Illuminated Patents (Class 116/48)
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Patent number: 12145442Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the intensity of light provided to an analog needle are disclosed herein. The system and method adjust the intensity of light provided to the analog needle based on an operating state of an engine of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2022Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: George M. Evans, Aaron M. France, Benjamin Piya Austin, Craig D. Herring, Philip J. Babian, Ichiroh Isobe, William Patrick Garrett
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Patent number: 10710517Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignees: YAZAKI CORPORATION, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventors: Hiroaki Kannzaki, Sosuke Yamamoto, Masashi Watanabe, Yuji Kawamoto, Noriyuki Sakayanagi, Hiroki Kuroyanagi
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Patent number: 10703266Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 11, 2019Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Inventor: Phillip Butler
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Patent number: 10214105Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Inventor: Ziad El Khoury
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Patent number: 10113340Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Tushar Rajaram Gawade, Masani Sivakrishna
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Patent number: 9745706Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Inventors: Venut Baban, Justin Romonti
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Patent number: 8757824Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 5, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Mark James Arthur Baker
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Patent number: 8651679Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Jeco Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Shimane, Hirohisa Tanaka, Akio Ito, Kazuya Sato
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Patent number: 8579449Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 20, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masato Obata
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Patent number: 7887222Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.Inventors: Marcelo R Fanfa, Dimitri Baudon
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Patent number: 7722202Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 4, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shunya Tsurumi, Seigo Tane, Satoshi Sugiura
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Patent number: 7612683Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.Inventor: Kenichi Takato
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Patent number: 7370603Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Wolfgang Balsfulland, Gerhard Friepes, Axel Förster, Patrik Hurth
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Patent number: 7347160Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Honma, Yasuo Shinbo, Satoshi Tsuchiya
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Publication number: 20070159805Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2007Publication date: July 12, 2007Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventor: Kenichi Takato
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Patent number: 7113077Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Autotronic Controls CorporationInventors: Stephen C. Masters, Ingolf Gerber
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Patent number: 6959995Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Ikarashi, Masato Obata
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Patent number: 6663252Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.Inventors: Ching Fong, Sanjiv Venkatram
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Patent number: 6585399Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Code 3, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Kreutzer, Dennis A. Dohogne, Paul L. Stein
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Patent number: 6582112Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Code 3, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Kreutzer, Dennis A. Dohogne, Paul L. Stein
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Patent number: 6338561Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideki Ikarashi
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Patent number: 6302552Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 30, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David Alan Ross, Michael John Schnars, Douglas Jay King, Stephen Lynn Miller, Ronald Kenneth Selby
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Patent number: 6302551Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Makoto Matumoto
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Patent number: 6120158Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 3, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Nippondenso CorporationInventors: Tadaaki Ishimaru, Teruaki Araki, Tsutomu Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 5839811Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 19, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Kansei CorporationInventor: Koichi Shimura
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Patent number: 5414595Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 10, 1993Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Toshio Oike, Hiroyuki Yokota
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Patent number: 5320062Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 1992Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Michihisa Masuda, Tadashi Iino, Kunimitsu Aoki
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Patent number: 5142274Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 25, 1991Date of Patent: August 25, 1992Assignee: Delco Electronics CorporationInventors: Morgan D. Murphy, James M. Clem
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Patent number: 5103205Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 1990Date of Patent: April 7, 1992Inventor: Robert C. Halligan
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Patent number: 4218726Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 1978Date of Patent: August 19, 1980Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, LimitedInventors: Noburu Fukasawa, Masao Ishikawa