Abstract: A combined magnifier/lighting apparatus for hand held video games utilizes a directional light source and an angularly adjustable flat reflective surface disposed opposite the directional source in a frame spaced from the display screen of the hand held device. The use of a directional light source and the adjustable flat reflective material provides an increased and more diffused lighting effect while eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.

Abstract: A combined magnifier/lighting apparatus for hand held video games utilizes a directional light source and an angularly adjustable reflective surface disposed opposite the directional source in a frame spaced from the display screen of the hand held device. The use of a directional light source and the adjustable reflective material provides an increased and more diffused lighting effect while eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.

Abstract: A switch device with an indicator, in which the indication resolution for the operation amount of a switch can be increased without increasing the number of light emitting elements of the indicator and with a low cost, is provided. The switch device includes an LED which emits light when the operation state of a knob of the switch corresponds to a first state and an LED which emits light when the operation state of a knob of the switch corresponds to a second state. When the operation state of the knob lies between the first and second states, at least one of the amount and color of light emission from the LEDs is changed in order to indicate an intermediate operation state of the switch.

Abstract: A switch device is provided which allows easy recognition of the operation amount of the switch device with an inexpensive structure and without the need for an operator to change the posture or the like, even when a blind spot region is generated in an indicator as a special indication region at the time of indicating the operation amount of the switch. When the special indication region on the indicator cannot be seen directly because it is blocked by a knob, the state of the indicator in the special indication region is expressed using a visible region on the indicator which is always visible. Thus, the operator can recognize the operation amount of the switch device in the blind spot region without changing the posture or the like and using a simple structure of the switch device.

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

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

Abstract: Horizontal street lamp (10) of an oblong concave structure housing a source of light, with a downward-facing mouth in whose center is applied a frame (60) with a cavity into which a substantially vertical plate (80) can be freely inserted, said plate being illuminated by a source of light to create a sort of road sign, or for purposes of advertising, decoration generally.

Abstract: A cover member for an illuminated push button switch capable of providing the hard touch with fingers when it is incorporated in a switch unit and facilitating formation of a symbol/character display section exhibiting distinct display and aesthetic properties. In the cover member, key tops each are provided at a distal end thereof with a hard resin section. The resin section is integrally mounted thereon with a rubber section and then a symbol/character display section is formed on a flat surface of the rubber section. The rubber section is fixed on the flat surface thereof to a movable section of a substrate. Such construction provides a user with a satisfactory feeling in operation, effectively prevents wearing of the symbol/character display section, provides the symbol/character display section with an aesthetic appearance without any defect and ensures increased durability of the cover member, resulting in a commercial value of the cover member being highly increased.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for illuminating an object associated with a portable handheld video game device having a port in electrical connection with at least one power source. The illumination apparatus includes a plug for plugging the apparatus into the port, a body connected to the plug, an illumination device connected to the body and adapted to be powered by the power source when the plug is plugged into the port for illuminating an object associated with the portable handheld video game device, the illumination device including a connection member, and an interchangeable illumination head removably attached to the connection member of the illumination device and adapted to be illuminated by the illumination device.

Abstract: A light guiding plate guides light from a light source to illuminate a display. A reflector reflects light from the light source. A first surface and a second surface selectively transmits or reflects light. A first region is formed on the first surface at a location that is relatively near the light source. The first region includes a first inclined face and a second inclined face. The first inclined face reflects light from the light source to guide light to the reflector. The second inclined face reflects light from the light source to guide light to the second surface. A second region is formed on the first surface at a location that is relatively far from the light source. The second region includes a third inclined face and a fourth inclined face. The third inclined face reflects light from the light source to guide light to the second surface. The fourth inclined face reflects light reflected by the reflector to guide to the second surface.

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

Abstract: An auxiliary light source apparatus for radiating light onto a reflective liquid crystal display is disclosed. In the apparatus, a reflective display module is pivotally connected to a main body. A support member is opened and closed from and to a position adjacent to the main body in opposition to the reflective display module. An auxiliary light source is installed at the support member to radiate light onto the display area of the reflective display module. Accordingly, the auxiliary light source apparatus for the reflective liquid crystal display is connected to the main body in a position in opposition to the reflective liquid crystal display panel so that a light can be uniformly radiated onto the reflective liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: A lighting assembly for compact computer devices such as, for example, hand held video games utilizes a light source directed away from the display screen of the compact computer device and a reflective surface selectively positionable over the display screen to intercept and reflect the light emanating from the light source and re-direct it toward the display screen. The directing of the light away from the display screen and subsequent reflecting back toward the display screen results in an evenly diffused light being applied to the display screen, while completely eliminating the otherwise experienced hot spots or dark spots common in prior art light assemblies.

Abstract: A meter for a vehicle has a scale plate, a pointer and a plurality of light sources. A first light source lights a scale plate up from a backside thereof. A second light source lights the scale plate up through a light guiding plate. A third light source lights a pointer up from a base thereof. The first light and the second light have different colors. The first and second lights and the third light are activated with time lag. The light sources produce a novel appearance on the meter.

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

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: In a light illuminating type manipulation and display apparatus including a light source and rotary knobs having a plurality of stop positions and indicator sections which are illuminated and displayed with the light from the light source at each of the stop positions. In the apparatus, light reflecting bodies having a plurality of light reflecting surfaces corresponding to a plurality of the stop positions of the rotary knobs are disposed, and the light from the light source is reflected from each of the light reflecting surfaces of the light reflecting bodies and illuminates the indicator sections located at each of the stop positions. With this arrangement, the quality of the apparatus can be improved with reduced power consumption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control knurl for the rotary adjustment of a potentiometer in an automotive vehicle which minimizes light loss of the light guide in a control knurl. The light guide of the control knurl reflects the light from inside onto the peripheral surface of the control knurl. A bright protective coating encompasses the light guide and reflects the beams of light which emit from the boundary surface of the light guide. Light loss is also avoided by not applying protective coating on mirror surfaces which redirect the light.

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 integrated lighting system designed to evenly illuminate the instruments, switches, warning placards and checklists includes a fiber-optic ribbons held in place and adhered to one or more of three specially designed bezels. A first embodiment includes a bezel which fits over, for example, a relatively smaller 21/4 inch standard size instrument. A second embodiment of the bezel fits over a standard size 31/8 inch instrument having no adjusting knobs which must be avoided. A third embodiment includes a bezel fits the 31/8 inch instrument with the cut-out for adjusting knobs. A fourth embodiment includes a channel support for mounting a printed label and which supports the label and accommodates fiber tape between the channel support and printed label.

Abstract: A display system includes a light source which is disposed within a housing and a display panel. The display panel includes inner and outer layers. Both the inner and the outer layer contain a light absorbing pigment and a light scattering particulate. The outer layer of the panel contains a greater quantity of pigment than the inner layer. The inner layer of the panel contains a greater quantity of light scattering particulate than the outer layer. The inner and outer layers of the panel having the same optical density. If desired, indicia may be provided between the inner and outer layers of the display panel. In order to increase the viewing angle at which the indicia is visible to an observer, the indicia is formed with sloping minor side surfaces which flare outward from the inner panel toward the outer panel.

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: 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: Lighting assemblies are provided for visual indicators which indicate the level of fluid in a container. One such assembly comprises a backlighting assembly for a visual fluid level indicator having front and rear transparent viewing windows for viewing the level of a fluid contained therein, comprising (i) a substantially flat fiber optic panel located proximate the rear transparent viewing window; (ii) an attachment mechanism for attaching the substantially flat fiber optic panel to the visual fluid indicator proximate the rear transparent viewing window; and (iii) an illumination source optically coupled to the substantially flat fiber optic panel. The illumination source is a gas filled light source operating at less than 25 volts A.C. which is enclosed in a waterproof and explosion-proof enclosure, and which is optically coupled to the fiber optic panel by a fiber optic light cable.

Abstract: Lighting assemblies are provided for visual indicators which indicate the level of fluid in a container. One such assembly comprises a backlighting assembly for a visual fluid level indicator having front and rear transparent viewing windows for viewing the level of a fluid contained therein, comprising (i) a substantially flat fiber optic panel located proximate the rear transparent viewing window; (ii) an attachment mechanism for attaching the substantially flat fiber optic panel to the visual fluid indicator proximate the rear transparent viewing window; and (iii) an illumination source optically coupled to the substantially flat fiber optic panel. The illumination source is a gas filled light source operating at less than 25 volts A.C. which is enclosed in a waterproof and explosion-proof enclosure, and which is optically coupled to the fiber optic panel by a fiber optic light cable.

Abstract: A luminous key top having display sections comprises: a display member having a plurality of protrusions corresponding to the respective external configurations of the display sections and formed of a transparent or a translucent synthetic resin; an external member consisting of an opaque synthetic resin and formed integrally on the display member except for the respective top surfaces of the protrusions; first light-transmitting color layers formed by printing on the respective top surfaces of the protrusions; and second light-transmitting color layers formed by printing on the first light-transmitting color layers.

Abstract: A compact, portable combined light and magnifier apparatus and method for use with portable computer, such as a portable, hand-held video game, having a video screen, such apparatus comprises a body composed of a plurality of panels which define an open space generally the size of the video screen and a battery compartment to supply power and lighting means within the body to provide indirect lighting to the video screen, the body and the battery compartment containing ridges which provide for the body to be releasably secured to the computer with the video screen. The apparatus includes a cover to fit over the open viewing space of the body and pivotable between a closed, compact position adjacent the face side of the body and an open, use position extending generally perpendicularly outwardly from the face side of the body.

Abstract: An instrument preferably employable for a vehicle includes a dial and at least one pointer for indicating the present operative state of the vehicle such as a running speed, an engine speed or the like through a window glass. The dial is illuminated from the rear side by activating a dial illuminating unit, while the pointer is illuminated indirectly via a reflective coating film formed thereon by activating a pointer illuminating unit. The pointer is rotated in a normal direction via a stepping motor when an ignition key is shifted to ON, while it is rotated in a reverse direction when it is shifted to OFF. The instrument is additionally provided with a pointer mask plate made of an opaque plate-shaped material and placed between the window glass and the pointer. The pointer mask plate is located below a zero calibration on the dial and at least the window glass side of the pointer mask plate is blackened without any optical brightness like a frosted glass.

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: The automotive display apparatus consists of an indicator, a transmissive first reflector plate, a second reflector plate, and a face plate. The face plate has a rear surface the upper portion of which is inclined at an angle larger than the inclined angle of the remaining portion of the rear surface. If light from a display of the indicator is inadvertently directly passed onto the upper portion of the rear surface of the face plate, the upper portion reflects the light to form an eventually ghost-causing virtual image at such a position that the ghost does not enter into a viewing area for the indicator display. The automotive display apparatus does not require an extra spc to provide a display free of ghost and is produceable at a low cost.

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 indicator gauge is disclosed, which comprises a meter panel. The meter panel includes a transparent base plate, a transparent colored layer applied to a rear surface of the transparent base plate and a fluorescent transparent substance layer applied to a front surface of the transparent base plate. A visual alarm indicator includes an opaque mark mounted to a given portion of the meter panel, a lamp housing having an open end which is connected to a rear surface of the meter panel in such a manner as to face toward the given portion and an electric lamp installed in the lamp housing. An ultraviolet lamp is arranged in front of the meter panel and generates ultraviolet rays upon electric energization thereof.

Abstract: In a pointer instrument, a light guide (3) serves as support for electronic components (7). The light guide (3) therefore assumes the function of a printed circuit board. The electronic components (7) are preferably arranged on the outer wall surface (6) of the light guide (3) which is developed in the shape of a conical frustum so that space which is in any event present in the housing can be used for them. The light guide serves to illuminate a dial of the instrument.

