Abstract: An illuminated knob for indicating the operative condition of an appliance having a light operatively coupled to the knob, an attitude sensing electrical switch, and a compartment for a replaceable voltage source. Operating independently of the appliance energy source, the light illuminates when the knob is rotated to a position corresponding to an “on” condition of the appliance, signaling the operative status of the appliance to the user. The light goes off when the knob is turned to the “off” position, indicating the safe and inoperative condition of the appliance. The knob requires no activation other than installation of the front surface mounted battery and all parts are sealed within the knob housing for reliability and safety.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel application of a semiconductor light emitting element or light emitting chip preferably disposed on the underside surface of a clear or translucent substrate. In addition connecting wires leading from said element to the perimeter of the substrate connecting to contact pads leading to a circuit board. The conductors are deposited on the substrate using thin film technology. Preferably the light emitting element is packaged in a flip chip having connecting bumps only on one side.

Abstract: A UV emitter is incorporated into a variety of different illumination devices suitable for illuminating indicia associated with dials on watches, gauges and other instruments, as well as ornaments. The indicia is made of a material responsive to UV emissions to render the indicia visible. The devices may be used in motor vehicles and other devices. In addition, a conductor arrangement is also provided that can be used to support the UV emitter under the transparent cover of watches or gauges, with the UV emitter oriented to direct the UV emissions toward the indicia. Embodiments are presented for UV emitters on top of dials with indicia, laterally from the dials, or even under the dials.

Abstract: An illuminated electric part includes a manipulating shaft which is rotatable and is stable at least at two points. The manipulating shaft is light-transmissive and includes a pictograph portion which is illuminated at a top portion thereof. The illuminated electric part includes a light emitting element which is arranged at a side of the manipulating shaft. The manipulating shaft includes side faces which constitute light incident faces in directions orthogonal to an optical path from the light emitting element at respective stable points and, at the same time, includes a conical light reflecting face having a downwardly extending top at a side opposite to the incident faces.

Abstract: A method of facilitating opening a lock having a keyhole is disclosed. Most generally the method comprises the steps of providing an illuminant plastic keyhole marker which radiates light after prolonged exposure to light; and, attaching the illuminant plastic marker adjacent to the keyhole of the lock. Then, in reduced lighting conditions the plastic marker will emit light energy to direct a user to the location of the key hole. In a preferred aspect of this apparatus the additional step of providing a cut-out from an inner opening of the plastic keyhole marker is provided to the user for attachment to the key of the lock. This enables the user to readily identify in the dark which of several keys is the correct key for the lock.

Abstract: A display device is adapted to be mounted on an instrument board, and includes a display unit and a light source. The display unit includes a plate and an indicator pattern provided on the plate. The pattern has a photoluminescent layer applied to the surface thereof. The plate is made of a composite material which is composed of a resinous material and a woven fabric reinforcing the resinous material. The light source is mounted on the instrument board for illuminating the display unit.

Abstract: A graduation board has an arc-shaped graduation portion and translucent graduations disposed along the graduation portion. A light emitting pointer is disposed on a front side of the graduation board and moves along the graduations. A plurality of LEDs that are disposed on a reverse side of the graduation board emits respective graduations. A control circuit controls an emission order of the LEDs according to the movement of the light emitting pointer when a key switch of the vehicle is turned on. As a result, the combination meter provides attractiveness and originality for the driver, when the key switch turns on.

Abstract: An apparatus includes indicating instruments with slim profiles. The indicating instrument comprises a meter movement and a circuit board. The main body of the meter movement is situated in an aperture in the circuit board. With this placement, the front end of the body of the meter movement extends a distance in front of the circuit board and the back end of the meter movement body extends a distance behind the circuit board. Through appropriate selection and arrangement of any components on the circuit board, the circuit board can be constructed such that none of its components extend beyond the distance that the meter movement extends on either side of the circuit board. In this manner the space needed for the meter movement and the circuit board and its components collapses into the same area. A light plate may be added to the circuit board and meter movement. The light plate provides a structural framework for the indicating instrument.

Abstract: A key input device includes a key input section, mode switching section, key backlight, and key backlight lighting control section. The key input section inputs characters by key input in a plurality of character input modes. The mode switching section switches a plurality of character input modes. The key backlight is placed on a lower surface of the key input section and is lighted in a plurality of colors. The key backlight lighting control section changes the lighting color of the key backlight in accordance with switching of character input modes. A cell phone is also disclosed.

Abstract: For a rotary switch (7) fastened on a dividing wall (1), it is proposed to illuminate the adjusting knob (4) by means of transmitted light by providing as a light guide (20) a conical ring (28) formed with continuations (29, 30, 31) formed on in the axial direction, the continuations (29, 30, 31) reaching through the dividing wall (1) and being aligned with light-emitting diodes (8, 9), which are located on a printed-circuit board (6) assigned to the rotary switch (7). The light guide (20) is fastened on the dividing wall (1) indirectly by fastening the housing (3) and is secured against twisting by suitable indentations (47, 48, 49) in the dividing wall (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of perforating the cover layer or soft skin of an automotive trim panel such as an instrument panel with a laser to allow light to bleed through the perforations. The light source would preferably be a low heat generating or “cool” type source such as an LED. The light source would be attached to a suitable substrate or incorporated in to a flexible printed circuit and coupled to the vehicle electrical system. This method would enable fill switch integration to a trim panel and provide a seamless styling opportunity regarding the electrical controls. This method would help reduce cost and weight, improve quality, and promote new seamless styling theme.

Abstract: A pedometer including a pedometer body having a measuring mechanism that makes a measurement of a number of steps walked and a display that shows the measurement result; an illumination lamp and a battery installed in the pedometer body; a window provided in the pedometer body so as to allow the light of the illumination lamp to illuminate the outside of the pedometer body; and a power switch provided on the pedometer body and operable from the outside so as to turn on and off the illumination lamp.

Abstract: A vehicle display assembly includes a display board, a light source for illuminating the display board, a plurality of buttons, and a grounding frame and housing which are both configured to allow light from the light source to illuminate the plurality of buttons. Using the same light source to illuminate both the display board and the buttons eliminates the need for separate button lighting, simplifying the assembly and reducing the assembly's operating temperature.

Abstract: An automotive display panel having a plurality of clear plastic substrates, wherein color-printed inks or foils are imprinted on the substrates. Each plastic substrate includes digits and identifying marks in selected areas. After creating a metallic-looking finish on the substrates, finely configured lines, such as concentric circles or radial lines, are printed on the color-tinted layer to create a desired appearance. Thereafter,,when the printing is completed, the substrates may be formed in multi-level configurations for providing a three-dimensional appearance. Backlighting is also provided to illuminate the selected areas of the substrates.

Abstract: An instrument panel includes a housing having an open end, an instrument body having a dial and arranged within the housing, a red light-emitting diode mounted on the dial, a green light-emitting diode mounted on the dial, a blue light-emitting diode mounted on the dial, a control means fitted within the housing and electrically connected with the red, green and blue light emitting diodes for selectively controlling the light emitting diodes to give light, and a cover mounted on the open end of the housing for keeping the instrument body within the housing, whereby the instrument panel can emit lights with different colors as desired.

Abstract: A gauge with a light-transmitting dial plate having a front surface with indicia for a variable represented by the dial, at least one light source spaced rearwardly from the rear surface of the dial plate for illuminating the dial plate, and a light-transmitting pointer mounted for rotational movement about an axis normal to the dial plate. The pointer has a hub concentric with the axis, extending through the dial plate and projecting both forwardly and rearwardly from the plate, and an indicator projecting laterally from the hub across a portion of the front surface of the dial plate. The portion of the hub extending rearwardly of the dial plate is shaped to capture light directly from the light source so that light enters the hub and propagates forwardly through the hub, and then laterally from the hub into the indicator to illuminate the indicator.

Abstract: An illumination system for a keypad of a security system communication unit is disclosed in which LED's are embedded in a light dispersing medium around the peripheral edge of the keypad in a plane offset and adjacent to the plane of the keypad so that the light from the LED's is dispersed across the keypad in an even fashion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a backlight assembly and an LCD apparatus having uniform brightness and low power consumption. The backlight assembly has a plurality of lamps for providing light to the LCD panel. Each of the plurality of lamps has two or more sub-lamps connected to each other in series. The backlight assembly has a brightness control unit disposed between the sub-lamps to reduce a brightness difference.

Abstract: A display device having an indicator interposed between two light controlling elements. The light controlling elements act in cooperation to restrict the viewing angle of the display in at least two directions. Only one of the light collimating elements restricts the angle of ambient light entering the display.

Abstract: A method for checking a ring optical network line for data transmission between a plurality of network subscribers in a motor vehicle, wherein one network subscribers carries out a master function, wherein, apart from the optical network line, there is a further communication line which has a star structure. The network subscribers having the master function is arranged in the centre of the star structure and is connected directly via the communication line to every other network subscribers. The optical network line is checked by the network subscriber having the master function outputting a start signal to the individual network subscribers. The individual network subscribers acknowledge the start signal for the network subscribers the master function via the communication line. After the start signal, the network subscriber having the master function outputs an initialization signal via the optical network line.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument, especially in a motor vehicle, having a cover glass (4) that appears dark and, under incident light, prevents any view of a dial (3) arranged at a distance behind it, and having at least one light source (8) arranged behind the dial (3) to transilluminate said dial (3) and therefore render the dial (3) visible through the cover glass (4). In order to prevent the dial (3) becoming visible when there is only incident light, the transmission of the dial (3) is matched to the transmission of the cover glass (4). To this end, in particular, the dial (3) is provided with a low transmission.

Abstract: A gauge with a light-transmitting dial plate having a front surface with indicia for a variable represented by the dial, at least one light source spaced rearwardly from the rear surface of the dial plate for illuminating the dial plate, and a light-transmitting pointer mounted for rotational movement about an axis normal to the dial plate. The pointer has a hub concentric with the axis, extending through the dial plate and projecting both forwardly and rearwardly from the plate, and an indicator projecting laterally from the hub across a portion of the front surface of the dial plate. The portion of the hub extending rearwardly of the dial plate is shaped to capture light directly from the light source so that light enters the hub and propagates forwardly through the hub, and then laterally from the hub into the indicator to illuminate the indicator.

Abstract: An indicating instrument has a pointer (1) driven by a measuring mechanism by a pointer spindle (3). The pointer has a region (10) on the pointer hub side which in cross section has the form of an H. This H is formed by a horizontal bar (20) and two outer bars (21, 22). Ribs (23, 24) extending in zigzag form above and below the horizontal bar (20) increase the rigidity of the region (10) on the pointer hub side.

Abstract: In a pointer instrument, a LED (7) is arranged in such a way that light can pass from it into a free end face (5) of a pointer shaft (2) which is embodied as a light guide. For this purpose, a printed circuit board (4) on which the LED (7) is fitted has an opening (6) which is flush with the end face (5) of the pointer shaft (2) and into which the LED (7) projects, at least partially.

Abstract: A combination instrument (1) for displaying measured values and/or other information, having a flexible printed circuit (2) on which electrical and/or electronic components (9, 10, 13) are arranged, and with parts of the flexible printed circuit (2) being clamped in between a rear face cover (4) and a front face cover (3), with the rear face cover (4) to be made of metallic material.

Abstract: A light illuminating type switch with a good click rate and having a desired click characteristic near to that of a single member of a metal dome. Fixed contacts 7a are provided on a base sheet 7. On an upper side of the base sheet 7, a dome shaped movable contact 8 capable of electrically connecting the fixed contacts 7a on the base sheet by being elastically deformed is arranged. The surface of the dome shaped movable contact 8 is attached with a flexible EL sheet E by using adhering agents 9a and 9b via an insulating member 6 over a peripheral portion of the dome shaped movable contact 8. The EL sheet E is formed with cut portions 10 partially at positions along an outer peripheral edge of the dome shaped movable contact 8. At least a pair of the cut portions 10 are formed at symmetrical positions centering on the movable contact 8.

Abstract: A portable computer system includes an illuminated keyboard. The computer system has an enclosure including a base and a cover pivotally attached to the base. The keyboard subassembly is mounted in the base. The keyboard subassembly includes a plurality of key mechanisms mounted on a first side thereof. A light panel having a plurality of openings formed therethrough in a pattern generally corresponding to the plurality of key mechanisms is provided. The light panel is mounted adjacent the first side of the keyboard subassembly with each one of the key mechanisms extending through a respective opening in the light panel. A key cap is mounted on each one of the key mechanisms. In one embodiment, each key cap includes a body formed of a non-opaque material having an opaque character indicia portion formed thereon. Light is transmitted through body such that the character indicia portion may be viewed in low light conditions.

Abstract: A light conducting body has a generally conical through bore defined therein. The conical through bore includes a front bore part defined by a sloped surface and a rear bore part defined by a concave surface. A light conducting dial board is installed in the conical through bore with its front face facing forward and positioned in the vicinity of the junction portion between the front and rear bore parts. The dial board has a peripheral edge separated from the inner wall surface of the conical through bore thereby to define therebetween a circumferentially extending space. A light conducting supporting plate is attached to a rear surface of the dial board. The supporting plate is formed with a light transmitting portion which extends rearward and has an rear end intimately received in a recess formed in the rear end of the light conducting body. A plurality of light sources are positioned behind the rear end of the light conducting body.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for illuminating keypad-type input devices, utilizing a light source, such as an LED, and transmitting the output of the light source to individual input loci via a fiber optic light guide.

Abstract: The present invention accurately detects the illumination on the surface of an instrument panel, to thereby enable an easy view of the instruments. A meter unit includes an instrument panel in which a speedometer and other instruments are arranged, and an information display panel for displaying various information by characters and other graphic symbols. The instrument panel has a translucent dial, on the back side of which illuminating lamps are installed. A light sensor is located in the speedometer adjacent to indicators which display various kinds of information. Since the actual illumination on the instrument panel can be accurately detected in accordance with a result of detection by the light sensor, the luminance of the illuminating lamp can be controlled on the basis of the result of the detection, to thereby provide proper illumination for the rider's easy view of the instruments.

Abstract: A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, including: selection apparatus to select a color scheme for individual gage area components of the vehicle instrument cluster; illumination apparatus to illuminate the individual gage area components in accordance with selections made by the selection apparatus; and control apparatus operatively connected to the selection apparatus and to the illumination apparatus to receive the selections made by the selection apparatus and to furnish instructions to the illumination apparatus.

Abstract: An indicator dial preferably for a cooktop intensity indicator includes a base portion having an indicator, a shutter rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion, and an actuator rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion wherein at least one of the actuator and the shutter are rotatable between a retracted position exposing the indicator and an extended position at least partially covering the indicator.

Abstract: For an arrangement for illuminating a display device with a dial 1, the rear side of the dial 1 being opaque over its entire surface area with the exception of a transmitted-light region 2 and this transmitted-light region 2 serving for the forming of a scale, there is on the rear side of the dial 1 a reflector shell 3, the shaping of which is such that the light radiated from a light-emitting diode 4 against a reflector wall 5 is diffusely distributed over the transmitted-light region 2 of the dial 1.

