Specified Housing Structure Patents (Class 116/305)
  • Patent number: 11792943
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an anti-lost device, comprising a first casing, an electronic component, a second casing, and a metal ring. The first casing comprises a first accommodating part. The electronic component is disposed at the first accommodating part. The second casing comprises a second accommodating part corresponding to the first accommodating part. The first casing is connected to the second casing. The metal ring is interconnected between the first casing and the second casing and is disposed at an outside of the first accommodating part and the second accommodating part. The metal ring comprises an extension part extending to an outside of the first casing and the second casing. The extension part comprises a through hole. The metal ring can improve the load-bearing and tensile strength of the anti-lost device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: LUXSHARE PRECISION INDUSTRY COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: HuaBing Li, Zhongyuan Lai, HongBing Yin, Lei He, Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 10242811
    Abstract: A motor drive for actuation of an on- or off-load tap changer the drive has a drive motor, a load transmission having a first drive shaft carrying a first drive wheel and connected with the drive motor and a second drive shaft carrying a second drive wheel, and a mechanical coupling between the first and second drive wheels. The second drive shaft is operatively connected at a first end with the on- or off-load tap changer and at a second end with an indicator transmission. A setting indicator operatively connected with the indicator transmission displays the current setting of the on- or off-load tap changer, and a disengageable coupling is provided between the setting indicator and the load transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: MASCHINENFABRIK REINHAUSEN GMBH
    Inventors: Johann Jobst, Michael Goss, Christian Pircher
  • Patent number: 9840147
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle display system that displays information to be displayed such that the information is recognized by a user inside a vehicle interior in an inner region of a frame of a movable body, wherein a guided portion of a guide device includes a second rotating shaft and first and second rotating bodies disposed coaxially with the rotating shaft, rolling contact surfaces rolling along a guide rail being formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomohiro Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 9667844
    Abstract: A mechanism that achieves size reduction of an electronic apparatus by reducing the axial size of a plurality of tiers of rotation operation members that can be rotationally operated independently of each other. An electronic apparatus includes a holder fixed to an exterior member thereof, a mode dial rotatably supported by the holder, and an exposure correction dial disposed in a manner axially opposed to the mode dial and rotatably supported by the holder. A first click mechanism generates a click force when the mode dial is rotated, and a second click mechanism generates a click force when the exposure correction dial is rotated. The first click mechanism and the second click mechanism are arranged in a space in which the mode dial and the exposure correction dial are axially opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Doshin
  • Patent number: 9272623
    Abstract: Provided is a display device with which it is possible to implement a novel display. A display device comprises: a display unit which displays a display image in a display region; a framing unit is configured from a plurality of components; and a moving device which moves at least one of the plurality of components. The framing unit is segmented by moving at least one of the components by the moving mechanism. Prior to segmenting, the framing unit surrounds a partial region of the display region of the display unit. The display unit displays a different display image before and after the segmenting of the framing unit, and displays a notification image which fits the shape of the framing unit at least either before or after the segmentation of the framing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: NIPPON SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideki Masuda
  • Patent number: 9116023
    Abstract: A pointer structure including: a pointer main body 55 arranged for propagating a ray of light, incident from a light source through a light incident region 65 provided closer to a pointer base end, to a pointer visualizing portion 81 closer to a tip thereof; a light-receiving portion 91 provided in the light incident region 65 in one of opposite surfaces of the pointer main body 55; a recess 97 provided in the other surface of the pointer main body 55 and having an inclined bottom surface 93 whose backside serves as a reflection surface 95 for a ray of light incident through the light-receiving portion 91; and extension portions 101 provided in the light incident region 65 in respective side surfaces 99 sandwiched between the one surface and the other surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Mikiya Amano
  • Patent number: 9010268
    Abstract: A vehicle display apparatus includes a first partition member and a second partition member disposed in front of a display screen of a display panel. Each of the first and second partition members includes a window portion. The first and second partition members may be set in separated positions or in overlapping positions. In the separated positions, the first and second partition members are spaced apart from each other along the display screen. In the overlapping positions, the first partition member is separated forward from the display screen, the second partition member is located between the first partition member and the display screen, and the window portions of the first and second partition members overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazunari Kato
  • Patent number: 8919276
    Abstract: An assembly structure of a display device according to the present invention is a structure in which a liquid crystal indicator is assembled to a meter body including a case having a ring-like peripheral wall, a dial arranged on a front surface side of the case, a pointer that moves on the dial, and a movement that is provided in the case and drives the pointer. In the peripheral wall of the case, an indicator insertion opening is formed, through which it is possible to insert and detach the liquid crystal indicator into and from between the movement and the dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Mikiya Amano
  • Patent number: 8662005
    Abstract: A pointer gauge surface structure with an indication mark. A mark member is coupled on the surface of a pressure gauge or a micro-differential pressure gauge to display a critical value for a person to read with ease. A circumferential portion of a transparent casing is provided with a slide rail for engagement and slide of the mark member. The mark member has a C-shaped cross-section to provide a tightening function relative to the slide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hwa Chi Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 8624754
    Abstract: A method and system for determining at least one property of a strobe cover are disclosed. The determined property of the strobe cover may then be analyzed to determine whether it is the proper property for the strobe device. The property of the strobe cover may include the color of the strobe cover (such as clear, blue, amber, etc.), the shape of the strobe cover (such as a strobe cover with a lens or a strobe cover without a lens), the material of the strobe cover, etc. The method and system may include determining the property of the strobe cover and checking whether the determined property is the expected property of the strobe cover (such as the expected color of the strobe cover). The strobe cover may include one or more property indicators. The one or more property indicators may interface with a circuit, such as mechanically interface with the circuit, in order for the circuit to determine the property of the strobe cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8528495
    Abstract: A display device for a vehicle includes a front panel and a front frame. The front frame has a front side facing a viewer, and an opposite rear side. The front panel is connected to the front frame. The front frame on the front side and in an encircling fashion in the edge region of the front panel has an aperture edge, the aperture edge being provided substantially parallel to the extent of the front panel. The front panel is connected to the front frame on that side of the aperture edge facing the rear side of the front frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Automotive Electronics GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Süss, Martin Mayer
  • Publication number: 20130055947
    Abstract: A center-less pointer type display apparatus includes a pointer moving device having a pointer section and a carrying section, and a containing case having a case body and a dial plate. A pointer accommodated in the containing case indicates a scale on the dial plate. The carrying section has a guide rail and a wire. A spring is interposed between a first support member and a second support member of the pointer section so that a lower portion and an upper portion of the spring push the first support member and the second support member respectively, and thereby holding an upper portion and a lower portion of the guide rail respectively. A wire fixing section is provided at an intermediate portion of the pointer section on a line connecting the upper pulley and the lower pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Katsumata
  • Publication number: 20130027903
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pointer-type meter with good uniformity of illumination of a display section even when there are few light sources, and with little or no displacement of each member when positioning is performed. A circuit board provided in the pointer-type meter comprises a first light-emitting element (332a) that emits light in a direction towards a first rotary shaft (3110). The pointer-type meter comprises: a first reflecting unit (321) positioned between the circuit board and a display plate (31) and that surrounds part of the circumference of the rotary shaft (3110) and reflects light towards the outer edge of a speed display unit (311); and a second reflecting unit (322) positioned between the circuit board and the display plate (31) and that reflects the light reflected by the first reflecting unit (321) to illuminate the speed display unit (311).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: NIPPON SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasushi Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20130008369
    Abstract: A recloser includes at least one pole position indicator. The position indicator includes a flexible strip that rides in a U-shaped channel. The flexible strip has an alternating color pattern and that is visible through spaced transparent windows on the indicator. The transparent windows are spaced so that the flexible strip, when in a first position shows only a first color and when in a second position only shows a second color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Kerry Brent Binkley
  • Patent number: 8302553
    Abstract: An instrument panel having at least one needle indicator comprising a dial of indicating characters supported by a first faceplate, an indicating needle and a motor for rotating the needle along the dial. The instrument panel includes a second faceplate for supporting other indicating characters, such that the indicating needle is configured to lie between the two faceplates. The faceplates are screen-printed flat before being shaped in relief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Joel Fournier
  • Patent number: 8261686
    Abstract: An illuminated gauge assembly includes a top surface of a light housing that includes a scale and a light guide that extends through the light housing for distributing light onto the surface of the top surface. A single light source is disposed below the light housing and directs through the light guide onto the top surface of the light housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Vyacheslav B. Birman, Yang Yang
  • Publication number: 20120090607
    Abstract: A dose counter having a base body (460), with a rotary counter element assembled in the base body (460) on a pin (461) forming the axis of rotation. The rotary counter element co-operating with an actuator member (1430) adapted to cause the rotary counter element to turn each time the actuator member (1430) is actuated. The actuator member (1430) including a fastener (14301) for fastening to the base body (460) and arranged on a first side of the pin (461), and a substantially rigid support portion (1436) arranged on a second side of the pin (461). The support portion (1436) supporting an actuator element (1435) so that the actuator element (1435) is moved in translation. The support portion (1436) extended towards the pin (461) by a substantially-rectilinear flexible branch (1431) that supports a lug (14310) adapted to co-operate with the counter element on each actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventor: Erwann Le Jeune
  • Patent number: 8087820
    Abstract: Structures are disclosed that can improve the visibility of instrument displays. With some implementations, an instrument is provided with a bezel surrounding a crystal, wherein the upper surface of the bezel extends above the upper surface of the crystal. Also, a guard system may be embedded into and/or otherwise provided at portions of the crystal, wherein an upper surface of the guard also extends above the upper surface of the crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Harley, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110297074
    Abstract: A sensing device includes a cover having a window; a seat comprising a bottom first opening, a peripheral wall, a recess on the wall, and a bottom channel; a spring biased sliding unit comprising a bottom projection fitted in the first opening, a probe extending from the projection, a hollow cylinder, and two opposite cavities on a periphery; a cylindrical rotational unit comprising a rim extending inward from an inner surface, a second opening on the rim, a display plate on the rim, and two opposite guide protrusions on an inner surface opposing the display plate wherein indications are printed on the display plate, and the rotational unit is rotatably put on the sliding unit with the cylinder passing through the rim, the display plate being rested on the recess, and the guide protrusions being engaged with the cavities; and a biasing member retained on the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Johnny J. T. CHIU
  • Publication number: 20110226177
    Abstract: A pointer gauge surface structure with an indication mark. A mark member is coupled on the surface of a pressure gauge or a micro-differential pressure gauge to display a critical value for a person to read with ease. A circumferential portion of a transparent casing is provided with a slide rail for engagement and slide of the mark member. The mark member has a C-shaped cross-section to provide a tightening function relative to the slide rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: LI-CHEN CHEN
  • Patent number: 7857504
    Abstract: Structures are disclosed that can improve the visibility of instrument displays. With some implementations, an instrument is provided with a bezel surrounding a crystal, wherein the upper surface of the bezel extends above the upper surface of the crystal. Also, a guard system may be embedded into and/or otherwise provided at portions of the crystal, wherein an upper surface of the guard also extends above the upper surface of the crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Harley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7841293
    Abstract: A display instrument (1), in particular, for a motor vehicle, has a housing (2) retaining a cover disc (3) and a connector element (10), connecting the housing (2) and the cover disc (3) which engages in a housing recess (11), arranged on the housing (2). A secure connection of housing (2) and cover disc (3) for the display instrument (1) may be achieved, whereby the connector element (10) is arranged in the housing recess (11) and a disc recess (12), corresponding to the housing recess (11) on the cover disc (3), under tension. In the method for production of the display instrument (1), the connector element (10) is introduced under tension into the housing recess (11) and the disc recess (12) such as to connect the housing (2) and the cover disc (3) together. The method for disassembly of the display instrument (1) is based on pressing the connector element (10) out of the housing recess (11) and/or the disc recess (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Adams
  • Publication number: 20100294194
    Abstract: An instrument system includes a speedometer as an indicating instrument. The speedometer includes a disk-like dial, a movement element, and an indicating needle. The dial includes an indication element indicative of vehicle's speed. The movement element has an output shaft connected to a measurement device measuring the vehicle's speed and configured to rotate based on measurements obtained by the measurement device. The needle is attached to the output shaft by a mounting structure. The needle includes a skirt attached to the output shaft of the movement element, and a pointer extending radially from the skirt, so as to be rotated by the output shaft and indicate a value of interest of the indication element of the dial. The skirt includes a hole into which the output shaft is press-fit. The hole has an elliptical cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yuusuke Aono, Shigeki Totsuka
