An adjustable keyboard includes a driving element, a first plate, a second plate and a plurality of keys. The second plate is disposed between the first plate and the keys, wherein the second plate has a plurality of key openings and the keys are respectively aligned with the key openings. The driving element is configured to drive the first plate to move, and thus a plurality of first guide portions on the first plate respectively push a plurality of second guide portions on the second plate so as to move the second plate and adjust the distance between each of the keys and the corresponding key opening.

An input device includes an input structure, a magnet attached to the input structure, and an electromagnet. The magnet rotates when the electromagnet is activated, thereby rotating the input structure. The magnet and input structure rotate about a pivot in order to provide haptic and/or visual feedback to a user. The pivot may attach the magnet and input structure to a body, which in turn may be affixed to, or part of, an electronic device. The electromagnet can encircle the body and/or magnet.

An operator control apparatus for a domestic appliance includes a carrier plate and an operator control element which is rotatably arranged on the carrier plate for setting an operating condition of the domestic appliance. The operator control element includes a front cap having a first transparent region and a second transparent region which is separate from the first transparent region. A light guide extends into the front cap to guide light from a light source such as to illuminate the first transparent region with a first light intensity of the light which is coupled out of the light guide, and to illuminate the second transparent region with a second light intensity of the light which is coupled out of the light guide, with the second light intensity of the light being different from the first light intensity.

A user interface capable of controlling various functions of a vehicle is disclosed. More particularly, an in-vehicle function control apparatus using a detachable knob and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. A method of controlling a vehicle function using a detachable knob includes an integrated operation unit detecting an attachment position of the detachable knob among a plurality of attachment positions in a vehicle, transmitting information on a result of the operation from the detachable knob to the integrated operation unit when an operation unit provided in the detachable knob is operated, and the integrated operation unit controlling a controlled function corresponding to the attachment position of the detachable knob based on the information on the result. The detachable knob is fixed at any one of the plurality of attachment positions using magnetic force.

A surgical light including a light housing having at least one light source therein and a handle assembly extending from the light housing, with the handle assembly including a knob and a cover. The handle assembly is rotatably connected to the light housing. The cover covers the knob. Engaging the cover in a first mode and rotating the knob alters a first characteristic of light emitted from the at least one light source. Engaging the cover in a second mode and rotating the knob alters a second characteristic of light emitted from the at least one light source.

A portable control device designed to control contacts of an electrical switch, and including a main drive shaft, a holding shaft, a motor for driving the main shaft and a microcontroller for controlling the motor. In a first direction of insertion, the main shaft is able to be inserted into a first recess of the switch in order to perform a movement for opening/closing the contacts, the holding shaft then being housed in a first holding orifice. In a second direction of insertion, the main shaft is able to be inserted into a second recess of the switch in order to be able to perform a movement for grounding the contacts, the holding shaft then being housed in a second holding orifice. The control device also includes a detector of the direction of insertion, which detector is linked to the microcontroller.

Systems and methods are disclosed herein relating to a momentary contact switch that can be both manually and electronically actuated. In some embodiments, an electronic module can be added to a manual momentary contact switch to enable electronic control. The momentary contact switch can be transitioned between first, second, and third electrical states based on the rotation of a shaft between first, second, and third rotational positions. Rotary arms are selectively engaged by pull arms connected to a master solenoid to selectively rotate the shaft from the first rotational position to the second and third rotational positions.

An input detecting device includes: an input receiver configured to receive position input; a position detector included in the input receiver and configured to detect at least a position of the position input; a rotary portion rotatably attached to the input receiver and configured to move between a standby position spaced apart from the input receiver and an advanced position closer than the standby position to the input receiver; a rotation detectable portion configured to be rotated relative to the input receiver together with the rotary portion and whose position is detectable by the position detector; and a push detectable portion whose position is detectable by the position detector when the rotary portion is positioned at one of the standby position and the advanced position.

A dial shift lever device for a vehicle may be provided that includes: a dial knob which is rotatable from a predetermined reference position by a user's operation for changing a shift stage; a button driving part which comprises a plurality of buttons disposed circumferentially in a receiving recess formed in a lower portion of the dial knob and generates a signal for selecting the shift stage as at least one of the plurality of buttons is pressed by rotation of the dial knob; and a guide assembly which is coupled to the lower portion of the dial knob and locks the rotation of the dial knob or releases the lock of the rotation of the dial knob.

Electrical switch devices are installed at in-wall electrical boxes of a building. Each device features a switch module with multiple electrically controlled switches for respective connection of multiple load circuits. A control panel with a user interface is mountable over the electrical box and is connected or connectable to the switch module. A communications transceiver of each device is operable to transmit and receive communications to and from each of the other devices. The control panel has a touch-screen display, and is configured to display virtual on-screen switches, including at least one virtual switch whose output is assigned to a respective one of the electrically controlled switches of the other devices. The at least one virtual switch at one device is thereby operable to control at least one load at another of said devices. User selected names are assignable to the switches, and used to label the virtual switches.