Abstract: An article (10) comprises a transparent material (42) having interior and exterior surfaces (44 and 46). A coating of paint (48) is applied to the exterior surface (46) of the transparent material (42). Indicia (12) are formed in the coating of paint (48) by a plurality of interrelated line segments (50). Each line segment (50) of the plurality of line segments (50) extends parallel to each other line segment (50). The article (10) further comprises a light source (40) actuatable for directing light against the interior surface (44) of the transparent material (42) and through the line segments (50) to illuminate the indicia (12). The indicia (12) are discernible from the coating of paint (48) when illuminated by the light source (40) and are indiscernible from the coating of paint (48) when not illuminated.

Abstract: In a display unit (1), an approximately annular optical conductor (6) rises helically from a set back plane up to a dial (2). At the same time, the cross-sectional surface of the optical conductor (6) decreases from a section (8) inclined toward a light source (7) shining into the optical conductor (6) to a section (9) inclined toward the dial (2). As a result, the light beams strike the boundary surfaces of the optical conductor (6) at an angle which becomes steeper and steeper, so that an increasing portion of the relayed light is coupled out of the optical conductor (6) and thus also ensures an adequate brightness at the section (9) inclined away from the light source (7). At the same time, differences in brightness are evened out so that even scratches and soiling of the optical conductor (6) are invisible to a viewer.

Abstract: Solid optical guide (10) with microprisms (20) of refractive index n, for uniformly illuminating a surface (4) in grazing incidence at an angle &thgr;1 in which a plane angle &dgr; of the cross-section develops with respect to the surface (4) a substantially perpendicular face (15) and a substantially parallel face (14), in which microprisms (20) are structured in hollows, one facet (21) of said microprisms oriented towards the face (15) has its edge (22) formed with the parallel face (14) inclined at an angle {right arrow over (&agr;)} with respect to the axis of the guide and its edge (23) formed with the perpendicular face (15) inclined at an angle {right arrow over (&ggr;)} with respect to the perpendicular to the surface to be illuminated, the values {right arrow over (&agr;)} and {right arrow over (&ggr;)} being determined from characteristics n, &thgr;1 and &dgr; of the guide.

Abstract: An elastomeric mat is formed by extruding transparent or translucent elastomeric material. Columns made of the same material guide light from an LED source directly to a light port on top of the column, and diffuse the light substantially throughout the column. A coating of opaque material is used to surround the length of the columns to prevent leakage of light. When mounted adjacent to a front panel, off-axis performance is substantially increased over the prior art by, in effect, bringing the light-emitting source adjacent to a clear port of the front panel. The columns of translucent or transparent elastomeric material function as light pipes, and are formed when making the eleastomeric mat. The columns may be cylindrical or rectangular. Either a rectangular or a cylindrical column of translucent or transparent elastomeric material can convey light to illuminate a legend printed directly on top of the column.

Abstract: The invention is directed to industrial diagnostic gauges that are utilized in industrial applications. Examples include pressure and temperature gauges utilized in petrochemical plants. The industrial diagnostic gauges include luminescent materials and reflective materials to facilitate accurate reading of the industrial diagnostic gauges in low and no light conditions from distances greater than 4 feet. Broadly, the industrial diagnostic gauges include a housing, a diagnostic member, a face having at least one marking, at least one hand operatively associated with the diagnostic member, a clear window and a retaining ring. The face preferably includes at least one luminescent material and the at least one marking and the at least one hand each include at least one reflective material. Methods of reading industrial diagnostic gauges and methods of manufacturing industrial diagnostic gauges are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a peripheral backlighting system for keyboards are shown and described, which include one or more light-emitting panels exterior to the keyswitches of the keyboard. The panels are preferably electroluminescent material and surround at least two sides, and preferably all sides, of the stem of a keyswitch or the space in which the stem slides up and down during use. Alternatively, the electroluminescent panel(s) may extend substantially continuously between and underneath a plurality of keyswitches. The panels extend closely adjacent to the stem or stem path, or under the keyswitch, to be as far under the key cap as possible without extending into the stem or cap of the keyswitch. The EL panels are preferably powered by the computer keyboard port, via voltage inverters. Preferably, the keyswitch is translucent or partially translucent, and the base plate over the EL panels, if any, is at least partially translucent or transparent.

Abstract: The invention proposes a supplementary appliance (3) in order to produce an illuminated reticle (5) for telescopic sights (1), which can be fitted as required to different telescopic sights (1), to be precise to their objective end (2), and allows the user to aim at his target reliably even in twilight or moonlight. An inner ring (12) is mounted such that it can be adjusted centrally in an annular cage (9) which can be pushed onto the objective side (2) of a telescopic sight (1), and the light from a point light source (19) is directed onto a lens (20) which is held on the center axis of the inner ring (12). The diameter of the light beam which emerges from the light source is limited by optical means (21, 29) at the object-side focal point of the lens (20), and the light beams which leave the lens (20) are directed onto the aiming point (7) in the reticle (5) or crosswires (6) of the telescopic sight (1).

Abstract: Wall lamp structure with projective clocks including a seat body and a projecting unit connected with the seat body by a connecting member and right positioned above the front face of the seat body. A timer is disposed on the seat body. The projecting unit is a shade body. A light emitter is disposed in the projecting unit, facing the front face of the seat body. A mark member having marks is fitted around the light emitter. The light emitter projects light beam onto the mark member and the indicators of the timer to show the shades thereof on the wall face to form a magnified shade-type clock.

Abstract: A lightable indicator scale device is created, in particular, for a combination instrument in a motor vehicle, and has a dial which has a first lightable indicator scale in a first area, a second lightable indicator scale in a second area and a third lightable indicator scale in a third area; a first light source device for lighting the first lightable indicator scale and the third lightable indicator scale; a second light source device for lighting the second lightable indicator scale; and a light guide device arranged between the first and second light source devices, on the one hand, and the dial, on the other hand, designed such that it guides light beams of the first light source device to the first area and to the third area; it prevents light beams of the first light source device from reaching the second lightable indicator scale directly; it guides the light beams directed at the third area through the second area, without light scattering into the second lightable indicator scale; and it guide light

Abstract: A hidden rib for the reflector of an LED display is disclosed, wherein a hollowed optic displaying section is formed in a reflector. The hollowed optic displaying section is connected by a hidden rib, the rib is installed at a plane lower than a surface of the reflector. The hollowed optic displaying section on the reflector can be filled with diffusion agent (or adhered with diffusion film on the reflector) so that the surface of the reflector is formed as a flat smooth plane. When light from the light emitting diode radiates out through the optic displaying section and the epoxy. The light can be diverged to the whole optic displaying section so that the continuous text or pattern optic displaying section does not be interrupted for presenting a beautiful appearance and a clear text or pattern.

Abstract: A dial for an indicating instrument, in particular in a motor vehicle, is described in the application. This dial comprises an optically conducting basic body whose outside is shaped as a two-stage cone. Except for light passages (10) forming symbols, the outside is covered by an opaque layer (9), the light, which has previously been coupled into the basic body (2), exiting there. The special feature consists in that the basic body (2) is produced by injection molding, and this permits the production of a non-planar outer surface, the opaque layer (9) itself being produced on the outer surface.

Abstract: The key comprises a raised pressure and command part (1), carrying at least one character label, and means of illuminating the character label. The means of illumination comprise a light-emitting illumination layer (10) located in the base of the raised pressure and command part (1) and extended laterally either by electrical contacts or by electrical connection tracks (12, 13). To manufacture the key, the illumination layer is put in place after having printed the character by serigraphy onto a film which has been stamped out. The invention is used in the production of keypads.

