Abstract: In a television control room wherein a program director must observe a multiplicity of television monitors, the monitors are illuminated by ultraviolet light. The labels used to identify the input sources for the monitors may be made of an ultraviolet reflective material and the labeling indicia written in ultraviolet opaque ink. Alternatively, the label may be ultraviolet opaque and the ink ultraviolet reflective.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improvement of an indicator such as a speed meter, a tachometer, or the like for use in a motor vehicle. The indicator comprises a scale plate having a pointer rotatably mounted thereon, indicia provided on the scale plate and containing fluroescent brigthener, the indicia indicating a specific value in cooperation with the pointer, a single ultraviolet light source for illuminating the indicia, and technique for equalizing the brightness of the indicia.The equalizing technique can comprises varying the quantity of fluorescent brigtener contained in the indicia according to the distance from the ultraviolet light source of the indicia.

Abstract: An improved vehicle display apparatus in which both the display and pointer are illuminated for low ambient driver viewing by a common lightpipe apparatus positioned on the rear face of the display. The display comprises a generally opaque applique having a translucent region in registry with an emissive region of the lightpipe apparatus, and bright opaque graphic symbols painted or deposited onto a surface of the applique within 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 lightpipe apparatus is not lit, a viewer of the display perceives the bright opaque graphic symbols and pointer stripes against the relatively dark translucent background regions of the applique.

Abstract: A housing has a window with a plurality of panes. There is a light guide member in the form of first and second plates meeting at right angles. The first plate has white indicia painted on it and the light guide member is positioned so that the indicia are viewable in the window, one indicia in each pane. A red arm slides along the first plate on the side opposite the window. The arm is made of light guide material and is attached to a slidable tape and a lever passes through a hole in the tape so that the indicating arm moves in coordination with the lever to provide a red background to the one of the indicia in the window that indicates the position of the lever. A blue plate on the side of the arm opposite the window provides a blue background to the other indicia in the window.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicating apparatus which has light-refractive sections comprising concave and convex sections that are formed of ultraviolet-cured resin having light transmission properties and are disposed on a back surface of an indicating plate and adjacent an illuminating light source, is easy to manufacture, and, furthermore, is capable of obtaining the same three-dimensional illumination effect as those processed into a form of lens.

Abstract: A light attachment for a remote control unit, of the type utilized to control television, video cassette recorders and stereos, includes a generally L-shaped body member. Cooperating hook and loop type fasteners are provided on a first leg portion of the body member and on a bottom surface of the remote control unit housing for securing the body member across a width of the remote control unit housing. A second leg portion of the light attachment is dimensioned to extend above the remote control key pad to orient an attached lamp above the key pad to provide illumination. Batteries are received in the body member for powering the lamp and a switch is mounted on an end face of the second leg member for selectively illuminating the lamp. In a second embodiment, the lamp is mounted on a rotatable and extensible post for compound adjustment.

Abstract: A multiplexed transmission scheme that reduces the complexity of the normal electrical wiring harness of a vehicle is disclosed. The system directly routes electrical excitation to motorize devices and multiplexes the control of the motorized devices along with the control of lighting devices by means of an optical transmission scheme having a high intensity light source as its source of light energy. Various devices are disclosed that interface with a control buss, light busses, and power buss all related to the multiplexed system. Further disclosed are related optical devices that allow the operator of a vehicle to provide commands to the multiplexed transmission scheme so as to provide control of all of the operator selected electrical devices of the vehicle.

Abstract: An analog watch for training children to read the current time having a flashlight installed in the watch case. The flashlight power supply is connected to the light emitting flashlight bulb through an electrical circuit which automatically turns the flashlight off after an adjustable time delay to preserve battery power. The watch time indicating face has numbers and dots to represent hours, and numbers and dots that represent minutes. These may be of different colors and may be adapted to glow in the dark after activation by light from the flashlight or from a face illuminating light source. The watch face has dots at half-hour intervals to indicate that the current time is at the half hour. All hour numbers and time-indicative dots may be embossed on the crystal face of the watch so that the minute hand does not pass over and obscure these symbols.

Abstract: A light diffusing ring for positioning in a wristwatch about the circumference of a time display face thereof to illuminate the face. The ring is constructed of light transmitting material. The ring defines a top and a bottom wall, parallel to one another and an inner side wall. An elongated cavity is formed in an outer side wall of the ring and extends at least in one quarter of the circumference of the ring. The cavity has a cross-section dimension to receive at least two lamps therein and spaced from one another.

Abstract: A self-contained, low profile illumination device removably attachable to conventional remote controls. An elongate, low profile case is provided having an illumination source utilizing a lamp centered in an elongate reflector. Electrical batteries are provided within the case and are electrically connected with the lamp, through an electrical switch, for selective actuation of the lamp. A resilient strap is provided which is looped over the remote control housing at one end thereof so that the illumination source is directed toward the key pad of the remote control. By pressing the switch, the user may selectively actuate the illumination source, and thereby be able to visually identify the keys of the key pad of the remote control when ambient light levels would otherwise not permit. In an alternative embodiment, the case may be selectively elongated to match the width of a particular remote control housing.

Abstract: A display unit has a transparent front panel one surface of which carries reflective markings that are illuminated by internal reflection in the panel from edge-mounted bulbs. Behind the panel are located light-emitting display devices such as provided by LED's. Illumination from the bulbs is controlled by manually adjusting a rheostat 36. The brightness of the display devices is controlled by means of two photodiodes. One photodiode responds to the level of ambient light falling on the front panel; the other photodiode is shielded from ambient light and responds to light from an additional bulb connected in parallel with the edge-mounted bulbs and having the same illumination characteristics. The brightness of the display devices is thereby automatically decreased when ambient light levels fall and increased when the markings are brightly illuminated, so that they are not masked by bright markings.

Abstract: An illumination device for use with a hand-held remote control unit comprising a base and a projection extending from the base and the projection is exposed to a space formed by the base and contains an illumination source which is directed toward the space. The space is configured to accommodate receipt of at least a portion of the hand-held remote control unit in the space so as to return the hand-held remote control unit in a position to subject a selected surface thereof to the illumination source for facilitating illumination thereof while permitting actuation and operation of the hand-held remote control unit.

Abstract: A panel mounted aircraft cockpit instrument is provided with a specially designed illuminating section which is used to light the instrument without causing interference with the operation of night vision equipment in the cockpit. An infrared light-filtering illuminating section is removably secured within a front-accessible recessed portion of the instrument and includes a sealed, filtered housing in which one or more incandescent bulbs are disposed. Each bulb is resiliently supported within its housing using a resilient, electrically resistive yet relatively highly heat conductive supporting material. Heat generated by the bulb is conducted outwardly through its supporting material into a metal heat sink portion of the housing and then externally dissipated therefrom. The illuminating structure may be easily and quickly removed and replaced without the necessity of removing the instrument or gaining access to the rear of the panel.

Abstract: A back-lit display utilizes a light transmissive film having a smooth surface and a structured surface. The structured surface has a series of triangular prisms running parallel or concentric to one another. A reflector is placed adjacent to the smooth surface so that light entering the film at an angle that is close to parallel to the smooth surface will emerge from the film at a predetermined angle with respect to the incoming beam. A display, that could be a liquid crystal display, is positioned so that light reflected by the film passes through it.

Abstract: A wafer battery has a light-emitting diode attached to its jacket, with one ead of the diode soldered to the battery jacket, and the other lead extending around the battery and overhanging its anode. The combination of diode and battery is encapsulated in a cover of elastomeric material, with a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side. The bezel is applied to crystal of an instrument such as a meter, gauge, or the like and illuminates the gauge when a series connection is completed between the battery and light-emitting diode by pressing the cover over the battery anode to make the light-emitting diode lead contact the anode. The bezel is small with respect to the surface area of the crystal to which it is applied, in order that is not obscure the scale, dial, or face of the instrument. An alternate embodiment has one lead of the light-emitting diode soldered to the battery anode and the other lead extending over the side of the battery jacket.

Abstract: A meter panel device for a vehicle having a light-transmissive base plate having a dial face and marking, and a light emitting unit, which comprises translucent colored layers differing in color from each other provided respectively on the front side and backside of the dial face, and translucent colored layers differing in color from each other provided respectively on the front side and backside of the marking, thus enabling changes in colors of the dial face and the marking between the daytime in which the vehicle interior is relatively lighter than the backside of the meter device and the night in which the light emitting unit disposed at the rear side of the meter device is lit and the vehicle interior is relatively darker than the backside of the meter device.