  • Patent number: 7752994
    Abstract: To provide an indicating instrument capable of reducing the number of parts and improving the positioning precision. An indicating instrument 1 comprises: an indicator 3; said dial 4 disposed around said indicator 31 an indicating needle 6 for moving around said indicator 3; and a drive source 7 for driving said indicating needle 6. Said indicating needle 6 moves over said dial 4 while bypassing at least the back of said indicator 3, and said indicator 3 and said dial 4 are held by a holding member 2 constituted of a first holding portion 27 for holding said indicator 3 and a second holding portion 28 for holding said dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Ikarashi
  • Patent number: 7690323
    Abstract: A gauge head assembly for use with a magnetically actuated dial includes a cylindrical body formed from a magnetic material having a cylindrical sidewall with an threaded outer surface, wherein the sidewall defines an axially extending passage for receiving a tubular insert formed from a substantially non-magnetic material, the insert having a closed first end and a second open end with a collar extending radially outward at the second open end and wherein the insert is secured in the passage with the closed first end adjacent the first end of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Rochester Gauges, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert G. Ross, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100000464
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display instrument (1), in particular, for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (2) retaining a cover disc (3) and a connector element (10), connecting the housing (2) and the cover disc (3) which engages in a housing recess (11), arranged on the housing (2). The invention further relates to a method for production of a display instrument (1) and a method for disassembly of a display instrument (1). According to the invention, a secure connection of housing (2) and cover disc (3) for the display instrument (1) may be achieved, whereby the connector element (10) is arranged in the housing recess (11) and a disc recess (12), corresponding to the housing recess (11) on the cover disc (3), under tension. In the method for production of the display instrument (1), the connector element (10) is introduced under tension into the housing recess (11) and the disc recess (12) such as to connect the housing (2) and the cover disc (3) together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Jürgen Adams
  • Publication number: 20090320590
    Abstract: A cover retention mechanism for releasably locking a cover to a base such as a gage housing. The cover retention mechanism includes a base lock having a receiver and a receptacle, and a cover lock having a latch attached to an end of a flexible arm. The latch is selectively movable between a retracted position wherein the latch engages the receptacle to prevent rotational movement of the cover with respect to the housing from the closed position toward an open position, and an extended position wherein the latch is removed from the receptacle and the cover is rotatable with respect to the housing from the closed position toward the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: DWYER INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Lee Palmer, Michael A. Popp
  • Patent number: 7614357
    Abstract: A position indicator may include a position indicator display and mechanism. A polymer housing houses the position indicator display and mechanism and a one-piece clear polymer cover encloses the position indicator display and mechanism in the polymer housing. The position indicator may further include a hinge and hand-operated latch that secures the one-piece clear polymer cover to the polymer housing such that the one-piece clear polymer cover can be opened without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Augusto D. Hernandez, Augusto D. Hernandez, Jr., legal representative, Jonathan M. Schaar, Kurt L. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 7571696
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ching Fong, Zinoviy Kelman, Joseph Pasek, Brian Paul Dehmlow
  • Patent number: 7537354
    Abstract: In one configuration, a gauge of an instrument cluster may have a base structure with an integrally molded dial structure and a separate, attached dial structure. A transparent area of the base structure may pass light from one side of the base structure to another side. This provides the ability to supply backlighting and floodlighting to the gage structure with just a single LED. The separate dial structure may be translucent to provide floodlighting or to supply light to graduations. Relative to a gauge pointer, inboard indicia in one dial structure denote vehicle speeds, while outboard graduations in another dial structure demark the indicia. The transparent portion of the base structure may be an integrally molded horizontal, angular or vertical portion within the base structure. Multiple levels and angles of the gauge provide a viewed component that is aesthetically pleasing and soothing to a viewer's eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Takahira Kato
  • Publication number: 20090107393
    Abstract: A gauge head assembly for use with a magnetically actuated dial includes a cylindrical body formed from a magnetic material having a cylindrical sidewall with an threaded outer surface, wherein the sidewall defines an axially extending passage for receiving a tubular insert formed from a substantially non-magnetic material, the insert having a closed first end and a second open end with a collar extending radially outward at the second open end and wherein the insert is secured in the passage with the closed first end adjacent the first end of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: ROCHESTER GAUGES, INC.
    Inventor: HERBERT G. ROSS, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090078190
    Abstract: An instrument panel having at least one needle indicator comprising a dial of indicating characters supported by a first faceplate, an indicating needle and a motor for rotating the needle along the dial. The instrument panel includes a second faceplate for supporting other indicating characters, such that the indicating needle is configured to lie between the two faceplates. The faceplates are screen-printed flat before being shaped in relief.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Joel Fournier
  • Publication number: 20090064921
    Abstract: An enclosure for a gage including a housing and cover. The cover includes one or more mounting lugs and the housing includes one or more mounting mechanisms. Each mounting mechanism includes an inclined ramp to facilitate removal of the cover from the housing by rotational movement of the cover with respect to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: DWYER INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Lee Palmer, Michael A. Popp
  • Publication number: 20080251005
    Abstract: A meter device includes a dial having a display design, a case which is disposed on one side of the dial, and supports the dial, a substrate which is disposed on a side of the case opposite to the dial, the substrate being provided with an electric component for display driving of the dial, a plurality of engagement claws each of which is raised toward the substrate from an outer circumferential portion of the case, and is formed to be elastically deformable in inward and outward sides of the case, and a claw part which projects in an inward direction of the case from a leading end part of the engagement claw, and has an engaging face engaging with an outer circumferential edge portion of the substrate from a side of the substrate opposite to the case side, so as to fasten the substrate to the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Hitoshi Koike
  • Patent number: 7357095
    Abstract: An instrument cluster that is mountable on a top surface of a vehicle dashboard is disclosed. The instrument cluster includes a transparent dial that has indicia engraved thereon. A plurality of light emitting diodes are positioned in a center portion of the transparent dial so as to illuminate the indicia for night time driving. The center portion of the transparent dial further includes a high gloss semi-transparent appliqué that provides a mirror finish. Symbols are incorporated on the appliqué so as to provide indicators in the center portion of the transparent dial when a light source illuminates the symbols of the appliqué.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ching Fong, Zinoviy Kelman
  • Patent number: 7347160
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Honma, Yasuo Shinbo, Satoshi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7343873
    Abstract: A position indicator may include a position indicator display and mechanism. A polymer housing houses the position indicator display and mechanism and a one-piece clear polymer cover encloses the position indicator display and mechanism in the polymer housing. The position indicator may further include a hinge and hand-operated latch that secures the one-piece clear polymer cover to the polymer housing such that the one-piece clear polymer cover can be opened without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Augusto D. Hernandez, Jr., legal representative, Jonathan M. Schaar, Kurt L. Lindsey, Augusto D. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 6962127
    Abstract: A tachometer pointer instrument for motorcycles comprises a housing which includes a housing base and a housing cover which is transparent at least in part. The tachometer pointer instrument also comprises a pointer drive module accommodated in the housing base and a number dial visible through the housing cover. The pointer drive module has a stepping motor, control electronics and a display unit which are built on a common printed circuit board and the pointer drive module is fastened on support structures formed in the housing base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lars Birke, Andreas Kail
  • Patent number: 6915758
    Abstract: A display device for a vehicle comprises an instrument for a vehicle (1), which includes a plate having a surface on which characters are provided (8), an indicating needle (7) rotatably disposed along a surface of the plate (8), and a transparent cover (25) disposed in a surface side of the plate (8) separately from the plate (8), and a small display portion (35) is disposed in a portion of the transparent cover (25) to be a floating state to the plate (8), and a new visual effect having a stereoscopic feeling can be obtained because the small display portion (35) can be seen as the floating state to the surface of the plate (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Nakagawa, Shigeyuki Sato
  • Patent number: 6889626
    Abstract: A meter for a motor vehicle includes a meter case 4 for protecting components of the meter which are incorporated therein, and a front cover 9 composed of a prism which is a part of a convex lens and provided in front of the meter case 4. A dial plate 5 of the meter has an outer contour in a substantially elliptical shape so that a virtual image of the dial plate as seen through the front cover 9 may look like a substantially perfect circle. Since the virtual image of the dial plate 5 is expanded in a vertical direction due to magnification inherent in the prism 9, the dial plate 5 formed in a substantially elliptical shape will be deformed into a substantially perfect circle in sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Furuya, Tetsuya Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6879863
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided to control a plumbing fixture, such as a whirlpool, that has electrically operated components. The apparatus has a dial that is moveable by the user into a plurality of positions to select a function of the plumbing fixture to be controlled. A unique sensor arrangement detects motion and the direction of the motion and provides a signal to a controller that changes the valve of a pointer that designates which function is presently selected. The user then presses a keypad to indicate whether the selected function is to be activated or deactivated and to control the intensity of the selected function. The signals from the keypad also are applied to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Carl F. Mueller, Jeffrey F. Tempas, Peter W. Swart, Carter J. Thomas, Ronald A. Bauer
