US4247747A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illuminated panels
Assignee: Decca Ltd
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Filing: 1979-03-07
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Granted: 1981-01-27
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Expires: 1999-03-07
Abstract
Abstract A self-illuminating panel in which characters are unobtrusively illuminated by projection of light into a narrow face of a transparent flexible lamina marked with the characters. Each character, which may be a translucent printed figure, provides an optical discontinuity which disperses the light so that the diffusely illuminated character can be viewed in contrast against a dark background behind the lamina. Pressure applied on and through the flexible lamina enables operation of an array of switches disposed behind the lamina.
Inventors
- 👤 Royston W. Swatten
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 09:10
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; G02B6/0011; G02B6/0081; G02B6/0086; G02B6/0091; H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/83; G09; G09F; G09F13/00; G09F13/18; G09F2013/1804; G09F2013/1831; H01H2219/00; H01H2219/002; H01H2219/014; H01H2219/028; H01H2219/036; H01H2219/04; H01H2219/044; H01H2223/00; H01H2223/034; H01H2229/00; H01H2229/062
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A self-illuminating panel comprising: (a) a transparent flexible lamina, said lamina bearing markings which constitute optical discontinuities that define visible characters; (b) an optical source which projects light into the lamina through a narrow face thereof; (c) an opaque flexible screen which is disposed behind the lamina and spaced therefrom; and (d) an array of pressure-operable switches disposed behind said screen, said switches being in register with said characters and each operable by the application of pressure on the lamina.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
A self-illuminating panel comprising: (a) a transparent flexible lamina, said lamina bearing markings which constitute optical discontinuities that define visible characters; (b) an optical source which projects light into the lamina through a narrow face thereof; (c) an opaque flexible screen which is disposed behind the lamina and spaced therefrom; and (d) an array of pressure-operable switches disposed behind said screen, said switches being in register with said characters and each operable by the application of pressure on the lamina.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A switch panel according to claim 1 in which the lamina is less than 0.3 mm in thickness.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A switch panel according to claim 1 in which a mask is disposed in front of the lamina, said mask having apertures which expose the markings on the lamina.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A switch panel according to claim 1 further comprising a spring sheet disposed behind the screen.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
A switch-panel according to claim 1 in which the optical source comprises a plurality of light emitters aligned on opposite narrow faces of the lamina, and each emitter projects light into the lamina at a point offset with respect to the two nearest markings on the lamina.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
119 words
A self-illuminating panel comprising: (a) a transparent flexible lamina, said lamina bearing rows of markings which constitute optical discontinuities that define visible characters; (b) an optical source for projecting light into the lamina through a narrow face thereof, said source comprising a plurality of light emitters each offset from said rows; (c) an opaque flexible screen disposed behind and spaced from said lamina; (d) a flexible spring sheet disposed behind said screen; (e) an array of pressure operable switches in register with particular characters, said switches being operable by pressure applied to said lamina and through said screen and spring sheet; and (f) a mask disposed in front of said lamina, said mask having apertures for exposing said markings.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
119 words
A self-illuminating panel comprising: (a) a transparent flexible lamina, said lamina bearing rows of markings which constitute optical discontinuities that define visible characters; (b) an optical source for projecting light into the lamina through a narrow face thereof, said source comprising a plurality of light emitters each offset from said rows; (c) an opaque flexible screen disposed behind and spaced from said lamina; (d) a flexible spring sheet disposed behind said screen; (e) an array of pressure operable switches in register with particular characters, said switches being operable by pressure applied to said lamina and through said screen and spring sheet; and (f) a mask disposed in front of said lamina, said mask having apertures for exposing said markings.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-01-27 | 1984-07-28 | 1985-01-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-01-27 | 1988-07-28 | 1989-01-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-01-27 | 1992-07-28 | 1993-01-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |