Abstract: An illuminated pointer assembly for a gauge scale having an outer periphery includes a pointer that moves about a periphery of the gauge scale and is illuminated by a light guide. The light guide is disposed on a plane below the pointer and the gauge scale. The light guide includes at least two LEDs that are disposed adjacent first and second ends of the light guide. The light guide also includes a plurality of reflective elements. The plurality of reflective elements is disposed in sets that are orientated with regard to each of the LEDs. The reflective elements provide for the transmission and direction of light within the light guide into the guide body portion of the pointer.

Abstract: An instrument display includes a light source that selectively emits light and a light guide that receives the light. One or more optical coating layers are disposed on the light guide. The light guide has a first index of refraction, and the optical coating layer or layers have a second index of refraction that is greater than the first index of refraction of the light guide. The optical coating layer or layers reduce glare from ambient light and increase the light transmitting performance of the light guide.

Abstract: An illuminated pointer includes an outer pointer that surrounds an inner pointer. The outer pointer extends from a base and is generally elliptical. The inner pointer extends from the base into the void of the outer pointer. The illuminated pointer utilizes a single light source for illuminating both the outer and inner pointer. The inner pointer provides easier reading of a dual scale gauge such as with a speedometer having both English and Metric speed scales.

Abstract: A light distributing assembly for a vehicle instrument panel includes a light source that emits light in a first direction. A first surface that is transverse to the first direction receives the light and changes the direction of the light to a second direction. A vehicle instrument panel housing having a second surface receives the light from the first surface and reflects a portion of the reflected light toward a vehicle display surface to illuminate the vehicle display surface.

Abstract: An instrument display for a vehicle dash includes a unique light source and light guide assembly. The light source is incorporated directly into the light guide. A non-contact magnetic coupling transfers power from a circuit board to the light source. A textured surface is formed on one portion of the external surface of the light guide to evenly illuminate the light guide. Also, surface roughness on an opposing external surface portion of the light guide is varied depending on the length of the light guide to provide similar luminance for light guides having different lengths.

Abstract: An instrument display for a vehicle dash includes a unique light source and light guide assembly. The light source is incorporated directly into the light guide. A non-contact magnetic coupling transfers power from a circuit board to the light source. A textured surface is formed on one portion of the external surface of the light guide to evenly illuminate the light guide. Also, surface roughness on an opposing external surface portion of the light guide is varied depending on the length of the light guide to provide similar luminance for light guides having different lengths.

Abstract: A vehicle display includes two colored light sources that are operatively connected to a circuit board. Each of the two colored light sources emits a colored light that mixes to form a desired color of display light that illuminates a vehicle graphic. The desired color of display light is within a predetermined color tolerance. The vehicle display achieves a small size without incurring added expenses associated with using more than two light sources.

Abstract: A pointer includes a diffuser that receives light from a single light source and reflects light toward a tip and a tail of the pointer uniformly regardless of radial position. Transmission of light toward a tip and a tail of the pointer is accomplished by a reflective surfaces within the pointer. A diffuser is disposed adjacent the reflective surfaces to provide an even luminance throughout the pointer. The light source produces light that is transferred through a translucent shaft toward the diffuser. The diffuser is aligned with light transmitted through the shaft. The light source is disposed along the axis such that rotation of the pointer does not change the relative orientation between the light source and the reflective surfaces. The consistent relative orientation between the light source and the pointer substantially eliminates differences in illumination levels produced during rotation about the axis.

Abstract: An illuminated pointer includes an outer pointer that surrounds an inner pointer. The outer pointer extends from a base and is generally elliptical. The inner pointer extends from the base into the void of the outer pointer. The illuminated pointer utilizes a single light source for illuminating both the outer and inner pointer. The inner pointer provides easier reading of a dual scale gauge such as with a speedometer having both English and Metric speed scales.

Abstract: An instrument display system provides vehicle information where a driver and passenger side of a vehicle dash have primarily identical appearances when the display system is not activated. The instrument display system includes a primary light system, a primary optical system, and a semitransparent screen used to produce an image of at least one instrument gauge. The primary optical system directs a light from the primary light system to the semitransparent screen, which is attached to the vehicle dash. The semitransparent screen has a similar appearance to the dash. Thus, when the instrument display system is turned off the semitransparent screen blends with the dash. Other embodiments may use additional light systems and optical systems, such that the scales and indicator for an instrument gauge are produced separately, yet displayed in the same location of the dash.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument cluster 10 includes a dial or display 16 having a graphical image that is illuminated by a light source. The light source is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB). A light housing is used to support the dial relative to the PCB. The light housing includes an inclined reflective surface that is located directly above the light source. The light housing also includes at least one radially extending channel used to more evenly illuminate a desired portion of the graphical image. The channel includes a flat portion that is mounted directly to the PCB. An intermediate portion extends from the flat portion and is spaced apart from the PCB to define a gap. The instrument cluster control electronics are mounted to the PCB within this gap. A beveled portion extends from the intermediate portion upwardly toward the dial.

Abstract: An instrument display for a vehicle dash includes a unique light source and light guide assembly. The light source is incorporated directly into the light guide. A non-contact magnetic coupling transfers power from a circuit board to the light source. A textured surface is formed on one portion of the external surface of the light guide to evenly illuminate the light guide. Also, surface roughness on an opposing external surface portion of the light guide is varied depending on the length of the light guide to provide similar luminance for light guides having different lengths.

Abstract: An instrument display for a vehicle comprises a first light guide (14) in communication with a first light source (18). (FIG. 1A). The first light guide (14) directs light to a first instrument mark (22). A second light guide receives light from a second light source (34). The second light guide (26) is spaced from the first light guide (14) and directs light to a second instrument mark (24). A support (42) connects the first light guide (14) and the second light guide (26) and limits light transmission between the first light guide (14) and the second light guide (26).