Light Visible Through Housing Patents (Class 200/317)
  • Patent number: 5807002
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Silitek Corporation
    Inventor: Jason Tsai
  • Patent number: 5801345
    Abstract: A keyboard assembly incorporating multiple lighting modalities is disclosed herein. In one lighting mode, discrete indicator lights are embedded in the actuator keys to signify the state of an associated function. In a second mode, a plurality of legends, each sufficiently proximate to an associated function actuator key, are illuminated. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, function indicator lights in the actuator keys provide real-time user feedback such that scrolling through numerous display screen menus to determine availability of a desired function may be eliminated. Further, the backlit actuator legends enhances usability of system in low light clinical environments during ultrasound exams making the function actuator keys easy to locate. In addition, the backlit legends increases the contrast in high ambient light environments for improved readability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Acuson Corporation
    Inventors: Anastasia M. Mikula-Curtis, Richard W. Henderson, Randal J. Bertuccelli, Gary A. Arndt
  • Patent number: 5713655
    Abstract: The present invention provides a housing for an emergency light source which is electrically connectable to a conventional light switch. The housing replaces a conventional switch plate and has at least one opening for receiving the switch actuator of the light switch. The replacement housing includes wires for electrical connection to the light switch and is divided into upper and lower housing sections, wherein the upper section includes a battery compartment, a printed circuit board compartment, and an opening to receive the switch actuator. The lower housing section includes a compartment for receiving a compact fluorescent lamp, reflectors, and a diffuser cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Stephen E. Blackman
  • Patent number: 5659297
    Abstract: A pushbutton of a switch assembly has an improved display system which includes a housing formed of an electrically insulating polymeric material. A solid-state display system is disposed within the housing. The solid-state display system includes an array of light emitting diodes mounted on a circuit board. The circuit board is disposed on a metal heat sink. The heat sink positions the circuit board relative to the display housing and receives heat from the light emitting diodes. In addition, the heat sink forms a portion of a circuit which conducts electrical energy to energize the light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Vanacan Tatavoosian
  • Patent number: 5631448
    Abstract: A weighing apparatus including a load receiving platform, a dial, and a moving indicator. The dial includes a face bearing various indicia for indicating the weight of a load placed upon the platform. A magnifier is operatively associated with the indicator for magnifying only a limited portion of the face of the dial in proximity to the indicator. A lamp, carried by the indicator, illuminates a limited portion of the face of the dial in proximity to the indicator. A switch actuates the lamp upon placement of a load upon the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Health O meter, Inc.
    Inventors: A. Jay Rabinowitz, Ivan Lestan
  • Patent number: 5607048
    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 includes 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 includes 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kaizu, Atsuhiro Horii
  • Patent number: 5579900
    Abstract: An automobile instrument cluster assembly includes a printed circuit board and a display unit coupled to the circuit board. The display unit includes a light source for displaying information. The instrument cluster further includes a switch having a depressible push-button moveable between an ON position and an OFF position for interacting with the displayed information. The instrument cluster further includes a switch actuator assembly having a plunger for moving the push-button between the ON and OFF positions. The switch actuator assembly further includes a plunger support member removably attached to the circuit board in a snap-fit arrangement for movably supporting the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Pryor, Bradley S. Chupp, Emily A. Graffeo
  • Patent number: 5534840
    Abstract: A control and/or indicator unit with screw terminals includes a one-piece body forming a flange provided with an external screwthread for fitting it by means of a nut to a support and surrounded at the rear by a cap in which are openings for wires and for access to the screws whose axes are parallel to the axis of symmetry of the body. The screws cooperate with connecting areas of bent conductive members held eccentric to the axis of symmetry in the body which provides a cylindrical internal housing open on the same side as the conductive members for at least one mobile contact plunger or a mobile contact plunger and a luminous component or a luminous component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventor: Patrick Cuingnet
  • Patent number: 5521345
    Abstract: An illuminated switch assembly which is suitable for incorporation in a membrane keyboard or other switch array is provided. The membrane switch board is provided with a region through which light may pass about the switches. A light source is mounted proximate the switches with a reflector operatively associated therewith. Reflected light from the light source will be passed through the regions about the switch board illuminating an area that is to be pressed to operate the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Tokheim Corporation
    Inventor: Stanley S. Wulc
  • Patent number: 5500497
    Abstract: A rubber dome switch assembly has a first contamination resistant sheet which overlies a circuit board upon which are switch footprints. The first sheet is apertured to expose the switch footprints and a second contamination resistant sheet overlies the first sheet and has switch closure pads on the underside thereof, each of which is adapted to bear against the corresponding switch footprint to close the switch. A third sheet is adapted to overlie the second sheet and has switch buttons formed thereon each adapted to bear against the second sheet to force the closure pad into contact with the corresponding switch footprint. A faceplate member overlies the third sheet. Pins are provided for aligning the several sheets, all of which are separable from each other, and bolts or spring clips are provided for clamping and holding the several elements together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: AT&T Corp.
    Inventor: Roger A. Merriman
  • Patent number: 5477942
    Abstract: An electronic push button assembly, used as a call and signal generator in elevator controls and installed, via rear surface attachment, in a service control station or indicator board at floor stops and in elevator cars, consists of a push button guide, a carrier plate, an optical acknowledgement device and an electronic portion, wherein the mechanical portion of the push button assembly includes a plunger element, guided and limited for movement by an illuminated ring plate which, through an elastic pressure cap, pressure activates a pressure sensitive resistance FSR when the push button assembly is activated, with the change in resistance of the FSR, resulting from the mechanical pressure, produces a potential change within a voltage divider whereby, via a trigger/preamplifier, a switching transistor is activated and in turn switches on a corresponding load, a potential separation being utilized by the load, via a contact, to complete the acceptance switching circuit, with the basic mechanical construction
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Timothy S. Shea, Surjit S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 5473517
    Abstract: The present invention provides a housing for an emergency light source which is electrically connectable to a conventional light switch. The housing replaces a conventional switch plate and has at least one opening for receiving the switch actuator of the light switch. The replacement housing includes wires for electrical connection to the light switch and is divided into upper and lower housing sections, wherein the upper section includes a battery compartment, a printed circuit board compartment, and an opening to receive the switch actuator. The lower housing section includes a compartment for receiving a compact fluorescent lamp, reflectors, and a diffuser cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Stephen E. Blackman
  • Patent number: 5464955
    Abstract: A household appliance operated by electromechanical controls has a control console that contains a light source to project light onto selected portions of a plastic control console faceplate to illuminate data such as appliance functions and control settings. Data on the control console plastic faceplate can be illuminated upon the occurrance of a predetermined event and in different colors. Control knobs carry a plastic disk that has illuminated data, a clear selection window, and a translucent portion which aligns with illuminated data on the plastic control console faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Cole
  • Patent number: 5434757
    Abstract: To allow smooth access to such elements as operating knobs for power window switches and a door lock switch provided in a unit panel in the night time lighting condition, the entire surface of an escutcheon panel mounted on the unit panel is defined as a switch operating part for an illuminating lamp which illuminates the elements to be accessed. The illuminating lamp may be lighted up for a prescribed time period to illuminate the escutcheon panel when the switch operating part is touched so that unnecessary consumption of electric power may be avoided. The escutcheon panel may be made of at lease semi-transparent plastic so that light from an illuminating lamp placed behind the escutcheon panel may be transmitted through the escutcheon panel. Alternatively, the element to be accessed such as a switch knob mounted on the escutcheon panel may be made of at lease semi-transparent plastic so that illuminating light may be transmitted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Kasai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 5384440
    Abstract: An automotive seat switch assembly for controlling seat movement comprising a switch housing having front and back covers and a middle switch plate, where the middle switch plate has a plurality of conductors molded in and a plurality of conductor contact surfaces on its outer surface, and a plurality of switch actuator assemblies, where each actuator assembly comprises a contactor for electrically contacting a respective one of the contact surfaces, a contactor actuator slidably mounted to a rail for slidingly actuating the contactor, and a pari of spaced apart support posts extending from the housing upon which the rails are mounted, where the front cover encloses the switch actuator assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Wnuk, Lawrence T. Wargo
  • Patent number: 5359165
    Abstract: An illuminated multi-position rotary selector/control switch assembly for switching substantial direct current (20 amps) at low voltages (12 V). A lower plastic housing shell is molded in a two-stage process with the first stage comprising molding platable thermoplastic resin strips and molding thereover second stage unplatable thermoplastic with exposed surface portions of said first first stage subsequently plated to form conductive strips having stationary switching contacts attached. The connector terminal pins are formed integrally with the strips in the first stage molding. The second stage thermoplastic molded thereover forms the part outline. The upper housing shell has a transparent arcuate window molded integrally therein for collecting and feeding light from a lamp to a light pipe carried by the user rotatable actuation knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Denis J. Leveque, Richard G. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5339096
