US5671996A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle instrumentation/console lighting
Assignee: Magna Donnelly Corp
•
Filing: 1994-12-30
•
Granted: 1997-09-30
•
Expires: 2014-12-30
Abstract
Abstract Interior vehicle instrumentation and/or console lighting is provided by an interior rearview mirror assembly or interior lamp assembly incorporating a non-incandescent, directed, low level, low power, non-glare producing light emitting source. The source illuminates portions of the vehicle interior such as the instrumentation or controls in the instrument panel or console area. One or more of such light emitting sources is optionally mounted on or within the mirror case or mirror support separate from any conventional incandescent lamp or lamps which may be mounted in the mirror assembly to provide general interior lighting. Alternately, the light emitting source can be mounted on or within an interior vehicle lamp assembly such as a dome lamp, rail lamp, or the like. Preferably, the light emitting source is a solid state lamp such as a light emitting diode, is controlled via the ignition switch and/or a rheostat/dimmer switch, and most preferably provides a maximum illumination of about 0.2 to 4.0 lux at 22 to 26 inches at about 20 mA to about 50 mA or less current and about 2.0 volts to about 5.0 volts or less.
Inventors
- 👤 Brent J. Bos
- 👤 Stephen J. Forbes
- 👤 Roger L. Veldman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:53
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q3/00; B60Q3/80; B60Q3/20; B60Q3/258; B60Q3/85; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 92
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having an engine, at least one electrically operated accessory, and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having an accessory on position for operating the accessory and an ignition on position for operating at least the engine and the accessory, said assembly comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said assembly including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source; and said light emitting source positioned on said assembly to provide directed, low level, local area illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle, said light emitting source including a light emitting diode and an electrical resistor connected in series with said light emitting diode, said light emitting diode being located on said assembly at a distance from the interior vehicle portion to be illuminated, said light emitting diode and resistor being adapted for connection to the accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby said light emitting diode will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
185 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having an engine, at least one electrically operated accessory, and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having an accessory on position for operating the accessory and an ignition on position for operating at least the engine and the accessory, said assembly comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said assembly including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source; and said light emitting source positioned on said assembly to provide directed, low level, local area illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle, said light emitting source including a light emitting diode and an electrical resistor connected in series with said light emitting diode, said light emitting diode being located on said assembly at a distance from the interior vehicle portion to be illuminated, said light emitting diode and resistor being adapted for connection to the accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby said light emitting diode will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 1 including a mount receiving said light emitting diode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The assembly of claim 2 wherein said mount is on or within at least one of said mirror case and said support.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The assembly of claim 3 wherein said mount is on or within said mirror case.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The assembly of claim 4 wherein said mirror case includes a peripheral portion having a bottom; said mount and light emitting diode being located so as to emit light downwardly from said bottom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The assembly of claim 5 further including a light opening in said bottom of said mirror case; at least one incandescent lamp for providing general illumination in the vehicle, said lamp being mounted on said mirror case and directing light downwardly through said light opening.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
The assembly of claim 3 wherein said one of said mirror case and said support includes an aperture; said mount including a hollow adapter secured in said aperture, said adapter having first and second ends, said first end receiving said light emitting diode therein, said second end opening through said aperture.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The assembly of claim 7 wherein said second end of said hollow adapter includes a lens through which light from said light emitting diode is directed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
The assembly of claim 8 wherein said hollow adapter is cylindrical and includes spaced flanges on the exterior thereof for securing said adapter on said bottom; said light emitting diode also being cylindrical and telescoped within said one end of said adapter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the interior portion of the vehicle comprises at least one of an instrument panel area of the vehicle and a console area of the vehicle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The assembly of claim 10 wherein the console area is one of a floor console area, a side door console area, a shift lever console area, and a roof console area.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The assembly of claim 10 wherein the interior portion is a shift lever console.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a current less than about 200 mA.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said light emitting diode provides a light level of less than about 60 lux when measured at about 22 to 26 inches from said light emitting diode.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said resistor has a resistance of less than about 1500 ohms and greater than about 100 ohms.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The assembly of claim 15 wherein said resistor has a resistance within the range of between about 1000 and 200 ohms.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
34 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a windshield and a header area adjacent the windshield; said support being adapted for connection to the header area of the vehicle adjacent the windshield.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
105 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said assembly including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source; and said light emitting source positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; the vehicle including a windshield an interior roof, and a header area on the interior roof of the vehicle adjacent the windshield; said support being adapted for connection to the header area of the vehicle adjacent the windshield; said light emitting source being located on or within said support.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
