Abstract: A system to perform a wiping operation upon an ink jet print head includes a first motion of the ink jet print head in a first direction to wipe the ink jet print head against a wiping element, and a second motion of the ink jet print head in the first direction to wipe the ink jet print head against the wiping element. A system to wipe an ink jet print head also includes a first motion of the ink jet print head in a first direction against a wiping element to wipe the ink jet print head, and ejection of ink toward the wiping element during the first motion. The wiping element may be a non-planar wave wiper.

Abstract: A print head drive mechanism utilizing a lead screw is provided. In one embodiment, the print head drive mechanism comprises a lead screw that is coupled to the print head and extends through the threaded hub of a gear. The gear is driven by a stepper motor through a pinion. A support cylinder extends from one face of the gear and includes a tapered nose that seats within a recess in a brace. The thread pitch of the lead screw matches the jet spacing in the print head to minimize positional offsets due to component irregularities and misalignments. In another embodiment, the print head is coupled to at least one nut that is translated by a rotating lead screw, with the lead screw having a thread pitch that matches the jet spacing in the print head.

Abstract: A black printhead is installed in a scanning carriage with at least one primary color printhead on both sides of the black printhead. To reduce the drying time of a printed black ink pattern and to achieve other benefits, a first one of the primary color inks underprints the black ink in a first scan direction, and a second one of the primary color inks underprints the black ink in an opposite second scan direction. To minimize hue shifts due to the different underprinted colors, the black ink is overprinted, during the same scan that printed the underprinted ink and black ink, by a color ink that is different from the underprinted ink, so that the resulting black image printed in both scan directions will contain the same three color components. In one embodiment, the order of print cartridges in the scanning carriage, as viewed from the front of the printer, is cyan, black, magenta, and yellow. Other orders may also be used, and additional colors may be used.

Abstract: A multi-swath, ink-jet pen carriage and pen arrangement provides optimization for redundant colorant pens. Packing of electrical and fluidic interconnects enables an increased printing throughput with increased color combinations in an apparatus that minimizes product size for a given number of pens in the apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided an ink-jet printer for jetting ink drops through nozzle holes in which each of the nozzle holes is circular in section, a ratio a/d of a nozzle hole roundness of each of the nozzle holes a to a nozzle hole diameter of each of the nozzle holes d is not more than 0.2, and an amount of ink/jet which is jetted through each of the nozzle holes is not more than 20 pl. According to this ink-jet printer, a good printing quality can be obtained without impact-errors.

Abstract: An apparatus for jetting ink including a magnet, a vibrating plate for imposing a pressure upon an ink chamber and coils attached to the vibrating plate. When an electric signal is applied to the coils, the vibrating plate is deformed by a magnetic force produced between the magnet and the coils. At this time, the ink within an ink chamber is ejected to the outside via a nozzle. The quantity and the speed of the ejected ink can be easily controlled while incorporating a simplified structure and a facilitated manufacturing process. Also, printing at a high resolution can be performed at high speed.

Abstract: This patent describes an ink jet printer which ejects drops on demand by activating a permanent magnetic piston located above a nozzle chamber. An activation coil is located adjacent to the magnetic piston and applies a force to the piston sufficient to cause movement of the piston resulting in the ejection of ink. Torsional springs attached to the magnetic piston cause the piston to return to a quiescent condition upon deactivation of the activation coil.

Abstract: The tandem type direct printing apparatus 2 comprises a plurality of printing stations 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d for propelling printing particles 38 born on a bearing member 30 through a plurality of apertures 56 formed on a printing head 50 and for depositing the printing particles 38 on a print medium 8 to form an image. The plurality of printing stations 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are positioned in the moving direction of the print medium 8 to form the composite image on the print medium 8.

Abstract: An ink jet recording head is provided having an ejection orifice for ejecting ink, an ink passage corresponding to that ejection orifice, and a thermal energy generator for heating ink in the passage to create a bubble. A flow resistance element is provided in the ink passage upstream of the thermal energy generator with respect to the direction of ink flow, and this element has a reduced ink passage area which serves to divide the bubble, improving ink jet operation. Further, the ink jet head can be driven by dividing plural thermal energy generations into groups and driving those groups so that a given group is driven before the bubble formed by a previously-driven group reaches its maximum size.

