Abstract: A display system for displaying images on a textured surface. The system includes a display device with a monitor having a screen operable to output light associated with still or animated images. The system further includes an optical block comprising a plurality of optical fibers bonded together to define parallel guide paths. First ends of the optical fibers define a first block surface and second ends of the optical fibers define a second block surface. The first block surface is positioned adjacent the screen to receive and transmit the output light along the guide paths to the second block surface. The system includes a textured display element covering the second block surface for receiving light exiting the second block surface and having a non-planar exterior surface emitting or projecting the received light. The textured display element has a body with an optical index matching that of the optical fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus providing a viewer with a blend of displayed and reflected content. The apparatus includes an emissive display device with a display screen operable providing digital content. The emissive display device includes a light source selectively articulating and transmitting light through the display screen at a particular illumination level to display digital content such as text and graphics. The apparatus includes a thematic overlay positioned over the display screen with a front surface configured to provide diffuse reflection of light striking the front surface from a viewer space such that the front surface appears substantially opaque to the viewer and the viewer cannot see the display screen when the light source is inactive or at low brightness. When the light source is in active mode, the displayed content is visible as emissive display content concurrently with the diffuse reflection content but the display screen remains hidden from view.

Abstract: A display system for displaying images on a textured surface. The system includes a display device with a monitor having a screen operable to output light associated with still or animated images. The system further includes an optical block comprising a plurality of optical fibers bonded together to define parallel guide paths. First ends of the optical fibers define a first block surface and second ends of the optical fibers define a second block surface. The first block surface is positioned adjacent the screen to receive and transmit the output light along the guide paths to the second block surface. The system includes a textured display element covering the second block surface for receiving light exiting the second block surface and having a non-planar exterior surface emitting or projecting the received light. The textured display element has a body with an optical index matching that of the optical fibers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using a display system for a first vehicle. The system includes a processor adapted to receive data representative of a position of the first vehicle and operable, in response thereto, to supply one or more image rendering display commands and a display device coupled to receive the image rendering display commands and operable, in response thereto, to simultaneously render (i) a first vehicle icon representing the position of the first vehicle and (ii) one or more altitude lines, wherein each altitude line extends at least partially across the image and represents a vertical distance from the first vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying traffic targets in a conformal perspective view. The system comprises a display screen for graphical display of data, one or more sensors for obtaining traffic data regarding traffic targets, and one or more processors for receiving traffic data from the one or more sensors and providing input to the display screen. The display screen displays traffic targets as icons in a 3-dimensional graphical representation of real space. The display size of the icons is selected from a finite set of sizes which correspond to a finite set of distance ranges based on the distance to the traffic targets.

Abstract: A twin tube shock absorber having inner and outer tube with an annular reservoir between the tubes. A piston in the inner tube divides the inner tube into an upper chamber and a lower chamber and valves through the piston control stiffness of the shock absorber. An acceleration sensitive valve assembly mounted in the base valve makes the shock absorber “soft” upon downward acceleration of the wheel of the vehicle in which the shock absorber is mounted. The valve assembly includes a port for fluid communication between the lower chamber and a conduit, and an inertial mass blocking the port in a port-closed position and not blocking the port in a port-open position. The inertial mass is normally in a lower port-closed position in absence of downward acceleration of the tubes of the shock absorber. Upon downward acceleration of the tubes, the inertial mass moves upwardly toward a port-open position where fluid flow through the port is not blocked.

Abstract: An acceleration sensitive shock absorber has a tubular housing and a piston assembly in the housing dividing the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The piston is connected to the wheel of a vehicle and the housing is connected to the chassis of the vehicle. Fluid can pass between the upper and lower chambers with a restricted flow rate during either extension or compression of the shock absorber. There is a port for providing fluid flow from the lower chamber to the upper chamber during downward acceleration of the wheel. A movable inertial mass in the piston assembly opens the port during downward acceleration of the wheel of the vehicle for increasing flow between the chambers. A pocket beneath the inertial mass applies sufficient pressure to the inertial mass to retain it in a port-open position during fluid flow after acceleration has decreased. An enlarged diameter relief portion inside the inertial mass minimizes inconsistent performance in mass produced shock absorbers.

Abstract: An acceleration sensitive shock absorber has a tubular housing and a piston assembly in the housing dividing the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The piston is connected to the wheel of a vehicle and the housing is connected to the chassis of the vehicle. Fluid can pass between the upper and lower chambers with a restricted flow rate during either extension or compression of the shock absorber. There is a first port for providing fluid flow from the lower chamber to the upper chamber upon downward acceleration of the wheel. A movable inertia valve in the piston assembly opens the first port when acceleration of the wheel of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined magnitude for increasing flow between the chambers. In addition, there is a first orifice downstream from the first port for creating hydraulic pressure which biases the inertia valve in an open position in response to fluid flow between the chambers.

Abstract: An acceleration sensitive shock absorber has a tubular housing and a piston assembly in the housing dividing the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The piston is connected to the wheel of a vehicle and the housing is connected to the chassis of the vehicle. Fluid can pass between the upper and lower chambers with a restricted flow rate during either extension or compression of the shock absorber. There is a first port for providing fluid flow from the lower chamber to the upper chamber during downward acceleration of the wheel. A movable inertia mass in the piston assembly opens the first port during downward acceleration of the wheel of the vehicle for increasing flow between the chambers. A pocket beneath the inertial mass applies sufficient pressure to the inertial mass to retain it in a port-open position during fluid flow after acceleration has decreased.

Abstract: An acceleration sensitive shock absorber has a tubular housing and a piston assembly in the housing dividing the housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The piston is connected to the wheel of a vehicle and the housing is connected to the chassis of the vehicle. Fluid can pass between the upper and lower chambers with a restricted flow rate during either extension or compression of the shock absorber. There is a first port for providing fluid flow from the lower chamber to the upper chamber upon downward acceleration of the wheel. A movable inertia valve in the piston assembly opens the first port when acceleration of the wheel of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined magnitude for increasing flow between the chambers. In addition, there is a first orifice downstream from the first port for creating hydraulic pressure which biases the inertia valve in an open position in response to fluid flow between the chambers.