit board housing through the open rear side of the circuit board housing such that a front surface thereof, on which light emitting elements to display operational modes of the washing machine are mounted, faces an inner wall surface of a front wall portion of the circuit board housing.

Abstract: A switch assembly mounted to a circuit board includes a switch and a housing. A light-emitting diode (LED) is mounted on the circuit board. The switch is received in the housing. The housing is mounted on the circuit board and covers the LED.

Abstract: A key for a keyboard includes a keycap having a top surface configured to be contacted for pressing the key down, and having a bottom. The keycap is substantially transparent. An intermediate layer is coupled to the bottom of the keycap. The intermediate layer is translucent and includes a top and a bottom. The top of the intermediate layer faces the bottom of the keycap. A character layer is positioned between the bottom of the keycap and the top of the intermediate layer. A resilient member is coupled to the bottom of the intermediate layer. The resilient member is translucent and is configured to direct light through the intermediate layer, through the character layer, and out from the keycap. The character layer is configured to be lighted for viewing through the keycap.

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 switch structure includes a cover plate unit having a holding case and a transparent cover movably connected to the holding case with a patterned section sandwiched between them; at least one switch coupled with the cover plate unit and having a switching key; a light emitting unit arranged in the holding case and electrically connected to the switch; and at least one press section including a push plate movably coupled with the cover plate unit and the switching key with a front side protruded from the cover plate unit, a transparent cover movably connected to the push plate, and a label located between the push plate and the transparent cover. The patterned section provides esthetic visual effect; the label indicates a position of which the lighting is controlled by the switch; and the light emitting unit works cooperatively with the switch to serve as an auxiliary light source.

Abstract: An electronic connector comprises: an insulating body, a plurality of terminals contained in the insulating body, a metal shield housing the insulating body, and a light pipe covering the metal shield. The insulating body and the metal shield define a mating space having an inserting opening. The light pipe is made of transparent, compressible LSR and comprises a base body and a ring sealing gasket in front of the base body covering the periphery of the insertion opening. When the electronic connector is assembled in a panel, the sealing gasket is held between a hold of the panel and the metal shield to form a sealing structure, so that the electronic connector and assembly comprising the same are excellently waterproofed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for adapting existing manufacturing processes for non-illuminated data-entry devices and mouses to the manufacture of illuminated data-entry devices. Luminescent sheets of one or more colors underlying optically transmissive device components provide illumination of the components visual to a user of the device. The optically transmissive components may be doped with phosphors or tinted to provide components that emit light of different colors. The intensity of illumination of the luminescent sheet may be controlled by the user and may vary in response to the background light of the environment.

Abstract: A backlight module comprises a light emitting element and a light guide panel having a light output surface in which the light output surface is with a first side, a second side, a through hole, a recess and plural microstructure rows. The microstructure rows are arranged on the light output surface, and the extending direction thereof is parallel to the extending direction of the first side. The through hole is installed between any two adjacent microstructure rows. The light emitting element is disposed in the recess in a central zone of the light output surface, and arranged to emit lights towards the second side. One major light emitting axis of the light emitting element deviates from the through hole.

Abstract: A combination light and switch assembly for a panel of a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a circuit board having an LED contact and a latch contact. The latch contact is configured to electrically couple to a latch of the panel. A LED is joined to the LED contact. The LED is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the panel. An actuator assembly is moveable toward the circuit board so that the actuator assembly engages the latch contact to operate the latch of the panel when the latch contact is engaged by the actuator assembly.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing defining an opening, a button mechanism, and a fixing portion. The button mechanism includes a button cap depressibly received in the opening, a light guiding plate with the button cap mounted on a first side thereof, and a connecting portion. The connecting portion is mounted on an opposite second side of the light guiding plate, and includes a resisting member, and a tab protruding from the resisting member. The fixing portion is received in the housing, and includes a block defining a slot with the tab extending therethrough, an light source for illuminating the light guide plate, a switch to switch on or off the light source and the electronic device. The switch is configured to switch on or off the light source and the electronic device. The button mechanism is depressible so as to enable the resisting member to actuate the switch.

Abstract: A lighting device includes: a light guide plate having a light incident part in an end face and a light radiation part in a flat plate surface; a light source part opposed to the light incident part; a light shield member with which an area near the light incident part on the flat plate surface of the light guide plate is covered; and a switch part including a switch main body, a switch knob and a pressing member connected to the switch knob to press the switch main body by pressing down the switch knob. An end part of the switch knob opposed to a center of the flat plate surface of the light guide plate is located on the light shield member, and the end face of the light guide plate is located between a first virtual line passing the end part of the switch knob and perpendicular to the flat plate surface of the light guide plate and a second virtual line passing the center of the switch main body and perpendicular to the flat plate surface of the light guide plate.

Abstract: An electric switch for use on multiple-use operating elements in commercial vehicles has an operating part that performs a rotational movement around a limited angle and can be actuated directly by a solid body outside the switch, and having a support housing and an adjustment wheel having the operating part. In order to enable a safe usability in the dark, the operating part is constructed in an illuminated manner dependent on the operating position.

Abstract: A switchgear assembly includes a tank housing encapsulating switching contacts which are viewable through a transparent viewing port after illumination of the contacts. A reflective optical device for observing the position of the switching contacts is used to view the contacts at a safe distance outside of the tank housing through the transparent viewing port. An illuminating device is used to illuminate the switching contacts by directing the light from the illuminating device on the switch contacts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image display device having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), which can maintain a primary color which is desired to be expressed, and prevent an interference of other unwanted colors and a change of the primary color at the time of application of a light source of each light emitting diode. The image display device comprises: a first optical filter layer containing a violet wavelength-absorbing material having a wavelength range of from 380 nm to 450 nm such as Bi2O3 so as to prevent light having a wavelength ranging from 380 nm to 450 nm from being leaked out to an undesired region of an image display portion of the image display device; and a second optical filter layer such as a blue color filter layer so as to allow a white light to be expressed in a desired region of the image display portion.

Abstract: A keypad assembly, comprising: a main body made of metal, the main body defining a plurality of slots and the slots enclosing a plurality of pressing buttons thereon, each pressing button defining at least one symbol slot, the main body having a contact surface and a operating surface; and a light-transmissive filling member, the filling member defining a plurality of protruding strips and the protruding strips enclosing a plurality of button areas thereon, each button area having at least one symbol block protruding therefrom, the filling member bonding to the contact surface with the protruding strips and the symbol blocks respectively engaging in the corresponding slots and the symbol slots. A method for making the present keypad assembly is also described.

Abstract: A button assembly for displaying an illuminated symbol has a locking ring and a solid light guide 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 interconnects the locking ring and the light guide. The 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: An electronic device includes a housing defining an opening, a button mechanism, and a fixing portion. The button mechanism includes a button cap depressibly received in the opening, a light guiding plate with the button cap mounted on a first side thereof, and a connecting portion. The connecting portion is mounted on an opposite second side of the light guiding plate, and includes a resisting member, and a tab protruding from the resisting member. The fixing portion is received in the housing, and includes a block defining a slot with with the tab extending therethrough, an light source for illuminating the light guide plate, a switch to switch on or off the light source and the electronic device. The switch is configured to switch on or off the light source and the electronic device. The button mechanism is depressible so as to enable the resisting member to actuate the switch.

Abstract: A capacitive proximity and/or touch switch has an electrically conductive body bridging a spacing distance between an at least partially translucent, electrically insulating cover plate and a carrier plate. The electrically conductive body has a sensor surface at the end thereof facing the cover plate. The sensor surface is connected to an evaluation circuit via the electrically conductive body. A light source is associated with the sensor surface, the light of which implements an optical display in an operating region defined by the sensor surface at the front of the cover plate. The light source is disposed at an offset to the position of the operating region, and the electrically conductive body has a reflector region configured such that light emitted from the light source can be deflected in the direction of the operating region by the reflector region.

Abstract: A load control device has a modular assembly to allow for easy adjustment of the aesthetic and the color of the load control device after installation. The load control device comprises a user interface module and a base module. The user interface module includes an actuation member for receiving a user input and a visual display for providing feedback to the user. The base module has a controllably conductive device and a controller for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load. A connector of the base module is adapted to be coupled to a connector of the user interface module, such that the controller is operatively coupled to the actuation member and the visual display.

Abstract: A concavo-convex light emitting section provided on an under surface of a base material is formed of a synthetic resin with inorganic oxide dispersed therein. A larger amount of light is reflected by inorganic oxide having a large refractive index and dispersed inside the synthetic resin, to cause a plurality of light emitting sections to emit bright light with a small number of light emitting elements. A light guiding sheet capable of making bright and uniform illumination and a movable contact body using the same are realized with a simple configuration.

