Abstract The present invention is directed to a linear meter for producing a linear indication from a rotatable movement and specifically to the type of linear meter including a cylindrical member. The cylindrical member is rotated about a central axis and progressive portions of a helical line on the surface of the cylindrical member present a linear display along a display line which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the cylindrical member. A plurality of individual light transmission means is positioned adjacent to the display line for transmitting the linear display to produce a crisp and clear output indication. Specifically, the individual light transmission means may include vertical light-conducting members separated by baffles and having twisted inner ends so that the inner ends are aligned with the slanted helical line on the cylindrical member. Also, the plurality of individual light transmission means may be small light pipes for transmitting the light energy to produce the output indication. The walls of the inner ends of both types of the light transmission means may include surfaces which absorb light energy so that only light substantially parallel to the light-absorbing surfaces would be passed through the light transmission means. Other aspects of the invention include the use of direct or reflected light to produce the output indication from the helical line on the cylindrical member. Also, the output indication from the linear meter of the present invention may consist of an increasingly larger light or dark area or may consist of a moving dot or line. The invention also includes the use of a photosensitive material located on one surface of the individual light transmission means so that an output signal, in accordance with the output indication, may be produced. Further, the invention includes the use of electroluminescent material electrically controlled by the activation of the photosensitive so as to produce a remote display or a larger display than could be achieved with the light transmission means alone. A further aspect of the invention includes a compact structure wherein means for driving the cylindrical member are located within the cylindrical member and include a d''Arsonval meter drive.
A linear meter, including a cylindrical member including a helical line on the surface of the cylindrical member and with the cylindrical member rotatable about a central axis, first means operatively coupled to the cylindrical member for producing a rotational movement of the cylindrical member about the central axis and with the helical line on the surface of the cylindrical member presenting a linear display to a display area adjacent to the cylindrical member which display area extends along a display axis parallel to the central axis, a plurality of individual light transmission means each having first and second ends positioned adjacent to each other and with the first ends positioned adjacent to the display area along the display axis for sequentially tranSmitting the linear display to the individual light transmission means in accordance with the rotation of the cylindrical member and with the first ends twisted to be aligned with the helical line, and a plurality of light baffles and with at least one baffle located between each adjacent pair of light transmission means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
A linear meter, including a cylindrical member including a helical line on the surface of the cylindrical member and with the cylindrical member rotatable about a central axis, first means operatively coupled to the cylindrical member for producing a rotational movement of the cylindrical member about the central axis and with the helical line on the surface of the cylindrical member presenting a linear display to a display area adjacent to the cylindrical member which display area extends along a display axis parallel to the central axis, a plurality of individual light transmission means each having first and second ends positioned adjacent to each other and with the first ends positioned adjacent to the display area along the display axis for sequentially tranSmitting the linear display to the individual light transmission means in accordance with the rotation of the cylindrical member and with the first ends twisted to be aligned with the helical line, and a plurality of light baffles and with at least one baffle located between each adjacent pair of light transmission means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The linear meter of claim 1 wherein the light baffles are light-absorbent in the area adjacent to the first ends of the light transmission means and are light-reflective in the area adjacent to the second ends of the light transmission means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The linear meter of claim 1 wherein the second ends of the light transmission means each contain at least one light-diffusing area so as to produce an output indication of the linear display.