    Abstract: An intuitive operator panel for machines is provided. A listing of possible functions on a transparent face is located adjacent to each multiple function control or display. A colored background viewable through the transparent face, reduces the readability of the items in the list. A moveable opaque field is located between the transparent face and colored background and increases their readability. The opaque field can be moved by the operator to highlight a desired function from the list. The desired function is highlighted in the list and the machine senses the opaque field's position to determine the function selected. Such a configuration reduces the visual clutter associated with function lists which accompany multiple function controls or displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Richard F. Beaufort, James M. Sangroniz
  • Patent number: 5334810
    Abstract: A one piece mount for mounting switches is disclosed. The mount includes a face plate provided with an aperture in which a push button switch or a key operated switch may be located. A support bracket is located on the rear face of the face plate being formed as one piece with the plate and is provided with holes in which push button switches may be mounted. In one version of the mount a raised portion is provided on the rear face being formed as one piece with the face plate and the support bracket wherein the aperture extends through the raised portion. In use, this version of the mount is provided with a key operated lock cylinder mounted in the aperture and having a cam arm pivotally mounted on the rear face of the lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventors: John S. Kranjec, Robert S. Kranjec
  • Patent number: 5303485
    Abstract: Footwear (1) adapted to enhance the visibilty of the wearer contains a light source (12), a power source (14), circuitry (15, 16, 17) to connect the power source (14) to the light source (12) , and a pressure switch (18) disposed in the sole (5) of the footwear (1) between the wearer's foot and the ground and adapted to turn the light source (12) off when the wearer's foot is on the ground, and hence static, thereby conserving the power source (14), and to switch the light source (12) on when the wearer's foot is off the ground, and usually moving, thereby providing enhanced visibility of the footwear (1) and its wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: L.A. Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Goldston, Jon L. Bemis, Mariamia Godinez
  • Patent number: 5288957
    Abstract: A touch button switch includes a light conducting body (10) having a conductive actuator (28) slidable from one end against a surface (62) to actuate a switch (61) on a board (52) which is held in place by hook laches (53) engaging mortises (55) in the circuit board. The circuit board has LEDs (58) which illuminate the rear edge of the body, which causes the light to be visible at its front surfaces 20, 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventor: Bruce P. Swaybill
  • Patent number: 5260530
    Abstract: An illuminated, press-at-any-point switching device which can be actuated by the application of or the removal of pressure at substantially any point along a surface of the switching device. The illuminated, press-at-any point switching device includes a cover, an illuminating member, a switching assembly and a mounting surface. The cover holds the components of the device onto the mounting surface. The device may also include a separate signal indicia to indicate the operation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Tapeswitch Corporation of America
    Inventors: Edward W. Duhon, Timothy DiPeri
  • Patent number: 5164723
    Abstract: A keyboard has a plurality of key operated switches, each including a key having a manually engagable key surface. The keyboard selectively determines the function produced by operation of the key operated switches, and displays on each key its current function. The display provides a sensible output indication corresponding to the current function of each key, and includes an elongate strip symbol bearing member located alongside each key and lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of each key surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventor: Israel D. Nebenzahl
  • Patent number: 5153590
    Abstract: A keypad apparatus for a radio telephone has the keypad circuit (200) inked onto the lightpipe (105), thereby, allowing freedom in designing the shape of the keypad (103) and reducing the amount of circuitry required on the main circuit board (109) contained within the housing (107) of the radiotelephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Charlier
  • Patent number: 5120236
    Abstract: A device particularly for use to electrically isolated appliances, particularly a television, from unauthorized use. The device includes a first and second respective indicator light mounted about a two-position lock switch, wherein the lock switch utilizes a key to effect positioning of the lock switch to selectively actuate the first or second indicator light to disengage or engage electrically the associated television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Gene Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5112237
    Abstract: A safety plug receptacle, comprising a shuttle means controlled by the plug which is inserted therein to connect the two conductive clamps therein, which are provided for connecting the two plug pins of said plug, to an external power supply. Removal of the plug causes the shuttle means to disconnect the two conductive clamps. Indicator lamp is mounted on the casing of the plug receptacle to give light when the two conductive clamps are connected. Hook means are respectively attached to the two conductive clamps for hooking plug pins in position. Socket means is set to isolate the two conductive clamps from each other so as to eliminate possible short circuit problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Chung-Chieh Yang
  • Patent number: 5099095
    Abstract: A switch device includes an insulating base formed of a plastics material which defines upper and lower switch operation spaces, a pair of confronting hinge bosses interposed between the upper and lower switch operating spaces, and a lamp-mounting space. An operation lever having upper and lower ends is pivotally coupled to the hinge bosses such that the upper end extends into the upper switch operation space and a lower end extends into the lower switch operating space. In this manner, the operation lever may be pivotally moved between first and second states. The lower end of the operation lever includes a bridge portion which establishes a hole such that an opposed pair of resilient contact members associated with a U-shaped movable contact are disposed adjacent to the hole and are thereby capable of being resiliently displaced therewithin. A lamp-holding connector is mounted to the base for holding a lamp within a lamp-mounting space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Daiichi Denso Buhin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsunesuke Takano
  • Patent number: 5086199
    Abstract: A switch device includes an insulating base formed of a plastics material which defines upper and lower switch operation spaces, a pair of confronting hinge bosses interposed between the upper and lower switch operating spaces, and a lamp-mounting space. An operation lever having upper and lower ends is pivotally coupled to the hinge bosses such that the upper end extends into the upper switch operation space and a lower end extends into the lower switch operating space. In this manner, the operation lever may be pivotally moved between first and second states. The lower end of the operation lever includes a bridge portion which establishes a hole such that an an opposed pair of resilient contact members associated with a U-shaped movable contact are disposed adjacent to the hole and are thereby capable of being resiliently displaced therewithin. A lamp-holding connector is mounted to the base for holding a lamp within a lamp-mounting space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Daiichi Denso Buhin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsunesuke Takano
  • Patent number: 5075523
    Abstract: A signal activating device for activating a nurse call system as commonly used in hospitals and nursing homes to summon the attending personnel for assistance, wherein an elongate bar having circuitry electrically interconnected to the call system is supported on the railing structure of a bed or chair so as to extend transversely thereacross in a readily accessible location over a midportion of the body of a person in the bed or chair. A hollow tube is fitted over the bar in engaging, supported relation on a number of electric switches mounted at spaced intervals along the bar's length such that pressure applied by the person to any location along the upper portion of the tube serves to operate at least one electric switch on the bar, thereby activating the nurse call system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Ralph W. Ford
  • Patent number: 5066905
    Abstract: A battery cable assembly having an in-line captive switch device, in which the battery cable conductor is divided into two parts, with a conductive contact pad electrically attached to the end of each part, the pads being axially aligned within the bore of a housing having a threaded sleeve member formed, at least partially, of insulating material. The first pad is secured within the sleeve in fixed non-rotating relation thereto, and in fixed position relative to the first cable portion. The second cable portion is provided with a threaded ferrule which is rotatable relative to the second cable portion for providing relative axial displacement between the pads. The rotatable ferrule is captively rotatable to preclude separation of the two cable portions. A blinking light-emitting device is electrically coupled to the two cable portions for energization via the storage battery and electrical circuit through the light-emitting device to provide visual indication when the pads separate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Baton Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold L. Betton, Edgar A. Hirzel
  • Patent number: 5039832
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an illuminated touch button system having a light ring element, a button element located within and surrounded by the light ring element and an array of light emitting diodes. The light ring element comprises a series of individual chambers situated substantially over each light emitting diode in the array. In the preferred embodiment, each chamber includes a set of three light-receiving triangulated surfaces, these surfaces having a series of edges which act to diffuse the illumination of the light emitting diodes. The chambers, in combination with the edges, produce a relatively even, bright light distribution in the portion of the light ring element surrounding the button element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Richard R. Polacek, Steven B. Davis, Jean Youla
  • Patent number: 5012689
    Abstract: A vehicle foot pedal actuator device is adapted for both depressing a vehicle foot pedal and returning the pedal to its normal position. The actuator device includes a variable length extension assembly adapted to be connected between the vehicle driver's seat and the pedal to be actuated. A drive arrangement is adapted for extending and retracting the extension assembly, and a control system having a moveable remote control unit is adapted for controlling the operation of the actuator from various positions around the vehicle where maintenance and repair work may be performed. The extension assembly preferably includes an elongated extension housing tube adapted to receive an elongated extension member that may be extended and retracted in a telescoping fashion to vary the length of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: Steven R. Smith
  • Patent number: 4969063
    Abstract: A three-condition constantly illuminated status indicator is provided in a circuit breaker to provide three luminesce displays indicating that the breaker is in the on, off or tripped condition. Associated electrical circuitry employs diode-steered capacitive charging elements for selective, common or simultaneous energization of a three-color light emitting diode display without acting as a bypass around the circuit breaker, thus eliminating shock hazard. Selective energization of the light emitting elements is achieved by auxiliary switching means operable to a plurality of switching conditions according to switching conditions of the circuit breaker. The capacitors serve as an impedance to current for the light emitting diodes, eliminating the need for ballasting resistors, resulting in a cooler operating, lower power consumption unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Gary W. Scott, Christopher K. Goble
  • Patent number: 4954675
    Abstract: A switch operation indicator is disclosed which comprises a frame fitted with a push-type switch having a drive member which is locked into a pressed-in position by a first pressing action and unlocked to return to an original position by the next pressing action; a push button fitted in the panel of the frame so that the button can be pressed in; a coupling bar which couples the button and the drive member to each other and has an operating notched portion; an indication opening provided in the panel adjacently to the button and an indication member attached to the frame so as to be swung, along with the movement of the bar, to be engaged with or disengaged from the notched portion and is provided with an indicating portion which alternatively faces or does not face the opening as the indication member is swung back and forth by the repeated pressing actions. Alternatives include an optical guiding version and a vibration-clamping version.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masayosi Iwata, Toshiya Muto, Minoru Morikawa, Satoshi Kozawa, Akihiko Takase, Naoki Terano
  • Patent number: 4884179
    Abstract: An all-purpose lamp for use with vehicles. The lamp includes an air impervious housing having a lens formed therein in optical alignment with a bulb carried within the housing. The housing is open at its lower end for receiving a bulb carrier which is movable relative to the housing. Movement of the bulb carrier controls the on-off operation of the lamp. In one embodiment this switching function is effected by operation of a slide supported on the lamp housing and engaging the bulb carrier. Movement of the slide relative to the lamp housing will effect a corresponding movement of the bulb carriage, thereby moving the bulb in to and out from engagement with a pair of electrical contacts supported within the upper portion of the lamp housing. In this manner, illumination of the lamp is controlled by moving the slide to effect a corresponding movement of the bulb carrier into engagement with the electrical contacts coupled to the vehicle power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Dennis G. Moore
  • Patent number: 4868354
    Abstract: A contact is attached to a carrier and the carrier-contact assembly encapsulated in a chamber in a light guide, the chamber having an open end closed by a circuit board having traces on it. A lever fitting into a lever housing in the carrier passes through a slot in the light guide permitting the carrier to be manually slid within the chamber parallel to the circuit board, thereby moving the contact over the traces. The carrier contacts the light guide wholly along narrow ribs which are greased with a viscous grease. An opaque cover, having a slot through which the lever extends, encloses the light guide. An opaque tape located between the cover and the light guide and having an opening through which the lever extends, slides with the lever to prevent light from escaping through the slot in the cover as the lever is moved. A rim on the lever housing prevents light from escaping around the opening in the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Ray, Ellis P. Lipp
  • Patent number: 4851624
    Abstract: A control assembly has various types of control elements such as switches and potentiometers carried in a housing. The housing includes an applique which has openings through which manual operating levers extend to operate the control elements. The applique includes labelling to indicate the functions being controlled. Lights are carried in the housing with the light emanating therefrom being directed to the openings for sharp illumination at the openings, in the levers, and the labelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventors: Benjamin F. Chestnut, Ellis P. Lipp, Charles H. Mark
  • Patent number: 4797520
    Abstract: A switch, especially for motor vehicles, includes a housing which is insertable into an opening of a mounting plate. The housing is limited by a front plate, several side walls and a base plate. Locking springs project from two side walls. Each locking spring carries a stud. When the switch is mounted the studs snap into position behind the mounting plate. Release shanks projecting into the housing interior originate from the locking spring, which release shanks end in the area of apertures in the front plate. Thus the mounting plate need not have openings through which the locking springs are accessible for removal of the switch. Thus the switch can be surrounded by the mounting plate over the entire perimeter of its front plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: SWF Auto-Electric GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Spazierer, Adam Weber
  • Patent number: 4788387
    Abstract: A limit switch includes a casing, a switch mechanism housed in the casing, a cover covering the casing, and an actuator mounted in the casing for operating the switch mechanism, the cover having a curved or partly spherical convex surface. The cover has at least a transparent or semitransparent portion, and a rating plate is disposed against a back of the transparent or semitransparent portion of the cover. The curved or partly spherical convex surface of the cover prevents spatter expelled from a welding machine from being deposited thereon. Since the spatter is not deposited directly on the rating plate, indications on the rating plate and the energization of an operation indication lamp within the cover can reliably be confirmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kasegi, Takao Kitamura
  • Patent number: 4778952
    Abstract: A key switch assembly for direct mounting on a PCB or similar substrate. The key switch has a body with depending mounting pin having retainers thereon to secure the key switch at apertures in the substrate. The key switch body includes a snappable dome moveable from a non-actuated position to an actuated position in direct contact with conductive elements in the substrate by manual depression of a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard R. Watkins, Dale E. Brumit, Thomas R. Coey
  • Patent number: 4778966
    Abstract: There is disclosed a device for displaying the operation of a knob that is used for an automobile heater control unit, for example. The device has a frame in which a slider is mounted so as to be horizontally slidable. The knob is fixed to one end of the slider. A first light-conducting body that can be illuminated by a lamp to display the operation of the knob is so formed as to surround the slider and the knob. A second light-conducting body that can be illuminated by a second lamp to display the position of the knob is so mounted that the end of this body is located within the outer end surface of the knob. That is, the first light-conducting body is located around the second conducting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kosei Obata, Yasuo Takii, Minoru Oyama
  • Patent number: 4772769
    Abstract: An apparatus for selective backlighting individual transluscent keys of a terminal keyboard includes a horizontal, double-sided printed circuit board having a number of right angle LEDs equal to the number of backlit keys mounted on its bottom surface. A plurality of clearance holes in the printed circuit board admit a plurality of vertical light pipes that are integral with a transparent substrate. Integral alignment bosses on a bottom surface of the substrate fit precisely in corresponding holes of the printed circuit board. Each light pipe has a rectangular cross section and a 45 degree inclined bottom surface. A horizontal light beam emitted by a LED passes through a vertical wall of a light pipe, strikes its inclined bottom surface, and is reflected up through the light pipe into a recess within a key. The substrate supports a rubber sheet in which the keys are molded and a switch contact layer with printed conductors thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Burr-Brown Corporation
