Illuminated Patents (Class 116/48)
  • Patent number: 10710517
    Abstract: A vehicle display device decorative part and a vehicle display device include a first area provided in the vehicle display device that displays information regarding a vehicle, and having a first pattern formed of a plurality of first grooves, and a second area provided to be included in the first area, and having a second pattern formed of a plurality of second grooves. As a result, the vehicle display device decorative part and the vehicle display device exhibits an effect to realize new and fresh visual effects due to a synergistic effect by a combination of the first pattern formed in the first area and the second pattern formed in the second area included in the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignees: YAZAKI CORPORATION, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kannzaki, Sosuke Yamamoto, Masashi Watanabe, Yuji Kawamoto, Noriyuki Sakayanagi, Hiroki Kuroyanagi
  • Patent number: 10703266
    Abstract: An emergency vehicle foldable barrier assembly for protecting law enforcement, emergency workers, and others near vehicles pulled over on the road shoulder includes a rear barrier apparatus and a side barrier apparatus. The rear barrier apparatus comprises a rear mounting plate and a rear hinge configured to mount to a trunk end of an emergency vehicle adjacent a driver's side. A rear barrier bar is coupled to the rear hinge and has a curved portion configured to conform to the curvature of the trunk end. A plurality of rear lights is coupled to the rear barrier bar. The side barrier apparatus comprises a side mounting plate and a side hinge configured to mount to the driver's side of the emergency vehicle proximal the trunk end. A side barrier bar is coupled to the side hinge. A plurality of side lights is coupled to the side barrier bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Inventor: Phillip Butler
  • Patent number: 10214105
    Abstract: Man-machine interface for motor vehicle comprising a display screen (6) and a control means on which the user of the vehicle can act in order to alter a parameter of the vehicle, characterized in that it also comprises displaying means (16) and a laser projector (14), the displaying means being designed to receive an image from the laser projector and to display it on the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Ziad El Khoury
  • Patent number: 10113340
    Abstract: A tell-tale indicator for aiding an operator in locating and operating a secondary hood latch release in a gap between a vehicle body and an openable hood includes an indicator configured to locate the secondary hood latch release such that the secondary hood latch release is readily locatable and operable to open the hood. The indicator may be further configured to display an operating direction of the secondary hood latch release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tushar Rajaram Gawade, Masani Sivakrishna
  • Patent number: 9745706
    Abstract: A positionable warning sign device provides a portable unit which facilitates identification of a traffic hazard. The device includes a primary member, a first arm, and a second arm. The first and second arms are coupled to the primary member and pivotally positionable to form an end of an arrow. Light emitters are coupled to respective front walls of the primary member, the first arm and the second arm. Arcuate projections extend from the primary member defining a receiver. A projection extends upwardly from a top end of a tripod. An upper portion of the projection is insertable into the receiver whereby the primary member is coupled to the tripod and supported on the lip. A power supply is operationally coupled to the plurality of light emitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventors: Venut Baban, Justin Romonti
  • Patent number: 8757824
    Abstract: A system includes a layer, a shaftless stepper motor, a lighting element, an input magnet, an output magnet, and a pointer. The layer includes first and second opposed sides. The shaftless stepper motor is disposed on the first opposed side of the layer. The lighting element is disposed on the first opposed side of the layer. The input magnet is disposed on the first opposed side of the layer and is connected to the shaftless stepper motor. The output magnet is disposed on the second opposed side of the layer. The pointer is connected to the output magnet. The input magnet connected to the shaftless stepper motor moves, through magnetism, the output magnet and the connected pointer, and the lighting element transmits lights to light the pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark James Arthur Baker
  • Patent number: 8651679
    Abstract: A display device includes a first light guide member provided with a first reflecting surface formed at its first end to reflect light emitted by a light source; a second light guide member provided with a penetrating hole in which the first light guide member is intended to be inserted and a second reflecting surface formed at its first end to reflect the light; a first pointer and a second pointer fixed to the first end of the first light guide member and the first end of the second light guide member to be illuminated by the light reflected by the first reflection surface and the second reflection surface, respectively, and a driving member configured to separately rotate the first light guide member and the second light guide member around a same rotation axis with the first pointer and the second pointer, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Jeco Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shimane, Hirohisa Tanaka, Akio Ito, Kazuya Sato
  • Patent number: 8579449
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pointer type measuring instrument of a novel look, in which an indication portion detours the outer circumference of a display portion and can be visually confirmed as if the indication portion is floating above the display portion. The pointer type measuring instrument (M) comprises a display means (1), a drive body (2) mounted on the back side of the display means (1), an arm portion (3) mounted on the output shaft (26) of the drive body (2) and detouring the outer circumference of the display means (1), an indicating portion (5) extending from the arm portion (3) toward the center of the display means (1) and indicating an indicator portion (4) disposed on the display means (1), and a first light source (7) mounted on the arm portion (3) or the indicating portion (5) and causing the indicating portion (5) to glow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masato Obata
  • Patent number: 7887222
    Abstract: A vehicle display with a housing having a gauge port, an interior wall around the gauge port, and an appliqué port extending from an exterior side of the vehicle display and intersecting the gauge port. A light source provides light into the gauge port and directs the light outwardly from a front side of the housing. An appliqué has a first locking feature. The appliqué port at least partially receives the appliqué between the front side of the housing and the light source. The light from the light source illuminates a portion of the appliqué. The first locking features releasably engages a second locking feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcelo R Fanfa, Dimitri Baudon
  • Patent number: 7722202
    Abstract: A meter has a liquid crystal display panel. The liquid crystal display panel is adapted to display a dial picture image thereon. A backlight illuminates the liquid crystal display panel. A movement is located in front of a front surface of the liquid crystal display panel. A semi-translucent panel covers the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel. A pointer is pivotably supported by the movement in such a manner that the semi-translucent panel is located between a pivotal trajectory plane of the pointer and the liquid crystal display panel. The semi-translucent panel enhances a contrast between the dial picture image and a background image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shunya Tsurumi, Seigo Tane, Satoshi Sugiura
  • Patent number: 7612683
    Abstract: An illuminated gauge includes a dial with at least first and second ranges of markings. The first range of markings indicates one type of vehicle information and the second range of markings indicates another type of vehicle information. A single motor is used to move a common pointer between the first and second ranges of markings. A selector is to be operated by a user to select between the different types of vehicle information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenichi Takato
  • Patent number: 7370603
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Balsfulland, Gerhard Friepes, Axel Förster, Patrik Hurth
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20070159805
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Takato
  • Patent number: 7113077
    Abstract: A measuring gauge includes a rotatable LED pointer having a light output. As the pointer is rotated about a lens at a constant rate, the output of the LED pointer appears as an arc of light to a user. The arc of light represents a quantity of a desired display unit. A brushless motor and a rotary transformer are magnetically coupled to the LED pointer. A high speed controller is coupled to the motor and the rotary transformer. The controller receives an indication of the quantity and is responsively programmed to actuate the rotary transformer in order to illuminate the LED pointer as it rotates radially about a face of a graduated lens at a substantially constant speed and to activate and deactivate the LED pointer so as to adjust the length of the arc of light and thereby to indicate the quantity of the desired display unit to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Autotronic Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen C. Masters, Ingolf Gerber
  • Patent number: 6959995
    Abstract: The present invention provides an illuminating apparatus capable of carrying out an illumination operation excellently by guiding the light from light sources to an illuminating member efficiently, and having a low price. The illuminating apparatus is provided with a pointer 2 adapted to be turned around a rotary shaft 1, a dial 3 positioned on a rear side of the pointer 2 and constituting a display member to be transmission illuminated, light-emitting diodes 6 positioned on a rear side of the dial 3 and in the vicinity of the rotary shaft 1 and constituting light sources for illuminating index portions 13 of the dial 3, a case 20 positioned on the rear side of the dial 3 and constituting a reflector provided with a reflecting portion 30, and a light guide member 19 positioned on the rear side of the dial 3 and adapted to guide the light from the light-emitting diodes 6 to the rear side of the dial 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Ikarashi, Masato Obata
  • Patent number: 6663252
    Abstract: An automotive display panel having a plurality of clear plastic substrates, wherein color-printed inks or foils are imprinted on the substrates. Each plastic substrate includes digits and identifying marks in selected areas. After creating a metallic-looking finish on the substrates, finely configured lines, such as concentric circles or radial lines, are printed on the color-tinted layer to create a desired appearance. Thereafter,,when the printing is completed, the substrates may be formed in multi-level configurations for providing a three-dimensional appearance. Backlighting is also provided to illuminate the selected areas of the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ching Fong, Sanjiv Venkatram
  • Patent number: 6585399
    Abstract: A visible light source adapted to be mounted on the vehicle for generating visible light to be used to create warning signals which are viewed by observers remote from the vehicle. A dichroic element adapted to be mounted on the vehicle and adjacent to the visible light source transmits at least some of the visible light generated by the light source and reflects at least some of the visible light generated by the light source. The transmitted and reflected light provides warning light signals within different wavelength ranges when viewed by an observer remote from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Kreutzer, Dennis A. Dohogne, Paul L. Stein
  • Patent number: 6582112
