Abstract: A pointer for an instrument panel which is actively lighted and, more specifically, an actively lighted pointer including a flex circuit.

Abstract: A gauge is provided. The gauge includes a housing and a bearing plate that can be coupled to the housing. The bearing plate defines a first aperture. The gauge includes a pointer coupled to the bearing plate that has a proximal and a distal end. The pointer end can be mounted to the bearing plate such that the distal end extends into the first aperture. The gauge includes a light guide that defines a second aperture, and can be coupled to the bearing plate such that the second aperture is aligned with the first aperture and the distal end of the pointer extends into the second aperture. The gauge includes an appliqué fitted over the light guide, and one or more light sources in communication with the light guide to provide light to the light guide for transmission to the pointer and the appliqué.

Abstract: A dashboard indicator module including a rotating actuator including a hollow output shaft controlling movement of an indicator with a light conducting path, connected to a light source, diffusing a light at an angle, and a reduction gear set. The external diameter of the conducting path is between 2.6 and 5.5 millimeters.

Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly includes a dial face having a pointer assembly for indicating a specific measured perimeter. The pointer assembly includes an inner portion and an outer portion that are selectively and independently illuminated.

Abstract: A gauge with a light transmitting pointer and a light-transmitting dial plate having a surface with indicia for a variable represented by the dial, at least one light source facing a hub of the pointer and positioned rearwardly from the rear surface of the dial plate for illuminating the dial plate. The light-transmitting pointer is mounted for rotational movement about an axis normal to the dial plate. The pointer hub is concentric with the axis, extending through the dial plate and projecting both forwardly and rearwardly from the plate, and an indicator projecting laterally from the hub across a portion of the front surface of the dial plate. The portion of the hub extending rearwardly of the dial plate is shaped to capture light directly from the light source so that light enters the hub and propagates forwardly through the hub, and then laterally from the hub into the indicator to illuminate the indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display device (1) for displaying variables, parameters etc. in an analog manner. Said display device comprises a stepper motor (2), a display element (3) which can be adjusted by means of the stepper motor (2), an electronic part (4) which can capture the signals corresponding to the variables, parameters etc. which can be displayed, and the stepper motor (2) which corresponds to the captured signals can be controlled and/or adjusted, and an LED (9) which can be illuminated by means of the display element (3). The LED (9) is embodied in such a way that it can radiate various colours by means of the light radiation thereof, in order to broaden the uses of the display device (1) with a comparatively low technical-constructive expenditure.

Abstract: A speedometer includes a function storage device, which has stored therein four conversion functions, a selector, which provides four options corresponding to the four conversion functions in the function storage device, and a microprocessor, which counts pulse signals sent by the sensor device of the motor vehicle to obtain a counted total value, selects the corresponding conversion function from the function storage device corresponding to the option selected through the selector according to the quantity of poles (two, four, eight or sixteen) on the drive shaft of the motor vehicle, and puts the counted total value into the selected conversion function for calculation to obtain a car speed value.

Abstract: An indicating instrument such as a speedometer has a numerical scale, a belt and a pointer attached to the belt to indicate different scale positions. A display, such as an LCD, may lie within the inner confines of the perimeter of the dial, which may be formed in a variety of shapes. A motor-driven pulley drives the belt to move the pointer around the LCD and to various scale positions. A light source within the pointer may illuminate the pointer, while a separate pointer support structure about the numerical scale may support the pointer from underneath. The belt may be a continuous loop about one spool or a separate, spring-loaded bobbin may be used with the spool to coil and uncoil the belt. An electrically conductive, tensioning post may supply electricity to the belt and the lighted pointer. Teeth on the spool may coincide with perforations in the belt.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a micromotor for an indicator device comprising a hand of the type generally used in the instrument panels of motor vehicles. More specifically, the present invention concerns a micromotor of this type comprising a case wherein the thickness of one area is smaller than its maximum thickness, so as to form a free space or recess open on the exterior, in particular on the bottom of the case. This recess can be advantageously used for arranging components necessary for the operation of the instrument panel in which the micromotor is mounted, thereby saving space with respect to devices of the prior art.