Abstract: A push-button assembly has a button retainer having a first side wall connected to a second side wall, with an included angle between the first and second side wall being in the range of about 100 degrees to about 170 degrees. Additional side walls connect the second side wall back to the first side wall, forming a hollow portion within the button retainer. The button retainer can be mated within the channel of a corresponding bezel structure. The bezel structure can be tuned to fit the button retainer along a single axis of the bezel structure. A tune-to-fit process includes forming the bezel structure from a mold and measuring the fit of the button retainer within the bezel structure along an x-axis. The bezel mold is either re-cut or material is added to the bezel mold along the x-axis, without re-cutting or adding material along any other axis.

Abstract: A self-luminous keyboard with brightness-enhanced keycaps of the present invention comprises a baseplate, a substrate arranged above the baseplate, a plurality of keycaps coupled to the substrate and able to move up and down, a circuit board triggered by the contact of the keycap to output a signal, and a light emitting element. The substrate has a plurality of via-holes each corresponding to one keycap. There is a light transmission path from the light emitting element through the via-hole to the keycap. In each light transmission path, there is a light concentration member, and the light emitted by the light emitting element is concentrated by the light concentration member and then transmitted to the keycap. Thereby, the brightness of the keycaps is enhanced to be higher than the brightness of the gap between the adjacent keycaps, and the recognizability thereof is promoted.

Abstract: A touch keypad assembly (100) includes a main board (10), a metal dome (40) disposed on a predetermined position of the main board, a touchpad layer (30) disposed on the metal dome, a keypad cover (20) disposed over the touchpad layer, and a light guide film (60) disposed between the metal dome and the keypad cover. The touchpad layer is a flexible printed circuit board.

Abstract: A light guide sheet and a movable contact element using the sheet are inexpensive and provide adequate illumination. In the light guide sheet, light-transmissive upper conductive layers, reflective layers, and lower conductive layers are laminated in this order in predetermined positions on the bottom surface of a light-transmissive, film-like cover sheet. The reflective layers have reverse particles dispersed therein, whose top and bottom surfaces are reversed between light color and dark color.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system may include an electrical device having an indicator light source, an actuator having a window, a viewing piece arranged to be visible through the window, and a light guide arranged to guide light from the light source to the viewing piece. The viewing piece may have a receiving portion arranged to receive light from the light guide, and the width of the receiving portion may be substantially larger than the width of the light guide. In another embodiment, a system may include an electrical device having a first support member, and an actuator having a second support member. The actuator may be adapted to move along a path of motion from a retracted position to an extended position, and the first and second support members may be adapted to support the actuator in the extended position with forces that are substantially balanced along the path of motion.

Abstract: A user interface display system can include at least one user responsive element. The user responsive element can include an optical mechanism. A pulsed light source can produce a light beam. Apparatus are provided for causing the light beam to repeatedly scan across the activity field. A controller can be arranged to repeatedly turn the light source on at one or more predetermined scan positions to illuminate the user responsive element. The controller can also be programed to act upon a signal regarding the status of the element. A photo detector can send the signal to the controller. The optical mechanism acts upon the light beam differently based upon the status of the user responsive element.

Abstract: A keypad is provided for a computing device. The keypad includes one or more lighting devices or mechanisms for illuminating a plurality of keys structures. In an embodiment, the plurality of key structures are formed from a milky material.

Abstract: A luminous switch using an inorganic EL material is provided with a plurality of switch sections so as to reduce acoustic noise. The switch sections are provided with a plurality of protruding parts (112) and a plurality of supporting sections (113) formed on a surface of a structure (101); an elastic deformable conductor (124) arranged to have a convex surface opposed the protruding parts (112); a wiring sheet (102A) for covering the conductor (124); a luminous sheet (160) for covering the wiring sheet (102A); and a plurality of switch buttons (125) arranged above the luminous sheet (160). The luminous switch has a structure in which at least two supporting sections (113) are arranged around the protruding parts (112), and a space (111) is formed between the protruding parts (112) and a switch sheet (102). The conductor (124) is accommodated in the space (111). In a case main body (101), an electronic component (103) is mounted and a substrate (104) provided with wiring is arranged.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a support plate for reinforcing a portion of a circuit board. The support plate may be coupled to a portion of the circuit board that is subject to forces (e.g., portions of the circuit board having switches) to prevent flexing of the board. The support plate may be coupled to the circuit board. This invention is also directed to a switch constructed from a button, a label plate, and a backer plate. The label plate and the backer plate may include apertures operative to receive a protrusion extending from the button, where the protrusion is welded to the backer plate. Labels may be printed or attached to the bottom surface of the label plate to protect the labels. In some embodiments, the protrusion may be welded to the backer plate. The protrusion may be operative to engage an electrical switch of an electronic device in which the switch is placed.

Abstract: A light shielding part includes a slit provided between a first light guide body and a second light guide body, and an attenuation part which has unevenness formed by print and is additionally provided near end sides of the first light guide body and the second light guide body. The light shielding part can prevent light from being transmitted between the first light guide body and the second light guide body. With this configuration, when illumination parts of the first and second light guide bodies are illuminated, it is possible to illuminate the illumination parts of the first and second light guide bodies at different timings without the illumination part of one light guide body being illuminated with light leaked from the other light guide body.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus is provided for a clothing handler that handles clothes received therein. The light emitting apparatus includes a selection device that selects processes for handling the clothes, light emitting devices that emit light according to a selection by the selection device, a transparent window that covers light emitting devices, and a selection device guiding member having holes through which light generated by the light emitting devices, respectively, passes. An end portion of each of the holes is adjacent to the transparent window based on a proceeding direction of the light. The transparent window includes protrusion portions that contact an inner wall of the corresponding hole of the selection device guiding member.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard with a light guide plate of the present invention includes a key module and a luminous module located under the key module. The luminous module includes a transparent light guide plate, a plurality of illuminants, and a light reflection plate located under the light guide plate. The light guide plate is provided with a plurality of light input units which are sections formed at the light guide plate. The illuminants are located corresponding to the light input units, and the light emitted by the illuminants is transmitted into the light guide plate via the sections. The light guide plate is provided with a plurality of light output units to provide the light to the key module. Each light output unit is provided with a plurality of light output members. The quantity of the light output members of each light output unit located at the same side of the illuminants increases with the increasing distance between the light output units and the illuminants.

Abstract: Provided is a keypad assembly used as a data input unit in various electronic devices. The keypad assembly includes a main board having one or more metal domes formed at predetermined positions on the main board, and a keypad disposed on the main board to apply a pressure on the metal dome and to be used as a touchpad according to a mode selection, the keypad includes a keytop layer having one or more keytops on which corresponding alphanumeric characters are formed, a touchpad layer disposed under the keytop layer; and a base layer disposed under the touchpad layer, and having one or more protrusions protruding from its bottom surface at the positions corresponding to the metal dome.

Abstract: A call button device includes an electrical connector in electrical communication with an elongated electrical conductor. Also included is a cable housing at least a portion of the elongated conductor. Finally, the device includes a pendant member having an actuable switch that is in electrical communication with the electrical connector through the elongated conductor. The pendant member also includes a luminous portion configured to provide non-electrical illumination in a low light environment.

Abstract: A control panel assembly is disclosed for making it easy to manipulate buttons of home appliances, the control panel including at least one LED connected to a circuit board for selectively emitting light, a switch connected to the circuit board and provided adjacent to the LED for controlling a home appliance, a control panel provided in front of the LED and having at least one first hole, and at least one elastic button coupled with an edge of the first hole for selectively coming into contact with the switch in response to a user pressing the button, the elastic button having a pushing member including a first light-transmitting part for transmitting therethrough light emitted from the LED.

Abstract: An electroluminescent apparatus includes a protection layer characterized by two or more non-overlapping regions and a back electrode layer which includes two or more back electrode regions. Each of the back electrode regions overlies a corresponding one of the non-overlapping regions in the protection layer. A bottom insulation layer includes two or more bottom insulation regions, each of which overlying a corresponding one of the back electrode regions. The apparatus includes two or more electroluminescent segments, each of which overlying a corresponding one of the back electrode layers. A transparent electrode layer includes two or more transparent electrode regions, each overlying a corresponding one of electroluminescent segments.

Abstract: A sheet switch module includes a circuit board (20) provided with a fixed contact (22) thereon, a light source (30), a movable contact (26) to face the fixed contact (22), a sheet (28) to hold the movable contact (26) on the circuit board, a key top (46) disposed to face the movable contact and a light guiding plate (32) to guide light emitted from the light source (30) to the key top. The light-guiding plate (32) includes a light-receiving part (34) projecting toward an upper surface of the circuit board (20) and a light-guiding part (39). The light-guiding plate (32) is positioned in a substantially horizontal state supported by the light-receiving part (34) on the upper surface of the circuit board (20).

Abstract: An electric switch for use on multiple-use operating elements in commercial vehicles has an operating part that performs a rotational movement around a limited angle and can be actuated directly by a solid body outside the switch, and having a support housing and an adjustment wheel having the operating part. In order to enable a safe usability in the dark, the operating part is constructed in an illuminated manner dependent on the operating position.

Abstract: A touch sensor is physically integrated with a light emitting device to provide a switching device with built-in backlighting. In some embodiments, the touch sensor and the light emitting device share electrical components.