Fiber Optic Panels backlight keyboards with one LED.

Press Release Summary:

UniGlo® Panels are thin plastic optical fiber backlighting devices that can backlight full-travel computer keyboards and flat panel membrane switch keyboard overlays with single LED (2.1 VDC @ 30mA) light source. They provide thin (.010 in. min) uniform panel of light that is heat- and EMI-free. Panels have operating temperature range of -40 to 80 degrees C, are not affected by temperature extremes or moisture, and never wear out.

Original Press Release:

Fiber Optic Panels Backlight Computer Keyboards With Only One LED

Irvine, CA, February 2002 - UniGlo® panels from Poly-Optical Products, Inc. are thin plastic optical fiber backlighting devices that can backlight full-travel computer keyboards and flat panel membrane switch keyboard overlays with a single LED as its light source. UniGlo devices provide a thin (.010" minimum), rugged, durable and uniform panel of light that is heat- and EMI-free. To backlight full-travel computer keyboards, the UniGlo panel is placed behind the stainless steel keyboard backer that has a die-cut section behind each key for mounting of the key's suspension system. The translucent keys are illuminated by the light from the UniGlo panel shining through the die-cut hole for each key. UniGlo backlighting panels never wear out. When used to backlight flat panel membrane switch keyboard overlays, the thin UniGlo panel is placed between the translucent keyboard overlay and the membrane switch (metal or plastic domes, or non-tactile switches). A single layer UniGlo panel adds only .2 to .8 ounces of additional snap-through pressure (depending on the type of dome being actuated). Poly-Optical's UniGlo backlighting panels have been life tested to over five million actuations. UniGlo backlighting panels have an operating temperature range of from -40 degrees C to +80 degrees C and can be lit with a single, low-power (2.1 VDC @ 30mA) LED. UniGlo panels are not affected by temperature extremes or moisture.