105 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said assembly including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source; and said light emitting source positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; the vehicle including a windshield an interior roof, and a header area on the interior roof of the vehicle adjacent the windshield; said support being adapted for connection to the header area of the vehicle adjacent the windshield; said light emitting source being located on or within said support.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
76 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said assembly including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source; and said light emitting source positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; a vehicle accessory mounting pod attached to said support; said light emitting source being located on or within said pod.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
76 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said assembly including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source; and said light emitting source positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; a vehicle accessory mounting pod attached to said support; said light emitting source being located on or within said pod.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
33 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said light emitting diode emits light having a wavelength producing a color selected from the group consisting essentially of green, yellow, red, blue, orange, amber and reddish-orange.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
The assembly of claim 20 wherein said light emitting diode emits light having a wavelength producing a color selected from the group consisting essentially of amber, red and reddish-orange.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 1 further including at least one incandescent lamp for providing general illumination in the vehicle.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a current less than or equal to about 200 mA.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The assembly of claim 23 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a current of less than or equal to about 20 mA.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
24 words
The assembly of claim 23 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a current within the range of about 20 to about 100 mA.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
31 words
The assembly of claim 25 wherein said light emitting diode provides illumination of between about 0.2 and 4.0 lux at a distance of about 22 to 26 inches from said diode.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said assembly is an electrically operated review mirror assembly.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
The assembly of claim 27 wherein said reflective mirror element is an electro-optic element including an electrochromic medium adapted to darken when an electrical voltage is applied thereacross.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said light emitting diode is formed from a material including at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium, arsenic, and phosphorous.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
74 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said assembly including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source; and said light emitting source positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; said support including a mounting arm, said light emitting source being mounted on or within said mounting arm.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
74 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said assembly including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source; and said light emitting source positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; said support including a mounting arm, said light emitting source being mounted on or within said mounting arm.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
46 words
The assembly of claim 30 wherein at least one of said mirror case and mounting arm includes a mounting ball; the other of said mirror case and mounting arm including a socket receiving said mounting ball for pivotal adjustment of the position of said mirror case.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
85 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said assembly including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source; and said light emitting source positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; said mirror case including a pair of incandescent lamps for general illumination in the vehicle, said lamps being spaced from one another and said low level light emitting source.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
85 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said assembly including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source; and said light emitting source positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; said mirror case including a pair of incandescent lamps for general illumination in the vehicle, said lamps being spaced from one another and said low level light emitting source.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
35 words
The assembly of claim 32 including at least one electrical switch for controlling said lamps and a rheostat electrically connected to said light emitting source for controlling the light output of said light emitting source.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
212 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having an engine, at least one electrically operated accessory, and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having an accessory on position for operating the accessory and an ignition on position for operating at least the engine and the accessory, said assembly comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said mirror case including at least two non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting sources, each of said light emitting sources positioned to provide directed, low level, local area illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle, said mirror case with said light emitting sources being located at a distance from the interior vehicle portion or portions to be illuminated, said light emitting sources including first and second light emitting diodes; said assembly also including first and second electrical resistors, said first resistor connected in series with said first light emitting diode, said second resistor connected in series with said second light emitting diode, said light emitting diodes and resistors being adapted for connection to the accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby said light emitting diodes will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on positions.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
212 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having an engine, at least one electrically operated accessory, and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having an accessory on position for operating the accessory and an ignition on position for operating at least the engine and the accessory, said assembly comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said mirror case including at least two non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting sources, each of said light emitting sources positioned to provide directed, low level, local area illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle, said mirror case with said light emitting sources being located at a distance from the interior vehicle portion or portions to be illuminated, said light emitting sources including first and second light emitting diodes; said assembly also including first and second electrical resistors, said first resistor connected in series with said first light emitting diode, said second resistor connected in series with said second light emitting diode, said light emitting diodes and resistors being adapted for connection to the accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby said light emitting diodes will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on positions.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
The assembly of claim 34 wherein each of said light emitting diodes is directed at a different interior portion of the vehicle.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
51 words
The assembly of claim 34 including vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; a pair of mounts, each mount receiving one of said light emitting diodes on or within at least one of said mirror case and said support.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
The assembly of claim 36 wherein both of said mounts and said light emitting diodes are on or within said mirror case.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
43 words
The assembly of claim 37 wherein one of said mounts and one of said light emitting diodes is mounted at a position spaced from the second of said mounts and the second of said light emitting diodes on or within said mirror case.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
35 words
The assembly of claim 37 wherein said mirror case includes a peripheral portion having a bottom; each of said mounts and light emitting diodes being located so as to emit light downwardly from said bottom.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
53 words
The assembly of claim 39 wherein said mirror case bottom includes a pair of apertures; each of said mounts including a hollow adapter having opposed ends secured in a respective one of said apertures; one of said ends receiving said light emitting diode therein, the other of said ends opening through said bottom.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
The assembly of claim 4 wherein each of said hollow adapters includes a lens through which light from said light emitting diode is directed.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
31 words
The assembly of claim 34 wherein the interior portion of the vehicle includes at least one of an instrument panel area of the vehicle and a console area of the vehicle.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
31 words
The assembly of claim 42 wherein the console area is one of a floor console area, a side door console area, a shift lever console area, and a roof console area.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
14 words
The assembly of claim 42 wherein the interior portion is a shift lever console.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 34 further including at least one incandescent lamp for providing general illumination in the vehicle.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
28 words
The assembly of claim 34 wherein said reflective mirror element is an electro-optic element including an electrochromic medium adapted to darken when an electrical voltage is applied thereacross.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
104 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said mirror case including at least two non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting sources, each of said light emitting sources positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; said light emitting sources including first and second light emitting diodes; said assembly also including first and second electrical resistors, said first resistor connected in series with said first light emitting diode, said second resistor connected in series with said second light emitting diode.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
104 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said mirror case including at least two non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting sources, each of said light emitting sources positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; said light emitting sources including first and second light emitting diodes; said assembly also including first and second electrical resistors, said first resistor connected in series with said first light emitting diode, said second resistor connected in series with said second light emitting diode.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
90 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said mirror case including at least two non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting sources, each of said light emitting sources positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; said mirror case including a pair of incandescent lamps mounted for general illumination in the vehicle, said lamps being spaced from one another and said low level light emitting sources.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
90 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said mirror case including at least two non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting sources, each of said light emitting sources positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; said mirror case including a pair of incandescent lamps mounted for general illumination in the vehicle, said lamps being spaced from one another and said low level light emitting sources.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
173 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having an engine, at least one electrically operated accessory, and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having an accessory on position for operating the accessory and an ignition on position for operating at least the engine and the accessory, said assembly comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element and a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source; said light emitting source positioned on said assembly to provide directed, low level, local area illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle at a distance from said mirror assembly; said light emitting source being selected from the group consisting essentially of a light emitting diode having an electrical resistor connected in series therewith, a vacuum fluorescent source, an electroluminescent source and a semiconductor laser source, said light emitting source being adapted for connection to the accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby said light emitting source will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on positions.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
173 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having an engine, at least one electrically operated accessory, and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having an accessory on position for operating the accessory and an ignition on position for operating at least the engine and the accessory, said assembly comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element and a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source; said light emitting source positioned on said assembly to provide directed, low level, local area illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle at a distance from said mirror assembly; said light emitting source being selected from the group consisting essentially of a light emitting diode having an electrical resistor connected in series therewith, a vacuum fluorescent source, an electroluminescent source and a semiconductor laser source, said light emitting source being adapted for connection to the accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby said light emitting source will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on positions.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
28 words
The assembly of claim 49 wherein the interior portion of the vehicle comprises at least one of an instrument panel area and a console area of the vehicle.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assembly of claim 50 further including at least one lamp for providing general illumination in the vehicle.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
26 words
The assembly of claim 49 wherein said light emitting diode is formed from a material including at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium, arsenic, and phosphorous.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
66 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element and a non-incandescent directed, low level, light emitting source; said light emitting source positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; said reflective mirror element being an electro-optic element including an electrochromic medium adapted to darken when an electrical voltage is applied thereacross.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
66 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element and a non-incandescent directed, low level, light emitting source; said light emitting source positioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle; said reflective mirror element being an electro-optic element including an electrochromic medium adapted to darken when an electrical voltage is applied thereacross.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
186 words
An interior lamp assembly for a vehicle having an engine, at least one electrically operated accessory, and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having an accessory on position for operating the accessory and an ignition on position for operating at least the engine and the accessory, said assembly comprising: a support adapted to secure said assembly to an interior portion of the vehicle; an incandescent lamp to provide general illumination within the vehicle; said assembly also including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source, said light emitting source positioned to provide directed, low level, local area illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle at a distance from said assembly and selected from the group consisting essentially of a light emitting diode having an electrical resistor connected in series with said light emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent source, an electroluminescent source, and a semiconductor laser source, said light emitting source configured for connection to an accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby said light emitting source will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on position.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
186 words
An interior lamp assembly for a vehicle having an engine, at least one electrically operated accessory, and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having an accessory on position for operating the accessory and an ignition on position for operating at least the engine and the accessory, said assembly comprising: a support adapted to secure said assembly to an interior portion of the vehicle; an incandescent lamp to provide general illumination within the vehicle; said assembly also including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source, said light emitting source positioned to provide directed, low level, local area illumination of an interior portion of the vehicle at a distance from said assembly and selected from the group consisting essentially of a light emitting diode having an electrical resistor connected in series with said light emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent source, an electroluminescent source, and a semiconductor laser source, said light emitting source configured for connection to an accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby said light emitting source will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on position.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
23 words
The interior lamp assembly of claim 54 including an electrical switch connected in series with said lamp for controlling operation of said lamp.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
15 words
The interior lamp assembly of claim 55 wherein said switch is mounted on said support.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
29 words
The interior lamp assembly of claim 55 wherein said light emitting source is in parallel connection with said switch and said lamp to the accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
43 words
The interior lamp assembly of claim 54 wherein said support includes a lamp socket for holding said lamp, and an aperture and a holder adjacent said aperture for receiving said light emitting source such that said emitting source emits light through said aperture.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
33 words
The interior lamp assembly of claim 54 wherein said light emitting diode provides illumination of less than 60 lux measured at a distance of between about 22 and 26 inches from said diode.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
19 words
The interior lamp assembly of claim 59 wherein said resistor has a resistance between about 1000 and 200 ohms.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
31 words
The assembly of claim 54 wherein the interior portion of the vehicle includes at least one of an instrument panel area of the vehicle and a console area of the vehicle.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
31 words
The assembly of claim 61 wherein the console area is one of a floor console area, a side door console area, a shift lever console area, and a roof console area.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
14 words
The assembly of claim 61 wherein the interior portion is a shift lever console.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
22 words
The assembly of claim 54 wherein said light emitting source operates at a current less than or equal to about 200 mA.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
24 words
The assembly of claim 64 wherein said light emitting source operates at a current within the range of about 20 to about 100 mA.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
23 words
The assembly of claim 64 wherein said light emitting source operates at a current of less than or equal to about 20 mA.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
177 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having an engine, at least one electrically operated accessory, and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having an accessory on position for operating the accessory and an ignition on position for operating at least the engine and the accessory said assembly comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said assembly including a light emitting diode positioned to provide directed, low level, local area illumination of at least one of an instrument panel area of the vehicle and a console area of the vehicle, and an electrical resistor connected in series with said light emitting diode, said assembly being located at a distance from the instrument panel area or console area of the vehicle to be illuminated, said light emitting diode and resistor being adapted for connection to the accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby said light emitting diode will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on positions.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
177 words
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having an engine, at least one electrically operated accessory, and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having an accessory on position for operating the accessory and an ignition on position for operating at least the engine and the accessory said assembly comprising: a mirror case including a reflective mirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle; said assembly including a light emitting diode positioned to provide directed, low level, local area illumination of at least one of an instrument panel area of the vehicle and a console area of the vehicle, and an electrical resistor connected in series with said light emitting diode, said assembly being located at a distance from the instrument panel area or console area of the vehicle to be illuminated, said light emitting diode and resistor being adapted for connection to the accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby said light emitting diode will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on positions.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
31 words
The assembly of claim 67 wherein the console area comprises one of a floor console area, a side door console area, a shift lever console area, and a roof console area.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
15 words
The assembly of claim 68 wherein the console area is a shift lever console area.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 69 further including at least one incandescent lamp for providing general illumination in the vehicle.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
11 words
The assembly of claim 70 wherein the vehicle is a convertible.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
25 words
The assembly of claim 68 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a current within the range of about 20 mA to about 100 mA.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
15 words
The assembly of claim 72 wherein said assembly is an electrically operated rearview mirror assembly.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
21 words
The assembly of claim 73 wherein said resistor has a resistance within the range of between about 1000 and 200 ohms.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
15 words
The assembly of claim 74 wherein said resistor has a resistance of about 470 ohms.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
178 words
An interior lamp assembly for a vehicle having an interior, an engine, and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having an accessory on position for operating the accessory and an ignition on position for operating at least the engine and the accessory, said assembly comprising: a support, said support adapted to engage a portion of the vehicle interior and including an aperture therethrough; said assembly including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source including a light emitting diode and an electrical resistor connected in series with said light emitting diode, said light emitting diode mounted on said support at a distance from an interior portion of the vehicle to be illuminated and in registry with said aperture to provide directed, low level, local area illumination of the interior portion of the vehicle through said aperture, said light emitting diode and resistor being adapted for connection to the accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby said light emitting diode will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on positions.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
178 words
An interior lamp assembly for a vehicle having an interior, an engine, and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having an accessory on position for operating the accessory and an ignition on position for operating at least the engine and the accessory, said assembly comprising: a support, said support adapted to engage a portion of the vehicle interior and including an aperture therethrough; said assembly including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source including a light emitting diode and an electrical resistor connected in series with said light emitting diode, said light emitting diode mounted on said support at a distance from an interior portion of the vehicle to be illuminated and in registry with said aperture to provide directed, low level, local area illumination of the interior portion of the vehicle through said aperture, said light emitting diode and resistor being adapted for connection to the accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby said light emitting diode will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on positions.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
38 words
The interior lamp assembly of claim 76 wherein said lamp assembly is an interior lamp assembly adapted for use on the interior of a vehicle as a dome lamp, rail lamp, courtesy lamp or side door illumination lamp.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
19 words
The interior lamp assembly of claim 77 wherein said assembly includes a lens mounted on said support said aperture.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
26 words
The assembly of claim 76 wherein said light emitting diode is formed from a material including at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium, arsenic, and phosphorous.
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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) | 2000-09-29 | 2001-03-31 | 2001-09-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-09-29 | 2005-03-31 | 2005-09-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-09-29 | 2009-03-31 | 2009-09-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |