Illuminated pointer for an analog gauge and related method of use and manufacture
US5703612A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S116/36
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.