Abstract: A one-handed joystick for cranes allows an operator to make all necessary motions with a single hand and arm for manipulating various components of a crane. The one-handed joystick includes a rotatable cylinder bar, a rotatable ring, an industrial joystick base, a rocker switch and at least two push button switches. Motions of the rotatable cylinder bar, the rotatable ring, the industrial base and the rocker switch are used to raise and lower the auxiliary hoist; raise and lower the telescopic boom for luffing a hoist; raise and lower the main hoist; slew the boom base in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction; and extend or retract the telescoping boom. The speed of main and auxiliary hosts may be changed with the two push button switches. A Deadman's switch may be installed on a back side of the rotatable cylinder bar.

Abstract: A handle assembly for an armrest control console of a steering system of a work vehicle. The handle assembly includes a base member, a hand-receiving member, and an electro-mechanical connection located in between the base member and the hand-receiving member. The electro-mechanical connection detachably connects the hand-receiving member to the base member such that the hand-receiving member is rigidly supported by and electrically coupled with the base member. The electro-mechanical connection is located exterior to the armrest control console.

Abstract: A cycling computer includes a housing for enclosing an electronics package and a mount for removably securing the housing to the front of a bicycle. The housing has a wedge-shaped profile defined by a leading edge and a lower front surface extending rearward and downward to a bottom surface. The computer mount includes a cradle for removably receiving the housing. A bracket arm extends between the cradle and a mounting adapter which is used to connect to a handlebar or otherwise. The cradle further includes a curved underside surface extending rearward from a forward edge that is sized and shaped to align with the lower front surface of the computer housing to form a substantially smooth and continuous aerodynamic surface from the leading edge of the computer housing to a rear edge of the cradle.

Abstract: A preassembled gear shift module is adapted to be connected to a substructure. The preassembled gear shift module includes a cover assembly, a circuit board, and a function button. The circuit board is attached to the cover assembly, and includes a switch. The function button is exposed through the cover assembly, and is operably connected to the switch.

Abstract: A vehicle body and controller plug-in module for a material handling vehicle. The vehicle body having an upstanding body portion having an upwardly open compartment having a bottom including an upward extending wall surrounding electrical contacts associated with controller functions of the vehicle. The controller plug-in module includes a housing configured to be received by the upwardly open compartment of the vehicle body. The housing has a lower portion that includes an upward extending wall defining a recess surrounding electrical contacts. The controller plug-in module is configured to be removably electrically connected to the vehicle when the upward extending wall surrounding the electrical contacts of the upwardly open compartment of the upstanding body is plugged into and received by the recess in the lower portion of the housing of the controller plug-in module having the upward extending wall surrounding the electrical contacts of the controller plug-in module.

Abstract: A control device for a bicycle is arranged or can be arranged on the handlebar of the bicycle and serves to wirelessly drive at least one electronic, electrical, electromechanical or electrohydraulic component of the bicycle. The control device includes an operator control arrangement which has at least one manually operable operator control element and is designed to respond to operation of the operator control element and to output electrical signals which represent the operation. The control device also includes at least one electronic circuit arrangement comprising a radio communication circuit and a control circuit which is connected or can be connected to the operator control arrangement. The control device also may include at least one antenna which is connected or can be connected to the radio communication circuit or which is integrated into the said communication circuit.

Abstract: An operator control system for a work vehicle having at least one work vehicle actuator and at least one removable attachment with at least one attachment actuator. The operator control system comprises an operator control interface. At least one control device is coupled to the operator control interface. The control device is configured to control at least one of the work vehicle actuator and the attachment actuator. A shift device is configured to shift the control device from controlling at least one of the work vehicle actuator and the attachment actuator to the other of the at least one of the work vehicle actuator and the attachment actuator.

Abstract: An iron may autonomously set the appropriate ironing parameter by obtaining information about the garment to be ironed. Data may be received from an indicator located on a garment to be ironed. An indicator may include the actual type of fabric associated with a garment, or an information tag attached to a garment. The received data may be decoded to determine the ironing parameters for the garment to be ironed. Based on the determined ironing parameters, the associated settings may be automatically adjusted on an iron.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprising a motor having an output shaft. A casing of the motor has an inner cavity defining a joint surface. A threaded shaft is within the inner cavity of the casing, and a bearing within the inner cavity. A coupling assembly couples the output shaft to the threaded shaft, and has a first coupling component receiving the rotational output from the motor, and a second coupling component coupled to the first coupling component for transmission of the rotational output to the threaded shaft. A substantial portion of a coupling is in an axial section of the linear actuator delimited by a proximal and distal surface of the bearing. A sliding tube is within the inner cavity and translates relative to the casing. A traveling nut is connected to the sliding tube for moving therewith for converting a rotational motion of the threaded shaft into a translation of the sliding tube.

Abstract: A handlebar switch can include a switch case housing switches, and manipulation members arranged on the switch case and configured to be manipulated by a driver to operate the respective switches. A center portion of the switch case 66 on which the manipulation members are arranged is formed as an expanded section expanded in radial directions of a main body section beyond a right end portion, and a left an end portion of the main body section. The manipulation members are arranged in a center part of the expanded section.

Abstract: A handlebar switch can include a switch case housing switches, and manipulation members arranged on the switch case and configured to be manipulated by a driver to operate the respective switches. A center portion of the switch case 66 on which the manipulation members are arranged is formed as an expanded section expanded in radial directions of a main body section beyond a right end portion, and a left an end portion of the main body section. The manipulation members are arranged in a center part of the expanded section.

Abstract: A mounting structure of a handle switch device with which a panel can be replaced by manipulating fasteners for fastening two outer casings of the handle switch device together. A rear casing is temporarily mounted to an inner casing that is mounted to a handle pipe, engagement pieces of a design panel are inserted through through holes of a front casing, and the front and rear casings are fastened together by mounting screws, thereby completing assemblage of the handle switch device. To replace the design panel, the mounting screws are loosened to bring them into a half-engagement state and the front casing is displaced toward a driver side to disengage projection ribs of the inner casing from the through holes. Next, the design panel is dismounted from the front casing, a new design panel is mounted to the front casing, and the mounting screws are tightened.

Abstract: A variable speed switch includes a switch main body portion which is accommodated in a housing of an electric power tool and mounted to the housing so as to be capable of relative movement, and a load sensor which is provided in the switch main body portion and capable of outputting an electric signal in proportion to the amount of distortion caused by a pressing force. The switch operating portion is mounted on the surface of the housing so as to be capable of relative displacement with respect to the housing and transmits a pressing force applied to the switch operating portion to the load sensor, with the maximum displacement amount of the switch operating portion being set to equal to or less than 5 mm.

Abstract: This invention is directed to providing a handle switch which is easy in operating a horn switch and also can be easily distinguished from other switches. In a handle switch 30 of a vehicle, a horn switch 32 is disposed at a position which is overlaid on an axis line (D) of a handle grip 10 when a housing 60 is projected from a driver's front view direction and also on the vehicle body rear side further than other switches. Other switches including an optical-axis changing switch 31 and a turn signal switch 33 are disposed so as to deviate vertically with respect to the horn switch 32. The horn switch 32 is formed so as to be longer in the axis line direction of the handle grip 10, swinging about a swing shaft 36 installed at the end closer to the handle grip 10 by being pressed toward the vehicle body front side.

Abstract: A variable speed switch includes a switch main body portion which is accommodated in a housing of an electric power tool and mounted to the housing so as to be capable of relative movement, and a load sensor which is provided in the switch main body portion and capable of outputting an electric signal in proportion to the amount of distortion caused by a pressing force. The switch operating portion is mounted on the surface of the housing so as to be capable of relative displacement with respect to the housing and transmits a pressing force applied to the switch operating portion to the load sensor, with the maximum displacement amount of the switch operating portion being set to equal to or less than 5 mm.

Abstract: An automatic transmission switch includes a fixed member provided with a fixed-side contact, and a movable member provided with a movable-side contact. The movable-side contact includes an intermittent contact portion with respect to the fixed-side contact. The contact portion extends along a moving direction of the movable member. The movable member is connected to an automatic transmission, and if the movable member is turned according to a switching operation of a shift lever, the movable member brings the fixed-side contact and the movable-side contact into contact with each other and separates them from each other. The movable-side contact is fixed to the movable member. The fixed member is provided with a coil spring which biases the fixed-side contact toward the movable-side contact.

Abstract: An electric control device is provided with a fixed member, a user operating member and a position sensing unit. The fixed member has a bicycle mounting part. The user operating member is movably mounted to the fixed member. The user operating member includes a first magnetic element. The position sensing unit has a rotating member and a position sensor. The position sensor senses a position of the rotating member. The rotating member includes a second magnetic element that rotates the rotating member as the user operating member is moved. At least one of the first and second magnetic elements is configured to generate a magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a grip provided around a hollow handle pipe of a portable working tool. The grip includes: a switch unit configured to control operation of the portable working tool; a grip portion for enabling an operator to hold the portable working tool, the grip portion extending in an extending direction and having one end and another end opposite to the one end; a pipe insertion portion formed at the one end of the grip portion and formed with a pipe insertion hole from which the handle pipe is inserted; and a switch mounting portion formed at the another end of the grip portion and formed with a switch mounting hole in which the switch unit is mounted, the grip portion, the pipe insertion portion and the switch mounting portion being integrally formed of an elastic material.

Abstract: A bicycle shift operating device is provided with a mounting part, a first operating member and a first signal generator. The first operating member is movable from a first operation start position such that the first operating member returns to the first operation start position upon completion of a shifting operation. The first signal generator generates a signal for changing a shift position of the bicycle shift operating device by one shift position in a first direction from a current shift position in response to the first operating member being moved from the first operation start position to a first position. The first signal generator generates a signal for changing the shift position by two shift positions from the current shift position in response to the first operating member being moved from the first operation start position to a second position located beyond the first position.

Abstract: An activation device useful for drag racers comprising a body, a trigger, a cocking pressure spring plunger set screw, a trigger tension spring plunger set screw, a trigger tension jam nut, a body cover, cocking safety button, screws, a microswitch, a wave washer, and a trigger set screw. The body comprises a trigger pivot post, a wiring channel, a wiring aperture, and a recess surface. The trigger comprises a trigger pivot post aperture, a trigger released position notch, a trigger cocked position notch, and a cocking channel.

Abstract: An electrical bicycle shift control device is provided that includes a handlebar mounting portion and an electrical shift control switch portion. The handlebar mounting portion is configured to be fixedly mounted in a free end of a handlebar. The electrical shift control switch portion is fixedly mounted to the handlebar mounting portion. The electrical shift control switch portion includes an operating member arranged and configured to be selectively moved relative to the handlebar mounting portion between a neutral position and a first actuating position.

Abstract: A rotary switch, which is used to detect a state of a stand with respect to a body of a motorcycle, for example, comprises a housing having a ring-shaped outer wall so that an annular recess is formed; a rotor which is rotatably supported on the housing around a center axis of the annular recess; a plurality of stationary contacts each having a circular arc shape and provided on a bottom face of the annular recess; a moving contact which is provided on the rotor and is connected and disconnected with the stationary contacts following to rotation of the rotor with respect to the housing; and a cable draw-out portion from which an electric cable including a plurality of inner cables respectively connected to at least the stationary terminals is drawn out from the housing. The rotor has a U-shaped joint which holds an end portion of the stand pivotally mounted on the body, so that the rotor rotates corresponding to rotation of the stand with respect to the stationary portion.

Abstract: A flexible sensor is disposed in a power tool. The flexible sensor has an electrical resistance that varies based on a radius of curvature of the flexible sensor. A trigger partially disposed in the power tool, operates to apply a bending force at an engagement point on the flexible sensor to bend the flexible sensor and alter the radius of curvature. A controller outputs an electrical signal to the power tool based on the electrical resistance to control a function of the power tool.

Abstract: A change gear switch of a rod-shape handle bar equipped vehicle which allows a ride to easily manipulate a switch manipulation portion while grasping a grip portion and, at the same time, prevents a hand of a rides or a glove from interfering with a switch manipulation portion. Switch manipulation portion for the transmission manipulation are mounted on switch boxes which are arranged adjacent to grip portions of the handle. Manipulation face of the switch manipulation portions are arranged at position which are further toward an inside of the handle bar than where the grip portion are located. One of the manipulation faces is mounted further toward a front side of the vehicle than where the grip portion are located, and another manipulation face is mounted further toward a lower side than where the grip portions are located.