    Inventor: William G. Shumate
  • Patent number: 4758724
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: McGill Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Osika
  • Patent number: 4755644
    Abstract: A switch position indicator for use in indicating the status of a push button type switch or a plurality of push button switches. A switch front (350) includes windows (352, 354) which may be selectively illuminated to advise the operator of the status of the switch. A pivoted spring (310) driven by cams (304, 306) connected to portions of the switch is utilized to control the position of a shade (312) for covering and uncovering the selected window openings to indicate the status of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. McGarry
  • Patent number: 4701581
    Abstract: A housing in which electrical components may be mounted. The housing is formed from a single integral molded part which includes a living hinge connecting a base portion and a cover portion such that the two portions may be secured to each other to define the housing. A test button extension is likewise secured to the housing via a living hinge such that the test button extension may be rotated to provide a test button assembly which is appropriately positioned such that the test button extends through an opening in the housing and may be manually displaced to engage an electrical component within the housing to perform an appropriate test function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen G. Wodnicki, Carl Czarnecki
  • Patent number: 4683360
    Abstract: An assembly combining a membrane switch and an electroluminescent lamp panel in which the lamp panel is attached to a circuit layer of the membrane switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: W. H. Brady Co.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Maser
  • Patent number: 4667073
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: McGill Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Osika
  • Patent number: 4613736
    Abstract: An operating switch panel, such as for an audio equipment tuner, utilizes a metal plate which is divided into a plurality of operating parts by simultaneous etching from both sides. Connecting parts remain between individual operating parts. Thin hinges are formed on the operating parts by etching from the back surface of the metal plate, dividing each operating part into two stationary and movable parts. The stationary parts are connected to each other through the connecting parts. Display parts in the form of recesses are formed on the surface of the metal plate respectively at each operating part. Projections are formed on the back surfaces of the movable parts for engaging associated switches. A number of operating parts can be arranged close to each other in a simplified and economical manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Shichijo, Masamitsu Tsukatani, Takeshi Kato
  • Patent number: 4559427
    Abstract: A keyboard system comprises a circuit board having a matrix of contact switches. A module comprises a matrix of keys in actuating correspondence with the contact switches. The keys are of a resilient elongated form having at the terminus an upwardly projecting contact button and a pair of downwardly projecting pegs. One peg contacts a contact switch for actuation thereof. The other peg is receivable in a recess in the circuit board for maintaining alignment of the key. The module also forms a support for an overlying membrane wherein manual depressing of selective locations of the membrane actuates a corresponding contact switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: Veeder Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard G. Dolson, William R. Brophy
  • Patent number: 4554419
    Abstract: A touch-sensitive selection panel structure for a vending machine including a pressure-sensitive membrane-type switch contained between first and second polycarbonate panels comprising the display panel of the vending machine. The touch-sensitive switch configuration is totally transparent to visible light. A product selector window array on the first polycarbonate panel is back-illuminated from within the vending machine with images of the vendable products available, for display in the selector windows on the front face of the vending machine display panel. The images are provided on the back face of the second polycarbonate panel within the vending machine and illuminated from behind in order to project the names and product logos through the membrane switch, and the first polycarbonate panel for viewing by a potential customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Eddie W. King, Herman K. Duke, Don S. Summerville
  • Patent number: 4532393
    Abstract: A push button switch is disclosed which includes a switching body which works as it is, a holder supporting the switching body on one end wall thereof, and a key top swingably mounted on the holder, in which the switching body, the holder and the key top are assembled as a single unit and can be manually disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics, Co.
    Inventors: Haruyuki Koizumi, Zenichi Kitao, Hideki Sato