Abstract: A flexible touch switch panel of a known type with a deformable membrane carrying a switch closure member is provided with an overlying flexible electroluminescent laminated member providing lighting of the entire switch panel or selected areas thereof, including lighting of keytop indicia on the flexible touch switches.

Abstract: A key switch device having a plurality of keys and a plurality of light emission diode tips for indicating the keys operated, respectively. The diode tips are mounted and electrically connected to metal patterns formed on the same surface of a printed circuit on which fixed contact pairs are formed. In order to cover the diode tips, a transparent plate is overlaid on the printed circuit board and has lamp cover portions. The transparent plate is also provided with small upwardly opening funnel shaped slits at positions between adjacent lamp cover portions, whereby light from one light emission diode is prevented from leaking to a lamp cover corresponding to the adjacent light emission diode.

Abstract: A membrane switch control panel arrangement and a label assembly for labeling same, for providing for in field applied identification of the control panel legend upon assembly of the switch, in which the control panel arrangement is of the keyboard switch type providing for touch sensitive switch actuation, with the control panel arrangement circuit board circuiting, membrane or touch sensitive switch components therefor, and the control panel legend sheet switch location indicia therefor being arranged in superposed modular group form, and columnarily arranged, spaced apart switch actuation and observation sets, which sets are disposed in spaced apart rows and extending crosswise of the panel in a columnar configuration, with the legend sheet being delineated to receive and have adhered thereto individual in field marked labels that are to bear the switch identification indicia of the adjacent switch location indicia row.

Abstract: A backlighted illuminated keyboard including a printed circuit board on which is mounted in a central location a single lamp easily replaceable from the backside of the board and which extends into a clear plastic light diffuser over which an overlay is disposed and a bezel is provided to define key areas in the translucent overlay such that the single lamp disperses light energy through the diffuser to light up the entire overlay. The single lamp is mounted in a socket formed in the printed circuit board and held in place by a swivel arm which can be swung to one side to allow ease of removal of the lamp.

Abstract: A device for controlling the illumination of motor vehicle lights has support bodies connected together. A plurality of conductive tracks are formed on one of the bodies. At least one lever is pivoted between the bodies in such a way as to be able to assume a plurality of positions against the action of a helical spring. At least one electric contact is carried by the lever. The lever has an arm which projects out from the bodies for manual movement.

Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement for attaching discrete electrical components to a generally flat layer of sheet material. Both mechanical and electrical connections are provided by the attachment elements of the present invention. One form of the invention is directed to a membrane switch keyboard wherein one of the layers of the membrane switch has a tail extending therefrom. The tail has a free end which is adhesively secured to some portion of the keyboard. Conductive traces are formed on the tail and extend to the free end where they contact the leads of an electrical component. The component is held between the tail and the keyboard. In another aspect, which may be applied to the membrane switch keyboard just described, the invention includes a sheet material having two or more slits cut therein for each of the component's leads. The slits are cut in a portion of the sheet having conductive traces formed thereon.

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 momentary contact actuator and designation cap assembly designed to be used with a single switch of a laminated flat-panel keyboard. The assembly consists of a housing which snaps over the flat-panel switch, a cantilivered actuator located within the interior of the housing, a designation insert installed over the actuator including switch identification printed thereon, and a transparent cover installed over the insert. Manual pressure applied to the actuator operates the associated flat-panel switch.

Abstract: A membrane switch control panel arrangement and label assembly for labeling same, for providing in-field applied identification of the control panel legend upon assembly of the circuitry switching involved, in which the control panel arrangement is of the keyboard switch type providing for touch sensitive switch actuation, with the control panel arrangement circuit board circuiting switch sets, membrane or touch sensitive switch components therefor, and the control panel legend sheet switch location indicia therefor being arranged in superposed modular group form, oriented as to the switch contacts and associated observation glow bulb involving each switch set, which modules are columnarily arranged in spaced apart rows and extending crosswise of the control panel in a columnar configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel key board switch unit with illumination in the pushing areas, e.g. push buttons. Different from conventional ones, the pushing areas in the inventive unit are illuminated indirectly with the light emitted from a lamp positioned at a remote place not directly visible from above the pushing areas and, instead, an optical conductor member made of a transparent material is provided between the lamp and the pushing areas to be illuminated. The inventive key board switch unit can be very compactly designed despite the sufficiently high but not glaring intensity of illumination facilitating the operation of the switches even in a dark place.

Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement for attaching discrete electrical components to a generally flat layer of sheet material. Both mechanical and electrical connections are provided by the attachment elements of the present invention. One form of the invention is directed to a membrane switch keyboard wherein one of the layers of the membrane switch has a tail extending therefrom. The tail has a free end which is adhesively secured to some portion of the keyboard. Conductive traces are formed on the tail and extend to the free end where they contact the leads of an electrical component. The component is held between the tail and the keyboard. In another aspect, which may be applied to the membrane switch keyboard just described, the invention includes a sheet material having two or more slits cut therein for each of the component's leads. The slits are cut in a portion of the sheet having conductive traces formed thereon.

Abstract: Photo-optical keyboards for providing electrical signals responsive to the keying of the keyboard. The keyboard structure consists of an arrangement of individual keys disposed and identified in accordance with the particular application and adapted for longitudinal motion on depression thereof. Located below the plurality of keys is a matrix of light sources and photo detectors disposed in such a manner that depression of any single key will interrupt the light path between one of the light sources and one of the detectors to provide a change in the electrical state of the associated circuitry. The light sources and detectors are arranged so that in general a single light source illuminates a plurality of detectors, and each detector may be illuminated by any of a plurality of light sources, so that the number of light sources and sensors required for the complete keyboard is substantially less than the number of keys to be sensed.

Abstract: A keyboard system is disclosed which is particularly useful in vehicle control panels in which illumination of key indicia is desired to facilitate identification and actuation of selected keys. The system includes a housing for mounting key switches in a selected array. Disposed in the housing is a frame having key receiving apertures extending through a top wall of the frame and mounting a circuit board thereunder. The circuit board includes a normally open electrical contact set aligned with each key receiving aperture. The frame is composed of light transmitting material and is arranged to transmit light from a light source mounted below the circuit board into and through the key identification indicia formed in a label disposed on top of the frame. In one embodiment the indicia is in alignment with the pushbutton members through which light is directed while in another embodiment the indicia is located adjacent the pushbutton members.

Abstract: A toggle switch housing has an upwardly open base, a cover bracket secured to the base and a cover for a recessed upper portion of the cover bracket. The cover bracket recessed portion includes an upwardly projecting boss which pivotally receives an actuator, and the upper end of the actuator projects through the cover to define a toggle or bat. The cover may have one or more transparent panels to provide light from one or more miniature lamps mounted in small openings provided for this purpose in the cover bracket in order to provide an indication of circuit condition. The three-part switch housing provides an environmentally sealed space for the switch contacts, and for the electrical connections to the lamp.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible, thin plastic film membrane switch in which a plastic housing houses an individual switch. The switch includes a flexible membrane which has a pair of unconnected, interleaved conductive patterns which extend over two elongated arms, each of which has an aperture through the conductive pattern. A conductive terminal is passed through each of the apertures with its sides making electrical connection with the associated conductive pattern and to lock the flexible membrane in place in a chamber of the housing of the switch. The upper portion of the flexible membrane then passes over a curved rib and is reverse bent back over the top of the terminals. A spacer formed by a piece of thin, plastic film material with a rectangular aperture in it is secured to an electrically-conductive plate to provide the necessary spacing between the conductive patterns on the membrane and the conductive plate.

Abstract: A self-illuminating panel in which characters are unobtrusively illuminated by projection of light into a narrow face of a transparent flexible lamina marked with the characters. Each character, which may be a translucent printed figure, provides an optical discontinuity which disperses the light so that the diffusely illuminated character can be viewed in contrast against a dark background behind the lamina. Pressure applied on and through the flexible lamina enables operation of an array of switches disposed behind the lamina.

