Abstract: A lighting device assembly includes a heat sink, a light source attached to one end of the heat sink, an optic assembly to pivot an optic about the light source, and a housing member having a cavity in which at least a portion of the optic assembly is received and pivotally adjustable. An elastic member imparts a bias force on the optic assembly, to force an outer surface of the optic assembly against an inner surface of the housing member. The elastic member is held in a partially compressed state, to constantly impart the bias force on the optic assembly.

Abstract: A method for producing a display member that can restrain lights from leaking from a remainder chip of a runner and a portion around the remainder chip. The method includes laminating a transparent layer on a light-diffusing layer; forming slant surfaces each having an slant angle of more than 45 degrees with respect to an extending direction D of a runner, the slant surfaces being provided around a portion on the rear surface of the transparent layer to which the runner is connected and being inclined cutting out the runner at a position along and near the slant surfaces; and forming a shielding layer on a remainder chip of the runner and on a rear surface of the display member main body inside the remainder chip by spraying a light-shielding material onto a front surface of the display member main body and a side part of the remainder chip.

Abstract: Provided are several reconfigurable instrument clusters for instrument panels in an automotive vehicle. Instrument cluster comprises a value indicia configured to indicate a value of a plurality of vehicle data and an appliqué comprising first and second indicia. A control circuit is configured to receive first and second vehicle data from different data sources and further configured to control the value indicia and first indicia to indicate the first vehicle data and, in response to a signal, to control the value indicia and second indicia to indicate the second vehicle data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device capable of achieving a decorative effect by utilizing a color filter at the front of a light-emitting display unit. Also disclosed is a meter device using the display device. Specifically disclosed is a display device comprising a light-emitting display unit and a color filter, which is arranged at the front of the light-emitting display unit. A light-emitting element for decoration is provided on the outside of the light-emitting display unit. The color filter is provided with a light-discharging surface for discharging the light from the light-emitting element for a decorative appearance in the forward direction.

Abstract: Five embodiments of security safe light modules are disclosed which provide dedicated, low-power light modules for illuminating, on demand, the combination lock of security safes and, particularly, the combination lock of a security safe designed to store firearms. Several embodiments are designed to magnetically or adhesively adhere to the outer surface of the steel access door of a safe immediately above the combination lock dial or keypad, while others are designed to be permanently sandwiched between the outer surface of the access door and the combination lock which is secured to the door's outer surface with screws accessible from the inside of the safe. All embodiments include a housing preferably made of polymeric structural resin, a 3-volt lithium coin cell, a light emitting diode, and a switch. Certain embodiments provide a timed circuit which automatically shuts off power to the LED.

Abstract: A light switch cover having a light switch identifier to identify light coupled to a particular light switch. To this end, the light switch identifier may be positioned adjacent the light switch and/or a designation (number, letter or both) may be established for the light switch identifier and the light switch. The light switch cover may include a small clear cover behind which a label is positioned which identifies the particular light (or other device) that the corresponding light switch is operable to control.

Abstract: A plurality of LEDs are arranged continuously in a row and a transparent LED cover is disposed over the front surface of the LEDs. The LED cover extends in the longitudinal direction of the arrangement of LEDs and is curved in an arc shape that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of arrangement of LEDs. The cover does not contain light diffusion material, but has a corrugated surface around the arc shape. The corrugated surface extends in the longitudinal direction of the arrangement of LEDs.

Abstract: A lumenaire for mixing and emitting light from multiple light sources which has at least one first light source of a particular type and at least one second light source of a differing type. There is an optical system which includes at least one individual light collecting optical element at least partially surrounding each light source. There is a substantially planar light guide that receives and transports the light from each of the individual optical elements and optically mixes and emanates the light from both types of light sources simultaneously, through a common surface of the planar light guide. The planar light guide is segmented and the segmented sections are angularly disposed, in section in relationship to each other and the individual optical elements project light into at least one of the segments.

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

Abstract: A display device includes a dial portion which includes a design part having an index, a pointing portion which rotates along a front surface of the dial portion for pointing to the index, an ornamental member which is arranged on the front surface of the dial portion so as to surround the design part, a face glass portion which covers the dial, the pointing portion and the ornamental member, and a light source which illuminates light onto a rear surface of the dial portion for brightening the index with the light. A smoked layer is provided on the front surface of the dial portion. The smoked layer has a lower light transmittance than that of the face glass portion.

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

Abstract: A vehicle display with a housing having a gauge port, an interior wall around the gauge port, and an appliqué port extending from an exterior side of the vehicle display and intersecting the gauge port. A light source provides light into the gauge port and directs the light outwardly from a front side of the housing. An appliqué has a first locking feature. The appliqué port at least partially receives the appliqué between the front side of the housing and the light source. The light from the light source illuminates a portion of the appliqué. The first locking features releasably engages a second locking feature.

