Transparent Or Translucent Indicator With Means For Blocking Light Patents (Class 340/815.55)
  • Patent number: 11220090
    Abstract: A composite pane for a motor vehicle, includes an outer pane and an inner pane, which are joined to one another via a thermoplastic intermediate layer, and a display device for displaying optical status information with at least one light source, which emits light for generating optical status information, wherein the composite pane is connected to a receiver unit for wirelessly receiving status information of a control system, the light source is provided for reproducing the status information of the control system and is arranged in the composite pane in the intermediate layer between the outer pane and the inner pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Marcel Klein, Daniel Damea
  • Patent number: 11170672
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a magnetic fluid display in which a magnetic fluid moves in response to a magnetic field and which may display a unique visual image according to the meeting and parting of the magnetic fluid. A magnetic fluid display (10) according to the present invention comprises: a display unit (110) including a transparent liquid into which a magnetic fluid (111) is injected; and a magnetic field generating unit (200) for applying a magnetic field (M) to the magnetic fluid (111) at a rear surface of the display unit (110). When the magnetic field is applied, the magnetic fluid moves in the transparent liquid in a directional manner, so that an image may be displayed on the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: CK MATERIALS LAB CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyeong Jun Kim, Jong Hun Lee, Min Kyu Choi
  • Patent number: 10352510
    Abstract: An elongated, linkable LED lighting fixture having an elongated LED light engine with an LED light engine electrical contacting structure for cooperating with a linking device to link elongated, linkable LED lighting fixtures together, the linked LED lighting fixtures are powered by a single connection to an electrical outlet. The linked LED lighting fixtures can be operated independently of each other. A linking device is also included, and a patch plug is provided for enabling the linking plug to be operatively connected to an electrical output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ETi Solid State Lighting Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Van Winkle
  • Patent number: 8890908
    Abstract: A calibration system may be provided for calibrating displays in electronic devices during manufacturing. The calibration system may include calibration computing equipment and a test chamber having a light sensor. The calibration computing equipment may be configured to operate the light sensor and the display to gather display intensity performance data for obtaining a display gamma model. The display intensity performance data may be gathered using a range of display control settings that will be used in performing color calibration operations for the display. The calibration computing equipment may be configured to operate the light sensor and the display to gather display color performance data for determining a display white point calibration. Display white point calibration data may be provided to the electronic device and stored in volatile or non-volatile memory in the device or may be permanently stored in circuitry associated with the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jiaying Wu, Gabriel Marcu, Wei Chen, Hopil Bae, Cheng Chen, Ye Yin, Anuj Bhatnagar
  • Patent number: 8847897
    Abstract: The touch-operating input device is configured so that when the control circuit turns on the main light source corresponding to each of the translucent operation buttons that can be operated, the control circuit, on condition that the translucent operation button corresponding to the main light source that is turned on is operated, turns off the sub-light source corresponding to the translucent operation button that is turned on simultaneously with the main light source. Ease of operation is increased by enabling the operator to distinguish operated translucent operation buttons from translucent operation buttons that have not been operated according to whether or not the main light sources are lit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Toyo Denso Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naohiro Sakai, Yoshitaka Noguchi, Shigeharu Nezu
  • Patent number: 8648884
    Abstract: A display device includes a display panel having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, a printed circuit board connected to the display panel, and a first drive circuit and a second drive circuit mounted on the display panel or the printed circuit board, in which each of the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit includes a gray scale voltage generating circuit generating a gray scale voltage to be applied to a first electrode of the pixel based on a gray scale reference voltage and a reference gray scale voltage circuit generating the gray scale reference voltage, and each of the gray scale voltage generating circuit of the first drive circuit and the gray scale voltage generating circuit of the second drive circuit generates the gray scale voltage based on the gray scale reference voltage generated in the reference gray scale voltage circuit of the first drive circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignees: Japan Display Inc., Panasonic Liquid Crystal Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuuichirou Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8643481
    Abstract: This invention relates to mirror assemblies for vehicles and in particular to interior rearview minor assemblies having touch screen inputs corresponding to elements representing a symbol. The symbols are located behind a reflective element and not visible until activated by selection of the corresponding input or other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Douglas C. Campbell, Rodger William Eich
