Patent · US Expired

Black light instrument cluster assembly

US5997161A · kind A · utility

31Cited by
8References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 9, 1997
Grant dateDec 7, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 9, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60K2360/349
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An instrument cluster assembly includes a light source for emitting black light and an instrument cluster display including at least one graphic feature that is illuminable by black light. The invisible black light illuminates only the graphic features when contacted by the black light from the light source without illuminating the surrounding portions of the instrument cluster display. Preferably, the light source includes first and second light sources positioned on opposite sides of the instrument cluster display. The light sources are each a single bulb for emitting ultraviolet light. The light sources are positioned between reflectors and the instrument cluster display such that the reflectors are positioned for redirecting black light initially emitted towards the reflector onto the instrument cluster display. The graphic features are preferably made of a phosphoric material.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.