Abstract: A scale with a holographic projector includes a weight measurement device and a holographic projector coupled to the weight measurement device. Activation of the weight measurement device activates the holographic projector that then projects in mid-air a holographic image indicative of a weight of an object being measured. Optionally, the scale may include a display coupled to the weight measurement device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a small computing device. In one arrangement, the device comprises an internal computer, a power source, and a light source that is adapted to emit light out from the small computing device to illuminate surroundings in which the small computing device is used.

Abstract: An instrument panel includes a housing having an open end, an instrument body having a dial and arranged within the housing, a red light-emitting diode mounted on the dial, a green light-emitting diode mounted on the dial, a blue light-emitting diode mounted on the dial, a control means fitted within the housing and electrically connected with the red, green and blue light emitting diodes for selectively controlling the light emitting diodes to give light, and a cover mounted on the open end of the housing for keeping the instrument body within the housing, whereby the instrument panel can emit lights with different colors as desired.

Abstract: A thin panel lit cluster including a graphics appliqué with a first and second side and at least one opaque section and one translucent section. A light-carrying panel with a first and second side is positioned such that the first side is adjacent to the second side of the graphics appliqué. The light-carrying panel has at least one opening defined in it and at least one light source is positioned to align with the opening. Opposite the light source, the light-carrying panel has a first light-redirecting area nearest its first side. In another position on the light-carrying panel, there is a second light-redirecting area nearest the second side of the light-carrying panel and opposite a translucent section of the graphics appliqué.

Abstract: A system for providing electronic jewelry and telling the time of day includes binary display beads (105, 110) or segmented display beads (600, 700) arranged on a necklace or bracelet. In one embodiment, binary display beads successively indicate passage of hours of the day. In another embodiment, segmented display beads indicate the exact time in either moving band format or bar-graph format. A power source and timekeeping circuitry (not shown) are concealed within non-display beads (120, 122) or within the display beads.

Abstract: A dial for timepiece is provided which includes a decoration member having a through hole, and a luminescent member disposed under the decoration member. A first surface processed layer is provided on an upper surface of the decoration member, and a second surface processed layer having a light-transmissive property is provided on an upper surface of the luminescent member. When the luminescent member is turned on, light emitted from the luminescent member is transmitted through the second surface processed layer and passes through the through hole of the decoration member. Because the transmitted light illuminates the upper surface side of the decoration member partially in accordance with the through hole, the dial is visible even in a dark place. In addition, decoration effects can be achieved by both the first surface processed layer and the second surface processed layer in accordance with the through hole.

Abstract: In a pointer instrument (1) having a pointer shaft (12) that deflects a pointer flag (10), the pointer flag (10) can be illuminated by means of a light source (14). For this purpose, the light source (14) is formed, for example, as a light-emitting polymer (13), which is applied between the pointer flag (10), which is formed at the same time as an electrode, and a further, transparent electrode (15), and emits light of any desired coloration under appropriate electrical excitation. The pointer flag (10) can assume any desired shape as the result of using such a light source (14) that can be shaped. In particular, multiple curvatures can be represented without differences in brightness occurring in this case.

Abstract: A reflector for backlighting an indicating instrument has two groups of flutes arranged for evenly distributing light and reducing bright spots. A plate has a recessed portion for receiving the indicating instrument and a semi-bowl-shaped compartment extending away from the plate and opening to the indicating instrument. The compartment has a base with a central projection formed by parabolic flutes and a semi-circular wall connecting the base with the recessed portion of the plate. The semi-circular wall has an inner surface facing the parabolic flutes. The inner surface has flutes extending in a radial direction from the base. Two apertures are positioned in the compartment across a boundary between the base and semi-circular wall. The apertures each receive a light emitting diode mounted on a printed circuit board when the board is assembled on the reflector. The parabolic flutes distribute the light from the light emitting diodes to evenly backlight the indicating instrument.

Abstract: A vehicle display lighting device the lighting device includes a light emitting assembly arranged along the outer circumference of the display dial in front of the front surface. The light emitting assembly directs lights across at least the front surface of the display dial. The lighting device also includes a control assembly for controlling the operation of the light emitting assembly. The light emitting assembly may one or more light sources for emitting light, and a transmitting assembly for radiating the light from the light source across at least the front surface of the display dial.