  • Patent number: 8610592
    Abstract: The invention relates to a proximity switch for the detection of objects, comprising a sleeve-type housing, comprising a transducer unit disposed at a measuring end of said sleeve-type housing, the transducer unit comprising a transducer receptacle and a transducer element disposed therein for detecting a physical measurand, comprising a connecting piece disposed at a connecting end of said sleeve-type housing, comprising an electronic assembly disposed on a printed circuit board accommodated in said sleeve-type housing and having a control and evaluation unit adapted to control said transducer element, to evaluate signals measured by said transducer element and to emit switching signals to an environment, wherein variously colored light-emitting diodes are disposed on said printed circuit board at the measuring end and at the connecting end for indicating operational and/or switching states, wherein said transducer receptacle exhibits a transparent region disposed around a housing axis and/or a transparent r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventor: Dierk Schoen
  • Patent number: 8553400
    Abstract: Electronic displays and metal micropatterned substrates are described comprising a graphic defined by a contrasting area adjacent the graphic. In one embodiment, the graphic is visible when the display is viewed with reflected light and the graphic is substantially less visible or invisible when viewed with backlighting transmitted through the metal micropatterned substrate. The graphic and contrasting area have a total metal micropattern density that differs by no greater than about 5% and more preferably by no greater than 2%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Cristin E. Moran, Matthew H. Frey
  • Patent number: 8502695
    Abstract: Provided is a light emitting device improved in safety to an eye. The light emitting device includes: a semiconductor laser element for emitting laser light; an optical conversion member for converting coherent laser light which is emitted from the semiconductor laser element into incoherent light, and for emitting the incoherent light; and a safety device for preventing the coherent laser light from exiting to an outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 8436788
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a display system. The display system can include a display module having a configurable optical characteristic that varies from substantially transmissive to substantially reflective, at least one data capturing device configured to capture data to form a display image, and at least a first projector configured to project the display image to the display module. Therefore, the display image can be overlaid with a real image according to an optical configuration of the display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Mathew P. Kier, Michael J. Dailey, Jon C. Hunter, Richard A. Sanoske, Raymond G Roberts
  • Patent number: 8388187
    Abstract: An information display device illuminates a light pipe, and includes a controller to regulate the power levels delivered to a light source, thereby regulating the amount of light delivered to the light pipe. Alternatively, the information display device delivers visual data, including alpha-numeric characters, predetermined images, or a controlled phasing. The information display device may be utilized to illuminate information associated with the structure. The illumination system provides the ability to phase between different colors, as well as blended colors. Accordingly, an information display device phases between varying colors, and may blend colors to create color schemes. The illumination system includes a control module disposed within the structure to control device parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas J. Chadwell, Michael T. Romanyszyn, John Vira
  • Patent number: 8368724
    Abstract: A display apparatus and a control method thereof, wherein output of a backlight is reduced depending on the remaining amount of a battery or a pixel of an input image, and a brightness value of an output image is increased to compensate for the reduced output of the backlight. A display apparatus according to the present invention includes a display controller for controlling brightness of an image displayed on a display panel and output of a backlight of the display panel; and a control unit for detecting the remaining amount of a battery and controlling the display controller in accordance with the remaining amount of the battery. The control unit includes an operation unit for calculating an output value of the backlight and a pixel brightness correction value of the output image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jang-Geun Oh
  • Patent number: 8289304
    Abstract: A display device for receiving and displaying an image signal is disclosed. The display device comprises a display screen, a light sensor, a light information determining unit, an image analysis unit, a luminance determining unit, and a control unit. The light sensor is installed near the display screen for detecting an ambient luminance level. The light information determining unit is utilized for determining a first luminance adjusting value according to the ambient luminance. The image analysis unit is utilized for analyzing the image signal to obtain a color level value. The luminance determining unit is utilized for calculating a second luminance adjusting value according to the color level value, and for determining a final luminance adjusting value according to the first luminance adjusting value and the second luminance adjusting value. The control unit is utilized for adjusting the luminance of the display screen according to the final luminance adjusting value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Junc Chiou
  • Patent number: 8269637
    Abstract: An alarm system notification device that comprises a single strobe, an input selector, and a controller is disclosed. The single strobe may be configured to operate at a first wavelength band in a first configuration and at a second wavelength band in a second configuration, the first wavelength band being different from the second wavelength band. The configuration of the single strobe (either in the first or second configuration) is determined based on a command that is input by the input selector. In response to receiving the command, the controller may control the single strobe so that the single strobe is configured to operate at one of the first wavelength band in the first configuration or the second wavelength band in the second configuration as indicated in the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120098673
    Abstract: Network device includes a plate, an OTST plate, and a light source. First plate is situated at a first side of the network device wherein the first side can be the front side of device. OTST plate is situated at a second side of the network device and positioned substantially perpendicular to the plate, wherein the OTST plate having a first surface and a second surface further includes status indicators showing performance status associated with the network device. The light source, in one embodiment, can be an LED device capable of projecting a light beam with a predefined angle onto the first surface of OTST plate illuminating one or more status indicators. At least one status indicator is viewable from the second surface or bottom surface of OTST second plate when at least a portion of OTST plate is illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: NETGEAR, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kui Yin Ramones, Tiffany Ming Tsao, Jonathan Alexander Matheson
  • Patent number: 8132929
    Abstract: An optical waveguide (106) with directional microprisms (116) and multidirectional light sources (110)(112) are provided for providing overlapping morphing images (104) and information (102) on a display (124) of a touch screen mobile phone or other electronic device (100). Microprisms can be patterned in the shape of a particular design, character, icon or other image. The microprisms can include: first microprisms (118) sensitive to light propagating in only one direction; second microprisms (120) sensitive to light propagating in a different direction, and a third microprisms (122) sensitive to light propagation in multiple directions. When light is directed into the waveguide (106) in a direction to which a portion of the microprisms (116) are sensitive, a fraction of that light will be directed upward and out of the waveguide (106) by those microprisms sensitive to light propagated in that direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Austin Vincent Harton, Manuel Oliver
  • Patent number: 8089351
    Abstract: An instrument cluster for use in a passenger vehicle includes a translucent sheet. The sheet is located in front of at least one of an appliqué, a display face, and a pointer of the instrument cluster. Indicia are embedded in the translucent sheet. The indicia has a first visual state and a second visual state, the indicia being more noticeable in its second visual state than in its first visual state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Rodger W. Eich, James T. Hotary
  • Patent number: 8049632
    Abstract: An alarm system notification device that comprises a single strobe, an input selector, and a controller is disclosed. The single strobe may be configured to operate at a first wavelength band in a first configuration and at a second wavelength band in a second configuration, the first wavelength band being different from the second wavelength band. The configuration of the single strobe (either in the first or second configuration) is determined based on a command that is input by the input selector. In response to receiving the command, the controller may control the single strobe so that the single strobe is configured to operate at one of the first wavelength band in the first configuration or the second wavelength band in the second configuration as indicated in the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8026827
    Abstract: A user interface display system can include at least one user responsive element. The user responsive element can include an optical mechanism. A pulsed light source can produce a light beam. Apparatus are provided for causing the light beam to repeatedly scan across the activity field. A controller can be arranged to repeatedly turn the light source on at one or more predetermined scan positions to illuminate the user responsive element. The controller can also be programed to act upon a signal regarding the status of the element. A photo detector can send the signal to the controller. The optical mechanism acts upon the light beam differently based upon the status of the user responsive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Boyd, Kang Li
  • Publication number: 20110175747
    Abstract: An interactive electronic device shell and light source may enable personalization and increased functionality of an electronic device. The shell may at least partially cover a light source and attach to an electronic device. The shell includes at least some transparent or translucent portions (e.g., light stencils) that enable light from a matrix of the light source to emit through the shell, thus causing a display of light from the shell. In some aspects, the electronic device may be linked with the shell and/or the light source to control light emission through the shell. In various aspects, an illumined portion of the shell may have significance, such as revealing an artistic design or indicating a message based on activity of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: T-MOBILE USA, INC.
    Inventors: Andrea Small, Anthony Giardini, Ryan Wolfe, Joyce S. Chou, Jae Y. Lee
  • Publication number: 20110175748
    Abstract: An interactive electronic device shell and light source may enable personalization and increased functionality of an electronic device. The shell may at least partially cover a light source and attach to an electronic device. The shell includes at least some transparent or translucent portions (e.g., light stencils) that enable light from a matrix of the light source to emit through the shell, thus causing a display of light from the shell. In some aspects, the electronic device may be linked with the shell and/or the light source to control light emission through the shell. In various aspects, an illumined portion of the shell may have significance, such as revealing an artistic design or indicating a message based on activity of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: T-MOBILE USA, INC.
    Inventors: Andrea Small, John W. Michael, Jonathan Richard Bergstrom, Anthony Giardini, Joyce S. Chou, Jae Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 7982630
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital united information instrument panel for vehicle. The digital united information instrument panel for vehicle of the present invention includes a graduation unit indicating a velocity information of vehicle; and an united information display window indicating a driving status information of vehicle with a number and a character, while the united information display window forms a segment and a dot matrix together in a single panel and forms a black mask in the surrounding area of the segment and the dot matrix to concentrate an illumination on the segment and the dot matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Ju Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7876235
    Abstract: An indicator assembly for a vehicle instrument cluster is provided. The indicator assembly includes a (“floating”) needle configured to rotate with respect to an indicator housing. The needle is selectively illuminable by a light source which may be mounted in various placements with respect the indicator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Joel Fournier, Stephane Voillot
  • Patent number: 7793648
    Abstract: A heating cooker includes a top panel for placing a load thereon and touch operation parts for allowing the user to operate the heating of the heater to heat the load. The operation display parts of the touch operation parts each include display characters disposed under the top panel and a backlight which emits light through the top panel so as to display the display characters in lighting. When not displayed, the operation display parts including the display characters are entirely unlit and made inoperable. This provides a user-friendly heating cooker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Chikashi Satou
  • Patent number: 7772988
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing specified output intensity distribution requirements from a single LED source, wherein the apparatus includes a single LED source and a cover, including a lens, that captures and controls the non-collimated light of the LED source and limits its spread vertically and horizontally as well as producing intensity variations within the output pattern. In one aspect of the invention, the lens is on the same order of size as the LED source, the cover has an exposed surface area several times larger than the area of the lens and is primarily configured to have retroreflective properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Innovative Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Condon, Mark B. Pruss, Hans Christian Lassen
  • Patent number: 7673997
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control panel assembly in which a light emitted from a single lamp is prevented from being dispersed nearby. A control panel assembly for a laundry machine, the control panel assembly includes a lamp supporter in which a plurality of lamps are installed to display functions selected by a user; a deco formed corresponding to the plurality of the lamps, the deco including a plurality of light-emitting holes through which a light emitted from each of the lamps passes; a light window including a light dispersion preventing part provided between the lamp supporter and the deco to prevent the light emitted from each of the lamps from being emitted through the other light-emitting holes except a single light-emitting hole corresponding each of the lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Gi Hwang, Ju Han Yoon, Seong Kyu Kim, Seon Il Heo
  • 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: 7598885
    Abstract: A control panel of a laundry processing machine includes a control substrate having LEDs, a transparent window having transparent protrusions formed to be corresponded to the LEDs, and a display cover having a plurality of ribs which are protruded at a surface of the display cover and placed between the transparent protrusions, thereby one of lights emitted from the LEDs is directed to the corresponding transparent protrusions without being spread elsewhere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Dae Hee Kwon, Hyun Seok Kim, Bo Yeon Kim, Hye Yong Park, Seong Yeol Lee
  • Patent number: 7581342
    Abstract: A display device includes an ultraviolet light source, a color light source, and a filter selectively hit by their lights. The filter has a first area part for displaying the first display contents excluding an overlapped parts when the ultraviolet light is emitted, a second area part for the second display contents excluding the overlapped parts when the color light is emitted, and a third display part for displaying the overlapped parts when one of the ultraviolet and color light is emitted. The first area part blocks the color light and produces visible light when the ultraviolet light hits the first area part, the second area part allows the ultraviolet and color lights to pass therethrough, and the third area part allows the ultraviolet and color lights to pass therethrough and produces the visible light when the ultraviolet light hits the third area part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Egami, Kazuo Arai