Abstract: The present invention is an informational display that utilizes cognitive science in the appearance and geographical location of a plurality of gauges and indicators located within the display. Through the use of color, size, depth, location and appearance, information transmitted to an operator through the present invention is rapidly perceived and interpreted. Such rapid interpretation of information by the present invention allows an operator to use a vehicle or the like in a more safe and lawful manner than that of traditional dashboard displays.

Abstract: A display device including a generally annular display 10 and a light source 3a disposed to be opposed to a rear surface of the display 10. The display 10 is indicated by a rotatable pointer 4 and includes an indicator portion 12 disposed along a trace of displacement of a tip end portion 4a of the pointer 4, and a transparent member 20 having a light incidence surface (a light incidence portion) 21 on which the light from the light source 3a is incident. The transparent member 20 is disposed on a front side of the indicator portion 12 and spaced from a front surface of the indicator portion 12 with a clearance K therebetween, and extends toward a center axis of the pointer 4.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a case having an inlet provided at a front surface thereof to suck in air and an outlet provided at a lower surface thereof to discharge the air, and at least one displaying member provided at an outer border of the inlet so as to display operating information and control operation of the air conditioner.

Abstract: To provide a lighting device capable of a substantial color adjustment and unlimited control of spectral components, a lighting device of the present invention puts a first transparent plate in which a phosphor layer dispersed with a first phosphor is formed in places and a second transparent plate in which a phosphor layer dispersed with a second phosphor is formed in places in a path of light from a light source, and stacks the first transparent plate and the second transparent plate on top of each other. The second phosphor differs from the first phosphor. How much in terms of area the phosphor layers overlap with each other is made variable, and the color tone of the lighting device can thus be controlled. The lighting device uses a blue light source as its light source, a green phosphor as the first phosphor, and a red phosphor as the second phosphor.

Abstract: A vehicle instrument cluster lens assembly for achieving a desired smoked lens effect in a vehicle instrument panel includes a first layer having an associated polarizing orientation for transforming incident light into polarized light having a first orientation that corresponds to the polarizing orientation. A second layer receives the polarized light and shifts the first orientation of the polarized light to a second orientation that is different than the first orientation. A surface receives the polarized light from the second layer and at least partially reflects the polarized light in a direction toward the second layer. The second layer shifts the second orientation of the polarized light to a third orientation that is different from the polarizing orientation of the first layer to prevent the polarized light from being transmitted to a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: Provided is a back light unit. The back light unit includes a light guide plate having a light guide pattern part; at least one light emitting unit provided at a sidewall of the light guide plate, and irradiating light to the light guide plate; a keypad positioned over the light guide plate, and comprising a resin layer, a base resin layer, a character opening part having a character shape, a key assembly provided at one side, and a key adherence film provided on an upper surface of the base resin layer; and a printed circuit board comprising a metal dome switch positioned under a lower surface of the light guide plate.

Abstract: A device for the illumination of a display, in particular of a transmission display of a motor vehicle, comprises an areal lighting means for an at least substantially uniform illumination of the total display in combination with at least one light emitting diode for an illumination of a respective individual display, in particular of a transmission position display offset in comparison with the uniform illustration of the total display, in particular a more intensive illustration of a respective individual display, in particular of a transmission position display.

Abstract: An illuminated pointer assembly for a gauge scale having an outer periphery includes a pointer that moves about a periphery of the gauge scale and is illuminated by a light guide. The light guide is disposed on a plane below the pointer and the gauge scale. The light guide includes at least two LEDs that are disposed adjacent first and second ends of the light guide. The light guide also includes a plurality of reflective elements. The plurality of reflective elements is disposed in sets that are orientated with regard to each of the LEDs. The reflective elements provide for the transmission and direction of light within the light guide into the guide body portion of the pointer.

Abstract: An optical device for collecting and distributing light from a quasi point light source which includes a planar light guide having surfaces through which optical axes are periodically spaced. There is at least one quasi point light source, the optical axis of each being coincident with the optical axes of the surfaces. There is also at least one optical element depressed within the edges or adjacent surfaces of the light guide at least partially rotated about the optical axis, and having a focal point at the quasi point light source.

Abstract: A light distributing assembly for a vehicle instrument panel includes a light source that emits light in a first direction. A first surface that is transverse to the first direction receives the light and changes the direction of the light to a second direction. A vehicle instrument panel housing having a second surface receives the light from the first surface and reflects a portion of the reflected light toward a vehicle display surface to illuminate the vehicle display surface.

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

Abstract: A keyboard equipped with a backlight structure includes a keyboard portion, a bridge board and a base board located beneath the keyboard portion to form a light transmission space. The bridge board has a light channeling portion to channel light entering the light transmission space to the keyboard portion where light emission is desired to refract the light. The structure can be made at a lower cost and converge light to display the keyboard portion without illuminating the entire keyboard portion.

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

Abstract: A meter has a liquid crystal display panel. The liquid crystal display panel is adapted to display a dial picture image thereon. A backlight illuminates the liquid crystal display panel. A movement is located in front of a front surface of the liquid crystal display panel. A semi-translucent panel covers the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel. A pointer is pivotably supported by the movement in such a manner that the semi-translucent panel is located between a pivotal trajectory plane of the pointer and the liquid crystal display panel. The semi-translucent panel enhances a contrast between the dial picture image and a background image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel.

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

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

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

Abstract: A light guide assembly for illuminating an instrument surface includes a continuous curved transition portion for uniformly directing and transmitting light from a light source to a backlight surface of the instrument surface. The curved shape of the transition portion is tailored to transmit a desired amount of light into the backlight portion and a desired amount outwardly against a back surface of the instrument surface.

Abstract: A personal computing device is disclosed. The personal computing device includes a housing having a translucent portion. The housing encloses internally various components that provide computing operations for the personal computing device. The personal computing device also includes a light source disposed inside the housing. The light source is configured to produce light inside the housing so as to illuminate at least a portion of the translucent portion. The illumination of the translucent portion affecting the appearance of the housing in a non trivial manner.

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

Abstract: An instrument cluster that is mountable on a top surface of a vehicle dashboard is disclosed. The instrument cluster includes a transparent dial that has indicia engraved thereon. A plurality of light emitting diodes are positioned in a center portion of the transparent dial so as to illuminate the indicia for night time driving. The center portion of the transparent dial further includes a high gloss semi-transparent appliqué that provides a mirror finish. Symbols are incorporated on the appliqué so as to provide indicators in the center portion of the transparent dial when a light source illuminates the symbols of the appliqué.

Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly includes a first instrument cluster graphic and a second instrument cluster graphic. The second instrument cluster graphic is superimposed on the first instrument cluster graphic.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined instrument including a printed board, on which a light source is provided that generates light for illuminating a display, and including a frame, inside of which the printed board is accommodated. The display field is directly mounted on the printed board and a light guide is provided, which is accommodated inside the frame in an area adjoining the printed board. The light guide is arranged in such a manner that light emitted by the light source is fed into the light guide and radiated onto the display field.

Abstract: An indicator hand illumination arrangement for use in an electronic device that comprises a casing, a dial positioned in the casing, at least one indicator hand positioned intermediate the dial and a cover for at least in part protecting the at least one indicator hand and the dial, wherein the arrangement comprises a light emitting element coupled to the cover, for emitting lightwaves in the UV spectrum towards the at least one indicator hand and in a direction perpendicularly to the dial surface; wherein the at least one indicator hand has a proximate end that is coupled to a stem and a distal end, the at least one indicator hand having a top surface, an inner and outer bottom surface, and a angled surface angled non-perpendicularly to the angle of the lightwaves; such that lightwaves that emanate from the light emitting element deflect off of the angled surface and propagate in a direction towards the distal end of the at least one indicator hand.

Abstract: A direct backlight includes a plastic spacer pin. The spacer pin is formed of a semispherical portion and a conical frustum portion. The spacer pin is disposed such that the thicker end of the conical frustum portion is coupled to the bottom surface of the chassis, with the semispherical portion placed to face a diffuser plate. The radius of curvature of the tip of the semispherical portion is 0.3 mm to 1 mm. The diameter of the end of the conical frustum portion on the semispherical portion side is 1.1 mm to 2 mm. The ratio (L/B) is less than 5 where L is the length of the spacer pin and B is the diameter of the thicker end of the conical frustum portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel gauge lighting structure, mainly comprising the gauge panel, the lighting guide element and the lighting supply element. The gauge panel is very broadly used on the instrument cluster of the transportation vehicles. The gauge panel is an empty round housing with a glass pane mounted on the top for seeing through the signs or the record on the panel. The lighting guide element is a curve tube made of lighting sensitive material. The lighting supply element supplies the lighting from one end or two ends of the lighting guide tube. The lighting guide tube will absorb and transmit the lighting coming from the lighting supply and illuminate the inside of the gauge panel. The luminance of the lighting supply element is well controlled to regulate the sensitive lighting in the light guide tube to obtain clear signal signs and decorative blinking.

Abstract: A display for a vehicle, including a light source, an optical device to guide light from the light source and form the light from the light source into a light pointer, a head portion disposed above a meter surface to project the light pointer formed by the optical device on the meter surface from above of the meter surface, a driving device to rotate the head portion, and a height adjusting mechanism to adjust a height of the head portion to the meter surface to be capable of changing a length of the light pointer while projecting the light pointer.