Abstract: The meter has a back light illuminating with a predetermined color, a display portion disposed in font of the back light and being changeable between a positive mode and a negative mode at a predetermined state, and a reverse control device determining whether an engine of a vehicle is in an initial starting step or the vehicle is in a running state. The control device reverses the display portion in response to a result of the determination. The control device changes the display portion from one of the positive and negative modes to the other at a lower speed when the control device determines that the vehicle engine is in an initial starting step than when the control device determines that the vehicle is in a running state. When the control device determines that the vehicle engine is in an initial starting step, the control device changes the display portion in one of the positive and negative modes from a neutral contrast state.

Abstract: An instrument pointer assembly package for illuminating an instrument pointer is provided. The assembly package has an instrument pointer, a light pipe socket, a motor, and a plurality of light sources. The instrument pointer has a blade portion and a stem portion. The light pipe socket has a terminus portion located along a rotational axis, which is connected to the stem portion of the instrument pointer. The light pipe socket also has a base portion, which is located longitudinally farther along the rotational axis from the instrument pointer than the terminus portion. The base portion has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the upper portion. A side tapers inward from the base portion toward the terminus portion.

Abstract: A pointer assembly includes the pointer and hub that are both illuminatable. The hub includes a main portion with a concave surface. A reflector is partially received within a slot through the concave surface and is supported on top of the hub. The reflector includes a reflective surface that directs light onto the concave surface. Light from a light source is directed by separate reflective surfaces on the pointer and the reflector to illuminate both the hub and the pointer.

Abstract: A rotary gauge structure includes a gauge, a base, a rotary part, and a connecting component. The gauge is installed on the top of the base, and below the base is outer thread for rotary part to sleeve on the outside and clamped between gauge and rotary part. Inside the base is the inner thread, the rotary part is a ring structure for connecting to the thread of the gauge, and the top of rotary part is installed with several grooves for fitting with oil seal. The connecting component, with top installed with outer thread, is for fitting with the base of gauge, and the bottom is for connecting to mechanical equipment. The installation of rotary part for the gauge is capable of rotating 360 degrees freely so that the gauge is not restricted in displaying at fixed angle for added convenience in functionality.

Abstract: An illuminated gas flow tube comprises an in-line flow tube having a distal end and a proximal end. A gas inlet is co-axially secured to the distal end, and a gas outlet is co-axially secured to the proximal end. A specific gravity ball is located within the in-line flow tube, and moves within the flow tube as a function of gas entering the gas inlet. A phosphorescent or photoluminescent material is configured and arranged to at least partially lengthwise surround a radial exterior portion of the flow tube to illuminate the interior of the tube. An illuminated gas pressure gauge comprises an gas inlet, a pressure sensing element, a transparent cover, and a face that is encased by and seen through the transparent cover, where the face includes markings indicative of pressure.

Abstract: An electrically illuminating indicator needle and a light guiding member therefor that allow such a control as length of the needle can be varied while undergoing less unevenness in luminance and can be manufactured at a lower cost are provided. The electrically illuminating indicator needle comprises a plurality of planes of incidence, a plurality of light reflecting surfaces disposed to correspond to the planes of incidence so as to reflect light coming from the planes of incidence, a light guiding member disposed to correspond to the light reflecting surfaces so as to cause the light reflected on the light reflecting surfaces to emerge, and a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed to oppose the planes of incidence.

Abstract: An illuminated instrument assembly includes a light housing that defines an interior space over which is supported a dial face. A pointer rotates below the dial face and is visible through a clear portion of the dial face. The light housing is fabricated from a white material and provides the background visible that provides the desired contrast between the dial face and the pointer. Light from a light guide integral with the pointer is directed through the pointer and into the interior space behind the dial face.

