Abstract: A light guide for illuminating a display and/or keyboard device is formed from translucent material as a planar element having a peripheral edge. A plurality of arcuately shaped light coupling recesses are formed on one side to transmit light from light sources substantially uniformly into the light guide. A plurality of light reflecting recesses are formed in the peripheral edge to reflect light at the edge back into the light guide in a manner useful for illuminating the keys of the device.

Abstract: An LED display device having an LED array for a meter on a printed circuit board. A diffusing radiation lens array is disposed facing the LED array. A cover lens is overlapped on the lens array. The cover lens transmits LED light which passed through the lens array. The cover lens has at least a scale mark, a character and a sign. A sheet is interposed between the lens array and the cover lens. The sheet limits radiation of predetermined diffused light from the lens array while partially transmitting the diffused light. The cover lens has a scale mark dent and a character dent formed on its rear interior surface, and displays the scale mark and character by means of an LED light from another LED array.

Abstract: An electroluminescent watch dial is provided with silhouette images on the dial. A transflective film covers an opaque image layer applied to a conventional electroluminescent watch dial. Timekeeping indicia are applied over the transflective film. The image is not seen in ambient light but is visible when the electroluminescent lamp is actuated.

Abstract: An EL lamp includes a strip of EL material within a translucent cylinder, preferably a glass tube. The tube can be frosted or coated to further enhance the appearance of the lamp. The strip can be flat or curved and, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the lamp includes a glass fiber between the light emitting surface of the strip and the tube for gathering light from the strip and emitting the light in a preferred direction. The tube is an optical element combined with the strip to produce the unexpected result of having the tube appear luminous, even without coatings to enhance this effect.

Abstract: A display (100) provides reversible contrasting indicia (112, 114) in order to accommodate an increased number of easily distinguishable indicia on the display. The display provides a first contrast mode (200) in which one set of indicia (112) become visually more prominent than another set (114) and a second contrast mode (300) in which the contrast of the first contrast mode is reversed. Selecting between the first and second contrast modes (200, 300) is controlled by backlighting of the display (100).

Abstract: An instrument panel includes 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 is also molded.

Abstract: A low cost, flexible lighting apparatus and method is provided. A light source and at least one extruded optical fiber having a first end and a second end are provided. The first end is arranged so that light from the light source enters the first end and is transmitted through the optical fiber so that it exits the second end. The second end is arranged so as to illuminate an indicator with light transmitted from the light source via the extruded optical fiber. This arrangement is advantageously used in an appliance such as a refrigerator to illuminate the control panel dials with the optical fibers in a high quality, cost effective method.

Abstract: A three-piece instrument cluster assembly including a circuit board, a light sheet assembly and a retainer for retaining the circuit board and light sheet assembly. The light sheet assembly is positioned between the circuit board and retainer. The instrument cluster assembly is provided with at least one alignment element and corresponding alignment receivers for mating engagement with each corresponding alignment element for aligning the circuit board, the light sheet assembly and the retainer.

Abstract: A combination display unit and a display method for a motor vehicle, with a primary display element and at least one secondary display element for indicating and displaying various regularly-detected operating parameters. The user is informed visually by a change in the optical display of the secondary display element in question that a critical operating parameter value has been reached. Only the primary display element, serving for speed display, or areas thereof is illuminated with an increased basic brightness. The secondary display elements or areas thereof are illuminated with the basic brightness during normal operation, while the secondary display element in question or areas thereof is/are likewise illuminated with increased basic brightness when a critical operating parameter value is reached.

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 fails below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display is provided which has improved wide angle viewing characteristics. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal matrix. A non-planar fluorescent lamp positioned on a first side of the liquid crystal matrix has a center which traverses the fluorescent lamp in at least one longitudinal direction. A distance between the first side of the liquid crystal matrix and the fluorescent lamp center in a first portion of the fluorescent lamp is less than a distance between the first side of the liquid crystal matrix and the fluorescent lamp center in a second portion of the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: A light emitting push button for operating purposes, for instance a number button on a telephone apparatus, includes a body which is double-molded from two different plastic materials, of which one material is light conductive and the other is opaque. Light from a light emitting device, such as a light emitting diode, striking the underside of the push button is conducted through the light conductive material and is emitted on the upper side of the button. A slot is formed between the light conductive material and the opaque material on the upper side of the button, such that light conducted through the light conductive material will be scattered uniformly and be visible from all directions.

Abstract: In a lighting control apparatus of a control panel in an automobile, a brightness reduction characteristic of a control panel lighting unit relative to a brightness signal of a brightness control unit is previously set according to external operation. The brightness control unit gives a brightness signal for controlling a luminosity of an instrument panel and a luminosity of a control panel which is provided near the instrument panel to a luminosity corresponding to an operation of a dimmer knob. When the brightness signal is given from the brightness control unit, the brightness of the control panel lighting unit is controlled according to a set brightness reduction characteristic relative to the brightness signal of the brightness control unit. Thereby, it is possible to make the luminosity of the control panel relative to the instrument panel a desired brightness characteristic.

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 fails below a predetermined level.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicular display device in which a dial and a pointer are made to glow by a single light source other than a cold-cathode tube to reduce costs. The vehicular display device includes a dial and a disk pointer located at an opening of the dial. A movement having a decentered rotation shaft is mounted on the rear side of the disk pointer, and five bulb light sources are arranged around the movement. A first conical reflector for reflecting and guiding light from the light sources to the disk pointer is disposed between the light sources and the movement. Furthermore, a second reflector having reflecting curved surfaces for respectively guiding light from the light sources to the first reflector is disposed outside the light sources.

Abstract: An automotive instrument cluster has closely spaced face plate and circuit board and a compact gauge including a housing mounted on the side of the circuit board facing the face plate. A light conducting pointer has a two-part snap-together hub extending into the gauge housing and an end face adjacent surface mount LEDs on the circuit board for direct pointer illumination. A gear on the hub is driven by another gear on a stepper motor which is offset from the pointer hub. The stepper motor has a permanent magnet armature supported by the housing and the circuit board, and surface mount electromagnets on the circuit board to provide a motor field.

Abstract: An improved display system includes a selectively energizeable light source which is disposed within a housing. A panel, formed of transparent material, is connected with the housing and has an outer side surface which is exposed to ambient light and an inner side surface which is exposed to light from the light source when the light source is energized. Indicia is disposed between the light source and the panel. The indicia is observable through the panel when the light source is energized and is obscured when the light source is de-energized. An array of pyramidal projections are disposed on the outer side of the panel. The array of pyramidal projections extend across the indicia so that light from the light source passes through the pyramidal projections to enable the indicia to be observed when the light source is energized. The panel is formed of a polymer. The surfaces of the pyramidal projections are repaired by a thin film of a monomer of the same composition as the polymer forming the panel.

Abstract: An analog indicator for an automotive vehicle is provided. This indicator includes a self-luminescent indicating pointer and a dial plate on which a fluorescent layer is formed. When an input signal indicative of a indicating parameter is changed, the pointer radiates an ultraviolet ray onto the fluorescent layer on the dial plate so that it glows. An observer can thus visually identify a value indicated by the pointer or displacement of the pointer.

Abstract: A light attachment (10) for fitting over a thermostat (T) includes a mounting flange (14) fitting behind the thermostat (T) and clamped by the thermostat (T) against the wall (W). Flange (14) includes a holder (50) extending above the top of the thermostat (T) for advertising indicia on a card (62) within a transparent cover (58) over holder (50). The advertising indicia on the card (62) within cover (58) may, for example, contain information concerning a serviceman and a telephone number. A lamp (40) for illuminating the thermostat (T) is mounted on the end of an inturned end portion (34) of a pivotally mounted telescoping arm (30). The lamp (40) may be positioned at a desired location for illuminating thermostat (T) by pivoting of the arm (30) and rotation of a hood (42) over the lamp (40). Hood (42) includes an opening (44) for directing the light to a predetermined position on the thermostat (T).

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: An instrument pointer assembly driven by a spindle and illuminated by a light source adjacent the spindle includes a pointer and a central cap covering the spindle region of the assembly. The pointer conducts light from the source toward its tip for illumination. A window in the cap aligned with the pointer is covered by a filter colored to resemble the pointer. The window overlaps the pointer and extends sufficiently in the direction away from the tip to provide a pointer tail contiguous with and illuminated the same as the pointer.

Abstract: To allow smooth access to such elements as operating knobs for power window switches and a door lock switch provided in a unit panel in the night time lighting condition, the entire surface of an escutcheon panel mounted on the unit panel is defined as a switch operating part for an illuminating lamp which illuminates the elements to be accessed. The illuminating lamp may be lighted up for a prescribed time period to illuminate the escutcheon panel when the switch operating part is touched so that unnecessary consumption of electric power may be avoided. The escutcheon panel may be made of at lease semi-transparent plastic so that light from an illuminating lamp placed behind the escutcheon panel may be transmitted through the escutcheon panel. Alternatively, the element to be accessed such as a switch knob mounted on the escutcheon panel may be made of at lease semi-transparent plastic so that illuminating light may be transmitted therethrough.

Abstract: A new and improved visual magnification apparatus for a syringe includes a base portion, a lens support portion attached to the base portion, and a magnifying lens attached to the lens support portion, wherein a syringe can be placed on the base portion and magnified by the magnifying lens. The base portion may include an internally concave cross-sectional contour that has a bottommost valley portion, such that a generally cylindrically-shaped syringe tends to rest in the valley portion under the influence of gravity. The base portion includes an ampule-supporting portion. The base portion also includes a slot portion capable of supporting a top portion of a syringe placed on the base portion. The base portion, the lens support portion, and the slot portion are in the form of a unified, integrated structure. The lens support portion may include an extension portion capable of retaining an ampule on the ampule-supporting portion of the base portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to an indicating instrument for a vehicle or the like in which a pointer-indicated driving condition such as vehicle speed and rotation speed of an engine is formed by light, and to an indicating instrument system having the above indicating instruments. The structure of the indicating instrument is that a front surface having graduations is spherical such that the front surface sticks out forwardly as it is far from the rotation shaft and a light source is disposed in front of the dial and out of the graduations. Further, the indicating instrument system of the present invention indicates a cylindrical lens for converting beam from a point light source to a substantially linear beam; first and second reflecting plates for dividing the substantially linear beam into divided beam; and third and fourth reflecting plates for reflecting the divided beams each to a dial as a pointer indicating the graduations on the dial to a plurality of pointer forming portions.

Abstract: A portable, compact, battery-operated light apparatus for use with a compact computer game having a LCD video screen for enhancing the visibility of the LCD screen in use, which light apparatus comprises a body with a battery compartment and having side panels which define an open viewing space and lights provided in the body element to provide for indirect lighting of the viewing space, the light apparatus comprising a portable, compact, battery-powered light apparatus and which includes ridges on the light apparatus which snap in a releasable manner onto the grooves in a compact computer game video system to releasably secure the light apparatus in position over the LCD video screen of the compact game system.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a display device for a vehicle which assures that visual recognizability can be improved by using a circular disc-shaped pointer while the pointer and characters, calibrations or the like on a dial overlap each other. A circular disc-shaped pointer composed of a polarized plate and including a slit-shaped indicating portion radially extending from the central part and the outer peripheral part of the pointer is arranged in front of a dial composed of a polarizing plate and having characters, calibrations or the like placed thereon. In addition, a light source is arranged behind the dial so as to illuminate the pointer with the light beam emitted therefrom. A movement is disposed at the central part of the light source to turn the pointer.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a display device for a vehicle with the pointer portion of light transmission type placed over characters etc, the value indicated by the pointer portion can be accurately read with high visibility. A display device for a vehicle comprises a dial and an indicating board laid on the dial. The dial includes a disk-shaped light transmitting portion, light transmitting characters and graduations outside the light transmitting portion, and an annular light transmitting portion outside the characters and the graduations The indicating board includes a light transmitting pointer's inner end portion and a light transmitting pointer's outer end portion which overlap the light transmitting portions of the dial, respectively, and an annular light transmitting portion which is laid over the characters and the graduations.

