Patent ID: RE43606

Claim:
An electronic switching unit for use with a product comprising and/or connected to a power source and at least one energy consuming load, said unit comprising: (a) a microchip, connected to a user interface switch structure, said microchip at least partially implementing the user interface; (b) said microchip further configured to implement at least one function selected from the group consisting of: (i) an automatic delayed deactivation of a function a predetermined period after the function was activated in response to an activation signal from the switch structure; (ii) a visible indicator, said indicator at least activated to indicate an activation of the switch structure, said indicator active when the load has not been activated by the user; and (iii) a mode selection function whereby the selection of a deactivation function by a user, is at least influenced by the time period between successive operations of the switch structure exceeding a predetermined minimum period of time; and (c) wherein the switch structure comprises a body at least a part of which is constructed from a compressible material which is deformed under pressure, so that it becomes thinner in a direction in which the pressure is exerted and in becoming thinner affects the operation of the switch structure.