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 lighting unit includes a housing, a light-conductive-panel and a fluorescent lamp, and has a space between the panel and a side wall of the housing. The lamp has electrodes on both its ends and a curved-corner. The space has different widths at sections where the electrodes are rested and at a section where the curved-corner is rested, and accommodates the lamp therein. The lighting unit is compact in size and has better shock resistance, as well as vibration resistance. The lighting unit and an LCD are integrated into a compact and highly reliable LCD device.

Abstract: A notebook computer has a base, a lid and a display monitor located within the lid. The lid also contains a device which may be used to articulate and support the display in various positions away from the lid that improve viewing for the user under limited or cramped conditions. The device uses a linkage member to pivotally move the display out of the lid, closer to the user, and higher above the base. The linkage locks into place in a conventional lower position and an elevated upper position. After the linkage is locked in the upper position, the display may be tilted to a desired angle. Although the device allows the display angle to be increased well beyond vertical, the display does not obscure the user's view of the keyboard while in this position. In low light conditions, the device also incorporates a light source behind the display for illuminating the keyboard beneath the display.

Abstract: A rotatable knob for a control apparatus which is less complex than similar devices and which provides greater self-illumination than do similar devices. In the case of the present rotatable knob, a total reflection surface (13) is established wherein the obverse side (14) of the total reflection surface (13) forms a mantle of a conical or cup-shaped frustum upon which segment-like 90° prisms (16) are radially arranged. Accordingly, the present rotatable knob may be used in operational components for radios, air conditioning units, and the like in motor vehicles.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a backlit display and an illuminated receptacle for a removable information storage medium, for example an audio device such as a cassette radio for a motor vehicle passenger compartment. The audio device (1) has a backlit display (7) and a receptacle (38) for a removable information carrying medium, comprising at least one backlight, and a light diffuser (5) moulded in a translucent plastics material, the diffuser (5) having a display backlight (201) portion and a receptacle indicator portion (202), the backlight being arranged to illuminate the display backlight portion (201) to provide a diffuse backlight for the display (7), and to shine light through the translucent material of the receptacle indicator portion (201) to indicate an entrance to the receptacle (38).

Abstract: A indicator dial having a plurality of shutters disposed on a base portion and movable between radially retracted and extended positions, an at least partially arcuate visual indicator disposed on the base portion and located radially outwardly of the shutters when the shutters are in the retracted position, a cover portion having a cam groove disposed on a side thereof adjacent the plurality of shutters, a portion of the shutters protruding into the cam groove of the cover portion, the cover portion rotatable relative to the base portion to move the shutters between the retracted and extended positions so that the shutters cover the portions of the light emitting ring when the shutters are in the extended position.

Abstract: Lighting device for instruments on a dashboard especially of motor vehicles with at least one light source for the at least partial illumination of the instruments of the dashboard in this manner that between the at least one light source and the instrument—fields which are to be illuminated at least one selective light filter which is transluceable for a shortwaved, blue spectral range and closes at least approximately the middle and long spectral range, is arranged.

Abstract: A tool for selectively marking a surface in specific desired increments for use in a variety of mechanical arts. The tool has a ruled face and indicates selected increments by illuminating light emitting devices corresponding to the locations to be marked.

Abstract: A fiber optic lighted instrument panel includes an instrument panel having at least one portion to be illuminated and adapted to be disposed in an occupant compartment of a vehicle. The fiber optic lighted instrument panel also includes a fiber optic light cable extending around the at least one portion. The fiber optic lighted instrument panel further includes a light source connected to the fiber optic light cable to illuminate the at least one portion of the instrument panel.

Abstract: A translucent or transparent panel member which has a protrusion on the upper surface thereof is disposed on the upper surface of a plate-like luminescent member, to form a luminescent device. The luminescent device is manufactured by forming a protrusion on the upper surface of the panel member, providing a masking layer on the peripheral side surface and the upper surface, of the protrusion, forming a printed layer on the upper surface of the panel member, forming a printed layer on the upper surface of the protrusion after removing the masking layer from the protrusions, and arranging the panel member on the upper surface of the plate-like luminescent member. Such a plate-like luminescent device is arranged in the timepiece case to illuminate the analog hand mechanism. Such a plate-like luminescent device is also arranged in an electronic apparatus case to illuminate a liquid crystal display device of the electronic apparatus.

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: An integrated instrument cluster assembly for use in an instrument panel 400, the assembly comprising: (1) a generally flat instrument cluster appliqué 110 having a first surface 112, an opposed second surface 114, and a perimeter 116 thereabout; (2) a generally flat light pipe/diffuser 120 sandwiched against the second surface 114 of the appliqué; and (3) at least one generally flat circuit board 130 sandwiched against the light pipe/diffuser. The at least one circuit board 130 is/are disposed such that a first rigid edge card connector portion 140 thereof extends outward generally beyond the perimeter 116.

Abstract: A lightguide for illuminating a dial of a timekeeping device having a flat portion having a bottom surface and an upper surface in facing alignment with the watch dial, a lightpipe integrally formed with and extending below the flat portion, the lightpipe having a foot region at one end thereof, and geometries molded into the bottom surface of the flat portion to selectively eject internally reflected light from the bottom surface of the flat portion through the upper surface, where the lightguide provides illumination to the dial when a concentrated light source disposed below and spaced apart from the foot region conducts light to the lightpipe.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle illumination mechanism for an instrument cluster dial includes a transparent light guide having a generally planar front surface, at least one semi-circular light socket, and at least one dial socket, a light source arranged within the light socket for directing light into the light guide, a lens having a focal axis arranged adjacent the light source and within the light socket for collecting the light from the light source and transmitting the light with a predetermined spread angle toward the dial socket, and a plurality of reflective surfaces, distributed in a fan-like arrangement about the focal axis and intermediate the lens and the dial socket, for redirecting light received from the lens toward the dial.

Abstract: When a knob dial 18 is turned on, a predetermined LED 15c to 15e corresponding to a rotational position of the knob dial 18 is turned on. Then, a beam of light is supplied to a predetermined indicator lens 29a to 29f via a predetermined light path 30, and the indicator lens 29a to 29f can be illuminated. In this structure, the optical path 30 is formed into a sector-shape. Therefore, even if the knob dial 18 is set at an intermediate position, the beam of light emitted from LED 15c to 15e is supplied to the indicator lens 29a to 29f via the optical path 30. Accordingly, the indicator lens 29a to 29f can be illuminated to the utmost.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a solid state light-emitting element which is mounted on a base in an orientation so that light can be transmitted to a viewer from opposite major sides of the solid state light emitting element. To enable light to be transmitted to a viewer from opposite major sides of the solid state light-emitting element, the solid state light-emitting element is mounted in an on-edge orientation. To mount the solid state light emitting element in an on-edge orientation, support pins engage opposite minor side or edge surfaces of the solid state light emitting element and support it with the major side surfaces of the solid state light emitting element exposed and extending perpendicular to the mounting surface on the base.

Abstract: In an illumination lamp mounting structure for use in a measuring instrument, a lower case 21 includes a front surface opening portion 22 and a rear surface opening portion 23, a movement supporting intermediate wall 24 interposed between the front surface opening portion 22 and rear surface opening portion 23 of the lower case 21 is formed integrally with a light source supporting intermediate wall 25 which is situated nearer to the front surface opening portion 22 than is the movement supporting surface of the movement supporting intermediate wall 24. and on the light source supporting intermediate wall 25, there is supported an illumination lamp 32 which is used to illuminate the display plate 33 transmissively.

Abstract: An indicator assembly includes a dial assembly and a pointer assembly. The dial assembly includes an opaque outer member and a translucent inner member with tapered walls. The pointer assembly includes a translucent pointer and a opaque light collecting member. The translucent pointer is adapted to be mounted for rotation relative to the dial assembly about a pivot axis. The opaque light collecting member is attached to the end of the pointer and includes a light blocking wall radially extending around the end which defines a light collecting cavity that receives the end of the pointer.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus such as for a display apparatus equipped for an instrument panel of an automobile, for example, comprises a light source, such as a light-emitting diode, having polarities of substantially a tubular structure having a center axis, a circuit board arranged substantially on the center axis of the light source and electrically connected thereto, a socket body having substantially a cylindrical structure for accommodating the circuit board, and contact terminals accommodated in the socket body and including an inner terminal portion electrically connected to the circuit board through a contact point of the circuit board and an outer terminal portion electrically connected to the inner terminal portion and fixed to the socket body so as to protrude outward the socket body. The circuit board is provided with a flicker element for flickering the light source at 0.5 to 10 Hz controlled by a control unit provided for a printed circuit board of the display apparatus.

Abstract: A keyboard illuminator and a method for illuminating a keyboard for use by a computer user operating a computer having a keyboard, a housing and a display that emits light. The keyboard illuminator includes a rigid planar member that is at least partially transmitting and at least partially reflecting and an apparatus for mounting the member on the housing. The member is mounted so that the member is disposed at an angle to the display screen between the display screen and the user such that at least a portion of light emitted by the display screen is reflected onto the keyboard to illuminate the keyboard for operation.

Abstract: A light leakage preventing structure of a combination meter includes: a plurality of scale plates being arranged so that their edges face each other with a gap being provided therebetween; and a light shielding member to be mounted to rear surfaces of facing portions of the edges. In the structure: the edges of the facing portions of the scale plates are formed into a flat plate shape; and the light shielding member has a dark space opened towards the facing portions.

Abstract: A light source is positioned to direct light downward from the cover of a conventional 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 invention is of a design for both an internally based design feature and add-on accessories, both of which provide lighting which is directed to the dial(s) of conventional combination pad locks. Applicant's invention permits lock users to operate pad locks in darkened conditions, without needing any ancillary lighting or lighting accessories (flashlights, etc.).

Abstract: A pointer type indicator having a structure in which internal mechanisms and illuminating light sources are directly connected to an optical guide plate through the medium of a circuit board, and is capable of brightly illuminating pointers and indexes.

Abstract: A control panel that includes printed information cards used in conjunction with status indicators to give the user detailed information about printer operations. The invented control panel includes a series of status indicators, such as the indicator lights used on low cost printers, and a corresponding series of card holders. Each card holder is linked to one of the status indicators by, for example, positioning each card holder immediately adjacent to the corresponding status indicator. One or more information cards are attached to each card holder. Where more than one information card is used with a single card holder, each card is, preferably, swing mounted to the card holder so that the user can flip through the cards to view pertinent information.

Abstract: An indicating instrument has a generally straight illumination lamp and a light conducting plate. The light conducting plate has V-shaped notches near the lamp at the back thereof and curved surfaces at the front thereof. The V-shaped notches have inclined surface for receiving light from the lamp and transmitting it to the curved surfaces. The light from the lamp is totally reflected by the curved surface to illuminate a dial plate effectively.

Abstract: Illuminated instruments in aircraft cockpits often create reflections from the canopy which interfere with the pilots vision. A wedge of optical material positioned adjacent the instrument retracts the light rays such that the canopy reflections are deflected away from the eyes of the pilot.

Abstract: A resinous member with a character visually arranged therein, including a resinous body, a character formed by a laser beam machining on a surface of the body, and a light transmittable coating arranged on the surface of the body for covering at least the character. The light transmittable coating is provided with a generally uniform thickness to form a roughened outer surface substantially corresponding to a machined surface of the character. The light transmittable coating may be formed through a spray coating process. The resinous member may be used as a key top member of a key in a keyboard of an electronic machine. The key top member comprises a resinous body, a character arranged on a surface of the body, and optical means arranged in association with the character for highlighting the character in an optical manner using an external light. The optical means may comprise a phosphorescent or fluorescent member.

Abstract: An instrument panel having analog gauges with pointers illuminated independently of the light source illuminating the scale indicia. Light is transmitted into the pointer via a facet having an inclined reflective surface through which a gauge motor output shaft passes. The facet may be integrally formed in the light distribution layer which illuminates the scale indicia or a separate discreet component. A novel telltale used in conjunction with an instrument panel having a light distribution layer is also provided which illuminates the telltale indicia by passing light through the light distribution layer without affecting the illumination of other indicia in the graphic layer. Method of manufacturing analog gauges as well as method for using an analog gauge to transmit information to a viewer.

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 wristwatch dial illumination system with a light guide beneath a light transmissive dial receiving light from an LED mounted on a PC board below the light guide. A pattern of white reflective dots on the bottom surface,of the light guide selectively ejects internally reflected light toward the dial and an absorption pattern of light absorbing material selectively absorbs ejected light, including the bright spot from the LED.

Abstract: An evenly-lit instrument assembly adapted to be front-mounted in an opening in a vehicle's dashboard is provided. The mounting of the instrument assembly is concealed. The instrument assembly includes a housing and a circuit assembly fitted inside the housing. The circuit assembly controls a pointer. A dial is located above the circuit assembly, and is secured inside of the housing. A light pipe is further included inside the housing and positioned just above the circuit assembly for evenly disbursing light provided by a light-emitting source across the dial.