Abstract: In a computer controlled, drop-by-drop, inkjet printer, either thermal ink-jet or piezoelectric, an apparatus for dampening the vibration caused by expelling the drops of ink. The apparatus includes an inlet and an outlet flow conduit connected to the chamber from which the drops are expelled and means for sweeping the vibration out of the chamber and into one of the flow conduits. In operation, the apparatus first expels a drop of liquid from the chamber and thereby creates a region of vibration in the liquid remaining in the chamber. The flow of liquid through the chamber flushes the region of vibration out of the chamber and into the outlet flow conduit, thereby hydraulically dampening the vibration.

Abstract: A liquid tank includes a first chamber which incorporates a liquid and a negative pressure producing material and which includes an air communication port for obtaining communication with atmospheric air, and a port serving as an ink outlet. The liquid tank also includes a second chamber for directly accommodating the liquid to be supplied to the first chamber in a substantially closed state although communicating with the first chamber only via a communication port which is provided at a position separated from the air communication port. The communication port is formed between a partition wall for separating the first chamber from the second chamber, and a chamber inner surface which is a border region between the first chamber and the second chamber where an end portion of the partition wall contacts if the partition wall is extended.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible circuit that has a nozzle member formed therein with the nozzle member including a plurality of ink orifices and the flexible circuit having electrical leads. A substrate containing a plurality of heating elements and associated ink ejection chambers and having electrodes to which the electrical leads are bonded is mounted on a back surface of the nozzle member. Each heating element is located proximate to an associated ink orifice with the back surface of the nozzle member extending over two or more outer edges of the substrate. A print cartridge body having a headland portion is located proximate to the back surface of the nozzle member and includes an inner raised wall circumscribing the substrate with an adhesive support surface formed thereon and having wall openings therein. The wall openings have an adhesive support surface and an elevated substrate support surface raised above the adhesive support surface for supporting the substrate.

Abstract: A filter tower structure for removing air or gas bubbles from an ink jet printing structure which includes a filter tower attached to an ink reservoir for feeding ink from the reservoir to a printhead, the filter tower structure including a conduit having an interior in flow communication with the ink reservoir and the printhead and a tube having a first end in flow communication with the interior of the conduit and a second end in flow communication with a vacuum source, wherein activation of the vacuum source results in the application of a reduced pressure to the interior of the conduit such that air or gas bubbles are caused to flow into the tube and exit the conduit and ink from the reservoir is caused to flow into the conduit.

Abstract: A printhead unit is detachably coupled to an ink cartridge. The printhead unit includes an ink passage and a damper member for absorbing a pulsation of ink in the ink passage. The damper member permits the forces created when the ink cartridge receives an impact to be absorbed rather than translated through to the printhead, thereby destroying the meniscuses in the nozzles.

Abstract: A removable rollfeed adapted to be attached to a printer comprising a pair of rollfeed supports, each having means for holding an end of a media shaft, wherein each said rollfeed support is independently mountable on a printer. Independent mounting considerably eases the task of attaching or removing the rollfeed apparatus from a printer since only one relatively small support need be handled and aligned with the printer at a time. No strengthening or stiffening members are required between the two rollfeed supports since the printer itself provides sufficient structural integrity between the supports once they are mounted on the printer. Preferably the rollfeed supports are slidably mountable to the underside of the printer.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus for recording by discharging recording liquid droplets from the discharge openings to a recording material for the adhesion of the liquid droplets on the recording material for the formation of images includes a carrier path for carrying the recording material, and heating device arranged in the carrier path to heat the recording material and recording liquid. This heating device is provided with a heater that radiates infrared radiation having a maximum radiation ratio &egr; with a peak wavelength range of 4-10 &mgr;m. A supporting member for supporting the recording material where it is heated by the heating device has a surface having a radiation ratio of not more than 0.1. As a result, the quality of recorded images is enhanced and the power dissipation is made lower to enable the capacitance of the power supply to be smaller.

Abstract: Provided is a recording medium comprising an ink-receiving layer provided on at least one face of a base material, wherein a surface of the ink-receiving has the maximum specular glossiness within a measurement angle range of from 20° to 60°.

Abstract: This invention relates to a highly precise and efficient color filter producing apparatus, which is provided with at least a set of drawing heads for respectively generating ink jets of red, green and blue colors, movement means for moving, with a substrate on which a color filter is to be formed by drawing with said ink jets, in a plane having a predetermined distance from the drawing heads, displacement detection means for detecting relative displacement between the substrate and the drawing heads in directions of six freedoms, means for detecting the reaching position on the substrate of the ink jet discharged from the drawing head, and alignment means for effecting alignment between the substrate and the drawing heads in directions of six freedoms, based on the results of detection of the reaching position and of the relative displacement between the substrate and the drawing head in directions of six freedoms.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an electronic vision device, such as a personal glare reduction device, having a darkened spot in its field of view includes the steps of fixing the lens coordinates of the darkened spot to correspond to a calibration site in the field of view, and moving the glare reduction device to place the darkened spot in line with the glare source. A processor evaluates a correction angle on the basis of the new direction to the glare source, as measured by a directional light sensor on the glare reduction device. The apparatus of the invention includes a controller that includes the processor, a memory, a light sensor, and a user interface element.

Abstract: A universal shelter frame for attaching to a primary spectacle frame having two primary lenses mounted thereon, wherein the universal shelter frame includes a pair of shelter lenses each having an inner side facing with each other, a pair of connecting members which are affixed to the two inner sides of the two shelter lenses respectively, and an adjustable bridge arrangement connected between the two shelter lenses together for supporting the two shelter lenses apart and forming a bridge distance between the two shelter lenses. The adjustable bridge arrangement includes at least one compression unit for enabling the adjustable bridge arrangement to be compressed to contract the bridge distance in order to mount the shelter frame on the primary spectacle frame by attaching the two connecting members to two inner edges of the primary lenses of the primary spectacle frame respectively.

Abstract: Auxiliary “task-distance” eyeglasses for use with conventional corrective eyeglasses to eliminate the constant head tilting otherwise necessary to maintain focus when using only the conventional lenses. The auxiliary glasses have upper partial lenses that correct mid-range vision, the focal length required for viewing a computer screen, reading piano music, viewing an instrument panel, or any other arms' length task. The zone of mid-range correction extends across the full width of the lenses. The lenses of the auxiliary glasses are connected by a bridge and supported on the primary glasses by two short tabs that extend sidewardly so as to rest on the temple members of the primary glasses. No clips or clamps are involved, so the auxiliary glasses simply “drop in” behind the regular glasses, avoiding damage to either the primary or the auxiliary lenses. This configuration makes the auxiliary glasses less obtrusive than conventional clip-on lenses.

Abstract: An assembly for removably and adjustably attaching sunglasses to a cap. The assembly includes a flat base which attaches to a cap, a pair of sunglass lenses, and a hinging device connecting the lenses to the base. The assembly allows the lenses to be flipped up under the bill of the cap, to be flipped down for use, or to be adjusted to any intermediate position.

Abstract: Contact lenses, intraocular lenses and transparent plastic with enhanced UV blocking to meet ANSI Class 1 specifications include enhanced effective amounts of two different UV absorbing compounds. One UV absorber is a benzotriazole derivative, and the other UV absorber is a benzophenone derivative. The lenses are made from a polymer that incorporates both of these UV absorbers.

Abstract: A method for obtaining contact lenses having optimized visual acuity involves providing the anterior surface or the posterior surface of the contact lens with a conic section having a shape factor value within the range of about 0.3 to 2.0, the shape factor value being selected so as to adjust spherical aberration in the central optical zone to a value within the range of about −0.2 diopter to about −0.6 diopter and to a value that provides optimal visual acuity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a multifocal contact lens having an improved front-surface lens design, which design can be used either as a stand-alone multifocal design for both distance- and near-vision correction or, in combination with a back-surface multifocal design, as a means to provide additional power for near-vision correction. In one embodiment of the invention, the contact lens has a front surface comprising a central elliptical curve, a mid-peripheral polynomial curve, and a lenticular spherical curve.

Abstract: A photographing switch is pressed to start a photographing operation. All detected image information is input as digital data into an image memory. An image processing section detects the highest and lowest luminance values with respect to a set area. An ophthalmogical photographing apparatus sets a signal compression ratio of digital signals based on these highest and lowest luminance values so that a high-gradation image which is primarily required for diagnostic purposes is obtained.