Abstract: An indicating instrument such as a speedometer has a numerical scale, a belt and a pointer attached to the belt to indicate different scale positions. A display, such as an LCD, may lie within the inner confines of the perimeter of the dial, which may be formed in a variety of shapes. A motor-driven pulley drives the belt to move the pointer around the LCD and to various scale positions. A light source within the pointer may illuminate the pointer, while a separate pointer support structure about the numerical scale may support the pointer from underneath. The belt may be a continuous loop about one spool or a separate, spring-loaded bobbin may be used with the spool to coil and uncoil the belt. An electrically conductive, tensioning post may supply electricity to the belt and the lighted pointer. Teeth on the spool may coincide with perforations in the belt.

Abstract: A gauge with indicating pointer has three light sources on a printed circuit board. A rear dial plate has rear markings such as MPH indicia. The first light source illuminates the pointer length, which points to the rear indicia. The second light source illuminates a front dial assembly located on an opposite side of the indicator as the rear dial plate by passing light through the thickness of the indicator. The front dial assembly is cantilevered over the rotating pointer to permit pointer rotation. The third light source illuminates the rear indicia. The front dial assembly has a front dial plate with front indicia illuminated by the second light source and to which the pointer points. The three light sources may be different colors since each illuminates a specific area of the gauge. The front dial assembly may display a separate lighted scale, such as KPH from the rear markings.

Abstract: The pointer illuminator includes: an optically transparent pointer member having a reflecting surface for a pointer, which surface reflects, light incident on a predetermined surface of incidence and guides the light to a tip of the pointer; a light source arranged around a drive shaft of the pointer member; and an optically transparent light-guiding member, which guides light from the light source to the surface of incidence and includes a first light-guiding reflecting surface provided on a face of the light-guiding member, an angle which the face forms with a center axis of the light source becoming smaller as the face leaves the light source so that the first light-guiding reflecting surface reflects the light from the light source to convert the light into approximately parallel light rays, whereby the light-guiding member guides the parallel light rays to the surface of incidence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicator device comprising a dial (7) having a pointer (14) movable thereover, the pointer being provided with an inlet portion (20) and an outlet portion (22.2) for a light beam produced by at least one lighting member (19), the lighting member being positioned to emit the light beam towards the dial which is arranged to form a member for guiding the light beam towards the inlet portion of the pointer.

Abstract: A pointer for a display snaps into a hub device. The hub device has a body including a cap, a light shield and a pointer stem molded together as one part. A passage within the body receives an insertion section of the pointer. A latch arm extending into the passage from the body snaps into a slot within the insertion section of the pointer. An area of the insertion section of the pointer is exposed to directed light through a cavity in an underside of the body. The area transmits the light to an indicating section of the pointer. The light shield is arranged on the body to prevent the directed light from reflecting off the hub device onto the display. The pointer stem receives a drive shaft that rotates the hub device and positions the indicating section of the pointer on the display according to measured parameters.

Abstract: A pointer instrument for a motor vehicle includes a pointer drive for deflecting a carrier body. A pointer which is visible in an indication is provided on the carrier body. An optical waveguide element is arranged on that side of the carrier body which is remote from an observer. Light from at least one light source is introduced into the optical waveguide element which extends along the movement path of the pointer. Light emerging from the optical waveguide element enters into the pointer and/or the carrier body, and the pointer is formed such that it is illuminated by light emerging from the optical waveguide element.

Abstract: A gauge with indicating pointer has three light sources on a printed circuit board. A rear dial plate has rear markings such as MPH indicia. The first light source illuminates the pointer length, which points to the rear indicia. The second light source illuminates a front dial assembly located on an opposite side of the indicator as the rear dial plate by passing light through the thickness of the indicator. The front dial assembly is cantilevered over the rotating pointer to permit pointer rotation. The third light source illuminates the rear indicia. The front dial assembly has a front dial plate with front indicia illuminated by the second light source and to which the pointer points. The three light sources may be different colors since each illuminates a specific area of the gauge. The front dial assembly may display a separate lighted scale, such as KPH from the rear markings.

