Abstract: A gauge is provided. The gauge includes a housing and a bearing plate that can be coupled to the housing. The bearing plate defines a first aperture. The gauge includes a pointer coupled to the bearing plate that has a proximal and a distal end. The pointer end can be mounted to the bearing plate such that the distal end extends into the first aperture. The gauge includes a light guide that defines a second aperture, and can be coupled to the bearing plate such that the second aperture is aligned with the first aperture and the distal end of the pointer extends into the second aperture. The gauge includes an appliqué fitted over the light guide, and one or more light sources in communication with the light guide to provide light to the light guide for transmission to the pointer and the appliqué.

Abstract: A vehicle display having an LCD display that is employed to communicate a first type of vehicle information and a second set of vehicle information in which the information that is to be communicated can include or consist of symbols. A display light guide is employed to distribute light from two light sources to selectively illuminate portions of the display screen of the LCD display. The LCD display can be employed to generate telltale warning indicators. The LCD display provides flexibility in the display of information so that a relatively large quantity of telltale warning indicators can be handled without specifically dedicating a light source, a light tunnel and space on the vehicle display for each telltale warning indicator that may be employed in a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument cluster for indicating a value of a vehicle parameter. The vehicle instrument cluster includes a display member formed of a transparent material and display segments integrally formed within the display member. The display segments are configured to diffuse light and the display segments form at least a portion of indicia associated with the vehicle parameter. A first illumination system has a light source and a motor connected to an optical member. The optical member is movable in response to a change in the value of the vehicle parameter. The optical member selectively directs the light from the light source to within the display member to illuminate at least a portion of the display segments that form the indicia to indicate the value of the vehicle parameter.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention generally include a display device having a surface with indicia formed thereon. The indicia are indicative of at least one vehicle parameter. The display device includes a light guide connected to the surface and a light-reflecting portion formed in the light guide. The light-reflecting portion is disposed at least partially over one of the indicia. The light guide collects light, directs the light toward the light-reflecting portion and illuminates at least one of the indicia. The light guide and the light reflecting portion provide an enhanced or decorative effect for one or more of the indicia.

Abstract: An instrument cluster that is mountable on a top surface of a vehicle dashboard is disclosed. The instrument cluster includes a transparent dial that has indicia engraved thereon. A plurality of light emitting diodes are positioned in a center portion of the transparent dial so as to illuminate the indicia for night time driving. The center portion of the transparent dial further includes a high gloss semi-transparent appliqué that provides a mirror finish. Symbols are incorporated on the appliqué so as to provide indicators in the center portion of the transparent dial when a light source illuminates the symbols of the appliqué.

Abstract: A gauge having a housing, a light source disposed in the housing, a bezel, a display and a pointer. The display is coupled to the housing and includes a display surface that is visible through an opening in the bezel. The display is spaced rearwardly of the bezel to define a light transmitting aperture. The pointer is movably mounted to the housing and includes a pointer end that is disposed on a side of the bezel opposite the light transmitting aperture. A first portion of the light produced by the light source can be employed to back-illuminate the display surface, while a second portion of the light produced by the light source can be collected by the pointer and employed to illuminate the pointer end.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system includes a vehicle cluster having a CPU. The CPU includes a transceiver that is adapted to directly communicate with a remote terminal via a GSM protocol to send and receive video and audio data. A display monitor is coupled to the CPU and receives an output video data signal from the CPU. The display monitor generates a video image that is based on incoming video data transmitted from the remote terminal to the transceiver. A camera is coupled to the CPU and transmits an input video data signal. A speaker is coupled to the CPU and receives an output audio signal. A microphone is coupled to the CPU and transmits an input audio signal to the CPU. The CPU sends an outgoing audio and video signal to the remote terminal in response to receipt of the input audio and video signal.

Abstract: A gauge having a housing, a light source disposed in the housing, a bezel, a display and a pointer. The display is coupled to the housing and includes a display surface that is visible through an opening in the bezel. The display is spaced rearwardly of the bezel to define a light transmitting aperture. The pointer is movably mounted to the housing and includes a pointer end that is disposed on a side of the bezel opposite the light transmitting aperture. A first portion of the light produced by the light source can be employed to back-illuminate the display surface, while a second portion of the light produced by the light source can be collected by the pointer and employed to illuminate the pointer end.

Abstract: A lighted display for a vehicle instrument panel in which a single light source is used to display a plurality of messages indicating various vehicle operating conditions. A plurality of light-using message plates is mounted adjacent the light source, each message plate being independently activated by an electrical muscle wire to move the associated message plate into the lighted region of the display. When vehicle operating parameters are such that the message is no longer needed, current to the muscle wire is shut off and the message plate is returned to its unilluminated rest position by a return spring.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a relative slow-acting vehicle gauge indicator, such as a rotatable pointer. A muscle wire driven rack gear is operatively connected to a rotatable pointer gear. The rack gear is biased to a gauge at-rest position by a spring member. Upon receiving an electrical signal from a vehicle sensor, the muscle wire contracts, moving the rack member against the spring force to drive the gauge pointer to an appropriate reading on a gauge face.