  • Patent number: 7548157
    Abstract: A self-contained backup power source such as a battery is provided for components within an electrically powered device such as a storage controller, photocopier or the like, to maintain diagnostic status data and to power a service indicator aid, or diagnostic indicator, such as an LED. A switch selects the backup power source when a primary power source of the electrically powered device is no longer available to the component, such as when the component is removed from the electrically powered device, the primary power source is disconnected as a safety precaution when servicing or replacing the component, or a higher-level assembly, in which the component is provided, is removed from the electrically powered device. The diagnostic indicator may be powered separately from the data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carl E. Jones, Robert A. Kubo, Andrew D. Walls
  • Publication number: 20090096631
    Abstract: An operating device for operating a machine tool, production machine and/or a robot includes a transparent pane and a display arranged behind the pane. The pane has an edge region projecting beyond the display. The control device includes an indicating device which transmits an indication signal through the edge region. This arrangement simplifies the design of the operating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: JENS-ANDRE BUNK, Sven Moniac
  • Patent number: 7466220
    Abstract: Providing a head-up display apparatus capable of receiving a mirror, which projects from a line of an instrument panel when in use, without increasing a receiving section and spoiling a beauty of the instrument panel, and a mirror unit used in the same, a mirror is rotated about an axis perpendicular to a reflecting surface of the mirror so as to project a part of the mirror from the opening when in use, and take in the projected part of the mirror down within the opening when not in use. Thus, the whole mirror can be received in the receiving section only by rotational motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kunimitsu Aoki, Yoshiyuki Furuya, Hideaki Kageyama, Go Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7441931
    Abstract: A lighting system (10) for displays, in particular in motor vehicles, comprises: a support (12), at least one first lighting device (14) for a spot-like illumination, which is mounted on the support (12), a planar second lighting device (16) which is arranged on the support (12) and has at least one cut-out (17) or one transparent area, in which or below which the at least one first lighting system (14) is placed, and a transparent cover (18), which is arranged spaced from the support (12) on the side of the support with the first and second lighting devices (14, 16), and which has at least one symbol (20) to be illuminated from behind by the first lighting device (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Bayersdorfer, Lars Grune
  • Patent number: 7400261
    Abstract: To provide a display device, a vehicle-mounted display device, and an electronic device whose chassis are not large with much design freedom. In the present invention, a plurality of light-emitting elements each having a luminescent material sandwiched between a pair of electrodes having transparency, a plurality of liquid crystal elements each having a liquid crystal material sandwiched between a pair of electrodes having transparency are arranged in a display device over a substrate having a mirror surface. Further, a plurality of light-emitting elements each having a luminescent material sandwiched between a pair of electrodes having transparency, a plurality of liquid crystal elements each having a liquid crystal material sandwiched between a pair of electrodes having transparency are arranged in a display device over a substrate having a reflecting surface. The display device is secured to the substrate with a barrier film therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuko Watanabe, Yuko Tachimura
  • Patent number: 7342513
    Abstract: A wireless communications system suitable for use within an aircraft, such as a part of a wireless emergency lighting system (WELS) is provided. In an aircraft, EXIT signs are located throughout the interior of the aircraft, including the ceiling (general illumination), seats (floor proximity) and EXIT doors (locator/identifier). A wireless communications system uses an integrated lens antenna system that takes advantage of the quantity and location of emergency lights such that any given light will have a direct radio frequency (RF) path to several other lights. A virtual network can be created such that if the path between any two lights becomes disrupted, alternate paths will be constructed under software control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Goodrich Lighting Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7297928
    Abstract: An indicating instrument for a vehicle has a display board, a light modulation member disposed to cover a surface of the display board. An illumination intensity of the display board is detected by a light detecting member and a control unit applies to a dc pulse voltage to the light modulation member, to thereby control a light transmissivity of the light modulation member according to the illumination intensity. When the illumination intensity is higher than a predetermined level, the voltage is applied in one direction so that the light modulation member changes from a colorless condition to a colored condition to restrict an external light from reflecting on the display board. When the illumination intensity is lower than a predetermined level, the voltage is applied in a reverse direction so that the light modulation member is transferred from the colored condition to the colorless condition to maintain the visibility of the display board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiki Wada, Kazumasa Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 7277024
