Abstract: A light emitting apparatus comprising: a light guiding member that projects light, that is 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, wherein 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, and the first and second light emitting diodes are capable of emitting color-blended light having two or more peaks in the spectrum.

Abstract: A pointer of a meter is driven by a driving unit disposed behind a scale plate. A wiring board for supplying electric current to a stepping motor included in the driving unit is placed between the scale plate and the driving unit. Plural light sources for illuminating the pointer are placed on the wiring board around a pointer shaft in the vicinity thereof. Terminal pins for supplying electric current to the stepping motor are positioned on the wiring board apart form the light sources to avoid wiring congestion around the pointer shaft. Since the light sources are freely placed around the pointer shaft, the light from the light sources can be uniformly distributed around the pointer shaft with high luminance.

Abstract: A pointer type indicator comprises a dial plate 30 having indexes corresponding to measured values and a pointer 10 for pointing respective indexes of the dial plate 10. Said pointer 10 includes a pointing portion 103 to be illuminated by light emitted from a pointer light source 102, and light guide means 103d, 101d, 101e, 104 for guiding a part of light emitted from the pointer light source 103 to illuminate a limited area of the dial plate 30 behind the pointing portion 103.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument for a vehicle including a step motor and a stopper unit for stopping a pointer at a zero position, a memory for pre-storing a zero-level electric angle as a correction value at which zero-return alternating signal becomes a zero level at least twice after a zero-return signal is supplied. When the phase of the zero-return alternating signal becomes the zero-level electric angle, the zero-return signal is stopped to provide induced voltage induced in the stator of the step motor. If the induced voltage is lower than a threshold voltage, it is judged that the pointer is stopped.

Abstract: In a pointer-type instrument (1) having a pointer with a pointer shaft (5) that deflects a pointer vane (2), power is supplied to a light source (3), which is connected to the pointer for rotation in common, by a flexible, spiral film (11) provided with conductor tracks (12, 13). For this purpose, the pointer shaft (5) has an enlargement (9), which supports the film (11) and secures it against sliding off axially. As a result, the film (11) can be made particularly thin, thereby making it possible to reduce the driving torque required to deflect the pointer shaft (5).

Abstract: An indicating instrument has a pointer (1) driven by a measuring mechanism by a pointer spindle (3). The pointer has a region (10) on the pointer hub side which in cross section has the form of an H. This H is formed by a horizontal bar (20) and two outer bars (21, 22). Ribs (23, 24) extending in zigzag form above and below the horizontal bar (20) increase the rigidity of the region (10) on the pointer hub side.

Abstract: A pointer instrument, in particular in a motor vehicle, has two pointer shafts (3, 8) which can each be driven by a separate pointer drive (13, 9) and are arranged one next to the other, and two scales (1, 2) which are arranged concentrically with respect to one another and are each intended for one pointer (4). One of the pointer shafts (8) is arranged eccentrically, while the other pointer shaft (3) is arranged concentrically with respect to the two concentric scales (1, 2). The pointer which is assigned to the eccentric pointer shaft (8) is embodied as an optical pointer (6) which has a lightguide (7) which is arranged radially on the eccentric pointer shaft (8) and can rotate with the pointer shaft (8), and a lightguide system (10) which is formed from fixed lightguides (11, 11a), the lightguides (11, 11a) of which each start at a small distance from the movement path of the free end of the rotatable lightguide (7) and lead to display segments (5) on the assigned, concentric scale (2).

Abstract: A high efficiency, high brightness instrument pointer illuminating apparatus includes a gage motor with a gage motor shaft extending therefrom, an instrument pointer mounted on the gage motor shaft and a plurality of light sources positioned radially around the gage motor shaft to supply light upward into the instrument pointer, wherein the instrument pointer includes a needle portion and a light reflecting portion that is flared outward from the needle portion and has a first reflective surface presenting an internally reflective surface adapted to reflect light received from the light sources outward into the needle portion at any angular position of the needle portion.