Abstract: The teachings of the present invention aid a user in attaining an ergonomic position with respect to a remote object such as a display screen (e.g., VDT) or a manufacturing tool. To that end, various mechanisms which feedback to the viewer information related to position and orientation are taught. A first aspect incorporates a feedback mechanism into a display screen. The feedback mechanism could be formed in a variety of manners. In one embodiment, four lights are arranged such that a viewer in the proper orientation will perceive all four lights. However, as the viewer's orientation varies, one or more of the lights is concealed, thereby indicating to the user that the orientation is improper. In another embodiment, the cluster of lights is replaced with a cluster of four distinct pieces of diffraction grating. The diffraction grating could be such that the intensity of the reflected light varies as the viewer's orientation varies.

Abstract: An improved optical scanning spectroscopic method and apparatus is provided that alternately scans the posterior portion of an eye with laser signals emitted by different ones of a plurality of lasers such that a data frame can be constructed that includes interlaced portions formed from signals returning from the posterior portion of the eye in response to illumination by laser signals emitted by different ones of the plurality of lasers. As such, the same data frame includes data attributable to the reflection of laser signals from each of the plurality of lasers even though the subject's eye is not subjected to simultaneous illumination by each of the lasers, thereby protecting the subject's eye.

Abstract: An optometric chart presenting apparatus which has a casing provided with a pair of test windows for right eye and for left eye for presenting an optotype optically placed at a predetermined distance to an eye to be examined through at least one of the test windows within the casing, the apparatus comprising a rotating optometric chart disk having a set of optotypes for right eye and a set of optotypes for left eye on one surface thereof, a restricting device disposed on a side of the eye relative to the optotypes for restricting a visual field of the eye, and a driving device for activating rotation of the rotating optometric chart disk in order to move an intended optotype into the visual field.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for an external rear view mirror for motor vehicles is provided. The adjusting mechanism includes a mirror glass holder connected to a drive housing. A mirror glass is mounted on the holder, and at least one electrical drive is provided for adjusting the holder. At least one heating element is also provided for heating the mirror glass. A single plug component is provided for supplying power to both the drives and the heating element, with the plug component being adapted to be connected to a power supply cord.

Abstract: A windshield glare-reducing assembly includes a tubular sleeve configured to receive an elongated light source such as a fluorescent lamp. Louvers are supported along the sleeve so as to fit closely around such a lamp without touching or being mounted directly on the lamp. The louvers are shaped, spaced and positioned to reduce the amount of light emitted from the lamp towards a vehicle windshield and then reflecting from the windshield into the driver's eyes. The sleeve is shaped to allow the sleeve and louvers to be easily installed on and removed from a lamp and to ease replacement of burned-out and damaged lamps.

Abstract: A simplified mirror sub-assembly for exterior automotive mirrors includes an electrochromic mirror element, a circuit board disposed on a rear surface of the mirror element, and a carrier plate attached to the circuit board via double-sided adhesive tape. The sub-assembly may include a conductive trace disposed on the surface of the circuit board that mates with the mirror element to dissipate heat generated by electronic components on the circuit board and act as a heater for the mirror element at the same time. The electronic components on the circuit board are arranged to lie in a void created by a peripheral edge in the carrier plate so that the inventive structure can incorporate a known carrier plate structure, if desired, to allow easy installation into a known mirror housing.

Abstract: A reduction objective, a projection exposure apparatus with a reduction objective, and a method of use thereof are disclosed. The reduction objective comprises four (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary) mirrors in centered arrangement with respect to an optical axis. The primary mirror is a convex mirror and the second mirror has a positive angular magnification. The reduction objective has an obscuration-free light path and is suitable for annular field scanning operation, such as is used in soft X-ray, i.e. and EUV and UV, lithography.

Abstract: Visual display monitors having a mirror providing a rear view are disclosed. The mirros include support structure to attach a reflective surface to the monitor such that the surface is rotatable while while maintaining a generally fixed orentation relative to the screen of the monitor. The mirror may include a case having front and rear portions rotatable relative to each other. The reflective surface may be rotatable within the front portion. Mirrors may be pivotally connected to monitors for some applications.

