Abstract: An electronic synchronizer stores MIDI music data codes in a principal melody track and other MIDI music data codes in an external control track, and compares music data codes representative of depressed keys with the MIDI music data codes in the principal melody track to see whether or not the keys are timely depressed for producing the principal melody for reading out the other MIDI music data codes in the external control track in synchronism with the fingering, wherein the MIDI music data codes in the external control track are converted to instructions for an audio-visual system so that the electronic synchronizer achieves the synchronization between the fingering and the audio-visual system on the basis of the MIDI music data codes.

Abstract: The key comprises a raised pressure and command part (1), carrying at least one character label, and means of illuminating the character label. The means of illumination comprise a light-emitting illumination layer (10) located in the base of the raised pressure and command part (1) and extended laterally either by electrical contacts or by electrical connection tracks (12, 13). To manufacture the key, the illumination layer is put in place after having printed the character by serigraphy onto a film which has been stamped out. The invention is used in the production of keypads.

Abstract: In a portable computer, an LED holder is provided in the upper portion of an LCD and an LED is attached inside the LED holder. Light emitted from the LED passes through an aperture provided in the bottom portion of the LED holder and illuminates a keyboard. Furthermore, switching on or off the LED is manually performed by a switch installed in the portable computer and is also controlled from a utility program, etc., by a switching controller circuit installed inside a main body.

Abstract: For a rotary switch (7) fastened on a dividing wall (1), it is proposed to illuminate the adjusting knob (4) by means of transmitted light by providing as a light guide (20) a conical ring (28) formed with continuations (29, 30, 31) formed on in the axial direction, the continuations (29, 30, 31) reaching through the dividing wall (1) and being aligned with light-emitting diodes (8, 9), which are located on a printed-circuit board (6) assigned to the rotary switch (7). The light guide (20) is fastened on the dividing wall (1) indirectly by fastening the housing (3) and is secured against twisting by suitable indentations (47, 48, 49) in the dividing wall (1).

Abstract: The present invention involves an apparatus for illuminating a display screen of a handheld portable video game device having a utility power jack or communication port in electrical connection with a power source. The apparatus includes a plug for plugging the apparatus into the utility power jack or communication port, a body connected to the plug, and an illumination device including one or more illumination devices attached to the body and electrically connected to the utility power jack through the plug and the body. The illumination device is powered by the power source when the apparatus is plugged into the utility power jack. Preferably, the one or more illumination devices include one or more Light Emitting Diodes (“LEDs”).

Abstract: An illumination device for a notebook computer comprises a base, a support arm, and a light body. The base is flat with the front end having a size corresponding to a PCMCIA interface slot in the notebook computer. An electricity fetching plug connector is provided at the front end with an electric wire extended in the base. The plug connector is corresponding to a power source terminal in the PCMCIA interface slot of the notebook computer. The support arm has an end thereof provides a pivot joint attached to the upper side of the base for being able to performing angular movement upward and downward. The other end of the support arm provides a support joint. The light body has a lamp shield connecting with the support joint and at least an illuminator is disposed under the lamp shield. The illuminator provides an electric wire to connect with the preceding electric wire in the base.

Abstract: An illumination device for a notebook computer comprises a base, a support arm, and a light body. The base is flat with the front end having a size corresponding to a PCMCIA interface slot in the notebook computer. An electricity fetching plug connector is provided at the front end with an electric wire extended in the base. The plug connector is corresponding to a power source terminal in the PCMCIA interface slot of the notebook computer. The support arm has an end thereof provides a pivot joint attached to the upper side of the base for being able to performing angular movement upward and downward. The other end of the support arm provides a support joint. The light body has a lamp shield connecting with the support joint and at least an illuminator is disposed under the lamp shield. The illuminator provides an electric wire to connect with the preceding electric wire in the base.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for illuminating an object associated with a portable handheld video game device having a port in electrical connection with at least one power source. The illumination apparatus includes a plug for plugging the apparatus into the port, a body connected to the plug, an illumination device connected to the body and adapted to be powered by the power source when the plug is plugged into the port for illuminating an object associated with the portable handheld video game device, the illumination device including a connection member, and an interchangeable illumination head removably attached to the connection member of the illumination device and adapted to be illuminated by the illumination device.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for illuminating an object associated with a portable handheld video game device having a port in electrical connection with at least one power source. The illumination apparatus includes a plug for plugging the apparatus into the port, a body connected to the plug, an illumination device connected to the body and adapted to be powered by the power source when the plug is plugged into the port for illuminating an object associated with the portable handheld video game device, the illumination device including a connection member, and an interchangeable illumination head removably attached to the connection member of the illumination device and adapted to be illuminated by the illumination device.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for illuminating an object associated with a portable handheld video game device having a port in electrical connection with at least one power source. The illumination apparatus includes a plug for plugging the apparatus into the port, a body connected to the plug, an illumination device connected to the body and adapted to be powered by the power source when the plug is plugged into the port for illuminating an object associated with the portable handheld video game device, the illumination device including a connection member, and an interchangeable illumination head removably attached to the connection member of the illumination device and adapted to be illuminated by the illumination device.

Abstract: A drying agent enclosed in an organic EL element is sealed with a shape with which particulate contamination becomes less than that of a conventional shape, while still capable of showing a moisture absorption capacity similar to that of a fine powder. A light emitting device, and an electronic device, having long life and having less particulate contamination than in a device manufactured by conventional processes, are provided by using the organic EL element. The drying agent, made from a compound capable of chemically absorbing moisture, is formed as a bulk porous body or a porous film, and is formed along with the organic EL elements within a container cut off from the atmosphere. In addition, the light emitting device and the electronic device are manufactured using the organic EL elements.

Abstract: A pass-thru illumination apparatus and method for illuminating an object associated with a portable electronic or computing device. The apparatus includes a first plug and one or more ports, a body connected to the first plug, and one or more illumination devices attached to the body. The method includes plugging the first plug of the apparatus into the first port of the device and plugging one or more plugs of one or more peripherals into the one or more ports of the apparatus to accomplish at least one of powering the one or more peripherals and communicating the one or more peripherals with the device.

Abstract: A method of illuminating an object associated with a portable electronic or computing device with a pass-thru illumination apparatus includes providing a pass-thru illumination apparatus including a first plug with a second port, a body connected to the first plug, and an illumination device attached to the body; plugging the first plug of the pass-thru illumination apparatus into a port of the electronic or computing device to power the illumination device with a power source of the electronic or computing device to illuminate an object associated with the electronic or computing device; and plugging a second plug of a peripheral into the second port of the pass-thru illumination apparatus to accomplish at least one of powering the peripheral and communicating the peripheral with the electronic or computing device.

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: An auxiliary light source apparatus for radiating light onto a reflective liquid crystal display is disclosed. In the apparatus, a reflective display module is pivotally connected to a main body. A support member is opened and closed from and to a position adjacent to the main body in opposition to the reflective display module. An auxiliary light source is installed at the support member to radiate light onto the display area of the reflective display module. Accordingly, the auxiliary light source apparatus for the reflective liquid crystal display is connected to the main body in a position in opposition to the reflective liquid crystal display panel so that a light can be uniformly radiated onto the reflective liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: A lighting assembly for compact computer devices such as, for example, hand held video games utilizes a light source direct away from the display screen of the compact computer device and a reflective surface selectively positionable over the display screen to intercept and reflect the light emanating from the light source and re-direct it toward the display screen. The directing of the light away from the display screen and subsequent reflecting back toward the display screen its in an evenly diffused light being applied to the display screen, while completely eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.

Abstract: Improved housing for a computing device is disclosed. The improved housing is provided with one of an illuminable connector, a touch pad arrangement, and a palm rest stiffening plate. Normally, the illuminable connector and the touch pad arrangement are provided on external portions of a housing of the computing device such that they are available for user interaction. The palm rest stiffening plate is provided internal to a housing to provide stiffness or rigidity to a palm rest region of the housing.

Abstract: Actuation means for actuating a functional part in an automobile by means of a handle portion or the like, whereby at least a portion, e.g. a stripe of an electro luminescence sheet is applied to a surface of said handle portion or adjacent to said handle portion and connected to an electric source.

Abstract: A lighting assembly for compact computer devices such as, or example, hand held video games utilizes a light source directed away from the display screen of the compact computer device and a reflective surface selectively positionable over the display screen to intercept and reflect the light emanating from the light source and re-direct it toward the display screen. The directing of the light away from the display screen and subsequent reflecting back toward the display screen results in an evenly diffused light being applied to the display screen, while completely eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.

Abstract: The patterned light beam from a multiparameter light is moved by a position sequence macro that automatically references the present position of projection of light from the multiparameter light. The present position of projection may be, for instance, the last position of the multiparameter light prior to the position sequence macro as indicated by a position parameter for the multiparameter light, and the position sequence macro controls movement of the patterned light beam through several different positions of pan and/or tilt that are, for example, centered on a position specified in the position parameter. The position parameter may be specified remotely by a lighting control system or at the multiparameter light itself. Other parameters such as, for example, color, iris and shutter may be varied as well.

Abstract: A light fitting unit in which the closure device includes a slider which can move on its base and is adapted to hook onto the diffuser, the slider is associated with releasable immobilizing means operated by the diffuser and adapted to oppose movement of the slider in the direction toward its closed position when the diffuser is in its open position and the safety switch for controlling the supply of electrical power to the unit is itself operated by the slider.

Abstract: A lighting source, such as a light emitting diode (LED), is incorporated into the shaft of the pointing device. There is a light shield over the exposed top of the pointing device preferably, backed with a conically shaped reflecting surface to direct the light outwardly and horizontally across the keyboard. The light is activated in a laptop by opening the cover to raise the pointing device to its normal operating position. The lighting function may be disabled when the pointer is raised if there is sufficient ambient lighting.

Abstract: A typical light fixture is an integral unit that has a lamp assembly and a communications node to control the lamp assembly. Lighting systems contain many such light fixtures. One type of lighting system has at least two communications systems that interconnect the light fixtures. A digital controller is connected to one of the communications systems, at least one of the light fixtures of that communications system is a designated gateway for sending control signals to the other communications system. Another type of lighting system has two digital controllers connected to respective communications systems. Each of the communications systems interconnects many light fixtures, at least one of which has two communications nodes respectively connected to the communications systems. A third type of lighting system mixes combines the first and second types.

Abstract: A lighting assembly for compact computer devices such as, for example, hand held video games utilizes a light source directed away from the display screen of the compact computer device and a reflective surface selectively positionable over the display screen to intercept and reflect the light emanating from the light source and re-direct it toward the display screen. The directing of the light away from the display screen and subsequent reflecting back toward the display screen results in an evenly diffused light being applied to the display screen, while completely eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lampshade for scanner primarily comprising an inner lampshade disposed between a base board with a plurality of light sources and a light-condensing bar, wherein the inner lampshade has a bottom plate on which a plurality of through holes corresponding to the positions of each light sources on the base board are disposed, and wherein a plurality of protruding walls are respectively provided in front of two sides of each through hole (near the light-condensing bar) while a plurality of grooves with reflective surface corresponding to the positions of each through holes are created between every two protruding walls so that the light beams reach the light-condensing bar 30 after light-concentration of the inner lampshade 10, and the light beams with doubled luminous intensity as much as that of the prior art can be achieved; the outer lampshade is disposed at outside of the above-mentioned components, wherein the outer lampshade has a light-condensing cover with an arched refl

Abstract: Embodiments of a peripheral backlighting system for keyboards are shown and described, which include one or more light-emitting panels exterior to the keyswitches of the keyboard. The panels are preferably electroluminescent material and surround at least two sides, and preferably all sides, of the stem of a keyswitch or the space in which the stem slides up and down during use. Alternatively, the electroluminescent panel(s) may extend substantially continuously between and underneath a plurality of keyswitches. The panels extend closely adjacent to the stem or stem path, or under the keyswitch, to be as far under the key cap as possible without extending into the stem or cap of the keyswitch. The EL panels are preferably powered by the computer keyboard port, via voltage inverters. Preferably, the keyswitch is translucent or partially translucent, and the base plate over the EL panels, if any, is at least partially translucent or transparent.

Abstract: A light for use with computers containing one or more light emitting diodes on one or more flexible necks which is powered via the computers USB or IEEE 1394 port. An auxiliary USB or IEEE 1394 port may be combined with the plug-in light to allow for additional devices top be connected through the same port powering the light.

Abstract: An illumination device that can use a white light diode in a flexible arm plugs into, and is powered through, a utility power jack of a portable computing device or a utility port of a portable computing device.