Abstract: A mensuration apparatus for converting film images and paper drawings into digital photogrammetric arrays to be computer processed, displayed, mensurated and analyzed. This mensuration apparatus includes a table on which a translatable camera and a reseau assembly are mounted. The reseau assembly includes an object mounting plate for mounting an object such as a photograph, map, or the like, and a grid mark system for superimposing grid marks on the object. The translatable camera includes a solid state camera having a two-dimensional array of light sensor elements mounted over the reseau assembly in a translatable mounting apparatus. Said translation camera can be moved as any desired position over the reseau assembly, as well as toward and away from the reseau assembly, forming three coordinate systems, which are correlated together for precise mensuration of an object image digitized by the solid state camera.

Abstract: A programmable display engineering scale instrument includes a scale base such as a drafting machine type scale, an electronic display device including a plurality of rows of column aligned display elements, scale selection switches, and circuitry interpreting the operation of the selection switches to cause the display of corresponding linear scales. The circuitry includes a switch encoder which generates unique binary addresses corresponding to each of the switches. A memory device stores bit patterns which when addressed cause the activation of patterns of display elements to display a corresponding linear scale. The display elements are interconnected in selected groups for simultaneous activation to simplify the circuitry of the programmable scale instrument.

Abstract: A converter hologram providing radially symmetric exposure of coaxially located holograms from an off-axis source and displays utilizing the same.

Abstract: An illuminating device to be used in association with an instrument to facilitate reading indicia thereon in low light/dark conditions. The device can be attached to a single instrument or a combination of consolidated instruments-gauges. The illuminating device is normally attached to an associated instrument in a generally overlaying relationship to the instrument face; and can be used universally with instruments of different sizes and configurations within various classes of instruments.

Abstract: An instrument panel member comprising a multiple-ply back sheet of fiberglas reinforced material impregnated with a polyester resin, a multiple-ply front sheet of the same material and one or more electroluminescent (EL) lamp elements positioned therebetween. The overall structure is cured at a temperature and pressure selected to provide adequate curing without damage to the EL lamp elements and so as to minimize warpage of the final structure. The thickness of the back sheet is selected to accommodate the dimensions of the EL lamps and any electrical connectors used therewith while the thickness of the front sheet is normally much less and need only be such as to permit light from the EL lamps to be seen therethrough.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device adapted to serve as the dial of a conventional analog timepiece, with a central aperture for the stem carrying the timepiece hand and inscribed on the upper surface thereof with conventional time-indicating indicia, so that it can be read as a normal watch dial.

Abstract: An illuminating device to be used in association with an instrument to facilitate reading indicia thereon in low light/dark conditions. The device can be attached to a single instrument or a combination of consolidated instruments gauges. The illuminating device is normally attached to an associated instrument in a generally overlying relationship to the instrument face. The illuminating device can be used with different sources of illumination.

Abstract: A pointer for use with an analog meter movement providing a luminous indication of the meter position. The present invention provides an analog meter movement indicator which selectively directs a laser light or other collimated beam across the contoured face or dial or an analog meter, wherein the selective movement of the light beam and the resulting luminous image is provided by a selective movement of an optical deflector mounted on the shaft of the meter movement. The optical deflector is optically energized by an externally mounted, stationary light source. As the meter movement shaft is rotated, the luminous beam image moves over the dial face according to the signal applied to the meter movement. The resulting instrument provides a dramatic indication of analog meter signal presentation.

Abstract: An illumination device is provided which comprises a light source, a first light-deflecting means for converting the rays emitted from the light source into parallel rays and a second light-deflecting means for directing the parallel rays to an object to be illuminated.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device is provided comprising a liquid crystal wafer operating by transmission which is disposed in front of a sheet of transparent material having a multitude of parallel opaque flaps substantially perpendicular to the wafer. In daytime use, light rays substantially perpendicular to the wafer pass through the sheet towards the rear of the wafer. For nightime use, the sheet reflects rearwardly of the wafer a part of the light rays coming from a lamp and the flaps stop the other part of these light rays.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a control unit, especially for setting heating, oling and/or ventilation systems in motor vehicles. Sliding members are guided between two end positions in an oblong body. Setting members, e.g., louvers or motors, are adjusted by means of these sliding members via transmission means. A step-down unit is provided as the transmission means, which consists of a first toothed rack molded onto the sliding member and of a second toothed rack molded onto the body, and a gear which is mounted rotatably between the two toothed racks and moved when the sliding member is moved. The gear is connected to an adjusting means, e.g., a rod, which in turn operates the setting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device having a transparent display field through which ambient light can pass from the side facing away from an observer to the side facing the observer. Characters and/or symbols can be presented against a light background on the display field. On the side facing the observer, the display field has a light-guide plate 9 of transparent material in which light-dispensing particles 19 are distributed and into which the light from a source of light 12 can be introduced.

