Illuminated indicator gauge

• US 4,004,546 A
• Filed: 05/02/1975
• Issued: 01/25/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ametek Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Ametek Incorporated
• Inventors: Harland, Philip W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Swisher, S. Clement
• Assistant Examiner(s): Corr, Denis E.
• Application Number:
  US05/573,920
• Time in Patent Office: 634 Days
• Field of Search: 116/129 L, 116/129 P, 116/129 R, 116/DIG. 5, 116/DIG. 35, 116/DIG. 36, 116/129 F, 240/2.1, 240/1 EL
• US Class Current: 116/288
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 11/28 Structurally-combined illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 116/05 using light guides

Abstract

An indicator gauge has a flat light conducting prism with an upper beveled surface positioned between the translucent dial and movement of the indicator. The prism receives light from a source located in the rear portion of the gauge and laterally of said movement, such that light is reflected downwardly by the beveled edge through the prism to illuminate the dial and pointer. A second annular prism may also be provided with a beveled surface so as to reflect light from the source across the face of the dial.

Claims

1. In an illuminated indicator instrument, the combination of a casing having an open end closed by a viewing window, a translucent dial spaced inwardly of said window, said dial having indicia thereon, a movement within said casing inwardly of said dial and a pointer between said dial and window operatively connected to said movement, a light source within said casing toward the rear thereof and laterally of said movement, and a light conducting prism between said movement and said dial having a beveled surface at an upper edge thereof spaced from the edge of said dial to receive light directly from said light source, said beveled surface reflecting light transversely therethrough by said beveled surface and a portion of said dial receiving light directly from said source and passing light directly therethrough to illuminate the pointer and dial.

2. In an illuminated indicator instrument as claimed in claim 1 wherein said prism has a shape to cover that portion of the dial in front of and extending upwardly above the movement, the upper beveled surface terminating before the edge of said dial.

3. In an illuminated indicator instrument as claimed in claim 1 wherein said beveled surface slopes toward said dial and said pointer has a light reflective shaft receiving light from said prism and reflecting it to said pointer.

4. In an illuminated indicator instrument as claimed in claim 1 wherein the surface of the prism directed toward the movement has a translucent matte finish.

5. In an illuminated indicator gauge as claimed in claim 1 and an annular second prism around the periphery of said dial and having a second beveled surface thereon to reflect light received from said light source downwardly in front of said dial to primarily illuminate said pointer.

6. In an illuminated indicator gauge as claimed in claim 5 wherein said second prism is cylindrical and said second beveled surface is in front of said dial and is on the end thereof away from said light source and directs light inwardly.