    Abstract: A remote controlling device includes a micro-controller; a transmitter coupled to the micro-controller to selectively transmit a control signal that controls the lighting of a lamp string, the transmitter comprising an encoder for coding the control signal; a preset lighting mode memory coupled to the micro-controller to store preset lighting modes; and lighting control program memory coupled to the micro-controller to store lighting control programs, each comprised of at least one lighting mode selected from the preset lighting mode memory. A user may operate a plurality of selection switches to select the preset lighting modes and the lighting control programs from the memories. Actuation of a transmission button allows for transmission of the control signal that carries the lighting control program selected from the lighting control program memory toward a receiver of the lamp control module of the lamp string in a wireless manner for controlling the lighting of the lamp string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Willis Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen Tarng Chen
  • Patent number: 7259665
    Abstract: A self-contained backup power source such as a battery is provided for components within an electrically powered device such as a storage controller, photocopier or the like, to maintain diagnostic status data and to power a service indicator aid, or diagnostic indicator, such as an LED. A switch selects the backup power source when a primary power source of the electrically powered device is no longer available to the component, such as when the component is removed from the electrically powered device, the primary power source is disconnected as a safety precaution when servicing or replacing the component, or a higher-level assembly, in which the component is provided, is removed from the electrically powered device. The diagnostic indicator may be powered separately from the data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carl E. Jones, Robert A. Kubo, Andrew D. Walls
  • Patent number: 7190268
    Abstract: An indicator apparatus facilitates visibility of one or more indicators from multiple angles. The apparatus includes a housing having an outer sidewall portion. The sidewall portion, for example, has a first side extending between two adjacent sides. One or more elongated slots are formed in the sidewall portion. A substantially translucent material is disposed in the slot so that the translucent material is visible from more than one side of the housing, such as the first side and another side through which the slot extends. A light source is operatively associated with the substantially translucent material for illuminating the material. As a result, when the light source illuminates the substantially translucent material, the illuminated translucent material is visible from more than one side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Saeed Shafiyan Rad, Daniel M. Corbosiero, Mark S. Schladenhauffen
  • Patent number: 7161495
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for indicating valid data in a removable memory media. In an embodiment of the invention, an alert may be employed with the removable media, such as NVRAM, to indicate that the battery backup is functional and that the memory content may be valid. One type of alert may be a blinking light source, such as a blinking light emitting diode (LED). In a another aspect of the present invention, contents of an appliance, such as a computer or storage controller, may be arranged so that an alert employed on the removable memory media in accordance with the present invention may be visible to an administrator without opening the chassis of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Network Applicance, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen J. Kilbourne, II, Eric Gumtow
  • Patent number: 7076276
    Abstract: Mobile phones use light signaling or vibrational effects to silently indicate to a user that e.g. a telephone call is incoming. The present invention provides a method, a component for generating vibrational effects combined with light effects and a mobile device implementing this component. The generation of the light effects is obtained from at least one light emitter (200, 201) having at least one light path (300), wherein said at least one light emitter (200, 201) is disposed relative to said mass (100) such that said mass (100) periodically blocks said light path (300) while moving, for generating light effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Nokia Corportion
    Inventor: Pasi Kemppinen
  • Patent number: 7012544
    Abstract: Sign 1 has frame 13 attaching to base 9 and supporting character plates 4. Casing 11 attaches to frame 13 and holds character plates 4 against frame 13. Light assembly 15 and base 9 backlight character plates 4. Backlight is diffusion chamber 17 sidelit by light assembly 15. Casing 11 hides access to the mount and is not easily removable. Light assembly 15 is externally powered and is activated by external messages and by low ambient light. An Emergency Alarm message causes flashing in one colour and intermittent activation of sound. For non-emergency, alternate light mode is used with constant sound. Transmitter 1501 transmits messages for the sign 1. The transmitter 1501 learns emergency telephone numbers for dial detection on a telephone line, in addition to standard emergency telephone number. Emergency button 1507 can begin transmission of emergency alarm message. Transmitter 1501 may have other alarm inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Cube Investments Limited