Abstract: In an illuminated rotary electric switch, for use in a motor vehicle to indicate the location of the switch, its condition of operation, and, if desired, its function, a manually rotatable switch member is provided with a central opening arranged so that light can be projected longitudinally therethrough from a single light source so as to indicate the location of the switch (and its function, if desired) and with a further opening which can be brought into and out of registration with an aperture in a fixed portion of the switch through which light from said source can be projected laterally, so as thereby to uncover or mask said aperture and thus indicate the condition of operation of the switch.

Abstract: A modular panel of dual filament tungsten lamp switches with current limiting, fault indicating, continuous lamp filament testing, and remote control switching capabilities.In one embodiment, the dual filament, self monitoring tungsten lamps are mounted as switches in an array and identified by row and column, the panel including a drum assembly rotatable to a related one of the rows and carrying indicia indicative of the circuits associated with the lamp in each column in the selected row.In a second embodiment, the dual filament, self-monitoring lamps are mounted as switches in an array. Each lamp or the lens cover associated therewith includes circuit identifying indicia visible in daylight by normal contrast and illuminated sufficiently by the lamps for visibility in a dark adapted environment such as the cockpit of an aircraft at night.

Abstract: A control indicator optic arrangement and indicating method for a refrigerator having an access door, an interior light bulb that is illuminated when the door is open, and antisweat heaters that are energized by an on-off switch. Included is a movable switch member that energizes the antisweat heaters and a shade member slidable in unison with the switch member and having a cutout area. A light transmitting rod from the interior light bulb to the shade member is arranged such that when the switch is in a first position to energize the antisweat heaters the transmitting rod is in alignment with the cutout area of the shade member and in the second position when the antisweat heaters are de-energized it is out of alignment with the cutout area. Thus, with this arrangement there is a visual indicator to alert the refrigerator user to the fact that the antisweat heaters are energized.

Abstract: A push-button assembly including a housing having an actuating plunger, a cover for the housing, and an electrical contact assembly mounted on the cover. Assembly of the cover on the housing orients and operatively couples the actuating plunger with the electrical contact assembly.

Abstract: A flush lighted flat keyboard assembly including a printed circuit board having conductors on one side. Resilient dome switch elements are supported on the one side of the board in spaced-apart relationship in peripheral contact with certain conductors to make center contact with other conductors upon the application of force thereon. Another printed circuit board has one side in facing relationship with the first board and has openings therein respectively in alignment with the switch elements. Light sources are mounted on the other side of the second board which has conductors thereon connected to energize the light sources. A flexible switch-actuating member has one side in facing relationship with the other side of the second board and has switch-actuating projections extending therefrom through the second board openings toward the switch elements. The one side of the actuating member also has isolator projections thereon intermediate the switch-actuating projections, which extend toward the second board.

Abstract: An improved method and means for making electrical connections for an internal indicating lamp within a small switch. The conducting leads of the lamp and/or a voltage dropping resistor are connected to and held in good electrical engagement with stationary terminals of the switch as an incident to the terminals being seated in place of the switch housing and secured thereto thereby eliminating the need for special connectors or soldering or welding of the leads to the terminals.

Abstract: A snap-action appliance switch, whose construction meets European safety standards as well as U.S. (Underwriters Laboratory) standards.This invention relates to an electrical switch. In particular, it relates to a snap-action appliance switch, whose construction meets European safety standards as well as U.S. (Underwriters Laboratory) standards.Appliances such as coffee making machines, having burners that remain hot so long as the machine is turned on, desirably employ switches that include an indicator lamp, wired to be illuminated when the circuit including the power source is closed, thereby giving warning that the burner is on, and to be dark when the circuit is open. Since the appliances may be intended for sale both in the U.S. and abroad, it is necessary that such a switch meet European safety standards as well as the standards of Underwriters Laboratory, used in the U.S.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating coded signals commensurate with information to be entered into associated equipment includes a matrix of magnetically operated switches. The switches are disposed beneath a generally planar data entry area and transparent indicia bearing overlays are received on the data entry area; the overlays including target points aligned with individual switches and there typically being fewer target points than switches whereby the overlay has space for the indicia and a plurality of overlays are utilized to take full advantage of the capability of the matrix. The apparatus may also include light emitting devices associated with the switches to provide operator feedback or guidance.

