Signals and indicators – Indicators – Rotary indicator with actuating means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-28
2001-10-16
Hirshfeld, Andrew H. (Department: 2859)
Signals and indicators
Indicators
Rotary indicator with actuating means
C116S286000, C362S026000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302055
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for illuminating instrument pointers. More particularly, light is conducted through the pointers without creating a disturbing halo image on the instrument face.
2. Disclosure Information
It is known to provide for illuminated pointers for instruments, as shown in
FIG. 1
, in which pointers are illuminated by reflectively transmitting light into the pointer. In such instruments, a portion of the light emitted to illuminate the pointer is “lost” through reflections
10
which leak onto an instrument face
12
, creating the appearance of a glowing halo on the instrument face. The halo reduces the clarity and readability of any markings on the instrument.
It would be desirable to have an illuminated pointer for instruments capable of significantly reducing or eliminating this halo.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An instrument having an illuminated pointer has been discovered that substantially reduces or eliminates any observable halo. The present invention includes a light conductive member having a first shaft aperture and an instrument face disposed on a front surface of the light conductive member and having a second shaft aperture therein. A pointer shaft extends through the first and second shaft apertures beyond the front surface of the light conductive member and includes an instrument pointer disposed on the pointer shaft. A light blocking hub cap is mounted on the hub portion of the instrument pointer and includes a center portion and a cylindrical wall portion extending from the center portion of the hub cap toward the instrument face where it terminates at a first end below the instrument pointer. A recessed well is located in the light conducting member, the recessed well being generally coaxial with the first shaft aperture and having a well wall extending upward from a bottom of the recessed well and terminating at a second end substantially flush with the instrument face so as to reduce light transmission therethrough.
An advantage of the present invention to substantially reduce or eliminate the halo created on an instrument face as an undesired byproduct of illuminating an instrument pointer.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4380043 (1983-04-01), Takamatsu et al.
patent: 4771368 (1988-09-01), Tsukamoto et al.
patent: 4860170 (1989-08-01), Sakakibara et al.
patent: 5199376 (1993-04-01), Pasco
patent: 5291851 (1994-03-01), Muramatsu
patent: 5458082 (1995-10-01), Cookingham
patent: 6161934 (2000-12-01), Griffin et al.
patent: 07997215 (1997-09-01), None
patent: 6-186063 (1994-07-01), None
patent: 11211513 (1999-08-01), None
patent: 11248493 (1999-09-01), None
Hirshfeld Andrew H.
Shelton Larry I.
Visteon Global Technologies Inc.
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