Abstract: A thin panel lit cluster including a graphics appliquéwith 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: In a portable computer, an LED holder is provided in the upper portion of an LCD and an LED is attached inside the LED holder. Light emitted from the LED passes through an aperture provided in the bottom portion of the LED holder and illuminates a keyboard. Furthermore, switching on or off the LED is manually performed by a switch installed in the portable computer and is also controlled from a utility program, etc., by a switching controller circuit installed inside a main body.

Abstract: A combination instrument for a motor vehicle, having a front frame and a display panel and a plurality of display instruments and warning lights which are arranged on a printed circuit board and are provided for displaying information on the display panel. The front frame is produced integrally with light shafts which lead from the warning lights to the display panel. In the region of the warning lights, the display panel is formed by a diaphragm screen which is adhesively bonded to the front frame and is produced as a film. The light shafts simultaneously serve as spacers for the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A control and signaling unit or a signaling unit having a light-emitting element, made up of a front element and a mounting adapter for locking the functional elements into place. This is achieved in that only one light-emitting diode having a diode crown and connecting wires are integrated in the functional element, the diode crown being embedded and retained in a receptacle, the light-emitting diode having an angle of radiation of 30-45°. The light-emitting diode has a luminosity of at least 0.5 candela, and an electronic circuit is arranged on circuit conductors, secured to the inner housing wall of a housing half and applied using a foil heat-embossing process.

Abstract: A lighting device for momentarily providing light to an appliance to which it is mounted. The lighting device has a nonconductive base structure adapted to be mounted onto the appliance or to be incorporated into the appliance or other appliance engaging structure. The base structure has a cavity, a retaining slot and apertures into which a battery, a light bulb and a conductive connector structure are placed. The conductive connector structure has a switch which extends from the base structure and through the exterior cover. The cover is constructed to receive the base structure and has a forwardly extending hood which is adapted to direct light to the appliance. Various mounting structures are provided for attaching the lighting device to an appliance or other objects.

Abstract: A display device is created in particular for a combination instrument of a motor vehicle and has an electro-optic display device; at least one scale device for at least one analog display device which is arranged adjacent to the electro-optic display device, with one section of the scale device covering at least one section (10a; 10b) of the electro-optic display device; and a luminous layer applied to the scale device by which the section of the scale device covering the electro-optic display device as well as the remainder of the scale device can each be lighted at least in part. In this way, space can be saved between the electro-optic display device and the scale device and an esthetic transition is achieved in terms of illumination.

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: 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: An illuminated switch member assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes an applique coupled to a faceplate and substantially parallel to a circuit board such that a first light channel is defined. The assembly also includes a switch member casing coupled to the faceplate such that a second light channel is defined by the walls of the casing. And, an actuator is connected to the circuit board through a contact mechanism and to the button member casing. The assembly further includes a light filter attached to the applique and disposed between the faceplate and the circuit board such that the light filter substantially divides the first light channel from the second light channel. Furthermore, a light source is disposed within the first light channel and emanates a light. Upon activation of the assembly, the light emanates from the light source and through the first light channel and the light filter.

Abstract: A planar light emitting device has a planar light emitter. It has a layered structure composed of a transparent body and a semi-transparent body. The transparent body is made of a transparent synthetic resin containing no light scattering material. The semi-transparent body is made of a semi-transparent synthetic resin containing a light scattering material. The transparent body and the semi-transparent body are joined to form a diffusion layer therebetween. An LED array is disposed at one side of the planar light emitter. The diffusion layer has a sea-islands structure. An island resin has a dimension of 0.1 to 50 microns. The light entering the island resin attenuates therein without reflecting at once due to its complicated shape. Namely, the light entering the diffusion layer generates uniform brightness.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument (1) with a translucent dial (8), an illuminated pointer (4) is arranged, out of the viewing direction of a viewer, behind the dial (8) on its rear, inner side (7). The surface of the outer side and/or of the inner side of the dial is reflection-reducing so as to enable the dial to serve the function of a covering glass.

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: Light emitting panel assemblies include in one form of the invention a light emitting panel member made of a transparent resiliently deformable elastomeric material that absorbs impact without breakage for use in automotive lighting applications of various types. In another form of the invention, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used with dome switches for switch area lighting or to backlight control buttons/key pads by providing holes or openings in the panel member for the control buttons/key pads. Also, a rigid light emitting panel member may be used as a structural member, and two or more such light emitting panel members may be stacked together and used to light an instrument panel or the like. One or more light sources may be mounted within one or more light transition areas adjacent one or more light input surfaces of the light emitting panel members.

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 lighting unit is provided which comprises: a plurality of linear light sources arranged in parallel; light-guiding plates arranged along said light sources; light diffusion means arranged at the top of said light sources and light-guiding plates; and reflection means arranged at the bottom of the light sources; wherein said lighting unit is characterized in that the surface of each light-guiding plate is flat, in that the reverse side of the light-guiding plate includes an inclined face of a curvilinear shape that thins down as the inclined face is more distanced from the light source, and in that when a position relatively near the light source and a position relatively far from the light source, on the reverse side of the light-guiding plate, are inclined by &thgr;n1 and &thgr;f1, respectively, the relationship of &thgr;n1≧&thgr;f1 is satisfied and the angle-of-inclination of the thinnest portion on the reverse side of the light-guiding plate is 0 degrees.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light-emitting key with multiple independently-illuminated messages for fitting to an equipment front panel, in particular for aviation equipment, the key comprising a bearing rim and a hollow key body terminated by a front, drive face covered by a mask etched with messages to be illuminated, said key body being connected to said bearing rim by means of a peripheral ligament, said body, said ligament, and said rim being made as a single piece of flexible material. According to the invention, a slab of translucent material subdivided into blocks by at least one opaque partition extending substantially perpendicularly to the front face is received inside the key body so as to extend as far as the front, drive face of the key.

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 mechanism for a cell phone for providing a useful light when needed by a cell phone user. The light mechanism for a cell phone includes a light-producing member having a plug member, a bulb support member pivotally attached to an end of the plug member, a bulb member securely mounted to the bulb support member, and a switch member securely attached to the bulb support member for turning on/off the bulb member. As a second embodiment, the inventive device includes a light-producing member having a bulb member adapted to extend out of and retract in a bottom end of a cell phone, and also includes a switch for turning on/off the bulb member and also for extending the bulb member through the bottom end and for sliding a door member to allow the bulb member to extend out of the bottom end of the cell phone.

Abstract: In the case of a pointer instrument having a connecting sleeve (3), that holds an essentially transparent pointer (4), and an illuminating means (10) that radiates directly into a flag (12) of the pointer (4), the connecting sleeve (3) has conductors (17, 18) and contact surfaces (15, 16) of conductive plastic. At its end facing away from the pointer (4), the connecting sleeve (3) has connecting contacts (13, 14) for making contact with a power supply of a circuit board (6). (FIG.

Abstract: The invention provides a luminous pointer which can offer an increased commercial value with its glowing surface having the ability to glow generally uniformly. The luminous pointer is constructed of a pointer element 1 which is made of a light-transmitting material and forms an indicating portion (glowing surface) 2, a light-blocking cover 10 which covers a central region of swing motion R of the pointer element 1 and opens rearward, and a shielding element 12 which covers the rear side of the central region of swing motion R of the pointer element 1. The pointer element 1 has in its central region of swing motion R reflecting parts 4 to 7 for reflecting illuminating light fed from the rear side at least toward its tip end, and the shielding element 12 has exposing parts 123 for exposing the reflecting parts 4 to 7 of the pointer element 1 and is formed of a light-transmitting material which makes it possible to adjust the amount of transmission of the illuminating light.