Abstract: An electrical hand-held power tool includes an assembly (2) vibrating along a vibration axis (A) during operation of the power tool, at least one, transversely projecting, vibration-decoupled pivotal side handle (3), a manual switch (4) having an actuation element (5) arranged in the side handle (3) and switchingly connectable with at least one sensor switch (8) which is located in the assembly (2) in vicinity of the handle pivot point (G), by a switching rod (7) having a switching element (6) and being pivotally supported on the side handle at a switching pivot point (S) spaced from the handle pivot point (G) and from the vibration axis (A).

Abstract: Actuator system comprising at least one actuator, a control unit, a power supply and an operations panel, where the actuator in a transmission between an activation element (4) and a reversible electric motor is inserted a quick release unit (13) for release of the activation element (4) from the electric motor and the part of the transmission between the motor and the quick release. The actuator comprises at least one electrical switch (30), activated with the quick release. The signal from the electrical switch(es) (30) may be used for various purposes, such as triggering a power supply from sleep mode, activating one or more actuators, or activating an external function such as an alarm etc.

Abstract: A generally rectangular extender is designed to be secured to the upper face of a turn signal button using a foamed two-sided adhesive to enable, particularly, riders with smaller hands to be able to more safely utilize the turn signal buttons of, for example, models of 1996-2006 Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Abstract: A turn signal switch for a vehicle includes: a resiliently urging means provided between a switch operating element and a switch case so as to urge the switch operating element toward a neutral position and a returned position. The resiliently urging means includes: a return plate having a guide recess which is provided at one end and against which abuts a first pin provided on the switch operating element, the return plate being slidably supported on the switch case; a pair of return springs exhibiting spring forces for urging the return plate in a direction to bring the pin into abutment against the guide recess. The guide recess is curved into a substantially triangular shape, and includes a valley and return cam faces on opposite sides of the valley. The return springs are provided on opposite sides of the valley and between the return plate and the switch case. Thus, it is possible to reduce the length of the turn signal switch in the direction of push-in/return of the switch operating element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle with an integrated switch (20) for doors or hinged flaps of vehicles. The push-button switch is essentially made up of two components which can be fitted together. The first component (21) is made of a single-pieced injection-moulding product made of three plastic components which comprise a solid covering-shaped housing and an elastic membrane. Said membrane closes the housing cover (22) at the base on one end thereof, thus giving the component (21) a shell shape. A solid pressure activator (24) on the membrane (23) is used as the third plastic component. The second component (31) is formed from a circuit board (33) comprising connected cables (19) and a microswitch (30) mounted thereon. The second component (31) is inserted into the inside of a shell (26) of the first component (21). The circuit board (33) is oriented towards the shell opening (28) and is projected from the edge of the shell (43) of the shell-shaped component (21).

Abstract: An opening switch (1) for vehicle doors or rear hatches comprises an actuator device (5) for activating a microswitch (6) which can be moved between two positions: a first open position in which the actuator device is kept away from the microswitch (6), and a second closing position in which the actuator device is in contact with the microswitch (6). The actuator device for activating the microswitch (6) comprises a rocking actuator (5) which incorporates within itself at least one pair of elastic tongues (7) whose reaction brings about return of the rocking actuator (5).

Abstract: A monitoring system in kit form to retrofit to motorcycles or other vehicles that do not have self canceling turn indicators and as an aid to the hearing impaired. After the kit is installed, when the indicators are activated, the device vibrates in the operator's seat alerting the operator that the indicators are in an active state. This also allows the operator to keep his eyes on the road. Once the indicators are inactivated, the device stops vibrating. The device also is coated protect the electric motor and cables from the elements.

Abstract: A vehicle door outer handle system includes: an operating handle formed from a handle main body and a cover covering the outer side of the handle main body; a pair of electrodes; and a circuit board on which a detection circuit is provided for detecting a change in capacitance between the electrodes; the electrodes and the circuit board being housed within the operating handle. The electrodes are patterned on the circuit board, and a ground pattern connected to the detection circuit is formed so as to be disposed at a position offset from the electrodes if viewed through the circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a safety switch for a portable stove, which controls the startup of an ignitor as well as an adjusting rod to adjust the flame. By latching an end of a push button into a limit groove disposed above an installing hole, the invention assures the stove to be turned off completely to prevent a fuel leak. With a gap between the push button and the installing hole, a knob can be turned to drive the adjusting rod to adjust the quantity of incoming airflow of the fuel. If a pressing rod is pressed to start the ignitor, the knob and the push button will not move back and forth accordingly, so that the push button will not be worn out so easily but can maintain its longevity.

