Abstract: The present invention is an electroluminescent device which proves a means for illuminating push-button devices such as television remote controllers, keypads for security systems, computer keyboards, beepers, night lights, telephones, portable emergency lighting, calculators, and like devices. The invention comprises a power supply which includes an electrical voltage inverter and a power source, and which is connected to a thin and flexible electroluminescent planar sheet containing embedded circuitry and powered by alternating current. The individual components are connected together by electrical leads. The thin electroluminescent lamp portion of the invention provides an even area of template illumination when it is placed over push buttons of an underlying device, and that device can then be used under low-level illumination, or even in complete darkness. Additionally, the present invention allows augmentation of existing illumination.

Abstract: In an illumination lamp mounting structure for use in a measuring instrument, a lower case 21 includes a front surface opening portion 22 and a rear surface opening portion 23, a movement supporting intermediate wall 24 interposed between the front surface opening portion 22 and rear surface opening portion 23 of the lower case 21 is formed integrally with a light source supporting intermediate wall 25 which is situated nearer to the front surface opening portion 22 than is the movement supporting surface of the movement supporting intermediate wall 24. and on the light source supporting intermediate wall 25, there is supported an illumination lamp 32 which is used to illuminate the display plate 33 transmissively.

Abstract: A carriage has a support shaft for supporting a plurality of film rolls and can be closed by a light shield cover to place the film rolls in a light-shielded state. A film roll storage mechanism is disposed in a dark room and has a shank for receiving the film rolls from the carriage. The film roll storage mechanism can transfer the film rolls one at a time from the shank onto a film unwinding shaft. A positioning mechanism positions the support shaft and the shank coaxially with each other and locks the carriage with respect to the film roll storage mechanism.

Abstract: Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the invention a light emitting panel member made of a transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive lighting applications of various types. In another form of the invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight control buttons/key pads by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used as a structural member, and two or more such light emitting panel members may be stacked together and used to light an instrument panel or the like. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.

Abstract: In a light illuminating type manipulation and display apparatus including a light source and rotary knobs having a plurality of stop positions and indicator sections which are illuminated and displayed with the light from the light source at each of the stop positions. In the apparatus, light reflecting bodies having a plurality of light reflecting surfaces corresponding to a plurality of the stop positions of the rotary knobs are disposed, and the light from the light source is reflected from each of the light reflecting surfaces of the light reflecting bodies and illuminates the indicator sections located at each of the stop positions. With this arrangement, the quality of the apparatus can be improved with reduced power consumption.

Abstract: A demonstration display for light controls supports a number of lamps mounted behind translucent light transmitting panels each with a lighting control coupled thereto whereby the amount of light produced by the associated lamp is controlled by the setting of the controls. By operating the control, the user can vary the amount of light produced and appreciate the manner in which the control operates. The user can, by comparing various controls, select the one which meets his needs for installation.

Abstract: A keyboard illuminator and a method for illuminating a keyboard for use by a computer user operating a computer having a keyboard, a housing and a display that emits light. The keyboard illuminator includes a rigid planar member that is at least partially transmitting and at least partially reflecting and an apparatus for mounting the member on the housing. The member is mounted so that the member is disposed at an angle to the display screen between the display screen and the user such that at least a portion of light emitted by the display screen is reflected onto the keyboard to illuminate the keyboard for operation.

Abstract: An external electrical connector for connecting one or more components of a snowplow blade unit. The electrical connector includes two housing components that are securable together. Each housing component includes an interface end and a coupling end. The coupling ends of the two housing components are designed to be connect together to form an electrical connection. Each of the interface ends includes at least one electrical connection interface that is designed to form an electrical connection with at least one external snowplow blade component. The number of electrical connection interfaces on the interface side of the two housing components is greater than the number of electrical connection interfaces on the coupling end of the two housing components. One of the housings components is secured to a component of said snowplow blade unit. Protection caps and housing holders are used to protect the parts of the housings when the housings are disconnected from one another.

Abstract: A lighted keyboard comprising numerous small grain of wheat type lamps embedded in translucent mounting blocks fixedly positioned between keypads wherein the keypads are constructed of translucent material with a reflective back coating so that when the keypads are in their upper most position the keypad translucent material contacts the fixedly secured translucent block thereby allowing light to be transmitted from the translucent block into the keypad however when the keypad is depressed lighting is blocked resulting in a darkened keypad. The intensity of the lighting system is also automatically controlled by ambient light conditions wherein increased ambient light results in lower voltage supply to the numerous small grain of wheat type lamps and wherein increased ambient light decreases voltage to the grain of wheat type lamps. The lighted keyboard is also equipped with a manual resistor switch allowing a user to manually adjust the intensity of the keyboard lighting if desired.

Abstract: Task light units provide indirect lighting for task areas in front of computer monitors and other devices having display screens. Light is directed generally upwardly such that at least a portion of the light impinges upon a visor which is generally above the source of light. The visor reflects the light downwardly and generally forwardly toward a work or task area in order to indirectly illuminate that area. The task light components do not impart any direct light onto the display screen. Glare emanating from the task light is avoided, and eye strain is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A control panel that includes printed information cards used in conjunction with status indicators to give the user detailed information about printer operations. The invented control panel includes a series of status indicators, such as the indicator lights used on low cost printers, and a corresponding series of card holders. Each card holder is linked to one of the status indicators by, for example, positioning each card holder immediately adjacent to the corresponding status indicator. One or more information cards are attached to each card holder. Where more than one information card is used with a single card holder, each card is, preferably, swing mounted to the card holder so that the user can flip through the cards to view pertinent information.

Abstract: A remote control illuminating device consisting of a housing having a left slide arm receiving channel and a right slide arm receiving channel; a left slide arm slidably mounted within the left slide arm receiving channel, the left slide arm having a left end; a right slide arm slidably mounted within the right slide arm receiving channel, the right slide arm having a right end; a left remote control engaging arm fixedly attached to or homogeneously fused with the left slide arm, the left remote control engaging arm extending downwardly from the left end of the left slide arm; a right remote control engaging arm fixedly attached to or homogeneously fused with the right slide arm, the right remote control engaging arm extending downwardly from the right end of the right slide arm; and a light bulb fixedly attached to the housing.

Abstract: A resinous member with a character visually arranged therein, including a resinous body, a character formed by a laser beam machining on a surface of the body, and a light transmittable coating arranged on the surface of the body for covering at least the character. The light transmittable coating is provided with a generally uniform thickness to form a roughened outer surface substantially corresponding to a machined surface of the character. The light transmittable coating may be formed through a spray coating process. The resinous member may be used as a key top member of a key in a keyboard of an electronic machine. The key top member comprises a resinous body, a character arranged on a surface of the body, and optical means arranged in association with the character for highlighting the character in an optical manner using an external light. The optical means may comprise a phosphorescent or fluorescent member.

Abstract: A clear casing (10) for an electronic component (12) comprising an enclosure (14) made out of a transparent plastic material (16) which extends about the periphery of the electronic component (12), so as to enhance the esthetic appearance of the electronic component (12).

Abstract: A time synchronizing unit operates to synchronize lamps with various indicia. Each of these indicia are tied to a system clock. The system clock is normally incremented at specified intervals, e.g., every 4 milliseconds. The system is to be synchronized with a stage lighting production such as a song. If the tempo of the song changes, the amount of time between interrupts changes. Hence the time when things occur will be varied as the system clock changes. This enables varying the time when the things occur without actually changing the program: the time is bent to accommodate the new tempo of the program.

Abstract: A theatrical lighting control network which incorporates a local area network for communication among a number of node controllers and control consoles or devices employed in establising lighting or other effects levels in a theater, film production stage or other performance environment. Use of the network eliminates the requirements for the majority of hardwiring for interconnection of consoles and other controller or monitoring devices to effects controller racks and provides great flexibility in location and relocation of various components of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to provide a secure enclosure for an ATM. The apparatus includes a kiosk having an interior region configured to provide access to the ATM, and a neon light source formed as an integral portion of the kiosk. The neon light source is configured to provide a sufficient light output to meet required light levels at specific distances from the kiosk without the use of light sources outside the kiosk.

