US5084698A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illuminated pointer instrument
Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
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Filing: 1989-12-08
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Granted: 1992-01-28
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Expires: 2009-12-08
Abstract
Abstract In an indicator instrument, at least one light-emitting diode (8, 9) which lights up in different colors depending on the manner in which it is controlled is provided in a light guide (5). In this way, the pointer instrument can be illuminated in simple fashion in different colors, for instance as a function of the position of the pointer.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerhard Sell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 11:53
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01D; G01D11/00; G01D11/28; B; B60; B60Q; B60Q3/00; B60Q3/10; B60Q3/14; B60Q3/60; B60Q3/62; B60Q3/64; H; H05; H05K; H05K1/00; H05K1/02; H05K1/0284
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A pointer instrument comprising at least one light-emitting diode capable of radiating light in a plurality of colors; a light guide illuminated by said at least one light-emitting diode; and a circuit board located behind the light guide for applying electric current to said at least one diode, the current energizing said at least one diode to emit light, the light guide having an opening; a reflector disposed between the light guide and the circuit board; wherein a color of the light of said at least one light-emitting diode is controllable by variation of a magnitude of said current; and said at least one light-emitting diode is fastened to the circuit board and extends through the reflector and through the opening in the light guide.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A pointer instrument comprising at least one light-emitting diode capable of radiating light in a plurality of colors; a light guide illuminated by said at least one light-emitting diode; and a circuit board located behind the light guide for applying electric current to said at least one diode, the current energizing said at least one diode to emit light, the light guide having an opening; a reflector disposed between the light guide and the circuit board; wherein a color of the light of said at least one light-emitting diode is controllable by variation of a magnitude of said current; and said at least one light-emitting diode is fastened to the circuit board and extends through the reflector and through the opening in the light guide.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An instrument according to claim 1, wherein the light guide has a conical surface which serves as a light deflecting surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
146 words
A pointer instrument comprising a first light-emitting diode capable of radiating light in a plurality of colors; a light guide illuminated by the light-emitting diode; a circuit board located behind the light guide for applying electric current to said at least one diode, the current energizing said at least one diode to emit light, the light guide having an opening; a reflector disposed between the light guide and the circuit board; wherein the color of the light of the first light-emitting diode is controllable by variation of a magnitude of said current; the light-emitting diode is fastened to the circuit board and extends into an opening in the light guide; and the instrument further comprises electronic components secured to the back side of the circuit board; and a second light emitting diode located on the circuit board and extending through an opening in the light guide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
146 words
A pointer instrument comprising a first light-emitting diode capable of radiating light in a plurality of colors; a light guide illuminated by the light-emitting diode; a circuit board located behind the light guide for applying electric current to said at least one diode, the current energizing said at least one diode to emit light, the light guide having an opening; a reflector disposed between the light guide and the circuit board; wherein the color of the light of the first light-emitting diode is controllable by variation of a magnitude of said current; the light-emitting diode is fastened to the circuit board and extends into an opening in the light guide; and the instrument further comprises electronic components secured to the back side of the circuit board; and a second light emitting diode located on the circuit board and extending through an opening in the light guide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
129 words
A pointer instrument comprising: at least one light-emitting diode capable of radiating light in a plurality of colors; a light guide and a conical reflecting surface for directing said light, the guide having an aperture for receiving said at least one diode; a circuit board located behind the light guide, said diode connecting with the circuit board and extending through the aperture for radiating light toward the reflecting surface, a back side of a conical portion of said guide facing said board, the circuit board applying electric current to said at least one diode for energizing said at least one diode to emit light; and wherein a color of the light of said at least one light-emitting diode can be varied by variation of a magnitude of said current.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
129 words
A pointer instrument comprising: at least one light-emitting diode capable of radiating light in a plurality of colors; a light guide and a conical reflecting surface for directing said light, the guide having an aperture for receiving said at least one diode; a circuit board located behind the light guide, said diode connecting with the circuit board and extending through the aperture for radiating light toward the reflecting surface, a back side of a conical portion of said guide facing said board, the circuit board applying electric current to said at least one diode for energizing said at least one diode to emit light; and wherein a color of the light of said at least one light-emitting diode can be varied by variation of a magnitude of said current.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
An instrument according to claim 4, wherein said diode is secured to said board.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
An instrument according to claim 4, further comprising a reflector having said reflecting surface and being positioned about said diode and being located between said guide and said board.
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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) | 1995-01-27 | 1995-07-29 | 1996-01-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-01-27 | 1999-07-29 | 2000-01-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-01-27 | 2003-07-29 | 2004-01-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |