Control panel assembly

A control button assembly, comprising:

• a control button having at least a portion that is translucent;
• an integrating sphere at least partially disposed behind said control button;
• a light source disposed behind said control button within said integrating sphere;
• a switch disposed behind said control button, said switch providing a mechanical resistance to depression of said control button;
• wherein said integrating sphere includes a diffusely reflective surface facing said light source;
• wherein said control button includes a diffusely reflective surface facing said light source;
• wherein said light source is disposed at the approximate center of said control button;
• wherein said switch is disposed eccentric with respect to said control button;
• and
• further comprising a spring, said spring configured to substantially balance said mechanical resistance of said switch, thereby providing substantially uniform operation of said control button assembly;
• wherein said spring includes an integral reflector, said integral reflector defining at least a portion of said integrating sphere;
• wherein said integral reflector is generally cup-shaped and defines a seat engaging said control button.

A control panel with an illuminated control button assembly comprising:

• a light source mounted to a circuit board;
• a control button disposed adjacent to said light source, said control button having a translucent portion and an opaque portion, said control button having a diffusely reflective rear surface generally facing said light source;
• a reflector disposed behind said control button, said reflector having a generally cup-shaped interior surface and defining a light source opening, said light source extending at least partially through said light source opening, said interior surface of said reflector being diffusely reflective;
• a switch operatively engaged with said control button, whereby manual manipulation of said control button actuates said switch;
• and
• wherein said rear surface of said control button and said interior surface of said reflector cooperatively define an integrating sphere to diffusely reflect light and substantially uniformly illuminate said translucent portion of said control button.