Abstract: A wall mounted cover plate conceals an electrical circuit capable of sensing the field provided by a covered switch or electrical socket circuit. When power is lost at the wall circuit the electrical circuit senses the loss of power and activates one or more LEDs to provide emergency illumination. The electrical circuit is self contained and does not require stand-by energy so that the batteries are long lasting.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with lightpipes and lightpipe arrays designed to redirect light from a mounted light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), or from an array of mounted light sources. The lightpipe and lightpipe array are advantageously designed to be mounted to a surface not directly in contact with the light source(s) or the surface on which the light source(s) is (are) attached and to redirect light such that light exits the lightpipe at an elevation between the elevation of the light-emitting end of the light source and the elevation of the surface mounting such light source after a plurality of light reflections within a lightpipe(s). Several methods for attachment of the lightpipes to a mounting panel are described. A preferred embodiment of the invention features attachment of the lightpipe or lightpipe array to a mounting panel using a bezel or bezels which substantially prevent interference from stray light sources and prevent light from mixing between lightpipes of an array.

Abstract: A backlit keypad assembly includes a flexible film having a bottom surface having electrical circuits, typically referred to as flex circuits, thereon and a top surface having at least one, and preferably a plurality of keys defined thereon. Each backlit key includes a cavity on the underside thereof. In each cavity is a light emitting diode, preferably of bottom emitting type, attached to the flexible film and connected to the electrical circuits and a filler material which at least partially surrounds the light emitting diode. Associated with each key is a push-type switch below and in respective aligned relationship with the light emitting diodes which senses when the corresponding key is pressed down by a user. The light emitting diodes emit light directly through the flexible film without intervening layers such as light guides, thereby allowing the overall lighted keypad assembly to be thinner than with previous approaches.

Abstract: A system for simulating the lighting cycle of the sun comprising: means for obtaining a set of inflection points on a solar lighting cycle and obtaining the annual minimum sunlight value for a location at a predetermined latitude; means for reconstructing the daily and yearly solar cycle based about said set of inflection point and said minimum yearly value; means for determining the lighting period based upon said daily and yearly cycles; and means for activating a lighting device for the determined lighting period.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling an electrical device by remote control including a control device coupled to the electrical device by a wire connection for providing power to the electrical device, the control device having an actuator for adjusting the status of the electrical device and a radio frequency transmitter/receiver and antenna for adjusting the status of the electrical device in response to control information in a radio frequency signal. The transmitter/receiver receives the radio frequency signal via the antenna and transmits a status radio frequency signal with information regarding the status of the electrical device. A master control unit has at least one actuator and status indicator and a transmitter/receiver for transmitting a radio frequency signal having the control information therein to control the status of the electrical device and for receiving the status information from the control device.

Abstract: The present invention is an electroluminescent device which proves a means for illuminating push-button devices such as television remote controllers, keypads for security systems, computer keyboards, beepers, night lights, telephones, portable emergency lighting, calculators, and like devices. The invention comprises a power supply which includes an electrical voltage inverter and a power source, and which is connected to a thin and flexible electroluminescent planar sheet containing embedded circuitry and powered by alternating current. The individual components are connected together by electrical leads. The thin electroluminescent lamp portion of the invention provides an even area of template illumination when it is placed over push buttons of an underlying device, and that device can then be used under low-level illumination, or even in complete darkness. Additionally, the present invention allows augmentation of existing illumination.

Abstract: A display panel includes a transparent EL panel held at an inner end of an opening formed in an instrument panel portion and inclined at a predetermined acute angle with respect to a viewing direction. A cover is disposed at a back side of the display panel for covering the display panel. A surface of the opening portion and an inner face of the cover, to which light from the display panel enters, are colored dark to absorb unnecessary ambient light.

Abstract: A computer keyboard light comprises, in a first embodiment, at least one small upright lamp unit mounted to a flat plate that is secured to the underside of the computer keyboard or PC monitor. The lamp arms are telescopeable and are rotatable by rachet connections to allow for adjustment of the lights. The arms could also be formed of an internal structure that allows them to be twisted or adjusted into different shapes and positions. In another embodiment, the computer keyboard light further comprises a small lamp unit mounted to a small rectangular plate that is adhered to the side of the PC monitor in order to illuminate either the keyboard, the monitor screen or a copy holder.