Abstract: A surface light source device, comprising a light source (2); a light conductor (1) which has a light incident face (11) on at least one side end surface thereof which confronts the light source (2), and a light emitting face (12) on one surface thereof which is substantially perpendicular to the light incident face (11); and a light angle varying sheet (3) which is disposed at a side of the light emitting face (12) of the light conductor (1), wherein at least one of the light emitting face (12) and a back surface (13) of the light conductor (1) comprises a minute structure having an average slant angle of 0.5 to 7.5 degrees. The light angle varying sheet (3) may comprise a prism sheet having a plurality of prisms (31) which are formed parallel to one another on at least one surface thereof.

Abstract: A air filter and light apparatus for filtering the air of a room while simultaneously illuminating the room. The air filter and light apparatus includes a base portion having a bottom wall. The bottom wall has a peripheral edge. A side wall extends away from and is integrally coupled to the peripheral edge. The side wall has a plurality of slots therein. A motor is fixedly mounted to the bottom wall. A plurality of wires deliver power to the motor. The wires are operationally coupled to a power source and to the motor. A fan for directing airflow from a central portion of the base through the slots is rotatably coupled to the motor. A cover for the base portion has a central portion having a bore therein. A light source illuminates the cover. The light source is mounted in the cover. A filter for filtering the air is mounted in the bore of the cover. An actuator controls the motor and the light source.

Abstract: An automatic illuminated helmet comprising at least one light source that is automatically activated by an activation device. The activation device is a pressure switch located within the helmet. In this design, as the switch contacts the user's head, the light source will be activated. Hence, when the helmet is worn, activation will occur. In an alternative embodiment, a photovoltaic panel is used to re-charge the power supply.

Abstract: A handcuff key that is partially enclosed in a grip housing having the ends of the handcuff key plate extending out of the grip housing. The external portions of the middle of the handcuff key plate are ribbed and attach to the external end portions of the handcuff key plate. The grip housing has a depression button on one side and a threaded notched cover that can be removed for cell replacement on the other. The grip housing includes a cell that sits in a recess on one side of the handcuff key plate and is lined with a circular conductive strip. The recess surrounds a hole that is integrated in with the structure of the key. An insulated wire is connected to the circular conductive strip and runs to the terminals of two light emitting diodes and then to another conductive strip that is affixed to the internal side of a depression button. The two light emitting diodes sit in grooved slots of the grip housing and face opposite each other toward the respective ends of the handcuff key plate.

Abstract: A elongated handle supports an electronic circuit and battery power source. A light transmissive conical body is secured to the handle and defines a plurality of lens elements for refracting light in an outwardly non-uniform pattern. A plurality of light emitting diodes are energized by the electronic circuit to direct flashing light into conical body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric luminaire having a luminaire housing (10, 11) and at least one low-pressure discharge lamp (12) as well as an operating device for operating the at least one low-pressure discharge lamp (12), the operating device having lamp-side (19a) and line-side electric terminals (19e, 19f) for supplying voltage to the at least one low-pressure discharge lamp (12) and to the operating device. The at least one low-pressure discharge lamp (12) is uncapped and has a plurality of supply leads (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) which project from its discharge vessel (12) and are connected in each case to one of the lamp-side electric terminals (19a) of the operating device. Furthermore, the components of the operating device are arranged together with the electric terminals (19a, 19e, 19f) of the operating device on a common mounting plate (18), and the electric terminals (19a, 19e, 19f) are constructed as insulation-piercing contacts.

Abstract: A decorative lighting display unit includes a housing having a shape of an eye mask including areas simulating a pair of eye balls. An illumination source is disposed within the housing for illuminating the areas simulating the pair of eye balls. A controller is utilized for energizing the display unit which may control multiple units for creating an on\off lighting pattern.

Abstract: An improved decorative lamp strip is disclosed. The improved decorative lamp strip includes a light bar and a covering to sheath the light bar. The light bar has a plurality of bulb-holders and a plurality of bulbs corresponding to the bulb holders, each bulb having first and second electrical conductors received within the respective bulb-holder. Each two adjacent bulb-holders have a socket defined therebetween. A tip of the first electrical conductor is joined by twisting to a tip of a respective one of the second electrical conductors. The joined tips of the first and second electrical conductors are received in a respective one of the sockets between the adjacent bulbs.

