Abstract: An indicator device includes a light emitting element for emitting light, and a light conducting plate having a light incidence surface for conducting light from the light emitting element inside thereof and a light output surface, for a lighted indication by the light output surface. The light conducting plate has a triangular recess recessed to form with prescribed recess depths in one planer surface thereof, for light from the light emitting element to be reflected in part. The triangular recess has a recess extremity constituting a single vertex disposed in position on an optical axis of the light emitting element and nearer to the light incidence surface than other end parts thereof. The recess depths becomes shallower as the V-form recess extends from the recess extremity, allowing for an evenness of luminance of light over the light output surface formed on the light conducting plate.

Abstract: A light housing for an instrument panel includes an interior surface for reflecting and blending light from a plurality of light sources substantially uniformly from an opening. The light housing is mounted to a circuit board and surrounds a plurality of light sources. An interior surface of the light housing includes inwardly protruding ribs that reflect and direct light to blend the separate light sources and provide a substantially uniform light intensity for illuminating a rotating pointer.

Abstract: A gauge is provided. The gauge includes a housing and a bearing plate that can be coupled to the housing. The bearing plate defines a first aperture. The gauge includes a pointer coupled to the bearing plate that has a proximal and a distal end. The pointer end can be mounted to the bearing plate such that the distal end extends into the first aperture. The gauge includes a light guide that defines a second aperture, and can be coupled to the bearing plate such that the second aperture is aligned with the first aperture and the distal end of the pointer extends into the second aperture. The gauge includes an appliqué fitted over the light guide, and one or more light sources in communication with the light guide to provide light to the light guide for transmission to the pointer and the appliqué.

Abstract: A method and system associate a user control in a user interface with a function of a controllable device by physically locating a self-defining user control which includes identification information at a first predefined location in a user interface, determining the identification information from the self-defining user control by a controller via a first interconnect, and the controller associating the self-defining user control with a predefined function for a controllable device. The method further detects a user input signal via the self-defining user control at the first predefined location; and activates the predefined function for the controllable device. The self-defining user control is one of a button, switch, knob, or any combination thereof, and is locatable at one of a plurality of predefined locations in the user interface.

Abstract: A viewed component of a vehicle instrument cluster includes a dial structure. A printed circuit board is arranged on the dial structure and has an outboard surface. A layer of printed ink is arranged on the outboard surface of the printed circuit board. A series of LEDs are arranged on the outboard surface of the printed circuit board wherein the series of LEDs occupy an outermost layer of the dial structure.

Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly includes a dial face having a pointer assembly for indicating a specific measured perimeter. The pointer assembly includes an inner portion and an outer portion that are selectively and independently illuminated.

Abstract: A display device includes a translucent member having a scale part, a light source disposed at a rear side of the translucent member and a dial plate. The dial plate has a shield part that is located to shield a first portion of the scale part from a visual side so as to be invisible from the visual side when the light source is off. The scale part has a second portion that is a residual portion of the first portion, and the second portion is visible from the visual side when the light source is off. The shield part has a translucency so that the first portion of the scale part is visible through the shield part when the light source is on.

Abstract: A motor and lighting system and method for mounting the motor and lighting system to the instrument cluster are disclosed, wherein the motor and lighting system includes a light source disposed on a rear side of a printed circuit board, the light source in electrical communication with a source of electrical energy and a motor having an aperture formed therein and disposed on the rear side of the printed circuit board, light emitted from the light source passing through the aperture of the motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle display device comprising a display area oriented in a viewing direction, wherein a swiveling indicator rotatable about an axis of rotation is provided in the viewing direction behind the displaying area, a printed circuit board, which is provided with a first lighting device arranged thereon, is positioned in the viewing direction behind the swiveling indicator and a first optical wave guide area enables a first light emitted by the first lighting device to be transmitted to the display area further the swiveling indicator.

Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly includes an outer gauge that is disposed about an inner gauge. The inner gauge is flood lit and the outer gauge is back lit. A single light guide assembly receives light from a plurality of light source exposed about an outer perimeter of the outer gauge. Light directed through the light guide is emitted through a light emitting edge to illuminate the inner gauge. Light traveling from the light source through the light guide is uniformly transmitted through a curved transition portion to back light the outer gauge assembly.

Abstract: In one configuration, a gauge of an instrument cluster may have a base structure with an integrally molded dial structure and a separate, attached dial structure. A transparent area of the base structure may pass light from one side of the base structure to another side. This provides the ability to supply backlighting and floodlighting to the gage structure with just a single LED. The separate dial structure may be translucent to provide floodlighting or to supply light to graduations. Relative to a gauge pointer, inboard indicia in one dial structure denote vehicle speeds, while outboard graduations in another dial structure demark the indicia. The transparent portion of the base structure may be an integrally molded horizontal, angular or vertical portion within the base structure. Multiple levels and angles of the gauge provide a viewed component that is aesthetically pleasing and soothing to a viewer's eyes.

Abstract: A brightness adjustable keyboard illuminating module of an electronic device includes a controlling unit, a voltage regulating unit, and a projection lamp unit. The controlling unit is used for receiving a brightness adjusting command to generate a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal according to the brightness adjusting command. The voltage regulating unit receives the PWM signal and regulates a voltage of an output driving signal according to a duty cycle of the PWM signal. The projection lamp unit receives the driving signal and projects light in response to the voltage of an output driving signal, to the keyboard of the electronic device.

Abstract: A vehicle display having an LCD display that is employed to communicate a first type of vehicle information and a second set of vehicle information in which the information that is to be communicated can include or consist of symbols. A display light guide is employed to distribute light from two light sources to selectively illuminate portions of the display screen of the LCD display. The LCD display can be employed to generate telltale warning indicators. The LCD display provides flexibility in the display of information so that a relatively large quantity of telltale warning indicators can be handled without specifically dedicating a light source, a light tunnel and space on the vehicle display for each telltale warning indicator that may be employed in a vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle instrument cluster comprising an analog indicator assembly having a pointer rotatably coupled to an actuator for a movement by the actuator, and a display assembly including a display screen for displaying information to an occupant of the motor vehicle and a printed circuit board electrically connected to the indicator assembly and the display assembly. In addition, the printed circuit board is electrically connected to an electrical ground and a metal support frame is mounted to the printed circuit board and coupled thereby to the electrical ground. The metal frame includes a support tray spaced apart from the printed circuit board, defining a gap in between. Finally, the display assembly is mounted in thermal communication to the support tray and the frame and the printed circuit board cooperate to define a static discharge path between the display assembly and the electrical ground.

Abstract: In the case of an indicator having an electrooptical display (1), a shutter (2) is arranged in front of the display (1), partially covers the display (1) and has an area which covers the display (1) such that the covered area of the display (1) illuminates the shutter (2), by parts (2a, 2b, 2d, 2f, 2g) of the shutter (2) being designed to be translucent

Abstract: A portable computing device, including a keyboard illumination device and system may include a light emitter housing incorporated into the hinge element of a portable computing device. The light emitter housing may include an aperture and a light emitter and may be configured to illuminate a keyboard while keeping the source of the emitted light hidden from the user and others who may be in the vicinity of the portable computing device. The light emitter, which illuminates the keyboard, may be driven by a different light source than the light source that illuminates a display panel of the portable computing device. It follows that the brightness of the light emitter may be adjusted without having any effect on the brightness of the display panel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a light guide (1) for a control knob, particularly an instrument panel of a vehicle. The knob is fitted with an index (3) free to move in rotation about an axis (A). The light guide (1) will be inserted between a light source (2) and the index (3) and comprises at least one entry surface (4) for light rays emitted by the light source (2), a first exit surface (6) of light rays towards the index (3) and side faces (5) inserted between the entry surface (4) and the first exit surface (6). The light guide comprises first optical means (4, 8, 15, 16) to orient received light rays approximately parallel to the rotation axis (A) of the index (3), and second optical means (5, 22, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20) to focus the previously reoriented light rays towards at least the first exit surface (6).

Abstract: The meter has a back light illuminating with a predetermined color, a display portion disposed in font of the back light and being changeable between a positive mode and a negative mode at a predetermined state, and a reverse control device determining whether an engine of a vehicle is in an initial starting step or the vehicle is in a running state. The control device reverses the display portion in response to a result of the determination. The control device changes the display portion from one of the positive and negative modes to the other at a lower speed when the control device determines that the vehicle engine is in an initial starting step than when the control device determines that the vehicle is in a running state. When the control device determines that the vehicle engine is in an initial starting step, the control device changes the display portion in one of the positive and negative modes from a neutral contrast state.

Abstract: A lighting device including an LED, which is located immediately below a first illumination window, for illuminating not only the first illumination window but also a second illumination window. The lighting device includes a light guide plate for transmitting light from the LED. The light guide plate includes first and second recess groups defined at locations corresponding to the first illumination window. The light guide plate further includes a third recess group defined at a location corresponding to the second illumination window.

Abstract: A security lock, locking system, kit, and personal apparel, such as garments, purses, and luggage that include the security lock. The security lock is a typical combination lock, which includes a body and a locking member in communication with a lock mechanism disposed within the body and a user interface disposed upon or within the body. A battery powered light is disposed proximate to the user interface such that the light illuminates the symbols on the movable members when power is supplied thereto. The system includes a security lock, with or without a light, and an adjustable cable. The kit and apparel include the system and a pouch.

Abstract: An illuminated control for a gas range or the like provides arcuate reflective chambers capped by diffusers to create a substantially continuous glowing circular sector indicating the status of a possibly low visibility gas flames. Line power may be used for direct drive of light emitting diodes illuminating the reflective chambers through the use of discrete series-connected voltage dropping resistors distributed to prevent heat concentration.

Abstract: A flexible light guide including a material having a tensile modulus of about 1 MPa to about 70 MPa, a Tg of about ?5° C. to about 45° C., an absorbance in the visible spectrum of less than about 0.0279 cm?1, a refractive index of about 1.35 to about 1.65, and a thickness of about 50 microns to about 700 microns.

Abstract: An annular light guide is provided. The annular light guide is made of optically transparent material, and is provided with an annular body that is an integrated combination of a light inlet and a light outlet. A light source is disposed in a cavity formed in the light inlet. Illumination light is emitted from the front surface 16c of the light outlet.

Abstract: A liquid filled gauge for measuring, for example, pressure, includes a gauge housing, a lens cap attached to the housing, a gauge diagnostic element contained at least partially within the housing, a dial that includes a translucent portion and a non-translucent portion and an electroluminescent device positioned adjacent the dial for transmitting light through said translucent portion and illuminating said dial. The dial is operatively connected to the gauge diagnostic element. A protective cover may be provided for sealing the electroluminescent device and protecting the electroluminescent device from the liquid which fills the gauge housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to illumination of an instrument for displaying information suitable for use in a vehicle. The invention provides an illumination device for an instrument of a vehicle comprising: a substantially Y shaped light guide having a first leg portion a second leg portion and a third leg portion coupled at a junction; an LED coupled to one end of the first portion of the light guide; and in which the second portion and the third portion have an internal peripheral portion and an external peripheral portion, and the second leg portion and the third leg portion are arranged in operation to illuminate a segment of an instrument and each of the second leg portion and third leg portion have first grooves formed along the internal peripheral portion, and second grooves formed along the second peripheral portion. An instrument comprising such an illumination device is also provided.