Abstract: A remote control has a housing having at least one control disposed thereon and a magnifier disposed proximate said housing, preferably at the forward end thereof. The magnifier enhances a user's ability to read printed matter such as program listings and the like. The magnifier may either be integrally formed with the housing or removably attachable thereto. A first illuminator is disposed proximate the housing and is configured so as to enhance viewing of the controls thereof. The first illuminator may either be integrally formed with the housing or removably attachable thereto. A second illuminator is disposed proximate the housing and is configured so as to enhance viewing of printed matter. The second illuminator may likewise be integrally formed with the housing or removably attachable thereto.

Abstract: A stage lighting system is comprised of a plurality of lamp units which may have diverse communication protocols, functions and data parameters. The stage lighting system is controlled by a modular control system comprised of a modular controller mainframe interconnected with a plurality of control devices which may have diverse communications protocols and data formats. The modular controller mainframe consists of a plurality of input and output modules, mass storage devices and a main processor kernel, all interconnected by a number of data buses. The input modules serve as an interface between the modular controller mainframe and the diverse protocols of the various control devices. Similarly, the output modules serve as an interface between the modular controller mainframe and the diverse protocols of the various types of lamp units.

Abstract: An illuminated control panel typically for an audio device used in an automobile. The control panel includes a front panel made of a light conducting material through which push buttons and switches extend. A light conducting diffuser extends over a substantial portion of the rear surface of the front panel. The light conducting diffuser contains a plurality of sources of light which produce a generally uniform distribution of light throughout the light conducting diffuser. The illuminated light conducting diffuser back lights the entire area of the front panel, thereby increasing the general illumination of the control panel and facilitating the location and identity of the push buttons and switches. The front panel is preferably colored to improve its general appeal and appearance. In an alternative embodiment, the control panel includes one or more trim plates that are attachable to the front panel and may be used and exchanged at the choice of the user.

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.

Abstract: A display device for use in a vehicle includes display lamps for displaying various states, and a centralized control substrate on which electronic parts for driving the display lamps are mounted. The centralized control substrate is extended backwardly of the display lamps in a direction to visually recognize the display lamps.

Abstract: A substantially horizontal hand stabilizing member attached to a vehicle instrument panel adjacent to a plurality of switches. The hand stabilizing member protrudes outwardly away from the instrument panel and provides a support surface that is a first distance from the switches. The hand stabilizing member allows an operator to engage and move a movable portion of a selected switch with a first portion of his or her hand when a second portion of the operator's hand engages the support surface and stabilizes the operator's hand from movement relative to the switch. The hand stabilizing member includes indicium on identification markers that are substantially adjacent to respective switches, and the indicium represents a function associated with the respective switch. The hand stabilizing member of the preferred embodiment also includes tactile locating members adjacent to the switches to enable the user to non-visually identify the location of a selected switch.

Abstract: A theatrical lighting control network which incorporates a local area network for communication among a number of node controllers and control consoles or devices employed in establising lighting or other effects levels in a theater, film production stage or other performance environment. Use of the network eliminates the requirements for the majority of hardwiring for interconnection of consoles and other contoller or monitoring devices to effects controller racks and provides great flexibility in location and relocation of various components of the system.

Abstract: A lighted knob including a knob body provided with light transmission holes, and nameplates through at least a part of which the light from light sources passes. And in a part of the nameplates are formed incorrect assembly preventive light sections; and on a part of the peripheral edge of the translucent sections are formed shield sections, so that the incorrect assembly preventive light sections will not be shielded unless the specific nameplates are attached to specific translucent sections.

Abstract: A modular lamp power supply is adapted to provide lamp power supply signals to a plurality of different lamps, each lamp having different power requirements. The power supply can be reconfigured to supply power to a new group of lamps simply by replacing the power circuit modules within the supply chassis.

Abstract: An appliance control assembly includes an escutcheon assembly to support controls for the appliance. A push button switch mechanism includes a row of push buttons, each having an extended and a depressed position. The switch mechanism also includes a row of indicator flags integral with the push buttons for movement therewith. The escutcheon assembly includes a row of light ports positioned to be exposed to ambient light and adapted to pass ambient light through the escutcheon assembly. The switch mechanism further includes a row of prisms positioned adjacent the row of push buttons. The switch mechanism is mounted to the escutcheon assembly with the prisms aligned with the light ports to direct toward the indicator flags ambient light received through the light ports and to direct toward the light ports light reflected by the indicator flags.

