LCD display and gauge with belt or cable driven pointer
US7520241B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S116/36
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An indicating instrument such as a speedometer has a numerical scale, a belt and a pointer attached to the belt to indicate different scale positions. A display, such as an LCD, may lie within the inner confines of the perimeter of the dial, which may be formed in a variety of shapes. A motor-driven pulley drives the belt to move the pointer around the LCD and to various scale positions. A light source within the pointer may illuminate the pointer, while a separate pointer support structure about the numerical scale may support the pointer from underneath. The belt may be a continuous loop about one spool or a separate, spring-loaded bobbin may be used with the spool to coil and uncoil the belt. An electrically conductive, tensioning post may supply electricity to the belt and the lighted pointer. Teeth on the spool may coincide with perforations in the belt.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.