Abstract: A gauge has a face plate which includes indicia thereon to indicate specific values of a parameter. A laser system is disposed behind and/or in front of the face plate to project a beam onto the face plate to indicate the value of a parameter. A stepper motor moves the beam based upon the output of a sensor which monitors the parameter.

Abstract: A lighting system (10) for displays, in particular in motor vehicles, comprises: a support (12), at least one first lighting means (14) for punctiform illumination, which is disposed on the support (12), a second lighting means (16) for punctiform illumination, which is disposed on the support (12), and a transparent cover (18), which is arranged at a distance from the support (12) on the side of the support with the first and second lighting means (14, 16), and which has at least one symbol (20) to be illuminated from behind by the first and second lighting means (14).

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).

Abstract: An illumination device includes a control knob having a display portion, a tubular case combined with a back side of the control knob, a light guide plate attached to seal an upper opening of the tubular case, and LEDs disposed at a lower opening of the tubular case. Light emitted from the LEDs is applied to the display portion through the light guide plate. A plurality of retaining projections and a plurality of push-up projections are provided on an inner surface of the tubular case adjacent to the upper opening. An upper surface of an outer edge of the light guide plate is retained by lower ends of the retaining projections, and a lower surface of the outer edge is pushed up by upper ends of the push-up projections so that the light guide plate is held inside the tubular case while being bent upwardly.

Abstract: A reticle illumination system. The novel system includes a fluid material adapted to absorb incident energy and emit fluorescent light to illuminate a target surface, and a first light source for providing the incident energy to pump the fluid material. In an illustrative embodiment, the target surface is a prism surface upon which a reticle is disposed, and the fluid material is a cement or epoxy doped with a fluorescent dye or a suspension of nanodots. The fluorescent cement is applied to the target surface behind the reticle and has an index of refraction matching that of the prism. The system may also include one or more additional light sources that transmit light into the cement and illuminate the reticle either directly or by pumping the fluorescent cement.

Abstract: An instrument cluster generally including a backing material and a plurality of fibers forming indicia that indicate a vehicle parameter. The plurality of fibers is coupled to the backing material. The instrument cluster also includes an illumination device that illuminates at least one of the backing material and the plurality of fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are a waveguide member and a keypad assembly including the same. The waveguide member includes a waveguide for guiding light propagated inside, and at least one recess formed in a direction perpendicular to a direction of guidance of light coupled to the inside of the waveguide so that light guided by the waveguide is reflected to the waveguide. The keypad assembly includes a keypad having at least one key button and an elastic sheet fixing the key button, a waveguide member positioned beneath the keypad, the waveguide member having a waveguide for guiding light coupled to an inside and at least one recess for reflecting light guided by the waveguide to the waveguide, and a switch pad positioned beneath the waveguide member so as to establish an electric contact when the key button is pressed.

Abstract: A key pad assembly includes a printed circuit board, a first elastic layer, a second elastic layer, a light-shielding layer, a keycap group, a light-emitting element and a light-shielding piece. The second elastic layer has a light-guiding plate thereon. The light-guiding plate has a chain-like light-shielding structure. The light-shielding structure is constituted of a plurality of penetrating holes with neighboring ones arranged alternatively and divides the light-guiding plate into two light-guiding sections. When the lights with different colors are introduced from the outside of the two light-guiding sections into the light-guiding plate, and the light of either light-guiding section passes through the light-shielding structure, the intensity of the light passing through the penetrating hole is so reduced that it cannot achieve the other light-guiding section, thereby to avoid the mutual interference and mixing of the lights of the two light-guiding sections.

Abstract: A light guide device is provided. The light guide device of the present invention includes a substrate and a plurality of patterns disposed on a surface of the substrate, wherein a material of the pattern includes an adhesive and a reflective material.

Abstract: A reticle illumination system. The novel system includes a first light source adapted to output light toward a target surface and a material having a predetermined index of refraction disposed between the first light source and the target surface for coupling light from the first light source to the target surface. In an illustrative embodiment, the material is a glue or epoxy having an index of refraction matching that of the target surface, and the target surface is a prism surface upon which a reticle is disposed. The system also includes a second light source adapted to output light into the material such that the light is reflected and scattered off of an exit end of the fiber, and/or off of scattering centers distributed throughout the material, towards the target surface.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting the mold code on the heel of a glass bottle having a vertical axis. A light source is located below the bottle for directing a light beam vertically, coaxially upwardly towards the bottle. An inner conical reflector having an outer conical reflecting surface located between the bottle and the light source and coaxial with the axis of the bottle receives the light beam from the light source and reflects it as a first conical light beam. An outer ring reflector, having an inner conical reflecting surface, receives the first conical light beam and reflects it as a second conical light beam directed at the mold code on the heel of the bottle. The second conical light beam reflects from the mold code and retraces the second conical light path. There is a CCD camera and a beam splitter located between the inner conical reflector and the light source redirects a portion of the light reflected from the inner conical reflecting surface towards the CCD camera to image the mold code.

Abstract: An alphanumeric or shaped image laser display device and method for producing a segment of an alphanumeric display or shaped image comprising a semiconductor light source for producing a beam of light, the semiconductor light source disposed in a user defined pattern within a substrate and an optical element positioned in the path of said beam of light and converting an input beam projected from said semiconductor light source into an output beam projecting to a set of predefined positions that represent a segment of an alphanumeric display or shaped image.

Abstract: An operating device for a household appliance is formed with an aperture, and an operating element is guided through an assembly hole in the aperture. A plurality of light sources in the operating element, indicate the operational state of the household appliance. The information content is increased with the plurality of light sources that indicate at least two mutually different operational states of the household appliance.

Abstract: The present invention is configured so that one light emission source such as a light emitting diode is placed inside an operation knob in front of a light guiding piece or in a bearing of the operation knob. A light beam from the light emission source is emitted to the interior of the operation knob. A reflected indirect light irregularly reflected inside the operation knob is received by the light guiding piece located at a rear surface of the operation knob. The light guiding piece has a transmission and diffusion function. The light is then guided toward an outer periphery to illuminate the rear surface of the operation knob.

Abstract: In one configuration, a gauge of an instrument cluster may have a base structure with an integrally molded dial structure and a separate, attached dial structure. A transparent area of the base structure may pass light from one side of the base structure to another side. This provides the ability to supply backlighting and floodlighting to the gage structure with just a single LED. The separate dial structure may be translucent to provide floodlighting or to supply light to graduations. Relative to a gauge pointer, inboard indicia in one dial structure denote vehicle speeds, while outboard graduations in another dial structure demark the indicia. The transparent portion of the base structure may be an integrally molded horizontal, angular or vertical portion within the base structure. Multiple levels and angles of the gauge provide a viewed component that is aesthetically pleasing and soothing to a viewer's eyes.

Abstract: An instrumental device for a vehicle including two kinds of speed displays with improved discrimination between the two displays. An instrumental device includes: a transparent board; a first speed display, a second speed display and a gear range display, which are printed on the board. A backlight is provided for emitting light onto the board. In the instrumental device, the second speed display is disposed between the first speed display and the gear range display in the radial direction of a dial. In addition, the first speed display and the gear range display are printed on the front side of the board while the second speed display is printed on the back side of the board.

Abstract: A display arrangement for a vehicle has, in particular, a multipurpose instrument or is configured as a multipurpose instrument. The display arrangement includes a first display device to display information concerning operation of the vehicle, a glass with adjustable transparency arranged in front of the first display device, with reference to the viewing direction of the display arrangement, and a second display device to display information concerning operation of the vehicle or additional information concerning operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A display device includes: a display element for showing information as a screen image; and an ornamental member disposed on a display surface of the display element and having a shape corresponding to the screen image. The ornamental member includes a light transparent element and a light nontransparent element. The screen image includes a designed image on a position of the display surface corresponding to the light transparent element. The display element outputs a screen image light from the display surface. The screen image light corresponding to the designed image passes through the light transparent element so that the screen image light is outputted from the ornamental member to the display side.