Abstract: A remote control illuminating and magnifying device for illuminating and magnifying the buttons of a remote control device. The inventive device includes a main body which can be positioned and secured adjacent to a remote control device. A plurality of lights are mounted relative to the main body for illuminating the keys or buttons of the remote control device. A magnifying glass is supported relative to the main body and can be adjustably positioned over a portion of the remote control to magnify the buttons thereof to allow for operation of the remote control in dim lighting conditions and by individuals with reduced visual capacity.

Abstract: The hand held, battery operated remote control with key lighting for controlling an appliance from a remote location comprises: a housing having openings through an upper wall thereof; a plurality of transparent or translucent push-buttons each extending upwardly through one of the openings; one of the push-buttons being a light actuation button; a plurality of switches each associated with one of the push-buttons; a light emitting circuit located inside the housing and including at least one light emitting element positioned in the housing at a location not under a push button, light dispersing structure for illuminating one or more of the push-buttons with light from the at least one light emitting element, and circuitry for maintaining the light emitting circuit activated for a short period of time after said one of the switches is closed by depression of the light actuation button.

Abstract: An illuminated control panel typically for an audio device used in an automobile. The control panel includes a front panel made of a light conducting material through which push buttons and switches extend. A light conducting diffuser extends over a substantial portion of the rear surface of the front panel. The light conducting diffuser contains a plurality of sources of light which produce a generally uniform distribution of light throughout the light conducting diffuser. The illuminated light conducting diffuser back lights the entire area of the front panel, thereby increasing the general illumination of the control panel and facilitating the location and identity of the push buttons and switches. The front panel is preferably colored to improve its general appeal and appearance. In an alternative embodiment, the control panel includes one or more trim plates that are attachable to the front panel and may be used and exchanged at the choice of the user.

Abstract: A light attachment (10) for fitting over a thermostat (T) includes a mounting flange (14) fitting behind the thermostat (T) and clamped by the thermostat (T) against the wall (W). Flange (14) includes a holder (50) extending above the top of the thermostat (T) for advertising indicia on a card (62) within a transparent cover (58) over holder (50). The advertising indicia on the card (62) within cover (58) may, for example, contain information concerning a serviceman and a telephone number. A lamp (40) for illuminating the thermostat (T) is mounted on the end of an inturned end portion (34) of a pivotally mounted telescoping arm (30). The lamp (40) may be positioned at a desired location for illuminating thermostat (T) by pivoting of the arm (30) and rotation of a hood (42) over the lamp (40). Hood (42) includes an opening (44) for directing the light to a predetermined position on the thermostat (T).

Abstract: A remote control has a housing having at least one control disposed thereon and a magnifier disposed proximate said housing, preferably at the forward end thereof. The magnifier enhances a user's ability to read printed matter such as program listings and the like. The magnifier may either be integrally formed with the housing or removably attachable thereto. A first illuminator is disposed proximate the housing and is configured so as to enhance viewing of the controls thereof. The first illuminator may either be integrally formed with the housing or removably attachable thereto. A second illuminator is disposed proximate the housing and is configured so as to enhance viewing of printed matter. The second illuminator may likewise be integrally formed with the housing or removably attachable thereto.

Abstract: A remote control holder and illumination device, for a remote control having a keypad has a base, an illumination member and a mirror housing adjustment member. The base has a guide passage therein. A fastening member is attached to the upper surface of the base to fasten the base to the remote control. The illumination member has a support frame slidingly attached to the base. A mirror housing is connected to the support frame. A convex mirror is attached to the mirror housing. The mirror may be curved in a convex or concave manner. A mirror housing adjustment member has a guide tab, connected to the support frame, that traverses the guide passage. An actuation member extends through the guide passage to allow the user to adjust the position of the mirror housing along the length of the base.

Abstract: A lighting control console has a base and a top. The top includes a control panel having control members on one side operably connected to control circuits on an opposite side. The circuits are covered by a removable insulation member. The top is connected to the base and is movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the top and base are in nested contact. In the open position, the top is raised relative to the base. A storage compartment is provided in the base. The storage compartment and circuits can be accessed when the top is in the open position. When the top is in the closed position, the insulation member insulates the circuits from the storage compartment. A handle is provided on the console and is suitable for hand gripping so that the control console can be carried.