Abstract: An instrument panel having a light source and a transparent cover in front of the light source. The transparent cover has a first surface at the front side of the cover and a second surface at the back side of the cover, and is formed of a polymeric wall and a polymeric film. The polymeric film has a reflection-reduction layer thereon and is bonded by intermolecular forces to the wall so that the polymeric film is on at least one of the first and second surfaces of the cover and the reflection-reduction layer is sandwiched between the film and the wall. The reflection-reduction layer is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of (a) oxides of magnesium, zinc, or aluminum, or alloys thereof, (b) hydroxides of magnesium, zinc, or aluminum, or alloys thereof, and (c) semi-metals and metals which are non-alkali metals and non-alkaline earth metals, alloys thereof, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An illuminating instrument panel gauge has a movable indicator, a front side for positioning toward a viewer and a back side for positioning away from the viewer. The gauge includes a light source, a subdial surface in front of the light source, a transparent gauge cover in front of and spaced apart from the subdial surface, and graphics corresponding to the movable indicator. The gauge cover has a first surface at the front side of the gauge cover and a second surface at the back side of the gauge cover. Either or both of the first and second surfaces of the gauge cover may be randomly textured. The movable indicator is positioned between the subdial surface and the gauge cover and is preferably closer to the gauge cover than it is to the subdial surface. The graphics are on either the first or second surface of the gauge cover.

Abstract: An LED display device has an indicator having a housing. The housing has at least one incident portion which receives light from at least one LED. The incident portion has a reflection surface at its inside surface. LEDs emit light from one side or one longitudinal end of the incident portion. A refraction plate may be provided to direct emission of the incident light for viewing by a user.

Abstract: An illuminated rocker assembly for an electrical rocker switch which employs a lamp incorporating electroluminescent materials that luminese when subjected to AC current, are cool to the touch and have long service life. The location and amount of light available depend on the materials used and the design of the lamp envelope and rocker cover.

Abstract: A transmitted illumination type meter comprises a transparent light transmitting board having both a light entering bore and a shaft passing bore formed therethrough; a translucent dial plate placed on a front surface of the board, the dial plate having a shaft passing opening mated with the shaft passing bore of the board; a movement positioned behind the board; a light source positioned within the light entering bore; a drive shaft extending from the movement to the outside of the dial plate through the shaft passing bore and the shaft passing opening; a transparent pointer connected to the drive shaft to move over a front surface of the dial plate; and an annular convex peripheral wall defining the light entering bore. The annular convex peripheral wall allows light beams from the light source to enter the board and travel in parallel in the same. A plurality of stepped annular light reflecting surfaces are formed on a rear surface of the board and arranged to be concentric with the light entering bore.

Abstract: A display panel includes a transparent EL panel held at an inner end of an opening formed in an instrument panel portion and inclined at a predetermined acute angle with respect to a viewing direction. A cover is disposed at a back side of the display panel for covering the display panel. A surface of the opening portion and an inner face of the cover, to which light from the display panel enters, are colored dark to absorb unnecessary ambient light.

Abstract: A pointer for measuring instruments includes a fixing portion mounted on a drive shaft of a drive and an indicating portion supported on the fixing portion and extending therefrom in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the drive shaft. The indicating portion includes an EL element having a light-emitting surface extending over a substantially entire length of the indicating portion in the direction perpendicular to the drive shaft axis, at the light-emitting surface light being substantially uniformly distributed at least in the direction perpendicular to the drive shaft axis; a light-transmitting protective body covering at least the light-emitting surface; and an indicating tube. The surface of the portion of the indicating tube confronting at least the above light-emitting surface is arcuated in a circumferential direction of the direction perpendicular to the drive shaft axis.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an automotive device is comprised of a substrate, a second component, and a light bulb socket, whereby the bulb socket retains the second component, directly or indirectly, to the substrate; the second component is solely attached to the substrate, directly or indirectly, by the bulb socket. More specifically, the substrate is an outer housing and the second component is a lamp reflector. The present invention also comprises the method of inserting and retaining these parts with the bulb socket. Furthermore, the present invention may be part of a backlit switch, an overhead reading lamp, or an instrument panel light.

Abstract: A device for backlighting a plastic panel associated with a control knob and carrying indicia thereon for illumination by an electroluminescent panel under the plastic panel containing the indicia with the electronic circuitry for illuminating the electroluminescent panel being contained within the hollow control knob. A light-responsive device may be used to maintain the circuit in the OFF position until the ambient light intensity falls below a predetermined level.

Abstract: The present invention provides an illuminated cover and gauge assembly including a cover body and a transparent portion connected to the cover body to form a housing resistant to penetration by fluids, particularly volatile fluids such as gasoline. A selectively operable illuminating system, preferably including at least one light emitting diode (LED), a battery electrically connected to the LED and an off/on switch mechanism electrically connected between the battery and the LED is mounted in the housing.

Abstract: An indicator for use in a vehicle instrument panel has a light conductive pointer illuminated by a light emitting diode or LED. In order to provide an increased illuminating surface of the pointer, a slit is formed on a cap to extend from the outer periphery of the cap to a portion above a center of rotation of the pointer driven by a driving shaft. A fixture is connected to the driving shaft and holds a light receiving portion of the pointer at the portion above the center of rotation and the LED in the optical alignment with the pointer at a portion off an axis of the center of rotation. A balancing weight is disposed at a portion opposite the LED with respect to the driving shaft in order to keep balance of the indicator.

Abstract: A display gauge in which an electroluminescent display is arranged between a dial face and a support plate, the electroluminescent display being connected to electrical components arranged on the back side of the support plate.

Abstract: A transreflective instrument display has a generally planar reverse image light emitting display panel, a transflector surface positioned at a predetermined angle with respect to the display panel. The transflector has a P-plane reflectance and S-plane reflectance. A illuminated pointer is positioned behind the transflector. The display is formed of light transmitted from the pointer and reflecting light from said display panel simultaneously to form an image. The transflector is preferably coated with a coating that increases the reflectivity of the P-plane polarization of the transflector.

Abstract: An improved display system includes a plurality of light sources which are electroluminescent devices, such as light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes have an intensity of 0.5 with a light dispersion angle of 24.degree. or less. An optical device creates a plurality of dispersion patterns from the light emitted by each of the light emitting diodes. The dispersion patterns have a viewing angle of 50.degree. or more. The optical device includes a plurality of linear grooves having side surfaces which cooperate to create a plurality of separate dispersion patterns from the light emitted by each light emitting diode. The dispersion patterns from the light emitted by one light emitting diode are disposed along a line which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the grooves.

Abstract: A radiant energy redirecting system comprising a radiant energy transmitting body structure; the structure comprising multiple elements, each of which acts as a radiant energy redirecting module, having on its cross-sectional perimeter an entry face to receive incidence of the energy into the interior of the perimeter, an exit face to pass the energy to the exterior of the perimeter in a direction towards the reverse side of the body from the side of the incidence, and a Totally Internally Reflecting face angled relative to the entry and exit faces to redirect towards the exit face the radiant energy incident from the entry face; the body structure generally redirecting incident radiant energy towards a predetermined target zone situated apart from and on the reverse side of the body relative to the side of the incidence; and lens structure associated with at least one of the faces for redirecting radiant energy passing between the entry and exit faces via the Totally Internally Reflecting face.

Abstract: A movable pointer includes an elongated, translucent substrate having an EL lamp covering one side of the substrate. The pointer emits light from an adjoining, narrower, front side which is roughened slightly. The ends of the substrate are capped or coated to prevent light emission. A second EL lamp can be attached to a second side of the substrate. The width of the EL lamp can be tapered to provide a pointer which is brighter at one end than at the other. Electrical connection to the EL lamp is made with a compliant ribbon having conductive stripes on one or both sides thereof. The ribbon is mechanically and electrically attached to contacts on the EL lamp.

Abstract: A remote control has a housing having at least one control disposed thereon and a magnifier disposed proximate said housing, preferably at the forward end thereof. The magnifier enhances a user's ability to read printed matter such as program listings and the like. The magnifier may either be integrally formed with the housing or removably attachable thereto. A first illuminator is disposed proximate the housing and is configured so as to enhance viewing of the controls thereof. The first illuminator may either be integrally formed with the housing or removably attachable thereto. A second illuminator is disposed proximate the housing and is configured so as to enhance viewing of printed matter. The second illuminator may likewise be integrally formed with the housing or removably attachable thereto.

Abstract: A holographic display including a planar transparent light pipe (11) configured for rotation about a light pipe rotation axis that is orthogonal to the planar extent of the transparent light pipe and passes through a rotational center of the light, a multiple image hologram structure (13) having a plurality of holographic images attached to one side of the planar transparent light pipe, wherein the images are at different azimuthal angular positions on the light pipe about the light pipe rotation center, and a light source (17) for illuminating an input surface of the transparent light pipe such that an injected beam propagates within the light pipe to provide reconstruction illumination for a portion of the multiple image hologram structure.