Abstract: An electroluminescent dial for an analog timepiece comprising a flexible transparent substrate, an inner layer comprising electrically conductive material adhered to the substrate, an EL layer comprising a mixture of electroluminescent material in a binder adhered to the inner layer, and an outer layer covering the electroluminescent layer comprising electrically conductive material, the substrate and the layers comprising a single flexible laminated assembly and having a hole therethrough for accommodating the rotatable stem, and includes a tab portion comprising the substrate and the inner layer extending beyond the EL and outer layers. A dial support member comprising a rigid plate substantially the size and shape of the electroluminescent dial supports the dial on one side of the frame.

Abstract: An improved vehicle display apparatus in which both the display and pointer are illuminated for low ambient driver viewing by a single electroluminescent (EL) lamp mounted on the rear face of the display. A generally opaque applique includes a translucent region in registry with the active area of the EL lamp, and bright opaque graphic symbols painted or deposited onto a surface of the applique within the translucent region. A pointer disposed in proximity to the front surface of the applique is provided with juxtaposed bright opaque and transparent regions. In high ambient lighting conditions when the EL lamp is not lit, a viewer of the display perceives the bright opaque graphic symbols and pointer stripes against the relatively dark translucent background regions of the applique.

Abstract: An instrument arrangement for an automotive vehicle comprises front and rear housings, and an indicating portion arranged therebetween and having on surface on which luminophors are placed. Within the front housing are arranged a visible light source, and a black light source. The black light source is arranged to be more distant from the one surface of the indicating portion than the visible light source, thus reflecting light of the visible light source toward the indicating portion.

Abstract: A backlight system for liquid crystal device display is equipped with a dual lighting system for day viewing and compatible with night vision systems. The day lighting system uses conventional fluorescent or incandescent lamps for full color display during daytime use. The night lighting system uses a light source which is either filtered to remove infrared and near infrared wavelengths or which is chosen from a class of sources which does not emit such wavelengths. The day lighting system is disabled while the night system is in use.

Abstract: An illumination device for a remote control console having at least one light source and a control box having switching circuitry for selectively providing an electric current to illuminate the light source. The control box has an upper cover panel, a lower cover panel, and an internal circuit board panel. The switching circuitry is operationally connected to the control box and the light source. The switching circuitry provides an electrical power supply to the light source when activated to light the keyboard console. The light source is operationally connected to the post assembly and the control box. The post assembly is provided and is adjustable for positioning the light source at various selected positions directly over the keyboard console. The control box is adapted for releasable attachment to the body of the remote control console.

Abstract: An illumination device for illuminating the keypad of a handheld remote control device. This illumination device consists of a base which is adapted to be mounted on the remote control device. A light source extends from the base by means of a flexible arm to enable the user to direct the pattern of light on the keypad of the remote control at a variety of angles offering the most enhanced visibility. The flexible arm also enables the user to direct the pattern of light to objects or areas other than the remote control. In addition, the illumination device is mounted in such a way that it is not limited to the size of the remote control.

Abstract: An internally illuminated panel is provided with a recess in which a conventional knob of translucent construction is mounted. The recess is covered with an opaque material, except for an area that allows light to be transmitted to the knob. The knob abuts against a boss, which is provided within the recess to prevent the opaque material from being scraped and to facilitate spacing the knob from the panel as it is mounted thereon.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus comprises a liquid crystal display panel, a fluorescent lamp for illuminating the liquid crystal display panel, the fluorescent lamp being provided with a glass bulb in which at least a pair of electrodes are disposed and mercury and rare gas fill, the glass bulb having an inner surface on which a fluorescent material is applied, the fluorescent lamp being further provided with a pair of receiving terminals, a lighting unit for lighting the fluorescent lamp, the lighting unit being electrically connected to a pair of supply terminals, and a holding unit for holding the liquid crystal display panel detachably, the fluorescent lamp and the lighting unit in an assembled state in which the paired receiving terminals are supported by the paired supply terminals.

Abstract: The light emitting diode to illuminate the indicating portion of the pointer and the face plate through the light conductive member is fixedly mounted on a drive unit that rotates the pointer shaft according to the amount of a measured quantity. The light emitting diode is installed in center openings formed in the pointer, face plate and light conducting member, the light conducting member being attached to the underside of the face plate to illuminate letters on the face plate. The light emitting portion of the diode is formed cylindrical so as to allow the pointer shaft to be fixed to the pointer inside the hollow portion of the cylindrical light emitting portion, so that light radiated from the light emitting portion is reliably introduced into the indicator portion of the pointer and also to the light conducting member. Thus construction simplifies the power supply path leading from the drive unit to the light emitting diode.

Abstract: An improved vehicle head-up display apparatus in which both the display and pointer of the image source are illuminated for low ambient driver viewing by a back lighting means mounted on the rear face of the display. A generally opaque applique includes a translucent region in registry with the backlit area, and bright opaque graphic symbols painted or deposited onto a surface of the applique wihin the translucent region. A pointer disposed in proximity to the front surface of the applique is provided with juxtaposed bright opaque and transparent regions. In high ambient lighting conditions when the back lighting means is not lit, a front lighting means illuminates the bright opaque graphic symbols and pointer stripes so that a viewer of the projected display perceives an image of the bright opaque graphic symbols and pointer stripes.

Abstract: A transparent pointer for an indicating instrument has a light receiving surface centered on the axis of rotation of the pointer and a light bulb is positioned on the axis adjacent the light receiving surface to brightly illuminate the pointer at the same brightness for all pointer positions. A gage mechanism drives the pointer through a pointer support which is in part laterally offset from the axis to permit bulb location on the axis.

Abstract: A back-lit display having a window including a light-collimating film. The light-collimating film has an opaque material on a surface thereof. A material of a predetermined color is on the opaque material in registration therewith.

Abstract: A backlight assembly for a liquid crystal display (LCD) supported on a printed circuit board with the pin sockets on either side of an opening in the printed circuit board so that the LCD straddles the opening. The assembly includes a snap-in reflector having a back wall and a plurality of forwardly extending peripheral walls which can be compressed to permit the backlight reflector to be inserted into the opening and released to hold it in position. A lamp in the backlight assembly shines light through the opening and through the LCD. The reflector has an inner surface that is highly reflective and non-specular, so that ambient light rays entering the front of the opening are captured and reflected forwardly back through the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A composite filter advantageously employable for dark field observation systems which comprises a dyed organic resin layer provided on a dyed glass plate. The organic resin layer and the glass plate in combination absorb light of a radiation spectrum in the region of longer than 600 nm under the condition that the transmission of light at 650 nm is defined to a level of 1.times.10.sup.-4 % to 5% and the transmission of light at 800 nm is defined to a level of lower than 2.times.10.sup.-5 %. Another dyed glass plate which shows an absorption spectrum having absorption peaks in regions of 480-535 nm and 560-600 nm may be incorporated into the composite filter. The composite filter can be introduced into or provided to an illuminating device.

Abstract: The invention is a U-shaped lighting device that is adapted to be mounted about a home thermostat. The device includes a hood that surrounds a portions of the bulb for the purpose of directing the light toward the thermostat and away from the user's eyes. The bulb and hood can be moved from one side of the device to the other side of the device so that light can be shined on any portion of the thermostat. The light is battery powered and a push-button type switch is used to initiate lighting of the bulb.

Abstract: A light modifying device for a liquid crystal display mounted on a PC board is provided with a filter and/or reflector of sheet material which is conveniently releasably installed between the liquid crystal display and the PC board to effect alteration of the properties of light passing through the liquid crystal display. Externally originating light which does not pass through the filter is reflected back to help light the LCD. For this purpose the surface of the filter adjacent the LCD includes a coating that is reflective, as well as light transmissive. The device is provided with securement means for holding the filter in place, but facilitating simple installation and removal.

Abstract: A backlit control actuator includes a substrate of translucent material having a front surface with a three-dimensional symbol integrally formed thereon, and a boot of opaque, relatively soft material which is molded around the substrate so that an upper surface of the symbol is flush with an outer surface of the outer covering to permit light transmitted from the control device to backlight the symbol.

Abstract: An illuminating device has two lamps developed as discharge tubes which have a serpentine course and are nested in each other by, in each case, a narrow U-shaped region and a wide U-shaped region. In this way both lamps can be of identical development and permit uniform illumination of a rectangular liquid crystal cell even upon failure of one lamp.

Abstract: An LCD/light wedge module used in electronic equipment includes an LCD unit engaged in a central opening, which is sealed to prevent dust from entering. The light wedge module is constructed of light conducting material that is formed to direct light off a back surface and through the LCD unit to a front viewing surface to prevent hot spots.

Abstract: A remote control unit which is simple in structure and free from the possibility of disconnection and has a stabilized illumination function. The remote control unit comprises a body case having a recess and having a plurality of push-button switches disposed thereon, and a door mounted for pivotal opening and closing motion on the body case and having a plurality of push-buttons thereon in an opposing relationship to the push-button switches so that, when the door is closed, they are each operated by operation of a corresponding one of the push-buttons. The body case has a rising portion having a light admitting hole perforated in a side wall thereof adjacent the recess, and a light emitting element is accommodated in the rising portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating the printed markings on a remote control device is disclosed. The apparatus may be configured in a kit form which includes a plate, a light-positioning wing, and a battery compartment integrally formed together into a unit. A remote control device is releasably fastened to an upper surface of the plate. The light-positioning wing extends outward and upward from an edge of the plate to a point above an upper surface of the remote control, then curves back toward the remote control. The light-positioning wing extends a substantial distance along the side of the remote control. Light bulbs are distributed along the concave surface of the light-positioning wing, and a switch is located on the outer or upper surface of the light-positioning wing. When the switch is pressed, light from the light bulbs shines predominantly sideways and slightly downward to illuminate the upper surface of the remote control and the markings printed thereon.

Abstract: A self-luminescent pointer device for a gauge has the pointer which is fitted on a pointer shaft and includes an elongated discharge tube. A constricted portion is formed on a part of an outer surface of its elongated hollow rod bulb of the discharge tube. An interior electrode is provided at the end of the bulb and an exterior electrode is provided on the outer surface of the bulb in its axial direction. The constricted portion of the bulb is engaged with a cut-away portion of a holding plate so that the discharge tube is positioned and fixed in its longitudinal direction. Electric power is supplied to the interior electrode and the exterior electrode of the discharge tube through each power supply terminal.

Abstract: An electroluminescent lamp panel which includes transparent and base electrodes with dielectric and phosphorescent layers therebetween and an insulation layer behind the base layer. A moisture barrier layer, such as of aluminum foil, is provided on the back of the panel behind the insulation layer. The photophorescent layer includes phosphor particles having etched surfaces in an active resin having scavenging properties.