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.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an illuminated graphic display composed of non-flat molded plastic backlit components which serve as interior controls for an instrument panel of an automobile. The method involves a process by which such backlit components are manufactured so as to result in minimal variability of backlighting intensity. The method particularly involves molding each backlit component from a white translucent substrate whose thickness is individually tailored such that the backlit component exhibits a suitable level of backlighting intensity when illuminated by a minimal number of light sources. For daytime viewing, a suitable and uniform level of graphics whiteness for the group of backlit components is achieved by painting each substrate with a white translucent coating, such that the backlit components have similar reflective characteristics.

Abstract: An emergency illumination device for elevator cabs and the like that includes a low voltage power source defined by the secondary winding of a stepdown transformer having its primary winding connected across a primary power source. When the primary power source is "on", a charging circuit maintains a constant charge on an emergency battery source while providing battery source power to an emergency alarm device that can be activated by a push button on the control panel of the elevator. When the primary power is off, the emergency battery source is activated by a circuit that will continue to provide power to the alarm device and also will provide general illumination to the interior of the elevator and spot illuminate the push button so that it can be easily located and operated by occupants in need of assistance.

Abstract: A stage or theatre lighting system having a plurality of multiple parameter lamp units each comprising means for producing a light beam having a plurality of adjustable parameters relating to beam characteristics and beam position; drive means for controlling a plurality of said parameters; lamp processor means for controlling said drive means; and lamp memory means for storing data and programs for execution by said lamp processor means; the improvement comprising said lamp memory means having non-volatile memory means for storage of all of said operating program and volatile memory means for storage of all lamp cue data; internal clock means; and command means to operably command said operating program to execute said stored cue data in a desired, pre-programmed time and sequence using said internal clock means. The system can work with a personal computer and does not need a remote control.

Abstract: A protective cover for a remote control unit, having pressure responsive buttons thereon and a signal generator on one end, has a resilient housing having a housing bottom wall, two upstanding housing side walls connected to the housing bottom wall and a housing top wall connected to the housing side walls. The housing top wall has a first access viewing port and a switch port therein. There is a first closing flap, having an integral hinged connection to one end of the housing top wall, that selectively forms a first housing end wall having a first signal projection port therein. There is a second closing flap, having an integral hinged connection to another end of the housing top wall, that selectively forms a second housing end wall. A protective enclosure is removably placed within the resilient housing and has an enclosure bottom wall, two upstanding enclosure side walls connected to the enclosure bottom wall and an enclosure top wall connected to the enclosure side walls.

Abstract: A stage lighting system is comprised of a plurality of lamp units which may have diverse communication protocols, functions and data parameters. The stage lighting system is controlled by a modular control system comprised of a modular controller mainframe interconnected with a plurality of control devices which may have diverse communications protocols and data formats. The modular controller mainframe consists of a plurality of input and output modules, mass storage devices and a main processor kernel, all interconnected by a number of data buses. The input modules serve as an interface between the modular controller mainframe and the diverse protocols of the various control devices. Similarly, the output modules serve as an interface between the modular controller mainframe and the diverse protocols of the various types of lamp units.

Abstract: A control panel includes a cover plate and at least one cap-shaped control key or button. The key includes a cap-shaped plastic substrate the side wall of which includes a light-block cylindrical portion for preventing light from leaking out through the side wall, even if the light-block coating formed on the outer surface of the side wall is not sufficient.

Abstract: A stage lighting system has a plurality of automated lamp units which can vary the parameters of a light beam for pan, tilt, brightness, intensity and size. A remote console controller system is connected to each of the lamp units via an intelligent data link system. Each of the lamp units includes a microprocessor and a memory. Control programs for driving each of the lamp parameters are stored in the memory and are executed by the lamp microprocessor. The console controller system includes a plurality of controllers, each of which can alternatively or additionally control the operations of the lighting system. The intelligent data link system includes a plurality of signal repeaters, each of which includes a microprocessor and an associated memory for controlling the communication of data and for cooperating in error detection and correction.