    Inventors: J. Vernon Cunningham, Michael Gomes
  • Patent number: 6756897
    Abstract: A fire receiver for use in a building is divided into sections for each of which window indication is made by using a corresponding window. The fire receiver includes: a base having a frame for window indication; a rectangular window sheet to which the names of the sections are written and which is fitted into the frame of the base; and a substantially transparent protective sheet which is substantially of the same configuration as the window sheet and arranged in front thereof. The window sheet has at its longitudinal ends rectangular engagement members to be engaged with engagement grooves of the frame and at its center a central rectangular engagement member to be engaged with a central engagement groove of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Mizukami, Tsutomu Yamaura
  • Patent number: 6750779
    Abstract: In an indicating instrument for a vehicle, a light modulation member having variable light transmissivity is disposed on a dial plate. The light modulation member includes a plurality of variable light modulation sections respectively connected to a controller that controls light transmissivity of each one of the variable light modulation sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiki Wada, Katsuhiro Kumazawa
  • Publication number: 20030043049
    Abstract: An indicating instrument for a vehicle includes a dial plate, a light modulation member disposed on the dial plate and a controller for controlling the light transmissivity. The light modulation member has variable light transmissivity, and the controller changes the light transmissivity according to a condition of the vehicle when operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Toshiki Wada, Katsuhiro Kumazawa, Takaaki Muramatsu
  • Publication number: 20030020627
    Abstract: A warning lamp, provides multi status indication by being illuminated in selected ones of a plurality of colors or by flashing a selected color or colors sequentially. The lamp has a pair of printed circuit boards disposed, one in a base and another upstanding from the base along a central axis, extending midway through the upstanding board. Around the upstanding board and coaxial therewith is a lens which is mounted in assembled relationship with the boards and the base. The upstanding board has arrays of light emitting diodes (LEDs), disposed along spaced lines which are parallel to the axis. The LEDs along different lines provide light of different color, for example, red, green and amber. The printed circuit boards provide a subassembly in which the bottom portion of the upstanding board and the other board are contained in a plastic casting disposed in a recess in the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen T. Vukosic
  • Publication number: 20020194755
    Abstract: The signal device includes a housing containing a light and having a front face adapted to receive, in removably mounted engagement thereon, a first message screen selected from a group of message screens. Each message screen of the group of message screens is preferably a substantially planar sheet permitting the passage of light therethrough when mounted in the front face and backlit by the light. The first message screen has a first distress message formed thereon which is illuminated when the message screen is backlit by the light. Each message screen of the group of message screens has a different distress message for communication by the backlighting by the light so that a user may select an appropriate distress message by selecting the corresponding message screen for mounting onto the front face. The light is activated by a switch mounted to the housing and cooperating with a power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Donald Charles Osborne
  • Publication number: 20020194756
    Abstract: The signal device includes a housing containing a light and having a front face adapted to receive, in removably mounted engagement thereon, a first message screen selected from a group of message screens. Each message screen of the group of message screens is preferably a substantially planar sheet permitting the passage of light therethrough when mounted in the front face and backlit by the light. The first message screen has a first distress message formed thereon which is illuminated when the message screen is backlit by the light. Each message screen of the group of message screens has a different distress message for communication by the backlighting by the light so that a user may select an appropriate distress message by selecting the corresponding message screen for mounting onto the front face. The light is activated by a switch mounted to the housing and cooperating with a power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Donald Charles Osborne
  • Patent number: 6492908
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a personal computer that has circuit elements enclosed in a light transmissible case. The personal computer further includes a visible light enclosed in the light-transmissible case for providing indication of various functional statuses of the personal computer through the light transmissible case. In a preferred embodiment, the personal computer further includes a light controller for controlling the visible light for providing a plurality of visible light signals for indicating various functional statuses of the personal computer. In another preferred embodiment, the light controller further includes a light intensity controller for controlling an intensity of the visible light for indicating various functional statuses of the personal computer. In another preferred embodiment, the light controller further includes a light flash-pattern controller for controlling a flash-pattern of the visible light for indicating various functional statuses of the personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce C. H. Cheng