Other

Arthur D. Little Enterprises, Inc.

Richard Crack

Jerry R Iggulden

Derek John Pyner

Nigel Taylor

Bruce Stevens

Keith Constable

A user configurable control device is particularly suitable for household devices such as remote control transmitters. A variety of function control elements in the form of keys are provided to the consumer who selects a desired set of the control elements. Each of the control elements has a unique pattern of projections molded into the bottom surface. These projections are in operative alignment with an array of membrane switches disposed on a switching substrate within the control device. The control device includes a front panel that is perforated with a pattern of slots. Each of the control elements has a pair of projecting tabs that look the element onto the control panel so that it is securely retained thereon, but may be released if desired. The projections on the bottom of the element extend through the slots in the front panel to the switching substrate below. The particular pattern of projections is unique to each control element and the corresponding pattern of switch contacts closed upon actuation of the control element determines the function that is performed.

User-configurable control device

A user configurable control device is particularly suitable for household devices such as remote control transmitters. A variety of function control elements in the form of keys are provided to the consumer who selects a desired set of the control elements. Each of the control elements has a unique pattern of projections molded into the bottom surface. These projections are in operative alignment with an array of membrane switches disposed on a switching substrate within the control device. The control device includes a front panel that is perforated with a pattern of slots. Each of the control elements has a pair of projecting tabs that lock the element onto the control panel so that it is securely retained thereon, but may be released if desired. The projections on the bottom of the element extend through the slots in the front panel to the switching substrate below. The particular pattern of projections is unique to each control element and the corresponding pattern of switch contacts closed upon actuation of the control element determines the function that is performed.

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Burnaby, Canada

Richard Crack