Abstract: A lighted display for a vehicle instrument panel in which a single light source is used to display a plurality of messages indicating various vehicle operating conditions. A plurality of light-using message plates is mounted adjacent the light source, each message plate being independently activated by an electrical muscle wire to move the associated message plate into the lighted region of the display. When vehicle operating parameters are such that the message is no longer needed, current to the muscle wire is shut off and the message plate is returned to its unilluminated rest position by a return spring.

Abstract: An indicating instrument includes a transparent dial plate, a printed circuit board disposed behind the dial plate, a drive unit disposed behind the printed circuit board having a plurality of lead wires soldered to the printed circuit board, a light conductive luminous pointer and a light emitting diode disposed on the printed circuit board near a rotary shaft so that the pointer can receive light emitted from the light emitting diode. Each end of the plurality of lead wires is disposed on the printed circuit board at a distance from the light emitting diode sufficient to insulate the light emitting diode from heat of soldering the plurality of lead wires to the circuit board.

Abstract: In a pointer instrument (1) having a pointer shaft (12) that deflects a pointer flag (10), the pointer flag (10) can be illuminated by means of a light source (14). For this purpose, the light source (14) is formed, for example, as a light-emitting polymer (13), which is applied between the pointer flag (10), which is formed at the same time as an electrode, and a further, transparent electrode (15), and emits light of any desired coloration under appropriate electrical excitation. The pointer flag (10) can assume any desired shape as the result of using such a light source (14) that can be shaped. In particular, multiple curvatures can be represented without differences in brightness occurring in this case.

Abstract: A pointer instrument having a connecting sleeve (3) which holds an essentially transparent pointer (4), and an illuminating means (10) that radiates directly into a f lag (12) of the pointer (4) the connecting sleeve (3) having conductors (17), 18) and contact surfaces (15, 16) of conductive plastic. At its end facing away from the pointer (4), the connecting sleeve (3) has connecting contacts (13, 14) for making contact with a power supply of a circuit board (6).

Abstract: For an indicating device with a pointer, in which the pointer comprises a rotary pointer spindle 2 and a pointer vane 1 arranged radially on the pointer spindle 2, the pointer vane 1 being deflected according to a rotation of the pointer spindle 2, in addition to its ability to pivot as a result of the rotation of the pointer spindle 2, the pointer vane 1 is also rotatable about the axis 13 of its radial extent and the pointer vane 1 has at least two boundary surfaces 11a, 11b or 12a, 12b and 12c which can be distinguished from one another in their appearance.

Abstract: A propane level monitor assembly for determining the level of propane in a storage tank. The propane level monitor assembly includes a gauge monitor assembly including a housing being adapted to be removably mounted upon a propane tank gauge, and also including a transmitter being disposed in the housing; and further includes a receiver unit including a housing member and also a receiver member being disposed in the housing member for receiving waves transmitted by the transmitter.

Abstract: A display instrument with two illuminated pointers is described, in which instrument the illuminated pointers (4, 6) are supplied with light via a light splitter (10). The latter has a frustum-shaped depression (21) so that a portion of the light is radiated in the axial direction and passes into the upper illuminated pointer (4), a further portion is scattered radially at the generated surface (24) of the frustum (23) and passes into the lower illuminated pointer (6).

Abstract: In a pointer instrument (1) having a disk pointer (3) which can be illuminated by a light source (6) and is mounted at its periphery, a flexible lead (8) is used for the power supply. For this purpose, the lead (8) has a 180° bend (9), so that a first leg (10) rests against a rear (11) of the disk pointer (3) and a second leg (12) rests against a rear component (13). When the disk pointer (3) is deflected, the lead (8) is able to roll on the rear (11). As it does so, only slight restoring forces are produced and, at the same time, the space requirement is low, it being possible in particular for the central area to be used for further components.

Abstract: An illuminated pointer member with an integral warning indicator. The pointer member is illuminated with an off-center illumination source. The transparent central shaft member has a second light source at one end and a transparent panel member at the opposite end in the instrument pointer cap member. The pointer member is illuminated in a conventional manner to provide illuminated indicia on the instrument panel. The second light source is illuminated under certain conditions to provide a warning indicator through the panel member in the cap to the operator in the event of the occurrence of certain conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus which measures the body weight of an individual, comprising a platform for supporting the individual to be weighed; a plurality of sensors disposed within the platform for sensing a force exerted on the platform indicative of the weight of the individual and generating an analog signal proportional to the sensed force; electronic means for combining the analog signals from the plurality of sensors to form a combined electronic signal indicative of the weight of the individual; a processor for generating a digital signal based on the electronic signal for driving an electro mechanical actuator for displaying the measured body weight on a display device, the display device comprising a graduated dial having at least one concentrically arranged scale and a rotatable pointer, the pointer driven in rotation by the actuator according to the processor to a position on the graduated dial which corresponds to the measured body weight of the individual.

Abstract: A pointer instrument, in particular in a motor vehicle, has two pointer shafts (3, 8) which can each be driven by a separate pointer drive (13, 9) and are arranged one next to the other, and two scales (1, 2) which are arranged concentrically with respect to one another and are each intended for one pointer (4). One of the pointer shafts (8) is arranged eccentrically, while the other pointer shaft (3) is arranged concentrically with respect to the two concentric scales (1, 2). The pointer which is assigned to the eccentric pointer shaft (8) is embodied as an optical pointer (6) which has a lightguide (7) which is arranged radially on the eccentric pointer shaft (8) and can rotate with the pointer shaft (8), and a lightguide system (10) which is formed from fixed lightguides (11, 11a), the lightguides (11, 11a) of which each start at a small distance from the movement path of the free end of the rotatable lightguide (7) and lead to display segments (5) on the assigned, concentric scale (2).

Abstract: For an indicating device with a pointer, in which the pointer comprises a rotary pointer spindle 2 and a pointer vane 1 arranged radially on the pointer spindle 2, the pointer vane 1 being deflected according to a rotation of the pointer spindle 2, it is proposed that, in addition to its ability to pivot as a result of the rotation of the pointer spindle 2, the pointer vane 1 is also rotatable about the axis 13 of its radial extent and the pointer vane 1 has at least two boundary surfaces 11a, 11b or 12a, 12b and 12c which can be distinguished from one another in their appearance.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument (1) with a translucent dial (8), an illuminated pointer (4) is arranged, out of the viewing direction of a viewer, behind the dial (8) on its rear, inner side (7). The surface of the outer side and/or of the inner side of the dial is reflection-reducing so as to enable the dial to serve the function of a covering glass.

Abstract: In the case of a pointer instrument having a connecting sleeve (3), that holds an essentially transparent pointer (4), and an illuminating means (10) that radiates directly into a flag (12) of the pointer (4), the connecting sleeve (3) has conductors (17, 18) and contact surfaces (15, 16) of conductive plastic. At its end facing away from the pointer (4), the connecting sleeve (3) has connecting contacts (13, 14) for making contact with a power supply of a circuit board (6). (FIG.

Abstract: The invention provides a luminous pointer which can offer an increased commercial value with its glowing surface having the ability to glow generally uniformly. The luminous pointer is constructed of a pointer element 1 which is made of a light-transmitting material and forms an indicating portion (glowing surface) 2, a light-blocking cover 10 which covers a central region of swing motion R of the pointer element 1 and opens rearward, and a shielding element 12 which covers the rear side of the central region of swing motion R of the pointer element 1. The pointer element 1 has in its central region of swing motion R reflecting parts 4 to 7 for reflecting illuminating light fed from the rear side at least toward its tip end, and the shielding element 12 has exposing parts 123 for exposing the reflecting parts 4 to 7 of the pointer element 1 and is formed of a light-transmitting material which makes it possible to adjust the amount of transmission of the illuminating light.