Abstract: A meter panel such as a speedometer used in an instrument panel of an automotive vehicle includes a transparent pointer disc, a dial plate having scales and numerals thereon, and a light source for illuminating the pointer disc. The pointer disc is disposed in front of the dial plate to overlap the scales and numerals of the dial plate. The pointer disc is rotated by a pointer driver disposed behind the dial plate. Light emitted from the light source is introduced into the transparent pointer disc and reflected by a groove formed on the pointer disc toward the front side of the meter panel, thereby making the pointer visible. Since the pointer overlaps the scales and numerals of the dial plate, the pointer position relative to the scales and numerals is easily and clearly recognized.

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: It is possible to eliminate the problem that a conductive part to a light source is subjected to stress by operation of a needle-pointer, thereby improving reliability. A needle-pointer type meter includes: an indicator plate having a first see-through portion and an indicator portion surrounding the first see-through portion; a rotary body having a second see-through portion corresponding to the first see-through portion; a drive device for moving the rotary body; a needle-pointer mounted on the rotary body and moving along the indicator portion around the first see-through portion; light sources illuminating the needle-pointer; and a display device for displaying predetermined information to an observer via the see-through portions. A plurality of light sources are arranged at an interval along the movement route of the needle-pointer. The needle-pointer is made of translucent material which emits light when receiving light from a predetermined light source of the plurality of light sources while moving.

Abstract: An electrical junction box is located so as to oppose to an adjuster which is provided on a rear face of an on-vehicle instrument. The electrical junction box has a first face which faces the on-vehicle instrument, and a second face which is opposite to the first face. At least one through hole is formed so as to communicate the first face and the second face. The electrical junction box is configured to be disposed such that the through hole opposes the adjuster.

Abstract: A pointer instrument has two instrument mechanisms arranged independently of one another on a printed circuit board such that the printed circuit board in between the two instrument mechanisms. Each of the instrument mechanisms act on an associated pointer. To minimize the height between the instrument mechanism and the pointer, the printed circuit board is arranged between the two instrument mechanisms and the rotation axes of the two instrument mechanisms are arranged so that they are essentially concentric with respect to one another. The drive to the pointer from the lower one of the instrument mechanisms is provided by a bracket or through the printed circuit board and a hollow shaft for the upper instrument mechanism.

Abstract: A pressure indicating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus indicates pressure change in a device, the apparatus comprises: a pointer, optical sensing means, a planar element and indicating means. The pointer moves in response to the change in pressure, which in turn moves the planar element. Light from the optical sensing means is incident on the planar element. The planar element varies the incident light, which is picked up by a conversion means. The conversion means converts light energy to electrical energy that is used to illuminate LED from an array of LED's or activates any one LCD component from the array LCD's in the display provided in the indicating means to indicate pressure.

Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly includes a dial face having a pointer assembly for indicating a specific measured perimeter. The pointer assembly includes an inner portion and an outer portion that are selectively and independently illuminated.

Abstract: A luminous pointer of a displaying instrument has a pointer body with a light emitting area that is divided into subsections with prisms. The subsections are illuminated at different timing. A light emitting circuit, including light emitting diodes (LEDs) for illuminating the light emitting area, and resistors and zener diodes for driving the LEDs, is arranged in a boss of the pointer body. With this configuration, an increase in weight of the pointer body, especially at a tip of the pointer body, is less likely to occur.

Abstract: A speedometer face plate assembly that incorporates a border of light transmitting segments above the speed indicating numerals is disclosed. Each of the segments is a different color. The colored segments are lighted from behind as the speed changes so that colored light is visible both peripherally and directly to the driver. Each color is associated with a specific speed increment so that once the driver becomes familiar with this speedometer face plate assembly, he or she will be aware of the speed traveled according to the color of the light and will not have to look directly at the speedometer as frequently as is currently necessary. In addition to the colored light transmitting border, there may also be a colored light transmitting section under the numerals or at another area on the speedometer face to further enhance the colored light effect. This speedometer face plate assembly contributes to increasing driving safety.

Abstract: An indicator assembly with a dial face, a pointer and a lamp. The dial face has an opaque portion and defines a shaft aperture. The pointer has a connecting portion, a pointer portion and an opaque boot portion. The connecting portion is disposed in-line with the aperture. The pointer portion is coupled to and extends radially outwardly from the connecting portion. The boot portion extends about the connecting portion and contacts the dial face in a zone that encircles the aperture. The lamp is disposed rearwardly of the dial face and provides a source of light. A method for reducing or eliminating a halo effect is also provided.

