Patent ID: 7592925
Filing Date: 2009-09-22
Classification: H01H,H03K,H05B

Abstract:
1. A control structure for an electrical control system for producing a variable output electrical signal to an electrical load for controllably varying the output of said load, said control structure comprising: (a) an enclosed volume which contains control electronics; (b) a cover plate on one surface of said enclosed volume having a planar front surface and having a rectangular opening therein; (c) a touch pad disposed in said rectangular opening and coupled to said control electronics and adapted to produce an output signal which is related to the position within the area of said touch pad at which said touch pad is touched by an operator; (d) a plurality of status indicators; and (e) a voltage source for energizing said status indicators, said voltage source being switchable between first and second conditions for illuminating said status indicators at a first and low intensity and at a second and high intensity, said voltage source being normally switched to its said first condition for illuminating said status indicators with said low intensity; and circuit means coupled to said touch pad for switching said voltage source to said second condition for a predetermined length of time following the initial excitation of any of said status indicators by said touch pad, and thereafter returning said voltage source to said first condition.