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: An illuminated pointer for an instrument includes an arm section for indicating a display parameter on the instrument, a tail section, and a bridge section extending between the tail section and the arm section. The tail section is configured to focus light received from a light source through the bridge section and into the arm section to more evenly illuminate and/or enhance the brightness of the arm section.

Abstract: A gauge or dial has multiple displays for indicating various vehicle operating conditions. Pointers indicate a range of measured values on some of the displays. A fixed hub covers ends of the pointers where they connect with their drive shafts and extend through the dial. The hub has a display screen with a graphic or symbol imprinted on it. A conduit directly under the hub on an opposite side of the dial extends to a printed circuit board. A light emitting diode is mounted on the printed circuit board within the conduit. Light from the diode is reflected through the conduit to backlight the symbol on the display screen. Switching on and off of the diode is controlled in response to sensing or measurement of a vehicle condition or vehicle component operation, such as a turn 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 reflector provides different-colored backlighting to indicia and a background field of an instrument dial. The dial is mounted on a reflector, forming an interior space. The reflector is assembled on a printed circuit board (PCB). A recessed section of the reflector has an opening exposing a portion of the PCB to the interior space. Another section of the reflector provides a short tube having an inner cavity suspended over the opening. A first group of light emitting diodes is mounted on the exposed portion of the PCB under the tube such that light from the first group is reflected through the inner cavity to light a pointer. A second group of light emitting diodes having a different color is mounted outside the tube and backlights the indicia of the dial. A gap between the exposed portion of the PCB and an end of the tube enables light to leak from the inner cavity and backlight the background field of the dial a different color than the indicia.

Abstract: An automotive display panel having a plurality of clear plastic substrates, wherein color-printed inks or foils are imprinted on the substrates. Each plastic substrate includes digits and identifying marks in selected areas. After creating a metallic-looking finish on the substrates, finely configured lines, such as concentric circles or radial lines, are printed on the color-tinted layer to create a desired appearance. Thereafter,,when the printing is completed, the substrates may be formed in multi-level configurations for providing a three-dimensional appearance. Backlighting is also provided to illuminate the selected areas of the substrates.

Abstract: A reflector for backlighting an indicating instrument has two groups of flutes arranged for evenly distributing light and reducing bright spots. A plate has a recessed portion for receiving the indicating instrument and a semi-bowl-shaped compartment extending away from the plate and opening to the indicating instrument. The compartment has a base with a central projection formed by parabolic flutes and a semi-circular wall connecting the base with the recessed portion of the plate. The semi-circular wall has an inner surface facing the parabolic flutes. The inner surface has flutes extending in a radial direction from the base. Two apertures are positioned in the compartment across a boundary between the base and semi-circular wall. The apertures each receive a light emitting diode mounted on a printed circuit board when the board is assembled on the reflector. The parabolic flutes distribute the light from the light emitting diodes to evenly backlight the indicating instrument.