Abstract: A low loss optic lens cell the cell comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of light sources such as LEDs mounted to a board and capable of being electrically connected to a power source. A lens is attached to the board in a spaced apart relationship thereto. Each lens has a flat portion, least one and preferably a plurality of convex portions, and an aperture defined in each convex portion in a generally collinear arrangement relative to a corresponding LED. A plurality of the cells may be combined into an array, arranged in a housing, and connected to an electric control for operating the cells to form lighted patterns. Low intensity light rays are maximally utilized by refracting the rays back toward the LED axis and high intensity light rays are maximally utilized by allowing them to pass through the aperture without refraction and with little or no optical losses.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) assembly is provided for use as an airplane position light which meets Federal Aviation Regulation lighting requirements and lasts longer than conventional incandescent and halogen position lights, while being relatively lightweight, cheap, and requiring relatively little power for operation. The LED assembly includes a first plurality of circuit boards in electrical communication with a base circuit board, wherein each circuit board of the first plurality of circuit boards is parallel to every other one of the first plurality of circuit boards, but is disposed at an acute angle to the base circuit board. The LED assembly also includes a second plurality of circuit boards in electrical communication with the base circuit board, wherein each circuit board of the second plurality of circuit boards is disposed at a different angle to the base circuit board such that the second plurality of circuit boards form a fan-shaped structure.

Abstract: A lamp assembly comprising at least one elongated fluorescent tube and an elongated reflector of trough-like shape having a longitudinal center plane coincident with the longitudinal axis of the fluorescent tube. The shape of the reflector (10) is variable. Adjusting devices (34, 36) at least at one end of the reflector (10) changes the position of the free longitudinal edges (32) of the reflector (10), which forces the shape of the reflector (10) to change also.

Abstract: A spotlight assembly is disclosed, including a spotlight energizeable to transmit a beam of light and having a lens frame configured to support a lens, and a cylinder coupled to the lens frame and adapted to receive at least one light guide through an opening in a sidewall of the cylinder.

Abstract: A lamp is composed of a light source, a composite reflector consisting of a plurality of reflecting surface units, and aspheric lenses provided to correspond to the individual reflecting surface units. The composite reflector includes a first and a second reflecting surface units. Each of the first reflecting surface units is formed of a reflecting surface configuration obtained by cutting, radially around a center axis of the light source, a portion from a spheroid having a first focal point located on the center axis and adjacent the light source and a second focal point located on a line passing through the first focal point and tilted appropriately from the center axis such that the cut portion spans a range of 15° to 90° around the center axis. Each of the second reflecting surface units is composed of a second reflecting surface configuration obtained by similarly cutting a portion from a spheroid having a second focal point located external to the first reflecting surface configuration.

Abstract: There is provided a lamp composed of a light source, a tilted ellipsoidal rotation surface reflector, and an annular cylindrical lens. The tilted ellipsoidal rotation surface reflector is formed of an ellipsoidal rotation surface emerging when an ellipsoid, having a first focal line located on the center axis of the light source and adjacent the light source and a second focal point located on an oblique line passing through the first focal point and tilted appropriately from the light-source center axis and assumed on a plane containing the light-source center axis and the oblique line, is rotated around the light-source center axis. The annular cylindrical lens is obtained by rotating, around the light-source center axis, the cross-sectional configuration of an aspheric lens having a focal point adjacent the second focal point of the ellipsoid and having an optical axis nearly parallel to the light-source center axis.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved low voltage track lighting system. The system includes a flat track which may be bent. The track has a flat insulator base with opposed flat sides. The depth of the base is greater than its thickness. A thin flat electrical conductor is fixed to each of the flat sides of the base forming conductors on opposite sides of the base. A step down transformer is adapted to be connected to a source of electric power. A feed mount is adapted to be fixed to a supporting surface to be held by the supporting surface. An electric conductive path in the feed mount is connected to each conductor and to the step down transformer, so that each of the conductors is connected to the step down transformer. An adapter is supported on the track and is in electric contact with each of the conductors of the track. A low voltage lamp is supported on the adapter and in electric contact with the adapter to be energized by an electric current from the step down transformer.

Abstract: An illuminated step-up for a vehicle includes a step-up plate mounted on the door sill of a vehicle. A slot extends along a portion of the length of the step-up plate. An optical waveguide formed from a solid piece of material is positioned to release light through the slot.