Abstract: A UV emitter is incorporated into a variety of different illumination devices suitable for illuminating indicia associated with dials on watches, gauges and other instruments, as well as ornaments. The indicia is made of a material responsive to UV emissions to render the indicia visible. The devices may be used in motor vehicles and other devices. In addition, a conductor arrangement is also provided that can be used to support the UV emitter under the transparent cover of watches or gauges, with the UV emitter oriented to direct the UV emissions toward the indicia. Embodiments are presented for UV emitters on top of dials with indicia, laterally from the dials, or even under the dials.

Abstract: Peripheral lighting device for the scale of a dial (11) of an apparatus of small dimensions including a case (1) in which are housed a movement (14) driving at least one hand (12a, 12b, 12c) with respect to the scale, a power source (6) and an electronic circuit (15) able to supply a pulsed voltage, said case being closed by crystal (4) extended on the dial side by an annular extension forming a flange (17), characterized in that a circular recess (19) is provided inside the base (18) of the flange (17) to accommodate on the one hand, an electroluminescent ring (20) formed of a strip having a border (21) extending beyond the base and a connecting lug (22), and on the other hand a ring (30) made of translucent plastic material forced into the annular recess (19) to hold the electroluminescent ring (20) at the bottom thereof.

Abstract: An illuminated combination pad lock that illuminates in response to pressing in the combination dial or raising the shackle although still in the locked position. The illumination ceases in response to release of the combination dial or the shackle.

Abstract: A light pipe illuminator 1 comprises a looped light pipe 3 defining an endless light path, the looped light path 3 including a substantially planar front surface 5 and a faceted back surface 7 comprising a series of angled facets 9 arranged about the loop and arranged to reflect light towards and through the planar front surface 5, and a light input port 11, 13 through which light is fed into the light pipe 3 substantially along the light path, the walls 15, 17 of the light pipe 3 arranged such that light entering the light pipe 3 travels about the loop such that the loop is illuminated through the front surface 5.

Abstract: A molded knob of the type having a knob with a socket located in the knob which socket slips over the end of an irregularly shaped shaft and has fingers which frictionally engage the outer surface of the shaft. The hub has an inner portion surrounded by and separated from the outer portion by a slot with the shaft gripping fingers formed on the inner portion. Complementary meshing ribs and notches are formed in the peripheral walls of the inner and outer core and these ribs and notches engage each other upon rotation of the inner hub portion relative to the outer hub portion to transfer torque forces therebetween.

Abstract: A keyboard is provided having illuminating keys. The keyboard includes a light channeling membrane and key members constructed at least partially of translucent material so that light produced from a light source is channeled upwardly to the upper surfaces of the key members. The light source may include LED or LEC systems in adjoining relationship to the light channeling membrane. However, in a preferred embodiment, the light source is constructed of a substantially planar illuminescent sheet which underlies the light channeling membrane.

Abstract: An illuminated combination pad lock that illuminates in response to pressing in the combination dial or raising the shackle although still in the locked position. The illumination ceases in response to release of the combination dial or the shackle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an illuminating apparatus capable of carrying out an illumination operation excellently by guiding the light from light sources to an illuminating member efficiently, and having a low price. The illuminating apparatus is provided with a pointer 2 adapted to be turned around a rotary shaft 1, a dial 3 positioned on a rear side of the pointer 2 and constituting a display member to be transmission illuminated, light-emitting diodes 6 positioned on a rear side of the dial 3 and in the vicinity of the rotary shaft 1 and constituting light sources for illuminating index portions 13 of the dial 3, a case 20 positioned on the rear side of the dial 3 and constituting a reflector provided with a reflecting portion 30, and a light guide member 19 positioned on the rear side of the dial 3 and adapted to guide the light from the light-emitting diodes 6 to the rear side of the dial 3.