Transparent Or Translucent Indicator With Means For Blocking Light Patents (Class 340/815.55)
  • Publication number: 20020154031
    Abstract: An indicator controller (18), an optical assembly (10) having the indicator controller (10), a traffic light system that comprises at least one of the optical assembly (10) and a method for fault indication by the indicator controller (10) is disclosed. A control signal from a control signal generator (20) of the indicator controller (18) is disabled to block off current supply to a diode chain of three light emitting diodes (LEDs) of an array (12) of LEDs. Input to the control signal generator (20) has a frequency setting section that sets the control signal at a predetermined frequency. Consequently, the three LEDs are made to blink according to the predetermined frequency. The control signal is generated when the amplitude of current supply to the array (12) exceeds a threshold setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Hua Tek Chan, Tai Leong Cheng, Muthuraman Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20020149494
    Abstract: A LED symbol signal with LEDs arrayed to correspond to a desired symbol. Light from the LEDs is directed onto corresponding optical segments of a multiple collimating zone element and directed into a forward direction/distribution. A mask defines the desired symbol. The optical segments and or a diffusion surface on the cover or multiple collimating zone element(s) diffuses the display aspect, obscuring the individual LEDs. A diameter of the optical features of the diffusion surface is smaller than a diameter of the optical segments. The LED symbol signal may be configured for retrofitting into an incandescent lamp signal housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick Martineau
  • Patent number: 6417779
    Abstract: The invention relates displays (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, having a transilluminable display panel (2) and an illuminating device (4), arranged on the rear side of the display panel (2) averted from an observer, for transilluminating the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventors: Heinrich Noll, Hermann Janssen
  • Publication number: 20020039243
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a half mirror which transmits light from the back of a mirror body. The half mirror comprises a substrate that at least transmits light having predetermined wavelengths; a reflecting film, comprising substantially silicon of a thickness of 20 to 45 nm and being integrally formed on a surface of the substrate, for reflecting light that is made incident upon the reflecting film from the substrate side thereof and transmitting, toward the substrate side of the reflecting film at a fixed ratio, light made incident upon the reflecting film from the side opposite to the substrate side; and a protective film, which is made of a translucent material that at least transmits light having particular wavelengths, formed on the surface of the reflecting film opposite to the surface on which the substrate is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Junichi Nakaho, Masao Ayabe, Noriyuki Takai, Hiroshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6195016
    Abstract: A fiber optic display sign has an optical system with enhanced light efficiency so that the display system is suitable for outdoor use. A number of fiber optics have light receiving ends arranged in a compact bundle for receiving an image from an image generator, the fiber optics coupling the image to the output ends thereof for display. An array of lenses is positioned adjacent the output ends of the fiber optics for directing or aiming the light from the fiber optics to control the viewing angle of the image displayed. The array of lenses may be fixed with respect to the output ends of the fiber optics or the lens array may be movable with respect thereto so as to vary the viewing angle. The image generator employs a light source formed of a densely packed array of white light emitting diodes to provide enhanced brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Advance Display Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Shankle, Gregory L. Heacock, Steven J. Shankle
  • Patent number: 6191700
    Abstract: Luminous signs, specifically those with the ability to change the presented information sequentially, include an electro-mechanical system that produces the synchronized overlapping of two or more preprinted films with translucent properties, in such a way that with an internal luminous source, the sign is capable of creating the effect of real movement, and in the night or in the darkness, the information images displayed by the sign seem to float in the air. The present invention also provides an illuminated sign with the capability of displaying such information or images on more than one of its surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Visual Masters S.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Rafael Duque Cardona