Abstract: A display with a housing and an indicium that may be selectively back-illuminated. The housing includes a cavity having a first portion and a second portion. A first light source that provides light of one color and a first intensity is disposed in the first portion. A second light source that provides light of another color and a second, higher intensity is disposed in the second portion. The second portion is disposed in-line and encompasses an area that includes the indicium. Operation of only the first light source back-illuminates the indicium with a first color. Operation of the second light source back-illuminates the indicium with a second color regardless of whether the first light source is illuminated or not. A member may be disposed between the first and second portions to aid in controlling the brightness and uniformity with which the indicium is illuminated by the first light source.

Abstract: A lock including an illuminating device which is actuated by the rotation of a lock dial produces an illumination event. The illumination event provides sufficient light on the lock such as to allow easier operation of the lock in areas of inadequate light. The lock may include a piezo device which creates electrical current to light one or more light emitting diodes for a predetermined duration of time.

Abstract: An illuminating keyboard is provided. An illuminating keyboard includes a key module, a light guide plate, and a light source. The key module includes one or more keys. The light guide plate is disposed beneath the key module and includes a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings is formed outside any area directly beneath the one or more keys. The light source is disposed adjacent to the light guide plate.

Abstract: An illuminated push button, an illuminated instrument cluster for a conveyance, and a lighting system for a conveyance are discussed. The push button can include a light sheet mounted on a base portion, such that light from the LED chips in the light sheet travels away from the base portion. The illuminated instrument cluster can include a lens mask assembly; an appliqué disposed behind the lens mask assembly with translucent graphical information and optically transmissive diffusion material, a housing, a light sheet, and a printed circuit board configured to address and drive the light sheet material. The light active sheet material is mounted behind the appliqué, such that light from the LED chips travels through the graphical information of the appliqué. The lighting system includes a light sheet; and an adhesive disposed on the light sheet. The light active sheet material is formed as lighting for a conveyance.

Abstract: An indicator device includes a lamp and a light conduct post seat. The lamp includes a body for radiating light and a flange. The light conduct post seat includes a light conduct post formed on one side of the light conduct post seat, and a plurality of hooks formed on an opposite side of the light conduct post seat corresponding to the light conduct post. The flange of the lamp is clasped by the plurality of hooks to secure the lamp onto the light conduct post seat with the body of the lamp being received in a space surrounded by the plurality of hooks and a distal end of the body being aligned with the light conduct post.

Abstract: An instrument gage assembly includes an applique and at least one gage mechanism mounted to a rear surface of the applique. Each gage mechanism including a pointer shaft extending through the applique and projecting outward from a front surface of the applique. A gage pointer is mounted onto each pointer shaft adjacent the front surface of the applique, and the front surface of the applique includes graphics printed thereon. A plurality of lights are mounted behind the applique to illuminate the graphics printed on the applique, and a one-piece lens is positioned at a distance from the applique with the gage pointer being positioned between the front surface of the applique and the lens. The lens includes a lens body having functional graphics molded therein to compliment the functionality of the gage and adapted to be visible when the lights behind the applique are not on.

Abstract: A gauge having a housing, a light source disposed in the housing, a bezel, a display and a pointer. The display is coupled to the housing and includes a display surface that is visible through an opening in the bezel. The display is spaced rearwardly of the bezel to define a light transmitting aperture. The pointer is movably mounted to the housing and includes a pointer end that is disposed on a side of the bezel opposite the light transmitting aperture. A first portion of the light produced by the light source can be employed to back-illuminate the display surface, while a second portion of the light produced by the light source can be collected by the pointer and employed to illuminate the pointer end.