Abstract: A pointer of a meter is driven by a driving unit disposed behind a scale plate. A wiring board for supplying electric current to a stepping motor included in the driving unit is placed between the scale plate and the driving unit. Plural light sources for illuminating the pointer are placed on the wiring board around a pointer shaft in the vicinity thereof. Terminal pins for supplying electric current to the stepping motor are positioned on the wiring board apart form the light sources to avoid wiring congestion around the pointer shaft. Since the light sources are freely placed around the pointer shaft, the light from the light sources can be uniformly distributed around the pointer shaft with high luminance.

Abstract: A pointer instrument having a connecting sleeve (3) which holds an essentially transparent pointer (4), and an illuminating means (10) that radiates directly into a flag (12) of the pointer (4), the connecting sleeve (3) having conductors (17), 18) and contact surfaces (15, 16) of conductive plastic. At its end facing away from the pointer (4), the connecting sleeve (3) has connecting contacts (13, 14) for making contact with a power supply of a circuit board (6).

Abstract: An illuminated pointer member for an instrument panel. A hollow tubular shaft member conveys light from a light source through its hollow interior to the pointer member for illumination. A rotating mechanism, such as a gear mechanism and/or motor mechanism is connected to the tubular member for rotating the tubular member and pointer member.

Abstract: An instrument pointer illuminating apparatus for illuminating instrument pointers includes a light conductive member (24) having a first shaft aperture (22) and an instrument face (28) disposed on a front surface of the light conductive member and having a second shaft aperture (26) therein. A pointer shaft (20) extends through the first and second shaft apertures beyond the front surface of the light conductive member and includes an instrument pointer (30) disposed on the pointer shaft. A light blocking hub cap (34) is mounted on the hub portion (43) of the instrument pointer and includes a center portion (50) and a cylindrical wall portion (52) extending from the center portion of the hub cap toward the instrument face where it terminates at a first end (54) below the instrument pointer.

Abstract: An indicating instrument includes a transparent dial plate, a printed circuit board disposed behind the dial plate, a drive unit disposed behind the printed circuit board having a plurality of lead wires soldered to the printed circuit board, a light conductive luminous pointer and a light emitting diode disposed on the printed circuit board near a rotary shaft so that the pointer can receive light emitted from the light emitting diode. Each end of the plurality of lead wires is disposed on the printed circuit board at a distance from the light emitting diode sufficient to insulate the light emitting diode from heat of soldering the plurality of lead wires to the circuit board.

Abstract: A position indicator for a motor drive for actuating a step switch, tap changer, or dipping coil, has a display board having front and back faces and a first circular array of symbols on the front face corresponding to individual switching phases traversed during changeover of the motor drive from one operational position into another neighboring operational position. A first shaft extending through the board centrally of the first array and defining a first axis carries a pointer at the front face rotatable about the first axis through positions aligned with the symbols. A second circular array of symbols on the front face is associated with individual possible stationary operational positions of the step switch, the tap changer, or the dipping coil. A second pointer shaft projecting through the board centrally of the second array and defining a second axis carries a second pointer at the front face rotatable about the second axis through positions aligned with the symbols of the second array.

Abstract: A straight cold cathode fluorescent lamp is detachably held at the back of a dial plate by a plurality of fork-shaped holders to illuminate a plurality of scales formed on the front surface of the dial plate and accommodated in the reflector which is also detachably fixed to a casing of the indicator instrument. A circuit board is also detachably fixed to the reflector.

Abstract: A pointer assembly (12) is disclosed, which is mounted to a conventional gauge assembly (14). The assembly includes a pointer (20) having an elongated tapered body (70), with the body (70) having a proximal end (76) and a distal end (78). Illumination from a light source (36) is provided to a light pipe (34) which transmits the collected light from the source (36) upwardly toward a base (22) at a point forward of a gauge shaft (30). The transmitted light is redirected by a beveled surface (100) toward the rear where the light is once again redirected by a second beveled surface (104) thereof The light then travels upwardly into the proximal end (76) of the pointer (20), where it is redirected toward the distal end (78) of the pointer (20) by a third beveled surface (90). A liner (96) is provided which is mounted to the underside of the pointer (20). Light rays encountering the liner are reflected upwardly through the top surface of the pointer body (70).

Abstract: A meter (10) for receiving signals from a device and presenting status information according to received signals. A microprocessor (12) generates a status signal regarding the status of connected equipment according to the received signals and a predefined boundary for the presented status information. A nighttime indicator and a daytime indicator on the meter's pointer present status information to a viewer according to the generated status signal. The nighttime indicator includes one or more LED(s) (49), a translucent pointer (46) and an angled light deflecting surface (48) for deflecting light generated by the LED(s) to the clear pointer. The daytime indicator includes a cap (36) over the light deflecting surface and a hole (60) through the cap for allowing LED generated light that passes through the deflecting surface to illuminate to a viewer.

Abstract: A pointer instrument (1) has two pointer flags (3, 4) which can pivot in a common plane about a common axis (2). For this purpose, the pointer flags (3, 4) can each be deflected independently of each other in the region of a separate sector of a circle by a pointer drive (6, 6′), by of a mechanism (5, 5′). By this means, the pointer instrument (1) has a compact overall size and, at the same time, is easy to read.

Abstract: A display instrument with a first display and with an electro-luminescent display arranged at least partially in front of the first display is, where the first display can be illuminated or can be rendered luminous and appears as an almost uniformly dark surface when neither illuminated nor luminous.

Abstract: An indicator for use in a vehicle instrument panel has a light conductive pointer illuminated by a light emitting diode or LED. In order to provide an increased illuminating surface of the pointer, a slit is formed on a cap to extend from the outer periphery of the cap to a portion above a center of rotation of the pointer driven by a driving shaft. A fixture is connected to the driving shaft and holds a light receiving portion of the pointer at the portion above the center of rotation and the LED in the optical alignment with the pointer at a portion off an axis of the center of rotation. A balancing weight is disposed at a portion opposite the LED with respect to the driving shaft in order to keep balance of the indicator.

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 pointer type indicator having a structure in which internal mechanisms and illuminating light sources are directly connected to an optical guide plate through the medium of a circuit board, and is capable of brightly illuminating pointers and indexes.

Abstract: A pointer device having an illuminated pointer made of light-guiding material, mounted rotatably about a pointer axis, having a permanently mounted light source whose light is coupled axially into the illuminated pointer. The illuminated pointer includes a radial section which constitutes a pointer vane, and an axial section which constitutes a light gatherer. Light deflection from the axial section to the radial section takes place via a reflective surface and a first-surface mirror.

Abstract: An instrument panel having analog gauges with pointers illuminated independently of the light source illuminating the scale indicia. Light is transmitted into the pointer via a facet having an inclined reflective surface through which a gauge motor output shaft passes. The facet may be integrally formed in the light distribution layer which illuminates the scale indicia or a separate discreet component. A novel telltale used in conjunction with an instrument panel having a light distribution layer is also provided which illuminates the telltale indicia by passing light through the light distribution layer without affecting the illumination of other indicia in the graphic layer. Method of manufacturing analog gauges as well as method for using an analog gauge to transmit information to a viewer.

Abstract: A zero-position stopper to stop the pointer when it is returned to the zero position and a maximum-position stopper to stop the pointer when it is located at the maximum position are provided. A microcomputer generates a zero-start signal when an ignition switch is turned on so that pointer moves from the zero position and engages the maximum position stopper, and thereafter generates a zero-return signal so that the pointer returns to the zero-position stopper. When the pointer engages the zero-position stopper, the computer does not generate a control signal.

Abstract: An illumination for a display and/or a part of a display in an illumination color with a display and/or a part of a display which can be transilluminated by a source of light of a different color than the illumination color. The source of light is arranged on the side of the display and/or the part of the display facing away from an observer and a color filter 5 is arranged between source of light and the display and/or a part of the display. The color filter 5 is a split filter through which a part of the light from the source of light can pass unfiltered and a further part of the light from the source of light can pass filtered.

Abstract: A display apparatus (10) having a display (12) including indicia representative of a measured parameter, an indicator (13) shiftable relative to the display, and a control assembly (14) for controlling the positioning of the indicator relative to the display. The control assembly includes a microprocessor (16) for receiving navigational signals and for converting the navigational signals to control signals and a stepper motor (18) responsive to the microprocessor for driving the indicator in response to the control signals. The control assembly also includes an indicator position sensor (20) for determining the actual position of the display indicator and for generating position signals representative of this actual position. The microprocessor uses these position signals for calibrating the stepper motor.

Abstract: A pointer assembly illuminated by a rear circular light source surrounding a pointer axis includes a pointer having an inner portion surrounding the axis and a tip extending radially from the inner portion, a stem for supporting the pointer on a gauge spindle and including a plate for attenuating light transmission to the inner portion, and a cap surrounding the inner portion to prevent unwanted light escape from the assembly and having an elongated opening aligned with the tip. The tip and elongated opening define the illuminated pointer surface. A light collector portion of the tip located near the axis has a curved reflector for uniformly disseminating received light along the length of the tip.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument display disposed in a panel in front of a driver's seat, wherein at least one scale plate of a plurality of instrument display devices is made of a colored or colorless transparent or transluscent material, whereby the internal mechanism of the display devices can be readily observed.

Abstract: A straight cold cathode fluorescent lamp is detachably held at the back of a dial plate by a plurality of fork-shaped holders to illuminate a plurality of scales formed on the front surface of the dial plate and accommodated in the reflector which is also detachably fixed to a casing of the indicator instrument. A circuit board is also detachably fixed to the reflector.

Abstract: An LED display device has an indicator having a housing. The housing has at least one incident portion which receives light from at least one LED. The incident portion has a reflection surface at its inside surface. LEDs emit light from one side or one longitudinal end of the incident portion. A refraction plate may be provided to direct emission of the incident light for viewing by a user.

Abstract: A light guide apparatus for use on a motor vehicle instrument panel is disclosed. In order to bring as much light as possible into a dial pointer 20, the panel has a translucent plate 22, the front face of which forms the dial face. Light is introduced into the translucent plate through a plurality of light pipes 44, and is then directed into a catchment area 30 for pointer illumination by converging facets 35,38 formed in the plate. The facets are arranged with a wide opening which receives light traveling in the plate and with a tapering or converging area in which the light incident in the wide opening is continuously reflected into the pointer illumination catchment area.

Abstract: A pointer for measuring instruments includes a fixing portion mounted on a drive shaft of a drive and an indicating portion supported on the fixing portion and extending therefrom in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the drive shaft. The indicating portion includes an EL element having a light-emitting surface extending over a substantially entire length of the indicating portion in the direction perpendicular to the drive shaft axis, at the light-emitting surface light being substantially uniformly distributed at least in the direction perpendicular to the drive shaft axis; a light-transmitting protective body covering at least the light-emitting surface; and an indicating tube. The surface of the portion of the indicating tube confronting at least the above light-emitting surface is arcuated in a circumferential direction of the direction perpendicular to the drive shaft axis.

Abstract: An automotive gauge has a two part housing containing a stepper motor arrangement or other gauge movement which drives a pointer shaft. The front housing part consists of a transparent material for conducting light from a lamp to a facet which reflects light to a pointer for pointer illumination. The lamp is mounted inside or outside the housing. The front housing part includes an aperture for accommodating the pointer shaft and also has integral pins which serve as supports for rotary parts of the mechanism. The housing is mounted on a circuit board or a circuit board may comprise the rear housing part. Another embodiment uses a common light pipe member for the front housing of several gauges.

Abstract: Index for use in measuring instruments includes a main body formed with a transparent synthetic resin and having an indicating portion for indicating measured values; a skirt portion formed on the base of the main body with the same transparent synthetic resin as that of the main body and having a hole through which the distal end of an index shaft of a movement element from the measuring instrument is inserted; a balancer disposed on a side opposite to that of the indicating portion and over the skirt portion with a synthetic resin blended with a high specific gravity material for adjusting the balance to the indicating portion; and a cap formed with a non-transparent synthetic resin for covering the base portion of the main body and balancer.