A light pipe array includes a series of light pipes connected to a runner. The light pipes and runner are preferably molded as a single piece using a clear or transparent plastic. The runner is fabricated to have a relatively small cross-section when compared to the light pipes. The interconnection between the runner and each light pipe is chosen so that each light pipe is oriented to be substantially perpendicular to the runner. Additionally, the interconnection between the runner and each light pipes is chosen so that the runner is in close proximity to the light ray exit end of each light pipe. The small cross-section of the runner, the perpendicular relationship between the runner and the light pipes and the location of the connection between the runner and the light pipes provides a light pipe array exhibiting little or no contamination between the included light pipes.
An electrical jack system is operable with an electrical plug, such as an RJ-type plug. In one embodiment, the electrical plug is at least partially translucent. The jack system includes a housing bounding a socket. The socket is configured to receive the electrical plug. A light source is coupled with the housing so as to selectively illuminate the socket and/or the translucent electrical plug when the translucent electrical plug is received within the socket of the housing. In one embodiment, the light source is a light emitter, such as an LED, mounted on the housing so as to be at least partially exposed to the socket of the housing. In an alternative embodiment, an opening is formed on the housing in communication with the socket. A light emitter is disposed a distance from the opening on the housing. A conduit extends between the light emitter and the opening. The conduit, such as a light pipe, is configured to channel light from the light emitter to the opening on the housing.
A visual feedback system for providing information to a user regarding aspects such as the status and operation of the systems and components of one or more electronic devices. The visual feedback system is preferably employed in the context of a PC card and includes one or more light sources, preferably light emitting diodes, configured for electrical communication with the electronic circuitry by which the functionality of the PC card is implemented so that certain events that occur with respect to the status and operation of the PC card cause the light source to emit light. The emitted light is received by a light reflecting member that, preferably, substantially encloses the light source and reflects the received light in a manner and form consistent with a desired application. The reflected light is then directed, by virtue of the geometry of the light reflecting member, to one or more predetermined locations, one of which is preferably proximate to the receptacle of a connector included in the PC card. Thus, light emitted by the light source is correlated with operations performed by, and/or in conjunction with the PC card, and is then directed to a location visible to a user thereby enabling the user to ascertain information regarding aspects such as the status and operation of various electronic systems and components of, or relating to, PC card (100).
