An operating device includes a first operating element with which a user can select one or numerous main functions of a vehicle and that can rotate about an axis of rotation and has at least one predefined fixed rotational position. A second operating element with which a user can adjust subfunctions of the main function can rotate about the axis of rotation and also comprises an actuator unit that comprises a magnetorheological medium configured to exert a retaining force on the second operating element based on a viscosity of the magnetorheological medium. The actuator unit is configured to set the viscosity on the basis of the main function selected with the first operating element, and on the basis of a rotational position of the second operating element.

A switched power receptacle that can be programmed to provide power for a user-selected duration in a user-selected cycle. The invention can be plugged into a conventional receptacle, extension cord, or other source of power. One or more user inputs and displays are provided so that the user can program the cycle for switching on the power (once every 2 days, once every 7 days, etc.). One or more user inputs are provided so that the user can select the duration of activation for each cycle (1 hour, 3 hours, etc.). Status indicators are preferably provided so that the user can easily monitor the operation of the device.

A knob assembly includes a front panel, a knob located at a front side of the front panel and configured to rotate based on operation by a user, a knob shaft that is coupled to the knob and that extends through the front panel, a supporting pipe that receives the knob shaft and that supports the knob shaft, the supporting pipe being configured to maintain a position relative to the front panel, a valve configured to control supply of gas to the appliance, a valve shaft connected to the valve and configured to control the valve to adjust a flow rate of gas based on rotation of the valve shaft, and a joint that couples the knob shaft to the valve shaft and that is configured to transfer at least one of a rotational motion or a linear motion of the knob shaft to the valve shaft.

A knob assembly with a display that displays information such as power level and a timer time, and a cooking apparatus including a knob assembly are provided. The knob assembly may include a knob coupled to an adjustment shaft configured to adjust power level and a knob ring configured to surround a periphery of the knob, configured to be rotatable independent of the knob, and provided with a display. The display may be provided at the knob ring, and information may be displayed on the display so that a user may easily manipulate the knob assembly.

A switched power receptacle that can be programmed to provide power for a user-selected duration in a user-selected cycle. The invention can be plugged into a conventional receptacle, extension cord, or other source of power. One or more user inputs and displays are provided so that the user can program the cycle for switching on the power (once every 2 days, once every 7 days, etc.). One or more user inputs are provided so that the user can select the duration of activation for each cycle (1 hour, 3 hours, etc.). Status indicators are preferably provided so that the user can easily monitor the operation of the device.

A knob assembly includes a front panel, a knob located at a front side of the front panel and configured to rotate based on operation by a user, a knob shaft that is coupled to the knob and that extends through the front panel, a supporting pipe that receives the knob shaft and that supports the knob shaft, the supporting pipe being configured to maintain a position relative to the front panel, a valve configured to control supply of gas to the appliance, a valve shaft connected to the valve and configured to control the valve to adjust a flow rate of gas based on rotation of the valve shaft, and a joint that couples the knob shaft to the valve shaft and that is configured to transfer at least one of a rotational motion or a linear motion of the knob shaft to the valve shaft.

A knob assembly includes a front panel, a knob located at a front side of the front panel and configured to rotate based on operation by a user, a knob shaft that is coupled to the knob and that extends through the front panel, a supporting pipe that receives the knob shaft and that supports the knob shaft, the supporting pipe being configured to maintain a position relative to the front panel, a valve configured to control supply of gas to the appliance, a valve shaft connected to the valve and configured to control the valve to adjust a flow rate of gas based on rotation of the valve shaft, and a joint that couples the knob shaft to the valve shaft and that is configured to transfer at least one of a rotational motion or a linear motion of the knob shaft to the valve shaft.

A knob assembly includes a front panel, a knob located at a front side of the front panel and configured to rotate based on operation by a user, a knob shaft that is coupled to the knob and that extends through the front panel, a supporting pipe that receives the knob shaft and that supports the knob shaft, the supporting pipe being configured to maintain a position relative to the front panel, a valve configured to control supply of gas to the appliance, a valve shaft connected to the valve and configured to control the valve to adjust a flow rate of gas based on rotation of the valve shaft, and a joint that couples the knob shaft to the valve shaft and that is configured to transfer at least one of a rotational motion or a linear motion of the knob shaft to the valve shaft.

A knob assembly with a display that displays information such as power level and a timer time, and a cooking apparatus including a knob assembly are provided. The knob assembly may include a knob coupled to an adjustment shaft configured to adjust power level and a knob ring configured to surround a periphery of the knob, configured to be rotatable independent of the knob, and provided with a display. The display may be provided at the knob ring, and information may be displayed on the display so that a user may easily manipulate the knob assembly.

An electro-mechanical interface device for an appliance. The device including: a mounting element having a first side and a second side, the mounting element having a mounting aperture from the first side through to the second side; a first selection element in the form of a hollow sleeve that is partially located through the mounting aperture from the first side of mounting element; and a fastening ring engages the first selection element from the second side of mounting element, such that the first selection element is releasably retained from being withdrawn from the mounting aperture, wherein the first selection element is rotatable with respect to the mounting element. The device may further include a hub element is located within the circular-sleeve of the first selection element that restricts separation of the first selection element from the fastening ring.