Abstract: A method of illuminating an object associated with a portable electronic or computing device with a pass-thru illumination apparatus includes providing a pass-thru illumination apparatus including a first plug with a second port, a body connected to the first plug, and an illumination device attached to the body; plugging the first plug of the pass-thru illumination apparatus into a port of the electronic or computing device to power the illumination device with a power source of the electronic or computing device to illuminate an object associated with the electronic or computing device; and plugging a second plug of a peripheral into the second port of the pass-thru illumination apparatus to accomplish at least one of powering the peripheral and communicating the peripheral with the electronic or computing device.

Abstract: An illuminated switch unit according to the present invention is provided with: a case having a recess, a pair of protrusions provided within the recess and holes corresponding to those protrusions; a movable knob housed within the recess of the case, and provided on the protrusions so as to be able to rock or move up and down; a switch capable of bringing a movable contact provided on an elastic member to be driven by the movable knob into and out of contact with a stationary contact; and a substrate having a light source for illuminating the movable knob, wherein the elastic member is provided with light shielding members for preventing the light from the light source from passing through the holes in the case.

Abstract: An illuminating device for a portable radio apparatus of the present invention is capable of selectively turning on or turning off illumination in accordance with the environment around the apparatus, particularly lightness. This, coupled with the fact that the illuminating device can suitably adjust even an illumination, saves power to a considerable degree. Moreover, when the illuminating device includes light sensing means, it causes control means to automatically turn on or turn off illumination and adjusts an illumination in accordance with lightness around the apparatus. Therefore, even when the user of the apparatus forgets to switch the ON/OFF state of illumination, power consumption of the apparatus can be reduced as far as possible.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for illuminating an object associated with a portable handheld video game device having a port in electrical connection with at least one power source. The illumination apparatus includes a plug for plugging the apparatus into the port, a body connected to the plug, an illumination device connected to the body and adapted to be powered by the power source when the plug is plugged into the port for illuminating an object associated with the portable handheld video game device, the illumination device including a connection member, and an interchangeable illumination head removably attached to the connection member of the illumination device and adapted to be illuminated by the illumination device.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a plurality of electrical devices (6) the system including a central controller (2) for controlling functions of the devices, a network (4) coupled between the central controller (2) and the devices, the network including a plurality of device drivers (10) for providing drive signals to the electrical devices, the number of drivers being less than the number of devices characterized in that the network includes intelligent devices (8) which enable communication through the network from the central controller (2) to the devices (6).

Abstract: A lighting assembly for compact computer devices such as, for example, hand held video games utilizes a light source directed away from the display screen of the compact computer device and a reflective surface selectively positionable over the display screen to intercept and reflect the light emanating from the light source and redirect it toward the display screen. The directing of the light away from the display screen and subsequent reflecting back toward the display screen results in an evenly diffused light being applied to the display screen, while completely eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.

Abstract: A fader wheel assembly for a lighting control console includes a fader wheel having a single hub mounted at an acute angle to the top wall of the console. The inclined orientation positions approximately half of smooth, rounded outer wall and rim surfaces above the console top wall in an arrangement that is comfortable for the user. A single bearing locates the wheel as well as a transducer that is supported essentially only by its attachment to the fader wheel. Resilient arms lightly hold the transducer in position.

Abstract: An illumination device that can use a white light diode in a flexible arm plugs into, and is powered through, a utility power jack of a portable computing device or a utility port of a portable computing device.

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. At least one 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. 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 lighting apparatus capable of dimming lighting units using a discharge lamp in various ways. Each lighting unit includes a metal halide lamp and two spaced shutters arranged in front of the lamp on the optical path of the lamp. A shutter driver selectively opens or closes the shutters for mechanically dimming light issuing from the lamp. Six lighting units are cascaded in a single group. Ballast boxes each are assigned to a particular lighting unit and include a power supply section for feeding electric power to the lamp and a shutter controller for controlling a shutter driver. These structural elements are collectively controlled from a keyboard via a single control box. A command generating section included in the control box transforms a command input on the keyboard to a command for controlling the individual lighting unit. A selector also included in the control box distributes the command to five groups of lighting units.