Abstract: A pointer of a meter is driven by a driving unit disposed behind a scale plate. A wiring board for supplying electric current to a stepping motor included in the driving unit is placed between the scale plate and the driving unit. Plural light sources for illuminating the pointer are placed on the wiring board around a pointer shaft in the vicinity thereof. Terminal pins for supplying electric current to the stepping motor are positioned on the wiring board apart form the light sources to avoid wiring congestion around the pointer shaft. Since the light sources are freely placed around the pointer shaft, the light from the light sources can be uniformly distributed around the pointer shaft with high luminance.

Abstract: A lighting source, such as a light emitting diode (LED), is incorporated into the shaft of the pointing device. There is a light shield over the exposed top of the pointing device preferably, backed with a conically shaped reflecting surface to direct the light outwardly and horizontally across the keyboard. The light is activated in a laptop by opening the cover to raise the pointing device to its normal operating position. The lighting function may be disabled when the pointer is raised if there is sufficient ambient lighting.

Abstract: A surface emission light source device includes a light source, a light guide plate, and a reflecting plate. The light guide guides light from the light source and causes the light to emerge from its front surface. The reflecting plate has an irregular-reflection surface formed of irregular corrugations, and is disposed on a lower surface of the light guide plate. The reflecting plate diffuses and reflects the light guided through the light guide plate with the irregular-reflection surface, and causes the diffused/reflected light to emerge from the front surface of the light guide plate. The light guide plate and the reflecting plate are integrally formed by molding, to bond the irregular-reflection surface to the lower surface of the light guide.

Abstract: An illuminating device receives light emitted from a light source (22), and emits light. The illuminating device includes a tubular light guiding member (21) which receives the light emitted from the light source (22), and guides the light therein. The illuminating device further includes an annular luminous body (23) which is connected to one end portion of the light guiding member (21), and has a tapered surface (30) which is made to emit light by the light guided by the light guiding member (21). In this construction, the light entering the light guiding member (21) is guided spirally in the light guiding member (21), and is irregularly reflected by the tapered surface (30) so that the tapered surface (30) emits light.

Abstract: An indication lamp for, for instance, aircraft passenger cabins comprising light sources housed in lamp chambers defined by a housing and a front cover. Translucent indication portions of the shapes indicative of non-smoking and fasten-seatbelt signs in red, for instance, are formed in the front cover; and the light sources, each comprising a set of light emitting diodes of different colors, such as green and red, are installed behind the translucent indication portions so that each light source emits a mixture of colors that is similar to an incandescent light, thus illuminating the sings with an enhanced visibility.

Abstract: Embodiments of a peripheral backlighting system for keyboards are shown and described, which include one or more light-emitting panels exterior to the keyswitches of the keyboard. The panels are preferably electroluminescent material and surround at least two sides, and preferably all sides, of the stem of a keyswitch or the space in which the stem slides up and down during use. Alternatively, the electroluminescent panel(s) may extend substantially continuously between and underneath a plurality of keyswitches. The panels extend closely adjacent to the stem or stem path, or under the keyswitch, to be as far under the key cap as possible without extending into the stem or cap of the keyswitch. The EL panels are preferably powered by the computer keyboard port, via voltage inverters. Preferably, the keyswitch is translucent or partially translucent, and the base plate over the EL panels, if any, is at least partially translucent or transparent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lampshade for scanner primarily comprising an inner lampshade disposed between a base board with a plurality of light sources and a light-condensing bar, wherein the inner lampshade has a bottom plate on which a plurality of through holes corresponding to the positions of each light sources on the base board are disposed, and wherein a plurality of protruding walls are respectively provided in front of two sides of each through hole (near the light-condensing bar) while a plurality of grooves with reflective surface corresponding to the positions of each through holes are created between every two protruding walls so that the light beams reach the light-condensing bar 30 after light-concentration of the inner lampshade 10, and the light beams with doubled luminous intensity as much as that of the prior art can be achieved; the outer lampshade is disposed at outside of the above-mentioned components, wherein the outer lampshade has a light-condensing cover with an arched refl

Abstract: An instrument pointer illuminating apparatus for illuminating instrument pointers includes a light conductive member (24) having a first shaft aperture (22) and an instrument face (28) disposed on a front surface of the light conductive member and having a second shaft aperture (26) therein. A pointer shaft (20) extends through the first and second shaft apertures beyond the front surface of the light conductive member and includes an instrument pointer (30) disposed on the pointer shaft. A light blocking hub cap (34) is mounted on the hub portion (43) of the instrument pointer and includes a center portion (50) and a cylindrical wall portion (52) extending from the center portion of the hub cap toward the instrument face where it terminates at a first end (54) below the instrument pointer.

Abstract: An illuminated pointer member for an instrument panel. A hollow tubular shaft member conveys light from a light source through its hollow interior to the pointer member for illumination. A rotating mechanism, such as a gear mechanism and/or motor mechanism is connected to the tubular member for rotating the tubular member and pointer member.

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: An illuminated switch unit according to the present invention is provided with: a case having a recess, a pair of protrusions provided within the recess and holes corresponding to those protrusions; a movable knob housed within the recess of the case, and provided on the protrusions so as to be able to rock or move up and down; a switch capable of bringing a movable contact provided on an elastic member to be driven by the movable knob into and out of contact with a stationary contact; and a substrate having a light source for illuminating the movable knob, wherein the elastic member is provided with light shielding members for preventing the light from the light source from passing through the holes in the case.

Abstract: A light source is positioned to direct light downward from the cover of a conentional analog or electro-optical watch, indicator gauge, a meter panel directional gauge or ornamentation display of an image, logo or design or other similar articles. These articles are illuminated by the source for viewing in low light or in the dark by an illumination switch to activate said element. The light source is preferably an LED and it is small enough so that when it is off, it is virtually invisible.

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 light emitting grip comprising, a manually operable rotatable knob mounted on a fastening shank projecting from a first side thereof and having a selectively switchable light source carried by the knob.

Abstract: A meter that has a dial plate, a pointer, a light transmitting plate disposed at a rear side of the dial plate and a light source. The light transmitting plate has a shaft hole into which a shaft of the pointer is inserted, and a convex portion formed into a substantially conical shape protruding toward a rear side of the light transmitting plate in the vicinity of the shaft hole. The light source is disposed at a rear side of the light transmitting plate to face the convex portion. Light emitted by the light source enters the light transmitting plate from the convex portion at a relatively large incidence angle and illuminates the dial plate from the rear side of the dial plate.

Abstract: A controllable auto-heating type heat source is located at a periphery of a light source and light reflecting layers are placed between the light source and the controllable auto-heating type heat source. Therefore, use of a temperature detector and a control circuit in order to control the heat source are unnecessary, so that thermal runaway of the heat source is avoided. Further, the light reflecting layers reflect the light irradiated from the light source, so that the amount of the beam of light shielded by the heat source is decreased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light guide plate and a surface light source using the light guide plate to improve the utilization efficiency of external light and light from an internal light source and to achieve thinner width of the light guide plate. In this invention, internal light emitted from an internal light source 3 is brought to the inside of the light guide plate 1 from an internal light collecting surface 16 in the light guide plate 1, and external light such as natural light is brought to the inside of the light guide plate 1 from an external light collecting portion 11. The light brought to the inside of the light guide plate reflects and is converged several times from a reflective plate 15 mounted to the outside of the light reflective surface 14 and three side end surfaces 12 and is emitted from the light emissive surface 13 of the light guide plate 1 to a diffusing plate 6.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system providing lighting for an instrument panel generating light having a wave length, such as white light, which does not interfere with night goggle vision systems. The system comprises a portable housing, a battery pack, and an plurality of cables extending outwardly from the housing to a plurality of light-emitting elements providing white light proximate each of the plurality of vehicle instruments.