Abstract: A flexible heating cable having a cold lead section and a heating section, in which a thermostat is disposed in the cold wires of the cold lead section and a light and a switch are disposed in a flexible translucent plastic pouch remotely located from the two sections and are connected to the wires adjacent the thermostat so that the unit can be tested at a position remote from the heating cable installation. The heating section is preferably provided with a socket on the end opposite the cold lead section to permit the coupling therewith of one or more heating section modules, and the switch is preferably operated by depressing the side walls of the remotely located pouch.

Abstract: A sandwich type computer keyboard with keys characterized by a tactility to provide a positive degree of tactile feedback to an operator and having an electroluminescent panel for illuminating the keyboard panel.

Abstract: An internally illuminated switch plate for providing visual indications of the on-off condition of an electrical wall switch. The plate comprises a wall plate in the form of a flat slab adapted to overlie the wall fixture and constituted of material which conducts light. A small recess in the rear surface carries a neon glow lamp, and a second recess carries a resistor. The glow lamp and resistor are connected in series, and this assemblage in turn connected across the terminals of the switch. Connections to the neon lamp and resistor are made via tracks of conductive paint disposed in grooves in the rear surface of the slab. The tracks extend to two terminals of the slab, from which flexible leads are run to terminals of the switch. The arrangement is such that when the switch is off, the lamp is energized by the voltage normally appearing across the switch terminals, to thus provide a visual indication of the on-off condition of the switch.

Abstract: A hand held hair drier includes a cylindrical heater sleeve longitudinally coupled to a main body provided with a handle extending normally therefrom. The handle includes first and second windows of different, readily distinguishable colors positioned at a location above the normal gripping portion thereof. A pair of switches arranged to be operated by a two position push button located in the handle and arranged to selectively energize an electric heater in the heater sleeve and/or an electric motor driven fan in the main body through first and second circuit each provided with a signal lamp arranged adjacent a respective one of the different colored windows. When the push button is activated to the first position one switch is closed and the fan is energized to blow unheated air and one of the lamps is lit to illuminate a window. When the push button is activated to the second position both the heater and fan are energized so that heated air is delivered and both lamps are lit to illuminate both windows.

Abstract: A light emitting diode indicator assembly for a multiple pushbutton array has a printed circuit board with a plurality of circuits thereon, each circuit having a connection position for a light emitting diode; a spacer attached to the printed circuit board with a location for a light emitting diode coincident with a related connection position; a light emitting diode at each location with leads connected to the related circuit; a lens over each diode; and a bezel having a first row of apertures with a lens situated in each aperture, and a second row of apertures with a pushbutton in each aperture, the bezel and spacer having interengaging formations whereby the spacer is inserted into a recess in the bezel and the formations engaged by lateral movement of the spacer relative to the bezel. There can be more than one row of lens containing apertures, and also more than one row of pushbuttons containing apertures.

Abstract: A miniature momentary push button switch includes a light emitting diode mounted in a dual-in-line package having rows of electrical leads for pluggable connection in a printed circuit board. The electrical leads provide an interruptible circuit path through the package and are fabricated from a standard lead frame. The circuit is normally open and is momentarity closed by manual actuation of a push button. For ease in manufacture, the interruptible circuit path is not electrically connected to the diode within the package. Instead the depending electrical leads are capable of pluggable connection to a circuit means which connects the diode electrically in series with the interruptible portion of the circuit by any one of a variety of techniques.