Abstract: An inhibitor switch is joined to a manual shaft inside a mission case which can be readily positioned. The inhibitor switch in which a movable base is interlocked and linked to a manual shaft of an automatic transmission inside a mission case of the automatic transmission detects the rotation position of the manual shaft by the rotational movement of movable contacts with respect to fixed contacts. A pole base side is positioned by mating with the mission case in the rotational direction of the manual shaft. An insertion portion having a spacing in the axial direction of the manual shaft is provided in the pole base side, and one end of a positioning bracket is secured to the mission case side and the other end thereof is provided with an insert portion for insertion into insertion portion. The pole base side is positioned in the axial direction of the manual shaft by inserting the insert portion into insertion portion.

Abstract: An improved foot switch structure of an extension cord receptacle comprises a base. The base has thereon a control switch, wherein the control switch is connected to a power conducting wire. The power conducting wire has one end connected to a power plug and the other end connected to a power receptacle. The control switch is located between the power plug and the power receptacle for controlling whether power is conducted to the power receptacle. The base has an electrically conductive plate fixed on an edge thereof. The electrically conductive plate has a tapering portion, which is inserted into the power conducting wire such that power is conducted to the electrically conductive plate. In addition, two power indicator lamps are provided on the electrically conductive plate.

Abstract: An automatic transmission operating lever which includes a knob with a switch, a lever member and a conducting wire wired in the knob to send a signal from the switch. The lever member includes a rod to be inserted into the knob and a lever base having an end face to which the rod is connected. An insertion hole is provided on an end face, and the conducting wire is inserted thereto. A guide path communicates with the insertion hole and guides the conducting wire in a direction crossing an axial direction of the rod.

Abstract: A frame for an operating room controller is disclosed. The frame can include a pedal platform; a platform extension extending from the pedal platform; and a primary track being fixed to the pedal extension opposing the pedal platform.

Abstract: A brake lever assembly can be assembled by providing a housing coupling the brake lever assembly to a vehicle, a brake lever pivotally attached to the housing, and a reinforcing plate mounted on the housing. The reinforcing plate can be secured to a top surface of the housing and to a side surface of the housing. The assembly can also include a parking lever pivotally mounted on the brake lever. The pivoting of the parking lever, during actuation of the brake lever, can cause a tip of the parking lever to engage the reinforcing plate. This maintains actuation of the brake lever. The assembly can further include a brake light actuation switch mounted on the reinforcing plate. The actuation of the brake lever actuates the brake light actuation switch.

Abstract: In a system for the control of an automatic or automated vehicle variable transmission (2) with a transmission control (6) and a display device (20, 22, 24) for the driver, the display device (20) is provided in order to indicate to the driver the imminent gear shift. After advanced indication of the gear shift, the driver can make a correction engagement in the transmission control (6) or prevent the gear shift.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a power winch, and a kit and method for retrofitting an existing control block to control a power winch. The apparatus consists of a control yoke control unit having an engine control switch, a winch control switch, and at least one switch support for supporting the engine control and winch control switches. Both switches are incorporated into the control yoke control unit. The control unit may have only a single switch support with both switches therein, or it may have two switch supports each with one switch. The control unit also includes a mechanism for attaching the control unit to a control yoke, and an electrical connection for connecting the winch control switch to a winch and a source of electrical power. The kit has a winch control switch, and a mechanism for attaching the winch control switch to an existing control yoke control unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable emergency stop switch for a snowmobile, ATV, motorcycle, personal watercraft, or other recreational vehicle that requires an emergency stop switch and typically includes handlebars. The emergency stop switch of the present invention includes a switch housing that is mounted to and adjustable relative to a module that includes at least one other vehicle control. The module is typically rotatably adjustable relative to a handlebar of the vehicle. The adjustability of the emergency stop switch housing relative to the module enables the emergency stop switch to be oriented into a desired position regardless of the rotated position of the module.

Abstract: A vehicle door handle system includes a pair of electrodes disposed within an operating handle located on the outer surface side of a door along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A detection circuit for detecting a change in capacitance between the two electrodes is connected to the two electrodes.

Abstract: An electrical switch or operating device is disclosed for controlling/operating an electrically controlled bicycle component. In one embodiment, the operating device controls/operates a bicycle shift device and a bicycle suspension. The operating device has a base portion, a toggle portion, a button portion, three electrical contact switches, and a clicking mechanism. The clicking mechanism is positioned in a manner to provide for a compact arrangement of the operating device. The toggle portion is pivotally mounted to the base portion to move from a toggle neutral position to first or second contact positions where the toggle portion depresses either the first or electrical contact switches. The button portion is movably coupled to the toggle portion between a button neutral position where the button portion is spaced from the third electrical contact switch and a third contact position where the button portion depresses the third electrical contact switch.

Abstract: An automatic transmission operating lever which includes a knob with a switch, a lever member and a conducting wire wired in the knob to send a signal from the switch. The lever member includes a rod to be inserted into the knob and a lever base having an end face to which the rod is connected. An insertion hole is provided on an end face, and the conducting wire is inserted thereto. A guide path communicates with the insertion hole and guides the conducting wire in a direction crossing an axial direction of the rod.

Abstract: Hand-held electrical appliance of the hairdryer or similar type, including a body (1) equipped with a series of functional elements and a handle (11) displaying an array of controls (2) allowing the user to operate and adjust the said appliance, characterized in that the said handle has at least one barrel (12) which can move about its axis, and in that the said array of switches moves integrally with the barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a power winch, and a kit and method for retrofitting an existing control block to control a power winch. The apparatus consists of a control yoke control unit having an engine control switch, a winch control switch, and at least one switch support for supporting the engine control and winch control switches. Both switches are incorporated into the control yoke control unit. The control unit may have only a single switch support with both switches therein, or it may have two switch supports each with one switch. The control unit also includes a mechanism for attaching the control unit to a control yoke, and an electrical connection for connecting the winch control switch to a winch and a source of electrical power. The kit has a winch control switch, and a mechanism for attaching the winch control switch to an existing control yoke control unit.

Abstract: The power tool includes a body, a trigger mechanism and a manually operated locking member. The trigger mechanism is mounted to the body for rotation about an axis between an actuated position and a non-actuated position. The manually operable locking member is translationally mounted to the body for movement between a first position and a second position. The locking member cooperates with the trigger mechanism to provide first, second and third modes of operation. In the first mode, the locking member is in the first position and articulation of the trigger mechanism from the non-actuated position to the actuated position is precluded. In the second mode, the locking member is in an intermediate position between the first and second positions and the trigger mechanism is freely allowed to articulate between the actuated and non-actuated positions.

Abstract: An ergonomic manual switch arrangement for motorcycles and the like comprises a left-hand section and a right-hand section mounted next to a respective handgrip. Each section comprises a box to house electrical switch contacts, or a unit for transmitting and processing data and mounts a set of pushbutton switches with a triangular, elongated or round shape. The housing box is divided into an upper area and a lower area that is recessed with respect to the upper area. The ergonomic manual switch arrangement according to the invention further comprises rocker switches used to change the gears of the motorcycle. The pushbutton switches may be of the illuminated type and may comprise a multiplex wiring system through which information used to control the motorcycle is sent and received.

Abstract: An electrical switch for the speed setting of an electric motor in an electrical appliance includes a movable actuator member and a blocking structure. The actuator member is movable from an initial position into a plurality of actuating positions. The blocking means can be switched over between a blocking state for blocking the movement of the actuating member and a release state for releasing the movement of the actuating member. A first blocking means acts on the actuating member in the initial position. A second blocking means acts on the actuating member in the first actuating position. An actuating element has three switching positions for switching over the two blocking means. The first blocking means is in the blocking state in the first switching position. The first blocking means is in the release state and the second blocking means is in the blocking state in the second switching position. Both blocking means are in the release state in the third switching position.

Abstract: A key guard is disclosed for protecting a corresponding function key on a bicycle control panel, wherein the key guard does not freely move upon impact. The key guard is a protrusion attached to and extending from the base of the control panel adjacent to the corresponding function key. The top edge of the key guard extends above the top surface of the corresponding function key and the key guard, at least partially, surrounds the periphery of the corresponding function key. The key guard may slope toward the center of the function key. Alternatively, the key guard includes one or more posts surrounding the corresponding function key.