Abstract: The instrument panel for a vehicle, comprises at least one liquid crystal display, which is characterized in that the display is of the positive transparent type, and in that its rear face, with respect to the position of the driver, is illuminated by daylight. In particular, it is mounted on the dashboard projecting therefrom, the rear face being illuminated by the light from the windshield of the vehicle. The instrument panel also comprises a device of illumination for use by night.

Abstract: An indicator assembly for a vehicle instrument cluster is provided. The indicator assembly includes a (“floating”) needle configured to rotate with respect to an indicator housing. The needle is selectively illuminable by a light source which may be mounted in various placements with respect the indicator assembly.

Abstract: A method of plating contacts in situ within an electrical connector, the connector having a plurality of contacts circumscribed by a skirt of a connector body. The method comprises. grounding the contacts and then applying a plate coating onto the contacts within the connector body.

Abstract: A method of plating contacts in situ within an electrical connector, the connector having a plurality of contacts circumscribed by a skirt of a connector body. The method comprises. grounding the contacts and then applying a plate coating onto the contacts within the connector body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display device of the thin-film electroluminescent display type comprising a first layer (3) having an electroluminescent material between a second layer (2) forming the transparent front electrode and a third layer (5) having at least one first rear electrode (EL1). It is characterised in that said display comprises, behind the third layer (5), a fourth layer (7) having an electroluminescent material and a fifth layer (9) with at least one second rear electrode (EL2) masking an area which is not covered by the first electrode (EL1). Owing to the invention, information may be caused to appear in the illuminated background of a display device.

Abstract: A device for controlling a function of a vehicle includes at least one manual control member and a display configured to display information relating to the function of the vehicle. The image from the display may be viewed on a surface of the manual control member. The device may further include an optical element, such as a lens, between the display and the manual control member where an image projected from the display by the optical element may be viewed on the surface of the manual control member.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to an electrochemical process for decreasing high levels of organic contaminants in metal plating baths. The process involves breaking down the organic contaminants in an electrochemical cell by electrochemical oxidation. The electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising an active material which is stable at low (acid) pH and at the high electrical potential required to break down the organic contaminants by oxidation. Typical examples of such anodes include a valve metal substrate coated with doped tin dioxide, lead dioxide, or platinum-based materials, the latter in some instances being coated on a high surface area valve metal substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is A flow-through electrochemical reactor comprising a body having an internal chamber, and an inlet port and an outlet port in communication with said internal chamber to permit flow of wastewater therethrough, at least one porous anode arranged in said internal chamber such that the wastewater flowing between said inlet port and said outlet port flows through the pores of said at least one porous anode, said at least one porous anode having activity for the destruction of a target substance, and at least one cathode disposed in the internal chamber to permit an electric current to be established between said at least one cathode and said at least one anode, said electric current reducing the concentration of said target substance in the wastewater flowing through the chamber.

Abstract: The instrument panel (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least one liquid crystal display (11), is characterized in that said display (11) is of the positive transparent type, and in that its rear face, with respect to the position of the driver, is illuminated by daylight. In particular, it is mounted on the dashboard (2) projecting therefrom, said rear face being illuminated by the light from the windshield of the vehicle. The instrument panel also comprises a means of illumination for use by night.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to an electrochemical process for decreasing high levels of organic contaminants in metal plating baths. The process involves breaking down the organic contaminants in an electrochemical cell by electrochemical oxidation. The electrochemical cell includes an anode comprising an active material which is stable at low (acid) pH and at the high electrical potential required to break down the organic contaminants by oxidation. Typical examples of such anodes include a valve metal substrate coated with doped tin dioxide, lead dioxide, or platinum-based materials, the latter in some instances being coated on a high surface area valve metal substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is A flow-through electrochemical reactor comprising a body having an internal chamber, and an inlet port and an outlet port in communication with said internal chamber to permit flow of wastewater therethrough, at least one porous anode arranged in said internal chamber such that the wastewater flowing between said inlet port and said outlet port flows through the pores of said at least one porous anode, said at least one porous anode having activity for the destruction of a target substance, and at least one cathode disposed in the internal chamber to permit an electric current to be established between said at least one cathode and said at least one anode, said electric current reducing the concentration of said target substance in the wastewater flowing through the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the microthrowing power in a plating bath. The method involves the use of ultrasonic vibration of an electrochemical solution to increase the uniformity of copper deposition for blind hole vias. The apparatus includes a series of ultrasonic transducers positioned between anodes for vibration of the solution being electro deposited on the cathode.

Abstract: A dial needle is mounted on a drive shaft of a measuring instrument. The dle includes a body and a support, both mounted on the drive shaft. The body and the support are initially connected in a one-piece construction in which the body is spaced axially from the support. Upon axially moving the body along the shaft to the support, weakened zones break, thereby detaching the body from the support. A pointer on the body is angularly turnable to an indexed position by a peripheral projection and a complementary recess provided on the support and the body.

Abstract: A dashboard lay-out is provided, particularly for motor vehicles, compris: a central case (1) with its front face (2) open and arranged inside so as to form a light box diffusing an homogeneous light towards the front; a rear plate (6) fixed to the rear face (3) of the case and supporting the components of the dashboard not situated on the front face; a transparent front plate (12) fixed to the front face (2) of the case and supporting the components (14, 16) to be seen by an observer as well as their direct control devices (15, 20) as required; and a facing plate (25) with selective transparency having zones of different colours covering the front plate; connection means, particularly electric connection means (22, 28), providing the necessary connections between the rear and front plates.

Abstract: Electrical component equipped with contacts for its electrical connection with its electrical environment. It is provided with two sets of contacts interconnected electrically by groups of two contacts belonging respectively to these two sets. One of these sets of contacts is constituted by contacts adapted to ensure electrical connections by simple pressure contact on respectively oppositely situated conducting spots, mechanical fastening means being also provided to fix the electrical component mechanically to a support associated with said conducting spots. The other of these sets of contacts is constituted by contacts adapted to be connected mechanically, particularly by welding, to respective conducting members or conducting spots.