Abstract: Individual variable parameters of a multiparameter lighting device may be varied in response to a processed audio signal. The multiparameter lighting device is equipped with an audio transducer to receive sound waves in the vicinity of the device. The audio signal generated by the transducer in response to the sound waves is sent to a signal processor where the audio signal is processed and converted to a control signal for varying selected parameters of the multiparameter lighting device. The multiparameter lighting device is operated remotely from a control device using a digital communication scheme. An operator of the control device may remotely select which parameter of the multiparameter lighting device may be varied in response to the processed audio signal. One or several parameters may be varied in response to the processed audio signal. The intensity of the light source may also be varied in response to the processed audio signal.

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

Abstract: A carrier for a hot-pluggable hard disk drive has a frame with a pair of side walls, a front bezel, and a rear connector assembly. The hard disk drive mounts to the frame within its confines. One of the side walls has a pair of channels in its outer surface. The carrier also has a visible light pipe mounted in each of its channels. The light pipes extend along the side wall from the front bezel to the rear connector assembly. The carrier is installed in the hard disk drive docking bay of a computer system. The rear end of the docking bay has a docking connector for interconnecting with the drive, and a pair of activity lights. When the carrier is seated in the docking bay, the rear ends of the light pipes are precisely aligned with the activity lights and separated from them by a small clearance. The light emitted by the activity lights is transmitted through the light pipes and displayed at the front bezel for viewing by the user.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a backlit display and an illuminated receptacle for a removable information storage medium, for example an audio device such as a cassette radio for a motor vehicle passenger compartment. The audio device (1) has a backlit display (7) and a receptacle (38) for a removable information carrying medium, comprising at least one backlight, and a light diffuser (5) moulded in a translucent plastics material, the diffuser (5) having a display backlight (201) portion and a receptacle indicator portion (202), the backlight being arranged to illuminate the display backlight portion (201) to provide a diffuse backlight for the display (7), and to shine light through the translucent material of the receptacle indicator portion (201) to indicate an entrance to the receptacle (38).

Abstract: An illuminated pushbutton has a display assembly which is movable relative to a fixed part containing a switch assembly. The display assembly contains a plurality of solid state light generating devices which can individually or in combination provide illumination with variable coloring characteristics. A flexible circuit element connects these devices to electronic circuitry in the fixed part which controls the coloration of the display.

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

Abstract: An illumination device that can use a white light diode in a flexible arm plugs into, and is powered through, a utility power jack of a portable computing device or a utility port of a portable computing device.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard that may be used for providing inputs to a computer. The keyboard includes a keyboard base pan and a plurality of input keys having keycaps that may be pressed by a user. An electroluminescent lamp, in the form a flat panel, is sandwiched between the keyboard base pan and the keycaps to illuminate the keyboard during use.

Abstract: A motor vehicle heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning installation has a control panel comprising a light box which consists of a housing comprising a housing member with an open side closed by a front wall of the control panel, and a light source within the housing. The front wall is of translucent material made opaque on its front face except in lighting zones which define illuminated indicia. Some of the lighting zones have a first thickness, while others are of different thicknesses, so that the luminance of the lighting zones at the front face of the front wall is modified locally. In this way, imperfections in the light box arising from differences in luminance in the illuminated indicia can be compensated for.

Abstract: A plunger 20 which moves in and out relative to an illuminated panel 10 to operate a switch 18 is assembled from the front of the panel by pushing a shaft 24 with radial extensions 28 through a socket. The extensions yield to allow the shaft to pass through the socket and spring out once the shaft has passed through. A compressible gasket 32 is positioned between a shoulder 34 on the knob and the front face of the panel 10, to prevent light leaking from behind the panel, and to provide a restoring force to return the plunger to its start position after operation.

Abstract: An improved lighting control architecture provides many different kinds of controlling options. A single channel per line communication is described. This can be used to form single channel DMX to communicate with DMX format luminaires, while still using only one communication per line. The controlling console has only a single connector that outputs information for all luminaires. This is connected to a distribution rack, which itself includes plural connectors but spaced from the console. The multiple connectors can represent communications in many different formats including format of one lamp per line, or time division multiplexed formats of many lamps per line.

Abstract: A lamp comprises a base, a flexible arm extending from the base, and a lampshade attached to the other end of the flexible arm by means of two cooperating connecting members that allow the lampshade to be rotated about a first axis and about a second axis perpendicular to the first. The base may be slidably held by a bracket attached by adhesive or by other bonding material, to a computer monitor, workstation, or other device. A socket within the lamp shade accepts a high intensity bulb such as a 13-watt compact fluorescent bulb.