Patent ID: 6974222

Claim:
An illuminated control assembly comprising: a control panel; a first control device supported by the control panel and including a first portion accessible to an operator, the first portion configured for receiving contact from an operator in actuating the first control device; a second control device supported by the control panel and including a second portion accessible to an operator, the second portion configured for receiving contact from an operator in actuating the second control device; and a light distribution plenum supported by the control panel adjacent to each of the first control device and the second control device, wherein the light distribution plenum is entirely fixed in place relative to the control panel and is always separate from each of the first control device and the second control device, the light distribution plenum comprising: an interior surface substantially defining a cavity; a light source configured to supply light into the cavity; a first optical avenue configured to facilitate passage of a portion of the light from the cavity, through the atmosphere external to the control panel, and then onto the first portion to illuminate at least part of the first portion; a second optical avenue different from the first optical avenue and configured to facilitate passage of a portion of the light from the cavity, through the atmosphere external to the control panel, and then onto the second portion to illuminate at least part of the second portion; and at least one selective optic associated with said light distribution plenum and configured to interact with at least a portion of the light.