Abstract: A system includes antenna circuits void of transceivers, a multiplexer connected to the antenna circuits, a transceiver and a control module. The transceiver is connected to the multiplexer and cycles through the antenna circuits to facilitate determination of a location of a portable access device relative to a vehicle. The transceiver allocates periods of time for each of the antenna circuits and during each period of time exchanges radio frequency signals with the portable access device to obtain timing information associated with transmission of the radio frequency signals or a range estimate of the portable access device relative to the vehicle. The range estimates are estimates of distances between the antenna circuits and the portable access device. The location is determined based on the timing information or the range estimates. The control module, based on the determined location, provides access to the vehicle or control of a vehicle system.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems are disclosed and include a body having a plurality of slots. Each of the plurality of slots includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is located on a first surface of the body. The second portion is located on a second surface of the body and forms a helical shape. The third portion is located on a third surface of the body. The first surface and the second surface are non-parallel. The third surface and the second surface are non-parallel. The apparatus includes a plurality of antenna elements that are disposed in a respective one of the plurality of slots. The plurality of antenna elements is configured to receive radio frequency (RF) signals. The apparatus includes a ground plane that is coupled to a first end of each of the plurality of antenna elements.

Abstract: A system includes antenna circuits void of transceivers, a multiplexer connected to the antenna circuits, a transceiver and a control module. The transceiver is connected to the multiplexer and cycles through the antenna circuits to facilitate determination of a location of a portable access device relative to a vehicle. The transceiver allocates periods of time for each of the antenna circuits and during each period of time exchanges radio frequency signals with the portable access device to obtain timing information associated with transmission of the radio frequency signals or a range estimate of the portable access device relative to the vehicle. The range estimates are estimates of distances between the antenna circuits and the portable access device. The location is determined based on the timing information or the range estimates. The control module, based on the determined location, provides access to the vehicle or control of a vehicle system.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems are disclosed and include a body having a plurality of slots. Each of the plurality of slots includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is located on a first surface of the body. The second portion is located on a second surface of the body and forms a helical shape. The third portion is located on a third surface of the body. The first surface and the second surface are non-parallel. The third surface and the second surface are non-parallel. The apparatus includes a plurality of antenna elements that are disposed in a respective one of the plurality of slots. The plurality of antenna elements is configured to receive radio frequency (RF) signals. The apparatus includes a ground plane that is coupled to a first end of each of the plurality of antenna elements.

Abstract: A pointer for an indicating device includes a conductor. The conductor includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a receiving portion. The rear portion extends from the front portion. The receiving portion extends from the rear portion. The receiving portion is configured to receive light and to conduct the light through the rear portion toward the front portion. The receiving portion has a cutout dented into the receiving portion.

Abstract: A pointer is rotational relative to the dial plate. The pointer includes a pointer shaft, which is non-opaque to conduct light therethrough. A driver unit includes a drive shaft coaxial with the pointer shaft. A light source emits light. A hub interconnects the pointer shaft with the drive shaft. The hub includes a light pickup, which is non-opaque to receive light from the light source and to conduct the light into the pointer shaft.

Abstract: A pointer is rotational relative to a dial plate. The pointer includes a pointer shaft, which is non-opaque. A driver unit includes a drive shaft coaxial with the pointer shaft. A light source is configured to emit light. The pointer shaft has a pointer end having a pointer reflective surface. The pointer reflective surface is configured to receive light, which is incident radially inward, and to reflect the light to direct the light along an axial direction of the pointer shaft to pass through the pointer shaft.

Abstract: A pointer is rotational relative to the dial plate. The pointer includes a pointer shaft, which is non-opaque to conduct light therethrough. A driver unit includes a drive shaft coaxial with the pointer shaft. A light source emits light. A hub interconnects the pointer shaft with the drive shaft. The hub includes a light pickup, which is non-opaque to receive light from the light source and to conduct the light into the pointer shaft.

Abstract: A pointer for an indicating device includes a conductor. The conductor includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a receiving portion. The rear portion extends from the front portion. The receiving portion extends from the rear portion. The receiving portion is configured to receive light and to conduct the light through the rear portion toward the front portion. The receiving portion has a cutout dented into the receiving portion.

Abstract: A light conductor device receives light from a light source. The light conductor includes a radial conductor. The radial conductor includes a conductor body and a projection conductor. The conductor body has an annular end surface. The projection conductor has a projection surface. The conductor body is configured to receive light from the light source though the annular end surface. The conductor body is further configured to conduct the light in a radial direction to illuminate the projection surface in the radial direction and to form a light pointer on the projection surface.

Abstract: A gauge may employ a dial plate, a pointer shaft driven by a motor, a printed circuit board having a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs, and a motor. An upper pointer may be located on a viewed side of the dial plate and a lower pointer may be located on an unviewed side of the dial plate. The upper and lower pointers are attached to the pointer shaft. The lower pointer is positioned to receive light from the light source and direct the light into indicia and graduations of the dial plate, and into the upper pointer. An area surrounding the upper pointer is more brightly lit than other areas of the dial plate. A light-collecting ring may collect light and transmit light into the lower pointer. The ring may be an integral or attached part of the lower pointer or it may be a detached and separate piece.

Abstract: A gauge may employ a dial plate, a pointer shaft driven by a motor, a printed circuit board having a plurality of light sources, such as LEDs, and a motor. An upper pointer may be located on a viewed side of the dial plate and a lower pointer may be located on an unviewed side of the dial plate. The upper and lower pointers are attached to the pointer shaft. The lower pointer is positioned to receive light from the light source and direct the light into indicia and graduations of the dial plate, and into the upper pointer. An area surrounding the upper pointer is more brightly lit than other areas of the dial plate. A light-collecting ring may collect light and transmit light into the lower pointer. The ring may be an integral or attached part of the lower pointer or it may be a detached and separate piece.

Abstract: A gauge has a face plate which includes indicia thereon to indicate specific values of a parameter. A laser system is disposed behind and/or in front of the face plate to project a beam onto the face plate to indicate the value of a parameter. A stepper motor moves the beam based upon the output of a sensor which monitors the parameter.

Abstract: A gauge has a face plate which includes indicia thereon to indicate specific values of a parameter. A laser system is disposed behind and/or in front of the face plate to project a beam onto the face plate to indicate the value of a parameter. A stepper motor moves the beam based upon the output of a sensor which monitors the parameter.

Abstract: A gauge of a vehicle instrument cluster includes a dial having indicia thereon. A pointer is rotatably mounted in the instrument cluster and movable to a plurality of positions relative to the dial. A light source is disposed in the gauge and adapted to direct light in a first direction. A light diverting member is disposed adjacent to the light source and receives light from the light source. The light diverting member includes a first and a second light exit areas. The first light exit area is adapted to direct a first portion of the light generally away from the dial. The second light exit area is adapted to direct a second portion of the light generally toward the dial.