Abstract: An IR filter assembly for use with a lighted instrument panel mounted to a control panel includes a support frame surrounding the lighted instrument panel but through which the lighted instrument panel is visible, and IR filter panel mounting bracket to which a IR filter panel is mounted and a stowing bracket. The filter bracket is mounted to the support frame and is displaceable along the support frame and into the stowing bracket for stowing the IR filter panel when not in use. For operation, the IR filter panel is withdrawn from the stowing bracket and locked to the support frame such that the IR filter panel covers the lighted instrument panel.

Abstract: An electroluminescent light fixture is provided which is designed for use in military aircraft which is especially arranged for night viewing compatibility either by the naked eye or with the night vision goggles of an aircraft pilot. The fixture generally comprises a frame which prevents an observer from directly viewing the source of light, an electroluminescent strip adjacent the outer portion of the frame, and a lens of a modified torus shape which is adjacent the EL strip and which pipes the light of the EL strip towards the face of the instrument. The lens is configured with a light-emitting face which is optimally angled from the normal to the instrument dial surface such that maximal uniformity of illumination is provided. Two light-emitting faces angled at different angles may be provided to highlight dial pointers. The lens is also preferably pigmented so as to eliminate undesired reflections and glare.

Abstract: A moveable pointer (15) on an indicator (11) is illuminated by use of at least one electroluminescent strip (21) which is mounted separately from the pointer (15). The pointer (15) is able to conduct light internally in such a way that light transmitted to one portion (23) of the pointer (15) illuminates another portion of the pointer (25). The electroluminescent strip (21) forms a light source for the pointer (15) so that the strip (21) may be mounted adjacent the pointer's hub (23) in order to provide the necessary illumination. This arrangement permits an indicator (11) to be illuminated with electroluminescent lighting in order that passive vision aids, such as night vision goggles, may be used, while providing sufficient illumination for the indicator's dial pointer (15).

Abstract: A light ramp for lighting instrument panels, more especially in aircraft or helicopters, characterized in that it comprises, in combination, at least one fluorescent tube (5) emitting in the ultra-violet spectrum, housed inside a frame (6) disposed in front of the instrument panel (1), and a plate made from Wood's glass (7) sealingly fixed to the frame (6) in front of said fluorescent tube (5).

Abstract: A display device for a camera constructed with a display switch to drive a display element in the camera by the first manual operation, and an illuminating switch to drive an illuminating device to illuminate the display device by the second manual operation, the display element being ensured its driving, while the illuminating device is being driven by the second manual operation.

Abstract: An improved console for a tractor or the like, the console being of the type carrying various instrumentation and controls. The console includes a relatively thick support member provided with at least one generally flat surface surrounding a plurality of openings with which various light emitting devices are associated and at least one aperture covered by a support panel to which various controls may be secured. The outer surface of the support panel is in line with the surface and a translucent sheet having symbols printed thereon is secured to the surfaces and with the symbols overlying the light emitting devices in the openings.

Abstract: A lamp support apparatus is disclosed for mounting an incandescent lamp to an electro-optical measuring device mountable on a machine tool. This apparatus includes a spring element for resiliently mounting the lamp to the measuring device and a damping element for damping the oscillations of the lamp. The spring element and the damping element cooperate to protect the lamp from damaging oscillations such as are often encountered in a machine tool environment.

Abstract: A dash-board with easily interchangeable inscriptions comprising a front te made from translucent material, opacified on one of its sides and comprising at least one recess opening on said opacified side and an inscription-bearing cap-like insert secured within said recess and including a translucent element underlying said inscriptions and extending into said recess.

Abstract: An illuminating device for an instrument of a vehicle or the like using a light guiding member for introducing outside light during the day time to illuminate the dial of the instrument clearly at a brightness matching with that of the scenery. An internal light source is provided to illuminate the same dial in a dark place.

