Abstract: In a signal processing system, a plurality of mutually different applications are simultaneously executed. In the system, combinations of applications are predetermined as application patterns according to a given condition, and a processing operation for each application pattern is stored on a table as an operation pattern. Upon an occurrence of change in combination, the operation pattern is determined by referring to the table so that calculation burden in the system can be reduced.

Abstract: A pair of resilient clamps hold L-shaped terminals which extend from a self-luminescent indicator. An insulator disk holds a flexible conductive coil member and has slots which accommodate an end of the coil member and the resilient clamps in compressive state so that resilient force of the resilient clamps provide stable electric connection between the L-shaped terminals and the end of the coil member automatically when the clamp members are inserted into the slots. A pair of stationary catch members hold the other end of the coil member and connect it to an electric source. The connection between the other end of the coil member and the catch members is carried by hot punching to form thermo-compression bonding layer. The connecting portions of the catch members and the coil member are plated with tin or solder beforehand for this purpose.

Abstract: A coil-shaped flexible printed circuit board retains its original outer diameter unchanged without any guide or retainer. For this purpose, either the conductive pattern of copper or synthetic base material is processed to have a permanent stretch before or when the board is wound into a coil shape. A squeezing step may be employed to generate the permanent stretch on the conductive pattern. Alternatively, a heat treatment of the base material may be used to form an additional bridged ingredient after the board has been wound. The additional bridged ingredient may retain the coil shape unchanged for a long time without guiding pieces.

Abstract: A self-luminescent indicator which may be employed in a tachometer, a speedometer, or other such gauges in automotive vehicles. The self-luminescent indicator comprises an indicating pointer, a luminescent element, and a semitransparent member. The indicating pointer includes a housing and a cover. The housing has formed therein a groove. The luminescent element is disposed in the groove of the housing. The semitransparent member is arranged within the cover of the indicating pointer for diffusing light emitted from the luminescent element out of the indicating pointer. The semitransparent member has side walls extending substantially parallel to each other in a vertical direction parallel to a given optical path of the luminescent element. With this arrangement, the indicating pointer projects light having uniform and high brightness to an observer without having the light experience total reflection in the semitransparent member so as to improve the visibility of pointer deflection over a dial plate.

Abstract: A self-luminescent indicator which may be employed in a tachometer, a speedometer, or other such gauges in automotive vehicles. The self-luminescent indicator comprises an indicating pointer, a luminescent element for emitting light, and a lens. The luminescent element is disposed in the indicating pointer. The lens is arranged in the indicating pointer and includes a flat surface through which light emitted from the luminescent element enters and a corrugated surface which projects the light entering the flat surface out of the indicating pointer. With this arrangement, the indicating pointer projects the light having uniform and high brightness to an observer for improving the visibility of pointer deflection over a dial plate.

Abstract: An analog indicator for an automotive vehicle is provided. This indicator includes a self-luminescent indicating pointer and a dial plate on which a fluorescent layer is formed. When an input signal indicative of a indicating parameter is changed, the pointer radiates an ultraviolet ray onto the fluorescent layer on the dial plate so that it glows. An observer can thus visually identify a value indicated by the pointer or displacement of the pointer.

Abstract: A self-luminescent indicator is provided. This indicator includes a pointer, a pointer support shaft rotatably supporting the indicating pointer, a luminescent element arranged in the indicating pointer, and a flexible circuit plate connecting with the luminescent element serving as a lead wire. The flexible circuit plate is arranged around the pointer support shaft in a scroll fashion so that it allows the indicating pointer to rotate about the pointer support shaft.

Abstract: A self-luminescent pointer device for a gauge has the pointer which is fitted on a pointer shaft and includes an elongated discharge tube. A constricted portion is formed on a part of an outer surface of its elongated hollow rod bulb of the discharge tube. An interior electrode is provided at the end of the bulb and an exterior electrode is provided on the outer surface of the bulb in its axial direction. The constricted portion of the bulb is engaged with a cut-away portion of a holding plate so that the discharge tube is positioned and fixed in its longitudinal direction. Electric power is supplied to the interior electrode and the exterior electrode of the discharge tube through each power supply terminal.