Multi-function control switch for electrically operating devices

A multi-function control switch, comprising:

• a housing;
• means, disposed in said housing, for inputting commands to the multi-function control switch, wherein at least three keying sequences can be input via said inputting means;
• at least two momentary switches disposed behind said inputting means in said housing, wherein input of each of said at least three keying sequences depresses and releases at least one of said at least two momentary switches;
• and
• an electronic operating module disposed behind said inputting means in said housing, wherein said at least two momentary switches are disposed on said electronic operating module, said electronic operating module having
• a control logic circuit disposed in said housing, said control logic circuit having means for performing and controlling a plurality of operating functions, and wherein each of said plurality of operating functions is initiated, terminated and modified by a plurality of command logic elements within said control logic circuit, and wherein more than one of said plurality of operating functions may be currently active at any one time,
• means for sensing conditions within an area surrounding the multi-function control switch, wherein said means for sensing is electrically connected to said control logic circuit,
• means, electrically connected to said control logic circuit, for monitoring the passage of time, and
• means for indicating to a user the status of said plurality of operating functions of the multi-function control switch.

A multi-function control switch, comprising:

• an actuating arm with a substantially planar face rotating about an axis, wherein said actuating arm has a first operating position, a second operating position and a neutral position, and wherein at least three keying sequences can be input via said actuating arm;
• at least two momentary switches disposed behind said actuating arm, wherein input of each of said at least three keying sequences depresses and releases at least one of said at least two momentary switches;
• and
• an electronic operating module disposed behind said actuating arm, wherein said at least two momentary switches are disposed in said electronic operating module, said electronic operating module having
• a control logic circuit having means for performing and controlling a plurality of operating functions, and wherein each of said plurality of operating functions is initiated, terminated and modified by a plurality of command logic elements within said control logic circuit, and wherein more than one of said plurality of operating functions may be currently active at any one time, and
• means for sensing conditions within a predetermined area surrounding the multi-function control switch, wherein said means for sensing is electrically connected to said control logic circuit.