Abstract: An indicator hand illumination arrangement for use in an electronic device that comprises a casing, a dial positioned in the casing, at least one indicator hand positioned intermediate the dial and a cover for at least in part protecting the at least one indicator hand and the dial, wherein the arrangement comprises a light emitting element coupled to the cover, for emitting lightwaves in the UV spectrum towards the at least one indicator hand and in a direction perpendicularly to the dial surface; wherein the at least one indicator hand has a proximate end that is coupled to a stem and a distal end, the at least one indicator hand having a top surface, an inner and outer bottom surface, and a angled surface angled non-perpendicularly to the angle of the lightwaves; such that lightwaves that emanate from the light emitting element deflect off of the angled surface and propagate in a direction towards the distal end of the at least one indicator hand.

Abstract: A dial 21a is positioned in front of an LCD 21c, and has an inner periphery surrounding the LCD 21c. A pointer 21b is rotatable by a drive 21d positioned at a backside of the LCD 21c. The pointer 21b is extended from a rotation center in a direction Y1 against the rotation center along a back surface of the LCD 21c, then bent and extended along an outer periphery of the LCD 21c, and bent and extended in the direction Y2 toward the rotation center via a gap formed between a front surface of the display 21c and a back surface of the dial 21a. Then, the pointer 21b is extended along an inner periphery of the dial 21a, and bent and extended in the direction Y1 along a front surface of the dial 21a.

Abstract: An analog instrument gauge display is provided that comprises a lens having a pointing indicia displayed thereon, a back plate having a pattern thereon, and a drive motor coupled to the lens and configured to rotate the lens and pointing indicia relative to the pattern on the back plate in response to receipt of a signal.

Abstract: An illumination device for a display instrument is described which is used to illuminate two sets of scale markings and to separately illuminate a pointer scale of the display instrument. The light from a light source is guided past light funnels that are used to illuminate the pointer scale by an optical waveguide. This provides an efficient and economical means of illuminating a display instrument of this type.

Abstract: There is provided a type of luminous hand including a part made of moulded transparent material that forms a circular head (28, 35) and a body (28, 34) of a hand. In order to direct a portion of a light beam parallel to the axis (15) of the hand towards the interior of the body, the head includes a plurality of reflectors (40, 41) distributed around the axis and formed by dihedron shaped hollows. This improves the intensity and uniformity of the light in the hand body. Inclined light-diffusing surfaces, covered with a light coloured paint, are arranged on the bottom face of the hand. In a display device with several coaxial hands (11,12) such as that of a watch, the reflectors of the superposed heads (29, 35) of the hands are located at respective distances from the axis which are different from one hand to another, such that they never completely cover each other. The light source preferably includes three light-emitting diodes (23) located under the dial (10).

Abstract: An output port open control device (65) allows a port (P3) which outputs PWM signals of a Cos+ side to be in a high impedance state in a period in which respective PWM signals of Cos+ and Cos? supplied to a S-phase coil (22) of a stepping motor (2) are in a ground level, induced voltage corresponding to a magnetic flux variation caused in accordance with rotation of a magnet rotor (23) is generated in the S-phase coil (22), a voltage comparator (72) compares the induced voltage with a previously set threshold value and outputs presence or absence of the induced voltage, and a zero-reset judging device (66) determines that a pointer (4) is in the middle of rotation when the induced voltage is detected, and determines that the pointer (4) is in contact with a stopper mechanism (5) when it is not detected.

Abstract: This invention is to offer an indication system and method of a meter part having excellent visibility and designing property. Alight is irradiated from the first light source toward the indicating panel from the side of the indicating face for making the background part of the indicating panel luminous with a complementary color to a color indicating the indicator part of pointers, graduations, numerals and others.

Abstract: An indicator assembly with a dial face, a pointer and a lamp. The dial face has an opaque portion and defines a shaft aperture. The pointer has a connecting portion, a pointer portion and an opaque boot portion. The connecting portion is disposed in-line with the aperture. The pointer portion is coupled to and extends radially outwardly from the connecting portion. The boot portion extends about the connecting portion and contacts the dial face in a zone that encircles the aperture. The lamp is disposed rearwardly of the dial face and provides a source of light. A method for reducing or eliminating a halo effect is also provided.

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 driving device, includes a stepping motor having an exciting coil and a rotor; a driven member driven in accordance with a rotation of the rotor; a stopper mechanically stopping the driven member at a zero position; a controller controlling the state of excitation of the exciting coil; an induced voltage detector detecting an induced voltage generated by a change of magnetic flux according to the rotation of the rotor; and a zero position detector detecting a stoppage of the driven member at the zero position. The controller supplies an exciting pattern to the exciting coil at the time of processing of zero position detection. The exciting pattern includes a first exciting step for detecting the induced voltage and a second exciting step for rotation. Total periods of the first exciting step is greater than that of the second exciting step during an electrical angle 90° in the one cycle.

Abstract: A structure for illuminating a pointer of a meter, including a light translucent pointer including a pointer body having a base provided with a light emitting surface, and a cover cap member provided on said light emitting surface of the base, the pointer body including a reflective/refractive plane provided in said base, the reflective/refractive surface reflecting a portion of illumination light introduced in the base to go longitudinally of the pointer body and transmitting another portion of the illumination light to go toward the light emitting surface, the cover cap member having a light translucent layer and a light shielding layer disposed inside the light translucent layer, the light shielding layer having an opening passing through the another portion of the illumination light transmitting the reflective/refractive plane.

Abstract: An illuminated dial and pointer assembly wherein a movable pointer is illuminated with a tracking external directed light source as the pointer moves relative to a display dial. A plurality of systems are disclosed for moving said pointer and illuminating said pointer with a directed light source, including a system wherein magnetic attraction allows the pointer to track a motorized light source.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus includes a light guiding member that projects light, incident on an end face thereof, through a principal plane; and a plurality of light emitting diodes that are optically coupled with the end face. The light guiding member has a protruding surface formed in part of the end face thereof and comprises a first light introducing portion that is formed on the protruding surface and is optically coupled to a first light emitting diode, and a second light introducing portion that is optically coupled to a second light emitting diode and is formed on the rest of the end face. The first and second light emitting diodes are capable of emitting color-blended light having two or more peaks in the spectrum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method sensing the absolute position of a gauge. A pointer having a predefined rotation with a circular travel pattern. At least one light emitting diode that generates an optical signal. An optical sensor placed in a fixed position along the circular travel pattern of the pointer. A pointer driver for driving the pointer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an indicating instrument (1) which comprises a pointer, situated in front of a dial (2). Light is coupled into the axis (5) of the pointer. The light is guided into the pointer vane (3) by a deviating prism (8). The invention provides that in order to prevent a visible halo from appearing on the dial (2), around the axis (5), the light that is coupled into said axis (5) is UV light which is only converted into visible light in the pointer vane (3), by the luminescent material (10) that is present there.

Abstract: A graduation board has an arc-shaped graduation portion and translucent graduations disposed along the graduation portion. A light emitting pointer is disposed on a front side of the graduation board and moves along the graduations. A plurality of LEDs that are disposed on a reverse side of the graduation board emits respective graduations. A control circuit controls an emission order of the LEDs according to the movement of the light emitting pointer when a key switch of the vehicle is turned on. As a result, the combination meter provides attractiveness and originality for the driver, when the key switch turns on.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for the controlled return of a pointer driven by a stepping motor in the event of failure of the supply voltage includes a control circuit for actuating the stepping motor. The supply voltage at least for the control circuit for the stepping motor is buffered with at least one buffer capacitor, the capacitance of the at least one buffer capacitor being such that the buffer capacitor supplies the control circuit for the stepping motor with electrical power at least until the control circuit has moved the pointer driven by the stepping motor to a default position. The default position is a zero position in relation to the scale on the display apparatus or to another indicated value which is noncritical in relation to the scaling on the display apparatus.