Abstract: An indicator gauge is disclosed, which comprises a meter panel. The meter panel includes a transparent base plate, a transparent colored layer applied to a rear surface of the transparent base platen and a fluorescent transparent substance layer applied to a front surface of the transparent base plate. A visual alarm indicator includes an opaque mark mounted to a given portion of the meter panel, a lamp housing having an open end which is connected to a rear surface of the meter panel in such a manner as to face toward the given portion and an electric lamp installed in the lamp housing. An ultraviolet lamp is arranged in front of the meter panel and generates ultraviolet rays upon electric energization thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicating apparatus which has light-refractive sections comprising concave and convex sections that are formed of ultraviolet-cured resin having light transmission properties and are disposed on a back surface of an indicating plate and adjacent an illuminating light source, is easy to manufacture, and, furthermore, is capable of obtaining the same three-dimensional illumination effect as those processed into a form of lens.

Abstract: A display device includes first and second light sources. Lights emitted from the first and second light sources respectively provide different illumination effects on a display face so that a combination of the first and second light sources provides variety of illumination patterns.

Abstract: A display device, particularly for automotive vehicles, having a transparent display panel on which opaque characters and symbols can be represented and over the front of which a pointer is movable. Ambient light can pass through the display panel from the side away from the observer to the side towards the observer. On this side of the display panel away from the observer there is arranged a background surface, the projection of the contour of the display panel from the observer onto the background surface being smaller than the background surface as seen from the perspective of the observer.

Abstract: An illuminating device to be used in association with an instrument to facilitate reading indicia thereon in low light/dark conditions. The device can be attached to a single instrument or a combination of consolidated instruments gauges. The illuminating device is normally attached to an associated instrument in a generally overlying relationship to the instrument face. The illuminating device can be used with different sources of illumination.

Abstract: An electronic device with densely packed components includes a bipartite housing, a film circuit guided meander-like in said housing, at least one reinforcement plate for reinforcing said film circuit over part of the length of said film circuit, means integral with at least one part of said housing for fixing said reinforcement plate in position, an illuminated display disposed in said housing for viewing said film circuit, and a calibration potentiometer disposed in said housing for contacting said film circuit.

Abstract: A slide rheostat having a light-emitting device for permitting a person to check the position of the knob of the rheostat in the nighttime or in the dark. The rheostat includes a transparent upper baseplate, a transparent lower baseplate, a laminated sheet including a pressure-sensitive contact member, a transparent sliding body that reciprocates, the knob being formed on the sliding body, an indicator portion having a transparent region, and a pressure-applying member. The light-emitting device is disposed below the lower baseplate rather than on the knob carried by the sliding body. When the light-emitting device is lit, the emitted light is transmitted through the lower baseplate, the laminated sheet, the upper baseplate, and the transparent region of the indicator portion that has a scale thereon. Part of the light directly reaches the outside through this transparent region, while the other part arrives at the outside after passing through the knob.

Abstract: A meter has a polarizing filter so that only light having a substantially horizontal wave motion is emitted therefrom. The meter is positioned beneath a canopy which prevents light from impinging on the vehicle windshield so that polarized light impinges on the side window where reflection thereof is attenuated due to the angle of incidence thereof. A non reflective surface is located adjacent the side window which adds to the attenuation of the reflected light.

Abstract: The hub section of a pointer is provided with first and second light reflecting curved surfaces which are arranged on opposite portions with respect to the axis of the spindle of the movement. The first light reflecting curved surface is formed on a part of walls defining a recess formed in the hub portion.

Abstract: An illuminating arrangement utilizes a sheet-type light-pipe. Light is reflected upwardly to the areas to be illuminated by providing the light-pipe with selectively roughened portions on its rear surface. When utilized to illuminate instruments such as calculators, surface areas of the calculator such as the pushbuttons and associated graphics receive light from the light-pipe by providing apertures in the keyboard which correspond positionally to the roughened portions of the sheet-type light-pipe. Additionally, the pushbuttons can be retained within the frame of the calculator by providing flanges extending laterally from the pushbuttons which are retained within apertures in a frame-like cover by retaining elements which extend from the cover inwardly into the openings.