Abstract: A glare resistant display for automotive vehicles has a lens with horizontal grooves which deflect reflections of external light sources, such as sun light, away from drivers while allowing illumination from behind the lens to pass therethrough so as to be visible to drivers. Indicia is disposed on the front face of the lens and a pointer pivots behind the front face. The indicia and pointer are made distinct because they block or absorb portions of the illumination coming from behind the lens. By utilizing lenses which minimize reflection, dials of instrument panels can be moved further toward steering wheels and drivers, thereby releasing space behind the dials for other uses.

Abstract: A gauge or dial has multiple displays for indicating various vehicle operating conditions. Pointers indicate a range of measured values on some of the displays. A fixed hub covers ends of the pointers where they connect with their drive shafts and extend through the dial. The hub has a display screen with a graphic or symbol imprinted on it. A conduit directly under the hub on an opposite side of the dial extends to a printed circuit board. A light emitting diode is mounted on the printed circuit board within the conduit. Light from the diode is reflected through the conduit to backlight the symbol on the display screen. Switching on and off of the diode is controlled in response to sensing or measurement of a vehicle condition or vehicle component operation, such as a turn signal.

Abstract: A lighting device for lighting a display surface is provided. The lighting device includes a light source, a lighting well and a lens, which is arranged between the light source and the display surface. Due to the combined use of the lighting well and the lens, light scattered laterally is also reflected in the direction of the display surface.

Abstract: An illumination structure includes an operation button having a front face on which is formed an identifying indication of ‘AUTO’ made by exposing an opalescent synthetic resin to easily penetrate light and the other parts are painted in black. It also includes an illuminating part provided on a back of the operation button, which illuminates a back of the identifying indication, and plural protrusions in a shape of ribs that regulate an intensity of light penetrating through the identifying indication. In this structure, the plural protrusions obstruct and diffuse the light beams that advance from the illuminating part toward the back of the identifying indication, thereby achieving uniform emission of the light beams from the whole identifying indication. Further in the manufacturing process of the operation button, contraction of a front face of the operation button accompanied with coagulation of the synthetic resin is dispersed by the plural protrusions.

Abstract: A direct-type backlight unit for a flat panel liquid crystal display includesat least one lamp installed in a housing, a diffusion plate installed above the lamp, a reflection plate having a reflection surface and a back surface installed under the lamp for reflecting light generated by the lamp from the reflection surface to the diffusion plate, and the reflection plate having at least one aperture thereon, and a heat dissipating plate combined with the back surface of the reflection plate.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard having a key portion, a backlight device, a light-condensing plate, a diffuser, a printed circuit board, and a light source. The key portion includes a seat and a key, and the key is disposed on the seat in a manner such that it is moved upwardly and downwardly. The backlight device is disposed beneath the key portion to illuminate the key portion. The light-condensing plate is disposed between the light guide and the key portion. The diffuser is disposed between the light guide and the key portion. The printed circuit board is disposed between the seat and the backlight device. The light source is disposed on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to illumination of an instrument for displaying information. In particular the invention relates to illumination for an instrument suitable for use in a vehicle. Such instruments, located on the dashboard of an automotive vehicle, require illumination to allow the driver to read the information when it is dark. An instrument suitable for use in a vehicle is thus provided, generally comprising a housing, an information bearing surface, a transparent protective cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a first light source coupled to the protective cover. The protective cover acts as a light guide and is arranged to allow light to escape at a selected location into the interior of the instrument to illuminate a portion of the information bearing surface.

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. 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.

Abstract: An instrument cluster for communicating a vehicle's operating status to a vehicle occupant is disclosed. The instrument cluster includes a housing for supporting the instrument cluster. The housing is mountable to a vehicle instrument panel. A circuit board is secured to the housing. A motor having a motor shaft is rotatably coupled to the motor and the motor is secured to the circuit board. A gauge pointer is mounted on the motor shaft and rotatable therewith for indicating the vehicle's operating status. At least one diode is provided for illuminating the gauge pointer and at least one diode “footprint” is disposed on the circuit board proximate the motor shaft for electrically interconnecting the at least one diode to the circuit board. The at least one diode “footprint” has a cathode solder pad and an anode solder pad. The anode solder pad is substantially rectangular and the cathode solder pad is substantially L-shaped.

Abstract: Gauge face lighting includes an illuminative device disposed on top of a gauge face with mechanical meters; the device features on that the illuminative device is composed by a circular light guiding loop and a plurality of grooves. A plurality of light-emitting diode is disposed inside the grooves respectively. Thus the homogeneous light emits circularly from the light guiding loop for better lighting on the surface of the gauge face with mechanical meters.