    Abstract: A visible light source adapted to be mounted on the vehicle for generating visible light to be used to create warning signals which are viewed by observers remote from the vehicle. A dichroic element adapted to be mounted on the vehicle and adjacent to the visible light source transmits at least some of the visible light generated by the light source and reflects at least some of the visible light generated by the light source. The transmitted and reflected light provides warning light signals within different wavelength ranges when viewed by an observer remote from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Kreutzer, Dennis A. Dohogne, Paul L. Stein
  • Patent number: 6338561
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Ikarashi
  • Patent number: 6302552
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Alan Ross, Michael John Schnars, Douglas Jay King, Stephen Lynn Miller, Ronald Kenneth Selby
  • Patent number: 6302551
    Abstract: A meter for a vehicle has a scale plate, a pointer and a plurality of light sources. A first light source lights a scale plate up from a backside thereof. A second light source lights the scale plate up through a light guiding plate. A third light source lights a pointer up from a base thereof. The first light and the second light have different colors. The first and second lights and the third light are activated with time lag. The light sources produce a novel appearance on the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Matumoto
  • Patent number: 6120158
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Nippondenso Corporation
    Inventors: Tadaaki Ishimaru, Teruaki Araki, Tsutomu Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 5839811
    Abstract: A meter assembly for motor vehicle comprises a meter case including rear and front housings which are coupled. The front housing has an opening formed therethrough. A meter unit is installed in the meter case. The meter unit includes a dial board facing toward the opening of the front housing, a transparent pointer movable over the dial board and a light emitting unit located in front of the pointer to emit light to illuminate the transparent pointer from within. A semitransparent dark cover covers the opening of the front housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Shimura
  • Patent number: 5414595
    Abstract: A display apparatus for a vehicle with a light introducing member in which light emitted by a light source passes through a slit. The slit is used as a luminous pointer with high luminance, resulting in improved recognizability and readability of the display apparatus. The display apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention comprising: a dial; a pointer plate with a substantially round light-transmissible portion, the pointer plate situated on a front side of the dial and driven to rotate according to a measured value; a light-transmissible slit formed on the pointer plate; a light source situated on a rear side of the dial; and a light introducing member for gathering light from the light source to introduce the light into the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Oike, Hiroyuki Yokota
  • Patent number: 5320062
    Abstract: A pointer for use in an instrument panel, such as a speedometer, in a vehicle. According to one embodiment, the pointer includes a conically shaped pointer body to which a pointer base is secured. A light source is disposed within the pointer base and a slit is provided in the body. The inner surface of the pointer body is reflective such that light directed from the light source is reflected off of the reflective surface and through the slit. In another embodiment the light source is disposed externally of the pointer and a reflecting member is provided in the pointer for reflecting the light towards the distal end of the conical body. The reflecting member can include a reflecting mirror or, alternatively, a prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Michihisa Masuda, Tadashi Iino, Kunimitsu Aoki
  • Patent number: 5142274
    Abstract: An improved vehicle head-up display apparatus in which both the display and pointer of the image source are illuminated for low ambient driver viewing by a back lighting means mounted on the rear face of the display. A generally opaque applique includes a translucent region in registry with the backlit area, and bright opaque graphic symbols painted or deposited onto a surface of the applique wihin the translucent region. A pointer disposed in proximity to the front surface of the applique is provided with juxtaposed bright opaque and transparent regions. In high ambient lighting conditions when the back lighting means is not lit, a front lighting means illuminates the bright opaque graphic symbols and pointer stripes so that a viewer of the projected display perceives an image of the bright opaque graphic symbols and pointer stripes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Morgan D. Murphy, James M. Clem
  • Patent number: 5103205
    Abstract: A traffic warning apparatus for mounting on the trunk of vehicle. The apparatus features an arrow that can be easily changed to point left or right and is visible over substantial distances. The apparatus which is stored conveniently inside the trunk when not in use can be quickly set up without the use of tools. The apparatus makes use of the vehicle warning flashing circuits to enable the arrow and caution indicia to flash thereby increasing the warning to the approaching vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Robert C. Halligan
  • Patent number: 4218726
    Abstract: A first light reflecting surface is formed at either the back side of a hub section of a transparent pointer or an hole formed in a transparent dial board and a second light reflecting surface is formed on a front side of the hub section of the pointer. Light rays transmitting entirely within the dial board in a direction parallel to the longer dimensions of the dial board are reflected toward the second light reflecting surface by the first light reflecting surface and then reflected toward the pointing section of the pointer by the second light reflecting surface to illuminate the pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1980
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Noburu Fukasawa, Masao Ishikawa