 Security paper for currency and banknotes |
| The invention comprises the encoding of printed information onto a strip of clear plastic film ... |
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| Optical sources having a strongly scattering gain medium providing laser-like action |
| OF THE INVENTION In order to describe in detail a number of novel embodiments of this invention, a ... |
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| Reversibly photochromic printing inks |
| OF THE INVENTION In the following description, abbreviations will be used for the sake of ... |
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| Electro-optic apparatus, electronic apparatus therewith, and manufacturing method therefor |
| In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention, in an electro-... |
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| Tamper-indicating sheet |
| What is claimed is: 1. A blush coating composition comprising a mass of light-scattering, primary ... |
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| Optically variable and machine-readable device for use on security documents |
| The present invention meets that need by providing an optically variable device for use on security ... |
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| Field emission electron gun |
| It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a field emission electron gun capable of ... |
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| Liquid crystal information storage and retrieval system |
| In accordance with the illustrated preferred embodiments, the present invention provides an optical,... |
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Black light instrument cluster assembly
| Details |
Inventors: Stringfellow, Steven Allen; Kalajian, Peter L.;
Assignee: General Motors Corporation (Detroit, MI)
Primary Examiner: Tso; Laura K.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Leahy; Charles E., Marra; Kathryn A.
An instrument cluster assembly includes a light source for emitting black light and an instrument cluster display including at least one graphic feature that is illuminable by black light. The invisible black light illuminates only the graphic features when contacted by the black light from the light source without illuminating the surrounding portions of the instrument cluster display. Preferably, the light source includes first and second light sources positioned on opposite sides of the instrument cluster display. The light sources are each a single bulb for emitting ultraviolet light. The light sources are positioned between reflectors and the instrument cluster display such that the reflectors are positioned for redirecting black light initially emitted towards the reflector onto the instrument cluster display. The graphic features are preferably made of a phosphoric material. |
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides alternatives and advantages over the prior art by providing an instrument cluster assembly that is easy to read, lightweight, less costly, less bulky, and has fewer components and greater design flexibility than instrument cluster assemblies of the prior art.
Furthermore, the present invention requires fewer bulbs and less energy consumption than prior art instrument cluster assemblies.
It is an object of the invention to provide an instrument cluster assembly which selectively illuminates the graphic features of the instrument cluster display without the illumination of any surrounding portions of the instrument cluster display.
Preferably, this is accomplished without the use of visible light, but instead by the use of black light.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an instrument cluster assembly which requires less packaging space than instrument cluster assemblies of the prior art.
Advantageously, the use of black light requires less power and fewer bulbs generating less heat than the prior art for reduced packaging space.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an instrument cluster assembly having clear, crisp night time lighting without any shadows or glows.
It is also an object of this invention to provide an evenly illuminated instrument cluster display.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a multi-dimensional or "holographic" effect on the instrument cluster display at night by the physical placement of instrument gages on multiple planes as enabled by the use of black light sources.
Advantageously, the present invention provides the enablement of an unlimited amount of colors, shapes, sizes, and designs of graphic information displays in a cost effective manner.
It is a further goal of this invention to provide an instrument cluster assembly that is a compact module for easy assembly as a single unit to the vehicle.
These advantages and alternatives are accomplished by providing an instrument cluster assembly for use in a vehicle
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LCD 