  • Publication number: 20040182305
    Abstract: A tachometer pointer instrument for motorcycles comprises a housing which includes a housing base and a housing cover which is transparent at least in part. The tachometer pointer instrument also comprises a pointer drive module accommodated in the housing base and a number dial visible through the housing cover. The pointer drive module has a stepping motor, control electronics and a display unit which are built on a common printed circuit board and the pointer drive module is fastened on support structures formed in the housing base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lars Birke, Andreas Kail
  • Patent number: 6747381
    Abstract: With the disclosure shaft drive device, has a PCB device (1, 1′); a rotor device (50; 5, 51) with a rotor (5) and a rotor shaft (51) attached to it; and a stator device (40) for driving the rotor (5) with the rotor shaft (51); an attachment device (60) for attaching the rotor device (50; 5, 51) and the stator device (40) to the PCB device (1, 1′) in such a way that the PCB device (5) forms part of the frame, surrounding the rotor shaft, of the shaft drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Schach, Ulrich Haspel, Guenther Ungericht, Waldemar Ernst
  • Patent number: 6710718
    Abstract: An apparatus includes indicating instruments with slim profiles. The indicating instrument comprises a meter movement and a circuit board. The main body of the meter movement is situated in an aperture in the circuit board. With this placement, the front end of the body of the meter movement extends a distance in front of the circuit board and the back end of the meter movement body extends a distance behind the circuit board. Through appropriate selection and arrangement of any components on the circuit board, the circuit board can be constructed such that none of its components extend beyond the distance that the meter movement extends on either side of the circuit board. In this manner the space needed for the meter movement and the circuit board and its components collapses into the same area. A light plate may be added to the circuit board and meter movement. The light plate provides a structural framework for the indicating instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Vincent H. Rose
  • Patent number: 6648505
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved structure for the vehicular temperature, pressure and vacuum meters with characteristics on that the hand rod is an integrally formed design joined to the dial plate and Bourdon tube without using any bolts or screws, so it is convenient for fast assembly. The Bourdon tube and the hand rod are designed to be suitable for application of any size of the dial plate, so the Bourdon tube, the hand rod and the dial plate can be manufactured and assembled in mass production and tested beforehand to assure the required sensitivity and accuracy as long as the retaining recess on the dial plate can be fitted and locked firmly in place with the retaining protruding point on the meter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Equus Inc.
    Inventor: Duke Chen
  • Publication number: 20030116079
    Abstract: A dial plate includes a substrate having a curve with an opening formed at the center; and an indicating member attached onto the curve of the substrate. The indicating member is a planar ring-shaped transparent resin film having an indicating portion with a scale consisting of characters and symbols and a recess portion formed partially. In this configuration, the dial plate can provide a new shape with a scale indication with a sense of depth. A mater including such a dial plate can be also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuya Sugiyama, Yoshiyuki Furuya
  • Patent number: 6581539
    Abstract: A holder and/or a holder and cover for containing a dispenser of a consumable product, such as a cartridge containing pressurized gas for therapeutic use, and a method for selecting the optimum parameters for such holder are provided to allow sensitive determination of the amount product remaining in the dispenser. The holder has a curvilinear or partly curvilinear circumference, and holds the dispenser so that the center of mass of the dispenser and the product it contains is at a predetermined optimum location relative to the center of mass of the holder. Thus, when the holder is placed on a horizontal surface, the holder can roll along the curvilinear circumference, and the predetermined optimum relationship of the center of mass of the dispenser and the center of mass of the holder causes the holder to come to rest at adequately spaced unique locations on the circumference of the holder depending upon the combined mass of the dispenser and the product it contains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Ned S. Rasor
  • Patent number: 6571726
    Abstract: A device for monitoring a gear lever position includes one internal tube, one external tube, one adjust handle, one cover and one flexible piece. The internal tube has one ring-shape outer rim, one slot formed on the outer rim and one hollow and axial sheath. A convex fish-shaped lens is located on an imagine line from a rider's eyes to the position ring, the imagine line not being perpendicular to the axial sheath. Via the design of the convex fish-shaped lens, the position symbols are enlarged. The window only shows single position symbol in use. Thus, rider easily monitors and knows the actual gear lever position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Sunrace Roots Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jimmy Tsai, Chi-Liang Chiang, Bou-Yi Ou, Shang-Fei Wu
  • Patent number: 6568345
    Abstract: An instrument panel comprises multiple instrument clusters with differently arranged display devices. The clusters are selectable and viewable one at a time behind a viewing surface. The clusters are mounted on a single support or frame. A rotating mechanism controlled by a vehicle driver moves the selected cluster into the line of sight of the viewing surface. A source of light backlights only the selected cluster when the selected cluster is lined up with the viewing surface. A reflector between the light sources and cluster spreads the backlighting evenly across the cluster. The light source is set on a PCB that includes a microcontroller for controlling the lights and sending display information to each cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Sergio Alexandre Paulo
  • Patent number: 6520109
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Komura