Abstract: A contact arrangement for a battery-operated instrument, especially a battery-operated clock, having a housing made of synthetic material. Two contact elements are provided for making connection between the two terminals of a battery and two respective paths of a circuit board. One of the contact elements includes a bus portion fastened to the housing, and a pair of legs. A first leg makes contact with one terminal of the battery and the second leg makes contact with a path of the circuit board. The second leg is designed in the form of a knife-edge contact, one portion thereof bearing against a wall of the housing, and another portion thereof bearing against the circuit board. The second leg thus holds the circuit board in its inserted position by mechanical force. The contact element further includes a third leg which electrically contacts as well as mechanically clamps a small bulb when the latter is inserted into the housing.

Abstract: An electroluminescent (EL) ring lamp for illuminating dial indicia, pointers and the like of aircraft instruments is disclosed. The EL ring lamp comprises a flat split-ring arranged in a recess in an adapter plate removably mounted in front of the transparent instrument cover. The ring lamp is formed with microencapsulated phosphor particles applied in a polymeric binder to the illuminating surface of the lamp. In an alternate embodiment, the ring lamp has a frusto-conical illuminating surface.

Abstract: A backlight for an electrooptic display, such as a liquid crystal display, serves to diffuse and distribute light from a point source, such as an incandescent bulb, over a broad, flat thin area providing backlighting for the display. The backlight employs a transparent light transmitting member with a slot or recess for the light source, wrapped in a thin transluscent sheet which covers both front and back surfaces and the edges to serve as a transflector.

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.

Abstract: An instrument panel including a lighting circuit, lights and signal indicators mounted on the instrument panel in a manner for ease in assembly and convenience for servicing. Indicator lights on the instrument panel will signal various operating conditions of the engine and the tractor. A cable is connected between the lighting circuit which is formed by a printed circuit on a circuit board and a sensing circuit which senses the sensed conditions of the engine and tractor. Light bulbs are positioned in compartments which are covered by windows carrying a symbol to indicate to the operator the operating condition of the tractor. The wiring is simplified by incorporating the connecting wires in a cable and a connector with a plug and socket arrangement for connecting the light circuit and sensor circuits for a simplified assembly and repair of the system in general.

Abstract: A transparent instrument cover provided with an electroluminescent area arranged so that when energized, light is projected from one surface of the cover to illuminate a dial of an instrument on which it is fitted. The cover is intended as a replacement for an existing transparent cover or coverglass in an instrument. In a first embodiment the electroluminescent area is an annular area located adjacent the periphery of the cover, and in a second embodiment an isolated electroluminescent area is located within the annular area.

Abstract: A personal security device incorporated into a conventional flashlight for informing a person, by remote control means, who is outside the door of the house, and indicating by a picture, whether it is a man, woman or child, the picture appearing on a view screen of a unit mounted on the flashlight, so that a person is thus cautioned against opening the door, particularly if there is a man outside.

Abstract: An improved form of illuminated display, particularly for electric wristwatches and the like. A light-reflecting dial face is provided, and a plurality of prisms formed of light-transmitting plastic arranged thereon. A miniature incandescent lamp is attached to the underside of a transparent cover or crystal for directing illumination upon the reflecting surface. An angled surface of the prism directs the light reflected thereon from the reflecting surface upwardly through indicia formed at the top of each prism. In a preferred embodiment, the indicia are formed by raised numerals, the radially inward halves thereof being inclined with respect to the reflecting surface. Watch hands are formed of translucent plastic, and have inclined lower surfaces with reflecting material thereon to allow the hands to be illuminated by the miniature lamp.

Abstract: A watch is disclosed having a face with visual hour indicators illuminated by a light emitting diode embedded in a transparent crystal for emitting light to flow outwardly through the crystal to engage a surrounding reflector surface which concentrates the light in the area of the visual hour indicators.

Abstract: This instrument panel comprises at least two small rules or display panels of which one comprises a luminous member for displaying the values supplied from a pulse counter and the other comprises pilot-lamps carrying illuminated symbols corresponding to the magnitudes displayed for the various functions or physical conditions being measured, the device further comprising an electronic assembly consisting of a member adapted to emit periodic signals, of members for converting the signals transmitted from pickups or probes into modulated-frequency pulses, of switching members, of further display apparatus, of apparatus for adjusting the luminous intensity and of apparatus for actuating alarm devices.