US3921569A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Instrumentation presentation
Assignee: Brunswick Corp
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Filing: 1973-11-08
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Granted: 1975-11-25
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Expires: 1993-11-08
Abstract
Abstract An instrument face constructed and lighted from behind so that only the information displayed thereby is illuminated, and incorporating a visual warning signal visable only over a selected value range of the displayed information. A rotating opaque disc incorporating a translucent pointer is arrayed behind a surrounding opaque ring bearing a translucent scale; such that light from behind may escape only through the scale and pointer. A red translucent area on the disc cooperates with an opening in the ring to provide a warning signal when the pointer registers a dangerous condition.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur F Miller
- 👤 Robert C Schmiedel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 23:23
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01D; G01D11/00; G01D11/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
An indicating device comprising, a dial face including an outer scale bearing member and moving means positioned behind said scale bearing member to indicate a value reading on the scale; means to drive said indicator means, and light radiating means apart from and behind said scale and indicator means for back lighting said dial face, characterized by said moving indicator means comprising an opaque surface having a translucent portion comprising a pointer, and said scale bearing member comprising a light conducting body having its front surface covered by an opaque material defining a translucent scale thereon, and wherein the opaque surface of said moving indicator overlaps the translucent scale portion of said scale bearing member sufficiently to block light radiating directly from said light radiating means so that light from said back lighting means passes indirectly and continuously to said translucent scale by diffusion through and in the plane of the lighting conducting body of said scale bearing member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
An indicating device comprising, a dial face including an outer scale bearing member and moving means positioned behind said scale bearing member to indicate a value reading on the scale; means to drive said indicator means, and light radiating means apart from and behind said scale and indicator means for back lighting said dial face, characterized by said moving indicator means comprising an opaque surface having a translucent portion comprising a pointer, and said scale bearing member comprising a light conducting body having its front surface covered by an opaque material defining a translucent scale thereon, and wherein the opaque surface of said moving indicator overlaps the translucent scale portion of said scale bearing member sufficiently to block light radiating directly from said light radiating means so that light from said back lighting means passes indirectly and continuously to said translucent scale by diffusion through and in the plane of the lighting conducting body of said scale bearing member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
90 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said dial face further includes a visual warning feature comprising a separate translucent area on said moving indicator means illuminated by said back lighting means and a stationary companion window in said scale bearing member positioned apart from the scale, said separate illuminated translucent area being masked from view by the opaque portions of said scale member until positioned in conjunction with said window by movement of said indicator means to a position where said pointer indicates within a selected range on said scale.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 2 further including light baffle means to prevent light from said back lighting means from impinging directly upon the translucent pointer and warning area portions of said moving indicator means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said scale bearing member comprises an outer ring having a value scale thereon, and a generally arcuate aperture therein adjacent said scale, and said indicator means comprises a generally circular member positioned behind said scale bearing member and covering said arcuate aperture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 4 wherein the edges of the arcuate aperture in said scale bearing member are coated with an opaque material so that diffused light does not escape therefrom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 2 wherein the translucent portions of said dial face are coated with translucent material of selected color.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said window in said scale member comprises a simple aperture therein.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-11-24 | 1979-05-26 | 1979-11-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-24 | 1983-05-26 | 1983-11-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-24 | 1987-05-26 | 1987-11-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |